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Tropicana Jan-Feb 2018 #116 A Start from the Heart

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Vol. <strong>#116</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary / <strong>Feb</strong>ruary <strong>2018</strong><br />

A START FROM THE HEART<br />

A START FROM THE HEART<br />

KDN No. 1505 (7892) | Vol. # 116 <strong>Jan</strong>uary / <strong>Feb</strong>ruary <strong>2018</strong><br />

Kengo<br />

Kuma<br />

Cutting Edge Architecture<br />

<strong>from</strong> Natural Materials<br />

Ian<br />

Temple<br />

Of Tenby Schools<br />

On Being a<br />

Modern Principal<br />

Enter <strong>the</strong><br />

New Year<br />

Qi Pao That Pack a<br />

Seductive Punch<br />

Up All<br />

Night<br />

Hidden Gems of<br />

Melbourne's Bar Scene


EDITOR’S NOTE<br />

A start <strong>from</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> heart…<br />

It’s <strong>the</strong> New Year! The time is ripe for<br />

new beginnings and aspirations to drive<br />

you through <strong>2018</strong>. Enter with new<br />

resolutions and new resolve.<br />

As always we provide you with an<br />

inspirational read <strong>from</strong> cover to cover.<br />

Aptly <strong>the</strong>med ‘A start <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> heart’, this<br />

issue brings to you <strong>the</strong> people, places, style<br />

and object d’art that inspire us with <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

strength and beauty.<br />

Our cover personality, <strong>the</strong> Principal<br />

of Tenby Schools, Ian Temple, gives<br />

us plenty of reason to get motivated.<br />

His unrelenting passion for teaching<br />

and moulding young minds, as well as<br />

reinventing his style of teaching, tells us<br />

that by thinking out of <strong>the</strong> box, we can<br />

achieve more no matter <strong>the</strong> geographical<br />

surroundings.<br />

O<strong>the</strong>r personalities in <strong>the</strong> mix are<br />

Michelin-restauranteur Nobu Matsuhisa<br />

and renowned model, Soo Joo Park.<br />

Their tales of overcoming adversity and<br />

carving out a name in <strong>the</strong> bright lights are<br />

inspiring – a journey of gaining recognition and respect that didn’t come easy.<br />

Change is refreshing, not just for yourself but for your living space too. Reinvent<br />

your home to reflect your favourite travel destinations. Include key décor items around<br />

your home that you’ve picked up during your travels. It’s a great way to ignite fond<br />

memories of a particular holiday, and makes for a great conversation piece when guests<br />

visit.<br />

It’s also time to usher in <strong>the</strong> Year of <strong>the</strong> Dog. Pay heed to some astrological advice on<br />

how best to make <strong>the</strong> dog year work in your favour. Dress <strong>the</strong> part during <strong>the</strong> festivities<br />

in gorgeous qi paos with a modern twist <strong>from</strong> local designers Melinda Looi and Khoon<br />

Hooi.<br />

Make a fresh start and don’t be dogged by old, nagging issues. Get ahead with our<br />

health tips and keep your head above <strong>the</strong> water at all times.<br />

As a new chapter unfolds, <strong>the</strong> team at <strong>Tropicana</strong> wishes you an awesome <strong>2018</strong>!


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TROPICANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB<br />

BOARD OF DIRECTORS<br />

YBHG Tan Sri Dato’ Nik Hashim Bin Nik Ab Rahman<br />

Chairman<br />

Dato’ Sri Mohamad Norza Bin Zakaria<br />

Deputy Chairman<br />

Tan Sri Dato’ Tan Chee Sing<br />

Group Executive Vice Chairman<br />

Tan Sri Datuk Lee Fook Long<br />

Dato’ Dickson Tan Yong Loong<br />

Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer<br />

Dion Tan Yong Chien<br />

Dillon Tan Yong Chin<br />

Datuk Tang Vee Mun<br />

Diana Tan Sheik Ni<br />

Din Tan Yong Chia<br />

Directors<br />

EDITORIAL<br />

Dato’ Dickson Tan Yong Loong<br />

Editor-In-Chief<br />

Daphne Wong<br />

Deputy Editor-In-Chief<br />

Royce Tan<br />

Editor<br />

Evelyn Wan<br />

Sub-Editor<br />

GROUP<br />

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS<br />

Daphne Wong<br />

General Manager<br />

Winnie Ooi<br />

media advertising manager<br />

Jason Kok<br />

Hea<strong>the</strong>r Ng<br />

media advertising senior executive<br />

PUBLISHER<br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> Golf & Country Resort Berhad<br />

(203361-T)<br />

[A Member of <strong>Tropicana</strong> Corporation Berhad]<br />

Herman Tan<br />

Executive Director<br />

FEEDBACK & INQUIRY<br />

GROUP CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS<br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> Corporation Berhad (47908-K) Level 2, 7, 9, 10, 11 & 12 <strong>Tropicana</strong> City Office Tower, No 3 Jalan SS 20/27, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.<br />

T. 03-7710 1018 F. 03-7725 3035<br />

corp.comm@tropicanacorp.com.my / www.tropicanacorp.com.my<br />

produced by<br />

Mongoose Pacific (M) Sdn Bhd (403251M)<br />

Level 28 Integra Tower,<br />

The Intermark,<br />

No. 348 Jalan Tun Razak,<br />

50400 Kuala Lumpur<br />

www.mongooseasia.com<br />

EDITORIAL<br />

Muna Noor<br />

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR<br />

Sharmini M.Rethinasamy<br />

Project manager<br />

Grace Edward<br />

Sub Editor<br />

Tania Jayatilaka<br />

staff Writer<br />

DESIGN<br />

Nor Hamimah Abdullah<br />

ART DIRECTOR<br />

When<br />

you have<br />

finished<br />

with this<br />

magazine,<br />

please<br />

recycle it


VOLUME<br />

<strong>#116</strong><br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

10


THE DIARY<br />

Curated by tania jayathilaka<br />

16/01<br />

Fleet Foxes In KL<br />

Grammy-nominated American indie folk band Fleet Foxes will be<br />

performing at KL Live <strong>from</strong> 7pm onwards. Fleet Foxes band members<br />

Robin Pecknold, Skyler Skjelset, Casey Wescott, Christian Wargo and<br />

Morgan Henderson gained popularity in 2007 and 2008 for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

unique blend of folk, rock and pop, receiving rave reviews for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

first full-length album, Fleet Foxes. Their third album, Crack-Up, was<br />

released last year, featuring 11 songs written by vocalist and multiinstrumentalist<br />

Robin Pecknold.<br />

KL Live at Life Centre<br />

20 Jalan Sultan Ismail<br />

Kuala Lumpur<br />

03-5481 5077<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

12


THE DIARY<br />

19/1 – 20/1<br />

Kenny Sebastian Live In Malaysia <strong>2018</strong><br />

Dubbed ‘The No. 1 Young Indian To Watch Out For<br />

In 2016’ by Buzzfeed, Youtuber and stand-up comedian<br />

Kenny Sebastian is set to entertain Malaysian audiences<br />

this <strong>Jan</strong>uary. Sebastian released his fifth comedy special,<br />

Don’t Be That Guy, on Amazon in 2017. He also wrote<br />

and hosted a season of sketch comedy shows, The<br />

Living Room, on Comedy Central India in 2014.<br />

Pentas 1, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre<br />

(KLPAC)<br />

Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah,<br />

Sentul, Kuala Lumpur<br />

03-4047 9000<br />

6/1 – 7/1<br />

The Best Of Bernstein’s Broadway<br />

Watch as <strong>the</strong> Malaysian Philharmonic<br />

Orchestra kicks of <strong>the</strong> centennial celebration of<br />

American composer Bernard Bernstein with a<br />

programme featuring Bernstein’s most iconic<br />

Broadway hits, including scores <strong>from</strong> West<br />

Side Story, Peter Pan, On The Town, Candide<br />

and more. Conducted by Louisville Orchestra<br />

Music Director Teddy Abrahams and featuring<br />

Broadway singer and songwriter Morgan James,<br />

<strong>the</strong> show is a must-see for Broadway fans.<br />

Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra<br />

Level Two, Tower Two,<br />

PETRONAS Twin Tower<br />

Kuala Lumpur City Centre<br />

03-2331 7008<br />

8/2 – 11/3<br />

Ola Bola The Musical<br />

Directed by Tiara Jacquelina, this all-Malaysian<br />

musical will re-enact <strong>the</strong> events surrounding<br />

<strong>the</strong> 1980s Harimau Malaya football team, as told<br />

in <strong>the</strong> 2016 film Ola Bola by Chiu Keng Guan.<br />

Watch this inspiring story unfold on stage in<br />

between rap and hip hop numbers featuring<br />

some original cast members <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> film and<br />

music by composer-lyricist Mia Palencia and<br />

Rapper-lyricist Altimet.<br />

Istana Budaya<br />

Panggung Sari Istana Budaya<br />

Jalan Tun Razak<br />

03-6142-8225<br />

25/1 – 28/1<br />

OCD<br />

Presented by The Actors Studio Seni<br />

Teater Rakyat and under <strong>the</strong> direction of<br />

Ho Lee Ching, OCD is a physical <strong>the</strong>atre<br />

performance exploring what life is like with<br />

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with all its<br />

accompanying compulsions and anxieties.<br />

This hour-long production features cast<br />

members Emma Megan Khoo, Amanda<br />

Xavier, Riena Aisya and Jun Vinh Teoh.<br />

Pentas 2, Kuala Lumpur Performing<br />

Arts Centre (KLPAC)<br />

Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah,<br />

Sentul, Kuala Lumpur<br />

03-4047 9000<br />

25/2 – 2/3<br />

The 2nd Malaysian International<br />

Film Festival<br />

This year’s Malaysian International Film<br />

Festival revolves around two concepts of<br />

Hope and Despair, under <strong>the</strong> overall <strong>the</strong>me<br />

of Humanity. Drawing <strong>from</strong> its success last<br />

year, <strong>the</strong> festival will feature 20 local and<br />

international films <strong>from</strong> across <strong>the</strong> globe<br />

and showcase <strong>the</strong> work of filmmakers <strong>from</strong><br />

Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam<br />

and Singapore with its newly added ‘Sou<strong>the</strong>ast<br />

Asian Film Focus’ category.<br />

03-5622 1600<br />

13 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE SCENE<br />

The Scene<br />

The hottest events to have set society abuzz.<br />

joey woo, director of art of tree receiving <strong>the</strong> award.<br />

THE ART OF WINNING<br />

majestic hotel, kuala lumpur.<br />

8 december 2017<br />

joey woo with her husband and director of art of tree, jeffrey<br />

yang make a winning combination.<br />

Art of Tree has clinched <strong>the</strong> coveted SME100<br />

Award for being one of <strong>the</strong> Fastest Moving<br />

Companies of 2017. The accolade is awarded<br />

to small and medium enterprises through<br />

stringent qualitative and quantitative<br />

criteria. Focusing on <strong>the</strong> company’s growth<br />

and resilience, <strong>the</strong> SME100 award strives to<br />

recognise top businesses in <strong>the</strong> SME sector<br />

and it comes as no surprise that Art of Tree<br />

was a strong contender.<br />

Resilience is <strong>the</strong> mainstay of this home<br />

-grown business allowing <strong>the</strong>m to persevere<br />

through challenges in <strong>the</strong> timber industry.<br />

Art of Tree continues its winning streak<br />

by ensuring all its products are made <strong>from</strong><br />

salvaged trees and not deforested ones.<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

14


THE SCENE<br />

ACE-R YOUR GAME!<br />

Subang Jaya.<br />

24 October 2017<br />

The Product team <strong>from</strong> Acer Malaysia with <strong>the</strong> newly launched Acer Spin 5.<br />

From Left to Right: Edmund Hoh, Product Manager, Acer Malaysia, Chan Weng<br />

Hong, General Manager of Products, Sales and Marketing, Acer Malaysia,<br />

Jeffrey Lai, Product Manager, Acer Malaysia, Johnson Seet, Director of<br />

Products, Acer Malaysia<br />

IT giant Acer is all out to make <strong>2018</strong> an<br />

amazing and powerful experience for IT<br />

enthusiasts throughout <strong>the</strong> country with its<br />

latest offerings. The new convertible Spin 5 is<br />

equipped with <strong>the</strong> latest 8th Generation Intel<br />

Core processor and easy interchangeability<br />

to four useful modes, making it a perfect<br />

platform to create and share content.<br />

The new Acer Swift 3, on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

hand, is available with NVIDIA GeForce<br />

MX150 graphics for <strong>the</strong> 15.6-inch model.<br />

Featuring a 37.5-inch IPS curved screen,<br />

<strong>the</strong> Acer XR382CQK is Acer’s first monitor<br />

that features an UltraWide QHD+ (3840<br />

x 1600) in a zero-frame display, supports<br />

FreeSync and is paired with special features<br />

like <strong>the</strong> PIP/PBP and Daisy Chain to take<br />

productivity to a new level.<br />

Acer also presents <strong>the</strong> first projectors<br />

equipped with a blue light filter – <strong>the</strong> P series<br />

projectors, which offer best value for work<br />

and fun. Last but not <strong>the</strong> least, <strong>the</strong> wellcrafted<br />

All-In-One PC, Acer Aspire C22-860<br />

packs all you need into a frame that is merely<br />

11mm thin at <strong>the</strong> top, while delivering a<br />

smooth computing experience.<br />

Acer Malaysia Product Manager Edmund Hoh with <strong>the</strong> newly launched<br />

Acer’s first monitor that features an UltraWide QHD+ in a zero-frame<br />

display - <strong>the</strong> XR382CQK monitor.<br />

15 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


Ian Temple<br />

Head<br />

Above<br />

The<br />

Rest<br />

Ian Temple of Tenby Schools is a model educationist who shares his path<br />

to moulding <strong>the</strong> leaders of tomorrow.<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

16


Ian Temple<br />

17 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


Ian Temple<br />

Shirt and sweater<br />

TOMMY HILFIGER<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

18


Ian Temple<br />

It was interesting to note that<br />

at every instruction given<br />

by <strong>the</strong> photographer to Ian<br />

Temple, Ian would act upon it<br />

accurately and professionally.<br />

It gave rise to some suspicion before Ian<br />

was egged on to admit, “Yes, I did some<br />

modelling in my younger days!”<br />

Ian had modelled for about four to five<br />

years <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> age of 17. His fit physique,<br />

attributed to hours of squash, primed him<br />

for <strong>the</strong> modelling industry. It was no wonder that <strong>the</strong> photography<br />

shoot wrapped up quickly as Ian made it all <strong>the</strong> more easier with<br />

every pose and shot.<br />

He eventually ventured into television commercials.<br />

“It was for Black and Decker,” he divulges. “It was for a new<br />

lawn mower and <strong>the</strong> commercial was shot in a garden that<br />

had just won a national gardening competition, and it was an<br />

absolutely beautiful garden. It was a good stint and it didn’t get<br />

in <strong>the</strong> way of my studies. If at all, it gave me extra pocket money<br />

and I was able to afford little luxuries like holidays and buy<br />

nice things.”<br />

So, did modelling influence a sense of style in Ian? “The<br />

only thing modelling taught me was to never go into <strong>the</strong><br />

entertainment industry. A few people I modelled with did go<br />

on to become well known personalities but somehow a career in<br />

this field was not appealing to me.”<br />

Ian is far <strong>from</strong> home – Sunderland, Nor<strong>the</strong>rn England to<br />

be exact. “We have a bad football team but a very good cricket<br />

team, which is <strong>the</strong> Durham County Cricket Club. If <strong>the</strong>re’s<br />

anything I miss about home, it would be cricket.”<br />

Into his eighth year away, Ian has somewhat acclimatised<br />

to life in Malaysia and Dubai six years prior. His passion for<br />

teaching has somewhat numbed any feeling of homesickness<br />

and has him forging ahead with purpose.<br />

Born to educationist parents, it never crossed his mind that<br />

one day he too would follow suit. With an older bro<strong>the</strong>r who<br />

studied accounts management and who has since moved into<br />

<strong>the</strong> software management industry, Ian was a little uncertain of<br />

his future undertakings.<br />

“I won’t say I got into this line by mistake,” says <strong>the</strong> 47-yearold.<br />

“I just decided to give it a shot and literally <strong>from</strong> day one<br />

<strong>the</strong>re was no looking back!”<br />

“The education system in <strong>the</strong> UK wasn’t great in <strong>the</strong> 70s and<br />

“If anyone told me in<br />

1993 when I started<br />

teaching, that I would<br />

be a head teacher, I<br />

would have laughed<br />

it off. It just hadn’t<br />

crossed my mind.”<br />

80s. You sat in <strong>the</strong> classroom for one<br />

hour periods, six hours a day. They<br />

gave you information and at <strong>the</strong> end<br />

of your five years, you sat for an exam<br />

and that’s when you discovered if you<br />

were really good or not. I found it to<br />

be a negative experience because that’s<br />

not <strong>the</strong> way I want to learn; I’m a doer.<br />

I like to get out <strong>the</strong>re and do things,<br />

and what I learn sticks with me.”<br />

“I went through my education and<br />

as I got older, I started to appreciate it more, especially when<br />

I was doing my degree. After a four to five year wait, I did my<br />

Masters in Education in Sunderland University followed by<br />

<strong>the</strong> National Professional Qualification for Headship a few<br />

years later.”<br />

Ian was in his first Deputy Headship in a school in<br />

Newcastle when he really started to look at how he could make<br />

a difference.<br />

“My work was concentrated in <strong>the</strong> classroom, but when you<br />

can do what you do in a classroom across a whole school, it<br />

got me thinking. People will listen to me, and if <strong>the</strong>y do <strong>the</strong>se<br />

things that I say, things could get better for <strong>the</strong>m. One of <strong>the</strong><br />

first things I learnt in management was that if I make people’s<br />

lives better, <strong>the</strong>n we can make <strong>the</strong> whole place better.”<br />

“It’s actually my job to feed information down to <strong>the</strong>m to<br />

make it better and not <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r way around,” he explains fur<strong>the</strong>r.<br />

Today, Ian continues to teach despite being <strong>the</strong> Principal of<br />

Tenby Schools. There’s just no keeping him away <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

classroom no matter how high up <strong>the</strong> career ladder he climbs.<br />

A Business Studies teacher for <strong>the</strong> Cambridge IGCSE syllabus,<br />

he takes students right through to <strong>the</strong>ir exam year. You would<br />

think running <strong>the</strong> school would already take a huge chunk<br />

of time but Ian is adamant about getting his time in <strong>the</strong><br />

classroom.<br />

“Teaching evolves and it is essential to be at <strong>the</strong> ground<br />

level to keep abreast of new techniques and developments<br />

in teaching,” he says. “No teacher wants to let <strong>the</strong>ir students<br />

down. So, I put pressure on myself to keep up to date. I feel<br />

good doing that, as it is crucial to practise what you preach<br />

o<strong>the</strong>rwise you could lose your staff ra<strong>the</strong>r quickly.”<br />

Is Ian a fun teacher? “I used to be!” he laughs. “I didn’t have<br />

a problem when I taught in <strong>the</strong> Middle East but Malaysian<br />

children are not getting my jokes. I did manage to get a few<br />

19 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


Ian Temple<br />

INTERVIEW Sharmini M.Rethinasamy<br />

photography Brian Fang, M8 studio<br />

ART DIRECTION Nor Hamimah Abdullah<br />

make up and hair joey yap<br />

laughs today and <strong>the</strong>y are getting used to me but I guess mine<br />

is a completely different sense of humour. The poor kids! They<br />

are getting <strong>the</strong>re but hopefully by year end, along with business<br />

studies, <strong>the</strong>y will learn some British humour, which is a cultural<br />

exchange of sorts.”<br />

Quite <strong>the</strong> introvert when he was in school, Ian was a shy boy.<br />

“I would actually just take my time and observe an entire situation<br />

until I was comfortable knowing that I would get it right,” he<br />

shares. “I was <strong>the</strong> type who would look after myself and wasn’t a<br />

loud mouth or show off. I just enjoyed my game of squash and was<br />

pleased that I played it at a decent level. It kept me motivated and<br />

got me through <strong>the</strong> school day with a smile on my face.”<br />

Ian was so into <strong>the</strong> sport that at <strong>the</strong> age of 18, he took a year<br />

out of study to play squash and see if he could achieve more in<br />

<strong>the</strong> game. “Unfortunately, I didn’t but I had some great times<br />

playing it. I got to train with World Number One, <strong>Jan</strong>sher<br />

Khan, who was just a few years older than me, at <strong>the</strong> quarter<br />

finals of <strong>the</strong> Scottish Open. It was a great experience, though<br />

he absolutely wiped <strong>the</strong> floor with me, but it didn’t matter as<br />

I played with <strong>the</strong> World Number One and made some great<br />

friends on <strong>the</strong> circuit.”<br />

As any hope for a stellar career in <strong>the</strong> sporting arena was<br />

dashed, it was a turning point and Ian knew he had to do<br />

something else. Hence, he pursued his degree.<br />

“I can’t understand why I didn’t pursue a degree in<br />

geography though,” says Ian. “I love <strong>the</strong> physical side of<br />

geography and get fascinated with geographical barriers.”<br />

“Probably one of <strong>the</strong> most positive experiences in <strong>the</strong><br />

classroom during my school time was my geography teacher,<br />

Mrs Whitehead. She was tough as boots but wonderful all <strong>the</strong><br />

same. Really <strong>the</strong> kind of authority a teenage boy needs. In<br />

those days, we could get caned in school as a child.” He quickly<br />

adds, “I was a good child; in fact, I was very good. It’s a little<br />

embarrassing as I was only ever put in detention once. My<br />

whole class was late for a lesson. It was my only ‘criminal’<br />

record in school!”<br />

Ian has, over time, learned to adapt to <strong>the</strong> different social<br />

and cultural environments he has taught in. Having worked in<br />

Dubai for a while and now in Malaysia, he has come a long way<br />

to bridging <strong>the</strong> gaps in cultural differences.<br />

“I come <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>ast of England where you may have<br />

three Muslim families in your entire community,” he explains.<br />

“Having those Muslim students come to your school is a moving<br />

experience for those children who have never been out of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

geographical region. It’s been a great learning curve for most of<br />

<strong>the</strong>m. I went <strong>from</strong> being a deputy principal of an outstanding<br />

school to <strong>the</strong> principal in Dubai not knowing what I was going<br />

to get myself into. I had never even visited Dubai, but I did have<br />

friends <strong>the</strong>re and <strong>the</strong>y persuaded me. It was a hotbed of multiculturism.”<br />

“They [UAE] still have <strong>the</strong>ir visions for what <strong>the</strong>y want <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

citizens to be, to be able to accept all cultures. It was really <strong>the</strong><br />

first time I was working with <strong>the</strong> Chinese and again <strong>from</strong> Persia<br />

and Iraq, you name it, to Brazil, New Zealand and Kazakhstan.<br />

It was absolutely fantastic. We used to celebrate International<br />

Day, and everyone would celebrate <strong>the</strong>ir cultures. That’s where<br />

I really learnt about my international mindedness, my multiculturism<br />

in Dubai. You don’t have a choice, a lot of <strong>the</strong> schools<br />

are like that, to <strong>the</strong> point where <strong>the</strong>re’s only around 20 per cent<br />

of locals in a school. Whereas here [Tenby], we have 70 per cent<br />

Malaysians, and on <strong>the</strong> flip side, we only have 30 per cent of o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

nationalities in <strong>the</strong> schools, so you can still get that international<br />

mindedness.”<br />

Ian is motivated to come to school every day to get things<br />

done. No matter how good <strong>the</strong> school is he knows <strong>the</strong>re is always<br />

room for improvement.<br />

“I would absolutely be bored stiff if I didn’t get to teach and<br />

have those relationships in student-teacher-management levels<br />

with everybody,” he says. “That excites me even if it’s just <strong>the</strong><br />

everyday matters of fixing <strong>the</strong> roof and ensuring <strong>the</strong> drains are<br />

not blocked.”<br />

“If anyone told me in 1993 when I started teaching, that<br />

I would be a head teacher, I would have laughed it off. It just<br />

hadn’t crossed my mind, because I was embarking on this<br />

new career, and I just wanted to be a good teacher. I still want<br />

to be a good teacher and I will always be a teacher. That’s <strong>the</strong><br />

fun side of life. That’s why dabbling in modelling, music and<br />

squash made it is so clear. I hope to be able to drive that, so<br />

that children know that <strong>the</strong>re’s got to be a life/study balance.<br />

O<strong>the</strong>rwise, you’re just going to be this boring academic making<br />

no difference.”<br />

There’s no stopping Ian as he continues to grow as a school<br />

principal and teacher, but most importantly as a mentor to <strong>the</strong><br />

young. Has he any regrets leaving <strong>the</strong> UK to come teach in a<br />

country so far away?<br />

“It’s <strong>the</strong> best decision I’ve made, cause I’ve made friends, got<br />

to know various cultures and people; it will stay with me for <strong>the</strong><br />

rest of my life.”<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

20


Ian Temple<br />

Knit turtleneck,<br />

Michael Kors<br />

Collection. Bangle<br />

Suit by<br />

MASSIMO and<br />

earring,<br />

DUTTI<br />

Kate Spade<br />

New York.<br />

21 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


Looking East<br />

From traditional artworks to dystopian-like architecture, <strong>the</strong>se coffee table books will<br />

liven up your interest in eastern art.<br />

NEWS | BOOKS<br />

Midnight Tweedle<br />

Zhang Lijie<br />

The frantic atmosphere of<br />

China’s cultural and political<br />

scene is given a new take in<br />

this compilation of artwork<br />

ranging <strong>from</strong> collages,<br />

posters, photographs and even<br />

objects <strong>from</strong> everyday life<br />

that perfectly describes <strong>the</strong><br />

republic’s complexities.<br />

Zhang Lijie does a<br />

fantastic job in portraying<br />

<strong>the</strong> political climate of <strong>the</strong><br />

country giving you a unique<br />

look on China whe<strong>the</strong>r as a<br />

local or through a foreigner’s<br />

eye. showcasing exoticness as<br />

well as its progress towards<br />

modernisation.<br />

Our Pick...<br />

Warm Modernity: Indian<br />

Architecture Building<br />

Democracy<br />

Maddalena D’Alfonso<br />

This book provides a unique<br />

and insightful look at city<br />

planning in India shortly after<br />

its independence. Greatly<br />

influenced by modernist<br />

and western architecture,<br />

<strong>the</strong> planning of several of<br />

India’s cities took much<br />

more than just designing <strong>the</strong><br />

right infrastructure to fit<br />

<strong>the</strong> region; creating better<br />

opportunities and living<br />

conditions for <strong>the</strong> locals<br />

and, lessen <strong>the</strong> burden of its<br />

communities.<br />

Timeless Beauty:<br />

Traditional Japanese<br />

Folk Art<br />

Edmund de Wall<br />

The artwork featured in this<br />

book ranges <strong>from</strong> everyday<br />

life objects <strong>from</strong> 14th century<br />

Japan to <strong>the</strong> more familiar<br />

artworks and utilitarian<br />

objects of <strong>the</strong> 20th century<br />

made by people <strong>from</strong> all walks<br />

of life. The book is a stunning<br />

display of <strong>the</strong> Japanese’s<br />

commitment to detail and<br />

beauty with insightful<br />

anecdotes by respected<br />

Japanese art historians.<br />

Project Japan:<br />

Metabolism Talks<br />

Rem Koolhaas and Hans<br />

Ulrich Obrist<br />

Launched in 1960, The<br />

Metabolism movement<br />

provided a radical perspective<br />

on architecture and design in<br />

Japan during a time of healing<br />

and progress. The architecture<br />

and design of <strong>the</strong> movement<br />

depicted an almost dystopian<br />

landscape fit for a sci-fi film<br />

and progressive designs that<br />

were way ahead of its time.<br />

The book is filled with<br />

rare photographs, sketches<br />

and interviews with <strong>the</strong><br />

surviving members of <strong>the</strong><br />

movement.<br />

Curated by Noor Amylia Hilda<br />

Hiroshige<br />

Adele Schlombs<br />

Hiroshige was known as one of <strong>the</strong> most popular artists of <strong>the</strong> Ukiyo-e<br />

genre, which translates into ‘pictures of <strong>the</strong> floating world’ and is a type<br />

of woodblock print art. His paintings are often defined as depicting <strong>the</strong><br />

very essence of Japanese living and <strong>the</strong> Japanese way of life.<br />

Filled with full-colour paintings of Hiroshige’s most well known<br />

works of blooming Sakura cherry blossom trees, women frolicking in<br />

colourful kimonos and crashing waves across <strong>the</strong> shores of a serene<br />

island, <strong>the</strong>re’s always something new to discover when you flip <strong>the</strong><br />

pages of this meticulously crafted book.<br />

“Some of <strong>the</strong><br />

greatest prints in<br />

<strong>the</strong> history of art.”<br />

The Wall Street Journal, New York<br />

23 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


NEWS | MOVIES<br />

Eastern Cinema<br />

Immerse yourself in <strong>the</strong>se gripping new foreign films.<br />

The Red Turtle<br />

This charming Studio<br />

Ghibli production follows<br />

a shipwrecked man on a<br />

deserted island. The wordless<br />

animation is directed by<br />

Dutch animator Michaël<br />

Dudok de Wit and supervised<br />

under Studio Gibli’s<br />

Takahata and Toshio Suzuki.<br />

The moving story filled<br />

with bittersweet moments<br />

and e<strong>the</strong>real sequences is<br />

meant to signify milestone<br />

moments of <strong>the</strong> shipwrecked<br />

man’s life. The film is a joy<br />

to watch <strong>from</strong> beginning to<br />

end and portrays <strong>the</strong> human<br />

condition in a way only<br />

Studio Ghibli can. Better<br />

keep <strong>the</strong> tissues at hand.<br />

After <strong>the</strong> Storm<br />

Hirokazu Kore-eda’s family<br />

drama tells <strong>the</strong> story of<br />

Shinoda, a private detective<br />

with a gambling addiction,<br />

who uses his private eye skills<br />

to spy on his ex-wife and her<br />

new partner while also trying<br />

to reconnect with his young<br />

son following <strong>the</strong> death of<br />

his own fa<strong>the</strong>r. All this takes<br />

place in <strong>the</strong> midst of a typhoon<br />

brewing.<br />

Language: Japanese<br />

Starring: Hiroshi Abe, Kirin Kiki<br />

and Yōko Maki<br />

Language: No dialogue<br />

Genre: Animation Fantasy<br />

Curated by Noor Amylia Hilda<br />

The Handmaiden<br />

This provocative psychological thriller features a mesmerising<br />

narrative where an event is witnessed <strong>from</strong> multiple perspectives,<br />

each one revealing even more eyebrow raising truths than <strong>the</strong> last.<br />

Originally inspired by Sarah Walter’s novel, Fingersmith, that<br />

was set in Victorian era England, The Handmaiden is adapted into<br />

a Korean setting set in <strong>the</strong> 1930s when it was under Japanese rule.<br />

It’s a tale full of deceit, seduction and mind-games and breathtaking<br />

cinematography.<br />

Language: Japanese, Korean<br />

Starring: Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, Ha Jung-woo and Cho Jin-woong<br />

Manhunt<br />

This police crime thriller by<br />

master of action cinema John<br />

Woo is a cinematic, almost<br />

parody-like, action-packed film<br />

that will be familiar to fans of<br />

<strong>the</strong> Hong Kong director’s work.<br />

Set in Osaka, Japan and based<br />

on <strong>the</strong> Japanese novel Kimi<br />

yo Fundo no Kawa o Watare<br />

by Juko Nishimura, <strong>the</strong> movie<br />

stars Zhang Hanyu as a Chinese<br />

lawyer who is framed for<br />

crimes that he didn’t commit.<br />

Similar to Woo’s previous<br />

work, <strong>the</strong>re’s plenty of plot<br />

twists and over-<strong>the</strong>-top action<br />

that’s bound to keep you on <strong>the</strong><br />

edge of your seats.<br />

Language: Japanese, English and<br />

Mandarin<br />

Starring: Zhang Hanyu,<br />

Masaharu Fukuyama, Qi Wei,<br />

Ha Jiwon and Jun Kunimura<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

24


NEWS | MUSIC<br />

Familiar Names, New Tunes<br />

Highly anticipated new releases <strong>from</strong> some of <strong>the</strong> biggest names in <strong>the</strong> scene.<br />

“If you’re old enough, you remember a<br />

different JAY-Z, <strong>the</strong> JAY-Z who became king<br />

of New York through sheer, sneering, cold,<br />

unemotional, arrogant confidence,”<br />

- Tom Breihan , Stereogum<br />

High Flying Birds<br />

Noel Gallagher<br />

Noel Gallagher’s third<br />

solo album with High<br />

Flying Birds, Who Built<br />

The Moon? has already<br />

garnered some great<br />

reviews ahead of its<br />

release in November 2017.<br />

The former Oasis<br />

member took two years<br />

on this album as a follow<br />

up to 2015’s Chasing<br />

Yesterday and features<br />

collaborations with Paul<br />

Weller and former The<br />

Smiths guitarist Johnny<br />

Marr who plays guitar<br />

and harmonica leads in If<br />

Love Is The Law.<br />

While Gallagher’s<br />

latest album provides<br />

a more upbeat tempo<br />

compared to his previous<br />

solo works, it still carries<br />

<strong>the</strong> same bold voice,<br />

rhythms and sing-along<br />

an<strong>the</strong>ms familiar to Oasis<br />

fans.<br />

Red Pill Blues<br />

Maroon 5<br />

Three time Grammy<br />

award winners Maroon<br />

5’s latest album Red Pill<br />

Blues doesn’t disappoint.<br />

With special appearances<br />

by A$AP Rocky, Julia<br />

Michaels and Kendrick<br />

Lamar among o<strong>the</strong>rs, <strong>the</strong><br />

15 track album features<br />

catchy singles such as<br />

What Lovers Do and <strong>the</strong><br />

mega hit Don’t Wanna<br />

Know which was ranked<br />

top 10 in 10 different<br />

charts in different<br />

countries.<br />

The album stays true<br />

to <strong>the</strong> band’s upbeat,<br />

dance driven tunes but<br />

with a bit more electronic<br />

inspiration thrown in this<br />

time.<br />

Songs of Experience<br />

U2<br />

As a follow up to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

2014 hit album, Songs of<br />

Innocence, U2 is releasing<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir 14th studio album<br />

taking inspiration <strong>from</strong><br />

Irish poet, novelist and<br />

Trinity College Dublin<br />

Professor Emeritus<br />

Brendan Kennelly’s advice<br />

to lead singer Bono to “write<br />

as if you’re dead”.<br />

The result is an album<br />

with tracks that are a lot<br />

more personal and intimate<br />

than <strong>the</strong> band’s former<br />

work. The album is quite<br />

melancholy too, especially<br />

on tracks such as You’re <strong>the</strong><br />

Best Thing About Me and<br />

<strong>the</strong> opening track, Love is<br />

All We Have Left. It’s a new<br />

yet familiar side to U2 that<br />

will definitely be a delight<br />

to <strong>the</strong>ir loyal fans.<br />

Our Pick...<br />

Pacific Daydream<br />

Weezer<br />

One year after <strong>the</strong><br />

release of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

White Album,<br />

Weezer has released<br />

Pacific Daydream,<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir 11th studio<br />

album filled with<br />

lyrics reminiscent<br />

of days spent at <strong>the</strong><br />

beach with track names like Mexican Fender, Beach<br />

Boys and Feels Like Summer.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> opening track, Mexican Fender, Weezer<br />

frontman Rivers Cuomo was inspired by a cute nerdy<br />

girl at <strong>the</strong> popular musical instrument repair shop<br />

Truetone in Santa Monica, only to find out she isn’t<br />

single. Such is <strong>the</strong> emo-pop lyrics and melodies that<br />

remain true to <strong>the</strong> American band’s alternative rock<br />

tunes <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir previous work, only this time, with<br />

a heavier Californian pop-rock influence that almost<br />

mimics Beach Boys-esque riffs.<br />

Curated by Sharmini M.Rethinasamy<br />

25 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


BEAUFIX APPLIANCES SDN. BHD. (1238069-T)<br />

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

Beaufix reserves <strong>the</strong> right to make changes to <strong>the</strong> models, specifications, construction, colors and materials in order to conform with<br />

technological developments and as part of normal product development.Colors on print may differ <strong>from</strong> actual products.<br />

Sole Distributor:


Mirror<br />

and an Oven<br />

Reflection of Your Lifestyle<br />

FL Slim Hood FL One Touch FL Steam Oven FL Blast Chiller<br />

36<br />

MONTHS<br />

WARRANTY


CHINESE ZODIAC<br />

Is <strong>2018</strong> going to<br />

<strong>the</strong> dogs?<br />

Find out what <strong>the</strong> Year of <strong>the</strong> Dog has in store for you.<br />

TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

28


CHINESE ZODIAC<br />

Rat<br />

It’ll be a fast-moving<br />

year for <strong>the</strong> rat.<br />

Events switch<br />

<strong>from</strong> highly<br />

positive to<br />

extremely<br />

negative with<br />

businesses facing financial loses. Take <strong>the</strong> cue –<br />

it’s also not a good time to start a new business.<br />

Take a backseat and refrain <strong>from</strong> spending<br />

lavishly or investing in property and capital<br />

purchases. Those who are creative including<br />

writers, artists and actors, may see a slight growth<br />

in <strong>the</strong>ir careers or enjoy a giant leap forward.<br />

O<strong>the</strong>rs may be rewarded for <strong>the</strong>ir loyalty and<br />

persistence. Avoid discussions and disagreements<br />

which will transform into heated arguments. It’s<br />

not a good year for love and romance. Focus on<br />

friendship for now. Wait it out till next year and<br />

it might just grow into romance. Those already<br />

in a relationship, pay heed as arguments may be<br />

more frequent.<br />

Ox<br />

Be thrifty as it’s not <strong>the</strong> best of years for <strong>the</strong><br />

ox. Beware as hidden competitors and enemies<br />

will rear <strong>the</strong>ir ugly head at <strong>the</strong> least auspicious<br />

time. Your emotional state is volatile and far<br />

<strong>from</strong> calm. It will have a negative impact on<br />

an already difficult year. To balance this out,<br />

it’s best to focus on friendship and loyalty over<br />

profit. Stay put and focus on what’s at hand, and<br />

have no doubt, your friends will have your back.<br />

There are areas that are safer than o<strong>the</strong>rs and<br />

<strong>the</strong>se include businesses that focus on creativity.<br />

Never<strong>the</strong>less, steer clear and do not invest in a<br />

loan to diversify, as <strong>the</strong> year is already lined with<br />

financial losses. Romance is positive but bear in<br />

mind, traditional connections trump love at first<br />

sight. Best to avoid any form of disagreements<br />

until 2019.<br />

Tiger<br />

Tigers and dogs make a great combination.<br />

There is wealth in <strong>the</strong> cards and those<br />

employed will see an increase in<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir income. Those who have made<br />

investments will start to reap <strong>the</strong><br />

benefits. Look out for lawsuits, traffic<br />

offences and arguments that get blown<br />

out of proportion.<br />

Focus on selfcontrol<br />

and<br />

move forward<br />

carefully.<br />

Respect<br />

relationships<br />

with <strong>the</strong> people<br />

around you. Be<br />

mindful of selfdiscipline<br />

and<br />

control to avoid losing<br />

what you could gain<br />

this year. Whilst love<br />

isn’t on <strong>the</strong> cards, lay<br />

<strong>the</strong> groundwork even<br />

though <strong>the</strong>re aren’t<br />

opportunities or time for romance.<br />

Never<strong>the</strong>less, if work and money are<br />

running smoothly, <strong>the</strong>re is a possibility<br />

of meeting more people or spending time<br />

with a loved one, which could pay off.<br />

Rabbit<br />

This year looks good after a rough<br />

2017. Even though <strong>the</strong>re is <strong>the</strong><br />

possibility of a small loss, <strong>the</strong>re’s<br />

a light at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> dark<br />

tunnel with increased money<br />

and even fame and fortune.<br />

Those employed will find<br />

<strong>the</strong>mselves promoted with a<br />

raise. Business owners will<br />

find <strong>the</strong>ir businesses –<br />

anything that promotes<br />

creativity – flourishing.<br />

It is a good year for<br />

rabbits to market <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

services. Relationships will<br />

make new breakthroughs<br />

with opportunities to meet ‘<strong>the</strong><br />

one.’ However, beware if you are a<br />

man. You could easily be taken in<br />

by <strong>the</strong> wrong woman, so take it slow.<br />

There’s a good chance of financial<br />

loss and a quick split should you<br />

not heed this advice.<br />

29 JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> | TM


CHINESE ZODIAC<br />

Dragon<br />

Not a lucky year for <strong>the</strong> dragon; ra<strong>the</strong>r rocky<br />

indeed. There will be loss of money and events<br />

that will affect you negatively. Steer clear of<br />

arguments and disputes as <strong>the</strong>y will escalate out<br />

of hand. Changes are probable, as <strong>the</strong> dragon has<br />

nothing to lose. The dragon might do well to start<br />

a venture on <strong>the</strong> side if <strong>the</strong> investment is small.<br />

Cut down on expenditure and do not invest in<br />

anything risky. Save what you have and only<br />

spend small amounts where a loss will not be to<br />

your detriment. Obstacles, arguments, disputes<br />

and plain bad luck are in store. All this won’t be<br />

made better by poor relationships, so practice<br />

some self-control and discipline when dealing<br />

with o<strong>the</strong>rs. Tread carefully when it comes to<br />

love. Spouses will need special care to keep <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

marriage in check. For <strong>the</strong> single dragon, slow<br />

and steady wins <strong>the</strong> race.<br />

Snake<br />

Much of <strong>the</strong> snake’s ability will be rewarded<br />

during this period. You will win big in your<br />

job. People who have helped you out of a<br />

difficult situation will become friends. If you<br />

are in a business, it will work out well. New<br />

inventions, discoveries and innovations will<br />

pay big dividends and your marketing<br />

campaigns will be rewarded. Watch<br />

your tongue because <strong>the</strong> opportunity<br />

for disputes to arise <strong>from</strong> even mild<br />

words is high. Avoid potential conflict<br />

by smiling more and talking less.<br />

Listening is key to getting you far.<br />

Love is on <strong>the</strong> cards, as you will meet<br />

someone where attraction is mutual.<br />

Existing relationships will flourish but<br />

ensure intense emotions don’t impact<br />

negatively on your beloved.<br />

Horse<br />

Compatible with <strong>the</strong> dog, <strong>the</strong><br />

horse will relish all <strong>the</strong> good<br />

aura <strong>2018</strong> has to offer. Doors<br />

will open for <strong>the</strong> horse’s day<br />

job but not necessarily in a<br />

business venture. As it is a year of<br />

unexpected expenses for most, pay<br />

heed and save or invest conservatively<br />

with any extra income that may come<br />

your way. Analyse where your money is<br />

being spent and plug any holes. Best to not get<br />

involved in disputes, gossip, angry discussions,<br />

and <strong>the</strong> like. Romance is sexy and exciting but<br />

also rocky. Avoid long-term relationships. Just<br />

enjoy.<br />

Goat<br />

It’s a bit of a mixed bag for <strong>the</strong> goat. Keep your<br />

life in order by facing stumbling blocks with<br />

courage and persistence. The stress of this<br />

will be mitigated by new opportunities that<br />

come your way. This comes by way of highly<br />

influential people, hence you should cultivate<br />

your relationships. Your attitude is crucial in<br />

maintaining success. Business ventures will reap<br />

<strong>the</strong> rewards. As an employee, you will do well and<br />

will be rewarded for<br />

competence and<br />

service. Don’t give<br />

o<strong>the</strong>rs who you are<br />

not well acquainted<br />

with <strong>the</strong> ammunition<br />

to work against you as<br />

this will pose challenges.<br />

Where relationships<br />

are concerned, it’ll<br />

be largely stable but<br />

nothing overly exciting.<br />

Just avoid anything that<br />

would annoy you.<br />

TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

30


CHINESE ZODIAC<br />

Monkey<br />

It’s not a good year for <strong>the</strong><br />

monkey. Never<strong>the</strong>less, all is<br />

not lost. If you are studying<br />

and wish to embark on<br />

something different and<br />

change directions, this would<br />

be <strong>the</strong> year to do it. You are<br />

not going to make any extra<br />

income this year so just stick to<br />

your job and do it well. Changes<br />

at <strong>the</strong> workplace could happen,<br />

so it is best to cut down on expenses. Should you<br />

be offered a promotion or different job scope, it<br />

will work out well as it offers an opportunity to<br />

learn new skills. The monkey is doomed where<br />

relationship matters are concerned. It’s best to<br />

treat all <strong>the</strong> people in your life with an extra dose<br />

of friendliness and respect. Love will be volatile<br />

so plan ways to please your partner. This will help<br />

your relationship survive. In addition, travelling<br />

will be a good option.<br />

Rooster<br />

It is not a totally dismal year for <strong>the</strong> rooster as<br />

<strong>the</strong>re are some nice moments to look forward<br />

to. If you are in business, you will have a steady<br />

flow of income, and as an employee you are in<br />

line for a promotion with increased pay. For<br />

both business person and employee, because <strong>the</strong><br />

energy of <strong>the</strong> year is prone to fights and disputes,<br />

it’s best to play it safe in all aspects. This could<br />

lead to <strong>the</strong> loss of money so play everything by<br />

<strong>the</strong> book. Arguments are rife and will not benefit<br />

you, so keep clear. It’s going to be a slow year, and<br />

you will need to do everything in a methodical<br />

way with evidence that you did it. Marriages<br />

could bring change, whe<strong>the</strong>r a child is born or<br />

a divorce as a result of an affair. Those who are<br />

single may find <strong>the</strong>mselves more serious about<br />

a long-term partnership, and this could lead to<br />

marriage.<br />

Dog<br />

It’s a ra<strong>the</strong>r topsy-turvy<br />

year for <strong>the</strong> dog with<br />

one day being lucky<br />

and <strong>the</strong> next day, not<br />

so lucky. Due to your<br />

friendly nature and kind<br />

disposition, you have <strong>the</strong><br />

ability to turn dismal days<br />

to your favour. Just don’t<br />

let your emotions get <strong>the</strong><br />

better of you as it could<br />

go badly if you are in a<br />

dispute. Financial fraud<br />

may haunt you but don’t<br />

be tempted to go down that<br />

path again. Steer clear and stick to <strong>the</strong> rules. Don’t<br />

expand your business or ask for a raise. Don’t hang<br />

onto <strong>the</strong> promises of those who would take what you<br />

have. You could make loads of money in <strong>2018</strong> and<br />

lose it just as quickly. Don’t get overly emotional, as<br />

you have to practice self-control not to get involved<br />

in fights. Less involvement is best, and <strong>the</strong> situation<br />

will remedy itself. Focus on entertainment and <strong>the</strong><br />

arts this year. One of <strong>the</strong> biggest challenges this<br />

year is your health. You may suffer a breakdown<br />

or accident and it could cost you a hefty sum. Take<br />

<strong>the</strong> time to do things with care and diligence. For<br />

love and romance, it’s a rocky road ahead. Make<br />

friends and don’t dominate your<br />

partner or you stand to lose<br />

<strong>the</strong> relationship. There<br />

could also be a marriage<br />

on <strong>the</strong> cards for those<br />

who are single.<br />

Pig<br />

The pig gets lucky this<br />

year being blessed with<br />

prosperity and auspicious gettoge<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />

Because all outcomes<br />

are dependent on <strong>the</strong> events that<br />

precede <strong>the</strong>m, this will only come to a pass if <strong>the</strong> pig<br />

behaves and considers <strong>the</strong> energy of <strong>the</strong> dog year.<br />

Employees stand to benefit if <strong>the</strong>y show skill and<br />

foster good relations with o<strong>the</strong>r co-workers; likewise<br />

for <strong>the</strong> business person. Personal relationships will<br />

be a decisive factor in wealth creation for <strong>the</strong> pig,<br />

hence you will need to work hard. Marriage is on<br />

<strong>the</strong> cards for those in a relationship and single pigs<br />

can look forward to romance. With disputes and<br />

arguments posing as obstacles for progress, practice<br />

self-control and pace yourself.<br />

31 JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> | TM


ADVERTORIAL<br />

For <strong>the</strong> Love of Trees<br />

With Mo<strong>the</strong>r Nature on <strong>the</strong>ir side, Art of Tree brings home furnishings to a whole new level.<br />

Jeffrey Yang and wife, Joey Woo, have made<br />

fallen urban trees <strong>the</strong>ir business, one that<br />

has garnered a seven-figure money-spinner.<br />

Odd shaped wood slabs appealed to Jeffrey,<br />

who was initially in <strong>the</strong> business of exporting<br />

ornamental fishes. He soon became an avid<br />

collector of nature’s little wooden treasures.<br />

His collection grew and so did <strong>the</strong> prospects<br />

of turning his hobby into a business.<br />

Turning his hobby into a business was an<br />

accidental one. Their bespoke showroom,<br />

located In <strong>the</strong> industrial surroundings of<br />

Kampung Baru, Subang , was intended to<br />

exhibit Jeffrey’s personal collection.<br />

With a little help <strong>from</strong> Mo<strong>the</strong>r Nature, who<br />

provides exceptional pieces of raw materials<br />

with beautiful and diverse wood grains, Jeffrey<br />

works around <strong>the</strong> woods’ imperfections and<br />

irregularities to form masterpieces.<br />

Art of Tree offers an array of masterfully<br />

designed dining tables, coffee tables, and<br />

benches to less common items such as wall art<br />

pieces and pedestals. Each and every piece<br />

is unique, hence making <strong>the</strong>m all <strong>the</strong> more<br />

special and valuable.<br />

The company procures <strong>the</strong>se beautiful raw<br />

materials <strong>from</strong> developed areas. The species<br />

are carefully selected by town councils for<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir fast-growing attributes and widespread<br />

canopy to lend shade in urban developments.<br />

These date as far back as <strong>the</strong> colonial times.<br />

Jeffrey procures <strong>the</strong>se pieces at <strong>the</strong> end of<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir lifespan. Instead of being incinerated<br />

and leaving a hefty carbon footprint, Jeffrey<br />

takes <strong>the</strong>m in and weaves a little magic. With<br />

<strong>the</strong> use of glass and resin to fill up <strong>the</strong> natural<br />

cavities and decay found in wood, Jeffrey<br />

turns an o<strong>the</strong>rwise imperfection into an eyecatching<br />

work of art. Powder coated steel<br />

for base legs for table-tops give an aes<strong>the</strong>tic<br />

finish to dining tables.<br />

The question of sustainability has always<br />

been foremost in people’s minds. As <strong>the</strong><br />

business involves <strong>the</strong> use of salvaged trees and<br />

that supply could be limited, <strong>the</strong> couple are<br />

aware that <strong>the</strong> naysayers would quickly jump<br />

at <strong>the</strong> possibility that <strong>the</strong>y would eventually<br />

derive <strong>the</strong>ir raw material irresponsibly.<br />

While making a conscious choice to only<br />

use salvaged trees could be a challenge to<br />

grow <strong>the</strong>ir business exponentially, <strong>the</strong>y are<br />

confident that faith in <strong>the</strong>ir creative ability to<br />

produce cutting-edge ideas will not limit <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

business capabilities.


THE HOME<br />

New<br />

Beginnings<br />

Key accents for <strong>the</strong> new home<br />

this New Year.<br />

CERAMIC CULTURE<br />

Everyday ceramics teach us about humility and to access things with love and<br />

small touches. The Dine ceramics <strong>from</strong> tinekhome is full of Asian richness, Japanese<br />

inspiration and invitations to slow down and enjoy <strong>the</strong> details and materials<br />

of <strong>the</strong> ceramics, as well as <strong>the</strong> taste and smell of <strong>the</strong> served food. The elegant<br />

porcelain bowls bring magic to <strong>the</strong> dinner table through <strong>the</strong> texture and colours<br />

of <strong>the</strong> glaze. The use of elegant porcelain and genuine craftsmanship make <strong>the</strong><br />

natural calmness of <strong>the</strong> material go hand-in-hand with <strong>the</strong> exclusive simplicity<br />

culminating in a beautiful milky white magic, dramatic dark tones, and marvellous<br />

green colours. Let <strong>the</strong> ceramics find balance in your home and experience how<br />

lively <strong>the</strong> white glaze is when it reflects light, or how deep <strong>the</strong> dark glaze is when<br />

<strong>the</strong> darker colours absorb light.<br />

www.tinekhome.com<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

34


THE HOME<br />

SOM-E KIND OF WONDERFUL<br />

The ELISE SOM brand prides itself on being ethically<br />

responsible, cruelty free and eco-conscious while still<br />

upholding <strong>the</strong> luxury of <strong>the</strong>ir products. ELISE SOM is<br />

certified RSPO and <strong>the</strong> linens are GOTS certified, 100<br />

per cent organic cotton.<br />

Elise’s work is rooted in nature, culture and<br />

traditions. They utilise <strong>the</strong> handiwork of local artisans<br />

to uphold tradition, and invest in <strong>the</strong> communities<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir products are made in. The new Cube collection is<br />

made of 95 per cent recycled glass. Using components of<br />

water, wine or beer bottles, broken TV screens, mirrors<br />

and seashells, <strong>the</strong> furniture is proudly sourced and made<br />

locally in <strong>the</strong> UK. The collection consists of modular<br />

stools that transform into side tables and each piece can<br />

incorporate a charging device.<br />

www.elisesom.com<br />

KAYNE RESIST<br />

In contrast to some flashier forays into decor by o<strong>the</strong>r renowned<br />

designers, Jenni Kayne’s line prioritises comfort and quality for<br />

a collection of accessories that reflect Kayne’s own laid-back,<br />

California style. The 30-piece assortment ranges <strong>from</strong> lush,<br />

alpaca throws and pillows, handwoven by a fair-trade women’s<br />

collective in Peru and linen pillows in neutral tones, to candles<br />

hand-poured in Los Angeles. The home collection is cosy,<br />

timeless, organic, natural, special, and effortless.<br />

www.jennikayne.com<br />

35 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE HOME<br />

The World<br />

is Your Oyster<br />

How to decorate your home with a favourite<br />

destination in mind.<br />

Words by Gabrielle Fagan/Press Association/The Interview People<br />

Be inspired by those exotic, faraway places you have visited to create a holiday vibe all<br />

year round.<br />

Holidays may be just a memory but take inspiration <strong>from</strong> your favourite<br />

destination for your decor and you’ll enjoy that vacation vibe all year round.<br />

“Destination decor is on <strong>the</strong> rise as homeowners seek to evoke far-flung styles that last<br />

well beyond <strong>the</strong>ir travels,” says Samantha Parish, interior design account manager at bed<br />

specialists Hypnos.<br />

“What we see and experience on our holidays has an increasing influence on our homes.<br />

Few of us can resist a souvenir <strong>from</strong> our favourite or most interesting destination – choose<br />

well and it can be <strong>the</strong> inspiration for a whole new look, or simply add an instant international<br />

feel to a space.<br />

“Soft furnishings such as bedding, rugs, curtains and throws can also change <strong>the</strong><br />

dynamic of your interior, transforming it into anything <strong>from</strong> an Asiatic-inspired retreat to a<br />

Mediterranean getaway.”<br />

Bring that tropical feel indoors<br />

Jenny Hurren, founder of <strong>the</strong> eclectic Out There Interiors, says: “While many of us love <strong>the</strong><br />

idea of an outdoors lifestyle, <strong>the</strong> climate can make it somewhat tricky.<br />

“One way to achieve that sultry feeling is by embracing <strong>the</strong> tropical interiors trend as it<br />

allows us to create our own interior paradise that can be adapted all year round.<br />

“Big leafy palms, rustic honey-coloured woods and touches of black conjure jungle vibes for<br />

every room of <strong>the</strong> home. Simply adapt with splashes of bright, vibrant tones for <strong>the</strong> summer<br />

months, and switch in plums and navy colourways for an updated winter feel.<br />

“The jungle trend is a strong look, but surprisingly versatile, warming up <strong>the</strong> wet<br />

days.”<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

36


HOW TO DECORATE WITH<br />

HOLIDAY SOUVENIRS<br />

1. Display your smaller worldly<br />

goods on beautiful trays<br />

as this helps prevent <strong>the</strong>m<br />

<strong>from</strong> getting lost or dusty on<br />

shelves.<br />

2. Put your travel treasures<br />

on trunks, ornate boxes<br />

or chest of drawers in<br />

varying sizes. These highly<br />

functional pieces can double<br />

up as coffee tables, shelves to<br />

showcase ornaments and art<br />

pieces.<br />

3. Stack your photographyfilled<br />

coffee table books to<br />

celebrate your travels. They<br />

make eye-catching tabletop<br />

displays and evoke fun<br />

memories <strong>from</strong> your travels.<br />

4. Pillow cases and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

assorted soft furnishings<br />

are such a no-fuss souvenir<br />

to bring home. They travel<br />

well and can make a brilliant<br />

addition to a living area.<br />

37 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE HOME<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

38


THE HOME<br />

Work <strong>the</strong> Caribbean <strong>the</strong>me<br />

Sian O’Neill, head of marketing and online at Topps Tiles,<br />

says: “Using precious memories <strong>from</strong> trips abroad provide ideal<br />

inspiration for homeowners, as <strong>the</strong>y look to introduce exotic<br />

influences into <strong>the</strong>ir living space.<br />

“The Caribbean vibe is particularly popular and can be easily<br />

emulated with <strong>the</strong> right colour scheme and accessories. This<br />

trend celebrates vibrant tones – <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> lush greens of island<br />

foliage to <strong>the</strong> crystal blues of turquoise seas; <strong>the</strong> combination of<br />

<strong>the</strong>se colours creates a space which radiates warmth and holiday<br />

happiness.<br />

“Style-conscious homeowners should also consider<br />

incorporating accents of punchy pink – opt for hues of seashells<br />

and flamingo fea<strong>the</strong>rs for an attention-grabbing look.<br />

“Once complete, homeowners will be able to immerse<br />

<strong>the</strong>mselves in true Caribbean-style decor that lets <strong>the</strong>m indulge<br />

in a year-round vacation <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> comfort of <strong>the</strong>ir own home.”<br />

“The Caribbean vibe is<br />

particularly popular and<br />

can be easily emulated with<br />

<strong>the</strong> right colour scheme and<br />

accessories.”<br />

39 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE HOME<br />

Embrace <strong>the</strong> Eastern<br />

philosophy<br />

Jenny Hurren believes an Eastern <strong>the</strong>me can<br />

be striking with its mix of extravagance and<br />

simplicity.<br />

“Nothing says ‘holiday’ like an Easternstyle<br />

interior,” she says. “Jewel colours,<br />

indulgently sumptuous fabrics and decadent<br />

patterns are perfectly suited to <strong>the</strong> neutral<br />

background of contemporary spaces.<br />

“You can achieve a wonderful effect<br />

by combining extravagant detailing with<br />

simple black, white and bronze pieces, for<br />

an everyday look that’s both usable and<br />

beautiful.<br />

“Channel <strong>the</strong> riads of Marrakesh in<br />

your own home, with statement lighting<br />

and accent cushions, for a hint of holiday<br />

all year round.”<br />

“Jewel colours,<br />

indulgently<br />

sumptuous fabrics<br />

and decadent<br />

patterns are<br />

perfectly suited<br />

to <strong>the</strong> neutral<br />

background of<br />

contemporary<br />

spaces.”<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

40


THE HOME<br />

41 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE HOME | natural selection<br />

Natural<br />

Selection<br />

There’s no denying <strong>the</strong> reluctant celebrity architect, Kengo Kuma<br />

Text by Muna Noor<br />

It’s impossible to wander <strong>the</strong> streets of<br />

Tokyo and not be beguiled by <strong>the</strong> work of<br />

contemporary Japanese architect Kengo<br />

Kuma. Stay in One@Tokyo in Oshiage or<br />

traipse past Asakusa Tourist Information<br />

Centre located opposite <strong>the</strong> impressive<br />

Sensoji temple; both are Kuma masterpieces<br />

and will not fail to draw your attention.<br />

While much of his work is located<br />

in Japan, you’ll find his work all over <strong>the</strong><br />

world. Prolific by any measure, his firm<br />

Kengo Kuma & Associates, which has<br />

offices in Tokyo and Paris, works on a<br />

diverse range of projects that vary in both<br />

size and purpose: From ambitious social<br />

initiatives like hospitals, schools and railway<br />

stations to ID for hotels and boutiques;<br />

short run product design collaborations and<br />

installations, to large scale builds that occupy<br />

vast tracts of land.<br />

What makes his work distinct has been<br />

his approach to design and his view of <strong>the</strong><br />

environment with which it interacts. It<br />

was in Anti-Object: The Dissolution and<br />

Disintegration of Architecture that he<br />

championed <strong>the</strong> idea of respecting ones<br />

surroundings ra<strong>the</strong>r than dominating<br />

<strong>the</strong>m. This professional philosophy has<br />

manifested itself in a variety of ways; <strong>from</strong><br />

how <strong>the</strong> structure is positioned against <strong>the</strong><br />

land, to <strong>the</strong> types of materials he favours<br />

and <strong>the</strong> harnessing of natural elements<br />

to create a structure with a constantly<br />

evolving character.<br />

“For Kuma, wood<br />

is <strong>the</strong> material<br />

of <strong>the</strong> 21st<br />

century due to<br />

its strength,<br />

flexibility and<br />

ability to age and<br />

be replaced.”<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

42


NATURAL SELECTION | THE HOME<br />

Suntory Museum<br />

Of Art, Tokyo,<br />

Japan, Overall<br />

Interior View.<br />

43 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE HOME | natural selection<br />

Hoshakuji Station, Tochigi,<br />

Japan, Staircase View.<br />

Much consideration is given to <strong>the</strong> setting in which<br />

his work is developed and it all starts with what Kuma<br />

calls “a conversation”. In a video interview for Arch Daily,<br />

Kuma reveals his methodology – walking <strong>the</strong> site, feeling<br />

out <strong>the</strong> reality of <strong>the</strong> place, and sensing its energy. The<br />

results have been astounding. Standing out among <strong>the</strong>m<br />

is <strong>the</strong> Folk Art Museum in Hangzhou, China, which<br />

has been stepped against <strong>the</strong> sloping terrain, giving it<br />

<strong>the</strong> appearance of tumbling down <strong>the</strong> hillside <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

forested peak.<br />

This melding with surroundings hasn’t always been<br />

his position.<br />

Like many young architects finding <strong>the</strong>ir feet,<br />

Kuma’s early style was informed by experimentation<br />

and his initial grounding in <strong>the</strong> history of European and<br />

American schools of architecture.<br />

An architecture graduate and professor at <strong>the</strong><br />

Graduate School of Architecture at <strong>the</strong> University of<br />

Tokyo, ironically it was while studying at Columbia<br />

University in New York that Kuma was to discover<br />

a newfound respect for <strong>the</strong> traditions of Japanese<br />

architecture. This was fur<strong>the</strong>red when his firm took to<br />

<strong>the</strong> bucolic Japanese countryside to spend <strong>the</strong>ir time<br />

learning <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> country’s master craftsmen. At a time<br />

when <strong>the</strong> Japanese economy was struggling, this handson<br />

experience proved invaluable.<br />

It is this reinterpretation of traditional practices for<br />

<strong>the</strong> 21st century that has marked Kuma’s practice out<br />

<strong>from</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs and can be seen in <strong>the</strong> use of materials and<br />

his manipulation of <strong>the</strong>m. A collaboration with Czech<br />

lighting brand Lasvit, for example, took <strong>the</strong> ancient<br />

Japanese technique of preserving timber by charring<br />

called yakisugi and used it to fashion a unique cracking<br />

effect on <strong>the</strong> blown glass of its line of pendant lamps.<br />

Kuma and his team also favour <strong>the</strong> use of natural<br />

materials like stone and wood. For Kuma, wood is <strong>the</strong><br />

material of <strong>the</strong> 21st century due to its strength, flexibility<br />

and ability to age and be replaced. His firm has used timber<br />

extensively and in innovative ways: Moulded to form <strong>the</strong><br />

eaves of Hoshakuji Station in Tochigi, as a latticed grid<br />

around <strong>the</strong> enigmatic Sunny Hills cake shop in Tokyo, or<br />

layering <strong>the</strong> facade of University of Tokyo’s computing<br />

facility like golden fish scales. The latter used <strong>the</strong> art of<br />

repetition to create something quite mesmerizing.<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong> 44


NATURAL SELECTION | THE HOME<br />

Sunnyhills cake shop in<br />

Aoyama, Tokyo. THE joint<br />

system in <strong>the</strong> wood lattice<br />

is used in making shoji paper<br />

doors and is called Jiigoku<br />

Gumi. despite its modern<br />

look it’s a traditional<br />

method used in Japanese<br />

architecture.<br />

45<br />

january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE HOME | natural selection<br />

The elements are ano<strong>the</strong>r important ingredient in<br />

Kuma’s work – wind, temperature, humidity and most<br />

importantly light. Employing a technique adapted <strong>from</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> traditional Japanese home or minka which lacks<br />

windows but instead used paper and rice straw to filter<br />

sun and moonlight; Kuma’s firm manipulates materials<br />

in unlikely ways to achieve <strong>the</strong> same effect.<br />

Among his most ingenious solutions has been <strong>the</strong> use<br />

of translucent walls. Creating bricks <strong>from</strong> polyethylene<br />

plastic, his firm created what appeared to be building<br />

blocks for a private member’s club in Beijing. If it were<br />

anywhere else it would have looked awkward and out of<br />

place but set within striking distance of <strong>the</strong> Forbidden<br />

City, <strong>the</strong> Beijing Tea House simultaneously stood out and<br />

adapted to its surroundings.<br />

A similar effect was used for a Japanese furniture<br />

manufacturer, this time using moulded ETFE plastic to<br />

create undulating outer walls and transparent PVC and<br />

mesh for its inner walls. This exploitation of natural<br />

light and <strong>the</strong> insulating properties of <strong>the</strong> materials<br />

additionally reduced energy use, which is an important<br />

consideration – after all, architecture and design are not<br />

merely about form but function.<br />

Beguiling as his work is, it is <strong>the</strong>re to solve a<br />

problem. His technique of chequering, criss-crossing<br />

and lattices on facades, and repetitive patterns and use of<br />

textures, do this with aplomb. One need look no fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />

than <strong>the</strong> Suntory Museum Of Art in Tokyo whose quiet<br />

minimalism creates a sense of space and calm, its moods<br />

changing with <strong>the</strong> time of day and seasons.<br />

By fashioning forms <strong>from</strong> materials, bending and<br />

folding in <strong>the</strong> style of origami, his structures are strong<br />

and beautiful. Take, for example, his use of perforated<br />

aluminium mesh on <strong>the</strong> exterior of <strong>the</strong> award-winning<br />

Hongkou Soho building in Shanghai. Resembling soft<br />

draping, like a skirt twirling at <strong>the</strong> ankles of some<br />

debutante, it appears to morph according to <strong>the</strong> pattern<br />

of light striking it.<br />

Regional Fund for<br />

Contemporary Art (Frac)<br />

of <strong>the</strong> Provence-Alpes-<br />

Côtes d’Azur (PACA)<br />

“It is this<br />

reinterpretation<br />

of traditional<br />

practices for <strong>the</strong><br />

21st century that<br />

has marked Kuma’s<br />

practice out <strong>from</strong><br />

o<strong>the</strong>rs and can be<br />

seen in <strong>the</strong> use of<br />

materials and his<br />

manipulation of<br />

<strong>the</strong>m.”<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

46


NATURAL SELECTION | THE HOME<br />

Chokkura Plaza And Shelter,<br />

Tochigi, Japan<br />

Asakusa Tourist<br />

InfoRmation Centre Cultural<br />

Institution Asia, Japan<br />

Yet Kuma’s work is not without<br />

controversy. After beating out compatriot<br />

Toyo Ito to replace Zaha Hadid in <strong>the</strong><br />

design and construction of Tokyo’s<br />

National Stadium for <strong>the</strong> upcoming 2020<br />

Olympics – already a controversial act on<br />

<strong>the</strong> part of <strong>the</strong> Japanese government – <strong>the</strong><br />

government was <strong>the</strong>n accused of using<br />

precious tropical woods dubiously sourced<br />

<strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> last remaining rainforests of<br />

Sarawak for concrete moulds. This not<br />

only contradicted Tokyo 2020’s vision of<br />

hosting <strong>the</strong> greenest games ever and <strong>the</strong><br />

Olympic authority’s Sustainable Sourcing<br />

Code for Timber, it went against Kuma’s<br />

own ideals regarding people, nature and<br />

sustainability.<br />

Yet through it all, <strong>the</strong> brickbats and<br />

bouquets, Kuma is a studied man, his<br />

responses measured, his thoughts carefully<br />

considered, his outlook humble. In a<br />

<strong>Jan</strong>uary 2017 interview with architecture<br />

and design website Dezeen.com, Kuma<br />

openly admitted to being embarrassed by<br />

some of his buildings. He needn’t be.<br />

For all his protestations against<br />

architectural icons and <strong>the</strong>ir grandeur,<br />

Kuma has honed a distinct style, one that<br />

is quiet but no less effective or evocative.<br />

His is not about a cult of personality. In<br />

this modern age of Instagram fame, inyour-face<br />

self-promotion and celebrity<br />

you name it, footballer, chef, architect …<br />

Kengo Kuma lets you come to his work<br />

softly, like a true master.<br />

47 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


PROPERTY<br />

NEWS<br />

TROPICANA CORPORATION ACHIEVES<br />

TOP RANKING<br />

TROPICANA CORPORATION IS THE<br />

CONSUMERS' FAVOURITE<br />

TROPICANA SURPRIZE UPSIZE<br />

A MAGICAL SURPRIZE @ TROPICANA<br />

HEIGHTS<br />

BIG BOOST FOR TROPICANA IN Q3<br />

Prestigious. Award-winning.<br />

Quality. Innovative. High<br />

capital appreciation.<br />

These are just some of <strong>the</strong><br />

signatures of <strong>the</strong> property<br />

projects undertaken by<br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> Corporation<br />

Berhad. The following pages<br />

showcase some novel and<br />

stunning residential and<br />

commercial developments<br />

as fur<strong>the</strong>r testament to<br />

<strong>the</strong> organisation’s flair in<br />

this industry. <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />

Corporation hopes to create<br />

a more compassionate and<br />

supportive community,<br />

especially within its<br />

circles of influence. As<br />

a responsible developer,<br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> Corporation<br />

continues to deliver on its<br />

responsibility to give back<br />

to society by supporting<br />

various charitable<br />

causes and participating<br />

in celebrations and<br />

community events.


PROPERTY NEWS | NEWS<br />

TROPICANA CORPORATION<br />

ACHIEVES TOP RANKING<br />

The Edge Malaysia Top Property<br />

Developers Awards honours ten of<br />

Malaysia's best property leaders<br />

each year; <strong>Tropicana</strong> is proud to be<br />

selected once again for 2017.<br />

TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> Corporation was ranked<br />

10th Top Property Developer in<br />

Malaysia at The Edge Malaysia<br />

Property Excellence Awards<br />

2017. The award was presented<br />

at a gala dinner at <strong>the</strong> Grand Hyatt Kuala<br />

Lumpur, with more than 450 real estate players<br />

and experts in attendance.<br />

In his speech, The Edge Media Group<br />

publisher and group CEO Ho Kay Tat noted<br />

that <strong>the</strong> objective of The Edge Property<br />

Excellence Awards (TEPEA) is to recognise<br />

and celebrate excellence in <strong>the</strong> real estate<br />

industry, starting with <strong>the</strong> ranking of <strong>the</strong><br />

country’s top property companies which<br />

have shown consistent financial strength and<br />

delivered quality products to <strong>the</strong>ir customers<br />

to be used as home or investment assets.<br />

“We wanted to set a benchmark to<br />

50<br />

guide homebuyers and investors, and in<br />

<strong>the</strong> process, we believe it has also become a<br />

benchmark for property companies too. The<br />

end result has led to <strong>the</strong> overall improvement<br />

of <strong>the</strong> industry,” he said.<br />

The Edge Malaysia Top Property<br />

Developers Awards, <strong>the</strong> anchor of TEPEA,<br />

recognises Malaysia’s best property players<br />

based on <strong>the</strong>ir quantitative and qualitative<br />

attributes. The ranking is based on <strong>the</strong><br />

conviction that <strong>the</strong> quantitative attributes of<br />

a developer alone are not sufficient to earn<br />

<strong>the</strong> title of an outstanding player. In short,<br />

a developer is not judged solely on how<br />

profitable it is, or <strong>the</strong> number of homes it<br />

builds and sells each year. This is imperative<br />

because Malaysian property buyers are<br />

becoming more discerning and demanding<br />

in terms of quality and innovation.


NEWS | PROPERTY NEWS<br />

People’s Choice Award<br />

TROPICANA CORPORATION BERHAD<br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> is recognized and awarded with 5 highly-acclaimed<br />

award categories this year at <strong>the</strong> iProperty Development<br />

Excellence Awards (iDEA) based on marketing, value creation,<br />

innovation, potential capital appreciation and sustainability.<br />

TROPICANA CORPORATION IS THE<br />

CONSUMERS' FAVOURITE<br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> Corporation was voted <strong>the</strong> ‘People’s Choice’<br />

at The iProperty Development Excellence Awards<br />

2017. This special award category is a consumer choice<br />

award, selected by <strong>the</strong> Malaysian audience through<br />

an online voting process. Winners and finalists are<br />

recognised for <strong>the</strong>ir best efforts in brand building and<br />

project marketing efforts.<br />

This year at iDEA, hundreds of developments across<br />

Malaysia were evaluated and only those that met <strong>the</strong> criteria<br />

identified were invited to be judged by an acclaimed panel<br />

of advisors comprising some esteemed industry players.<br />

iDEA is organised by iProperty.com Malaysia with<br />

an advisory panel consisting of real estate professionals.<br />

iDEA recognises and awards <strong>the</strong> industry’s best with<br />

15 highly-acclaimed award categories, selected by<br />

<strong>the</strong> judges and consumers. A panel of eight experts<br />

<strong>from</strong> various fields related to <strong>the</strong> property industry<br />

select finalists and winners based on marketing,<br />

value creation, innovation, concepts, potential capital<br />

appreciation, sustainability and more.<br />

51 JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> | TM


PROPERTY NEWS | NEWS<br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong><br />

Surprize Upsize<br />

winners were<br />

delighted to<br />

have walked<br />

away with<br />

a RM80,000<br />

interior design<br />

package, and<br />

<strong>the</strong> Grand<br />

Prize winner<br />

received a free<br />

upsize to a<br />

bigger home.<br />

TROPICANA SURPRIZE UPSIZE<br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> Corporation Bhd launched a new campaign<br />

called <strong>Tropicana</strong> Surprize Upsize. The campaign offered<br />

home buyers an opportunity to win a free upsize on a house<br />

purchased across six properties located in <strong>Tropicana</strong>’s<br />

signature townships and developments in <strong>the</strong> Klang Valley.<br />

Properties include high-rise apartments, serviced<br />

residences, and landed homes in <strong>Tropicana</strong> Gardens (Kota<br />

Damansara), <strong>Tropicana</strong> Heights (Kajang), <strong>Tropicana</strong> Aman<br />

(Kota Kemuning), and <strong>Tropicana</strong> Metropark (Subang<br />

Jaya). The campaign ran online <strong>from</strong> 11 November to 22<br />

December.<br />

Ung Lay Ting, senior executive director of Marketing<br />

and Sales said following <strong>the</strong> success of <strong>the</strong>ir ‘Just Bid It’<br />

digital campaign in 2016, <strong>the</strong> engagement and awareness<br />

of <strong>the</strong> company’s townships and developments have grown<br />

tremendously.<br />

“More excitingly, our annual campaigns have<br />

developed a strong following and fanbase. Hence, <strong>the</strong><br />

‘<strong>Tropicana</strong> Surprize Upsize’ is a much-awaited campaign<br />

ideated to meet <strong>the</strong> demands of <strong>the</strong> public and our home<br />

buyers. We always go all-out to be different. This year, we<br />

aim to introduce a campaign that is not only engaging, but<br />

addresses purchasers’ needs and wants,” he added.<br />

To be eligible for <strong>the</strong> promotion, participants had<br />

to purchase a <strong>Tropicana</strong> property during <strong>the</strong> campaign<br />

period which also gave <strong>the</strong>m a chance to win an interior<br />

design package worth RM80,000 each. The winners were<br />

announced during a live draw at <strong>the</strong> end of December 2017.<br />

“We see <strong>the</strong> concept of an upsize or upgrade across<br />

various industries, <strong>from</strong> fast-food and hotel stays to<br />

flight tickets. We are proud to be <strong>the</strong> first property<br />

developer to offer <strong>the</strong> opportunity for our purchasers to<br />

upsize <strong>the</strong>ir home.<br />

TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

52


NEWS | PROPERTY NEWS<br />

A MAGICAL SURPRIZE @ TROPICANA HEIGHTS<br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> Heights went all out with activities to entice<br />

families to take part in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Tropicana</strong> Surprize Upsize<br />

contest. Visitors to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Tropicana</strong> Heights Properties on<br />

November 25 and 26 were treated to a mesmerising magic<br />

show and carnival. Activities such as sand art, a giant bubble<br />

magic show, juggling clowns, photo booths, popcorn and<br />

cotton candy as well as ice cream were just some of <strong>the</strong><br />

treats enjoyed on <strong>the</strong>se two days. There were even amazing<br />

prizes such as a Samsung Galaxy Tab S3, Samsung Note 8,<br />

iPhone 8 Plus, iPad Pro, or an Apple Watch! up for grabs.<br />

It was a fun-filled weekend amidst a scenic environment.<br />

A day of christmas wonder for families at <strong>Tropicana</strong> Height's 199-<br />

acre FREEHOLD master plan development.<br />

53 JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> | TM


PROPERTY NEWS | NEWS<br />

above are artists impressions <strong>from</strong><br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> Corporation Berhad's<br />

expanding portfolio of developments.<br />

BIG BOOST FOR TROPICANA IN Q3<br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> Corporation Berhad has<br />

announced its unaudited financial results<br />

for <strong>the</strong> third quarter ending 30 September<br />

2017. Q3 has higher progress billings<br />

<strong>from</strong> development projects which has<br />

boosted <strong>the</strong> Group’s revenue of RM463.5<br />

million. This is a positive rise of 29.8<br />

per cent compared to <strong>the</strong> corresponding<br />

quarter last year. For <strong>the</strong> first nine<br />

months, <strong>Tropicana</strong>’s revenue increased by<br />

28.7 per cent, registering RM1.3 billion<br />

compared to RM1.0 billion previously.<br />

The increase was mainly contributed by<br />

higher revenue recognition as a result of<br />

an increase in <strong>the</strong> progress of development<br />

works in <strong>the</strong> Klang Valley and nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />

region. The Group’s PBT increased by<br />

39.4 per cent <strong>from</strong> RM127.3 million to<br />

RM177.5 million, and net profit rose 46.4<br />

per cent to RM125.2 million against <strong>the</strong><br />

corresponding period last year. While<br />

<strong>the</strong> short-term prospects for <strong>the</strong> industry<br />

are expected to remain challenging, <strong>the</strong><br />

Group is confident that it will continue<br />

to demonstrate its resilience moving<br />

forward. This is backed by RM1.9 billion<br />

of unbilled sales, which will contribute<br />

strongly to <strong>the</strong> Group’s earnings over <strong>the</strong><br />

next few years. <br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> plans to fur<strong>the</strong>r streng<strong>the</strong>n its<br />

brand presence and maximise shareholders’<br />

value by unlocking <strong>the</strong> value of its 898.6<br />

acres of land bank with a potential gross<br />

development value of RM42.8 billion.<br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> has declared a first interim<br />

single-tier dividend of 2.0 sen per share<br />

to date.<br />

TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

54


NEWS | THE SWING<br />

OAKLEY<br />

Trillbe TM X Sunglasses<br />

www.oakley.com<br />

GALVIN GREEN<br />

Stella Golf Cap<br />

www.galvingreen.com<br />

TITLEIST<br />

Year of <strong>the</strong> Dog Pro V1<br />

and V1x Golf Balls with<br />

88 Play Numbers<br />

www.titleist.com<br />

Geared<br />

Up<br />

Storm <strong>the</strong> fairway and<br />

roam <strong>the</strong> course with<br />

<strong>the</strong>se golf must-haves.<br />

Callaway<br />

OptiColour Gloves<br />

www.callawaygolf.com<br />

OGIO<br />

Ogio Silencer Cart Bag<br />

www.ogio.com<br />

PUMA<br />

Ignite Disc Extreme Golf Shoes<br />

www.cobrapuma.com<br />

Curated by Sharmini M.Rethinasamy<br />

GALVIN GREEN<br />

Maxine Ladies Ventil 8<br />

Plus Skorts<br />

www.galvingreen.com<br />

PUMA<br />

Volition Asym Road<br />

Map Polo<br />

www.cobrapuma.com<br />

55 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE SWING<br />

Tee in<br />

China<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

56


THE SWING<br />

Golf in China is a growing industry with numerous clubs being established.<br />

We uncover five stellar courses to whet your appetite.<br />

WORDS by<br />

Sharmini M.Rethinasamy<br />

The Dunes,<br />

Shenzhou<br />

Province<br />

57 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE SWING<br />

olf in China attracts foreign investment and<br />

golfers who come <strong>from</strong> as far as Australia to play<br />

given <strong>the</strong> country’s inexpensive fees. The courses<br />

here have become renowned for <strong>the</strong>ir worldclass<br />

facilities and design, and it should come as<br />

no surprise that it is <strong>the</strong> location of choice for<br />

major tournaments: <strong>the</strong> WGC-HSBC Champions<br />

in Shanghai; <strong>the</strong> TCL Classic on Hainan Island; <strong>the</strong> Volvo<br />

China Open; and <strong>the</strong> BMW Asian Open. Amongst <strong>the</strong><br />

country’s most successful golfers are Zhang Lianwei and<br />

Liang Wen-Chong.<br />

There are currently about 500 golf courses in China,<br />

<strong>the</strong> first of which was constructed in 1984. Mission Hills<br />

is one of <strong>the</strong> leading firms owning courses around <strong>the</strong><br />

country. Its Mission Hills Golf Club near Shenzhen has 12<br />

courses, making it <strong>the</strong> world’s largest golfing complex. We<br />

list some links that are at <strong>the</strong> top of our list:<br />

1. The Dunes, Shenzhou Province<br />

Regarded as one of China’s top golf courses, The<br />

Dunes is located in Wanning, Hainan Island, in<br />

South China. This golf complex was fashioned by<br />

Tom Weiskopf and his design associate Phil Smith.<br />

There are two 18-hole golf courses – West and East –<br />

which were formerly used as an old watermelon farm.<br />

These predominantly Links-styled layouts test your<br />

golfing skills throughout your game. With massive<br />

dunes, local indigenous plant species combined with<br />

unparalleled breathtaking views, each hole provides<br />

a different experience. With many bunkers and tight<br />

fairways, The Dunes will play fast and long with ocean<br />

winds posing a challenge to any player’s strategy. Both<br />

courses are routed, in part, along <strong>the</strong> South China Sea<br />

and feature holes that touch pristine bays and beaches<br />

providing <strong>the</strong> finest golfing experience in <strong>the</strong> region.<br />

2. Spring City Golf & Lake Resort<br />

This premier integrated golf resort located in Kunming<br />

comprises of two championship golf courses: <strong>the</strong><br />

Mountain Course designed by Jack Nicklaus; and <strong>the</strong><br />

Lake Course by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The courses have<br />

been bestowed over 70 world-class awards since <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

inception in 1998. The Mountain Course has a natural<br />

undulated terrain coupled with challenging side hills<br />

and elevated greens and tees to provide hours of golf<br />

strategising. The natural beauty of this course amidst<br />

beautiful native pines, rocky outcrops and <strong>the</strong> stunning<br />

view of Yang Zonghai Lake provide a gorgeous backdrop<br />

to golfing challenges. The Signature Hole 8, Par 3 and<br />

<strong>the</strong> world famous Hole 18, Par 4 will definitely provide<br />

inspiration to <strong>the</strong> discerning golfer. The Lake Course,<br />

sprawled along <strong>the</strong> scenic Yang Zonghai Lake, is an<br />

invigorating play. The course steps down to <strong>the</strong> lake in a<br />

series of terraces and palisades providing a combination<br />

of spellbinding view and a challenging round of golf at<br />

<strong>the</strong> same time. The Signature Hole 8, Par 3 is deceptive,<br />

challenging and unforgiving.<br />

3. Mission Hills, Shenzhen<br />

Mission Hills is China’s highest rated golf and leisure<br />

resort, and <strong>the</strong> world’s largest golf club according to <strong>the</strong><br />

Guinness Book of World Records. This golf complex<br />

features seven out of twelve 18-hole championship<br />

courses by Mission Hills in China designed by golf’s<br />

greatest legends and architects. The historic World<br />

Cup of Golf in 1995 was China’s first-ever international<br />

golf tournament held at <strong>the</strong> World Course. This course<br />

was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is heralded as one<br />

of <strong>the</strong> ten most significant and influential courses of<br />

<strong>the</strong> last 20 years, providing one of Asia’s best golfing<br />

experiences. Vijay Singh’s course includes a 150-yard<br />

beach bunker on <strong>the</strong> Par 4 third hole and <strong>the</strong> green<br />

complex at <strong>the</strong> Par 5 10th which is literally perched<br />

atop a rock wall. The Ozaki Course offers elevated tees<br />

and fairways flanked by naturally occurring slopes.<br />

Large areas of turf and wide fairways are punctuated by<br />

strategic bunkering.<br />

“The Mountain Course has a<br />

natural undulated terrain<br />

coupled with challenging<br />

side hills and elevated<br />

greens and tees to provide<br />

hours of golf strategising.”<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

58


THE SWING<br />

Spring City Golf<br />

& Lake Resort<br />

Jinshi<br />

Golf Club<br />

Mission Hills,<br />

Shenzhen<br />

59 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE SWING<br />

Jade Dragon Snow<br />

Mountain Golf Club<br />

The Faldo Course is China’s first ‘stadium course’<br />

featuring <strong>the</strong> region’s only island green at <strong>the</strong> Par 3<br />

16th. The 16th hole and drivable Par 4 15th are two<br />

of Asia’s most exciting holes. The Els Course follows a<br />

unique ‘core’ layout in which no two holes run parallel.<br />

The Zhang Lianwei was designed by <strong>the</strong> first Chinese<br />

golfer to compete in <strong>the</strong> Masters. It features design<br />

elements and green complexes borrowed <strong>from</strong> many of<br />

<strong>the</strong> world’s most famous golf venues and presents an<br />

ideal setting to introduce beginners to <strong>the</strong> game. The<br />

Peter Dye Course presents golfers an opportunity to<br />

encounter small pot bunkers, long tee to green waste<br />

areas, railroad ties used as sleepers and walkway steps<br />

framed by tall, native grasses to provide a sharp, visual<br />

contrast.<br />

4. Jinshi Golf Club<br />

Dalian Jinshi Golf Club, also known as Dalian Golden<br />

Pebble Beach Golf Club, was established in 1995. It is<br />

known as <strong>the</strong> waterfront golf course because it is located<br />

near <strong>the</strong> Huanghai Sea waterfront in <strong>the</strong> east. The Divine<br />

Tortoise Course is an 18 hole, Par 72 course with a<br />

beautiful coastal landscape and unique hill features with<br />

paths built along <strong>the</strong> seashore. Some greens are built on<br />

top of <strong>the</strong> hill, and some teeing grounds and greens are<br />

separated by a bay. All <strong>the</strong> greens are located at <strong>the</strong> head<br />

of <strong>the</strong> sea, which makes <strong>the</strong> golfing incomparably exciting.<br />

It’s no wonder it is listed in <strong>the</strong> world’s top ten courses.<br />

“It’s no wonder it is listed in <strong>the</strong><br />

world’s top ten courses. Fairway 7,<br />

also known as <strong>the</strong> ‘Devil Fairway’,<br />

is <strong>the</strong> most challenging one and<br />

has gained a reputation as Fairway<br />

Number One in <strong>the</strong> world.”<br />

Fairway 7, also known as <strong>the</strong> ‘Devil Fairway’, is <strong>the</strong> most<br />

challenging and has gained a reputation as Fairway<br />

Number One in <strong>the</strong> world.<br />

5. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club<br />

The Jade Dragon Golf Club is currently <strong>the</strong> longest<br />

regulation Par 72, 18-hole golf course in <strong>the</strong> world, earning<br />

it a place in <strong>the</strong> Guinness Book of World Records. The<br />

course ‘plays’ to a more traditional 7000 yards thanks to <strong>the</strong><br />

effect of <strong>the</strong> altitude – at 10,000 feet above sea level, <strong>the</strong> ball<br />

travels some 20 per cent fur<strong>the</strong>r. Set in a beautiful valley<br />

at <strong>the</strong> base of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, <strong>the</strong> course<br />

was designed with on-site input <strong>from</strong> China’s number one<br />

golfer, Zhang Lian Wei. Three of <strong>the</strong> four Par 3s measure<br />

more than 260 yards and <strong>the</strong> shortest one is 236 yards long!<br />

This club offers <strong>the</strong> shortest Par 4 at 436 long and <strong>the</strong> fifth<br />

Par 5 plays to 711 yards, which is <strong>the</strong> longest Par 5 in <strong>the</strong><br />

world.<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

60


THE TIME | NEWS<br />

Chasing<br />

Time<br />

Baume & Mercier honors racing legend<br />

Burt Munro<br />

www.baume-et-mercier.com<br />

Unveiled in Milan in November 2017 at<br />

EICMA, <strong>the</strong> world’s most important motorcycle<br />

show, Baume & Mercier’s Clifton Club Burt<br />

Munro Tribute Limited Edition celebrates a<br />

hero of speed, while at <strong>the</strong> same time christening<br />

<strong>the</strong> new partnership with <strong>the</strong> Indian Motorcycle<br />

Company.<br />

The watch takes its name <strong>from</strong> Burt<br />

Munro, <strong>the</strong> record-breaking daredevil rider,<br />

immortalised in <strong>the</strong> 2006 film ‘The World’s<br />

Fastest Indian’ and starring Anthony Hopkins.<br />

Obsessed with speed, Munro spent 40 years<br />

modifying his 1920 Indian Scout using basic<br />

tools and engine parts made <strong>from</strong> salvaged<br />

metal. Following repeated visits to <strong>the</strong> famed<br />

Bonneville Salt flats in Utah testing out<br />

<strong>the</strong> limits of his bike, <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>n 68-year-old<br />

grandfa<strong>the</strong>r eventually set <strong>the</strong> under 1000cc<br />

record speed of 184.087 mph (296.11 km/h), a<br />

record that still stands today.<br />

Paying tribute to this 50th anniversary,<br />

Baume & Mercier’s Clifton Club Burt Munro<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

62


NEWS | THE TIME<br />

Three o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

chronographs<br />

to covet<br />

Mido Multifort Special<br />

Edition Chronograph (Orange)<br />

www.midowatches.com<br />

Rolex Oyster Sea Diver<br />

www.rolex.com<br />

Tribute Limited Edition has been designed<br />

to capture <strong>the</strong> iconic spirit of America’s First<br />

Motorcycle Company, and celebrating <strong>the</strong><br />

grit, determination and sheer passion of an<br />

extraordinary man.<br />

Limited to 1967 pieces, to recall <strong>the</strong> year that<br />

Burt Munro set his iconic record, <strong>the</strong> limited<br />

edition automatic features <strong>the</strong> number 35 –<br />

Munro’s lucky number – writ large in yellow in<br />

<strong>the</strong> chronograph seconds counter, an “Indian<br />

Red” calfskin strap to evoke <strong>the</strong> deep vermillion<br />

of <strong>the</strong> Indian Motorcycle Company, and a dial<br />

in a silver-colored with sandblasted and snailed<br />

finished to mimic <strong>the</strong> surface of <strong>the</strong> Bonneville<br />

Salt Flats. In addition <strong>the</strong> counterbalance of <strong>the</strong><br />

chronograph seconds hand is <strong>the</strong> immediately<br />

recognizable Indian “I”; <strong>the</strong> 44mm stainless steel<br />

case has a tachymeter scale on <strong>the</strong> bezel with <strong>the</strong><br />

record 184 mph, highlighted on it; and on <strong>the</strong><br />

back, <strong>the</strong> famous Indian Headdress logo of <strong>the</strong><br />

Indian Motorcycle Company is engraved, as well<br />

as <strong>the</strong> number of <strong>the</strong> limited edition.<br />

Victorinox INOX<br />

Professional Diver<br />

www.victorinox.com<br />

63 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE LOOK | HOT OFF THE RUNWAY<br />

Twirls<br />

of Thrill<br />

A quirky touch to <strong>the</strong> traditional<br />

qi pao ensemble.<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

64


HOT OFF THE RUNWAY | THE LOOK<br />

Oriental<br />

Cravings<br />

Hints of eastern charm for<br />

this New Year.<br />

Curated by Sharmini M.Rethinasamy<br />

65 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE LOOK | HOT OFF THE RUNWAY<br />

A Brush<br />

of Colour<br />

Arty yet functional must-have!<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

66


HOT OFF THE RUNWAY | THE LOOK<br />

Cruise<br />

Control<br />

Turn up <strong>the</strong> heat in tropical wear.<br />

Curated by Sharmini M.Rethinasamy<br />

67 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE LOOK | HOT OFF THE RUNWAY<br />

Arm Candy<br />

Fashion's favourite accessory that never goes out of date.<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

68


HOT OFF THE RUNWAY | THE LOOK<br />

Lilac Lust<br />

The must-have colour for this season!<br />

Curated by Sharmini M.Rethinasamy<br />

69 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


FASHION FEATURE<br />

The Allure<br />

of The<br />

Cheongsam<br />

From swinging Shanghai to Suzie Wong, <strong>the</strong> slit skirt cheongsam<br />

has been thrust into modern, popular fashion consciousness.<br />

WORDS by Jean Knill<br />

Wardrobe by Khoon hooi<br />

The current incarnation of <strong>the</strong> Chinese Cheongsam adorns lovely<br />

women <strong>the</strong> world over. The name evokes a vision of willowy, modellike<br />

beauties clad in figure-hugging, shiny fabric, buttoned up on <strong>the</strong><br />

right, with high mandarin collars and sexy slit skirts.<br />

It hasn’t always been like that. The garment originated in nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />

China in <strong>the</strong> 17th century, <strong>the</strong> time of <strong>the</strong> Manchu rulers. The straight up<br />

and down, long dress with sleeves was first worn by women and later also by<br />

men. By <strong>the</strong> middle of <strong>the</strong> century, wearing it was <strong>the</strong> law, with execution<br />

<strong>the</strong> penalty for not conforming. Its name was different too. They called it a<br />

qipao, a word still used in <strong>the</strong> north of China, while people in <strong>the</strong> south call<br />

it by <strong>the</strong> name recognised in <strong>the</strong> western world – <strong>the</strong> cheongsam.<br />

Qipao means banner dress, and <strong>the</strong> origin of this name is political.<br />

The Manchu were all Banner People who were placed in an administrative<br />

system based on Eight Banners. The banners depict Chinese dragons on<br />

four different coloured backgrounds, with or without borders. Their nature<br />

was hierarchical, with <strong>the</strong> plain yellow, <strong>the</strong> bordered yellow and <strong>the</strong> plain<br />

white banners at <strong>the</strong> top of <strong>the</strong> tree, and initially under <strong>the</strong> direction of <strong>the</strong><br />

Emperor. Originally set up to form armies, <strong>the</strong>y later took on administrative<br />

duties and became <strong>the</strong> basis of a society made up of Manchus, Han Chinese<br />

and Mongols. Hence, <strong>the</strong>ir national costume was called a banner dress.<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

70


FASHION FEATURE<br />

As usual with everything Chinese, <strong>the</strong><br />

qipao has a legend attached to it. High in <strong>the</strong><br />

mountains in <strong>the</strong> north of <strong>the</strong> country lies <strong>the</strong><br />

wondrous Jingbo Lake, which was formed when<br />

volcanic eruptions dammed <strong>the</strong> Mudanjiang<br />

River. It was here that a lowly fisher girl lived<br />

in <strong>the</strong> time of <strong>the</strong> Manchu. She had brains as<br />

well as beauty, and when she found her long<br />

skirt hampering her work, she made herself<br />

a dress with slits so that <strong>the</strong> skirts could be<br />

looped up when necessary.<br />

Meanwhile, <strong>the</strong> ruling emperor dreamed<br />

of making <strong>the</strong> beautiful fisher girl <strong>from</strong> Jingbo<br />

Lake his queen. He sent his courtiers to search<br />

for her and bring her to him. Of course <strong>the</strong>y<br />

immediately fell in love, and <strong>the</strong> new queen<br />

brought her slit-skirted qipao to <strong>the</strong> palace of<br />

<strong>the</strong> emperor. So <strong>the</strong> ladies of <strong>the</strong> court all had<br />

to follow this new fashion.<br />

Traditionally <strong>the</strong> fabric used in <strong>the</strong> qipao,<br />

or cheongsam, was decorated with symbolic<br />

emblems. The Emperor always had a dragon<br />

facing outwards, while some of his courtiers<br />

wore dragons facing inwards, or dragons in<br />

profile. The Empress might also have a dragon<br />

motif, while o<strong>the</strong>r female members of <strong>the</strong><br />

imperial household would have <strong>the</strong> phoenix as<br />

<strong>the</strong> emblem on <strong>the</strong>ir qipao. O<strong>the</strong>r birds would<br />

decorate <strong>the</strong> gowns of lesser members so that a<br />

hierarchy was visible to all.<br />

71 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


FASHION FEATURE<br />

“While <strong>the</strong><br />

communist<br />

revolution of 1949<br />

paused <strong>the</strong> fashion<br />

developments in<br />

China for a while,<br />

refugees brought<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir clothing out<br />

of <strong>the</strong> country.”<br />

The common people might choose a flower<br />

symbol. The peony – China’s national flower –<br />

symbolises affluence and prosperity; <strong>the</strong> lotus,<br />

purity and loveliness; <strong>the</strong> chrysan<strong>the</strong>mum,<br />

longevity. Fish are also believed to bring<br />

prosperity. All <strong>the</strong>se were common designs for<br />

<strong>the</strong> material of <strong>the</strong>ir garments.<br />

When <strong>the</strong> qipao became popular in <strong>the</strong><br />

south, it was given <strong>the</strong> name cheongsam which<br />

simply means long dress in Cantonese. The<br />

qipao/cheongsam migrated south through<br />

China in <strong>the</strong> 20th century. By <strong>the</strong> 1920s, it<br />

was popular all over <strong>the</strong> country. It was also<br />

changing and becoming more like <strong>the</strong> close<br />

fitting, shorter version we recognize today.<br />

But it always retained <strong>the</strong> main features of <strong>the</strong><br />

high mandarin collar and slitted skirt, and<br />

usually <strong>the</strong> right side buttoning. In <strong>the</strong> south,<br />

Shanghai became <strong>the</strong> cheongsam capital where<br />

fashion designers promoted <strong>the</strong>m and factories<br />

mass-produced <strong>the</strong>m.<br />

While <strong>the</strong> communist revolution of 1949<br />

paused <strong>the</strong> fashion developments in China for<br />

a while, refugees brought <strong>the</strong>ir clothing out of<br />

<strong>the</strong> country. The style soon became popular<br />

in Hong Kong, Singapore and o<strong>the</strong>r Asian<br />

countries, <strong>from</strong> where it reached Western<br />

fashion designers. Around <strong>the</strong> modern world,<br />

including in China, versions of <strong>the</strong> cheongsam<br />

are now worn for high society occasions, for<br />

party-going and for dressed-up events.<br />

They are also often chosen as uniforms to<br />

give an oriental flavor to services or events.<br />

For example, <strong>the</strong> medal bearers of <strong>the</strong> 2008<br />

Olympics in Beijing wore <strong>the</strong>m, as did some<br />

of <strong>the</strong> participating teams in <strong>the</strong> opening<br />

ceremony. And we would not be surprised to<br />

find those delightful female flight attendants,<br />

on some of <strong>the</strong> eastern airlines, wearing <strong>the</strong>m<br />

as <strong>the</strong>y check seat belts and serve food and<br />

drink. Nor would we blink at a cheongsam-clad<br />

waitress in a Chinese restaurant anywhere in<br />

<strong>the</strong> world.<br />

The cheongsam is now available in many<br />

different versions and <strong>the</strong> average woman<br />

can usually find a type that suits her best.<br />

Different kinds of cheongsam can play up your<br />

best features and play down those you’d prefer<br />

to hide.<br />

For example, you can show off your<br />

beautiful shoulders and back with a cheongsam<br />

halter neck collar and low backed dress.<br />

Alternatively, you can choose between<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

72


FASHION FEATURE<br />

All clothing seen, <strong>from</strong><br />

khoon hooi<br />

sleeveless, short sleeves, or three quarter length<br />

if you want to hide <strong>the</strong> upper arm flabbiness<br />

that comes as we age.<br />

If you have a large behind, buy <strong>the</strong><br />

cheongsam as a top and skirt, and make <strong>the</strong><br />

most of <strong>the</strong> straight skirt with side slits. Get<br />

<strong>the</strong> separates as well if you have a large bust,<br />

choosing a simple top in a single color.<br />

Shorter women should avoid shoulder<br />

pads and overlong skirts. If your shoulders are<br />

broad, select a soft, silky fabric and never wear<br />

shoulder pads. But if you are all over skinny,<br />

choose a heavy brocade with a raised design.<br />

Some cheongsam collars are high, flattering<br />

anyone with a long neck. Those whose necks<br />

are short should seek out a lower collar line.<br />

You can find a cheongsam to suit any<br />

season. Light fabrics like cotton, silk and<br />

poplin suit summer’s warmer days. Satin<br />

and velor will keep you cozy in winter. The<br />

cheongsam even makes a beautiful white<br />

wedding dress, appearing at <strong>the</strong> same time<br />

demure and voluptuous.<br />

There is bound to be an event coming up<br />

in your life that calls for one, and you will feel<br />

beautifully feminine if you choose to wear<br />

your own Chinese Cheongsam.<br />

73 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE LOOK<br />

Eastern prints shine and hit new heights of allure.<br />

From left, on Alyona<br />

Sleeveless cheongsam<br />

in coral Khoon Hooi<br />

Short sleeved<br />

cheongsam in pink<br />

with embroidered motif<br />

Melinda Looi<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

74


THE LOOK<br />

75 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE LOOK<br />

Graphic T-shirt and<br />

A-line brocade skirt<br />

Gucci<br />

Crossbody bag<br />

Mulberry<br />

Faux cheongsam collar<br />

Melinda Looi<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

76


THE LOOK<br />

Multicoloured short sleeved<br />

cheongsam Khoon Hooi<br />

Gold bangle Kate Spade<br />

New York<br />

Lea<strong>the</strong>r handbag Mulberry<br />

Sunglasses Marc Jacobs<br />

77 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE LOOK<br />

Pink sweatshirt and<br />

sun print dress<br />

Paul Smith<br />

Faux cheongsam collar<br />

Melinda Looi<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

78


THE LOOK<br />

On Alyona<br />

Embroidered cheongsam in soft pink<br />

Khoon Hooi<br />

On Ada<br />

Embroidered cheongsam in light<br />

green Khoon Hooi<br />

Sunglasses Dior Homme<br />

Handbag with floral applique<br />

Kate Spade New York<br />

79 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE LOOK<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

80


THE LOOK<br />

Left: Red lace<br />

cheongsam Melinda<br />

Looi<br />

Lea<strong>the</strong>r handbag with<br />

floral applique, gold<br />

earrings Kate Spade<br />

New York<br />

Top: Floral prints silk<br />

cardigan (worn as a<br />

kimono top) and pants<br />

Gucci<br />

Flower earrings and<br />

crossbody bag Kate<br />

Spade New York<br />

Photography Brian Fang (M8 Studio)<br />

ART DIRECTION NOR HAMIMAH ABDULLAH<br />

Styling Voonwei @ The Style Animal<br />

Makeup & Hair Joey Yap<br />

Models Alyona & AdA @ AndrewsModels<br />

81 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE LOOK | KIDS FASHION<br />

Spring<br />

into style<br />

Get fashion savvy with <strong>the</strong> latest trends,<br />

no matter how small you are.<br />

Curated by Sharmini M.Rethinasamy<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

82


KIDS FASHION | THE LOOK<br />

83 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


HEALTH<br />

Eat Your Way To<br />

Great<br />

Health<br />

in<br />

<strong>2018</strong><br />

<strong>Start</strong> <strong>the</strong> New Year on a clean<br />

slate — and plate!<br />

Words by<br />

shereen khoo<br />

Around this time of <strong>the</strong> year, New Year’s resolutions are<br />

set and many of <strong>the</strong> most popular resolutions focus on<br />

living a healthier lifestyle. Let <strong>2018</strong> be a year where<br />

you go fur<strong>the</strong>r with food. Whe<strong>the</strong>r it is to start <strong>the</strong> day off<br />

right with a healthy breakfast or fuelling your body up with<br />

optimum nutrition, <strong>the</strong> foods you choose can make a difference<br />

and positively impact <strong>the</strong> rest of your day. Go back to basics by<br />

filling up your plate with <strong>the</strong> five food groups: Fruits, Vegetables,<br />

Grains, Protein and Dairy products.<br />

TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

84


HEALTH<br />

Fruits<br />

Fruits and vegetables fall into various<br />

colour categories including red, purple/<br />

blue, orange, green and white. The<br />

colour denotes its unique disease fighting<br />

phytochemicals. Therefore, <strong>the</strong> right<br />

way to eat <strong>the</strong>m is to select fruits and<br />

vegetables <strong>from</strong> different colour groups.<br />

The berry family (blueberries, cranberries,<br />

raspberries, strawberries, blackberries)<br />

are particularly rich in vitamin C, fibre<br />

and also a number of potent antioxidants;<br />

<strong>the</strong>refore <strong>the</strong>y are known to be <strong>the</strong> star<br />

performers of <strong>the</strong> fruit family.<br />

According to <strong>the</strong> Malaysian Adult<br />

Nutrition Survey 2014, six out of 10<br />

Malaysian adults consumed fruits below<br />

<strong>the</strong> recommended two servings per day.<br />

This could be due to a lack of awareness of<br />

<strong>the</strong> importance of fruits or perhaps <strong>the</strong> fact<br />

that many fresh fruits have a short shelf<br />

life which leads to wastage. Frozen fruits<br />

are able to retain nutrients and can also be<br />

ano<strong>the</strong>r option to increase fruit intake. Try<br />

incorporating frozen fruits into breakfast<br />

smoothies which will boost your nutrient<br />

intake first thing in <strong>the</strong> morning.<br />

Vegetables<br />

Low fruit and vegetable intake in itself is<br />

among <strong>the</strong> top 10 selected risk factors for<br />

global mortality. It is alarming to find that<br />

<strong>the</strong> same survey also revealed that 81.7<br />

per cent of Malaysian adults consumed<br />

vegetables below <strong>the</strong> recommended<br />

three servings per day. In ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />

survey, it was found that 93.7 per cent of<br />

adolescents consumed vegetables below <strong>the</strong><br />

recommended three servings per day.<br />

Find creative ways to increase<br />

vegetable intake especially when meals are<br />

prepared at home.<br />

• Add chopped onions, spring onions,<br />

green beans or shredded cabbage into<br />

fried noodles.<br />

• Serve vegetable based soups such as<br />

spinach soup or watercress soup as an<br />

appetizer.<br />

• Add tomatoes, shredded carrots or<br />

capsicums into your pasta dish.<br />

• Enhance <strong>the</strong> flavour of your broth<br />

by adding leeks, celery, tomatoes or<br />

carrots.<br />

• Modify recipes of pies or muffins by<br />

adding peas and shredded carrots.<br />

• Add cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes<br />

into sandwiches.<br />

Grains<br />

Grains such as rice, noodles, bread and<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r cereal products provide energy.<br />

Choose unrefined or wholegrain cereals<br />

(e.g. brown rice, wholemeal bread,<br />

wholegrain pasta) for additional benefits<br />

of improving gut health, while helping to<br />

reduce <strong>the</strong> risk of chronic diseases.<br />

Rice is <strong>the</strong> staple food in Malaysia,<br />

just like in o<strong>the</strong>r Asian countries. If rice is<br />

preferred at main meals, choosing black<br />

rice, red rice or purple rice will increase<br />

intake of <strong>the</strong> antioxidant anthocyanins<br />

compared to white or brown rice. Ready to<br />

forgo rice and try o<strong>the</strong>r alternatives? Swap<br />

your rice with quinoa or amaranth for<br />

more fibre and protein. Quinoa also serves<br />

as a better source of iron and magnesium<br />

than brown rice and <strong>the</strong>se minerals help<br />

you to build red blood cells and maintain<br />

healthy bone tissue.<br />

85 JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> | TM


HEALTH<br />

Dairy<br />

Milk is a nutritious food with a variety of<br />

essential nutrients, including calcium. Milk<br />

and milk products are recommended to be<br />

taken one to three times per day. Getting<br />

sufficient calcium <strong>from</strong> childhood through<br />

adulthood helps build strong bones and<br />

reduce <strong>the</strong> risk of osteoporosis later in life.<br />

• <strong>Start</strong> your day with milk by adding<br />

low-fat high calcium milk into your<br />

morning cereal or oatmeal.<br />

• If you are a coffee drinker, have café au<br />

lait instead of a latte as <strong>the</strong> former uses<br />

more milk.<br />

• Having trouble falling asleep? Try<br />

a glass of milk before bedtime.<br />

Tryptophan, a naturally occurring<br />

amino acid found in milk protein has<br />

relaxing and calming properties.<br />

• Replace sweetened condensed milk and<br />

sweetened condensed filled milk with<br />

unsweetened or powdered milk.<br />

Protein<br />

Protein is made up of smaller units known<br />

as amino acids. There are nine essential<br />

amino acids that cannot be made by <strong>the</strong><br />

body and must be obtained <strong>from</strong> food.<br />

Omnivores are likely to receive ‘complete<br />

proteins’ containing all essential amino<br />

acids by eating meat, poultry, fish or eggs.<br />

Many plant-based proteins on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

hand, are incomplete proteins because <strong>the</strong>y<br />

provide some but not all essential amino<br />

acids. But here is a piece of good news<br />

for those who adopt a vegetarian diet.<br />

Unlike o<strong>the</strong>r vegetarian sources of protein,<br />

edamame, a Japanese food favourite,<br />

contains all nine essential amino acids that<br />

<strong>the</strong> body requires but cannot manufacture<br />

on its own. Include steamed or boiled<br />

edamame served lightly salted as part of a<br />

varied diet or even as a form of a healthy<br />

snack to provide your body with wellrounded<br />

nutrition.<br />

Spices and Herbs<br />

Last but not least, spices and herbs may<br />

be used as a seasoning to replace and<br />

reduce salt intake and improve health.<br />

This offers an advantage because most<br />

spices and herbs have a particularly high<br />

antioxidant content, even in its dried form<br />

as <strong>the</strong> drying process leaves most of <strong>the</strong><br />

antioxidants intact in <strong>the</strong> end product.<br />

Although spices and herbs contribute<br />

little weight in a meal, <strong>the</strong>y may still be<br />

important contributors to our antioxidant<br />

intake, especially when used regularly.<br />

TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

86


MAKE FITNESS<br />

YOUR LIFESTYLE<br />

TM<br />

PRESENT THIS TO ANY OF OUR CLUBS & RECEIVE A 3-DAY EXPERIENCE PASS *<br />

* Terms & Conditions Apply.


HEALTH | NEWS<br />

Wellness From Within<br />

Chateau Spa and Organic Wellness Resorts recently released its La Therapie Culinaire<br />

dining concept at its French fine dining restaurant, L’assiette, comprised of seven new<br />

menus inspired by guests’ requests for dining options that meet special dietary needs. The<br />

new menus are designed to improve heart health, cleanse <strong>the</strong> body, offer low glycemic<br />

index food choices (for diabetic diets), and provide a balance of antioxidants, proteins,<br />

vitamins and minerals.<br />

The Chateau Spa & Organic Wellness Resort<br />

Berjaya Hills, KM48 Persimpangan Bertingkat,<br />

Karak Highway, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang<br />

Tel: 09-221 3888<br />

www.<strong>the</strong>chateau.com.my<br />

Alpine Escapes<br />

Visitors at <strong>the</strong> recently opened Aman<br />

Le Mélézin Resort in <strong>the</strong> French Alps<br />

can now enjoy sublime relaxation at<br />

<strong>the</strong> resort’s new 767-square metre spa.<br />

The first of <strong>the</strong> spa’s two spacious floors<br />

will house five treatment rooms with<br />

two double suites, a signature Thai<br />

massage suite, a hammam bath, and a<br />

well-equipped yoga studio. The second<br />

floor offers experiential showers, a cold<br />

plunge pool, a relaxation lounge, a sauna<br />

and a Capri-stone hammam.<br />

www.aman.com/resorts/aman-le-melezin<br />

A Merry Little New Year<br />

Rest and relaxation marks <strong>the</strong> start of <strong>the</strong> New<br />

Year at <strong>the</strong> beachfront Four Seasons Jimbaran<br />

Bay Resort, where guests can get a fabulous<br />

new hairstyle with celebrity hair stylist Eric<br />

Rosado or feel <strong>the</strong>ir tiredness ebb away with a<br />

pampering pedicure, a hot stone yoga session<br />

or a cutting-edge transdermal facial <strong>from</strong><br />

now till 10 <strong>Jan</strong>uary. Meanwhile, travellers<br />

at <strong>the</strong> riverside Four Seasons Sayan Retreat<br />

can expect traditional wellness and massage<br />

<strong>the</strong>rapies up to 7 <strong>Jan</strong>uary, and revisit <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

childhood with a ‘sacred nap’ in a suspended<br />

silk cocoon on New Year’s Day.<br />

www.fourseasons.com/Bali<br />

WORDS by tania jayathilaka<br />

TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

88


THE COOKBOOK<br />

NobuA Byword<br />

Nobu has an empire of nearly 40 restaurants and hotels with film<br />

star, Robert De Niro. Meet <strong>the</strong> man whose name and skills have<br />

made him a force to be reckoned with in Japanese cuisine.<br />

for Japanese<br />

Cuisine<br />

Words by Nick Curtis/The Times/The Interview PeopleI<br />

meet <strong>the</strong> world’s best-known Japanese chef, Nobu Matsuhisa, during his<br />

"Do I ever argue with<br />

Robert De Niro? Yes, it’s<br />

like a marriage."<br />

fleeting visit to Britain amid a typically jet-setting week. A compact, genial<br />

figure with cropped grey hair and smooth burnished skin, <strong>the</strong> 68-year-old<br />

has a punishing schedule supervising <strong>the</strong> global empire that he runs with his<br />

business partner Robert De Niro. It encompasses more than 30 restaurants and<br />

seven hotels serving a modern version of Japanese cuisine and hospitality to <strong>the</strong> rich<br />

and famous <strong>from</strong> Los Angeles to London, Beijing to Budapest, and Kuala Lumpur<br />

to Qatar. Some of <strong>the</strong> restaurants bear <strong>the</strong> chef’s surname, including <strong>the</strong> flagship he<br />

opened in 1987 in LA, but it’s as Nobu that he has become a one-man brand.<br />

“ I travel 10 months of <strong>the</strong> year,” he says. “ This week I went back to LA for one<br />

day, now London, <strong>the</strong>n Moscow. They are going to send us on a private jet. This is a<br />

good deal.” He sounds ridiculously pleased, like a simple sushi chef whose pursuit of<br />

perfection has paid off. Which, deep down, is possibly what he still is.<br />

From <strong>the</strong> outside, Nobu Hotel Shoreditch in east London looks like a spacebattleship,<br />

its roof terraces bristling like gun turrets, but inside, its all understated<br />

calm with blond wood predominating in <strong>the</strong> restaurant and spa. Matsuhisa’s suite<br />

has subdued lighting and lea<strong>the</strong>r furniture. At one point <strong>the</strong> lights mysteriously<br />

dim. “ Maybe time’s up,” he says.<br />

His visit is to mark <strong>the</strong> launch of a new spa and wellness centre at <strong>the</strong> hotel. Its<br />

signature treatment, Nobu Zen, will set visitors back up to £245. Matsuhisa, who<br />

has just put <strong>the</strong> new facility to <strong>the</strong> test, sweats <strong>the</strong> details of his own regimen. “After<br />

a flight, <strong>the</strong> body, <strong>the</strong> muscles, are tight, tired, so I do a lot of exercise — treadmill,<br />

swimming if <strong>the</strong>re is a pool. After <strong>the</strong> gym, it’s good to have a massage. I had a shiatsu<br />

massage in <strong>the</strong> spa. Now I’d like to go to bed for a couple of hours, but <strong>the</strong>y’re keeping<br />

me working.”<br />

A pile of cookbooks on <strong>the</strong> coffee table waits for his signature. After our chat,<br />

he is hosting dinner in Shoreditch for about a hundred people who have paid a tidy<br />

sum for <strong>the</strong> pleasure; <strong>the</strong> next night he is marking <strong>the</strong> 20th anniversary of his British<br />

flagship, Nobu Park Lane, with a party. There are eight more Nobu hotels in <strong>the</strong><br />

pipeline in locations as diverse as Toronto, Riyadh, Sao Paulo and Bahrain, and more<br />

restaurants to come. “ Jet lag is tough,” he says. “ I used to take a sleeping pill, but I<br />

don’t take any drugs any more.”<br />

TM | <strong>Jan</strong>uary/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

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THE COOKBOOK<br />

What about booze? Gordon Ramsay swears by red wine to<br />

combat jet lag. Although Chef Nobu — as everyone calls him —<br />

has been credited with popularising <strong>the</strong> rice-wine saké in <strong>the</strong><br />

West as he did sushi in <strong>the</strong> nineties, I’ve heard that he prefers<br />

tequila. “ No, no, no, I am not an alcoholic,” he says with a laugh.<br />

When he’s celebrating a special occasion with his staff, his<br />

managers will sometimes break out <strong>the</strong> Mexican spirit. “ But not<br />

every day. Maybe two or three times a year.”<br />

He enthuses about <strong>the</strong> wine and saké in his restaurants, again<br />

sold under his name, but<br />

says that he now drinks<br />

less. Eating is ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />

matter. “ I am a chef, so<br />

I have to eat everything;<br />

taste what my chefs make.”<br />

Although arguably a<br />

forerunner of <strong>the</strong> cleaneating<br />

movement, he has<br />

no time for it. “A lot of<br />

people are vegetarian or<br />

gluten-free because <strong>the</strong>y<br />

want to lose weight and<br />

be healthy, but for me <strong>the</strong><br />

way to do that is to eat<br />

everything and exercise.”<br />

His tastes are broad. “ I<br />

like Italian, Chinese, Greek,<br />

but simple cooking,” he<br />

says. “ In London, a long<br />

time ago, I’d go to <strong>the</strong> River<br />

Café, where I knew <strong>the</strong> chefs<br />

[Ruth Rogers and Rose<br />

Gray]. Or Giorgio Locatelli,<br />

who’s a close friend.” When<br />

he opened Nobu Park Lane<br />

in <strong>the</strong> Metropolitan hotel<br />

in 1997, he had a soft spot<br />

for <strong>the</strong> tapas at El Pirata, a<br />

restaurant behind <strong>the</strong> hotel.<br />

He used to travel with his<br />

own knife, but now each<br />

outlet of <strong>the</strong> Nobu Empire<br />

keeps one for him. And a<br />

pair of gym shoes.<br />

His globetrotting habits<br />

are partly to ensure that<br />

every outlet adheres to <strong>the</strong><br />

‘Nobu Style’. Innovation is<br />

fine within reason — it has,<br />

after all, enabled him to branch out <strong>from</strong> restaurants to hotels, spas,<br />

sauces, dried miso and tableware — but a certain Japanese essence<br />

must be preserved. When a new Nobu opens, local ingredients are<br />

used and Matsuhisa is always keen to see what dishes his chefs, of all<br />

nationalities, come up with. “ I never say no, but I try to make it better<br />

as a challenge,” he says. He has, however, outlawed <strong>the</strong> use of sausage<br />

in a Hawaiian Nobu and replaced <strong>the</strong> bun in a Wagyu slider with a<br />

tofu cake.<br />

He recently gave The New York Times a tour of <strong>the</strong> new<br />

sushi bar in his Los Angeles home (he has lived in <strong>the</strong> US since<br />

<strong>the</strong> eighties), where he makes food “once or twice a year. When<br />

I make sushi in a restaurant it is a business, but I love to make<br />

sushi, so I want to share my passion with my family.” He jokes to<br />

friends that he has a private chef at home — his wife.<br />

Matsuhisa has been married to Yoko, who helped him to<br />

run <strong>the</strong> business when he was starting out, for 45 years and <strong>the</strong>y<br />

have two daughters: The elder runs Nobu Tokyo, <strong>the</strong> younger is a<br />

housewife in Los Angeles and<br />

each has a daughter, one aged<br />

seven and one aged three. “ I go<br />

to Japan once a month and I see<br />

[<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r side of] my family<br />

whenever I go back to LA,”<br />

Matsuhisa says, adding that<br />

his absences keep his marriage<br />

fresh. “ But I call or email my<br />

wife two or three times a day.<br />

Communication and trust are<br />

important.”<br />

He was born in <strong>the</strong><br />

Saitama province of Japan<br />

in 1949. His fa<strong>the</strong>r, a lumber<br />

merchant, was often away<br />

<strong>from</strong> home, and died in an<br />

accident when Matsuhisa<br />

was young. The chef’s desire<br />

to travel was sparked by his<br />

fa<strong>the</strong>r’s lifestyle — one of his<br />

most powerful childhood<br />

memories is of his fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />

receding into <strong>the</strong> distance on<br />

his motorcycle.<br />

Raised mostly by his<br />

grandmo<strong>the</strong>r, Matsuhisa<br />

got his first job at 17<br />

as a dishwasher in <strong>the</strong><br />

restaurant Matsue-sushi in<br />

Shinjuku, Tokyo. He slowly<br />

worked his way up <strong>the</strong><br />

kitchen pecking order, and<br />

shortly after he married<br />

Yoko at <strong>the</strong> age of 23, he<br />

opened his own sushi bar<br />

in Peru with <strong>the</strong> backing<br />

of a former customer.<br />

After <strong>the</strong>y fell out over his<br />

insistence on using <strong>the</strong> best<br />

ingredients, he moved to Argentina, but that didn’t work<br />

out ei<strong>the</strong>r, and he returned shamefacedly to Japan. Ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />

former customer set him up in a restaurant in Alaska,<br />

which went well until it burnt down.<br />

“ I almost tried suicide,” he says, making a throat-slitting<br />

motion, “ but even though I lost everything I was healthy,<br />

which is why I woke myself up.” By now, with two daughters to<br />

support, he struck out on his own in Los Angeles, working in<br />

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THE COOKBOOK<br />

restaurants where he invented some dishes that would<br />

become Nobu staples, including black cod with miso<br />

and soft shell crab sushi rolls. His own restaurant, <strong>the</strong><br />

38-seat Matsuhisa in Beverly Hills, followed in 1987.<br />

The great and <strong>the</strong> good started to come, hungry for his<br />

healthy, simple fish.<br />

A waitress once whispered that Barbra Streisand<br />

was in. Matsuhisa went to say hello, but didn’t know<br />

which woman at <strong>the</strong> table was <strong>the</strong> diva. And it was so<br />

busy that Tom Cruise was repeatedly turned down<br />

when he phoned for a table. “ He told his agent, Mike<br />

Ovitz, who is also one of my regular customers, who<br />

called me and said, ‘You really should take Tom<br />

Cruise’s reservations.’ ”<br />

These days, celebrities are shown more love and<br />

reciprocate in kind — check out Jennifer Lawrence<br />

with chopsticks in her mouth, goofing around for <strong>the</strong><br />

paparazzi outside Nobu in New York. These days, Nobu<br />

ensures that a house table is kept free for famous walkins<br />

— <strong>the</strong> Beckhams having dinner in Los Angeles, say,<br />

or Kanye West popping in for lunch in Malibu — but<br />

back <strong>the</strong>n, Madonna sometimes queued for a seat at<br />

Matsuhisa’s sushi counter. “ I didn’t know anybody,” he<br />

shrugs.<br />

That changed, to <strong>the</strong> point where he could extend<br />

<strong>the</strong> omakase concept of tailoring food to a customer’s<br />

tastes into <strong>the</strong> creation of a special Cindy Rice for Cindy<br />

Crawford. This caused problems when she ordered it<br />

in Nobu New York and no one knew how to cook it. “ I<br />

knew Cindy before she married,” he says. “ Now she has<br />

beautiful children and <strong>the</strong>y come [to my restaurants]<br />

without <strong>the</strong>ir parents. It makes me very proud that <strong>the</strong>re<br />

is a second generation.”<br />

Ano<strong>the</strong>r visitor was De Niro. The actor first came<br />

with a regular — Roland Joffé, <strong>the</strong> director of The Killing<br />

Fields — and although Matsuhisa was unable to put a<br />

name to <strong>the</strong> famous face, he clocked <strong>the</strong> excitement in<br />

<strong>the</strong> restaurant. De Niro often returned when he was<br />

in Los Angeles, and became so enamoured of Nobu’s<br />

black cod and Hokusetsu saké that he asked <strong>the</strong> chef<br />

to open a restaurant with him in New York. Matsuhisa<br />

visited Tribeca, <strong>the</strong> down-at-heel neighbourhood that<br />

<strong>the</strong> actor was intent on developing, but he turned down<br />

<strong>the</strong> offer and De Niro opened <strong>the</strong> Tribeca Grill instead.<br />

Four years later, <strong>the</strong> star asked Matsuhisa to reconsider<br />

his offer — <strong>the</strong>y have been partners since. “ Of course he<br />

is a great actor and <strong>the</strong> biggest Hollywood star, but we<br />

do business toge<strong>the</strong>r and I appreciate him because he<br />

understands what I want to do,” Matsuhisa says.<br />

93 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


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TM | <strong>Jan</strong>uary/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

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THE COOKBOOK<br />

Do <strong>the</strong>y ever argue?<br />

“ Yes, like in a movie,” he says with a laugh,<br />

pointing finger-guns at me. “ Sometimes<br />

arguments are good for <strong>the</strong> future. People have<br />

stress, <strong>the</strong>y argue, and after, <strong>the</strong>y understand<br />

each o<strong>the</strong>r more. Like a marriage.” I would not<br />

bet on De Niro winning: When Nobu Milan<br />

opened in partnership with Giorgio Armani,<br />

<strong>the</strong> chef persuaded <strong>the</strong> designer to accept his<br />

no-smoking policy in <strong>the</strong> dining room, and to<br />

make him a set of chef’s whites.<br />

The De Niro connection and <strong>the</strong> wider<br />

endorsement of <strong>the</strong> great and <strong>the</strong> good —<br />

none better than Kate Winslet’s assessment:<br />

“ Heaven on Earth, sex on a plate” — have<br />

led to some surprising turns in his life.<br />

He acted in Casino and Austin Powers in<br />

Goldmember, and “ when Donald Trump<br />

owned Miss Universe, I was a judge several<br />

years ago in Moscow, with [Aerosmith’s]<br />

Steven Tyler”. (The Trump daughters frequent<br />

his restaurants in New York and Aspen, but he<br />

has yet to create a dish for <strong>the</strong>m: There’s no<br />

Ivanka Rice.)<br />

The English-language version of<br />

Matsuhisa’s autobiography is published today<br />

(it is, of course, titled Nobu). In spare style, he<br />

discusses his life, business and famous friends,<br />

but also what it is like to be a grandfa<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong><br />

‘fourth corner’ of life. He was hit hard by <strong>the</strong><br />

recent suicide of his childhood friend Sakai,<br />

who supported him through his early travails<br />

and designed <strong>the</strong> family’s Japanese holiday<br />

home in Hakone: He becomes speechless with<br />

tears when we discuss it. Unbeknown to him,<br />

Sakai’s construction business had suffered<br />

financial problems. Matsuhisa, calling <strong>from</strong> LA,<br />

noticed his friend sounded offhand. Irritated,<br />

he didn’t probe.<br />

“That is why I feel so guilty,” he says. “ If<br />

I had asked him and he talked to me about<br />

more money or what is going on, maybe<br />

I could have saved his life. But he died, so<br />

. . .” The loss has left him with a terrible<br />

sadness, but also a desire to embrace every<br />

opportunity that comes his way. “ I never<br />

think about retiring because I appreciate my<br />

life,” he says. “And I like to pass [my ideas] on<br />

to <strong>the</strong> next generation of people. Retirement<br />

means nothing to do for me. I like as much<br />

as possible to work, to see people, stay in <strong>the</strong><br />

kitchens. This is my tomorrow.<br />

95 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE COOKBOOK<br />

DISHES<br />

Clubhouse<br />

Tel: 03-7805 3935<br />

www.jojoitalianrestaurant.com<br />

Operating hours<br />

Monday to Thursday<br />

11.00am to 11.00pm<br />

Friday to Sunday<br />

11.00am to 1.00pm<br />

Barramundi Fish with Sautéed<br />

Broccoli and Spaghetti Aglio Olio<br />

Classic spaghetti in aglio olio style is given a<br />

boost with <strong>the</strong> addition of grilled barramundi<br />

and sautéed broccoli on <strong>the</strong> side. The<br />

barramundi is grilled to perfection with a<br />

slight crispy crust with juicy, fresh white flesh<br />

on <strong>the</strong> inside. The spaghetti, done al dente, is<br />

tossed lightly in olive oil with garlic and chilli<br />

flakes in <strong>the</strong> right proportion, and finished<br />

with a light sprinkle of chopped parsley.<br />

The sautéed broccoli serves as <strong>the</strong> perfect<br />

complement to <strong>the</strong> entire dish.<br />

TM | <strong>Jan</strong>uary/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

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THE THE COOKBOOK DISHES<br />

Clubhouse<br />

Tel: 03-7804 8888<br />

www.facebook.com/ginshuitei<br />

Operating hours<br />

Monday to Sunday<br />

Lunch<br />

12.00pm to 3.00pm<br />

Dinner<br />

6.30pm to 10.30pm<br />

Japanese Yee Sang<br />

The traditional Chinese New Year prosperity<br />

dish, Yee Sang, gets a new twist Japanese-style.<br />

Freshly-cut thick slivers of salmon sashimi are<br />

ready to be thrown into a hodge podge of classic<br />

Japanese ingredients. Julienned and deep fried<br />

crabstick teams up with hotate, fried salmon<br />

skin, shredded carrots and daikon radish for<br />

<strong>the</strong> annual toss. Piquant pickled ginger, crushed<br />

peanuts and ruby red pomegranate add to <strong>the</strong><br />

flavour. Fruity and fresh, this delectable salad<br />

is tossed toge<strong>the</strong>r with a mix of vegetable oil<br />

and roasted sesame dressing. A must-try this<br />

Chinese New Year.<br />

97 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE COOKBOOK<br />

DISHES<br />

Lot 413, 4th floor,<br />

Suria KLCC ,<br />

50088 Kuala Lumpur<br />

Tel: 03-2166 9881<br />

www.taithong.com.my<br />

Operating hours<br />

Monday to Saturday<br />

11.30am to 10.30pm<br />

Sunday and Public Holidays<br />

10.30am to 10.30pm<br />

Shredded Chicken and Mango<br />

served with Sweet Spicy Sauce<br />

Tropical flair in <strong>the</strong> form of tangy mangoes<br />

is added to juicy shreds of steamed chicken.<br />

Add a sweet and spicy sauce and viola! A<br />

kerabu-style concoction that is perfect as a<br />

stand-alone salad dish or added to rice. The<br />

chef’s option of fried mantou buns work<br />

well, dipped into all that tangy, sweet and<br />

sour goodness!<br />

TM | <strong>Jan</strong>uary/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

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THE THE COOKBOOK DISHES<br />

Clubhouse<br />

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

www.tropicanagolf.com<br />

Operating hours<br />

Monday to Friday<br />

7.00am to 12.00am<br />

Saturday to Sunday<br />

7.00am to 8.00pm<br />

Grilled Big River Prawns with<br />

Cheese<br />

Big River Prawns are all <strong>the</strong> rage now.<br />

Succulent, juicy flesh cooked to perfection,<br />

<strong>the</strong>se crustaceans have been given a new<br />

twist. Melted cheese in just <strong>the</strong> right<br />

amount does not drown out <strong>the</strong> sweetness<br />

of <strong>the</strong> prawns. Grilled to perfection, <strong>the</strong><br />

prawns sit majestically on an assortment of<br />

garnish to fur<strong>the</strong>r enhance <strong>the</strong> flavours.<br />

99 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE COOKBOOK<br />

Clubhouse<br />

Tel: 03-7805 3935<br />

Business hours<br />

11.30am to 3.00pm<br />

5.00pm to 10.30pm<br />

Rabokki<br />

This dish is cooked at <strong>the</strong> table on a hot plate. It is a combination of two<br />

awesomely delicious things: Ramen noodles and teokbokki which are<br />

rice cakes. A sumptuous Korean masterpiece of chewy tteok (rice cakes)<br />

and ramyeon (ramen noodles) in an addictively rich chili sauce topped<br />

with cheese. Classic Korean pickled vegetable or kimchi is thrown in for<br />

a complete delectable fare.<br />

Operating hours<br />

Monday to Sunday<br />

Lunch<br />

11.30am to 3.00pm<br />

Dinner<br />

5.00pm to 10.00pm<br />

TM | <strong>Jan</strong>uary/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

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THE DRINKS<br />

Bar<br />

Rumble<br />

Melbourne’s coolest bars will keep <strong>the</strong> light on for you –<br />

well after <strong>the</strong> last tram has gone home.<br />

Words BY muna noor<br />

Melbourne may be better known for its café culture, but perhaps one reason its<br />

denizens rely on great coffee as an essential pick me up is because <strong>the</strong>y have such<br />

terrific bars too. There are plenty of places in Melbourne to tuck into a tipple<br />

while everyone else is tucked in bed. From sleek wine bars, bars upstairs, downstairs and in<br />

laneways, you just need to know where to look.<br />

101 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE DRINKS<br />

heartbreaker<br />

<strong>Heart</strong>breaker<br />

If you like a whole lotta rock n roll, <strong>Heart</strong>breaker won’t<br />

disappoint. The anti<strong>the</strong>sis to owner Michael Madrusan’s<br />

first bar, The Everleigh, <strong>Heart</strong>breaker is a dimly lit,<br />

taxidermy-filled den with a jukebox loaded with close<br />

to 100 rock albums <strong>from</strong> 1968 to 1980. Dancing is a<br />

certainty and as such refreshments are a must. Options<br />

include local and American craft beers along with an<br />

enticing selection of whisky, mezcal and tequila – but<br />

<strong>the</strong> real standouts are <strong>the</strong>ir sophisticated cocktails.<br />

Choose <strong>from</strong> a Negroni, a Martini, a Manhattan or an<br />

Old Fashioned. If you like what you imbibe, you can also<br />

take <strong>the</strong>m home. The Everleigh Bottling Co prepares and<br />

packages <strong>the</strong>se timeless cocktails by hand as pre-batched<br />

bottles you can pick up at <strong>the</strong>ir bottle shop, Liquor to Go.<br />

<strong>Heart</strong>breaker, 234a Russell Street, (Lonsdale Corner),<br />

Melbourne CBD, VIC 3000, Australia<br />

heartbreakerbar.com.au<br />

TM | <strong>Jan</strong>uary/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

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THE DRINKS<br />

Storyville<br />

StoryVille<br />

Themed around fantasy and fairy tales, enter StoryVille and you will find yourself on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

side of <strong>the</strong> proverbial looking glass down where pages <strong>from</strong> your favourite books have been<br />

magically brought to life. Pull up a seat underneath one of <strong>the</strong> toadstools in <strong>the</strong> Mushroom<br />

Palace and try one of <strong>the</strong> artisan cocktails, which have been inspired by some of <strong>the</strong> most<br />

celebrated pieces of literature, like ‘Mr Pilkington’s Neighbour’, which has been drawn <strong>from</strong><br />

and some of your favourite children’s books, ‘Through The Looking Glass’ stars alcoholic<br />

Vanilla Cream tea served in a teapot with dry ice. And in honour of George Orwell’s Animal<br />

Farm and features pork-chop-fat washed bourbon, apple liqueur and animal crackers.<br />

StoryVille, 185 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia<br />

www.storyvillemelbourne.com.au<br />

<strong>the</strong> carlton<br />

The Carlton<br />

An award-winning venue, The Carlton is several floors<br />

of fun and frivolity. <strong>Start</strong> at <strong>the</strong> hip Hasti Bala bar and<br />

work your way up to its roof top bar, Palmz Deck. Both<br />

are lush jungle hideouts, decorated with curiosities like<br />

stuffed mounted animals and tropical foliage. With its<br />

reputation for unpredictable wea<strong>the</strong>r than can span<br />

all four seasons in one day, you wouldn’t think <strong>the</strong><br />

open-air rooftop would turn into such an attractive<br />

watering hole, but with its retractable roof awnings<br />

and breathtaking views, it’s <strong>the</strong> perfect oasis to escape<br />

<strong>the</strong> concrete jungle and take a walk on <strong>the</strong> wild side.<br />

The Carlton, 193 Bourke Street, Melbourne,<br />

VIC 3000, Australia.<br />

www.<strong>the</strong>carlton.com.au/function-rooms-melbourne<br />

103 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE DRINKS<br />

<strong>the</strong> croft institute<br />

The Croft Institute<br />

The first of Melbourne's laneway bars, The Croft Institute wins hands down for<br />

weirdness. Getting <strong>the</strong>re is part of its quirky charm as you’ve got to navigate your<br />

way down Chinatown’s back lanes past colourful streetart. Once inside, prepare to<br />

be creeped out. This eccentric hole-in-<strong>the</strong>-wall is designed to resemble an old school<br />

science lab, and would look straight out of a horror flick weren’t for its good looking<br />

crowd, great music and exceptional drinks. The clinical approach extends to its<br />

cocktails which are served in a syringe, and its toilets or <strong>the</strong> Departments of Male and<br />

Female Hygiene which look unnervingly like hospital examination rooms. It’s all in<br />

good fun though, as <strong>the</strong> staff is friendly and <strong>the</strong> drinks expertly mixed.<br />

The Croft Institute, 21 Croft Alley, Melbourne,<br />

VIC 3000, Australia.<br />

www.<strong>the</strong>croftinstitute.com.au<br />

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THE DRINKS<br />

harry & frankie<br />

Harry & Frankie<br />

Located in <strong>the</strong> Port Melbourne area of <strong>the</strong> city, Harry<br />

& Frankie is a beautiful wine bar and shop whose<br />

underlying philosophy is to champion <strong>the</strong> pleasure of<br />

a great bottle or glass at every social occasion. With<br />

over 600 wines, beers and ciders to choose <strong>from</strong> you<br />

will never run short of reasons to imbibe. Best when<br />

paired with any number of <strong>the</strong>ir sharing dishes like top<br />

quality charcuterie and cheese or rotation of mains,<br />

bar’s wide cork-inlayed curved ceiling with grape vine<br />

silhouettes, and friendly staff who are able to offer on<strong>the</strong>-money<br />

wine recommendations, conspire to make<br />

this atmospheric place <strong>the</strong> perfect hideout to huddle<br />

up with friends or on your own.<br />

Harry & Frankie, 317 Bay St, Port Melbourne, VIC<br />

3207, Australia.<br />

www.harryandfrankie.com.au<br />

Boilermaker House<br />

Boilermaker House is an industrial yet sophisticated<br />

blues filled temple devoted to all things whisky and craft<br />

beer. In terms of variety and scale it’s hard to match,<br />

with more than 900 whiskies, 50 craft beers including<br />

12 rotating taps and a spectacular cocktail list to sample<br />

<strong>from</strong>. Zero in on its specialty – <strong>the</strong> eponymously named<br />

boilermaker, which is a beer and whisky pairing. Served<br />

on rustic slabs of natural wood in elegant glassware,<br />

each is accompanied by artisanal meats and cheeses to<br />

enhance <strong>the</strong> flavours. The sheer number of drams and<br />

drinks on offer make <strong>the</strong> flavour profile combinations<br />

pretty much limitless, but if a thirst of knowledge<br />

is what you seek, Boilermaker House’s whiskey<br />

masterclasses should not be missed.<br />

<strong>the</strong> everleigh<br />

Boilermaker House 209-211 Lonsdale Street,<br />

Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.<br />

boilermakerhouse.com.au<br />

boilermaker house<br />

The Everleigh<br />

A staple on any respectable world’s best bar awards list, no trip to <strong>the</strong> vibrant city of<br />

Melbourne is complete without a night spent propping up The Everleigh bar. Hid<br />

down a dim-lit hallway behind an American diner, its vibe is of a 1920s American-style<br />

speakeasy with vintage chandeliers, tables ba<strong>the</strong>d in candlelight and old-world wood<br />

paneling walls. This sophisticated spot has a purist approach to mixology and places an<br />

emphasis on classic cocktails. Plump for <strong>the</strong> Honeysuckle, which is a mix of light rum,<br />

lime and a dash of honey; <strong>the</strong> Professor, a potent blend of gin, pomegranate, lime and<br />

a dash of absin<strong>the</strong>; or better yet ask for Bartender’s Choice for a custom-made tipple<br />

especially concocted to match your taste in fresh fruits, flavours and spirits; you can<br />

enjoy yours by <strong>the</strong> bar or in <strong>the</strong>ir private Elk or Starling rooms.<br />

The Everleigh, 156/150 Gertrude St, Melbourne VIC 3065, Australia.<br />

www.<strong>the</strong>everleigh.com<br />

105 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


GAME CHANGER<br />

Soo<br />

Joo<br />

Park<br />

IN<br />

Control<br />

Supermodel Soo Joo Park talks<br />

perfectionism, insomnia and<br />

accidental fame.<br />

Amy Verner/Evening Standard/<br />

<strong>the</strong> interview people<br />

Despite <strong>the</strong> fact that she is this evening<br />

dressed down in skinny jeans and a Stevie<br />

Nicks T-shirt, sporting a messy mop of<br />

peroxide-blonde hair, Soo Joo Park is<br />

still an unmistakeable presence when she<br />

glides into <strong>the</strong> lobby bar of Paris’s glamorous Le<br />

Roch hotel, near <strong>the</strong> Place Vendôme. But if even<br />

off-duty she seems to exude an outward air of<br />

confidence, in person she is unassuming.<br />

TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> 106


gAME CHANGER<br />

getty images<br />

107 JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> | TM


GAME CHANGER<br />

getty images<br />

“I’m a horrible<br />

perfectionist. I’m<br />

almost never happy<br />

with anything I do,<br />

100 per cent.”<br />

“I was worried, I was in <strong>the</strong><br />

car and I was like, “Do you have<br />

any powder?”” she says, when I<br />

make a (positive) comment about<br />

her complexion. “There are little<br />

breakouts. I’m wearing a little bit of<br />

make-up right now but underneath<br />

are very dark under-eye circles…<br />

I was thinking I wasn’t looking so<br />

normal.”<br />

While she does not exhibit <strong>the</strong> same self-assuredness<br />

as a Kate, Naomi or Christy might do, Park has still<br />

managed to follow <strong>the</strong>m into mononym status. And<br />

though <strong>the</strong> Korean-American supermodel may not have<br />

been around for as long, she’s a regular on <strong>the</strong> Chanel<br />

catwalk, and has been an agent of change in <strong>the</strong> beauty<br />

world as <strong>the</strong> first Asian model to land a multi-million<br />

dollar contract with L’Oréal.<br />

It’s thanks to Chanel that we’re meeting today. Park<br />

counts <strong>the</strong> house’s creative director, Karl Lagerfeld, as one<br />

of her greatest supporters and has spent <strong>the</strong> day shooting<br />

at <strong>the</strong> grand Château de Vaugien, south-west of Paris,<br />

clad in <strong>the</strong> fashion house’s latest couture collection; all<br />

flamboyant frothy gowns and pastel-hued tweeds.<br />

This is a world in which Park is now in control.<br />

Millennial models such as <strong>the</strong> Hadid sisters and Kendall<br />

Jenner might have had to walk in show after show this<br />

year alone, but Park, 31, can decide how busy she wants<br />

to be — partly because “I’m a horrible perfectionist. I’m<br />

almost never happy with anything I do, 100 per cent.”<br />

Compared with previous seasons, this most recent month<br />

of ready-to-wear shows was a breeze; aside <strong>from</strong> appearing<br />

in <strong>the</strong> Baja East presentation in New York she only<br />

walked <strong>the</strong> Chanel show with its unforgettable simulated<br />

rocket launch within <strong>the</strong> Grand Palais.<br />

The trade-off of such success is that she has outgrown<br />

<strong>the</strong> desirable niche of newness. “Even though <strong>the</strong>re are a<br />

more diverse group of [models], you still are categorised<br />

as a person into a certain type; and a lot of <strong>the</strong> time, <strong>the</strong>y<br />

want something new. I had my time, <strong>the</strong> blonde hair was<br />

new and refreshing to <strong>the</strong> scene at that point,” she says,<br />

matter-of-factly.<br />

In many ways she still doesn’t fit <strong>the</strong> traditional<br />

model mould. The industry might give <strong>the</strong> impression of<br />

pursuing greater diversity but she remains among a small<br />

group of internationally known, in-demand Asian models<br />

that include Liu Wen and Fernanda Ly. Unsurprisingly,<br />

models.com has ranked her one of its ‘Money Girls’, a<br />

benchmark of <strong>the</strong> size and quality of her contracts. This<br />

puts her in <strong>the</strong> company of <strong>the</strong> ‘new supers’ such as Karlie<br />

Kloss, Cara Delevingne and Joan Smalls.<br />

Park made history in 2015 as L’Oréal’s first Asian-<br />

American spokesmodel (<strong>the</strong> French beauty behemoth<br />

dates back to 1909) and she is <strong>the</strong> face of Redken, making<br />

her <strong>the</strong> first Asian-American to front two large beauty<br />

brands. Her hair happens to be a pearly shade of white,<br />

TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

108


gAME CHANGER<br />

getty images<br />

109 JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> | TM


GAME CHANGER<br />

Soo Joo Park seen in <strong>the</strong><br />

streets of Paris after<br />

<strong>the</strong> Chanel Fashion Show<br />

during Haute Couture<br />

Fashion Week on <strong>Jan</strong>uary<br />

24, 2017 in Paris, France.<br />

“I was flying <strong>from</strong> one place to<br />

ano<strong>the</strong>r, and every successful<br />

model has to learn how to<br />

cope with that; mine was even<br />

worse because I just get too in<br />

my head. It takes a lot for me<br />

to just kind of pat myself on<br />

<strong>the</strong> back.”<br />

which defines her <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> above group, imbuing her<br />

with a non-conformist edge. Only after dyeing her<br />

hair did she end up on Chanel’s radar thanks to former<br />

French Vogue editor-in-chief, Carine Roitfeld. The<br />

bleaching takes its toll to be sure, but it has helped<br />

maintain her visibility. And Park is unlikely to run<br />

out of defining moments soon. The current issue of<br />

W Korea features three covers of her shot by three<br />

top Korean photographers; unbelievably, this is <strong>the</strong><br />

first time <strong>the</strong> magazine has devoted <strong>the</strong> cover to a<br />

single Korean model. She realises all <strong>the</strong>se firsts have<br />

a cumulative effect. “It means something more and<br />

more,” she explains. “And that, in a way, shows who I am<br />

in this industry, especially because it’s an opportunity<br />

for me to kind of make my culture; and I am.”<br />

Interestingly, modelling was an accidental career<br />

for Park. She grew up in Seoul until <strong>the</strong> age of 10 when<br />

her family moved to California. Before fashion, she had<br />

studied architecture at <strong>the</strong> University of California,<br />

Berkeley (she can wax poetic about Bauhaus and Mies<br />

van der Rohe). She is also a keen linguist: “I speak<br />

Korean and English fluently. I picked up French when<br />

I was studying in high school [and] speak a tiny bit of<br />

Japanese, because it’s very similar to Korean.”<br />

It was in 2010 that she was first scouted in a vintage<br />

shop in <strong>the</strong> Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco.<br />

She recalls a woman approaching her with questions<br />

about her height and age. Upon learning that Park was<br />

23 at <strong>the</strong> time she apparently said, “You’re a lot older<br />

than I thought.” Park’s reaction: “What a terrible thing<br />

to say.”<br />

TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> 110


gAME CHANGER<br />

getty images<br />

111 JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> | TM


GAME CHANGER<br />

Was <strong>the</strong>re ever any resistance <strong>from</strong> her<br />

parents over dropping out of university and<br />

pursuing modelling? “They’re very proud of<br />

me. At <strong>the</strong> same time, I think as parents, <strong>the</strong>y<br />

worry about <strong>the</strong> next step, because modelling<br />

isn’t a lifetime thing for most people.” This<br />

might be why she hasn’t, she says, missed a<br />

single Chanel show since she started. When<br />

Lagerfeld presented his Resort 2016 offering in<br />

Seoul, Park opened <strong>the</strong> show and took <strong>the</strong> final<br />

loop with <strong>the</strong> designer and his godson, Hudson<br />

Kroenig.<br />

Spending time in a lower register —<br />

listening to music, watching Netflix or<br />

practising meditation — is critical to staying<br />

equalised, Park insists. She’s swapped <strong>the</strong> West<br />

Coast for New York and is currently based in<br />

trendy Bushwick while she has her apartment<br />

in <strong>the</strong> East Village renovated.<br />

At one point, she says that she was<br />

experiencing severe insomnia — an<br />

occupational hazard primarily, but also because<br />

she says she has a tendency to get caught up in<br />

her own thoughts. “I was flying <strong>from</strong> one place<br />

to ano<strong>the</strong>r, and every successful model has to<br />

learn how to cope with that; mine was even<br />

worse because I just get too in my head.” She<br />

admits that her perfectionism doesn’t help: “It<br />

takes a lot for me to just kind of pat myself on<br />

<strong>the</strong> back.”<br />

Enter meditation, kundalini yoga and<br />

breathing exercises, which complement her<br />

fitness routine that includes kickboxing and<br />

floor exercises with a trainer friend who owns<br />

Rumble Boxing in New York. “I’m trying to<br />

diversify my regime,” she says, citing regular<br />

facials and massages as additional essentials.<br />

“I’m more low-maintenance than most people,”<br />

she says, before clarifying, “Not most people —<br />

most models, I guess.”<br />

Indeed, <strong>the</strong>re is a grounded nonchalance<br />

in her attitude, which she chalks up to having<br />

a sense of who she was before she began. “This<br />

industry can make you very disillusioned,<br />

but I started later so I think I was able to kind<br />

of forge who I was a little bit more. I also<br />

have really good people around me whom<br />

I love.” This group includes her boyfriend,<br />

photographer Jack Waterlot, and an architect<br />

university friend who is currently overseeing<br />

works on <strong>the</strong> East Village flat. “It’s going to<br />

be sick,” she enthuses, naming Paris architect<br />

Joseph Dirand as inspiration. Certainly, for<br />

someone who is fast becoming a global fashion<br />

icon, a sanctuary-type home feels as much like a<br />

necessity as an indulgence.<br />

TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

112


THE DRIVE<br />

ADVERTORIAL<br />

PEUGEOT 3008 SUV:<br />

THE BEST HAS ARRIVED<br />

Discover <strong>the</strong> not-so-humble offerings of <strong>the</strong> new SUV<br />

that’s taking <strong>the</strong> urban driving experience to a whole<br />

new level.<br />

The elegant curves and dominant features of <strong>the</strong> new<br />

Peugeot 3008 give it a bit more edge. Grilles, bonnets<br />

and windows trimmed with chrome, and new full LED<br />

headlights lend itself to <strong>the</strong> overall allure of <strong>the</strong> cars allnew<br />

bold styling. The car comes with a choice of two<br />

trim levels of Active and Allure.<br />

Complementing <strong>the</strong> bold styling is <strong>the</strong> technologydriven<br />

new Peugeot i-Cockpit complete with 8.0”<br />

capacitive touchscreen, configurable 12.3” head-up<br />

digital display instrument panel, a compact steering<br />

wheel featuring integrated controls and an electronic<br />

automatic transmission control system.<br />

With a lighter chassis, BlueHDi and award-winning<br />

PureTech petrol engines and EAT6 automatic gearbox,<br />

this set of wheels uses more environmentally-efficient<br />

technologies without compromising on comfort for both<br />

driver and passengers. In addition to this, <strong>the</strong> Peugeot<br />

3008 also comes with a 3D Connected Navigation<br />

system, smartphone charging plate, electric tailgate and<br />

a panoramic glass sunroof.<br />

The Peugeot 3008 with autonomous driving, offers <strong>the</strong><br />

options of Lane keeping technologies and AEBS, reversing<br />

cameras, automatic headlights, Hill Assist Descent Control<br />

and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop function.<br />

The comfort element has been taken to new levels<br />

in <strong>the</strong> new Peugeot 3008 with front seats producing<br />

heightened sensations of comfort and support. There is<br />

even a multi-point massage function making long drives a<br />

lot less tiresome. Backseats can be folded completely flat<br />

offering a large space to lug your cargo despite previous<br />

space constraints. Even <strong>the</strong> boot is stylised to two height<br />

levels, with a standard flush against <strong>the</strong> boot entry and<br />

<strong>the</strong> slightly deeper to accommodate larger items.<br />

The entertainment system gets bolstered with FOCAL<br />

Premium HIFI speaker systems with a whopping ten<br />

speakers throughout <strong>the</strong> car! The Apply CarPlay and<br />

Android Auto integration, a standard feature on allmodels,<br />

offers <strong>the</strong> ‘plug-in-and-play’ function with your<br />

smartphone.<br />

With state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art capabilities, it’s no wonder <strong>the</strong><br />

Peugeot 3008 SUV clinched top accolades as Car Of The<br />

Year 2017. Selling <strong>from</strong> RM142,888, this SUV is in a class<br />

of its own, making every turn on <strong>the</strong> road an adventure.<br />

CONTACT PEUGEOT CARELINE: 1-800-88-6292<br />

FOR YOUR SALES AND SERVICES INQUIRIES<br />

113 JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE DRIVE<br />

Run with <strong>the</strong> horses<br />

In Italy, no trip would be<br />

complete without a trip to <strong>the</strong><br />

Ferrari Museum. There are<br />

two, in Modeno and Maranello,<br />

and both are amongst <strong>the</strong><br />

most visited in Italy, attracting<br />

petrolheads and fans of <strong>the</strong><br />

prancing horse brand.<br />

The stunning Museo Enzo<br />

Ferrari in Modeno, which<br />

combines a futuristic 2,500<br />

square metre main pavilion<br />

with <strong>the</strong> meticulously restored<br />

workshop of Enzo Ferari’s<br />

fa<strong>the</strong>r – now <strong>the</strong> Ferrari<br />

Engines Museum – recorded<br />

a record numbers of vistors in<br />

2017.<br />

The Ferrari Museum in<br />

Maranello has also taken in<br />

growing ticket sales thanks to<br />

its “Rosso Infinito” (‘Infinite<br />

Red’) exhibition and “Under <strong>the</strong><br />

Skin” exhibit, which has now<br />

been transferred to <strong>the</strong> Design<br />

Museum in London, and will<br />

run up until 15 April <strong>2018</strong>. If<br />

that’s <strong>the</strong> stuff that gets your<br />

engine gunning, <strong>the</strong>n get in<br />

gear and go.<br />

More at www.ferrari.com<br />

The Maserati Levante S<br />

powers into <strong>the</strong> Malaysian<br />

SUV market<br />

Naza Italia, <strong>the</strong> official importer and distributor<br />

for Maserati in Malaysia, has officially<br />

introduced <strong>the</strong> Maserati Levante S. Maserati’s<br />

first SUV.<br />

It features an array of hi-tech features that<br />

inject extra power and performance into an<br />

already impressive luxury SUV. Among <strong>the</strong>m<br />

are Electric Power Steering and Advanced<br />

Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) with active<br />

functions like Highway Assist, Lane Keeping<br />

Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Traffic Sign<br />

Recognition.<br />

Featuring four drive modes: Normal, ICE,<br />

Sport and Off-road, <strong>the</strong> Levante S accelerates<br />

<strong>from</strong> 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and has a<br />

top speed of 264 km/h, without a loss of fuel<br />

efficiency at 10.9 l/100 km.<br />

Officiating <strong>the</strong> launch at Desa Park City in<br />

Kuala Lumpur was Datuk Wira Hj SM Faisal<br />

Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive<br />

Chairman of Naza World Group of Companies,<br />

who said, “The petrol-powered Levante S has<br />

been eagerly awaited and will no doubt be<br />

a popular new addition to Malaysia’s luxury<br />

automotive market.”<br />

Displaying unparalleled agility and stability<br />

thanks to low centre of gravity and streamline<br />

shape, <strong>the</strong> Levant S’ spacious interior allows for<br />

five people to be seated comfortably, and comes<br />

in two distinct trim options.<br />

The GranLusso trim features metallic-finish<br />

front skid plates and roof rails, black-painted<br />

brake calipers, 19” Zefiro alloy wheels, and a<br />

cabin with a choice of Ermenegildo Zegna silk or<br />

full premium Italian upholstery.<br />

The Levante S GranSport stands out for its<br />

Piano Black front grille, skid plates and roof<br />

rails, red brake calipers, 20” Nereo wheels and<br />

will have a sport steering wheel with standard<br />

gearshift paddles and power-adjustable Inox<br />

sport pedals inside.<br />

Prices start at RM788,800 inclusive of local<br />

taxes and duties, and includes 3 years Standard<br />

Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction<br />

plus a *Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3<br />

years/ 60,000km, whichever comes first.<br />

More at @maserati.malaysia (Instagram) and<br />

www.facebook/maserati.malaysia<br />

TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

114


THE DRIVE<br />

When it comes to driving, one of <strong>the</strong> most difficult conditions to deal<br />

with is snow and ice. All-wheel drive and winter tyres are only one<br />

part of <strong>the</strong> equation when trying to overcome this.<br />

Words by<br />

Aswan Yap<br />

f you’ve ever travelled far enough north during <strong>the</strong> winter<br />

months, chances are you were treated to beautiful snow-covered<br />

sceneries and frozen lakes. It’s picturesque, no doubt, but <strong>the</strong><br />

same snow and ice that looks beautiful on a postcard can be<br />

incredibly treacherous when you’re behind <strong>the</strong> wheel. Advances<br />

in both car and tyre technology have helped a great deal with<br />

making it both easier and safer to drive in <strong>the</strong>se conditions —<br />

but more important than all of that is <strong>the</strong> training that drivers go through to<br />

better prepare <strong>the</strong>m for <strong>the</strong> challenge of winter driving.<br />

All <strong>the</strong> technology in <strong>the</strong> world can’t fight <strong>the</strong> laws of physics. In parts of<br />

Europe where snowfall is particularly heavy for a significant portion of <strong>the</strong><br />

year, <strong>the</strong> learning period for a license is far longer as well as far more intensive<br />

in nature, with <strong>the</strong> aim of teaching new drivers <strong>the</strong> basics of car control.<br />

Beyond that, <strong>the</strong> need to deal with <strong>the</strong>se harsh conditions repeatedly, year by<br />

year, helps ingrain <strong>the</strong> techniques and skills required in <strong>the</strong> memory.<br />

During one of our recent trips to Sweden we had <strong>the</strong> pleasure of being<br />

chauffeured by, of all people, a nineteen-year-old girl. She was piloting a bulky<br />

Volvo XC90 SUV, running guests between a ski resort and a restaurant out in<br />

<strong>the</strong> countryside — and all of this in <strong>the</strong> dead of night with hardly a streetlight<br />

to guide her way. The way she tackled <strong>the</strong> iced-over roads running through<br />

<strong>the</strong> mountains, reacting to loss of traction and grip in such a calm, controlled<br />

manner — it would make even a seasoned driver green with envy.<br />

This teenage girl wasn’t an exception ei<strong>the</strong>r, at least around that part of<br />

Sweden. It is common for college kids to have to commute great distances,<br />

ei<strong>the</strong>r to get to class or work, and in <strong>the</strong> winter months, <strong>the</strong>y simply have<br />

to adapt to <strong>the</strong> change in conditions. Admittedly, newer, more modern cars<br />

tend to have more technology that helps with keeping <strong>the</strong> car stable, but not<br />

everyone has access to a new, modern car when <strong>the</strong> snow starts to fall.<br />

TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

116


THE DRIVE<br />

Volvo V90 Cross Country<br />

117 JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE DRIVE<br />

Arguably, it is more <strong>the</strong> European auto<br />

manufacturers that take a significant interest in winter<br />

driving. BMW, for example, introduced all-wheel drive<br />

on <strong>the</strong>ir 3 Series and 5 Series models as far back as <strong>the</strong><br />

1980s. This was less known at <strong>the</strong> time, as <strong>the</strong> company<br />

had more of a reputation for front-engine, rear-wheel<br />

drive sports sedans — and yet it was still a necessary<br />

marketing decision to help make <strong>the</strong>ir cars more<br />

appealing in a wider range of markets. Granted that<br />

system has been developed and improved a great deal<br />

since <strong>the</strong>n, eventually becoming <strong>the</strong> xDrive system you<br />

see on modern BMW SUVs.<br />

Audi was a little different with <strong>the</strong>ir approach. Their<br />

participation in rally, culminating <strong>the</strong> era<br />

of Group B, resulted in <strong>the</strong> original Audi<br />

Quattro; it was an incredible car, albeit<br />

running a primitive four-wheel drive<br />

system (Note Not all-wheel drive. The<br />

distinction between four-wheel drive and<br />

all-wheel drive is <strong>the</strong> latter can adjust how<br />

torque is distributed). This system was<br />

refined over <strong>the</strong> years, with <strong>the</strong> inclusion<br />

of electronic systems and torque biasing<br />

that made it <strong>the</strong> highly adaptive, effective<br />

all-wheel drive system you see today.<br />

But what is really surprising is<br />

Volvo. Despite hailing <strong>from</strong> a country<br />

that experiences snowfall on a regular<br />

basis, Volvo was not too fussed about<br />

adopting all-wheel drive systems. Their<br />

cars were initially rear-wheel drive<br />

through <strong>the</strong> 1970s, transitioning to<br />

front-wheel drive later on as front-wheel<br />

drive made for a safer chassis design and was easier to<br />

drive in slippery conditions. While <strong>the</strong>ir SUV models are<br />

now primarily equipped with all-wheel drive, <strong>the</strong>y were<br />

more a pre-requisite for markets where SUVs are taken<br />

off <strong>the</strong> beaten path.<br />

Perhaps Volvo’s approach was most indicative of<br />

Swedish mentality and mindset — <strong>the</strong>y did not need<br />

all-wheel drive to get through difficult conditions, even<br />

though it would be a great help. Their focus was on driver<br />

development itself, and <strong>the</strong> average Swede can handle<br />

a bit of snow regardless of what car <strong>the</strong>y’re driving. But<br />

<strong>the</strong> question remains: If you don’t happen to be born in<br />

a country with icy roads or have years of experience, how<br />

do you get up to speed?<br />

"The first step to<br />

learning how to<br />

drive on ice and snow<br />

is overcoming <strong>the</strong><br />

fear of a loss of grip<br />

because even with<br />

studded winter tyres<br />

<strong>the</strong>re will be moments<br />

when <strong>the</strong> car is going<br />

to break traction."<br />

The answer lies in driver training programmes. BMW is<br />

<strong>the</strong> most prominent of <strong>the</strong> lot, with driver training courses<br />

that cover multiple aspects of driving. The more traditional<br />

courses focus on accident avoidance and reactions,<br />

eventually pushing participants up to track driving and high<br />

speed car control if <strong>the</strong>y choose to stick with <strong>the</strong> programme.<br />

But <strong>the</strong>re are particular subsets, such as <strong>the</strong>ir Ice Driving<br />

programme and off-road courses that train participants in<br />

<strong>the</strong> various skills necessary to navigate treacherous terrain.<br />

Porsche also offers an ice driving experience, although it<br />

is far less regimented or restrictive in nature. Unlike BMW’s<br />

courses which are structured and require participants to<br />

progress through each level, Porsche opens it up to anyone<br />

willing to put money down and pay for a flight<br />

ticket out. Arguably, <strong>the</strong> skills that Porsche<br />

offers are also a little less relevant in <strong>the</strong> real<br />

world, but it is more an experience than a<br />

training course after all.<br />

One would expect Audi to focus on driver<br />

training as well — especially since <strong>the</strong>y proudly<br />

display <strong>the</strong>ir Quattro models at multiple<br />

airports around Europe during <strong>the</strong> winter<br />

months — but again <strong>the</strong>y provide more of an<br />

experience than an actual learning course.<br />

Participants have a chance to throw a fleet of<br />

Audi Quattro models around manufactured<br />

tracks on frozen lakes, although <strong>the</strong> instruction<br />

is a little less closely monitored.<br />

But what all of <strong>the</strong>se programmes achieve,<br />

at <strong>the</strong> very least, is <strong>the</strong> ability to get drivers<br />

accustomed to <strong>the</strong> feeling of low grip conditions.<br />

The first step to learning how to drive on ice<br />

and snow is overcoming <strong>the</strong> fear of a loss of grip,<br />

because <strong>the</strong> reality is that even with studded winter tyres<br />

<strong>the</strong>re are going to be moments when <strong>the</strong> car is going to break<br />

traction. Uneven road surfaces and transitions between snow<br />

(slightly slippery) to ice (extremely slippery) can mean <strong>the</strong> car<br />

will unsettle itself as you drive along even at a leisurely pace,<br />

and so it is important not to panic.<br />

The next step is to understand how throttle and steering<br />

inputs affect <strong>the</strong> behaviour of <strong>the</strong> car. Most drivers will<br />

already understand that driving on slippery surfaces means<br />

slowing down, but it is also how <strong>the</strong>y accelerate and steer that<br />

affects how a car manoeuvres through bends and corners.<br />

A little too much steering might throw <strong>the</strong> car into a spin,<br />

while too much throttle may cause <strong>the</strong> car to lose front end<br />

grip and drive it into a snow back — or worse, a tree.<br />

TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

118


THE DRIVE<br />

<strong>the</strong> BMW Driving<br />

Experience intensifies<br />

with a close partnership<br />

with training venues in<br />

Ötztal and Pitztal<br />

119 JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE DRIVE<br />

911 turbo s porsche driving experience<br />

ice force levi finland 2015 porsche ag 1<br />

neel jani 918 spyder porsche driving<br />

experience levi finland 2015 porsche ag<br />

Beyond that, it is a matter of vision and<br />

understanding how to control <strong>the</strong> car once you drive<br />

beyond <strong>the</strong> limit of grip — keeping your head up and<br />

looking in <strong>the</strong> direction you want to go, and steering in<br />

that direction. Of course, all of this is easier said than<br />

done but this is also difficult to understand until you are<br />

in <strong>the</strong> situation yourself. Ultimately, nothing beats seat<br />

time and practice in <strong>the</strong>se conditions.<br />

If you are truly interested in trying ice driving for<br />

yourself, it would be worth your money to book a flight<br />

out to Sweden during <strong>the</strong> winter months and sign up for<br />

one of <strong>the</strong> many ice driving programmes. When <strong>the</strong> lakes<br />

freeze over, <strong>the</strong>re are usually outfits that set up courses<br />

to teach drivers how to handle <strong>the</strong>se tricky conditions<br />

— and <strong>the</strong>re’s no safer place to pirouette around in an<br />

out-of-control slide than an empty frozen lake. If you’re<br />

<strong>the</strong> kind of person who enjoys driving, it’s definitely <strong>the</strong><br />

experience of a lifetime.<br />

"<strong>the</strong>re’s no safer place<br />

to pirouette around<br />

in an out-of-control<br />

slide than an empty<br />

frozen lake."<br />

TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

120


THE DRIVE<br />

121 JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE VACATION | NEWS<br />

Heaven in Hua Hin<br />

Historically <strong>the</strong> stomping ground of <strong>the</strong><br />

Thai Royal family, Thailand’s blissful<br />

seaside town of Hua Hin, just two hours<br />

south of Bangkok, welcomed <strong>the</strong> opening<br />

of AVANI Hua Hin Resort and Villas. The<br />

resort’s 196 guest rooms, villas and suites<br />

spread out across lush gardens that connect<br />

to a large lagoon pool. Guests can choose<br />

<strong>from</strong> seaside excursions in <strong>the</strong> local area,<br />

food market tours and an AVANIKIDS<br />

club for family-friendly activities in this<br />

tranquil beach paradise.<br />

WORDS by tania jayathilaka<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

122


NEWS | THE VACATION<br />

Yes to Yachts<br />

Get ready for a dazzling display of<br />

maritime luxury with <strong>the</strong> third edition of<br />

<strong>the</strong> Thailand Yacht Show, set to take place<br />

this 22 to 25 <strong>Feb</strong>ruary at <strong>the</strong> gorgeous Ao<br />

Po Grand Marina close to <strong>the</strong> stunning<br />

cerulean Phang Nga Bay, Phuket. The<br />

show will present a chance for potential<br />

buyers and charterers to climb aboard<br />

and try a wide range of watercrafts like<br />

sailboats, dinghies, tenders, day-cruisers,<br />

and a stunning variety of superyachts<br />

and regional debuts amidst upscale social<br />

events and o<strong>the</strong>r exclusive experiences.<br />

Decked Out<br />

An unbeatable view of Hong Kong’s<br />

glistening Victoria Harbour is now<br />

within easy reach of travellers visiting<br />

<strong>the</strong> country’s largest shopping<br />

complex Harbour City, thanks to<br />

its newly opened Ocean Terminal<br />

Deck. This free-of-charge rooftop<br />

observation deck overlooks Hong<br />

Kong Island, Kowloon up north, and<br />

<strong>the</strong> harbour, said to be <strong>the</strong> ideal spot<br />

<strong>from</strong> which to enjoy Hong Kong’s<br />

sunset view.<br />

123 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE VACATION<br />

Sunset, Twilight, Dusk,<br />

Hong Kong, China<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

124


THE VACATION<br />

48 Hours In<br />

Hong<br />

Kong<br />

Enjoy home comforts, fine dining and<br />

designer discounts in Eastern Asia.<br />

Words by<br />

Cynthia Rosenfeld/London Evening Standard/<br />

The Interview People<br />

125 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE VACATION<br />

Pyeongchang, South Korea<br />

Ra<strong>the</strong>r than stamp out a start-up spirit, recordsetting<br />

commercial rents in Hong Kong’s wellestablished<br />

neighbourhoods — Central, Wan Chai<br />

and Sheung Wan among <strong>the</strong>m — have inspired<br />

an unprecedented sprawl towards this polyglot<br />

island’s four cardinal points.<br />

One headed south to eat <strong>the</strong> day’s catch around Aberdeen<br />

Harbour, a natural typhoon shelter still home to a dwindling<br />

community of Tanka and Hoklo boat-dwellers. Then came<br />

Wong Chuk Hang, a ‘go down’ or warehouse district of<br />

wholesale food distributors, car mechanics and Chinese<br />

furniture-makers-turned-breeding-ground for space-seeking<br />

art galleries and o<strong>the</strong>r creative enterprises; a mass transit<br />

station is now planned for late 2016.<br />

To help first-timers ferret out <strong>the</strong>se often-unmarked<br />

addresses, pioneers formed <strong>the</strong> South Island Cultural District<br />

(sicd.com.hk). The nearly two-dozen-strong, mostly gallery<br />

members scattered around Wong Chuk Hang and <strong>the</strong><br />

neighbouring former fishing villages of Ap Lei Chau and Tin<br />

Wan regularly host art walks and sponsor shuttle buses <strong>from</strong><br />

Wan Chai on <strong>the</strong> Victoria Harbour waterfront. During <strong>the</strong><br />

day around Wong Chuk Hang, named after Aberdeen’s main<br />

thoroughfare, watch for pencil-thin glamazons navigating<br />

<strong>the</strong>se still gritty sidewalks in this season’s stilettos. They’ll<br />

be heading to One Island South, Hong Kong’s fashion<br />

headquarters, after lunching — gluten-free — at <strong>the</strong> array<br />

of eateries hidden within Wong Chuk Hang’s deceptively<br />

dilapidated edifices.<br />

Bed down: Industrial chic with home<br />

comforts<br />

Luring international art lovers to abandon <strong>the</strong>ir hotel<br />

loyalty point tallies, and locals to head south, Ovolo<br />

Southside’s (64 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen; 00 852<br />

3460 8100; ovolohotels.com; doubles <strong>from</strong> £120) 162 pareddown<br />

guestrooms balance backdrops of exposed pipes and<br />

raw brick with creature comforts including puffed-up beds,<br />

powerful rain showers and cosy couches angled towards <strong>the</strong><br />

South China Sea. Cool-kid concierges are on hand to lead<br />

guests past loading docks and up industrial elevators to<br />

invitation-only pop-ups and a handful of Hong Kong’s top<br />

private kitchens.<br />

Some of <strong>the</strong> best Wong Chuk Hang meals, however, can<br />

be had in-house, starting with <strong>the</strong> tapas menu at <strong>the</strong> hotel’s<br />

23rd floor rooftop lounge, where happy hour cocktails run a<br />

very reasonable HKD$150 (£13) and include complimentary<br />

bites <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> kitchen. The hotel’s restaurant, Cirqle, is<br />

home to one of Hong Kong’s best burgers as well as higherbrow<br />

dishes such as Lebanese goat’s cheese and fig salad,<br />

and seared Saltbush lamb chops with orzo tzatziki in shallot<br />

salsa. Fur<strong>the</strong>r freebies include citywide Wi-Fi, an all-day<br />

snack buffet featuring bottomless jars of homemade cookies,<br />

flexible checkout and DIY laundry.<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

126


THE VACATION<br />

“During <strong>the</strong> day around<br />

Wong Chuk Hang, named<br />

after Aberdeen’s main<br />

thoroughfare, watch for<br />

pencil-thin glamazons<br />

navigating <strong>the</strong>se still gritty<br />

sidewalks in this season’s<br />

stilettos.”<br />

Fed and watered: Prime cuts, fine dining<br />

and super juices<br />

Vegetarians you’ve been warned; Butchers’ Club (13/F Sun<br />

Ying Industrial Centre, 9 Tin Wan Close, Tin Wan; 00<br />

852 2552 8281; <strong>the</strong>butchers.club; three-course set menus<br />

HK$550/£46) doesn’t deviate <strong>from</strong> its name. Credited with<br />

introducing dry-aged beef to Hong Kong, owner Jonathan<br />

Glover has spawned a mini-empire around Hong Kong<br />

Island with a New York-style deli and burger joint. However,<br />

it’s this artisan butcher shop-turned-after-dark-privatekitchen<br />

for up to 18 that draws plaudits, as much for <strong>the</strong><br />

succulent cuts (and duck-fat fries) as for <strong>the</strong> free-flowing<br />

chats with <strong>the</strong> butcher and chef.<br />

At Culinart (40 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen; 00<br />

852 2580 0919; culinart.com.hk) a hard-to-book private<br />

kitchen for eight to 24 diners, Chinese-German chef Stanley<br />

Wong’s artful dishes taste as beautiful as <strong>the</strong>y look, and <strong>the</strong>re<br />

is plenty to admire on <strong>the</strong> monthly seven-course tasting<br />

menu (HK$1,200/£100) in which white asparagus dappled<br />

with chives and herring roe prep appetites for barramundi<br />

sashimi with pickled watermelon, rhubarb gazpacho and<br />

roasted black cod with turmeric kombucha.<br />

Take <strong>the</strong> lift up to 3/3rds (6 Yip Fat Street 00 852<br />

3462 2951; three-3rds.com; mains <strong>from</strong> HK$90/£8), an<br />

industrial furniture showroom that’s also an eatery with<br />

exposed everything, plus compelling views through <strong>the</strong><br />

wall of windows to Aberdeen Harbour. What <strong>the</strong> owners<br />

save on rent goes into high-quality imported and organic<br />

ingredients in <strong>the</strong> rice paper-thin pizzas, inventive salads<br />

and delicious homemade desserts.<br />

At Mum Veggie + Coffee + Sweet (One Island South,<br />

Aberdeen; mum-hk.com) morning yoga classes inside this<br />

polished concrete, stone-walled enclave give way to some of<br />

<strong>the</strong> Southside’s healthiest cuisine. After a Super C juice with<br />

freshly squeezed oranges, apples and lemons (HK$34/£3)<br />

tuck into crispy burdock root salad with carrots, bean<br />

sprouts and salad leaves. It’s filling but not so much that one<br />

has to forgo vegan banana cake or tofu brownie (mains <strong>from</strong><br />

HK$50/£4.20).<br />

127 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE VACATION<br />

interior of Lane Crawford<br />

store. Lane Crawford is<br />

a retail company with<br />

specialty stores selling<br />

designer label luxury<br />

goods in Hong Kong<br />

istockphoto<br />

Prada boutique,<br />

hong kong<br />

In <strong>the</strong> bag: Designer discounts<br />

Ask your hotel concierge to put you on <strong>the</strong> list for any<br />

private sales that may be taking place among <strong>the</strong> showrooms<br />

at One Island South, where fashion doyenne Joyce holds<br />

regular friends and family sales at her seventh floor<br />

showroom, rightly famous for its 75 per cent discounts.<br />

O<strong>the</strong>rwise, head fur<strong>the</strong>r south to Horizon Plaza (2 Lee<br />

Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 00 852 2554 9089), a veritable hub<br />

of markdowns. Regulars know to start <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> top, on <strong>the</strong><br />

27th floor, where prices at <strong>the</strong> Marni outlet dip at least 50 per<br />

cent below retail.<br />

Two floors down, <strong>the</strong> Lane Crawford outlet is a minefield<br />

of European designer finds for those willing to pick through<br />

<strong>the</strong> scattered piles while <strong>the</strong> more organised Ralph Lauren on<br />

<strong>the</strong> 18th floor offers an edited selection of men’s, women’s<br />

and children’s frocks <strong>from</strong> recent seasons. Die-hard discount<br />

shoppers continue on to <strong>the</strong> Prada Outlet, above a wet<br />

market (Marina Square, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau; 00<br />

852 2814 9576).<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

128


THE VACATION<br />

“At Art Statements, modern<br />

Asian art pioneer Dominique<br />

Perregaux’s roster ranges <strong>from</strong><br />

Salvador Dali and American<br />

graffiti artist JonOne to<br />

‘outsider’ Chinese photographer<br />

Weng Fen and <strong>the</strong> nostalgic<br />

Japanese kitsch of Yuichi Sugai.”<br />

Cultural agenda: Industrial art<br />

Though undeniably industrial, Wong Chuk Hang and its<br />

satellites Tin Hau and Ap Lei Chau are easily navigable on<br />

foot, so download <strong>the</strong> SCID map (sicd.com.hk/map.html)<br />

<strong>the</strong>n seek out two of <strong>the</strong> district’s top art spaces.<br />

At Spring Workshop (Remex Centre, 42 Wong Chuk<br />

Hang Road; 00 852 2110 4370; springworkshop.org), expat<br />

dynamo Mimi Brown helms a pioneering yet inviting<br />

not-for-profit artists’ residency, with multiple studios for<br />

visiting artists, a cavernous exhibition space plus open<br />

kitchens and outdoor terraces.<br />

At Art Statements (Gee Chang Hong Centre, Factory D,<br />

65 Wong Chuk Hang Road; 00 852 2696 2300; artstatements.<br />

com), modern Asian art pioneer Dominique Perregaux’s<br />

roster ranges <strong>from</strong> Salvador Dali and American graffiti<br />

artist JonOne to ‘outsider’ Chinese photographer Weng Fen<br />

and <strong>the</strong> nostalgic Japanese kitsch of Yuichi Sugai.<br />

Spring Workshop at<br />

wong chuk hang road<br />

3/3rds’ high quality<br />

and organic fare<br />

129 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OFFICES<br />

TROPICANA MANAGEMENT<br />

SERVICES SDN BHD (TMS)<br />

Property Management Office<br />

CASA INDAH 1<br />

CONDOMINIUMS<br />

Property Management Office<br />

MERCHANT SQUARE<br />

BUSINE SS PARK<br />

Property Management Office<br />

CASA KIARA 2<br />

CONDOMINIUM<br />

Property Management Office<br />

CASA TROPICANA<br />

CONDOMINIUMS<br />

Property Management Office<br />

Jalan Kelab <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> Golf &<br />

Country Resort<br />

47410 Petaling Jaya<br />

Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia<br />

Tel: +603 7804 1533<br />

(Direct Line)<br />

+603 7804 8888<br />

(General Line)<br />

Fax: +603 7806 5044<br />

tms@tropicanagolf.com<br />

Office hours:<br />

9am – 6pm (Monday – Friday)<br />

9am – 1pm (Saturday)<br />

Closed (Sunday)<br />

B-G-05, Casa Indah 1<br />

Condominiums<br />

No 2A, Persiaran Surian<br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> Indah,<br />

PJU 3 Kota Damansara<br />

47410 Petaling Jaya<br />

Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia<br />

Tel: +603 6140 9194/6140 9166<br />

Fax: +603 6140 9168<br />

casaindahcondo@yahoo.com<br />

Office hours:<br />

9am – 5.30pm (Monday – Friday)<br />

9am – 1pm (Saturday)<br />

Closed (Sunday)<br />

No 1, Jalan <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />

Selatan 1, PJU 3<br />

47410 Petaling Jaya<br />

Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia<br />

Tel: +603 7883 0866<br />

Fax: +603 7883 0966<br />

merchantsquare@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />

Office hours:<br />

9am – 5.30pm<br />

(Monday – Friday)<br />

9am – 1pm (Saturday)<br />

Closed (Sunday)<br />

Dicasa Management<br />

Services Sdn Bhd<br />

Lobby Level<br />

No 14, Jalan Kiara 5, Bukit Kiara<br />

50480 Kuala Lumpur<br />

Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia<br />

Tel: +603 6203 9229<br />

Fax: +603 6203 9339<br />

casakiara2@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />

Office hours:<br />

9am – 5pm<br />

(Monday – Friday)<br />

9am – 1pm (Saturday)<br />

Closed (Sunday)<br />

B-5-17, Block B<br />

Casa Tro picana<br />

No 5, Jalan Persiaran <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />

PJU 3<br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> Golf & Country Resort<br />

47410 Petaling Jaya<br />

Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia<br />

Tel: +603 7883 0982<br />

Fax: +603 7883 0292<br />

casatropicana@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />

Office hours:<br />

9am – 5.30pm<br />

(Monday – Friday)<br />

9am – 1pm (Saturday)<br />

Closed (Sunday)<br />

CASA INDAH 2<br />

CONDOMINIUMS<br />

Property Management Office<br />

A-02-01, Management Office<br />

Casa Indah 2 Condominiums<br />

No 2B, Persiaran Surian<br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> Indah Resort Homes<br />

PJU3<br />

Kota Damansara<br />

47410 Petaling Jaya<br />

Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia<br />

Tel: +603 6142 6288 / 6388<br />

Fax: +603 6142 6788<br />

casaindah2@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />

Office hours:<br />

9am – 5.30pm<br />

(Monday – Friday)<br />

9am – 1pm (Saturday)<br />

Closed (Sunday)<br />

ARENA MENTARI BUSINESS<br />

PARK<br />

Property Management Office<br />

Block C, Wisma TT<br />

No 1, Jalan PJS 8/15<br />

Dataran Mentari<br />

46150 Petaling Jaya<br />

Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia<br />

Tel: +603 5621 1979<br />

Fax: +603 5621 1980<br />

istimabudi@gmail.com<br />

Office hours:<br />

9am – 5.30pm<br />

(Monday – Friday)<br />

9am – 1pm (Saturday)<br />

Closed (Sunday)<br />

TROPICANA INDAH SDN BHD<br />

Property Management Office<br />

Jalan Kelab <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> Golf &<br />

Country Resort<br />

47410 Petaling Jaya<br />

Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia<br />

Tel: +603 7804 4722<br />

+603 7805 5855<br />

Fax: +603 7806 5044<br />

tisb@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />

Office hours:<br />

9am – 6pm (Monday – Friday)<br />

9am – 1pm (Saturday)<br />

Closed (Sunday)<br />

TROPICANA GRANDE<br />

Property Management Office<br />

Level 1, Management Office<br />

Block A, <strong>Tropicana</strong> Grande<br />

Condominiums<br />

No. 3 Persiaran <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />

47410 Petaling Jaya<br />

Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia<br />

Tel: +603 7610 0965<br />

Fax: +603 7610 0968<br />

stephaniechua@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />

Office hours: 9am – 6pm<br />

(Monday – Friday)<br />

9am – 1pm (Saturday)<br />

Closed (Sunday)<br />

TROPICANA CHERAS<br />

Property Management Office<br />

To be ready soon<br />

For more information, please<br />

contact Sales & Marketing<br />

Department at:<br />

Tel: +603 7710 1018<br />

DAMANSARA INTAN<br />

E-BUSINESS PARK<br />

Property Management Office<br />

A328, Block A<br />

Damansara Intan<br />

No 1, Jalan SS 20/27<br />

47400 Petaling Jaya<br />

Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia<br />

Tel: +603 7118 3111<br />

Fax: +603 7118 3222<br />

gracewong@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />

Office hours:<br />

9am – 5.30pm<br />

(Monday – Friday)<br />

9am – 1pm (Saturday)<br />

Closed (Sunday)<br />

FORTUNE PARK APARTMENTS<br />

Property Management Office<br />

A-5, Pangsapuri Suria Perdana<br />

(Fortune Park Apartments)<br />

Taman Serdang Perdana<br />

Seksyen 4<br />

43300 Seri Kembangan<br />

Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia<br />

Tel: +603 8944 9331<br />

Fax: +603 8944 9332<br />

fortunepark@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />

Office hours:<br />

9am – 5.30pm<br />

(Monday – Friday)<br />

9am – 1pm (Saturday)<br />

Closed (Sunday)<br />

TROPICANA HEIGHTS<br />

Property Management Offi ce<br />

Off Jalan P6/2, 43500<br />

Semenyih, Kajang<br />

Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia<br />

Tel: +6013-2020746<br />

Fax: +603 7806 5044<br />

tisb@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />

Office hours:<br />

9.00 am to 5.30 pm (Monday – Friday)<br />

9.00 am to 5.30 pm (Saturday)<br />

Closed (Sunday & Public Holidays)<br />

TROPICANA CHERAS<br />

Admin Of fice<br />

6, Jalan <strong>Tropicana</strong> Cheras 1, Taman<br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> Cheras, 43000 Kajang,<br />

Selangor.<br />

Tel: +6013-2020746<br />

Fax: +603 7610 0968<br />

stephaniechua@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />

Office hours:<br />

9.00 am to 5.30 pm (Monday – Friday)<br />

9.00 am to 5.30 pm (Saturday)<br />

Closed (Sunday & Public Holidays)


THE LIST<br />

FACILITIES AND TENANTS AT<br />

TROPICANA GOLF AND COUNTRY RESORT<br />

TROPICANA GOLF AND COUNTRY RESORT<br />

SITE LAYOUT PLAN<br />

N<br />

Buggy Track<br />

DRIVING R<br />

WESTERN COURSE<br />

Practice Green<br />

Children’s<br />

Playground<br />

Landscape<br />

18th Green<br />

18<br />

14<br />

Tai Thong<br />

13<br />

32<br />

Children’s<br />

Playground<br />

21<br />

48<br />

19<br />

20<br />

17<br />

22<br />

15<br />

16<br />

M<br />

L<br />

17<br />

33<br />

Landscape<br />

30<br />

31<br />

29<br />

Administration<br />

Office<br />

24 23<br />

25<br />

26<br />

MA<br />

C<br />

34<br />

35<br />

36<br />

Landscape<br />

28<br />

27<br />

Poolside<br />

Cafe<br />

38<br />

37<br />

39<br />

SPORTS WING<br />

41 42<br />

43<br />

44<br />

40<br />

Carpark<br />

Lake<br />

45<br />

46<br />

LEGEND<br />

Lower Ground<br />

Ground<br />

Level 1<br />

47<br />

To Basement<br />

C<br />

With a gross built-up area of over 380,000<br />

square feet (35,303 square metres), Malaysia’s<br />

largest and award-winning Clubhouse<br />

at <strong>Tropicana</strong> Golf & Country Resort is<br />

truly impressive. This is a listing of all <strong>the</strong><br />

facilities and amenities that are built for<br />

<strong>the</strong> convenience of all <strong>Tropicana</strong> members,<br />

residents and <strong>the</strong>ir guests<br />

Golf / Sports Membership 03-7804 8888<br />

Vivian ext 208<br />

Membership Email membership1@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />

Golf Email<br />

golf@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />

Sports Department 03-7804 2087<br />

Operating Hours 9.00 am – 6.00 pm (Monday to Friday)<br />

Email<br />

gm@tropicanagolf.com<br />

Website<br />

www.tropicanagolf.com<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

132


THE LIST<br />

VING RANGE<br />

Practice Green<br />

Buggy Track<br />

9th Green<br />

Food and Beverage<br />

Main Wing<br />

7 Twenty7 03-7804 8888<br />

(Ext 326)<br />

15 Gin Shui Tei Japanese Restaurant 03-7886 9168<br />

36 Poolside Café 03-7804 8888<br />

(Ext 327)<br />

9 Spring Garden <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />

Chinese Restaurant 03-7880 7226<br />

11 The Palms Coffee House 03-7804 8888<br />

(Ext 306)<br />

The Palms Wing<br />

8 Royce 017-322 3668<br />

26 J Italian Restaurant 03-7805 3925/3935<br />

25 Myeung Dong Korean BBQ 016-3684500<br />

13<br />

Main<br />

Lobby<br />

Landscape<br />

8<br />

Car Porch<br />

12<br />

MAIN WING<br />

11<br />

10<br />

9<br />

7<br />

asd<br />

Main Kitchen<br />

6<br />

GOLF WING<br />

1<br />

2<br />

5<br />

Golf<br />

Counter<br />

4<br />

3<br />

Buggy Station<br />

EASTERN COURSE<br />

1st Tee<br />

Sports and Recreation<br />

Sports Wing<br />

46 Outdoor tennis court<br />

43 2 indoor tennis courts<br />

45 4 indoor badminton courts<br />

31 12-lane computerised bowling alley<br />

33-34 2 play pools with water slides and waterfall<br />

42 3 squash courts<br />

23 Multipurpose studio<br />

38 Japanese bath and Jacuzzi<br />

3-4 Male changing rooms with<br />

360 private lockers<br />

35 Resort-style larger-than-Olympic-size<br />

swimming pool<br />

41 Sauna and steam bath<br />

24 Snooker room<br />

39 2 table tennis courts<br />

40 Well-equipped gymnasium<br />

44 1 VIP badminton hall<br />

47 1 futsal court<br />

Fountain<br />

Buggy Pick-up Area<br />

Leisure and Entertainment<br />

24 Havana Lounge 017-885 4188<br />

27 Thai Odyssey Spa & Massage 03-7803 1233/<br />

03-7804 1129<br />

29 Bowling & Café 03-7804 8888<br />

16 Gaming room<br />

37 Library<br />

22 Spine & Joint <strong>Tropicana</strong> 03-78042072<br />

rk<br />

Carpark<br />

Carpark<br />

Function Areas<br />

6 Greens I<br />

10 Greens II<br />

30 Greens III<br />

32 Poolside Terrace<br />

28 Spanish Courtyard<br />

12-14 The Grand Ballroom (First floor)<br />

Carpark<br />

asement Carpark<br />

Sales & Marketing (Banquet Function) 03-7804 8888<br />

Liza ext 141<br />

Sandy ext 142<br />

Siti Fairuz ext 155<br />

Mas Suria ext 517<br />

Email<br />

salesmarketing@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />

Toll Free 1800 88 8128<br />

Lake<br />

Golfing Facilities<br />

Golf at <strong>Tropicana</strong> 03-7804 8888<br />

(Ext 211/212/200)<br />

<strong>Tropicana</strong> Driving Range 016-243 4801/<br />

012-278 3172<br />

Buggies and turf mates<br />

56-bay driving range<br />

27-hole championship golf course<br />

18-hole putting greens<br />

5 Female changing rooms<br />

with 60 private lockers<br />

Amenities<br />

20 Alam Convenience Store 03-7804 3095<br />

1 De Manshop Tailoring 03-7880 4063<br />

21 Eco Hair Saloon 03-7804 9316<br />

2 Pro-Shop Golf Shop 03-7804 6348<br />

17 Kain 017-200 8142<br />

18 Kindyland <strong>Tropicana</strong> 017-314 6754<br />

48 Klinik <strong>Tropicana</strong> 03-7805 5461<br />

19 The Green House Florist 03-7880 1388<br />

3-4 Prayer room<br />

133 january/february <strong>2018</strong> | TM


THE END | Kapalua Nikko City, Bay japan Beach, HAWAII<br />

“For last year’s words belong to last<br />

year’s language And next year’s words<br />

await ano<strong>the</strong>r voice And to make an end<br />

is to make a beginning.”<br />

–TS Elliot–<br />

TM | january/february <strong>2018</strong><br />

134

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