Tropicana Nov-Dec 2020 #133 The Festive Issue
Tropicana Nov-Dec 2020 #133 The Festive Issue
Tropicana Nov-Dec 2020 #133 The Festive Issue
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Vol. <strong>#133</strong> <strong>Nov</strong>ember / <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2020</strong><br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Festive</strong> <strong>Issue</strong><br />
Life Is<br />
Beautiful<br />
Beauty entrepreneur<br />
Ken Lim always<br />
looks out for<br />
the silver lining<br />
Show Goes On In <strong>Festive</strong> Fashion Dream Home<br />
<strong>The</strong> Actors Studio continues to<br />
nurture performing arts in Malaysia<br />
Dress up to celebrate the year-end<br />
and welcome a new year<br />
Don’t let the pandemic stop you<br />
from investing in properties
EDITOR’S NOTE<br />
A Better<br />
Tomorrow<br />
Wow, what a year it’s been.<br />
If nothing else, <strong>2020</strong><br />
will certainly go down in<br />
history books as the most<br />
“memorable” - marked by<br />
that unforgettable pandemic<br />
known as COVID-19 and political instability in Malaysia<br />
and elsewhere, from Thailand to the United States.<br />
But despite all of that, we remain optimistic that<br />
brighter times are ahead. And we want to end the year<br />
on a positive note. Hence, we bring to you <strong>The</strong> <strong>Festive</strong><br />
<strong>Issue</strong> this month. Throughout these pages, we hope to<br />
inspire you to celebrate the good things in life, to have<br />
hope for a better future.<br />
Desmond Tutu once said: “Hope is being able to<br />
see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” And we<br />
could not agree more. In our Health & Wellness section,<br />
we talk to renowned wellness personality Jojo Struys who<br />
urges us to stay positive and embrace the challenges in<br />
these uncertain times.<br />
In <strong>The</strong> Art section, we pay tribute to the<br />
people behind <strong>The</strong> Actors Studio. Founders Dato’<br />
Dr Faridah Merican and Joe Hasham have time and<br />
again demonstrated their commitment to contribute<br />
to the performing arts sector in Malaysia, despite the<br />
pandemic almost knocking the wind out of their sails.<br />
We also highlight Penang-based artist Tiffany<br />
Choong who strives to bring joy and shine light on<br />
important topics through her artwork. Our cover<br />
subject Ken Lim - the founder and namesake of Kens<br />
Apothecary - opens up about finding contentment<br />
amidst life’s challenges.<br />
In our fashion pages, we shot a spread (at Edelweiss<br />
SOFO & Serviced Residences in <strong>Tropicana</strong> Gardens)<br />
that is all about dressing up to celebrate, even if it’s for<br />
an intimate shindig at home. And if you’re looking for<br />
a Christmas present to cheer up a loved one, we have<br />
compiled a list of gift ideas for your perusal.<br />
So, yes, we are hopeful about the year ahead, of it<br />
being a better tomorrow. Let’s work together to make<br />
2021 a better year, one that will be remembered for all<br />
the right reasons.<br />
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Take care,<br />
stay safe and see you next time!<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Magazine Editorial Team<br />
Photo: Brigitte Tohm/ Pexels<br />
1 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
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TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
2
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VOLUME<br />
<strong>#133</strong><br />
ON THE COVER<br />
14 Boss of Beauty<br />
<strong>The</strong> Diary<br />
6 Light Up This <strong>Festive</strong> Season<br />
<strong>The</strong> Scene<br />
8 Happenings About Town<br />
Culture<br />
10 Books, Movies and Music<br />
<strong>The</strong> Home<br />
22 Modern Talking<br />
<strong>The</strong> Art<br />
26 Come What May<br />
30 Where Heart & Art Meets<br />
Property News<br />
40 <strong>Tropicana</strong> and Marriott International<br />
Launch Courtyard By Marriott Penang<br />
42 <strong>Tropicana</strong> Launches Edelweiss<br />
SOFO & Serviced Residences<br />
43 <strong>Tropicana</strong> Bags Multiple Awards At<br />
<strong>The</strong> Property Guru Asia Property<br />
Awards (Malaysia)<br />
Mulan Movie For <strong>Tropicana</strong> Staff<br />
Property<br />
Investment<br />
46 Buying Your Dream Home<br />
<strong>The</strong> Game Changer<br />
90 A Perfect Fit<br />
<strong>The</strong> Dishes<br />
100 One Of A Kind<br />
104 Feast For All<br />
106 Up Close & Personal<br />
<strong>The</strong> Experience<br />
86 Cinema Of Choice<br />
<strong>The</strong> Drive<br />
110 A Symbol Of Innovation<br />
<strong>The</strong> Vacation<br />
114 Of <strong>The</strong> Days Gone By<br />
118 Amazing Adventures Await<br />
<strong>The</strong> Gadget<br />
34 Edge of Tomorrow<br />
<strong>The</strong> Swing<br />
52 Great On <strong>The</strong> Green<br />
54 Allure Of Ancient Beauty<br />
<strong>The</strong> Time<br />
58 Wonders On <strong>The</strong> Wrist<br />
<strong>The</strong> Look<br />
60 In <strong>The</strong> Mood For Revelry<br />
72 Embrace <strong>The</strong> New<br />
74 Dressed To Chill<br />
76 Time To Shine<br />
<strong>The</strong> Beauty<br />
78 Towards A Better You<br />
80 Packaged For <strong>The</strong> Holidays<br />
82 On A Sensorial Journey<br />
84 Finding <strong>The</strong> Perfect Present<br />
Health And<br />
Wellness<br />
98 Ways To improve Our Wellbeing<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
4
THE DIARY<br />
Light Up This <strong>Festive</strong> Season<br />
As we welcome a brand new year, here’s a lustrous line-up<br />
of celebrations from all over the world.<br />
Text by William K.C. Kee<br />
Christmas Set Menu At W Kuala Lumpur<br />
1 – 31 <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2020</strong>/ 12pm – 10.30pm<br />
Flock, W Kuala Lumpur<br />
wkualalumpur.com<br />
For the whole of <strong>Dec</strong>ember, guests will be able to indulge in a specially curated festive set menu at Flock, W Kuala Lumpur’s modern Australian,<br />
all-day-dining venue. Featuring fresh produce from local artisans, this menu will definitely appeal to your tastebuds! Christmas Set meals start<br />
from RM188 nett, with a minimum of 50 pax. Menu is available for lunch or dinner Mondays to Fridays. On 24 <strong>Dec</strong>ember, there will be RETOX<br />
At Dusk: Xmas Eve Edition, where one can ring in the Yuletide festivities with a spread that will leave you spoilt for choice. On 25 <strong>Dec</strong>ember,<br />
there’s RETOX Brunch: Xmas Edition where a sumptuous buffet awaits including Whole Roasted Turkey with Apricot & Sage Stuffing, Foie<br />
Gras Chawan Mushi and Red Wine Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek.<br />
Räbechilbi Turnip Festival<br />
12 <strong>Nov</strong>ember <strong>2020</strong><br />
Richterswil, Switzerland<br />
vvrs.ch<br />
In <strong>Nov</strong>ember, many towns in Switzerland celebrate Räbechilbi, which literally means<br />
“turnip party”. In short, people carve designs into turnips, light them up like a lantern<br />
and have a parade. An annual soiree is thrown by Richterswil, a town on the shores of<br />
Lake Zürich in honour of this root vegetable. <strong>The</strong> one-day festival features outdoor<br />
concerts and a small market peddling local specialties, while the highlight is a procession<br />
of floats adorned with 26 tonnes of turnips carved into every imaginable shape, from<br />
flowers to tigers and intricate, larger-than-life cuckoo clocks.<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
6
Montreal Bach Festival<br />
19 <strong>Nov</strong>ember – 6 <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2020</strong><br />
Montreal, Canada<br />
festivalbachmontreal.com<br />
This is a premiere destination for the timeless musical genius of<br />
Johann Sebastian Bach and the cultural legacy that he has inspired.<br />
Through a series of concerts and educational programs, the Montreal<br />
Bach Festival showcases elite musicians to the world and brings world<br />
class performers to Quebec. It contributes significantly to Montreal’s<br />
international reputation as a cultural metropolis, attracting both<br />
international and local audiences.<br />
BOXED IN (One Foot At A Time)<br />
11 <strong>Nov</strong>ember - 12 <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2020</strong>/ 12pm – 7pm<br />
Hin Bus Depot, Jalan Gurdwara, Penang<br />
www.hinbusdepot.com<br />
<strong>The</strong> phrase “thinking outside the box” is to look further and to try<br />
not think of the obvious things. Using this ideology, the exhibition<br />
BOXED IN (one foot at a time) was born. Curated by Ivan Gabriel,<br />
the group exhibition showcases Penang-based visual artists from<br />
various different backgrounds and art practices. <strong>The</strong>y were given two<br />
wooden boxes, each measuring 12 inches by 12 inches to let their<br />
creative imaginations run wild. <strong>The</strong> only catch was for them to think<br />
outside the box whilst having the artworks be within the box itself,<br />
hence the title. <strong>The</strong> exhibition promises to be filled with excitement<br />
and mystery, showcasing how the artists have executed their projects.<br />
Participating artists include Jonathan Yun, Maizul Affendy, Mandy<br />
Maung, Nasir Nadzir and Tiffany Choong.<br />
Pirates Week Festival<br />
5 - 15 <strong>Nov</strong>ember <strong>2020</strong><br />
George Town, Cayman Islands<br />
piratesweekfestival.com<br />
Perhaps no other Caribbean nation celebrates its cultural heritage<br />
and pirate legends quite like the Cayman Islands, which erupts<br />
into a festival of pageantry and spectacle during its annual Pirates<br />
Week. Spectators will enjoy a series of costume contests, party nights,<br />
heritage and cultural competitions, music and much more, spreading<br />
across three islands. <strong>The</strong>re’s even a mock pirate invasion featuring<br />
three full-scale pirate sailing ships.<br />
Loy Krathong Lantern Festival<br />
14-16 <strong>Nov</strong>ember <strong>2020</strong><br />
Chiang Mai, Thailand<br />
This is one of the world’s most ethereal events, which sees thousands<br />
gather to symbolically release their regrets, fears and negativity in<br />
the form of glowing lanterns and peaceful floats made of banana<br />
leaves. <strong>The</strong> reverent tone of the lantern release is enhanced by<br />
musical performances, lantern-making contests, beauty pageants,<br />
fireworks display and of course, plenty of scrumptious Thai food.<br />
7 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE SCENE<br />
Happenings About Town<br />
<strong>The</strong> hottest events to have set society abuzz.<br />
Text by William K.C. Kee<br />
Turkey Debuts A Symphony Orchestra Hall<br />
<strong>The</strong> pandemic may have delayed travelling plans for many. Those eager to explore the marvels and culture of Turkey, rest assured<br />
the country is waiting with open arms to welcome Malaysians, once crossing international borders is possible again. This time, a<br />
new tourist attraction can be added to the list of “must-visits” - <strong>The</strong> Presidential Symphony Orchestra Hall. <strong>The</strong> much-anticipated<br />
launch of this illustrious building kicked off with a grand gala event on 29 and 30 October <strong>2020</strong>, coinciding with Turkey’s Republic<br />
Day. Located in cosmopolitan capital Ankara, the state-of-the-art concert hall aims to become a new cultural hub for lovers of<br />
music and fine arts. It will welcome world-renowned soprano, Angela Gheorghiu and well-known piano duo, twin sisters Güher<br />
and Süher Pekinel. For more details, visit http://goturkey.com/.<br />
Feith In Footwear<br />
Multi-label shoe boutique Feith continues to thrill fans with new<br />
designs. It recently hosted an intimate event “Summer Delight”<br />
to introduce the new Feith collection. Opened in Fahrenheit 88<br />
Kuala Lumpur in <strong>Dec</strong>ember last year, the store is a purveyor of chic<br />
and elegant footwear. <strong>The</strong> new collection encapsulates a luxurious<br />
summer feel, featuring fresh new colours made with exquisite fabrics<br />
and leathers. All of the shoes are handmade in Spain. Feith also<br />
launched a new handbag range, all of which were handmade in<br />
Italy. Present at the event were the store founders Soo Shea Pin and<br />
Teh Wenfei, her daughter.<br />
Pink Buddies’ Day Out<br />
Every October, caring public members don pink ribbons in support<br />
of Breast Cancer Awareness. On 3 October <strong>2020</strong>, Pink Buddies’ Day<br />
Out was held at the luxuriously trendy W Kuala Lumpur. This was<br />
to celebrate the survivors and their buddies who were there by their<br />
side. MODA (Malaysian Official Designers Association) initiated<br />
this project together with Estée Lauder Companies Malaysia and<br />
W Kuala Lumpur. Sixteen pairs with the most touching stories were<br />
invited to W Kuala Lumpur for a day of pampering and celebration.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y were also introduced to Malaysian designers they were paired<br />
with for clothes fitting. All dressed-up, the buddies were then invited<br />
to a sumptuous high-tea at Woobar and introduced to members of<br />
the media.<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
8
Biggest roadshow for<br />
Xiaomi in Malaysia<br />
Xiaomi recently launched new smartphones Mi 10T<br />
Pro and Mi 10T via its biggest roadshow in Malaysia.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y were unveiled by K. M. Leong, Regional Head<br />
of Southeast Asia, Xiaomi. <strong>The</strong> flagship Mi 10T Pro<br />
takes creating and exploring to the next level, with<br />
unmatched specs in its class. Meanwhile, Mi 10T<br />
delivers top-notch experiences for everyone from<br />
working professionals to streaming enthusiasts and<br />
mobile gamers. Alongside the smartphones, Xiaomi’s<br />
very first smart watch, Mi Watch, Mi True Wireless<br />
Earphones 2 Basic, Mi Smart Electric Toothbrush<br />
T500, Mi Air Purifier Pro and Mi Robot Vacuum-<br />
Mop were also introduced into the Malaysian market.<br />
Crossing Into <strong>The</strong> Future<br />
It was a momentous occasion for Grand Seiko as the horology<br />
brand paid tribute to its diamond jubilee this year with the<br />
unveiling of new timepieces as well as a new quartz movement<br />
at a recent event in Mid Valley Megamall. SEIKO’s esteemed<br />
diver series also celebrated its 55 th anniversary since its creation<br />
in Japan. Speaking at the event, Thong Sia Sdn Bhd General<br />
Manager Mr. Michael Lim said: “As the sole distributor of Grand<br />
Seiko and SEIKO timepieces in Malaysia, we are humbled by the<br />
opportunity to introduce the brands’ newest collections to our loyal<br />
fan base in the country.” He added that they would continue to<br />
introduce more exclusive timepiece collections in the future. <strong>The</strong><br />
event was made more exciting by the appearance of popular actor<br />
Datuk Aaron Aziz.<br />
Preview of Penfolds<br />
<strong>2020</strong> Collection<br />
Australia’s most revered winery Penfolds recently<br />
previewed its <strong>2020</strong> Collection. To experience the new<br />
collection including the special Bin 95 Grange and a<br />
beautifully aged Bin 389, an exclusive wine-pairing<br />
dinner was held at Flock in W Kuala Lumpur. <strong>The</strong><br />
Penfolds Collection <strong>2020</strong> is a family of fine wines<br />
spanning five impressive white and red wine Australian<br />
vintages. Led by the 66th consecutive release of Grange,<br />
the <strong>2020</strong> Collection is a testament to the enduring house<br />
style and winemaking philosophy passed down through<br />
generations of Penfolds winemakers. In its entirety, this<br />
new release displays red wines of distinctive refinement<br />
and cellaring potential, and white wines which deliver<br />
on complexity and flavour.<br />
9 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
CULTURE | MOVIES<br />
<strong>The</strong> Wait Is Over<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember seems to be a packed month for Hollywood blockbusters as movies<br />
delayed by the coronavirus pandemic finally hit the screen.<br />
Wonder Woman 1984<br />
25 <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2020</strong><br />
Our fingers are crossed that this oft-delayed sequel to 2017’s Wonder Woman will finally lasso<br />
her way to the big screen. As of press time, director Patty Jenkins is “hopeful” but “not<br />
confident” the Christmas Day release date will stick. It stars Gal Gadot as Diana Prince/<br />
Wonder Woman, alongside Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal and Connie Nielsen. In<br />
the original, Diana was the <strong>The</strong>mysciran Amazon out of place in man’s world. In 1984, it’s<br />
now a time-displaced Steve finding his place in the retro world of glam rock, high-waisted<br />
jeans, and massive hair. Set during the Cold War, the film will also see Diana facing off<br />
against villains Maxwell Lord and Cheetah.<br />
Free Guy<br />
11 <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2020</strong><br />
Based on its trailer, this American<br />
sci-fi action comedy looks fun. And<br />
hey, anything starring Mr Deadpool<br />
Ryan Reynolds is worth checking<br />
out. Directed by Shawn Levy,<br />
Free Guy is about a video game<br />
character trying to become the<br />
hero of his particular game. Guy is<br />
a non-player character working as a<br />
bank teller in video game Free City.<br />
Thanks to a programme developed<br />
by a programmers Milly and Keys, Guy becomes aware of his world<br />
being a video game. He then races against time to save the game<br />
before the developers can shut it down.<br />
Greenland<br />
18 <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2020</strong><br />
As if the current pandemic isn’t<br />
a stark enough reminder that<br />
our planet is in a fragile state,<br />
here comes this disaster movie.<br />
Gerald Butler stars as John<br />
Garrity who goes against all<br />
odds to save his family. Together<br />
with his estranged wife and their<br />
young son, they embark on a<br />
perilous journey to find sanctuary<br />
as a comet hurtles toward<br />
Earth. Amid terrifying accounts<br />
of cities getting levelled, the trio experience the best and worst<br />
in humanity. As the countdown to the global apocalypse<br />
approaches zero, their incredible trek culminates in a desperate and<br />
last-minute flight to a possible safe haven. Sounds like a comforting<br />
watch … not.<br />
Monster Hunter<br />
30 <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2020</strong><br />
After the success of their Resident Evil<br />
films, model-turned-action heroine Milla<br />
Jovovich once again teams up with her<br />
director husband Paul W.S. Anderson.<br />
Will Monster Hunter be their next big<br />
franchise? It is loosely based on the<br />
video game series of the same name by<br />
Capcom. <strong>The</strong> movie also stars Tony Jaa,<br />
Josh Helman, Diego Boneta and Ron Perlman. A portal transports Lt.<br />
Artemis and an elite unit of soldiers to a strange world where powerful<br />
monsters rule with deadly ferocity. Faced with relentless danger, the<br />
team encounters a mysterious hunter who may be their only hope to<br />
find a way home. Expect lots of special effects and spectacular clashes<br />
between humans and gigantic monsters. Who will triumph? Our<br />
money’s on Milla, every time.<br />
Death On <strong>The</strong> Nile<br />
18 <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2020</strong><br />
A follow-up to 2017’s Murder On <strong>The</strong> Orient<br />
Express, this mystery thriller based on<br />
the book of the same name by Agatha<br />
Christie is directed by Kenneth Branagh.<br />
He also plays renowned Belgian detective<br />
Hercule Poirot alongside a star-studded<br />
cast featuring Annette Bening, Russell<br />
Brand, Arnie Hammer, Letitia Wright<br />
and Gal Gadot (yay!). <strong>The</strong> peace and<br />
tranquillity that was temporarily existent on the S.S Karnak Cruise<br />
Ship is destroyed after one of the passengers is found murdered. Poirot<br />
is entrusted with the important task of identifying which one of the<br />
passengers is the killer before they strike again. Needless to say, no<br />
one can enjoy their cruise even if they are sailing alongside Wonder<br />
Woman herself.<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
10
CULTURE | BOOK<br />
Books To Make You Happy<br />
This past year may not have inspired much mirth but fret not,<br />
these uplifting reads are sure to put a smile on your face.<br />
Five Steps To Happy<br />
Ella Dove<br />
When struggling actress Heidi has a life-changing accident at the age of 32, her world falls apart. Stuck in hospital<br />
and unable to walk, her only companion is Maud, the elderly lady in the bed next to hers. Heidi misses her flatmate,<br />
her life, her freedom - surely 32 is too young to be an amputee? But when Maud’s aloof but attractive grandson Jack<br />
pays a visit to the ward, Heidi realises that her life isn’t over just because it’s different. <strong>The</strong>re’s a lot she still wants to<br />
tick off her bucket list. With Jack at her side, will Heidi take the first step back to happiness? Based on the title, the<br />
answer is a resounding yes. This uplifting novel is actually based on the author’s own life.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Authenticity<br />
Project<br />
Clare Pooley<br />
Eccentric and lonely artist Julian Jessop<br />
believes that most people aren’t really<br />
honest with each other. So he writes - in<br />
a plain, green journal - the truth about<br />
his own life and leaves it in his local<br />
café. It’s run by Monica, who furtively<br />
adds her own entry and leaves the book<br />
in the wine bar across the street. Before<br />
long, others who find the green notebook add the truths about their<br />
own deepest selves. Its cast of characters - including Hazard, the<br />
charming addict who makes a vow to get sober; Alice, the fabulous<br />
mummy Instagrammer whose real life is a lot less perfect than it looks<br />
online; and their other new friends - is by turns quirky and funny,<br />
heartbreakingly sad and painfully true-to-life.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Unlikely<br />
Pilgrimage Of<br />
Harold Fry<br />
Rachel Joyce<br />
Meet Harold Fry, recently retired. He lives<br />
in a small English village with his wife,<br />
Maureen, who seems irritated by almost<br />
everything he does. One morning, a letter<br />
arrives, addressed to Harold in a shaky<br />
scrawl, from a woman he hasn’t heard<br />
from in 20 years. Queenie Hennessy is in<br />
hospice and is writing to say goodbye. A chance encounter convinces<br />
Harold that he must deliver his message to Queenie in person.<br />
Determined to walk 600 miles to the hospice, Harold believes that as<br />
long as he walks, Queenie will live. A novel of humour and profound<br />
insight into the feelings we all bury deep within our hearts; this book<br />
introduces Rachel Joyce as an irresistible storyteller.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Keeper Of<br />
Lost Things<br />
Ruth Hogan<br />
Forty years ago, Anthony Peardew<br />
carelessly lost a keepsake from his<br />
beloved fiancée, <strong>The</strong>rese. That very<br />
same day, she died unexpectedly.<br />
Broken-hearted, Anthony sought<br />
consolation in rescuing lost objects<br />
- the things others have dropped,<br />
misplaced, or accidently left behind -<br />
and writing stories about them. Now,<br />
in the twilight of his life, Anthony bequeaths his secret life’s mission<br />
to his unsuspecting assistant, Laura, leaving her his house and<br />
all its lost treasures, including an irritable ghost. A charming,<br />
clever, and quietly moving novel of endless possibilities and<br />
joyful discoveries.<br />
One Thousand<br />
Stars And You<br />
Isabelle Broom<br />
Alice is settling down. It might not be the<br />
adventurous life she once imagined, but<br />
more than anything she wants to make<br />
everyone happy - her steady boyfriend,<br />
her over-protective mother - even if<br />
it means a little part of her will always<br />
feel stifled. Meanwhile, Max is shaking<br />
things up. After a devastating injury, he<br />
is determined to prove himself, to escape his smothering family and<br />
go on an adventure. A trip to Sri Lanka is Alice’s last chance to throw<br />
herself into the chaos and colour of a place thousands of miles from<br />
home. It’s also the moment she meets Max. Alice doesn’t know it yet,<br />
but her whole life is about to change. Be prepared to swoon as this book<br />
will pick you up and sweep you into its pages. Passport not required.<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
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CULTURE | MUSIC<br />
Music To Get You Merry<br />
Whether you’re decorating the Christmas tree or throwing an intimate shindig at home,<br />
a soundtrack with the best festive songs is essential to set the mood.<br />
It’s Beginning to Look<br />
a Lot Like Christmas<br />
Michael Bublé<br />
All I Want For Christmas<br />
Is You<br />
Mariah Carey<br />
Twenty-six years after its release, Carey’s ultimate<br />
festive classic is still the go-to bop to get any soiree<br />
started. It consistently lands in the top spot on the<br />
Billboard Holiday 100. Carey co-wrote and coproduced<br />
it for her first holiday album Merry Xmas,<br />
released in 1994. With an estimated sale of over 16<br />
million copies, it remains the best-selling Christmas<br />
single by a female artist and one of the best-selling<br />
singles of all time. An up-tempo and infectious love<br />
song that includes bell chimes, heavy back-up vocals<br />
and synthesizers, resistance to this is futile.<br />
Bublé’s cover of It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like<br />
Christmas became an instant classic, and so<br />
did the rest of his holiday album. In 2011<br />
- the year it was released - Christmas spent<br />
five weeks in the No. 1 spot on the Billboard<br />
200 album sales chart. It’s hard to fathom<br />
that Bublé is not a crooner from the 50s. He<br />
puts his own slant on any song, making this<br />
traditional Yuletide classic worth having in your playlist. With his smooth, laidback<br />
vocals, he makes you feel like you’re right in front of an imaginary fireplace with your<br />
friends and family.<br />
Santa Tell Me<br />
Ariana Grande<br />
Is it possible for a song to be an instant classic?<br />
In 2014, Ariana Grande released this holiday<br />
single, and it immediately became one of<br />
her biggest hits. Most Christmas songs are<br />
forgotten by the new year but not this. Santa Tell<br />
Me cleverly works Grande’s natural evanescence<br />
to its advantage, casting the former child star<br />
as a teenager pleading with Santa for a<br />
boyfriend who won’t disappear after she “gives it all away”. <strong>The</strong>re’s nothing kitsch<br />
about the smart beat or Grande’s breathy yet powerful vocals, poised between girlishness<br />
and adulthood.<br />
Last Christmas<br />
Carly Rae Jepsen<br />
One of the biggest holiday<br />
hits, Last Christmas was written<br />
by George Michael and<br />
released way back in 1986.<br />
Although not technically a<br />
Christmas song as it tells of<br />
a broken-hearted man who’s<br />
trying to forget an ex-lover,<br />
it is still only usually heard during the year-end festivities. Unlike<br />
many of the earlier covers, Jepsen keeps things simple in her version.<br />
It is still purely a pop song, here to soothe anyone with a bad<br />
case of holiday heartache. Turn it up for chill 80s vibes and<br />
a reminder that there’s way more to the season than finding<br />
romance.<br />
Santa’s<br />
Coming for Us<br />
Sia<br />
From Sia’s Everyday Is<br />
Christmas album, this is a<br />
modern, upbeat take on the<br />
classic Santa Claus Is Coming to<br />
Town. Sia’s debut single from<br />
this album is breaking away<br />
from our expectations of<br />
holiday albums. It is an original song that isn’t backed by constant<br />
jingling bells and barely samples from within the genre. What it does<br />
offer is an extremely catchy chorus, and an updated list of all the<br />
things that we look forward to in the approaching festivities. By the<br />
end, it cements its acceptance into the song genre, whilst maintaining<br />
its modern vibe.<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
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COVER STORY<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
14
of<br />
Boss<br />
Beauty<br />
<strong>The</strong> founder and namesake of Kens Apothecary opens up about<br />
finding contentment amidst life’s challenges.<br />
Text: William K.C. Kee<br />
Art direction: Joanne Lim<br />
Creative direction: Geetha Muniandy<br />
Photographer: Brian Fang @ M8 Studio<br />
Makeup: Cindy Hor<br />
Apparel: Thom Browne @ Club 21, Lord’s Tailor<br />
15 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
COVER STORY<br />
Two decades on, Kens Apothecary<br />
remains a trusted name in the beauty<br />
retail landscape. <strong>The</strong> founder Ken<br />
Lim introduced niche skincare brands<br />
at a time when the retail scene was<br />
mass market-driven. Today, brands<br />
such as Diptyque and Creed are household names and<br />
the word “apothecary” is a familiar one in our lexicon.<br />
Presently, there are five Kens Apothecary stores located<br />
in premier shopping malls in the Klang Valley.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Early Years<br />
Before Lim took the plunge into the beauty business,<br />
he was a financial controller. <strong>The</strong> very first brand he<br />
brought into Malaysia was Australian cult brand<br />
Aesop. “When I first met a department store regarding<br />
Aesop 20 years ago, they wanted to put the brand<br />
in the homeware section instead of beauty. A lot of<br />
buyers then didn’t understand about niche concept,”<br />
recalls Lim. “Now these brands have become trendy and<br />
appeal to the young market and people in the know.”<br />
If you were to ask what he’d have done differently<br />
if he could go back in time, Lim’s reply might surprise<br />
you. “Maybe I wouldn’t have started Kens Apothecary<br />
so early, it was too progressive and ahead of its time,”<br />
says the Penang-born Lim.<br />
He concedes, however, that being forward thinking<br />
has served him well. “If I didn’t start it then, I wouldn’t<br />
be in this position now. Back then, I had to educate<br />
people on what apothecary meant,” muses Lim with a<br />
smile. “Now when people in Malaysia hear ‘apothecary’,<br />
they’d relate it back to our branding, so in a way I have<br />
taken ownership of that word.”<br />
Inspired by multi brand beauty stores Joyce Beauty,<br />
Space NK and Mecca, Kens Apothecary is nevertheless<br />
a game changer in its own right. “When I named the<br />
shop Kens Apothecary, people were curious about the<br />
person behind the name. At that time, it was unheard of<br />
for a guy to be in the beauty business, so it helped people<br />
to remember me.”<br />
“<strong>The</strong>n and now, people called us the Joyce Beauty<br />
or Space NK of Malaysia. Well, we’re not there yet.<br />
Space NK, for instance, has 50 to 100 brands, and we<br />
have 15 to 20 brands, and we’re still bringing in more<br />
brands.”<br />
Sometimes, it’s all about taking risks. “When I first<br />
brought in Marvis, there was scepticism from my team<br />
and now it’s selling like hot cakes. In that way, I was able<br />
to foresee the trend of designer toothpaste,” explains<br />
Lim. He is especially proud of his newest acquisition,<br />
luxury fragrance Frederic Malle.<br />
Lim counts himself lucky that he is able to do<br />
what he loves. “After 20 years, we have gained our<br />
customers’ trust as they see that we still uphold the<br />
same beliefs and philosophy. Now self-care is more<br />
relevant than ever; one has to live well and take care of<br />
yourself.”<br />
That’s What Friends Are For<br />
In the early years, business was a struggle. Fortunately,<br />
serendipity – or in Lim’s case, an invaluable friend<br />
– intervened. <strong>The</strong> late fashion designer Sonny San<br />
approached Lim about a collaboration. “Sonny wanted<br />
a beauty bar inside his boutique, and that’s how the<br />
business started to grow for me. He extended a helping<br />
hand when I needed it the most.”<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
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“It’s important to<br />
build bridges and<br />
remember the good<br />
that people have<br />
done for you. That’s<br />
what I’ve learnt,<br />
and it is one of<br />
the key factors<br />
to success.”<br />
17 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
COVER STORY<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
18
“I am successful as I am<br />
happy with what I’ve achieved.<br />
Yes, retail can be stressful and<br />
business-wise, there’s always<br />
room for improvement but when<br />
it comes to my personal life,<br />
I am very happy.”<br />
To this day, Lim keeps San’s work philosophy in<br />
mind. “Sonny has been in the industry for so long and<br />
people really liked him. He was a businessman who’s not<br />
after fast money, making an effort to establish rapport<br />
with the people he met. It’s important to build bridges<br />
and remember the good that people have done for you.<br />
That’s what I’ve learnt, and it is one of the key factors<br />
to success.”<br />
That is why he found the Movement Control Order<br />
(MCO) due to COVID-19 particularly challenging.<br />
“What I missed most during MCO was hanging out<br />
with my best friends. As I grow older, I have a smaller<br />
pool of friends, these are the people who matter, whom I<br />
truly missed during lockdown.”<br />
His Proudest Accomplishment<br />
Asked to name an accomplishment he’s most proud of,<br />
Lim ponders for a while. “When I am interviewed<br />
by the media on being a success, I clarify that I don’t<br />
think I am super successful. To me, the definition of an<br />
accomplished person is someone who has truly made a<br />
difference in the world.”<br />
“For me, I am successful as I am happy with what<br />
I’ve achieved. Yes, retail can be stressful and businesswise,<br />
there’s always room for improvement but when it<br />
comes to my personal life, I am very happy.”<br />
Best of all, Lim adds, after all those years since<br />
he ventured into the beauty biz, he’s still considered<br />
relevant to the market. “I think that in itself is quite an<br />
accomplishment. One of my dear friends Catherine Lai<br />
always tells me; you have to be relevant in the market so<br />
that people want to know you or your brand.”<br />
Recognising that trends are always changing, Lim<br />
says it’s all about staying a step ahead, and forecast what’s<br />
coming. “Initially, I only brought in brands I wanted<br />
to use. Now that I am 49, I use anti-ageing products.<br />
19 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
COVER STORY<br />
But I make it a point to mix with younger people, look<br />
at their Instagram and see what they like. That’s why we<br />
bring in brands that are relevant to the younger people.”<br />
Timing, according to Lim, is also very important.<br />
“You cannot push yourself if the time is not right;<br />
there is no point in opening 20 stores if you have<br />
to close 10. You can do it progressively; go with<br />
the flow and be more patient. I have learnt that in this<br />
business.”<br />
Along his journey, Lim has been through his<br />
share of ups and downs. But he’s thrived despite the<br />
obstacles, and is optimistic about the future. “In retail,<br />
we are always changing up our concept. Do not be<br />
reluctant to change. I still want to improve myself, always.<br />
I have lost a few brands (Aesop, Laura Mercier,<br />
Peter Thomas Roth) along the way. But the one brand<br />
that I built and will own forever is Kens Apothecary, and<br />
no one can take that away from me.”<br />
Where <strong>The</strong> Heart Is<br />
Away from work, Lim indulges in collecting pieces from<br />
famed Italian artist Piero Fornasetti. “I am such a big fan,<br />
and am constantly mesmerised by his work,” enthuses<br />
Lim, who has dedicated a wall in his home to treasured<br />
plates by Fornasetti.<br />
Speaking of home, Lim has stayed in <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
Indah for the past decade – and loves the idyllic lifestyle<br />
the neighbourhood offers. “It is such a self-sufficient<br />
neighbourhood. I love staying home; I rarely leave the<br />
house unless it’s necessary.” His house is also conveniently<br />
located opposite his mother’s.<br />
Lim’s favourite part of his home is the dining and<br />
living area. “When I bought this house, I broke down a<br />
wall so it seems more spacious and there is the continuity<br />
of chi throughout. I treasure the evenings where my<br />
family and I get together for dinner and talk at the dining<br />
table. It is the perfect place to bond.”<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
20
THE HOME<br />
Modern<br />
Talking<br />
Although the Milan Furniture Fair was cancelled this year, furniture design<br />
brands launched their new collections to the delight of designophiles.<br />
Here are eight must-haves.<br />
Text by Jennifer Choo<br />
Photos courtesy of the respective brands<br />
Sofa So Good<br />
<strong>The</strong> launch of a Flexform sofa is always an<br />
event and the Gregory sofa by renowned<br />
designer Antonio Citterio does not<br />
disappoint. Designed with perfect elegant<br />
proportions, sophisticated construction<br />
details like Flexform’s signature leather<br />
weaving and grosgrain piping make the<br />
most of the company’s expertise and are<br />
a nod to its genetic legacy. For a truly<br />
individual piece, a customised look can<br />
be achieved by pairing different finishes<br />
in the metal structure, upholstery and<br />
leather weaving.<br />
Available at Flexform Malaysia<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
22
Cart Blanche<br />
Thrilla in Manila<br />
Known for his poetic compositions and refined shapes, German<br />
designer Sebastian Herkner enriches Parachilna’s concisely<br />
curated lighting collection with the Manila pendant lamps.<br />
An unexpected combination of artisanal blown glass and a<br />
plissé textile diffuser, the design pushes the limits of materiality.<br />
A visual joy whether in its illuminated or unilluminated state,<br />
its name is not a reference to the Philippine capital but comes<br />
from the Spanish Mantón de Manila, a traditional silk shawl<br />
commonly used by flamenco dancers.<br />
Giogetti’s first collaboration with the great hospitality designer,<br />
Adam D. Tihany, is appropriately his interpretation of the bar<br />
cabinet. Host is a light and<br />
versatile piece that can be<br />
placed in various locations<br />
and comprises of a fixed<br />
element and a trolley. <strong>The</strong><br />
sinuous lines that Tihany<br />
is known for are combined<br />
with Giorgetti’s rigor and the<br />
result is an exquisite object<br />
of retro inspiration that<br />
furnishes with witty flair.<br />
Available at Space Furniture<br />
Malaysia.<br />
Available at Linds Furniture<br />
License to Chill<br />
Gandia Blasco’s outdoor furniture is so hot, it’s cool and the Spanish company’s latest<br />
collection by Daniel Germani makes us dream of the chicest beach getaways. Named<br />
Solanas after a beach in Uruguay where Germani used to spend his childhood summers,<br />
the Outdoor Chill Daybed Chill is made of thermo-lacquered welded aluminium for<br />
lightness and durability. Its inviting circular form is also capacious enough for two.<br />
Available at Linds Furniture.<br />
23 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE HOME<br />
Divine Intervention<br />
An exercise in restraint, Cierre’s Divine bed showcases the Italian brand’s savoir faire with leather and how it can be combined impactfully<br />
with fabric. <strong>The</strong> bed’s austere lines allow the handsome leathers to take centre stage and is a versatile piece which can take on a range of<br />
personalities. Designed by Maurizio Manzoni, the bed also has carefully matched metal detailing for a polished look.<br />
Available at Studio 216<br />
Bear Necessities<br />
An armchair which deftly straddles the<br />
traditional and modern, it’s hard to fathom<br />
that the CH78 Lounge Chair was originally<br />
introduced in 1954. Re-released by Carl Hansen<br />
& Søn as part of the iconic Danish designer,<br />
Hans J. Wegner’s catalogue, the chair’s sculptural<br />
silhouette is defined by a sensual curviness that<br />
offers up a warm embrace - which no doubt gave<br />
rise to its affectionate nickname, Mama Bear.<br />
Available at Studio 216<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
24
Bell of the Ball<br />
Leave it to Magis to make the mundane<br />
cool with the Bell chair, a lightweight,<br />
low-cost stackable monobloc chair<br />
made of recycled polypropylene.<br />
Designed by Magis’ long-time<br />
collaborator, Konstantin Grcic, the<br />
injection-moulded chair is made<br />
from industrial waste from the<br />
Italian furniture manufacturer’s<br />
production facilities and can<br />
be recycled again at the end of<br />
its life. However, the Bell was not<br />
designed to be a throwaway piece of<br />
furniture as its slender frame belies a<br />
reassuring sturdiness.<br />
Available at Linds Furniture.<br />
Blitzkrieg Bop<br />
Described by its designer Mario Bellini as more than just a table, the Blitz is a bolt of lightning that<br />
passed from the renowned designer’s mind to his hands and through the pencil on to the paper. Realised<br />
by B&B Italia, the geometric external frame finds its natural completion in the sinuous shape of the<br />
interior. Eschewing wood for bamboo for its lightness and sustainability, the bamboo is refined by a fine<br />
solid wood processing.<br />
Available at Space Furniture Malaysia<br />
25 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
COVID-19<br />
THE ART<br />
Come<br />
what may<br />
Despite challenges posed by the<br />
pandemic, founders of <strong>The</strong> Actors<br />
Studio continue to nurture the<br />
performing arts in Malaysia.<br />
Text by Ann Marie Chandy<br />
Photos courtesy of <strong>The</strong> Actors Studio<br />
has had a significant impact on the<br />
arts and culture industry, and many dance,<br />
theatre and music exponents the world over<br />
are still reeling from its devastating blow.<br />
Despite falling on hard times, these<br />
same artists have continued to passionately<br />
champion, document and sustain their art, adapting, trying<br />
out new ways of presentation, creating and collaborating<br />
online.<br />
For local theatre company <strong>The</strong> Actors Studio, which<br />
celebrated its 30 th anniversary in 2019, the past seven months<br />
have been some of the most challenging it has faced. Founders<br />
Dato’ Dr Faridah Merican and Joe Hasham have time and<br />
again demonstrated their commitment to contribute to the<br />
performing arts sector in Malaysia, but the <strong>2020</strong> pandemic<br />
almost knocked the wind out of their sails.<br />
Hasham who is also Artistic Director (for <strong>The</strong> Actors<br />
Studio, klpac and penangpac) admits to being devastated that<br />
their theatres had to be closed for a total of 105 days.<br />
All for one: <strong>The</strong> team back at work<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
26
Faridah has been been busy directing since klpac's doors have opened on July 1.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> ‘high’ for <strong>2020</strong> for me,<br />
believe it or not, is the pandemic!<br />
It has forced us to reinvent<br />
ourselves and this has been a<br />
positive. It was a huge wake up<br />
call that has resulted in many<br />
new learnings.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> cast of Life Sdn Bhd: Voices of the Young with Faridah. <strong>The</strong> show was staged in September.<br />
Joe and Faridah draw their energy and enthusiasm from each other.<br />
“As a result of the closure, no funds were coming in,”<br />
he shared. “We were all very concerned for our staff. Not<br />
only the permanent staff members, but the thousands of<br />
part time workers and performers we engage every year.<br />
Quite honestly, I was not sure that I had the wherewithal<br />
to see it through. Fortunately, there were many supporters<br />
who made the burden not so great. Our senior staff, namely<br />
Ian Chow and Ang Yue May, and of course, the ‘never say<br />
die’ Faridah, were a great source of comfort and strength<br />
for me.”<br />
Faridah, who is Executive Producer of <strong>The</strong> Actors<br />
Studio, klpac and penangpac, and Hasham’s wife of 31<br />
years, has a long and illustrious track record in Malaysian<br />
theatre and remains a formidable force in her 80s. She was<br />
disheartened that the pandemic brought to light the fact that<br />
the arts is not regarded as “essential work”.<br />
“This is a most unfortunate statement and reflects the<br />
general attitude of the powers that be. However, we are very<br />
fortunate to have sponsors who do not think along these lines<br />
and have remained loyal throughout. It is also gratifying to<br />
note that the federal government is doing the necessary to<br />
assist the industry and keep the arts alive.”<br />
In June, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin<br />
unveiled a stimulus package to help the Malaysian economy<br />
recover from the impact of COVID-19, and within the<br />
Pelan Jana Semula Ekonomi Negara (PENJANA), RM10<br />
million was allocated for the arts and culture sector.<br />
Thanks to financial aid such as this and from individual<br />
and corporate sponsors, coupled with strict SOPs in<br />
place, <strong>The</strong> Actors Studio and klpac were able to resume<br />
operations, albeit at a slower pace, since 1 July. Though shows<br />
have been smaller in size, they are more intimate and warmer,<br />
and the camaraderie, familiar, wholehearted and loyal.<br />
Faridah’s years of experience have taught her a thing or<br />
two about keeping afloat in good times, and bad.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> ‘high’ for <strong>2020</strong> for me, believe it or not, is<br />
27 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE ART<br />
Strict SOPs have been put in place for all shows.<br />
the pandemic!” she reveals, “It has forced us to reinvent<br />
ourselves and this has been a positive. It was a huge wake up<br />
call that has resulted in many new learnings.”<br />
Faridah goes on to say that the ‘low’ was the shutting<br />
of their doors and the general suffering of not only their<br />
staff, but the entire country. “It was heartbreaking having<br />
to, albeit temporarily, reduce the salaries of our staff. Apart<br />
from financial difficulties, we were also concerned for their<br />
safety and wellbeing.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> pandemic was also a learning experience for<br />
Hasham, 71.<br />
“Personally, I benefited enormously from the experience.<br />
It has made me realise how fragile our existence can be and<br />
how we should never take our good fortune for granted. On<br />
a professional level, I have had to come to terms with the fact<br />
that I cannot be all things to all people. I cannot solve the<br />
problems of the world,” he said, adding that his source of<br />
strength is two-fold – first, his total belief in what he is doing<br />
and why he is doing it and second, Faridah.<br />
Drawing energy from each other is something this couple<br />
is well known for. <strong>The</strong>y are often seen in theatre walking hand<br />
in hand, ready to acknowledge each other as sounding board,<br />
inspiration and pillar of strength. But what was it like to be<br />
stuck at home in solitary confinement for such a long period?<br />
Faridah admits: “Both Joe and I did not stay at home!<br />
We went in to work every day. We needed to do this to<br />
maintain our sanity. Also, we have a number of animals to<br />
care for at klpac, dogs and of course our theatre cat, Mister<br />
Noisy.”<br />
This is not the first time the powerhouse duo has had to<br />
deal with such a catastrophic event. In 2003, floods destroyed<br />
the whole Plaza Putra complex, at Dataran Merdeka, which<br />
With Mister Noisy the resident theatre cat, which gave Joe and Faridah a reason<br />
to visit the theatre during the MCO.<br />
was then the home of <strong>The</strong> Actors Studio. It was not until<br />
a year later that they were able to find a venue, <strong>The</strong> Kuala<br />
Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) at Sentul Park, which<br />
officially opened its doors in 2005.<br />
“I believe that these misfortunes that have confronted us<br />
have made us stronger and more resilient,” offered Faridah.<br />
“So my advice to the younger generation is to not be deterred<br />
by any difficulties that may come their way. It is challenges like<br />
these that make us better human beings.”<br />
Hasham says that his hopes for <strong>The</strong> Actors Studio and<br />
klpac in 2021 are to be “better and bolder. To be more mindful<br />
of the important things in life, and to continue to nurture the<br />
performing arts in the best possible manner.”<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
28
THE ART<br />
See the beauty within Stand by me How to win my heart<br />
WHERE<br />
Heart & Art<br />
MEETS<br />
Through her work, artist Tiffany Choong aims to bring joy and shine<br />
light on important topics.<br />
Text by William K.C. Kee<br />
Photos courtesy of Tiffany Choong<br />
On lai, <strong>The</strong> crowning glory <strong>The</strong> secret to longevity Soulmates<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/OCTOBER <strong>2020</strong> 30
Bird of paradise<br />
Tiffany Choong<br />
<strong>The</strong> great Spanish artist Pablo Picasso once<br />
said “<strong>The</strong> meaning of life is to find your<br />
gift. <strong>The</strong> purpose of life is to give it away.”<br />
When it comes to her art, Tiffany Choong<br />
has similar convictions about its purpose.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> intention of my art is to bring joy<br />
and celebrate life by giving a voice to nature and wildlife<br />
and shining light on certain topics to create enlightening<br />
conversations.”<br />
Adds the Penang-based artist: “I feel like I have grown<br />
in confidence and I am grateful that I am still able to pursue<br />
this journey. <strong>The</strong> adage ‘life is a marathon, not a sprint’ really<br />
holds true for artists. It takes a lot of time, dedication and<br />
commitment to endure the course, and the course at times<br />
feels like a treasure hunt with the lights off. Having a vision<br />
and purpose has helped me to stay focused and motivated.”<br />
As a child, Choong’s ambition was to be a ‘hippie<br />
traveller’. She recalls with a laugh: “I didn’t know at that time<br />
that it wasn’t considered a career. I saw all these backpackers<br />
arriving in Penang, and I wanted to do the same thing - travel<br />
the world!”<br />
She may be all grown-up now, but Choong’s free-spirited<br />
persona and wanderlust cravings remain unabated. In 2019<br />
alone, she managed to visit Singapore, Portugal, Britain and<br />
Germany. “In September 2019, I attended the launch of<br />
Fear Not by Dublin’s popular poet Stephen James Smith at<br />
the Embassy of Ireland in London. I am over the moon that<br />
two of my illustrations were included in his book. My art has<br />
connected me with many amazing people and I am thankful.”<br />
Morning has broken<br />
Live by the sun, love by the moon<br />
31 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE ART<br />
Choong describes herself as being a bohemian artist.<br />
“Basically, it’s a lifestyle to be able to draw and paint authentically<br />
and also be able to travel,” muses Choong, who studied French<br />
and interior design at University College London. She is quick<br />
to add: “However, the bohemian part is proving to be an<br />
ideology; in reality, I have to treat art as a business.”<br />
Although this past year has been challenging, no thanks<br />
to the pandemic, Choong has opted to look at the brighter<br />
side of things. “Despite COVID-19 and the devastation that<br />
it has brought upon the world, it has actually turned out to be<br />
my best year. I have never had to work so hard in my life to<br />
succeed, as my mindset was to work or die.”<br />
Entering <strong>2020</strong>, Choong had two group art exhibitions<br />
already planned. <strong>The</strong> first was BELANG at the Penang<br />
State Art Gallery in collaboration with the Department<br />
of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN). <strong>The</strong><br />
exhibition, which featured Choong’s art piece Bulan, showed<br />
Malaysia’s commitment to addressing the extinction of<br />
the Malayan Tiger.<br />
During the Movement Control Order (MCO), Choong<br />
was approached by restaurant De Wan 1958 by Chef Wan. “It<br />
was to illustrate for the ‘My Unity Tiffin’ carrier for Merdeka<br />
and Malaysia Day celebration, a collaboration between Chef<br />
Wan and Hugo Boss to support local restaurants and the Lost<br />
Food Project. <strong>The</strong>y wanted illustrations of Malaysian wildlife<br />
including the Malayan Tiger and so Bulan the tiger was able<br />
to shine once more for a good cause.”<br />
Another project she participated in during the MCO<br />
was “Portraits For NHS Heroes”. <strong>The</strong> project was initiated<br />
by British artist Tom Croft as a way to celebrate and thank<br />
frontliners, medics and nurses for their work during the<br />
pandemic. Artists were invited to offer portraits of frontliners<br />
on Instagram using the hashtag #PortraitsforNHSHeroes.<br />
This project has since been curated as a permanent virtual art<br />
exhibition on Google Arts and Culture website.<br />
During the MCO, social media connected Choong and<br />
her art to the world. “It has been a lifesaver! During the<br />
lockdown, I completed a series of paintings on birds which I<br />
observed from my balcony. I made them available to download<br />
online for free for people who were keen to start birdwatching,”<br />
explains Choong.<br />
“I also started a series of pet portrait commissions, which<br />
I collaborated with singer-songwriter Chelsia Ng who provided<br />
the music to my art videos. It was a way to generate some<br />
income but the joy of reading my clients’ feedback on social<br />
media exceeded any monetary reward.”<br />
Thus far, Choong has participated in various group<br />
exhibitions such as Chairity (organised by National Cancer<br />
Internal monologues, a mixed media work.<br />
Portrait of a frontliner.<br />
My Unity Tiffin’ illustrated by Tiffany Choong for De Wan 1958 by Chef Wan<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/OCTOBER <strong>2020</strong> 32
“<strong>The</strong> intention of my art is to bring<br />
joy and celebrate life by giving a voice<br />
to nature and wildlife and shining<br />
light on certain topics to create<br />
enlightening conversations.”<br />
Garden of Eden<br />
Enchanted forest Once upon a time Be still and listen to your soul<br />
Midsummers night dream<br />
Society at <strong>The</strong> Edge Gallery, Kuala Lumpur in 2014), Femmes<br />
Plurielles (by Alliance Francaise at <strong>The</strong> Pitt Street, Penang in<br />
2015) and 8 (all-women exhibition at China House Gallery<br />
in 2017).<br />
In 2018, Choong held her very first exhibition as a<br />
solo artist; it was held at G Art Gallery in G Hotel, Penang.<br />
Titled Treasures Of A Straits Chinese, it featured 30 paintings<br />
inspired by Choong’s Peranakan ancestry; more than half of<br />
the collection were sold within the first week.<br />
Most of the works were painted in gold and black, using<br />
acrylic and oil on canvas. <strong>The</strong>y revolved around elements<br />
of nature, including flowers and insects. From the crest<br />
feathers of the cockatoo in the Garden Of Eden to the<br />
dragonfly’s flight in Flutter Your Wings And Fly, the pieces<br />
are exquisitely detailed.”<br />
According to Choong, her art has its roots in the<br />
Peranakan culture. Somewhere during the process of creating<br />
this collection, it dawned on her that she is the legacy of her<br />
ancestors. “It brought back memories of my childhood, of<br />
being surrounded by black-and-gold furnishings and colourful<br />
porcelain vases,” says Choong, who is the third of four siblings;<br />
she is the only girl.<br />
“I wanted to bring this heritage back which many people<br />
may have forgotten. In my imagination, if the Peranakan<br />
culture evolves, what will the next phase look like?” She did<br />
inject a couple of modern elements here and there; one of her<br />
most favourite paintings (You Make My Heart Smile) featured<br />
a pair of flamingos.<br />
Away from art, her passions include travelling and sports.<br />
“I am a bit of a sponge, I like a lot of things. By travelling, I<br />
meet people from different cultures and backgrounds which<br />
broadens the mind. And if I am in Penang, I hike up Penang<br />
Hill every other day.”<br />
What’s her advice to aspiring artists?<br />
“Know the reality of the industry, and the hard work that<br />
goes into it. One must also be able to stand the course of time,<br />
as you might not be making money for the first few years.<br />
Anyone can follow their passion and become an artist but to<br />
make a living from it, one has to treat it is as a business and<br />
become an artpreneur.”<br />
For more on Choong’s works, visit www.BulanLifestyle.com<br />
Emotional Juxtaposition of Time & Space – Blue (<strong>2020</strong>), Acrylic on canvas.<br />
33 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE GADGETS<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
34
Edge of Tomorrow<br />
Check out the tech making its presence felt today,<br />
and in the year ahead.<br />
Text by Ann Marie Chandy<br />
Photos courtesy of respective brands<br />
Doesn’t it feel like the future<br />
has already arrived,<br />
with people everywhere<br />
donning masks, online<br />
shopping and food<br />
delivery allowing you<br />
to never leave your homes, and cashless<br />
payments being the order of the day? What<br />
comes next? Privacy becomes obsolete? X-ray<br />
pills? Let’s save the uber future for tomorrow.<br />
Check out the tech making its presence felt<br />
today, and stay abreast of what’s on the<br />
cutting edge.<br />
Palm Of Your Hand<br />
Now there’s a Fold2 which comes in Mystic<br />
Black and Mystic Bronze. <strong>The</strong> Cover Screen<br />
on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 is reinforced with<br />
polished Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the<br />
cover screen, making it very durable. Galaxy<br />
Z Fold2’s Cover Screen measures 6.2 inches<br />
and you get the full smartphone experience<br />
when Galaxy Z Fold2 is folded. Once<br />
unfolded, however, it turns into a tablet-sized<br />
7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen<br />
made from ultra-thin folding glass. With<br />
double the refresh rate of the Cover Screen,<br />
the 120Hz Main Screen easily takes on<br />
high-pressure games and fast scrolling. It’s<br />
like having two whole devices in the palm of<br />
your hand.<br />
35 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE GADGETS<br />
Indoor Drone<br />
A flying drone for inside your home? What will<br />
they think of next? <strong>The</strong> Amazon Ring Always<br />
Home Cam is an autonomous drone-style<br />
camera connected to a series of sensors in the<br />
home, and designed to fly to them and start<br />
recording. If these sensors are triggered by a<br />
potential break-in, the home owner will receive a<br />
smartphone alert that will allow him to watch the<br />
footage live. So, it’s really a security camera that<br />
flies room to room inside your home, shooting<br />
videos that it can stream or upload to the<br />
cloud, providing you with multiple viewpoints<br />
throughout the home without requiring the use<br />
of multiple cameras. When not in use, the drone<br />
flies back to its dock, and recharges.<br />
New Windows Open<br />
Taking video conferencing up a notch, a French<br />
company has developed a tool that allows you<br />
to meet colleagues for stand-up meetings, no<br />
matter where they are in the world. La Vitre is<br />
a communications solution made of a very large<br />
vertical touchscreen equipped with a camera, a<br />
microphone and speaker. Users simply have to<br />
“knock” on the touchscreen to launch a meeting<br />
and remote colleagues appear as a life-size<br />
image right in front of them. <strong>The</strong> screen is also<br />
interactive so you can write on it using a finger<br />
or stylus.<br />
Peeping Through<br />
Rumour has it that Apple may launch an augmented reality line of smart glasses in the spring of 2021. <strong>The</strong> glasses are said to look similar<br />
to regular glasses, with both lenses to feature displays that can be interacted with using gestures. Called “Apple Glass”, it will work in<br />
conjunction with the iPhone and early prototypes have supported LiDAR sensors for 3D scanning.<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
36
Surface Duo<br />
Two screens are better than one right? <strong>The</strong><br />
Microsoft Surface Duo is a dual-screen booklike<br />
mobile device, and introduces revolutionary<br />
new ways to use your “phone” thanks to its 360°<br />
hinge, two screens, and apps that seamlessly<br />
work together. <strong>The</strong> Duo is ergonomic and light<br />
for a device with two screens and two batteries.<br />
X Marks the Spot<br />
Superb gaming performance is here.<br />
Microsoft says the Xbox Series X is<br />
its fastest, most powerful console ever.<br />
<strong>The</strong> mini-tower game console features<br />
an all-new D-pad, which is a hybrid<br />
between the Xbox One controller’s fourdirectional<br />
pad and a rounded diagonal<br />
pad, and promises the best responsive<br />
play. Plus, it comes with AMD’s Zen 2<br />
and RDNA 2 architectures providing 12<br />
teraflops of power, supports ray tracing<br />
and is 8K ready. It’s time to level up.<br />
Ring It Up<br />
Heard of the Token ring, which simplifies<br />
contactless payments? <strong>The</strong> wearable device keeps<br />
your information wrapped around your finger,<br />
and all you have to do is knock twice to activate it,<br />
then hold your hand over any contactless reader.<br />
Token comes with a built-in fingerprint sensor so<br />
it scans your fingerprint as you put the ring on<br />
and unlocks your ability to use it. Though not<br />
super new, the token may come in much handier<br />
today, when everyone is trying to limit physical<br />
contact as much as possible.<br />
Race Magic<br />
Use your Nintendo Switch game console to<br />
drive remote-control cars in Mario Kart Live:<br />
Home Circuit. Your kids will surely be thrilled<br />
when this virtual racecourse, which along<br />
with the cars, magically appear on the Switch<br />
screen. Launched in October, the game puts<br />
an augmented reality spin on the iconic racer.<br />
Nintendo says the physical kart responds to<br />
boosts in-game and in the real world, stops when<br />
it hits an item and can be affected in different<br />
ways depending on the race. Players place gates<br />
to create a custom course layout in their own<br />
homes. How cool is that?<br />
37 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
PROPERTY<br />
NEWS<br />
Prestigious. Award-winning. Quality.<br />
Innovative. High capital appreciation.<br />
Good return investments. <strong>The</strong>se are just<br />
some of the signatures of the property<br />
projects undertaken by <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
Corporation Berhad. <strong>The</strong> following<br />
pages showcase some novel and stunning residential<br />
and commercial developments as further testament<br />
to the organisation’s flair in this industry. <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
Corporation hopes to create a more compassionate<br />
and supportive community, especially within the circles<br />
of influence.<br />
As a responsible developer, <strong>Tropicana</strong> Corporation<br />
continues to deliver on its responsibility to give back<br />
to society by supporting various charitable causes and<br />
participating in celebrations and community events.<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> and Marriott International Launch<br />
Courtyard By Marriott Penang<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Launches Edelweiss SOFO<br />
& Serviced Residences<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Bags Multiple Awards At<br />
<strong>The</strong> Property Guru Asia Property Awards (Malaysia)<br />
Mulan Movie For <strong>Tropicana</strong> Staff
PROPERTY NEWS<br />
Swimming pool<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
and Marriott<br />
International<br />
Launch<br />
Courtyard<br />
By Marriott<br />
Penang<br />
4 September <strong>2020</strong><br />
Property developer <strong>Tropicana</strong> Corporation Berhad<br />
(<strong>Tropicana</strong>), in partnership with Marriott International<br />
on 4 September <strong>2020</strong> launched Courtyard by<br />
Marriott Penang to further energise the tourism industry,<br />
increase employment opportunities and in turn, boost the<br />
local economy.<br />
<strong>The</strong> launch was officiated by Tuan Chow Kon Yeow,<br />
Chief Minister of Penang. Also present were Tan Sri<br />
Dato’ Tan Chee Sing, Group Executive Vice Chairman of<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong>, Mr Alex Yeow, Group CEO of <strong>Tropicana</strong> and<br />
Mr Dion Tan, Group Managing Director of <strong>Tropicana</strong> as<br />
Meeting room<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
40
Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang (fourth from right) officiating the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Penang, together with Tan Sri Dató Tan Chee Sing (center)<br />
Deluxe King room with a daybed<br />
Tuan Chow (left) was given a tour of Courtyard by Marriott Penang by Mr Subash<br />
Basrur (center), accompanied by Mr Dion Tan<br />
well as Mr Subash Basrur, General Manager of Courtyard<br />
by Marriott Penang and Ms Cindy Yoong, Area Director of<br />
Marketing (SEA), Marriott International.<br />
Located at the Group’s luxurious high-rise residential<br />
project <strong>Tropicana</strong> 218 Macalister in the heart of Penang’s<br />
UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the first Courtyard by<br />
Marriott in Malaysia and the 17th Marriott International<br />
brand in the country. This new hotel consists of 199 smart<br />
and spacious rooms and suites; all-day dining restaurant,<br />
Penang Kitchen; and Penang’s first and only distillerythemed<br />
bar, Gin Library.<br />
Additional facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre,<br />
an outdoor infinity pool overlooking Penang Hill, and<br />
dynamic public spaces to help guests transition seamlessly<br />
from work to restful moments. It also comes with a pillarless<br />
ballroom that can accommodate up to 150 guests, eight<br />
state-of the art meeting rooms and one VIP room, each<br />
fitted with the latest audio-visual equipment.<br />
“It gives us great pleasure to launch our country’s first<br />
Courtyard by Marriott here in Penang. It marks the launch<br />
of our second hotel from the Marriott Group, in line with<br />
our strategy to strengthen our investment portfolio and<br />
increase our recurring income stream. We recognise that<br />
Ballroom<br />
this is a challenging time for hotel operators, however with<br />
the support and swift action from both state and federal<br />
governments in controlling and combating COVID-19,<br />
we are optimistic that the local tourism scene is slowly<br />
but steadily recovering even as our international borders<br />
remain closed,” said Mr Dion Tan.<br />
In conjunction with the launch, tourists and visitors can<br />
now avail themselves to special opening rates which start<br />
from RM300 nett per room per night, with complimentary<br />
high-speed WiFi for stays from now till 23 <strong>Dec</strong>ember, <strong>2020</strong>.<br />
41<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
PROPERTY NEWS<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Launches Edelweiss<br />
SOFO & Serviced Residences<br />
19 September <strong>2020</strong><br />
Property developer <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
Corporation Berhad (<strong>Tropicana</strong>)<br />
on 19 September <strong>2020</strong> launched<br />
Edelweiss SOFO & Serviced Residences,<br />
the latest phase at <strong>Tropicana</strong> Gardens<br />
located within the affluent and bustling<br />
neighbourhood of <strong>Tropicana</strong> Indah.<br />
Spread across 2.35 acres with a<br />
GDV of RM855.0 million, Edelweiss<br />
has been designed to cater to the<br />
lifestyle needs of young executives,<br />
urbanites, young families and empty<br />
nesters. Combining serviced residences<br />
and vibrant city offices, it is strategically<br />
located amidst the neighbourhoods of<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Indah and Kota Damansara.<br />
Despite the challenging market<br />
conditions, Edelweiss’ Phase 1 has<br />
already experienced an astounding<br />
75% take-up rate to date, even prior to<br />
its official launch.<br />
“Following the success of our<br />
first four towers at our award-winning<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Gardens development,<br />
we listened to feedback from current<br />
and potential customers. Where possible, we integrated<br />
these into Edelweiss to ensure it exudes modern, urban<br />
vibes yet still able to give residents a quiet place to rest.<br />
It is truly the last gem of <strong>Tropicana</strong> Indah,” said Ms<br />
Joanne Lee, Managing Director of Marketing & Sales<br />
at <strong>Tropicana</strong>.<br />
Intelligently-designed based on the <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
unique development DNA and market needs, Edelweiss<br />
will be the first tower at <strong>Tropicana</strong> Gardens to introduce<br />
Smart Living and Conveniences for all homeowners. This<br />
offers Serviced Residence homeowners a smart home<br />
concept that comes with a smart home hub, door sensors,<br />
smart sockets and air-conditioner control systems. It also<br />
includes a smart multi-tiered security system.<br />
Rising 52 storeys skywards, this tower houses 630<br />
units of Serviced Residences with built-up ranging<br />
between 556 sq ft to 1,111 sq ft, and 397 SOFO units<br />
with built-up from 452 sq ft to 858 sq ft that come with<br />
flexible, open layout plans. It also has two storeys of retail lots.<br />
With an increasing number of Malaysians preferring to work<br />
and live within the same environment, Edelweiss truly embraces its<br />
tagline “Where Business and Lifestyle Come Together”. Owners of<br />
Edelweiss’ SOFO units will have access to landscape gardens, meeting<br />
rooms, business centres and the multipurpose hall. Residents will enjoy<br />
a wider range of facilities such as the various pools (50m infinity pool,<br />
children’s pool and wading pool), yoga deck, children’s playroom,<br />
children’s playground, reading room, gymnasium and barbeque area.<br />
Edelweiss SOFO & Serviced Residences at <strong>Tropicana</strong> Gardens has been designed to cater to the<br />
lifestyle needs of young executives, urbanites, young families and empty nesters<br />
Officiating the launch were Mr Dion Tan (centre); Mr Jared Ethan Ang (left); and Ms Joanne Lee<br />
In terms of amenities, residents will not be short of choices as<br />
it is connected to the <strong>Tropicana</strong> Gardens Mall and the Surian MRT<br />
Station via a designated elevated pedestrian bridge.<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> is offering not-to-be-missed deals via its improved<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> 10-TEN EX10SION Campaign that offers 0% hassle<br />
and 100% flexibility with three new features – 100% Financing, 10%<br />
Discount and Furnishing Package, for a limited-time only.<br />
For more information, visit www.tropicanacorp.com.my/10Ten/<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
42
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Bags Multiple Awards<br />
At <strong>The</strong> PropertyGuru Asia<br />
Property Awards (Malaysia)<br />
15 September <strong>2020</strong><br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Corporation Berhad once again hit another<br />
milestone by clinching multiple awards at the first-ever virtual<br />
gala of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards which drew<br />
property seekers, real estate agents, overseas developers and industry<br />
stakeholders alike.<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Corporation Berhad received the title of Best<br />
Developer, boosted by 10 wins including the coveted trophy of<br />
Best Condo Development (Malaysia) for <strong>Tropicana</strong> Grandhill,<br />
Best Landed Development (Central) for <strong>Tropicana</strong> Aman – Dalia<br />
Residences, Best Hotel Development for Courtyard by Marriott,<br />
Penang @ <strong>Tropicana</strong> 218 Macalister, Best Mixed Use Development<br />
for <strong>Tropicana</strong> Gardens @ <strong>Tropicana</strong> Indah, Special Recognition<br />
for ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and Special<br />
Recognition for CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). Last but<br />
not least, <strong>Tropicana</strong> was also received recognition for the following<br />
categories, Best Mega Township Developer, Best Mega Township<br />
Development for <strong>Tropicana</strong> Aman, Best Retail Development for<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Danga Cove – Oasis 3, Best Housing Architectural<br />
Design for <strong>Tropicana</strong> Danga Cove – Ayera Residences.<br />
Some 25 Malaysian companies took part in the virtual<br />
celebrations with a total of 35 award categories given out to<br />
outstanding builders of the country’s skylines. Prizes were given<br />
out via remote video and the multi-streamed event was viewed<br />
worldwide via their official website, YouTube and Facebook.<br />
Mulan Movie<br />
For <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
Staff<br />
8 September <strong>2020</strong><br />
Hollywood blockbuster Mulan is a must-watch for the entire<br />
family, and a welcome respite from the pandemic. With its<br />
themes of friendship and loyalty, it is also the perfect movie<br />
to bring together friends and colleagues.<br />
Staff from <strong>Tropicana</strong> Corporation Berhad (<strong>Tropicana</strong>) were<br />
treated to a special screening of Mulan on 8 September <strong>2020</strong>. <strong>The</strong><br />
movie was screened at MBO Cinemas in <strong>Tropicana</strong> Gardens Mall,<br />
Kota Damansara , showcasing the latest and most advanced movie<br />
experience and state of the art sound system.<br />
Shown at 7pm (at Hall 1 and Onyx), the movie outing is part<br />
of employee engagement to foster closer ties between co-workers<br />
and also for them to experience the mall’s tenant facilities. To<br />
make the experience sweeter, MBO offered special price to staff for<br />
a medium popcorn and drink (mineral water or soft drink).<br />
Overall, the staff response from <strong>Tropicana</strong> was overwhelming<br />
and everyone had an enjoyable time. A sincere thank you to MBO<br />
for sponsoring the movie.<br />
43<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
SHOPPING | TROPICANA GARDENS MALL<br />
For All Your Needs<br />
It’s time to treat and pamper yourself. What better place than <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
Gardens Mall, which offers unbeatable year-end specials. See you there!<br />
BEAUTY<br />
Missy Nail &<br />
Waxing Salon<br />
1F-30, Level 1<br />
603-50332753<br />
Missy Nail & Waxing Salon tends to various beauty needs<br />
amidst the vibrant buzz of <strong>Tropicana</strong> Gardens Mall. <strong>The</strong><br />
salon offers a diverse range of professional beautifying<br />
services including manicure and pedicure, nail art, nail<br />
extension, spa treatments, eyelash extension, eyelash perm,<br />
eyebrow shaping, waxing and body hair removal. <strong>The</strong> nail<br />
service incorporates products from household brands such as<br />
OPI, Kester, Harmony Gelish, and EzFlow. For <strong>Nov</strong>ember<br />
and <strong>Dec</strong>ember, the salon offers 20% off on all services.<br />
FASHION<br />
BebeButterfly<br />
G-32, Ground Level<br />
603-7660 7115<br />
www.beplusb.com<br />
BebeButterfly designs, produces and sells<br />
women’s fashion wear, such as evening gown,<br />
dinner dress, bridesmaid dress and formal wear<br />
which is suitable for wedding, work, party, event,<br />
dinner or special occasion. We provide alteration<br />
services as well. For <strong>Nov</strong>ember (from 6th), it<br />
offers 11% off on 1pc and 22% off on 2pcs or<br />
more. For <strong>Dec</strong>ember, shoppers get 15% off on<br />
2pcs and 25% off on 3rd pcs onwards.<br />
FASHION<br />
MS. READ<br />
G-11, Ground Level<br />
603-7625 7862<br />
msreadshop.com<br />
MS. READ began as a fashion brand offering stylish, high quality and<br />
well-fitted clothing, fulfilling style needs for women sizes 12 through<br />
24. Upholding a commitment to curvy women looking for trendy<br />
everyday wear that are tailored-to-fit. Enjoy member discounts and<br />
birthday perks when you sign up for FREE lifetime membership.<br />
Also, shop easily online with their brand new app. Download it today!<br />
F&B<br />
Tendon Kohaku<br />
CC-25, Concourse Level<br />
011-6993 1866/ 016-620 5176<br />
www.instagram.com/tendonkohaku_my/<br />
Tendon Kohaku is the<br />
first tendon specialty<br />
restaurant in Malaysia<br />
that serves authentic<br />
Japanese tendon and<br />
tempura (pork free and<br />
no lard). <strong>The</strong> restaurant uses fresh premium<br />
ingredients such as tiger prawn which is<br />
known for its large size and flavourful meat.<br />
Using high tech frying method from Japan, it<br />
produces tempura which is crunchy and not<br />
oily. Its secret sauce is made in-house by using<br />
a special blend of spices. It now offers 10%<br />
discount and complimentary green tea for<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Gardens residences and <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
staff. Only for dine in.<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
44
SERVICE<br />
iCare Dental<br />
LG-04, Lower Ground<br />
603- 7660 4428 / 011-6199 0991<br />
www.icaredental.com.my<br />
Besides general dental treatments such as scaling, fillings, extractions,<br />
dentures, crowns, bridges and root canal treatments; iCare Dental<br />
also provides specialised treatments such as teeth whitening, braces,<br />
invisalign, myobraces and implants.<br />
WELLNESS<br />
Qi Odyssey<br />
CC-13, Concourse Level<br />
603-7660 7077<br />
www.qiodyssey.com.my<br />
Qi Odyssey is a new concept combining reflexology massage with<br />
the soothing atmosphere of a traditional Chinese teahouse.<br />
Whether you come to socialise with your friends, spend time with<br />
your loved ones or to simply unwind, Qi Odyssey will offer you<br />
a rejuvenating experience. After a day of exploring <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
Gardens Mall, Qi Odyssey should be your go-to destination to<br />
relax and rejuvenate yourself. Now you can enjoy a 10% discount<br />
through their E-Cash Package.<br />
WELLNESS<br />
Fitness Concept<br />
1F-43 & 43A, Level 1, 603- 7660 7118<br />
www.fitnessconcept.com.my<br />
Fitness Concept is a health and fitness equipment chain store that<br />
caters to the development of healthy lifestyle of every Malaysian. It<br />
encourages everyone to stay fit at home! Shoppers at <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
Gardens Mall can now enjoy an exclusive additional RM1,200<br />
cashback deal for new arrival MBH 2-in-1 Hybrid Treadmill.<br />
PET CARE<br />
Pet Lovers Centre<br />
LG-07, Ground Level, 603- 7660 4959<br />
petloverscentre.com.my<br />
Pet Lovers Centre (PLC) is a multiple award-winning pet retail and<br />
service chain that is the largest in Singapore, operating more than 150<br />
stores in the region. A household name today, it offers customers the<br />
widest and freshest range, coupled with prompt and warm service.<br />
Unlock your VIP benefits at PLC to enjoy birthday offers, exclusive<br />
promotions, collect loyalty points and much more.<br />
45 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
PROPERTY INVESTMENT<br />
BUYING YOUR<br />
Dream Home<br />
During these times, properties still remain a popular investment<br />
given the wide range of new options available<br />
Text by Sharina Ahmad<br />
Photos from Pexels<br />
Despite the challenging market conditions<br />
posed by the coronavirus pandemic,<br />
the Malaysian property market expects<br />
to see modest recovery in <strong>2020</strong> and<br />
the year ahead. Properties still remain<br />
a popular investment given the wide<br />
range of new options available, coupled with the various<br />
government stimulus measures introduced.<br />
“For those who can afford to leverage on these attractive<br />
schemes available now, they should take advantage of the<br />
attractive packages, low interest rates and government<br />
initiatives,” advised Joanne Lee, Managing Director of<br />
Marketing & Sales at <strong>Tropicana</strong> Corporation Berhad.<br />
“In addition to choosing properties at strategic<br />
locations, properties that have access to well-established<br />
neighbourhoods, good facilities, amenities and connectivity<br />
are important as these would appreciate over the longer-term.<br />
Be smart and confident in securing your dream property,”<br />
added Lee on making smart property purchases in the current<br />
market environment.<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
46
47 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
PROPERTY INVESTMENT<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
48
Charles Tan<br />
“<strong>The</strong>re are lots of<br />
good choices in the<br />
secondary property<br />
market”<br />
Joanne Lee<br />
“Access to wellestablished<br />
neighbourhoods, good<br />
facilities, amenities<br />
and connectivity are<br />
important”<br />
Daniel Gambero<br />
“Choose carefully<br />
the developer,<br />
location and<br />
infrastructures<br />
provided”<br />
New Opportunities<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are going to be opportunities that probably didn’t<br />
exist even just a few months ago. If your job is secure and you<br />
have some savings, it’s actually a good time to buy, buy, buy.<br />
According to Charles Tan Chia Lih, owner of independent<br />
blog kopiandproperty.com, the right time to buy needs to be<br />
complemented with the right property and the right price<br />
too. “It would be good just to write down five to 10 reasons and<br />
evaluate all those properties based on these reasons.”<br />
According to Tan, if the properties advertised or researched<br />
fit as a good investment, then it should just be the right<br />
choice. “Yes, this is still a perfect time for first-time<br />
homebuyers. Preferably, they will try to take advantage of<br />
all the incentives like the Home Ownership Campaign (HOC)<br />
that is currently being offered.”<br />
“Try also to expand the choices and not be too focused on<br />
just the primary market. <strong>The</strong>re are lots of good choices in the<br />
secondary property market too,” he advised.<br />
Tan said sellers need to understand the opportunity<br />
cost when they want to sell in this market. “Sell now or<br />
wait until a better price comes along? This is a dilemma that<br />
many investors have in the present market.”<br />
Choose Carefully<br />
Property consultant, REI Group CEO Dr Daniele Gambero,<br />
said that it is definitely a good time to buy property provided<br />
you choose the right one.<br />
“Choose carefully the developer, location and infrastructures<br />
provided. For instance, optical fibre and good reception for the<br />
internet is a must-have criteria for some buyers.”<br />
Gambero advised the buyer to not simply accept ridiculous<br />
discounts or rebates as it might be tricky. “Please double check<br />
with bankers your loan eligibility then only you can plan for a<br />
visit at the sales gallery.”<br />
According to Gambero, this moment of time is worth for<br />
home investment, especially for residential properties priced<br />
between RM200,000 to RM800,000.<br />
“Demand for residential units is still strong, and the<br />
shortfall equals roughly RM800,000. In the next 15 to 20 years,<br />
Malaysia will see an additional six to eight million population<br />
increase or growth and our senior citizens will move from<br />
the current seven million to above 14 million, generating<br />
additional demand.”<br />
Ability To Obtain Loan<br />
“What matters is the importance of having the ability to<br />
obtain a loan and being able to hold the units if, when<br />
delivered, it will not be easy or fast to find a tenant,”<br />
said Gambero.<br />
It may take more than five years for unsold residential<br />
units to be absorbed into the market. After all, the current<br />
overnight policy rate (OPR) is at its all-time-low at 1.75%<br />
since 2004, with a total of 125 basis points (bps) cuts thus<br />
far this year to help cushion the economic impact of the<br />
Covid-19 outbreak.<br />
This shows that low bank lending rate is a big<br />
advantage if you are looking to take out a home loan to<br />
buy a property now as it could reduce your monthly<br />
loan repayments by over RM1,000 or more for bigger<br />
loan amounts.<br />
49 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
ADVERTORIAL<br />
Stay Safe<br />
IN SCHOOL THIS YEAR<br />
It’s time to send your child to school, but you’re<br />
worried about how they will fare in these trying<br />
times of the coronavirus. At Kindyland, we want<br />
to give you a head start, by following these<br />
simple tips.<br />
Kindyland offers<br />
programmes for<br />
children aged 3-6<br />
and has been raising<br />
all-rounded children<br />
for over a decade. Its<br />
mission is to prepare students for the next<br />
step of their education while instilling good<br />
values and shaping well-mannered children.<br />
<strong>The</strong> trilingual center emphasizes Malaysia’s<br />
3 core languages and encourages children<br />
to explore and learn, to connect what<br />
they have experienced in class to the world<br />
around them. Learning is naturally fun, and<br />
students develop physically, emotionally and<br />
cognitively in a caring environment while<br />
learning to interact well socially with their<br />
peers.<br />
School next year, however, may be a<br />
little different. Parents are sure to be a little<br />
apprehensive especially since we’ve just<br />
been through a pandemic. Dealing with the<br />
coronavirus has been challenging for grown<br />
ups, so consider how strange and scary it must<br />
be for little children, to go out into the real<br />
world, especially with social distancing, mask<br />
wearing, and frequent sanitising in place.<br />
Even during ordinary times, many<br />
children suffer from anxiety in the form of<br />
tears and tummy aches when they have to go<br />
to school. So, what can parents do to reassure<br />
children when it’s time to leave the confines<br />
of their homes and go to school?<br />
Here are some tips that may come in<br />
handy, so you can reassure your child, and<br />
have some peace of mind yourself.<br />
Prepare ahead: Start preparing your<br />
children for preschool and school and what to<br />
expect. Go through what a normal day will be<br />
like. In addition, teach them how to stay safe<br />
and how to wash their hands for 20 seconds.<br />
Remind them not to share their food, toys or<br />
utensils, and to refrain from hugging each<br />
other. Little children will want to play together<br />
and that’s okay as long as they know the basics<br />
of hygiene and to keep a safe distance.<br />
Create a routine: Make sure your<br />
children are going to bed early enough and<br />
have a morning routine. When a child has<br />
a predictable daily routine, it reminds them<br />
that they are in a secure, loving environment<br />
and reduces their stress. Start the day right by<br />
making sure your child eats a healthy breakfast<br />
on a daily basis.<br />
Immunity boost: To boost children’s<br />
immunity, they should be getting a good<br />
night’s sleep as well as a balanced diet. Do<br />
ensure they have taken all their vaccinations<br />
to keep them protected.<br />
Communicate often. Try talking to your<br />
child everyday and be honest and open. Your<br />
child may have questions about school, and<br />
the virus. Even if you haven’t discussed the<br />
pandemic with them, try and explain it to them<br />
so they have a basic understanding and are not<br />
fearful. Developing a habit of communicating<br />
Second<br />
20Rule<br />
You can create a ‘game’<br />
out of it - try putting flour<br />
on your child’s hands and<br />
show them how it settles<br />
into the cracks and creases<br />
of our hands; then explain<br />
that this is what germs do,<br />
also, and why it is important<br />
to scrub carefully for 20<br />
seconds when washing<br />
hands, to get rid of all the<br />
flour. Try singing the happy<br />
birthday song twice (which<br />
approximately equates to<br />
20 seconds).<br />
daily is a good rule - try kicking things off with<br />
something like “I can’t wait to hear about your<br />
day.” This lets your kids know that you care<br />
about them and look forward to seeing them<br />
again at the end of the day.<br />
Set a good example. Model good habits<br />
for your children, including good hand<br />
hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, staying<br />
home if you don’t feel well and wearing<br />
face masks in public. As long as your child<br />
is out of the house, and in areas where there<br />
is a crowd, or there is confined space, he<br />
should be wearing a mask to reduce the risk<br />
of transmission.<br />
School doesn’t have to be a dreaded<br />
experience. You can create a happy<br />
atmosphere if you just take time to prepare<br />
and communicate with your children.<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
50
GOLF LUXE ACCESSORIES<br />
Great On <strong>The</strong> Green<br />
<strong>The</strong>se golf accessories should add a nice<br />
touch to your enjoyment of the game.<br />
Text by William K.C. Kee / Photos from the respective brands<br />
Mizuno Mesh Belt<br />
For the past couple of years, mesh belts have been all the rage and<br />
makes a welcome deviation from golf ’s usual belt offerings. Where<br />
colours are concerned, this belt comes in black/white or blue/white.<br />
<strong>The</strong> beauty of these types of belts is that one size fits all. So, what’re<br />
you waiting for? Strap yourself in!<br />
Wilson Range Ball Bag<br />
We love the aesthetics and practicality of this retro offering. If you’re<br />
a practice ground junkie, then this could be up your alley. It hails from<br />
a company that is steeped in history and has had more major wins<br />
in players using their equipment than any other manufacturer. From<br />
Gene Sarazen to Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer to Ben Crenshaw, and<br />
most recently, Gary Woodland with his US Open win at Pebble Beach.<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
52
Titleist Scotty Cameron Pivot<br />
Repair Tool<br />
For the golfer that has everything but the proper divot<br />
tool, this is a much-welcomed item which has you covered<br />
on course for repairs. This sturdy tool from Titleist has<br />
engraved detail and will be part of your on-course line-up<br />
for years to come. You’re probably going to use this often so<br />
why not treat yourself to something more stylish than the<br />
usual two-pronged attack.<br />
Ping Moonlite Carry Bag<br />
<strong>The</strong> dual strap stays in the same position which makes<br />
picking it up easy and there’s plenty of room for all 14<br />
clubs which isn’t always the case with a lightweight carry<br />
bag. <strong>The</strong>re are three colours to choose from – navy/white/<br />
scarlet; black/scarlet; and heather grey/bright blue. This<br />
weighs in at just 2.5lbs and has been re-designed so it’s light<br />
even for a moon bag and now features a zippered waterbottle<br />
pocket.<br />
Nike AeroBill Tiger Woods<br />
Heritage86 Golf Hat<br />
This Nike cap is immediately noticeable with its iconic<br />
‘TW’ logo. Superb ventilation is provided by the holes and<br />
perforations at the front of the design while Nike’s AeroBill<br />
technology combines breathability with sweat-wicking<br />
comfort. In terms of colours, there are many to choose<br />
from. Bestselling model at the moment is the Special<br />
Edition ‘Frank’ design.<br />
Big Max Blade IP Push Trolley<br />
By using a simple three-stage folding system, the internal<br />
mechanism allows you to click the parts into place rather<br />
than using fiddly clips. In its folded-down state, the Big<br />
Max Blade IP has a depth of just 12.5cm, making it easy<br />
to store in the tightest of spaces such as the base of your<br />
car boot. Once assembled and ready to<br />
go, it’s evident how lightweight and<br />
easy to push it is, even when trekking<br />
up slopes. Also adjustable is the<br />
handle height, which<br />
makes a difference to<br />
the trolley’s practicality.<br />
53 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE SWING<br />
ALLURE OF<br />
Ancient<br />
Beauty<br />
<strong>The</strong> prestige of playing a world class golf course is enhanced by<br />
Cambodia’s richness of traditions.<br />
Text by William K.C. Kee<br />
Photos courtesy of Angkor Golf Resort<br />
<strong>The</strong> majestic Angkor Wat<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
54
55 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE SWING<br />
A scenic view of Angkor Golf Resort.<br />
<strong>The</strong> beauty of Cambodia lies in the richness<br />
of its traditions. <strong>The</strong> elegance of golf<br />
comes from its strategy, honour and skills.<br />
At Angkor Golf Resort, these essential<br />
characteristics are blended to perfection.<br />
Angkor Golf Resort is conveniently located<br />
only five minutes away from Siem Reap International Airport<br />
and 10 minutes from the city center and famed Angkor Wat.<br />
Its award-winning 18-hole golf course is designed by<br />
European legend Sir Nick Faldo, making it the most premiere<br />
golf course in Cambodia. Faldo, a British professional golfer<br />
once ranked No. 1 on the Official World Golf Ranking for a<br />
total of 97 weeks, is now mainly an on-air golf analyst and his<br />
expertise certainly comes into play.<br />
Here, the course provides all level of golfers a<br />
challenging and fair test of golf, rewarding accuracy.<br />
<strong>The</strong> par 72 championship course uses the latest Paspalum<br />
turf throughout, allowing for an exceptional playing surface<br />
and enjoyable round. Its fairways are typically generous,<br />
but the bunkering style is impressively bold. <strong>The</strong> greens<br />
have plenty of subtle undulations and they reward and<br />
encourage a variety of approach shots. Expect plenty of<br />
bunkers and water hazards at every hole to keep the golfer’s<br />
concentration going.<br />
Hole 2 takes full advantage of the largest grove of pre-existing trees on the site.<br />
Hole 13 of Angkor Golf Resort.<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
56
A view of Hole 14<br />
Caddies are ever ready to assist to ensure one’s enjoyment.<br />
Stunning greenery surrounds the golf course.<br />
Surrounded by greenery, the 18-holes course is an<br />
expansive 7279 yards, par 72 built to challenge all levels<br />
of golfers. <strong>The</strong> course’s maintenance is superb with<br />
immaculate greens and you can warm yourself up at their<br />
300 yards grass range and practice putting green before your<br />
round of golf.<br />
Other amenities include a contemporary designed<br />
clubhouse, pro shop with a range of top golf brands, lockers<br />
and shower rooms as well as golf cart, clubs and shoes for<br />
rent. <strong>The</strong>re is a restaurant that serves both Western and<br />
Asian cuisine while caddies are ever ready to assist in spoken<br />
English to ensure one’s enjoyment.<br />
Over the years, Angkor Golf Resort has hosted a<br />
number of championships including the Ladies European<br />
Tour Asian Qualifier, Angkor Amateur Open and Angkor<br />
4-ball Championship.<br />
For more information, visit https://www.angkor-golf.com.<br />
Water runs down the entire length of this hole on the left side.<br />
57 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE TIME<br />
Wonders On <strong>The</strong> Wrist<br />
Mark the end of the year with these timepieces that are sure to<br />
dazzle and impress.<br />
Text by William K.C. Kee<br />
Photos courtesy of respective watch brands<br />
Like Second Skin<br />
Piaget has launched the new Limelight Gala 32mm<br />
Automatic; two of its models are adorned with gold<br />
Milanese mesh bracelets that are reminiscent of bracelets<br />
crafted in the 1950s. Each bracelet starts life as a gold bar,<br />
which the artisan then works into tiny gold threads that<br />
are twisted, weaved and squeezed by hand, taking over 35<br />
hours to complete. <strong>The</strong> bracelet is perfectly integrated into<br />
the case, giving the impression that it is a natural extension<br />
of the asymmetrical lugs and the case of the watch. In<br />
addition to the stunning aesthetic, the mesh bracelets are<br />
extremely supple and comfortable on the wrist, feeling<br />
almost like second skin.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Spirit Of Travel<br />
Thanks to the design of its dial and the endless<br />
customisation offered by the palette of over 100<br />
interchangeable straps, the Tambour Moon expresses<br />
the spirit of travel with its GMT complication as well<br />
as demonstrating Louis Vuitton’s fine craftsmanship and<br />
creativity. Whatever the version – 35mm, 39.5mm or<br />
44mm in diameter – travel and escapism beckon with this<br />
Tambour Moon Dual Time. Admire the two-tone flange<br />
connected to the day/night indicator for ease of reading,<br />
as well as the Monogram Flowers or richly coloured flags.<br />
Designed especially for the model, they all evoke Louis<br />
Vuitton tradition, recalling the customised motifs on the<br />
travellers’ trunks of yesteryear.<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
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All About Contrast<br />
While the Defy 21 and Defy Classic have gone through<br />
numerous iterations that incorporate vibrant colours, the<br />
Zenith boutique-exclusive Black & White editions take<br />
on a drastically different approach with an achromatic<br />
palette. <strong>The</strong>se on-trend reinterpretations of the two most<br />
emblematic models in Zenith’s Defy collection emphasise<br />
their bold architecture through heavily contrasting black<br />
and white. Featuring a matte micro blasted black ceramic<br />
case in 44mm for the Defy 21 and 41mm for the Defy<br />
Classic, the muted finish enhances the sleek lines of the<br />
faceted case as it absorbs light rather than reflect it. <strong>The</strong>y<br />
are paired with white ceramic bezels.<br />
Sporty And Chic<br />
From Bell & Ross, the BR 05 Black Steel and Gold takes<br />
on a sporty chic look. This new addition to the BR 05<br />
urban collection recalls the 80s spirit by mixing two-tone:<br />
satin-finished, and polished steel and 18 carat rose gold.<br />
Featuring the brand’s iconic graphism, the black sunray<br />
dial contrasts with the rose gold applique numerals,<br />
indices, and skeletonised hour and minute hands. <strong>The</strong><br />
sapphire glass case back reveals the beating heart of its<br />
movement. <strong>The</strong> 40mm geometric watch, made of surfaces<br />
and angles, ensures the bracelet can adapt seamlessly to<br />
any wrist. Equipped with a bi-material bracelet for an<br />
elegant look, or a black rubber strap for a sporty touch.<br />
59 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE LOOK<br />
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In <strong>The</strong> Mood<br />
for Revelry<br />
After the turbulent year we’ve had, it’s time to relax and let our hair down. With<br />
Christmas and year-end festivities around the corner, we show you how to dress<br />
up and welcome 2021 in style. Let the good times begin!<br />
Text: William K.C. Kee<br />
Photography: Brian Fang @ M8 Studio<br />
Art Direction: Geetha Muniandy<br />
Hair & Makeup: Cindy Hor<br />
Models: Angie & Kaio @ Runway Productions<br />
Stylist: William K.C. Kee<br />
Stylist Assistant: Pearly Ng<br />
Location: Edelweiss SOFO & Serviced Residences, <strong>Tropicana</strong> Gardens<br />
Apparel: Gate One Venice KL, Lot 10<br />
Accessories: Krizi by Chris Choo<br />
Be Our Guest<br />
Look the part of the perfect hostess, when<br />
you’re throwing an intimate gathering at your<br />
abode. For a festive vibe, add a generous<br />
dose of colour to the wardrobe. <strong>The</strong> intricacy<br />
of this coat is balanced with a casual getup<br />
underneath, including a pair of comfy jeans.<br />
Coat and belt from Dolce & Gabbana<br />
Shirt from John Richmond<br />
Jeans from Frankie Morello<br />
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THE LOOK<br />
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Ace Accessory<br />
Good things come in small packages, as<br />
the adage goes. Surprise your guests with a<br />
thoughtful gift, or get them talking with your<br />
fabulous getup. To jazz up the outfit, all you need<br />
is a clutch bag replete with studs.<br />
Blouse from Brian Dales<br />
Skirt from Frankie Morello<br />
Clutch bag from Dolce & Gabbana<br />
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THE LOOK<br />
Let’s Get Ready<br />
This couple knows how to<br />
complement each other when<br />
it comes to their party outfits.<br />
By embracing bold colours and<br />
motifs, they stand out from the<br />
rest of the pack. After all, ‘tis<br />
the season to be jolly.<br />
On Kaio: Jacket and shirt from Brian Dales<br />
Jeans from Frankie Morello<br />
Belt from Dolce & Gabbana<br />
On Angie: Dress from Dolce & Gabbana<br />
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THE LOOK<br />
Blooming<br />
Sensation<br />
It’s easy to slip into a festive mood<br />
with this floral jacket, which is<br />
complemented by an equally striking<br />
backpack. Best of all, the jacket is<br />
highly versatile. Pair it with a simple<br />
t-shirt and faded denims and you’re<br />
good to go for the next shindig.<br />
T-shirt, jeans and backpack from John Richmond<br />
Jacket from Dolce & Gabbana<br />
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THE LOOK<br />
Warm<br />
Welcome<br />
To welcome guests<br />
to her lovely abode,<br />
she slips into this<br />
sophisticated dress. <strong>The</strong><br />
white colour provides an<br />
apt backdrop for floral<br />
motifs. To bring up the<br />
style quotient, pair it with<br />
the right accessories.<br />
Dress from Dolce & Gabbana<br />
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Serious About Style<br />
A colourful shirt proves to be just the thing to contrast this neutral-toned<br />
suit. For an unpredictable finish, throw on a pair of white sneakers. Now<br />
you’re ready to kick off the night’s proceedings.<br />
Jacket and pants from Brian Dales<br />
Shirt from Frankie Morello<br />
Belt from Dolce & Gabbana<br />
Shoes from DIS<br />
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THE LOOK<br />
In Good Company<br />
<strong>The</strong> evening is far from over as they opt for<br />
more edgy ensembles. For that rock ‘n’ roll<br />
feel, he goes for ripped jeans while she opts<br />
for a playful top and ribbon belt. Two’s a<br />
company, indeed..<br />
On Kaio: Jacket and sweatshirt from Brian Dales<br />
Jeans and belt from Frankie Morello<br />
On Angie: Top from John Richmond<br />
Pants from Brian Dales<br />
Belt from Dolce & Gabbana<br />
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THE LOOK | RUNWAY<br />
Embrace <strong>The</strong> New<br />
As we edge closer to the end of the year, it’s time to bid adieu to<br />
bad memories - and bad fashion.<br />
Text by William K.C. Kee / Photos courtesy of the respective brands<br />
Leather belt with gold chain<br />
from Givenchy<br />
Ribbed knit turtleneck<br />
sweater from Staud<br />
Leather phone<br />
holder with handle<br />
from Louis Vuitton<br />
Camel coat from<br />
Babaton Stedman<br />
Leather and gold<br />
bracelet from Aigner<br />
Max Mara<br />
Natural Tones All Over<br />
<strong>The</strong>se monochromatic and neutral outfits are easy to<br />
replicate and look great on everyone. Don’t be afraid to<br />
experiment with varying shades of this neutral tone – try<br />
camel, sand, or even buff. <strong>The</strong> opportunities are endless!<br />
Kate Gommino loafers from Tods<br />
Leather tote bag<br />
from Max Mara<br />
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Long necklace with<br />
pearls from Tod’s<br />
Flocked glitter tiered<br />
gown from Rodarte<br />
Perlée bangle with<br />
white gold and<br />
diamonds from Van<br />
Cleef & Arpels<br />
Evening Eleganza<br />
<strong>The</strong> year-end means a night of celebration or<br />
two. An evening dress is a compulsory part of<br />
every woman’s wardrobe; add accessories like<br />
a bold clutch bag and a pair of funky heels to<br />
stand out amongst the crowd.<br />
Givenchy<br />
Buckle and pearls<br />
earrings from<br />
Roger Vivier<br />
Statement strappy<br />
stiletto heels from<br />
Emilio Pucci<br />
Pleated leather pouch<br />
from Givenchy<br />
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THE LOOK | RUNWAY<br />
Dressed To Chill<br />
Take a chill pill, man. <strong>The</strong> year’s almost over,<br />
so let’s look our best in welcoming 2021.<br />
Text by William K.C. Kee / Photos courtesy of the respective brands<br />
MSGM<br />
Bomber jacket with contrast<br />
sleeve from Burberry<br />
Hawaiian print shirt<br />
from Gucci<br />
Beach shorts from Saint Laurent<br />
Rive Droite<br />
Life’s a Beach<br />
Diver Chronograph 44mm<br />
from Ulysse Nardin<br />
At first, knockout shorts were designed to be<br />
worn as beachwear or sportswear but as we<br />
advanced into the 2000s, designers started<br />
turning these garments into stylish options to<br />
be worn outside the beach and gym.<br />
Tinted sunglasses with<br />
monochrome frame from<br />
Louis Vuitton<br />
Statement surfboard<br />
from Saint Laurent<br />
Rive Droite<br />
Terrain low sustainable<br />
sneakers from MCM<br />
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Denim trucker jacket<br />
from Rag & Bone<br />
Button down slim fit striped<br />
shirt from Polo Ralph Lauren<br />
Navy formal tie from<br />
<strong>The</strong> Tie Bar<br />
Blue tinted sunglasses<br />
from Bold Dots<br />
<strong>The</strong> Return Of Denim<br />
Where recent seasons have seen denim in the<br />
form of rave-ready acid washes and bleachedout<br />
styles, the perennial favourite returns in its<br />
purest, rawest form. Functional denim cargo<br />
pants with a wide silhouette are teamed with<br />
classic tailored pieces.<br />
E Tautz<br />
Light marble washed<br />
flare denim from Gucci<br />
Card holder with<br />
lanyard from<br />
Louis Vuitton<br />
Casual loafers from Fabi<br />
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THE LOOK | JEWELLERY<br />
Time To Shine<br />
Before we know it, <strong>2020</strong> will be over. Hopefully, next year will bring better tidings.<br />
From bright-coloured gems to out-of-this-world necklaces, here’s how to inject<br />
glamour into our year-end soiree looks.<br />
Text by William K.C. Kee/ Photos courtesy of respective brands<br />
Shimmering<br />
statement ring<br />
from Swarovski<br />
Emerald and<br />
diamond<br />
necklace in white<br />
gold from Louis<br />
Vuitton<br />
Stacy Martin<br />
Happy Diamonds<br />
earrings from<br />
Chopard<br />
Gold domed<br />
cocktail ring<br />
from Roberto<br />
Coin<br />
Yellow gold Clash de<br />
Cartier ring from Cartier<br />
Stacy Martin<br />
Ruby<br />
chandelier<br />
earrings from<br />
Chopard<br />
Colour Me Glam<br />
Forget about just sticking to silver and gold as<br />
designers brought on an explosion of colours.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re were oversized statement pieces, floral<br />
and beaded items as well as mismatched<br />
colours. It’s all about having fun with your<br />
accessories; the shinier the better, of course!<br />
Pink gold bracelet<br />
with diamonds from<br />
Van Cleef & Arpels<br />
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Narrow hinged bangle in<br />
18k gold from Tiffany<br />
Necklace with<br />
dragonfly pendant<br />
from Swarovski<br />
Earrings with<br />
diamond<br />
stones from<br />
Lugano<br />
Linny hoops 18k gold<br />
vermeil from ‘KIN<br />
Victoria Beckham<br />
Moments To Remember<br />
Many of life’s biggest celebrations - engagements,<br />
weddings, anniversaries - are marked with a<br />
jewel. And bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings<br />
frequently make appearances at other significant<br />
times of life too - graduations, birthdays, job<br />
promotions. This makes jewellery a fitting tribute<br />
to moments we want to remember forever.<br />
Nudo rings in rose<br />
gold with chalcedony<br />
rose quartz and brown<br />
diamonds from Pomellato<br />
Cable bracelet from<br />
David Yurman<br />
Perlee Diamond<br />
pave ring from<br />
Van Cleef &<br />
Arpels<br />
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THE BEAUTY<br />
Towards A Better You<br />
After a tiring day, you deserve a bit of pampering in the comfort of your<br />
home. Here are products to rejuvenate the skin and body.<br />
Text by William K.C. Kee<br />
Photos courtesy of respective brands<br />
Clé de Peau Beauté La Creme<br />
Step into a classic tale this festive season with the limitededition<br />
Enchanted Lake Collection by Clé de Peau Beauté.<br />
Influenced by the alluring romance of Swan Lake, this<br />
collection features a captivating design makeover for some<br />
of the brand’s products including La Crème. Available in<br />
select markets, La Crème takes on the hypnotic hues of the<br />
enchanted lake. <strong>The</strong> four sides of its case depict different<br />
scenes from the timeless classic, all celebrating the power and<br />
victory of love.<br />
B&B Labs Hand Serum<br />
Get the best of both worlds, by sanitising and moisturising hands at one go! Show<br />
your hands some love and get the care you need with an alcohol-free, natural<br />
and organic hand serum. Made with 100% natural essential oils - geranium,<br />
peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus - for a relaxing and antiseptic blend that<br />
soothes the senses, not to mention it’s great for hypoallergenic skin. It eliminates<br />
99.9% of germs to keep hands hydrated and protected.<br />
Aesop Breathless Hydrating<br />
Body Treatment<br />
Experience spa-like tranquillity with Aesop’s Breathless Hydrating Body<br />
Treatment, a botanical massage oil for all-over hydration. Enriched with<br />
blood orange, jojoba seed and laurel leaf, the luxurious oil intensely<br />
moisturises and restores dry patches of skin, delivering ultimate<br />
hydration for a soft, supple body. It is the perfect accompaniment to<br />
massage treatments.<br />
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Pestle & Mortar Pure<br />
Hyaluronic Serum<br />
With this, one can combat dull, dry skin. It’s a lightweight,<br />
ultra-hydrating formula with a convenient dropper applicator.<br />
Infused with hyaluronic acid and antioxidant Vitamin E, the<br />
quick-absorbing serum delivers intense moisture and hydration,<br />
whilst plumping and firming skin to reveal a younger-looking<br />
appearance. It can be used as a make-up primer to soften fine<br />
lines and restore a radiant glow. <strong>The</strong> serum is suitable for all skin<br />
types.<br />
Italwax Hair Removal<br />
From Italy, Italwax carries the latest formulation in waxing<br />
that provides you with painless depilation. With Italwax, the<br />
soft removal of unwanted hair in the areas of the underarms,<br />
bikini line, legs, chest and face is a painless experience. <strong>The</strong><br />
procedure is recommended to be repeated between four and<br />
six weeks so your skin does not get irritated too much and has<br />
enough time to recover.<br />
Thalion Mineral Booster<br />
In the pristine waters of France, only the richest seaweeds are<br />
used to keep the skin healthy. <strong>The</strong>se seaweeds are processed<br />
within 24 hours of harvesting. This unique know-how as a<br />
harvester enables Thalion to preserve the original qualities<br />
of these plants. With Mineral Booster, Thalion has created<br />
a revolutionary liquid care bursting with water and trace<br />
elements from the sea. This anti-fatigue booster tops up<br />
minerals to moisturise, leaving skin plump and radiant.<br />
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THE BEAUTY<br />
Packaged For <strong>The</strong> Holidays<br />
Every Christmas, beauty brands come up with creatively-packaged coffret<br />
sets. <strong>The</strong>se are some that caught our attention.<br />
Text by William K.C. Kee<br />
Images courtesy of the respective brands<br />
Les Épures de Parfum Discovery Set<br />
by Cartier<br />
With Les Épures de Parfum, Cartier is celebrating the original<br />
resonance and beauty of living nature. Perfumer Mathilde<br />
Laurent crafted three new perfumes that are inspired by<br />
nature: Pur Muguet, Pur Kinkan and Pur Magnolia. To wear<br />
each feel invigorating and uplifting, which we could all use<br />
in these uncertain times. We can’t pick a favourite, so we<br />
love that this set gives varied fragrance options to suit your<br />
everyday wardrobe.<br />
Eau d’Hadrien, Petite Chérie,<br />
Rose Pompon & Tenue de<br />
Soirée by Annick Goutal<br />
Here’s a travel-friendly set, featuring four iconic olfactory tales.<br />
With Eau d’Hadrien, you can take off for an Italian getaway in the<br />
shade of lemon trees and cypress trees. Petite Chérie tells the tender<br />
combination of lively pear and musky rose while Rose Pompon<br />
celebrates a delicate garden rose adorned with a thousand petals.<br />
Last but not least, Tenue de Soirée recounts the tale of a stolen<br />
moment with sweet cyprus notes.<br />
Vinosource S.O.S Hydration<br />
by Caudalie<br />
This includes Caudalie’s best-selling hydration products,<br />
including a full-sized Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching<br />
Serum. It works deep down to refresh and hydrate the skin,<br />
whilst the Moisturizing Sorbet helps to soothe and calm the<br />
skin surface. <strong>The</strong>re’s also the Instant Foaming Cleanser, a<br />
soap-free liquid cleanser that turns into a generous, airy foam<br />
for effective cleansing. <strong>The</strong> plastic-free packaging is 100%<br />
recyclable and made with paper from sustainably managed<br />
forests, and printed with plant-based ink.<br />
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YSL Highlight & Glow Gift Set<br />
Create the perfect radiant look with the Touche Éclat illuminating<br />
pen that instantly gives you eight hours of beauty sleep in a click. An<br />
artist’s weapon, Touche Éclat brightens your best facial features to<br />
impart a natural, luminous glow. This set comes with Touche Éclat in<br />
shade 02 and a complimentary mini Rouge Pur Couture in shade 01,<br />
so that you can dress your lips in a sultry red.<br />
Talika Eye Love You Cracker<br />
This cracker contains two of Talika’s most iconic products: Eye <strong>The</strong>rapy Patch and Eye <strong>Dec</strong>ompress.<br />
<strong>The</strong> former is the brand’s best-seller while Eye <strong>Dec</strong>ompress is a unique product that also soothes the<br />
eyes. <strong>The</strong> packaging is designed by French illustrator Florence Balducci, who draws mainly in black and<br />
white using either ink or pencil. This being a product of France, the Eiffel Tower is depicted while the<br />
eye motif is a reminder that this is a specific eye kit.<br />
Clé de Peau Beauté Lipstick Mini Set<br />
From Clé de Peau Beauté comes a collection of vibrant mini lipsticks.<br />
<strong>The</strong> collection embodies the many expressions of the dance of<br />
swans, inspired by classic ballet production Swan Lake. <strong>The</strong> array<br />
of colours – delicate pink, vivid rouge, stunning coral - expresses the<br />
myriad characteristics of the swans. <strong>The</strong> case exterior complements<br />
the interior illustrations, conjuring an evocative image of four white<br />
swans and a single black swan dancing on the lake.<br />
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THE BEAUTY<br />
On A Sensorial Journey<br />
Chase your blues away with these sweet-smelling concoctions,<br />
packaged in beautifully-sculptured bottles.<br />
Text by William K.C. Kee<br />
Photos courtesy of respective brands<br />
Tom Ford Bitter Peach<br />
Eau De Parfum<br />
<strong>The</strong> latest concoction by Tom Ford contains notes of<br />
intoxicating peche de vigne and Sicilian blood orange oil.<br />
It has a sensual heart of rum infused davana oil, while a<br />
surge of patchouli lures the senses. <strong>The</strong> bottle is designed<br />
with an opaque inner lacquering and translucent outer layer<br />
to provide depth and dimension. Its hue is inspired by the<br />
array of shades at the peach’s luscious center and vintage<br />
coloured glass.<br />
Louis Vuitton California Dream<br />
<strong>The</strong> captivating, sensorial journey of cologne perfumes is<br />
pursued by Louis Vuitton, an unprecedented concept that<br />
illustrates the special marriage of citrusy mist with the<br />
depth of flowers. Its enchanting tryptic includes Sun Song,<br />
a melody on a beautiful day; Cactus Garden, a promenade<br />
across an exotic patio; and Afternoon Swim, a dive<br />
into an ocean of pleasure. Now, California Dream, which<br />
portrays the enchantment of a sunset completes this<br />
luminous collection.<br />
Pasha de Cartier<br />
Eau de Toilette<br />
Launched in 1992, the Pasha de Cartier Eau<br />
de Toilette became the symbol of an era, with<br />
a hedonistic trail that explores all the facets of<br />
lavender. This new edition of the fragrance features<br />
depth and warmth from the addition of amber.<br />
<strong>The</strong> bottle expresses this energy with the brand’s<br />
distinctive codes: the metallic gleam of three bands<br />
encircle the cap while the lid is topped with a blue<br />
cabochon inspired by the winding crown of the<br />
Pasha de Cartier watch.<br />
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diptyque Travel Spray<br />
With its Travel Spray, diptyque invites fans to discover<br />
iconic destinations and explore new ones through a portable<br />
fragrance. <strong>The</strong> bottle is a traveller, taking inspiration from<br />
vintage notice boards that were once in airports and train<br />
stations. <strong>The</strong> ideal travel companion, it is refillable and comes<br />
with a customisation kit. Available in four different emblematic<br />
scents: Do Son, Philosykos, Eau Rose and Eau des Sens.<br />
Lancome Idôle Le Parfum<br />
Sophisticated yet unapologetically modern, this fresh and floral<br />
women’s perfume bursts with notes of citrus, rose, jasmine and<br />
white musk and is layered over a vanilla perfume base. Idôle is<br />
also the world‘s thinnest fragrance bottle. It is encapsulated in a<br />
horizontal silhouette that lays flat on your vanity. Caressed by a<br />
rose-gold-hued structure and centered with a golden sphere, the<br />
iconic bottle embodies female determination.<br />
Giorgio Armani My Way<br />
This feminine fragrance combines consciously sourced<br />
ingredients from around the world in a blend of woody and<br />
floral notes. Bergamot meets Egyptian orange blossom in a<br />
sparkling start amplified by Indian tuberose and jasmine. At<br />
the base, white musk and cedarwood from Virginia combine<br />
with vanilla from Madagascar. Designed to be taken with you<br />
wherever you go, the My Way bottle is a luxurious talisman.<br />
Estee Lauder Beautiful Belle Love<br />
This celebrates the universal emotion of modern love and<br />
modern brides everywhere who dare to break all the rules<br />
for love. A romantic blend of Turkish rose and vanilla, with<br />
notes of luminous amber and orange blossom honey. It’s a<br />
luxurious departure in fragrance for Estee Lauder, inspired by<br />
the union of specially crafted ingredients sourced from the four<br />
corners of the globe. Made in France, Beautiful Belle Love is<br />
pure indulgence.<br />
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CHRISTMAS GIFT<br />
Finding <strong>The</strong> Perfect Present<br />
To help you in your Christmas shopping, we have compiled<br />
a list of gift ideas for him and her.<br />
Text by William K.C. Kee<br />
Photos courtesy of respective brands<br />
FOR THE LOVELY WOMAN OF YOUR DREAMS<br />
Lululemon Align II<br />
Yoga Pants<br />
When feeling nothing is<br />
everything. Designed to minimise<br />
distractions and maximise<br />
comfort, these lightweight pants<br />
give the wearer full freedom to<br />
move. <strong>The</strong>y are already amongst<br />
the best-selling yoga pants of<br />
the year and if she’s a yoga fan,<br />
she’d already be obsessed with<br />
everything Lululemon. Available<br />
in 15 colours and designs.<br />
https://shop.lululemon.com/<br />
Clash de Cartier<br />
Bracelet<br />
For the woman who appreciates an<br />
edge to her jewellery, Clash de Cartier<br />
is classic yet offbeat, spiky yet soft to<br />
the touch. It is expressed in white gold:<br />
bracelets which can be stacked and<br />
layered, in all versions. Clash boldly<br />
embraces the turquoise nuances of<br />
amazonite, the lagoon blue-toned<br />
beads set amongst yellow gold studs.<br />
www.cartier.com<br />
<strong>The</strong> Shopper Bag<br />
by Cath Kidston London<br />
For Cath Kidston London’s <strong>The</strong> Shopper bag, they have incorporated<br />
Tyvek. It’s a paper-like fabric that is super light, surprisingly strong,<br />
recyclable and water-resistant. <strong>The</strong>re is now a series of eight which<br />
include bright botanicals hand-painted in a modern palette, with a<br />
twist of timeless houndstooth.<br />
www.cathkidston.com.my<br />
Orient Sun & Moon<br />
Function Watches<br />
For the “twinning” couple, timepiece brand Orient has<br />
introduced the new Sun & Moon function series. <strong>The</strong><br />
ladies’ and men’s watches come with matching dial colour,<br />
case and leather strap or metal bracelet. A limited-edition<br />
70th Anniversary commemorative pair has vivid vertical<br />
gradation on a green dial.<br />
www.orient-watch.com<br />
<strong>The</strong> Happiness Planner<br />
In the world we live in today (especially this<br />
past year) we could all use some time to focus<br />
on our happiness. This planner has 100<br />
different happiness challenges that will make<br />
a positive impact on her life. This helpful<br />
book guides the reader through 100 days<br />
of intention-setting and self-development.<br />
Happy vibes and calm moments await.<br />
www.uncommongoods.com<br />
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FOR THE SPECIAL MAN IN YOUR LIFE<br />
Louis Vuitton Horizon<br />
Wireless Earphones<br />
He can enjoy the best experience to stay connected<br />
and listen to music with Louis Vuitton’s state-of-theart<br />
Horizon wireless earphones. <strong>The</strong>se new earphones<br />
showcase the House’s signature details, like the<br />
round metal disc bearing the iconic LV initials or the<br />
Monogram flowers. Available in jet black, pristine<br />
white, bright red, pink or neon yellow.<br />
www.louisvuitton.com<br />
Yeti Rambler Colster<br />
It’s the ultimate beer cooler on the market right now. All he has to<br />
do is screw off the top, drop his favourite canned beverage in there,<br />
screw the cap back on and enjoy. It’ll help keep his drink colder for<br />
way longer. Available in varied colours such as navy blue, black, olive<br />
green, bright blue, red and grey.<br />
https://www.yeti.com<br />
<strong>The</strong> Impossible Collection Of Wine by<br />
Enrico Bernando<br />
A tome that will make a statement with any wine lover. This<br />
hand-bound oversized luxury edition is presented in a wooden crate.<br />
Authored by Enrico Bernardo (named Best Sommelier of the World<br />
in 2004), it covers the most important wines of the twentieth century,<br />
from 1928 Krug Champagne to the 1973 Stag’s Leap Estate SLV.<br />
www.assouline.com<br />
<strong>The</strong>ragun Mini Massager<br />
Cramps, knots, and tension can strike at the most inconvenient<br />
times, and when you are venturing off the beaten path, this mini<br />
massager is right there with you. He can slip it into a jacket pocket<br />
for easy access and a quick calf or shoulder sweep right when he<br />
needs it. Compact and powerful<br />
www.theragun.com<br />
TOD’s T-Club Bag<br />
For the jet-setting man, this spacious bag from TOD’S T-Club<br />
collection is ideal. <strong>The</strong> brand’s Italian spirit is expressed in its way<br />
of making things with extreme care, selecting the finest fabrics with<br />
nonchalance and self-confidence. After all, those who are truly<br />
familiar with the high life celebrate it by living it, not flaunting it.<br />
www.tods.com<br />
85 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE EXPERIENCE<br />
Cinema<br />
OF CHOICE<br />
Aurum <strong>The</strong>atre continues to deliver true cinematic luxury,<br />
despite the pandemic.<br />
Text by William K.C. Kee<br />
Photos from Golden Screen Cinemas<br />
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86
Getha Lux Suites at the Aurum<strong>The</strong>atre-Mid Valley Southkey<br />
“We continue to do<br />
the same in the new<br />
normal, giving our<br />
customers a fresh<br />
experience every time<br />
they step into the hall<br />
for a movie.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> Jin Gastrobar at the Aurum<strong>The</strong>atre-Mid Valley Southkey<br />
Koh Mei Lee, Chief Executive Officer of GSC<br />
In <strong>Nov</strong>ember last year, Golden Screen Cinemas<br />
(GSC) finally lifted the curtain on its ultra-luxe<br />
boutique cinema Aurum <strong>The</strong>atre at <strong>The</strong> Gardens<br />
Mall Kuala Lumpur. Named after the Latin word<br />
and chemical element representing gold, Aurum<br />
features opulent halls with luxury recliners, private<br />
cabins and bespoke hospitality.<br />
Following Aurum’s successful opening in <strong>The</strong> Gardens<br />
Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Bahru, the new flagship<br />
established an even higher standard; upping the ante with<br />
seven halls and a private screen for personal bookings and<br />
events. It also has Jin Gastrobar, which offers contemporary<br />
continental dining.<br />
But then the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world.<br />
How has it affected extravagant cinema experiences such as<br />
Aurum? As it celebrates its one year-anniversary, it’s timely to<br />
check on Aurum’s journey thus far.<br />
One Year Later<br />
“It has been an exciting journey for Aurum since we opened<br />
our doors at the end of last year,” enthused Koh Mei Lee,<br />
Chief Executive Officer of GSC. “<strong>The</strong> admissions have been<br />
growing steadily since its opening and we are thrilled to see<br />
that more people appreciate the experience of watching a<br />
movie in true cinematic luxury. Jin Gastrobar is also attracting<br />
its own crowd wanting to wine and dine there.”<br />
Adds Koh: “We have received a lot of good feedback from<br />
our movie-goers who share that once they have experienced<br />
Aurum, it is hard for them to watch movies in a regular cinema<br />
again. As such, we get a lot of repeat customers, who are also<br />
becoming more accustomed to dining at Jin before watching<br />
their movie – making it a complete cinematic experience,<br />
comprising food, comfort and service.”<br />
Of the impact caused by COVID-19, Koh says:<br />
“<strong>The</strong> pandemic has put many businesses including GSC<br />
under considerable financial strain. Industry admissions have<br />
declined by more than 80% year-on-year (vs. 2019), due<br />
to the lack of content as many tentpole movies have been<br />
postponed to 2021 and beyond. As we launched Aurum in<br />
<strong>Nov</strong>ember last year, we do not have year-on-year numbers to<br />
comparatively gauge the impact of the pandemic on luxury<br />
cinema.”<br />
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THE EXPERIENCE<br />
Poster Corridor at <strong>The</strong> Gardens Mall<br />
Flatbread Pizza<br />
<strong>The</strong> Mixologist<br />
Sizzling Prawns<br />
“When we reopened in July<br />
after the Movement Control<br />
Order (MCO), we noticed that<br />
more movie-goers choose to watch<br />
movies at Aurum because of its<br />
exclusivity. In fact, during the<br />
screening of Tenet and Mulan,<br />
admissions at Aurum was 45%<br />
higher than pre-coronavirus, the<br />
only cinema which was performing<br />
better after the lockdown.”<br />
Although Aurum has its<br />
regular clientele, Koh says it is<br />
challenging as celluloid content is<br />
scarce during this time. “However, Gintonica<br />
because we have Jin Gastrobar,<br />
there is an opportunity for us to hold non-movie events.<br />
Additionally, we get many corporate and private bookings for<br />
the dining experience.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> New Normal Of Cinema<br />
“From day one, our SOPs included cleaning measures that<br />
were unique to Aurum, due to its use of luxury recliners,<br />
pillows and other amenities that are not<br />
available at our regular GSC cinemas,”<br />
explains Koh. This includes the changing of<br />
mattress sheets and pillow covers, as well as<br />
the replacement of blankets and disposable<br />
slippers after every show.<br />
“We continue to do the same in the<br />
new normal, giving our customers a fresh<br />
experience every time they step into the<br />
hall for a movie. More than that, we have<br />
implemented other hygiene and cleaning<br />
measures in line with government SOPs<br />
including temperature checking, contact<br />
tracing, enhanced cleaning and regular<br />
sanitisation after every screening, wearing of<br />
face masks as part of daily operations and<br />
provision of alcohol rubs in common areas,” adds Koh.<br />
On lessons learnt from the lockdown, Koh muses: “One<br />
of the biggest lessons is that businesses must be agile and evolve<br />
to stay alive. Survival requires us to adapt to stay ahead of the<br />
new normal; diversifying to break new ground. We were lucky<br />
to have started on this before the pandemic; embarking on<br />
several initiatives to expand our revenue streams in view of<br />
the fast-changing theatrical landscape.”<br />
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Getha Lux Suites at <strong>The</strong> Gardens Mall<br />
A successful initiative for Aurum has been its restaurant<br />
and bar, Jin Gastrobar. “Serving all-day meals, cocktails and<br />
much more, Jin is gaining popularity as a lunch and dinner<br />
spot, as well as a place to get drinks after work. <strong>The</strong>re are also<br />
plans to start cafes in some GSC locations soon, which will<br />
allow us to venture into the F&B market and complete the<br />
lifestyle experience of movie going.”<br />
Offline and online merchandising is another area which<br />
will be tapped into. “We have recently started our very own<br />
e-commerce platform, Keepsake and have sold our own<br />
collection of “Hello. Cannot.” T-shirts that have been very<br />
popular with customers.”<br />
To mitigate and reduce the impact of the pandemic,<br />
the management of Aurum applied stringent cost control and<br />
cashflow management with the cutting of all non-essential<br />
spending. “We also focused on improving on staff efficiency<br />
in the cinema and maximising screening times, so more<br />
movies and showtimes are available to our customers during<br />
peak hours.”<br />
In regard to highlights of the past year, Koh says:<br />
“Most of our highlights came after we reopened in July. We<br />
had our very first stand-up comedy show ‘Hello. Cannot.<br />
Kam’ at Jin Gastrobar. It was hosted by Malaysia’s Queen<br />
of Comedy, Joanne Kam and Steven Bones, and it was<br />
completely sold out!”<br />
“We also held a wine tasting event for M. Chapoutier<br />
wines. Recently, there was a charity bazaar and art exhibit for<br />
our ‘We Are All Special’ autism awareness campaign, which<br />
was supported by four artists with autism.”<br />
Exciting Plans Ahead<br />
During this period when social distancing is key and people are<br />
avoiding crowds, Aurum aims to be the cinema of choice in<br />
view of its exclusivity and lower seating capacity. “Our focus is<br />
to enable customers to discover the luxury cinema experience.<br />
With this, we are running a host of promotions and offerings,”<br />
says Koh. From now until the end of the year, one can watch a<br />
movie at Aurum at ‘special’ prices (from RM70 onwards). All<br />
seats also come with a selection of F&B from Jin.<br />
Escape Studio I - Hygge Hall, <strong>The</strong> Scandinavian concept of comfort<br />
Always a warm welcome at Aurum<br />
“Continuing in the vein of what we have done this year,<br />
we have a lot of exciting plans for Aurum next year to make it<br />
a premier cinematic destination that accommodates cinemagoers<br />
for more than just movies,” adds Koh.<br />
“Building on the success of ‘Hello. Cannot. Kam’, we<br />
have plans to organise regular live performances including<br />
music and stand-up comedy, where admissions will be<br />
bundled together with food from Jin. We are also exploring<br />
the possibility of interactive experiences, which will be offered<br />
alongside dining,” concludes Koh.<br />
For more details, visit www.gsc.com.my<br />
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GAME CHANGER<br />
A<br />
Perfect<br />
Fit<br />
Oxwhite made a name for itself by<br />
disrupting the dress shirt market.<br />
Meet the man behind the brand.<br />
Text by William K.C. Kee<br />
Photos from Oxwhite<br />
CK Chang is the man behind OxWhite<br />
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OxWhite’s signature white shirt<br />
As an entrepreneur and frequent<br />
traveller, CK Chang’s biggest<br />
struggle was finding a dress shirt<br />
that fit well on his slim physique.<br />
While wandering London’s<br />
famous Savile Row, he splurged on<br />
the most expensive shirt he would ever own - and it<br />
changed his entire look. “For the first time, I understood<br />
what perfect fit really meant. I could tell that this madeto-measure<br />
shirt and the confidence it gave me would<br />
be the key for me to tip the scales in my success, life and<br />
business,” he recalls.<br />
In June 2018, Chang launched the Oxwhite Classic<br />
White Shirt which he spent two years perfecting. “It<br />
was inspired by that shirt I bought on Savile Row, so<br />
that I can share the magic of that perfect fit at a price<br />
all office workers can afford.”<br />
He likens Oxwhite’s business model to budget<br />
airline AirAsia. “We are relevant to the average Asian<br />
in that sense. If everyone can afford to fly with AirAsia,<br />
everyone can afford to look and feel good at Oxwhite,”<br />
explains Chang.<br />
A Progressive Growth<br />
In just two years since its launch, Oxwhite has seen<br />
a progressive growth. “Our journey so far has been<br />
exciting! <strong>The</strong> support from our customers has been<br />
amazing. Because of that support, our operation team<br />
91 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
GAME CHANGER<br />
Slim fit polo tee<br />
OxWhite also offers backpacks<br />
Unisex Basics<br />
has grown from three persons to more than 20 now,”<br />
enthuses Chang. “Our customer base has very quickly<br />
surpassed 80,000 and we have sold over 400,000 items<br />
on Oxwhite and delivered them to 101 cities!”<br />
In his own unique way, Chang is considered the<br />
game changer in his industry. From the beginning,<br />
he embarked on a mission to disrupt the dress shirt<br />
market and improve men’s wardrobe, and he has<br />
succeeded admirably. “Oxwhite has made looking and<br />
feeling good more realistic for the average Malaysian,<br />
regardless of his wallet size!” muses Chang.<br />
“In the fashion and apparel segments, not only<br />
have we customised our sizing to fit the average Asian<br />
physique, we have also applied the same fabric and<br />
workmanship of expensive brands. On top of that, the<br />
pricing which starts from RM19 is affordable to most<br />
Malaysians. In the household essentials segment, we are<br />
big on sustainability. We use high quality hypoallergenic<br />
botanical extracts and raw materials,” adds Chang.<br />
Overcoming <strong>The</strong> Pandemic<br />
How did Chang and his company cope with the<br />
coronavirus pandemic? “<strong>The</strong> Movement Control Order<br />
(MCO) was unprecedented. No one had expected it.<br />
Within a short period of time, borders were closed and<br />
people were urged to adapt to a new normal where<br />
almost everyone started working from home and shop<br />
online,” says Chang.<br />
“Many factories around the world rely on China<br />
for certain parts and raw materials. We were in a way<br />
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“Oxwhite has<br />
made looking and<br />
feeling good more<br />
realistic for the<br />
average Malaysian,<br />
regardless of his<br />
wallet size!”<br />
lucky that we had expanded our products and increased<br />
our inventory size before Chinese New Year with the<br />
expectation that factories in China will be closed for a<br />
month. As such, even though shipment from factories<br />
all over Asia were affected due to border closures, we<br />
still had a good inventory size to keep the business<br />
going during MCO and the months after.”<br />
As people familiar with Oxwhite knows, the<br />
Supima cotton dress shirt is the brand’s hero product.<br />
“In a new normal where people were staying at home<br />
most of the time, there is little to no reason to buy dress<br />
shirts,” says Chang. “Our team was quick to realise this<br />
and responded swiftly. We started ramping up on the<br />
promotion of stay-at-home essential products such as<br />
T-shirts, polo shirts, inner wear and bamboo towels.<br />
This quick action helped us. As such, our business<br />
actually increased threefold during the MCO!”<br />
Biggest Lessons Learnt<br />
“Our customers are a big part of Oxwhite’s success<br />
story. We have an average returning customer rate of<br />
48%. If there is anything I learnt from the pandemic<br />
is that our engaged customers are the engine that kept<br />
the business going during the tough times. We have<br />
a community of over 23,000 fans and a social media<br />
following of over 120,000 people.”<br />
“As the founder, I personally would engage with<br />
the community to have a good sense of what they want<br />
and their lifestyle needs. <strong>The</strong>se insights gathered are key<br />
decision factors when it comes to product development<br />
and new launches.” In terms of how he has adapted<br />
to the new normal, Chang replies: “Personally, I have<br />
become more health conscious and want to ensure that<br />
my team and family are well taken care of.”<br />
Boyfriend shirt for women<br />
93 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
GAME CHANGER<br />
“Have a very open<br />
mind and heart in<br />
your approach towards<br />
learning and always<br />
remain humble”<br />
<strong>The</strong> Year Ahead<br />
“With the ongoing fight against the pandemic globally<br />
still far from over, we are gearing ourselves to be<br />
prepared for just about anything,” says Chang. “Hence,<br />
we remain cautiously optimistic. As a company, we will<br />
continue to produce good quality products and expand<br />
the range of designs of our current bestsellers, variety<br />
of our SKU (stock keeping unit) and introduce new<br />
categories of products for our customers.”<br />
Where growing Oxwhite is concerned, Chang<br />
says: “As a business, we want to make sure that we<br />
are growing healthily therefore we monitor our profit<br />
margins closely. In terms of marketing, we are cautious<br />
with where we spend our money and we cut back on<br />
things that drive very low conversion rates and high<br />
acquisition cost for us.”<br />
What is he not cutting back on? “We want all our<br />
customers to look good and feel good at a price point<br />
that they can afford. In order for someone to look and<br />
feel good, two things are key: quality and comfort. We<br />
firmly believe that high quality products - material and<br />
workmanship - and comfort can give one an instant<br />
confidence lift to enable them to feel good. When you<br />
feel good, you look good. Such is the DNA of our brand<br />
and we will never cut back on these two key factors.”<br />
What advice would he give to young people who<br />
want to follow in his footsteps? “As an entrepreneur,<br />
the willingness to learn is very important. <strong>The</strong>re is<br />
always an opportunity to learn within your circle.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are a lot of people around you that could inspire<br />
you or teach you. Have a very open mind and heart<br />
in your approach towards learning and always remain<br />
humble,” concludes Chang.<br />
Chang in one of his own creations.<br />
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Thai Healing Experience”
HEALTH & WELLNESS<br />
WAYS TO IMPROVE OUR<br />
Wellbeing<br />
In these uncertain times, we<br />
need to stay positive and<br />
embrace the challenges,<br />
according to wellness<br />
personality Jojo Struys.<br />
Text by William KC Kee<br />
Photos from Jojo Struys/Pexels<br />
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In person, Jojo Struys is the epitome of poise and calmness.<br />
“How positively you start your day, and with consistency, can<br />
change your life,” says the renowned wellness personality and<br />
regional TV host. That is ace advice coming from the founder<br />
of OhanaJo Studio, the largest yoga and sound healing space in<br />
Malaysia.<br />
Her fortitude was put to the test by the coronavirus pandemic and<br />
resulting Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia. Like many<br />
companies, Struys’ studio was forced to close its doors for the entire<br />
duration of MCO, with zero income for three months.<br />
Fortunately, she found other avenues to grow and has no doubt<br />
emerged from the experience wiser and stronger. She shares her<br />
journey thus far and tips on how to improve one’s wellbeing.<br />
How do you feel about OhanaJo Studio’s journey?<br />
OhanaJo was fully brick and mortar until the MCO forced us to go<br />
digital, almost overnight. We served over 100 free classes by donations<br />
during the lockdown across Facebook, Instagram and Zoom until we<br />
started to build our own subscription platform. We always had plans<br />
to go digital anyway but I don’t think we’d have made the transition<br />
so fast. For this, I’m grateful, though it was a very challenging period<br />
How has the pandemic affected your business?<br />
We were closed down for the entirety of MCO, with many workshops<br />
and events cancelled. So, it was pretty harsh with zero income coming<br />
in for three months as I was fully on ground as a business before the<br />
pandemic hit.<br />
However, we grew in other ways by increasing our engagement<br />
online. We had letters of gratitude from our students for continuing<br />
to conduct classes online so we could keep up with their daily<br />
habits and routine. We started to build a community beyond just<br />
the neighbourhood we were serving. Once you go digital, you are<br />
essentially borderless.<br />
What are the actions you’ve taken to improve the<br />
situation?<br />
I’ve just hired three more people this month. We are expanding into<br />
digital offerings so despite a dismal back balance, coming out of the<br />
MCO, I’m investing forward as I truly believe in what we are doing.<br />
It’s been really encouraging to hear people share how much their life<br />
has changed or improved from the work we are doing.<br />
How have you adapted to the new normal?<br />
I have learnt so much more about the wonders and challenges of<br />
being online. It makes the world feel connected somehow, no matter<br />
where you are. At the same time, human connection is priceless so we<br />
have opened our doors again. We are now both on ground and online.<br />
What are the biggest lessons you learnt this past year?<br />
Stay flexible. Adapt to whatever is coming your way. Do not fear<br />
change. Embrace it. Let go of any fear you have and get out from<br />
your comfort zone.<br />
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HEALTH & WELLNESS<br />
In what ways are yoga and sound healing beneficial?<br />
We are more of a healing space so people seek us out if they are having<br />
stress and anxiety or they simply want more “me-time” or relaxation.<br />
We offer yoga, sound healing and meditation, with some sessions even<br />
getting you to journal your emotions so you know what’s really going<br />
on within you. Many people have accessed different states of inner<br />
peace, self-awareness or relaxation through our uniquely therapeutic<br />
sessions.<br />
Sometimes, people get a completely different perspective on<br />
their lives from their own meditation, which can be very healing and<br />
insightful. Our classes can help to calm and clear the mind, with some<br />
sessions also focused on achieving better quality sleep at night, or tools<br />
to release your daily stress.<br />
In what ways are you considered a game changer in<br />
your field?<br />
We were one of the first studios in Malaysia to incorporate the power<br />
of sound healing and combine them with yoga and meditation<br />
sessions. We are very differentiated from gyms as we have such deeply<br />
introspective and relaxing sessions because we are not only focused on<br />
your physical fitness but also your mental and emotional wellbeing.<br />
We are also non-religious so there is a universal sense of existing as a<br />
safe space, where anyone can come to discover more about themselves<br />
or to release what no longer serves them. So, people from all walks of<br />
life find us.<br />
What are your plans for 2021?<br />
We are about to launch an online platform to help people with their<br />
stress, anxiety and sleep issues. We are also rolling out masterclasses<br />
and an online academy for one’s personal and spiritual growth and<br />
overall wellbeing.<br />
What advice would you give to young people who want<br />
to follow in your footsteps?<br />
Follow your heart and believe in what you put your energy into,<br />
because energy is everything. Be authentic. Do what you love and love<br />
what you do.<br />
Can you provide tips on how we can improve our<br />
wellbeing in these uncertain times?<br />
Practice gratitude every day. Focus on what you have rather than what<br />
you don’t have. Find ways to be more present whether it’s through<br />
movement or meditation. Let go of the past because it robs you of<br />
a present moment. Develop a morning regimen. How positively you<br />
start your day, and with consistency, can change your life.<br />
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HOME DELIVERY<br />
AVAILABLE
THE DISHES | DRINKS<br />
<strong>The</strong> gorgeous Hennessy X.O decanter designed by Frank Gehry<br />
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One<br />
ofA KIND<br />
Iconic labels have been innovative<br />
and edgy in their special offerings<br />
this past year.<br />
Text by Patsy Kam<br />
Photos courtesy of the respective brands<br />
It is always exciting to see how iconic<br />
labels have evolved to reflect the times, yet<br />
maintained age-old traditions in the making<br />
of their spirits.<br />
Here’s a glance at some of their unique<br />
selections as <strong>2020</strong> draws to a close.<br />
Master’s Touch<br />
<strong>The</strong> iconic Hennessy X.O decanter has been given a<br />
special makeover to mark its 150 th anniversary. Worldrenowned<br />
architect Frank Gehry has reinterpreted the<br />
bottle in gold and glass in a unique collaboration with<br />
the Hennessy Maison.<br />
While designing the bottle, he took into account<br />
the rich customs, composition and art of distillation<br />
of Hennessy X.O as well as Hennessy Maison’s rich<br />
heritage.<br />
<strong>The</strong> decanter is enveloped in a crinkled sleeve<br />
of 24-carat gold-dipped bronze and encased by a<br />
fractured glass glorifier, evoking the movement of<br />
water as it reflects the light.<br />
As a finishing touch, Gehry has added an<br />
understated fusil made of brass and gold for<br />
extracting the cognac. <strong>The</strong> collectible set of decanter,<br />
glorifier and fusil is packaged in a protective case<br />
made of compressed cardboard – homage to a series<br />
of corrugated cardboard furniture Gehry designed in<br />
the 1970s – imprinted with Gehry’s signature.<br />
Only a limited run of 150 numbered decanters<br />
with Gehry’s signature is available. A wider release of<br />
limited-edition Hennessy X.O bottles also by Gehry is<br />
available in markets worldwide.<br />
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THE DISHES | DRINKS<br />
Some of the priced vintages from the Beaulieu Vineyard<br />
New World Wines<br />
Beaulieu Vineyard, one of the most historic Napa Valley<br />
wineries in the United States, has joined the prestigious La<br />
Place De Bordeaux.<br />
Considered one of the most effective systems to market<br />
and distribute fine wines to global audiences, La Place de<br />
Bordeaux is a four-century-old historic distribution system in<br />
the Bordeaux region in France.<br />
Each September, new vintages of an exclusive group<br />
of fine wines are released. This year, only three New World<br />
Wines have been introduced, including the Beaulieu Vineyard<br />
2017 Georges de Latour Private Reserve.<br />
Named in its founder’s honour, Beaulieu Vineyard<br />
(BV)’s first vintage of Private Reserve became the first<br />
release of Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet<br />
Sauvignon 1936, later recognised as Napa Valley’s first “cult”<br />
Cabernet.<br />
Legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff led the<br />
winemaking team at Beaulieu for more than 40 vintages.<br />
Currently, winemaker Trevor Durling, only the fifth in BV’s<br />
history, carries on the tradition.<br />
<strong>The</strong> BV 2017 Georges de Latour Private Reserve<br />
Cabernet Sauvignon is available via La Place de Bordeaux<br />
outside of the United States, Canada, Caribbean and Norway.<br />
Best Of Vintages<br />
Penfolds has released a new wine, blended from four vintages<br />
of Grange, named Penfolds g4. <strong>The</strong> blend entwines Grange<br />
DNA from the exceptional 2002, 2004, 2008 and 2016<br />
vintages.<br />
Each vintage component was<br />
carefully selected for the final g4 blend.<br />
<strong>The</strong> cooler-vintage 2002 Grange is<br />
highly defined while the 2004 Grange<br />
is relatively opulent in comparison.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 2008 Grange, awarded a perfect<br />
100 points by both Wine Spectator and<br />
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, is big<br />
and bold while the 2016 Grange offers<br />
its own textural imprint.<br />
<strong>The</strong> first style of this inimitable<br />
wine, Penfolds g3 - a blend of 2008,<br />
2012 and 2014 - was released in 2017.<br />
Created with the same philosophy, the<br />
Penfolds g4 is the second release and an<br />
evolution of the original concept. <strong>The</strong><br />
final Penfolds g5 will be in 2021.<br />
Only 2,500 bottles of Penfolds g4<br />
will be available around the world.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Penfolds g4 giftbox<br />
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Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1996<br />
Limited Edition<br />
Glenmorangie’s whisky-makers have come up with a limited<br />
edition Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1996, the oldest<br />
whisky matured in Glenmorangie’s bespoke casks, aged for<br />
23 years.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Highland whisky makers journeyed to the forests<br />
on Missouri’s Ozark Mountains in the United States where<br />
American white oaks were handpicked. Air-dried and<br />
handcrafted into casks and seasoned with select bourbon, the<br />
first bespoke casks were ready by 1996.<br />
Each year since then, Dr Bill Lumsden, director of<br />
Whisky Creation, Glenmorangie, has crafted these bespoke<br />
casks in small numbers. He also created two coveted releases<br />
of the limited-edition Glenmorangie Astar and the heart of<br />
Glenmorangie Original.<br />
Aged entirely in first-fill casks, the Grand Vintage Malt<br />
1996 has a unique, creamy depth and a fruity, floral intensity.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Clicquot limited Tape Edition<br />
Retro Celebration<br />
Veuve Clicquot has gone retro in celebration of the House’s<br />
prevailing love of beautiful objects. <strong>The</strong> new Clicquot Tape<br />
limited edition is based on the iconic audiocassette from the<br />
1970s and 80s.<br />
In its heyday, the cassette tape represented a powerful<br />
vector for personal expression. This was the same notion that<br />
inspired the Clicquot Tape.<br />
<strong>The</strong> collection of six bold and eye-catching retro designs<br />
features the House’s iconic yellow, as well as disco, iridescent<br />
and zebra motifs.<br />
103 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE DISHES | DINING<br />
Feast<br />
FOR ALL<br />
In the heart of Georgetown,<br />
Penang Kitchen stands out<br />
as a gastronomical delight.<br />
TEA-FIN at tea time set<br />
Wild Forest Mushroom Soup<br />
Offering feasts fit for friends and<br />
family within a chic venue, Penang<br />
Kitchen serves up a medley of<br />
mouth-watering Penangite favourites<br />
and international delights inspired<br />
by the unique blend of local<br />
cultures - Malay, Nyonya, Chinese, Indian - and<br />
international cuisines.<br />
Located on the ground floor of Courtyard by<br />
Marriott Penang, Penang Kitchen offers scrumptious<br />
daily breakfast and an all-day dining menu designed for<br />
efficient and quick lunches for the business and leisure<br />
travellers. With an open-kitchen layout, the menu ranges<br />
from local favourites to signature dishes such as Prawn<br />
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Grilled Double Char Siew Lamb Chops<br />
Claypot Lamb Shank Biryani<br />
Kerabu Salad, Chunky Satay Chicken Pizza, Char Siew<br />
Lamb Chop, Wild Forest Mushroom Soup and more to<br />
tantalise your taste buds and awaken your senses.<br />
Penang Kitchen is also known for its quirky TEA-FIN<br />
during tea time. <strong>The</strong> local and Nyonya culture in Penang<br />
inspired TEA-FIN, a combination of high tea and tiffin.<br />
Showcasing the heritage of Penang, the sweet and savoury<br />
snacks are served in a three-tier Nyonya tiffin decorated in<br />
colourful enamel paint. <strong>The</strong> high tea set is something that<br />
you should try out!<br />
<strong>The</strong> high tea includes Spicy Crab Meat in Pie Tie Cup,<br />
Sambal Chilli Ikan Bilis in Mantou (Spicy Anchovy In Bun),<br />
Curry Chicken With Potatoes, Finger Sandwiches, Wok<br />
Fried Rice Noodles With Seafood, Chana Masala Vadai With<br />
Chutney, a selection of Nyonya Kueh and Vanilla Scones<br />
With Kaya And Pandan Mascarpone. <strong>The</strong> set includes a<br />
selection of beverages such as Teh Tarik (Malaysian sweet<br />
pulled tea), Masala Chai Tea and a selection of freshly<br />
brewed coffee or tea.<br />
Priced at RM99 nett for 2 pax, the Tea-Fin<br />
at Tea Time set is available from 2.30PM to<br />
5.30pm daily. Marriott Bonvoy members enjoy<br />
a 10% discount upon signing up - it’s free!<br />
Wild Ginger Flower Chicken Rendang<br />
Email: cy.pency@courtyard.com<br />
ABOUT COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT PENANG<br />
Prawn Kerabu Salad<br />
Located in the heart of Penang’s UNESCO-listed George Town,<br />
Courtyard by Marriott Penang is steps away from local attractions,<br />
stunning architectures, unique cultural heritage and artistic street murals. Opened<br />
in September this year, the hotel is currently one of the newest hotels in Penang.<br />
<strong>The</strong> first Courtyard to open in Malaysia and the 17th Marriott International brand<br />
in the country, Courtyard by Marriott Penang features 199 rooms and suites, an<br />
outdoor infinity pool with pool bar, steam and sauna room, a 24-hour fitness centre,<br />
a pillarless ballroom, eight state-of the art meeting rooms, one VIP room and the<br />
island’s first and only distillery-themed bar - Gin Library.<br />
Char Kway Teow<br />
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THE DISHES | DINING<br />
Up close &<br />
Personal<br />
At Nobu Kuala Lumpur, guests get to enjoy a live<br />
cooking experience at their table.<br />
Text by William K.C. Kee<br />
Photos from Nobu Kuala Lumpur<br />
Chef's Menu by Nobu KL<br />
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“We’re looking to showcase our<br />
high standards of preparation<br />
and detail that goes into every<br />
dish served through the live<br />
cooking experience”<br />
Enhance your experience with meals prepared in front of you.<br />
If you’re wondering what goes into making your<br />
culinary experience a delectable one, consider your<br />
curiosity satiated at this restaurant. For its elevated<br />
dining experience titled ‘Chef ’s Menu by Nobu<br />
Kuala Lumpur’, select courses are cooked right at<br />
your table.<br />
This is all part of Nobu Kuala Lumpur’s drive to make<br />
waves – which it has for the past few months – with its buy-1-<br />
free-1 promotion that offer guests unparalleled value. As such,<br />
the restaurant wanted to go above and beyond by offering<br />
world-renowned dishes with a first-class experience.<br />
For the uninitiated, the world-renowned Japanese<br />
restaurant is recognised for pioneering a new-style Japanese<br />
cuisine, started as a business partnership in 1994 between<br />
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and his partners: actor Robert De<br />
Niro, producer Meir Teper and restaurateur Drew Nieporent.<br />
Originating in New York as the flagship restaurant, the<br />
Nobu brand is now an empire that spans across five continents,<br />
with international locations in London, Tokyo, Hong Kong,<br />
Milan, Melbourne, Dubai, Cape Town, Moscow, Budapest,<br />
Monte Carlo and Kuala Lumpur. <strong>The</strong> restaurants’ popularity<br />
and devoted following are a tribute to Matsuhisa’s innovation<br />
in traditional Japanese cooking.<br />
<strong>The</strong> new and improved Chef ’s Menu by Nobu Kuala<br />
Lumpur offers six courses featuring premium dishes such as<br />
Grilled Angus Beef Tenderloin and Alaskan King Crab.<br />
“Since introducing this promotion, many of our guests<br />
have communicated their appreciation for making Nobu more<br />
<strong>The</strong> final touchs on Alaskan King Crab with Creamy Spicy Sauce<br />
A must-try is the personalised Nobu style of sushi.<br />
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THE DISHES | DINING<br />
Grilled Angus Beef Tenderloin delectably paired with Buckwheat ‘Risotto’.<br />
Chef's Zensai, starter courses of small dishes specially prepared by the Nobu team.<br />
Alaskan King Crab with Creamy Spicy Sauce<br />
Chocolate Sphere made from White Chocolate Dome, Yogurt Mousse and Orange Curd<br />
with Matcha Chocolate Sauce<br />
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Moriawase that comprises a succulent serving of Oyster drizzled with Nobu Sauce, charred cuts of tender Bonito Tataki Matsuhisa<br />
accessible to them,” said Executive<br />
Chef Philip Leong.<br />
“We’re so grateful for the<br />
response we’ve been receiving and<br />
felt the need to follow it up with<br />
a unique experience that would<br />
be even more memorable for our<br />
guests. We’re looking to showcase<br />
our high standards of preparation<br />
and detail that goes into every dish<br />
served through the live cooking<br />
experience,” added Leong.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> reception we’ve been<br />
getting has been incredible and<br />
we’re thrilled that we’ve been able to<br />
serve so many new guests who have<br />
since become regulars,” enthused<br />
Head Sushi Chef Chico.<br />
“Part of why I love my job<br />
is because I get to serve worldrenowned<br />
Japanese-Peruvian cuisine while getting to know<br />
amazing guests. <strong>The</strong> live cooking experience further allows<br />
us to do that by offering an authentic and memorable dining<br />
experience” he added.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Chef ’s Menu by Nobu Kuala Lumpur begins with<br />
a Moriawase that comprises a succulent serving of Oyster<br />
drizzled with Nobu Sauce, charred cuts of tender Bonito<br />
Tataki Matsuhisa and the mouth-watering earthy notes of the<br />
Tai Truffle Dry Miso.<br />
Nobu Style Sushi, meticulously prepared right at your table.<br />
As appetiser, the Chef ’s Zensai<br />
set the tone for the dining experience<br />
with a starter course of small dishes<br />
specially prepared by the Nobu<br />
team. This is followed by the Nobu<br />
Style Sushi, handpicked by Head<br />
Sushi Chef Chico and meticulously<br />
prepared at your table.<br />
For the main course, the live<br />
dining experience is further enhanced<br />
with the Alaskan King Crab coated<br />
with Creamy Spicy Sauce cooked<br />
right in front of you. <strong>The</strong> next main<br />
course is the tender melt-in-yourmouth<br />
serving of Grilled Angus Beef<br />
Tenderloin delectably paired with<br />
Buckwheat ‘Risotto’.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Chef ’s Menu by Nobu<br />
Kuala Lumpur comes full circle with<br />
the Chocolate Sphere made from<br />
White Chocolate Dome, Yogurt Mousse and Orange Curd<br />
with Matcha Chocolate Sauce, to end the meal on a sweet<br />
note.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Chef ’s Menu by Nobu Kuala Lumpur is priced at<br />
RM398++ for two and available from now till 30 <strong>Nov</strong>ember.<br />
<strong>The</strong> live cooking experience is only showcased during dinner<br />
service.<br />
For reservations, call 03 2164 5084.<br />
109 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE DRIVE<br />
A Symbol Of<br />
Innovation<br />
<strong>The</strong> newest Ferrari supercar features advanced technologies<br />
developed in its hometown in Italy.<br />
Text by Patsy Kam<br />
Photos courtesy of Naza Italia<br />
Living up to its tagline “Dare to Dream”,<br />
Ferrari has introduced its most powerful<br />
‘Prancing Horse’ in its stable to date, the<br />
SF90 Stradale.<br />
Unveiled by Naza Italia, the official<br />
importer and distributor of the Ferrari<br />
brand in Malaysia, the SF90 Stradale encapsulates the most<br />
advanced technologies developed in its home in Maranello,<br />
Italy.<br />
<strong>The</strong> name “SF90” references the 90th anniversary<br />
of the foundation of Scuderia Ferrari and “Stradale”<br />
(translated as road) highlights the distinct link between<br />
Ferrari’s track and road cars.<br />
Regarded a symbol of innovation, growth and<br />
adaptation, the SF90 Stradale is the first series production<br />
PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) to combine<br />
conventional and electrical power sources.<br />
It delivers 1,000 cv and a weight-to-power ratio of 1.57<br />
kg/cv and 390 kg of downforce at 250 km/h, elevating the<br />
model to the top of its segment.<br />
<strong>The</strong> SF90 Stradale houses a 90° V8 turbo engine,<br />
capable of delivering 780 cv, the highest power output<br />
of any 8-cylinder in Ferrari history. <strong>The</strong> remaining 220<br />
cv is delivered by three electric motors, two of which are<br />
independent and located on the front axle, with the third at<br />
the rear between the engine and the gearbox.<br />
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THE DRIVE<br />
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<strong>The</strong> first Ferrari sports car to be equipped with 4WD, the<br />
hybrid powertrain sets a new benchmark for standing starts<br />
at 0-100km/h in 2.5 sec and 0-200km/h in just 6.7 seconds.<br />
Ferrari engineers also introduced the RAC-e (electronic<br />
cornering set-up regulator), integrated into the car’s vehicle<br />
dynamics controls, governing the distribution of torque and<br />
making driving on the limit much simpler and easier.<br />
Sporting a completely redesigned 8-speed, oil-bath,<br />
dual-clutch transmission, the SF90 Stradale has an additional<br />
steering wheel-mounted selector, dubbed the eManettino. It<br />
provides four different power unit management modes: the allelectric<br />
eDrive, the default-setting Hybrid which manages the<br />
power to optimise the overall system efficiency, Performance<br />
which prioritises charging the battery instead of efficiency<br />
and Qualify, favouring performance over battery charging for<br />
maximum power output.<br />
With its innovative shut-off Gurney, a patented active<br />
system which regulates the air flow over the upper body, drag<br />
at high speeds is reduced with low lateral dynamics loads and<br />
downforce in corners increased, under braking and during<br />
directional changes.<br />
For the exterior, Ferrari’s designers have revised the<br />
proportions of the front, central and rear volumes for a<br />
forward-looking, innovative visage. Inside, the cockpit has<br />
an entirely new design direction, which will carry over into<br />
Ferrari’s entire future range. <strong>The</strong> chassis and bodyshell is all<br />
new, built using multi-material technology such as carbon fibre.<br />
<strong>The</strong> aeronautically-inspired cockpit adopts a sleek,<br />
minimalist look with Ferrari’s “hands-on-the-wheel”<br />
philosophy taking on a central role. <strong>The</strong>re is a new<br />
16-inch curved high-definition digital instrument cluster<br />
with an updated Human-Machine Interface. <strong>The</strong> driver<br />
can virtually control every aspect of the car, thanks to the<br />
touchpad and a series of haptic buttons on the steering wheel.<br />
On the central tunnel, the automatic gearbox controls<br />
are selected by a grille-style feature that references Ferrari’s<br />
legendary manual gear-shift gate.<br />
<strong>The</strong> redesigned intake and exhaust system feature<br />
a new, narrower cylinder head with a central injector<br />
and the adoption of 350-bar GDI, another first for a<br />
Ferrari V8.<br />
Clients can choose between the standard car and<br />
a more sports-oriented version. <strong>The</strong> Assetto Fiorano<br />
specification includes significant upgrades such as special<br />
GT racing-derived Multimatic shock absorbers, high<br />
downforce carbon-fibre rear and Michelin Pilot Sport<br />
Cup2 tyres.<br />
Traditional controls include the classic steering-wheel<br />
mounted headlight control, windscreen wipers, indicators<br />
and the Manettino for driving modes.<br />
What price for this hybrid supercar? Starting from the<br />
base price of RM1,908,000 (before duties, customisation<br />
options, taxes and insurance), the Ferrari SF90 Stradale<br />
comes with an extended seven-year maintenance programme,<br />
available across the entire Ferrari range.<br />
<strong>The</strong> introduction of the Ferrari SF90 Stradale was held<br />
at Ferrari’s newly renovated flagship showroom in Petaling<br />
Jaya to mark its opening. Meant to reflect the brand’s<br />
new corporate identity, the refreshed showroom provides<br />
a taste of “la dolce vita” with its immersive experience.<br />
A total of RM3.5 million was spent on the refurbishment<br />
of the 11,900 sq ft showroom which can accommodate<br />
up to seven cars. It is among the first few in Southeast Asia<br />
to implement these new design considerations.<br />
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THE VACATION<br />
Of <strong>The</strong><br />
Days<br />
Gone<br />
By<br />
Guests who walk through the<br />
doors of this hotel take a piece<br />
of nostalgia back with them.<br />
Text by William K.C. Kee<br />
Photos from Four Points by Sheraton Kuala<br />
Lumpur, Chinatown<br />
Premier Downtown, with a view of KLCC & KL Tower<br />
<strong>The</strong> arrival lobby of Four Points by Sheraton<br />
Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown is adorned with<br />
a vertical garden that welcomes visitors with<br />
a peaceful and calm ambience. Guests can<br />
immerse in the design that takes its inspiration<br />
from the Chinese history of migration from<br />
the Klang river to the country for mining activities by way of<br />
water transportation.<br />
Exposed walls of burnt brick, decorative floor to ceiling<br />
metal lattice work, warm wood and traditional tiles with<br />
hues of jade is what meets the guest, providing an immediate<br />
sense of space, of the rustic neighbourhood. And what better<br />
neighbourhood than Chinatown, which brims with so much<br />
history and vibrancy.<br />
Located on the seventh floor, the reception lobby features<br />
dramatic bay windows that mesmerise with the play of light<br />
and sweeping city views. <strong>The</strong> hotel features 318 well-appointed,<br />
contemporary and spacious rooms boasting spectacular views<br />
overlooking the expanse of Chinatown and the city of Kuala<br />
Lumpur, including 18 suites and 76 inter-connecting rooms<br />
designed to suit the needs of families and large groups.<br />
Each room features customised wall art by Malaysian<br />
artists Loka Made that beautifully portrays the stories of the<br />
livelihood, craft and trade of the neighbourhood community,<br />
creating a sense of nostalgia of the days gone by. Other facilities<br />
at the hotel include a state-of-the-art fitness center and an<br />
outdoor splash pool, both located on the seventh floor where<br />
guests can recharge or unwind.<br />
Situated in the bustling heritage district of Chinatown,<br />
the hotel reopened for business in mid-July after the Movement<br />
Control Order (MCO). Leveraging on its area, the hotel also<br />
unveiled its very own “Chinatown Express” newsletter, which<br />
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Hotel Facade<br />
“Efforts, in all<br />
details, have been<br />
consciously made to<br />
capture the essence of<br />
Chinatown, its trade<br />
and livelihood of the<br />
days gone by”<br />
Arrival Lobby<br />
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THE VACATION<br />
“We hope that guests<br />
who walk through<br />
our doors take a piece<br />
of the neighbourhood<br />
back with them<br />
and appreciate a<br />
design that is bold,<br />
original and rich in<br />
character”<br />
Swimming Pool<br />
Jann, the chinoiserie styled bar<br />
Lady Yi’s Tea House<br />
includes a comprehensive map for staycationers to discover<br />
major and hidden gems, from hip haunts and street food to<br />
cultural treasures and Instagram-friendly alleys.<br />
“We look forward to welcoming guests back to reconnect<br />
with the sights and sounds of the neighbourhood,” enthused<br />
Abhimanyu Singh, General Manager of Four Points by<br />
Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown. “We have gone above<br />
and beyond our normal protocols and are redefining our<br />
cleaning and safety standards to provide our guests with a<br />
safe environment.”<br />
“Efforts, in all details, have been consciously made to<br />
capture the essence of Chinatown, its trade and livelihood<br />
of the days gone by,” said Dato’ Choy Wai Hin, Executive<br />
Director of MASTERON Group of Companies and owner<br />
of the hotel. “We hope that guests who walk through<br />
our doors take a piece of the neighbourhood back with<br />
them and appreciate a design that is bold, original and rich<br />
in character.”<br />
At the moment, Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur,<br />
Chinatown is offering three distinct experience packages:<br />
“Love In <strong>The</strong> City”, a romantic stay with all the little details<br />
taken care of, “Kids Stay Free”, which offers a complimentary<br />
adjoining kid-themed Deluxe room and “Culinary Escape”,<br />
which is aimed at foodies, with an upgrade to Premier<br />
Downtown room.<br />
As the new normal evolves, the hotel has also launched<br />
<strong>The</strong> Business Club, an initiative that reinvents workspaces<br />
and promises guests safe and engaging workspaces to fuel<br />
productivity. <strong>The</strong> co-working space concept starts at RM49<br />
per day for a hot desk and includes business services, access to<br />
the hotel’s pool and gym, free parking and a set lunch.<br />
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Premier Suite Living Room<br />
<strong>The</strong> hotel offers two dining venues, and a bar that serves<br />
up handcrafted cocktails, and a vast selection of cold brews.<br />
Lady Yi’s Tea House (opening next year) is described as a<br />
lobby lounge that offers panoramic views of the city and turns<br />
up the nostalgia while letting diners discover the taste of the<br />
Straits with Peranakan afternoon tea, jazzed up with cocktails<br />
and music.<br />
<strong>The</strong> hotel’s all-day dining called Quan’s Kitchen features<br />
traditional culinary specialties from Chinatown and Western<br />
favourites in an open theatrical kitchen that is sure to delight.<br />
Last but not least there’s Jann, the chinoiserie styled bar which<br />
is an ideal after-hours destination.<br />
Renowned for its jade green wraparound bar and<br />
inventive cocktails inspired by the heritage of Chinatown,<br />
Jann has introduced a series of bottled cocktails. Perfectly<br />
mixed and prepackaged, the Six Senses Flight is a collection of<br />
six bottled cocktails to pique the palate, served with dried fruit<br />
garnish to complete the DIY experience. From sweet to salty,<br />
spicy to bitter, the Six Senses Flight evokes the senses of taste.<br />
Tián is a sweet concoction of Absolut Vodka, Red Wine,<br />
Rose Syrup and Orange Juice. Chivas Extra, Sweet Vermouth,<br />
Caramel and Salt make up the ingredients for Xián while a<br />
touch of chili brings out the spice in Là, a mix of Olmeca<br />
Tequila, Mango Juice, Ginger and Calamansi.<br />
“Ready-to-drink, contactless cocktails are the next step in<br />
the craft cocktail experience. Just pour over ice, garnish and<br />
enjoy with friends,” explained Abhimanyu. <strong>The</strong> Six Senses<br />
Flight is available for RM138 nett at Jann, located on the<br />
hotel’s seventh floor.<br />
Reception<br />
For more details, visit www.fourpointskualalumpurchinatown.com<br />
Six Senses Flight, available at Jann<br />
117 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE VACATION<br />
Statue of Nelson Mandela in Pretoria<br />
Amazing<br />
Adventures<br />
AWAIT<br />
With so much to share, these are glimpses<br />
of what South Africa has to offer.<br />
Text and Photos by Shah Shamshiri<br />
A<br />
nation that has been through countless obstacles<br />
since its foundation, much has been said about<br />
South Africa. Most notoriously known once<br />
upon a time for practicing the controversial<br />
apartheid system, this painful past has long been<br />
left behind. <strong>The</strong> South Africa today is like a risen<br />
phoenix, catching up on lost time and considered by many as the<br />
most developed country on the African continent.<br />
South Africa is also blessed with the four seasons, however due<br />
to its location on the southern hemisphere, their climate resembles<br />
that of Australia and New Zealand, where winter is welcomed<br />
mid-year and summer drops by every year end.<br />
First time visitors to South Africa should begin their journey<br />
at the city of Johannesburg. It is not only the biggest city in the<br />
country but also one of the six official capitals. (Yes, South Africa<br />
<strong>The</strong> Voortrekker Monument<br />
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<strong>The</strong> Victoria and Alfred Waterfront offers spectacular vistas<br />
<strong>The</strong> luxurious Rovos Rail<br />
Colourful homes of Bo Kaap<br />
Dining area of Rovos Rail<br />
has six official capital cities!) Here in Johannesburg, visitors<br />
will be given a chance to learn of the nation’s history and<br />
how the people fought for democracy by visiting the<br />
renowned Constitution Hill. Once a military fort and prison<br />
complex, it now serves as a museum immortalising the past<br />
tales and hurdles of South Africa. It is also now home to the<br />
constitutional court where rights of the citizens are heard.<br />
For ease of sightseeing, hop on their famous ‘Hop On<br />
Hop Off’ bus which will take passengers around Johannesburg.<br />
Be sure to drop by the Carlton Centre, a skyscraper which<br />
gives an amazing bird’s eye view of the city from a towering<br />
height of 223 meters.<br />
<strong>The</strong>n continue the journey to the Apartheid Museum<br />
which unravels more interesting stories of the original people<br />
of South Africa and learn of the struggles faced by worldrenowned<br />
political figure and activist, Nelson Mandela.<br />
Orlando Towers<br />
Be sure to stop by the famous Soweto neighbourhood<br />
which houses the Mandela House. Currently a museum<br />
dedicated to Mandela, it was also once his home from 1946 to<br />
1962. <strong>The</strong> Soweto area is also home to the Orlando Towers<br />
which are now used as a site for bungee jumping.<br />
For a glimpse into South African popular culture, head<br />
on to the Maboneng district. This corner of the city boasts<br />
blocks of hip cafes and restaurants as well as boutiques and art<br />
inspired shops helmed by a new generation of young artistic<br />
South Africans. A myriad of fashion and art masterpieces can<br />
be found here, either on display or even worn by the local<br />
visitors!<br />
119 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE VACATION<br />
View on top of Table Mountain<br />
Kimberly is famous for diamond mining<br />
One of the many attractions at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront<br />
Once done with Johannesburg, extend your adventure to<br />
nearby Pretoria. This administrative capital of South Africa<br />
takes about 30 minutes to reach by car from the centre of<br />
Johannesburg. In Pretoria, visitors can see the beautiful<br />
bronze statues of world-famous warriors and activists who<br />
once contributed to the independence and liberation of<br />
discrimination in South Africa at the Long March to Freedom<br />
National Heritage Monument. Among the statues found there<br />
are that of Mahatma Gandhi and Mandela.<br />
Make some time for Freedom Park, another historical<br />
site which now serves as a memorial monument remembering<br />
those who died while fighting for South Africa. Just a stone’s<br />
throw away is the Voortrekker monument, dedicated to<br />
the early Caucasian settlers who migrated from Europe<br />
<strong>The</strong> top of Table Mountain can be reached by cable car<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
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Residence of Nelson Mandela<br />
Apartheid Museum is an educational visit<br />
(specifically the Netherlands) and left Cape Colony in the<br />
early 1800s. <strong>The</strong> monument recollects many tales of the first<br />
meetings between the ‘white-skinned’ settlers and the original<br />
people of South Africa.<br />
Another must-see are the ‘Union Buildings’ area which<br />
resembles that of Washington DC where all the government<br />
administrative offices are located. And this is also where a<br />
gigantic statue of Mandela was erected and known to be a<br />
landmark of the South African nation. <strong>The</strong> area is surrounded<br />
by beautiful gardens which are often used as recreational<br />
venues for the locals.<br />
Naturally, no trip to South Africa would be complete<br />
without visiting the world-famous city of Cape Town. <strong>The</strong>re<br />
are several ways to get to Cape Town but the best and probably<br />
classiest way to get there is by taking the luxurious Rovos Rail.<br />
As though plucked right out from Agatha Christie’s “Murder<br />
On <strong>The</strong> Orient Express”, the journey takes about two nights<br />
and the train leaves its very own station located in Pretoria. It<br />
really is quite the experience as every guest is wined and dined<br />
and treated like royalty.<br />
Apart from spacious luxurious cabins, exquisite meals are<br />
served accordingly with food and beverage made available 24<br />
hours a day for all guests on a complimentary basis. Passengers<br />
will also get to go on excursions as the train stops at other<br />
towns like Kimberly which is famous for diamond mining<br />
before another break at an old town known as Matjiesfontein.<br />
Cape Town shows its vibrant side<br />
And get this, there is no Wi-Fi connection on<br />
board the Rovos Rail as they believe that the<br />
journey should be enjoyed and savoured. (But<br />
don’t worry, phones can still be used inside the<br />
private cabins)<br />
Once in Cape Town, the Victoria and<br />
Alfred (V&A) Waterfront is a must-visit for<br />
guests as it offers several attractions and<br />
spectacular vistas. Naturally, another easy<br />
option would be to get on the Hop On Hop<br />
Off bus to see the whole of Cape Town.<br />
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the<br />
world-famous Table Mountain and witness<br />
breathtaking views from high above the clouds.<br />
<strong>The</strong> top of the mountain can be reached by<br />
taking the cable car. Be sure to also swing by<br />
the colourful homes of Bo Kaap which is said<br />
to be the housing area of the Malay Muslim<br />
community of South Africa. And if you have<br />
the time, take a boat ride around the V&A<br />
waterfront and check out the playful seals as<br />
they sunbathe around the area.<br />
Truly, South Africa has so much to share and these are<br />
just short glimpses of what the country has to offer.<br />
Residents of artistic district Maboneng<br />
121 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE LIST<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Golf & Country Resort<br />
DINING OUTLETS & SHOPS<br />
Function Areas<br />
3 Greens I<br />
23 Greens III<br />
25 Poolside Terrace<br />
First Floor<br />
5 Greens II<br />
8 Ballroom I<br />
9 Ballroom II<br />
10 Ballroom III<br />
Outlets<br />
1 MST Golf Pro Shop<br />
2 De Manshop<br />
4 Twenty 7 Restaurant<br />
6 Spring Garden Chinese Restaurant<br />
7 <strong>The</strong> Palm Coffee House<br />
11 Gin Shui Tei Japanese Restaurant<br />
12 Kindyland <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
14 <strong>The</strong> Green House Florist<br />
15 Alam General Store<br />
Outlets<br />
16 <strong>Tropicana</strong> Clinic<br />
17 Eco Salon<br />
18 Havana Lounge & Havana Cozy<br />
19 TGCR Sales Gallery<br />
20 QingHeGu Korean Traditional Restaurant<br />
21 J Italian Restaurant<br />
22 Thai Odyssey Spa & Massage<br />
24 Bowling Alley<br />
MST Golf Pro Shop<br />
Ground Floor, Golf Wing<br />
Tel: 03-7804 6348<br />
Open Daily: 7.00am - 7.00pm<br />
De Manshop<br />
Ground Floor, Golf Wing<br />
Tel: 03-7880 4063<br />
012-331 8063 (KK Wong)<br />
(Call mobile for appointment)<br />
Open Daily: 11.00am - 7.00pm<br />
Twenty 7 Restaurant<br />
Ground Floor, Golfers’ Lounge<br />
Tel: 03-7804 8888 ext. 325<br />
Open Daily:<br />
Mon to Sun: 6.30am - 11.00pm<br />
Spring Garden<br />
Chinese Restaurant<br />
Ground Floor, Main Wing<br />
Tel: 03-7880 7226<br />
Mon to Sat:<br />
11.30am - 2.30pm | 6.30pm - 10.30pm<br />
Sun to Public Holidays<br />
10.30am - 2.30pm | 6.30pm - 10.30pm<br />
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<strong>The</strong> Palm Coffee House<br />
Ground Floor, Main Wing<br />
Tel: 03-7804 8888 ext. 306<br />
Weekdays: 11.30am - 3.00pm<br />
6.00pm - 10.30pm<br />
Weekends & Public Holidays:<br />
11.00am - 10.30pm<br />
Gin Shui Tei<br />
Japanese Restaurant<br />
Ground Floor, Main Wing<br />
Tel: 03-7886 9168<br />
Open Daily:<br />
Lunch: 12.00noon - 3.00pm<br />
Dinner: 6.30pm - 10.30pm<br />
Kindyland <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
Lower Ground Floor, Main Wing<br />
Tel: 03-7804 8888 ext. 318<br />
Mon to Fri: 8.00am - 3.00pm<br />
Closed on Weekends and Public<br />
Holidays<br />
QingHeGu Korean<br />
Traditional Restaurant<br />
Ground Floor, Palms Wing<br />
Tel: 03-7802 8917<br />
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3.00pm<br />
6.00pm – 10.00pm<br />
Weekends & Public Holidays:<br />
11.30am – 10.00pm<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Sales Gallery<br />
<strong>The</strong> Green House Florist<br />
Alam General Store<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Clinic<br />
Ground Floor, Walkway<br />
Tel: 1 800 88 8128<br />
Mon to Fri: 9.30am – 6.00pm<br />
Sat: 9.30am – 1.00pm<br />
Closed on Sunday and<br />
Public Holidays<br />
Ground Floor, Walkway<br />
Tel: 012-370 7303 /<br />
03-7880 1388<br />
Mon to Fri: 9.00am - 6.00pm<br />
Sat: 9.00am - 5.00pm<br />
Closed on Sunday<br />
Ground Floor, Walkway<br />
Tel: 03-7804 3095<br />
Open Daily: 10.45am - 9.00pm<br />
Ground Floor, Walkway<br />
Tel: 03-7805 5461 (Dr. Molly)<br />
Mon to Fri: 9.00am - 7.00pm<br />
Sat: 9.00am - 4.30pm<br />
Closed on Sunday and<br />
Public Holidays<br />
Eco Salon<br />
Ground Floor, Walkway<br />
Tel: 03-7804 9316<br />
Tues to Sat: 10.30am - 7.30pm<br />
Sun: 10.30am - 6.00pm<br />
Closed every Mon and Public<br />
Holidays<br />
Havana Lounge &<br />
Havana Cozy<br />
Lower Ground Floor, Palms Wing<br />
Tel: 03-7804 8888 ext. 514<br />
Open Daily:<br />
Mon to Thurs: 5.00pm - 1.00am<br />
Fri to Sat: 5.00pm - 2.00am<br />
Closed on Sunday<br />
J Italian Restaurant<br />
Ground Floor, Palms Wing<br />
Tel: 03-7805 3935<br />
Mon to Thurs: 11.00am - 3.00pm |<br />
6.00pm - 11.00pm<br />
Fri to Sun: 11.00am -1.00am<br />
Thai Odyssey<br />
Sports Wing Entrance<br />
Tel: 03-7803 1233<br />
Open Daily: 10.00am - 10.00pm<br />
Driving Range<br />
Bowling Cafe<br />
Poolside Café<br />
West Course<br />
Tel: 03-7880 6164<br />
Lower Ground Floor, Sports Wing<br />
Tel: 03-7804 8888 ext. 327<br />
Lower Ground Floor, Sports Wing<br />
Tel: 03-7804 8888 ext. 327<br />
Open Daily: 7.00am - 11.00pm<br />
Mon: 2.00pm - 11.00pm<br />
Mon to Fri: 3.00pm - 11.00pm<br />
Sat to Sun: 10.00am - 11.00pm<br />
Tues to Fri: 4.00pm - 7.00pm<br />
Sat, Sun and Public Holidays:<br />
8.00am - 7.00pm<br />
Closed on Mon<br />
123 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE LIST<br />
MAIN CONTACT NUMBERS<br />
Head Office<br />
+603 7663 6888<br />
Customer Care Support & <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
Privilege Card Services<br />
+603 7663 6888/ +6012 688 7003<br />
customercare@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
CORPORATE OFFICES<br />
TROPICANA CORPORATION BERHAD<br />
Head Office<br />
Unit 1301, Level 13,<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Gardens Office Tower<br />
No 2A, Persiaran Surian, <strong>Tropicana</strong> Indah<br />
47810, Petaling Jaya<br />
Selangor Darul Ehsan<br />
Tel: +603 7663 6888<br />
Fax: +603 7663 6688<br />
corpcomm@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
www.tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9am - 6pm (Monday - Friday)<br />
Closed (Saturday & Sunday)<br />
TROPICANA GOLF &<br />
COUNTRY RESORT BERHAD<br />
Clubhouse<br />
Jalan Kelab <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Golf & Country Resort<br />
47410 Petaling Jaya<br />
Selangor Darul Ehsan<br />
Tel: +603 7804 8888<br />
Fax: +603 7804 3688<br />
gm@tropicanagolf.com<br />
www.tropicanagolf.com<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9am - 6pm (Monday - Friday)<br />
9am - 1pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday)<br />
PROPERTY GALLERIES<br />
TROPICANA AMAN (KOTA KEMUNING)<br />
Property Gallery & Show Unit<br />
No 2, Persiaran Aman Perdana 3<br />
Bandar <strong>Tropicana</strong> Aman<br />
42500 Telok Panglima a, Selangor<br />
Tel: 1700 81 8868<br />
enquiry@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
www.tropicanaaman.com.my<br />
Office Hours: 9:30am – 6:30pm<br />
(Monday – Sunday)<br />
TROPICANA HEIGHTS (KAJANG)<br />
Property Gallery & Show Unit<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Heights Show Village<br />
Off Jalan P6/2<br />
43500 Semenyih, Kajang, Selangor<br />
Tel: +603 7453 2328 / +6016 239 7565<br />
enquiry@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
www.tropicanaheights.com.my<br />
Office Hours: 9:30am – 6:30pm<br />
(Monday – Sunday)<br />
TROPICANA DANGA BAY<br />
(ISKANDAR MALAYSIA)<br />
Property Gallery & Show Unit<br />
Lot PTB 22902, Teluk Danga<br />
Jalan Persiaran Abu Bakar Sultan<br />
80200 Johor Bahru, Johor<br />
Tel: +607 2341 585<br />
enquiry@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
www.tropicanadangabay.com.my<br />
Office Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm<br />
(Monday – Sunday)<br />
TROPICANA GARDENS (TROPICANA INDAH)<br />
Property Gallery & Show Unit<br />
Level G, <strong>Tropicana</strong> Gardens Mall<br />
No. 2A, Persiaran Surian, <strong>Tropicana</strong> Indah<br />
47810 Petaling Jaya<br />
Selangor Darul Ehsan<br />
Tel : +603 7880 0989<br />
enquiry@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
www.tropicanagardens.com.my<br />
Office Hours: 9:30am – 6:30pm<br />
(Monday – Sunday)<br />
TROPICANA DANGA COVE<br />
(ISKANDAR MALAYSIA)<br />
Property Gallery & Show Unit<br />
Lot PTD 28845-28892<br />
Taman Cahaya Kota Puteri, Plentong<br />
81750 Masai, Johor<br />
Tel: +607 3823 355<br />
enquiry@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
www.tropicanadangacove.com.my<br />
Office Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm<br />
(Monday – Sunday)<br />
TROPICANA METROPARK (SUBANG JAYA)<br />
Property Gallery & Show Unit<br />
Lot 38515, Jalan Delima 1/1<br />
Subang Hi-Tech<br />
40000 Subang Jaya, Selangor<br />
Tel: +603 5636 6888 / +603 5637 3018<br />
enquiry@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
www.tropicanametropark.com.my<br />
Office Hours: 9:30am – 6:30pm<br />
(Monday – Sunday)<br />
TROPICANA 218 MACALISTER (PENANG)<br />
Property Gallery<br />
No 16, Jalan Anson<br />
10400 Penang<br />
Tel: +604 2105 888<br />
enquiry@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
www.tropicana218macalister.com.my<br />
Office Hours: 9:30am – 6:30pm<br />
(Monday – Sunday)<br />
TROPICANA GRANDHILL (GENTING)<br />
Property Gallery & Show Unit<br />
Jalan Permai 2, Genting Permai,<br />
69000 Genting Highlands, Pahang<br />
Tel: +603-6106 0688 / +6018-390 9988<br />
enquiry@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
www.tropicanagrandhill.com<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 6:00pm<br />
(Monday – Sunday)<br />
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124
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OFFICES<br />
TROPICANA<br />
MANAGEMENT SERVICES<br />
(TMS)<br />
Jalan Kelab <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Golf &<br />
Country Resort<br />
47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor<br />
Tel: +603 7804 8888<br />
ext : 513/557<br />
Fax: +603 7806 5044<br />
tms@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 6:00pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
TROPICANA GRANDE<br />
Level 1, Management Office<br />
Block A, <strong>Tropicana</strong> Grande<br />
Condominium, No 3, Persiaran<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong>, PJU 3<br />
47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor<br />
Tel: +603 7610 0968<br />
Fax: +603 7610 0966<br />
tropicanagrande@<br />
tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 5:30pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
TROPICANA INDAH<br />
Jalan Kelab <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Golf &<br />
Country Resort<br />
47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor<br />
Tel: +603 7804 8888<br />
ext : 154/557<br />
Fax: +603 7806 5044<br />
tisb@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 6:00pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
CASA TROPICANA<br />
B-5-17, Block B, Casa <strong>Tropicana</strong>,<br />
No 5, Jalan Persiaran <strong>Tropicana</strong>,<br />
PJU 3, <strong>Tropicana</strong> Golf &<br />
Country Resort<br />
47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor<br />
Tel: +603 7883 0982<br />
Fax: +603 7883 0292<br />
casatropicana@<br />
tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 5:30pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
TROPICANA CHERAS<br />
No 6, Jalan <strong>Tropicana</strong> Cheras 1<br />
Taman <strong>Tropicana</strong> Cheras<br />
43000 Kajang, Selangor<br />
Tel: +6013 202 0746<br />
tropicanacheras@<br />
tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 5:30pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
TROPICANA HEIGHTS<br />
(FAIRFIELD/PARKFIELD)<br />
Off Jalan P6/2, Bandar<br />
Teknologi Kajang 43500<br />
Semenyih, Kajang, Selangor<br />
Tel: +603 8725 9800<br />
fairfield@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
parkfield@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 5:30pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
TROPICANA HEIGHTS<br />
(RIDGEFIELD)<br />
Jalan <strong>Tropicana</strong> Heights 2/1<br />
42000 Kajang, Selangor<br />
Tel: +603 8723 5191<br />
ridgefield@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 5:30pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
THE RESIDENCES<br />
Basement 1, Menara TR<br />
No 121, Jalan Ampang<br />
50450 Kuala Lumpur<br />
Tel: +603 2770 6338<br />
Fax: +603 2270 6343<br />
theresidences@<br />
tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 5:30pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
TROPICANA GARDENS<br />
(ARNICA & BAYBERRY)<br />
Level 5, Residensi A,<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Gardens,<br />
No 2A, Persiaran Surian,<br />
Tropican Indah<br />
47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor<br />
Tel: +603 2714 6172<br />
trop.gardens@<br />
tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 5:30pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
TROPICANA GARDENS<br />
(CYPERUS & DIANTHUS)<br />
Level 6, Residensi C,<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Gardens<br />
No 2A, Persiaran Surian,<br />
Tropican Indah<br />
47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor<br />
Tel: +603 2714 6175<br />
trop.gardens@<br />
tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 5:30pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
TROPICANA AVENUE<br />
P-LG-01, Lower Ground Floor<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Avenue<br />
No 12, Persiaran <strong>Tropicana</strong><br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Golf & Country<br />
Resort, PJU 3, 47410 Petaling<br />
Jaya, Selangor<br />
Tel: +603 8605 3608 /<br />
+603 8605 3609<br />
Fax: +603 8605 3618<br />
trop.avenue@tropicanacorp.<br />
com.my<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 5:30pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
TROPICANA<br />
AMAN (ARAHSIA)<br />
Arahsia <strong>Tropicana</strong> Aman<br />
Jalan Aman Arahsia 2<br />
Bandar <strong>Tropicana</strong> Aman<br />
42500 Telok Panglima Garang,<br />
Selangor<br />
Tel: +603 8687 5512<br />
arahsia@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 5:30pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
TROPICANA<br />
AMAN (BAYAN)<br />
Bayan <strong>Tropicana</strong> Aman<br />
Jalan Aman Bayan 1<br />
Bandar <strong>Tropicana</strong> Aman<br />
42500 Telok Panglima Garang,<br />
Selangor<br />
Tel: +603 8687 5525<br />
Fax: +603 8687 5530<br />
bayan@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 5:30pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
TROPICANA<br />
AMAN (CHERIA)<br />
No.1 Jalan Aman Chria, Bandar<br />
<strong>Tropicana</strong> Aman, 42500 Telok<br />
Panglima Garang, Selangor<br />
Darul Ehsan Malaysia<br />
Tel: +603 8686 1088<br />
Fax: +603 8686 1087<br />
cheria@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 5:30pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
TROPICANA LANDMARK<br />
Level 5, <strong>Tropicana</strong> Landmark<br />
Lorong Kondo Bundusan<br />
Off Jalan Bundusan<br />
88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah<br />
Tel: +6088 742 052<br />
tropicanalandmark@gmail.com<br />
Office Hours:<br />
8:30am – 5:00pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
8:30am – 12:30pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
TROPICANA<br />
METROPARK (PANDORA)<br />
Level P4, Menara A,<br />
Pandora Residensi<br />
Jalan MP1, <strong>Tropicana</strong> Metropark<br />
47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor<br />
Tel: +603 5036 2088<br />
Fax: +603 5036 2089<br />
pandora@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 5:30pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
TROPICANA<br />
METROPARK (PALOMA)<br />
Tower B, Level 4,<br />
Paloma Residensi<br />
Jalan MP1, <strong>Tropicana</strong> Metropark<br />
47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor<br />
Tel: +603 5022 9099<br />
Fax: +603 5022 9097<br />
paloma@tropicanacorp.com.my<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 5:30pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
TROPICANA<br />
DANGA BAY (BORA)<br />
No 01-01, Residensi Bora<br />
Jalan Danga 1/1, Teluk Danga<br />
80200 Johor Bahru, Johor<br />
Tel: +607 2074 234<br />
boraresidences@gmail.com<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 5:30pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
TROPICANA<br />
DANGA BAY (TROPEZ)<br />
G-03, Blok B, Tropez Residen,<br />
Persiaran Danga Perdana,<br />
80200 Johor Bahru, Johor<br />
Tel: +607 2446 559<br />
Fax: +607 2374 088<br />
tropezmanagement@gmail.com<br />
Office Hours:<br />
9:00am – 5:30pm<br />
(Monday – Friday)<br />
9:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)<br />
Closed (Sunday & Public Holiday)<br />
125 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM
THE END<br />
“<br />
Your success and happiness<br />
lies in you. Resolve to keep<br />
happy, and your joy and you<br />
shall form an invincible host<br />
against difficulties.<br />
- Helen Keller<br />
“<br />
Photo by Darius Krause/Pexels<br />
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong><br />
126
SPECIALISED SERVICE CENTRE EXCLUSIVELY FOR<br />
MERCEDES-BENZ, BMW AND AUDI CAR OWNERS<br />
AT KOTA DAMANSARA<br />
We provide a full range of fixed-price services, each performed in a structured series<br />
of operating procedures to ensure faster and more efficient performance servicing;<br />
especially for Mercedes-Benz, BMW and AUDI car owners whose car warranties have expired<br />
LIST OF SERVICES<br />
Lubrication & Maintenance Service<br />
Air Cond Service and Maintenance<br />
Programming and Adaptation using latest STAR Diagnostic Compact 4 and BMW<br />
ISID Diagnostic Tester<br />
Computer and Electronic Programming complete with SCN Coding<br />
Suspension System<br />
Engine and Automatic Transmission Overhauling<br />
Braking System ABS/ETS/ASR/SBC/ABR<br />
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Suspension System<br />
Prominent Autotech Sdn Bhd<br />
No 8-E, Jalan Teknologi, Pusat Teknologi Sunsuria<br />
Kota Damansara PJU 5, 47810 Petaling Jaya Selangor<br />
Tel: +603-6151 5369 / +603-6151 8369<br />
Fax: +603-6150 5369<br />
Email: enquiry@prominentautotech.com.my<br />
OPERATING HOURS<br />
Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5.30pm<br />
Saturday, 8.30am - 3pm<br />
Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays<br />
www.prominentautotech.com.my