Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2016 i Tatler Malaysia

ON THE COVER of this festive issue are Justin Pitt and Cristalle Belo, who talk about their fairy-tale romance and beautiful Italian wedding. This issue also celebrates the lives of eight standout men and women who reveal how their extraordinary experiences have shaped them. And in the spirit of giving, the magazine presents the ultimate Christmas gift guide featuring some of the country’s top purveyors of fashion and home furnishings. TAIWAN TATLER DIRECTOR’S CUT Award-winning film director Ang Lee (pictured) was in Taipei for the Asian premiere of his latest film, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk. He shares a few stories from behind the scenes (his son Mason C Lee is a cast member) and opens up about his career breakthroughs. THAILAND TATLER ROYAL REGATTA This issue honours the late…

PURE HATRED A young socialite is apparently angry at the woman who stole her father away from her mother and has channelled everything in her power and influence to spread hate against this other woman. We can always hear the invisible claws being unsheathed every time these two ladies come face to face at an event. WATCHING OUT FOR YOU A young businessman was shocked when his mentor presented him with a million dollar watch as an encouragement gift when the former’s business hit a remarkable milestone. With a mentor like this, who needs a trust fund, really? DOUBLE THE PARTY Word on the street is that gatherings and dinners plans involving a particular socialite and her husband’s latest squeeze—who share the same social circle—have to be done discreetly so…

THERE IS a preconceived notion that relates concierge services to only handling luggage, recommending restaurants and providing guests with information. However, at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Sharezal Abdul Wahid believes that the concierge team are ambassadors of the hotel. “I want guests to have the best experience from the moment they arrive, right up to the point that they wave goodbye.” With nearly 15 years of expertise in the hospitality line, it was clear why Sharezal received the exclusive invitation to join The Society of the Golden Keys (Les Clefs d’Or), an elite fraternity of concierge professionals. We speak to him to find out a bit about the affiliation and his experience of handling guests. How long have you been a member of Les Clefs d’Or? I was accepted…

“The greater the knowledge you have on a specific topic, the greater your interest” I WAS JUST two minutes late to arrive at the Dome café in The Gardens Mall to meet with Michael Tay on what seemed like an ordinary Friday. The man of the hour was on time for our 9am meeting, sitting with two of his Malaysian colleagues, well dressed in a sharp suit and tie as he invites me to order a beverage before exchanging polite preinterview banter. A few minutes later, the arrival of my coffee also signalled the start of our session. The good-natured Tay tells me early on that he is passionate about architecture, art, design, cycling and of course, horology. Given his family background in the watch trade, it comes as no…

Swiss manufacture Hublot celebrates its decade-long existence through a number of global events. For the Kuala Lumpur edition, guests were invited to immerse themselves in the brand’s All Black universe. The pop-up store in Suria KLCC featured purposefully made Raptor retractable display cases to showcase the watches in all their glory, without a glass barrier between viewers and the masterpieces. THE INSIDER Rare pieces such as the MP-05 LaFerrari Sapphire were on display for guests to admire…

Blackbarrett by Neil Barrett presented its autumn/ winter 2016 collection at the Pavilion Pitstop 2016, held annually in conjunction with the Formula One Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix. Guests were seen dressed in seasonal colours—black and white, blended with grey metallic, bold red and vivid cobalt blue while using graphic artwork. The evening ended with performances from homegrown pop-rock band, Paperplane Pursuit, which entertained the crowd with their popular songs. THE INSIDER The A/W2016 collection is named ‘Cars and Robot Machines’…

Saint Laurent’s A/W16 collection is the love child of creative director Hedi Slimane’s love affair with Los Angeles—especially its vibrant music scene. Themes of imperial tapestry and military are seen throughout the collection which is young, wild and free. Velvets, brocades, fedoras and jackets are bespangled with Parisian embroideries, hinting at the quintessential LA rocker. Many of the looks were styled with no-picture-please rock star sunglasses donned by models with long and dishevelled hair and carefree-like rebellious rockers. The signature YSL spray on jeans and skinny cut pants are worn with elaborately embellished Hussar jackets, like the ones Mick Jagger and Jimi Hendrix rocked back in the day. INDUSTRIAL CHARM Combat boots are a wardrobe essential for the cooler climate. They’re practical, exude masculine elegance and can pair with literally…

SEQUINED GLORY An exclusive mini Lady Dior bag specially created in celebration of Suria KLCC’s Dior store opening. Featuring pink lambskin embroidered with multicoloured garden sequins and pearls, this posh beauty is numbered with limited edition plate inscriptions inside SANDY DANDY Lace-up sandals in giraffe printed haircalf, black canvas and brown calfskin details PUMP IT ‘Songe’ pump in black crinkled lambskin and haircalf printed giraffe, with enamelled heel TOP IT OFF ‘Wild in Dior’ bracelet composed of bangles in metal with gold finish, white and black lacquer, and embroidered luggage tag in Feather Grey smooth lambskin with rabbit charm…

Hair bling is back! We’re not talking those diamanté spirals you twisted into your hair mascara-d locks in the ’90s. We’re talking serious, proper hair jewellery. Sonia Rykiel fastened twists of hair with sparkling clips at both sides, Dolce & Gabbana sent big, bold and bejewelled Alice bands glittering down the runway, while Alexander McQueen’s mad mass of brooches and clips kept updos beautifully dishevelled. Daytime tiaras are now also officially legit. Style with bed hair and leather jackets to avoid looking too Princess Diaries. Feeling the pinch? A single Margot Tenenbaum barrette is oh-so of-the-minute.…

WATCHMAKING has always been about inventing new ways to tell time; ways to provide information to its owners creatively and conveniently. It is this drive for improvement and innovation that many often admire about watchmakers, especially Patek Philippe. The brand—long known for its esteemed heritage and legacy—is a pioneer in crafting timepieces with complications that have been ahead of its time. Take its calendar display for instance. The Patek Philippe collection is filled with references paying tribute to the complex expressions of calendar indications. Examples of such timepieces include its single calendar models—found in most brands in the market as well—that feature a pointer-type or aperture-type date display or double calendar watches which showcase the day of the week in addition to the date. Then came along the triple or…

Our November cover star takes home this award thanks to her impressive tenacity in building her three different businesses—all while being elegantly stylish and overcoming the many challenging tasks that she faces. Having worked in the banking industry, for HSBC, before breaking out to make a name for herself, Zaida Ibrahim is someone who appreciates meticulous planning to ensure a smooth workflow. With that being said, starting your own business is never an easy task and she had to endure new sets of challenges once she entered the F&B industry with her Impressed cold pressed juice business—challenges that forced her out of her comfort zone and saw her employ creative thinking to build the brand. “She’s determined. When she sets her mind to do something she will do it and…

“CARMEY AND I HAVE SKILL SETS THAT ARE COMPLEMENTARY TO EACH OTHER. OUR EYE FOR DESIGN AESTHETICS ARE VERY SIMILAR” “EVEN WHEN WE WERE YOUNG, CARMEN AND I WERE ALWAYS CLOSE. WE USED TO FINISH EACH OTHER’S SENTENCES.AS SISTERS, WE ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL BOND WITH EACH OTHER” EIGHT YEARS AGO Carmen Chua has just begun to focus on a big project. Fast forward to today and Carmen is now ready to revisit her feelings and thoughts about the behemoth development that is The St Regis Hotel & Residences. This time, she is joined by her younger sister, Carmey Chua, who serves as Carmen’s right-hand woman in the eight-year journey it took to complete The St Regis from scratch. To say that the sisters have gone through a roller…

RAISING HOPE An indoor cycling charity event called ‘Fly with Speed for Those in Need’ will be held at Flycycle in aid of KHL-KIDS and Rumah Jagaan dan Rawatan Orang Tua Al-Ikhlas. Happening on December 11 from 11am onwards, the cause aims to brighten the lives of both children and the elderly as the end-of-year festivities draw near. THROTTLE IT OUT From December 17 to 18, competitive motorbikers will gather for the FIM Asia Supermoto Championship 2016 and compete for the highest accumulated points to rank as Asia’s champion. This round of the race takes place at Dataran Merdeka, KL. NIGHT OF LANTERNS The Cherating Family Carnival 2016 is a street fair with exciting activities that include fire dancing, zumba, carnival games and a display of sky lanterns. Expect thousands…

AFTER ALMOST eight years as a flight attendant, Jit Puru decided that he had had enough, and wanted to try something new. However, without much of a plan, he soon realised that he was nowhere close to where he wanted to be. In fact, he was worse off—facing financial and marital problems. Today, Jit is now a successful motivational speaker, corporate trainer and author. He founded Jit & Company in 2014, and since then delivered his message to thousands, through seminars and training programmes for various organisations. With the release of his book, Jit shares the wisdom gained from his experience with the hopes of sparking a change in others. We speak to the life coach for some life lessons. What made you turn your life around? What eventually got…

1 TROPIC THUNDER RUBBERDUCK Dig in to a bowl brimming with tropical flavours of the aptly named Sunshine Bowl, made with a delightful balance of mango, dragon fruit and bananas, with coconut flakes and nutty granola. facebook.com/ rubberduckquackcafe 2 GOURMET GOODS GOODNESS GREENS There’s no skimping on quality at this juice bar-turned-cafe, which offers two power-packed choices of an Açaí Berry Bowl and Pitaya Bowl, topped with cacao nibs, premium granola and bee pollen. goodnessgreenscafe.com.my 3 SWEET SURRENDER IMPRESSED Sweeten your day and palate with five types of smoothie bowls featuring açaí, dragon fruit, mango, berries and chocolate-banana, with crunchy toppings like buckwheat and coconut flakes. impressedmy.com 4 HOLA HEALTH! OLA BOWLS With ear-prickling names like Super Dooper, King of Greens and Red Jewel, these vibrant smoothie bowls are just as…

“Every leader will eventually figure out a way to get things done” AS A YOUNG BOY, Vachaspathi Pillutla dreamt about being an astrophysicist. Although he was a good student and came from a family whose members mostly had professions relating to the sciences, his ticket to the realm beyond ours was cut short when he faced a difficult question after completing high school. Vach, for short, simply didn’t have a clue as to how to pursue the path to become an astrophysicist. Because astrophysics didn’t seem to work out for him, he instead studied economics, a subject that came to him as a necessity rather than a choice but later turned into a lifelong passion, thanks to an engaging professor. His aptitude for the world of business led him to…

The members of OCBC Bank and its corporate customers grooved the night away to catchy disco beats and nostalgic tunes of the ’70s during its retro-themed customer appreciation night held at Ruyi & Lyn in Bangsar Shopping Centre. Guests were dressed to the nines in their flamboyant outfits, complete with snazzy accessories and some outrageously cool hairstyles. Everyone at the event thoroughly enjoyed themselves. THE INSIDER The entire hallway was transformed into a disco that resembled the famous Studio 54 in New York…

Singaporean fashion label Chi Chi Von Tang showcased its newest collection at a cocktail party at Nobu, Kuala Lumpur. The evening was hosted by Kim Raymond, who invited her close friends and top local fashionistas. The Burma Collection, which was inspired by designer Lisa Von Tang’s time spent with indigenous tribes in Myanmar was shown off to guests in dramatic style, accompanied by a live performance and a display of photographs taken from Von Tang’s travels. THE INSIDER Jumping on to the ‘see now, buy now’ bandwagon, guests were invited to buy pieces from the collection as soon as the showcase ended…

IF KAROLINA KURKOVA hadn’t become a supermodel, she might have been a terribly attractive archaeologist, chemist or philosopher. “I never thought modelling was going to be my career. At the beginning it was a way for me to learn English and travel, but at school I was amazing at chemistry and very artistic. I had big plans to study music or philosophy or archaeology, but you never know where life will take you and the best things in life sometimes happen unexpectedly. My work has been the most amazing school. I’ve learned about everything from photography and styling to business and marketing.” Raised in a small town in the Czech Republic, Kurkova was ‘discovered’ at 15 when a friend sent her picture to a modelling agency in Prague. She graced…

In an innovative and creative collaboration, traditional Japanese craft techniques have been merged with modern approaches. Atsushi Tomita of the label Sarakichi, is a highly respected artisan skilled in working with traditional kimono fabrics, using traditional dyeing techniques. And among the first to collaborate with Sarakichi is Celest Thoi, a renowned local designer. The collection titled Newfangled features 12 looks that showcase beautifully hand crafted fabrics which can be donned casually and favours the use of tulle, organza and silk crepe in the designs. Another one of such collaborations is with Rico Rinaldi, another one of Malaysia’s leading fashion designers. In this exciting partnership, traditional Japanese kimono fabrics are used in the making of Malay-inspired outfits. Featuring 20 designs, Rinaldi’s creations have a clear reference to Japanese culture and art.…

“I stick with the classics and they never fail me!” IT COMES as no surprise that the gorgeous Diana Danielle is inspired by supermodels. A famous model and actress herself, some of Diana’s stylespirations come from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Miranda Kerr and Gisele Bündchen. “I love how supermodels look so effortless in everything!” Diana exclaims, before adding, “They can go from girl-next-door to glam in seconds and with little effort.” A staple item in Diana’s wardrobe is a good pair of heels as it generates confidence. “Look at Beyonce—she rules the world with her 5-inch heels!” she says with a smile. However, when shopping for something new, the mother of two keeps her daughter in mind and always looks for quality pieces that can last long. “It has to be something…

Bold & Beautiful Sink into the season where all is emboldened. Embrace the flirty and augmented atmosphere of winter: take on head-turning colours, enhance your features with vivid strong tones, and envelop your body with a heady, complex fragrance. While you’re at it, play up the colours of your hair to achieve a daring and enchanting image this season. Golden Girl Channel the symbolic golden goddess of the treasured festive season. This Christmas and new year, go heavy on gold, from shimmery eyeshadow, sculpted bronzed complexions, glossy hair and champagne-hued lips, and as the ultimate finale, step into a cloud of perfume that smells like a million dollars. Glitter Freeze You won’t go wrong if you top your entire look with a pinch, or perhaps, a shower of glitter. Like…

YOU’VE TAKEN the plunge and bought a new watch with all the bells and whistles. But before you start making adjustments, you might want to check the handling precautions, particularly for complications. These tiny mechanical marvels need special care or you may find it hard to convince the watchmaker that you didn’t contribute to the problem when something goes wrong. The fact is, these timepieces do not react well to certain operations, and some adjustments must not be made at certain times. Here’s a few tips to avoid the most common problems for calendar watches. PERPETUAL CALENDARS I am fascinated by perpetual calendars because they track time on so many different levels—seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks and years, usually with a moonphase thrown in. But they are prone to handling…

“Having strong creativity makes a good product and keeps the DNA of a brand, but every year we have surprises that illicit emotion” WATCHMAKERS Bell & Ross are known for their different approach to horology by studying professions that require accurate timekeeping in extreme situations. As a result, astronauts, pilots, bomb-disposal experts and divers have found themselves donning a Bell & Ross because of its combination of haute horlogerie with a utilitarian approach. While the watchmakers at Bell & Ross are unafraid to feature a high-tech approach to horology, they still employ a classical respect for watchmaking in their timepieces. Just take one look at their signature watches and you will understand what we mean. Beginning this year, Bell & Ross can add one of the pinnacles in the world…

JEWELLERY designing coursing through her genes, Simone Ng has been in the business of pushing boundaries through thematic, precious gemstone aesthetics since 2006. This year, she set her sights to amaze connoisseurs, and displayed her works at Kuala Lumpur’s front-lining, most glamorous jewellery event. On the humble beginnings of Simone Jewels. “When I started getting compliments and orders, I knew I was ready for Simone Jewels. Half my collection of 20 pieces were grabbed within 30 “ minutes at a debut show previously.” The elements of her inspiration. “I’m inspired by different themes every year, and keep every collection exciting. There’s research into history to uncover the significance of events, architecture and cultures; this year’s collection theme is ‘Romance du Art Nouveau,’ the fusion of oriental elements from the ukiyo-e…

THE DAY OF THE TATLER BALL had arrived. It is another year, yes, but we were to discover that this was not just another ball. From the moment well-heeled guests stepped onto the red carpet at Malaysia Tatler’s 27th Anniversary Ball in a display of show-stopping gowns and spiffy tuxedos, glimmering diamonds and priceless timepieces, it was their smiles that said it all. We can confidently say that guests went home that night with memories to linger long into the future. Friday traffic downtown deterred not our distinguished guests. Although Teo Yi Ping, daughter of Tan Sri Teo Chiang Hong and Puan Sri Lisa Teo, expressed her concerns about journeying from Sungai Besi, she was punctual at the photo podium with her beau, Jason Choong. Designer Jovian Mandagie dressed his…

Forty-five years in love, Dato’ Sri Jeffrey and Datin Sri Joyce Raymond are to many, a match made in heaven. If there ever was a blueprint for the perfect marriage, it would certainly contain many of the qualities that this couple cherish and practise. For those unfamiliar with these lovebirds, they had met in 1970, a day before Dato’ Sri Jeffrey was to leave for a month-long trip to Germany via India on land. That chance meeting led them to exchange letters with one another as frequently as they could while he was on the road. When he returned from Germany, love was most certainly in the air. Yet, as wonderful as their love story may be, what makes them out to be our couple of the year are the…

Our June cover star and a man with a heart of gold, this charismatic young individual is the founder and CEO of Epic Homes, a non-profit organisation that seeks to create bridges (perhaps even literally) between the urban and rural divide through building housing for underprivileged Malaysians. These homes have been built all over Malaysia and are based on a modular system developed by the organisation, helping the lives of many economically challenged communities throughout the country with its healthy and growing volunteer base. John-Son Oei has earned a spot on Forbes’ 30 under 30 Asia list, has been a TEDx Talk speaker and was previously Malaysia’s official flag bearer for the 2012 Commonwealth Day in the presence of Queen Elizabeth. An influential figure growing up, his uncle Ronny To…

“The importance of family is crucial for us. It’s at the heart of everything we do. Keeping everybody together is really at the core of the Ferragamos” IT RAINS, then it shines, the weather playing a fanciful game in the picturesque Tuscan countryside as the waning summer slides reluctantly towards autumn. The unpredictable atmospherics only enhance the charm of Il Borro, a village dating back to 1039, as an impeccably dressed Ferruccio Ferragamo and his equally dapper son Salvatore greet me. The famous family founded by Salvatore’s eponymous grandfather owns this gorgeous medieval hamlet, set in a picturesque floodplain carved by the Arno River and bordered by the Pratomagno ridge, the Apennines and the hills of Chianti. Ferruccio, the eldest son of the humble shoemaker who started the family business,…

MIAMI, FLORIDA, is a very special place for me, not least because it’s where I opened my first retail boutique (we now have four across the US). The city’s energy is unbeatable; it always feels positive, upbeat and optimistic. The combination of the incredible weather and art deco architecture always puts a smile on my face. I generally try to catch the sunrise and start my day with an ocean swim, after which I grab an organic juice from Jugofresh or Manna Life and head to my South Beach boutique to spend time with the team and meet clients. Once lunchtime arrives, we’re spoilt for choice. One of my favourite restaurants, if in the mood for Cuban, is Cafe Versailles in Little Havana. The Mandolin Aegean Bistro and Joe’s Stone…

“I’m really nervous. I don’t know what to expect, seems like a first date,” wrote Carmey in her Whatsapp message THE DAY BEFORE we were scheduled to meet for our photo shoot, Carmey Chua sent our features editor an email to double-check details about wardrobe and such. Unlike her older sister Carmen, who was previously a Malaysia Tatler cover star four years ago, participating in a photo shoot was new to her. She followed up with a text message. “I’m really nervous. I don’t know what to expect, seems like a first date,” wrote Carmey via Whatsapp, which was time stamped a few minutes after midnight. One can’t help but wonder if this concern was keeping her up at night. In reality, Carmey shouldn’t have anything to worry about, as…

YES I tried lying to my children, but I think at this point in their lives, it is too late. My son is a smart cookie and he actually told me ‘Santa is not real.’ Kids these days are so exposed to information, and they really think they know it all! It really is a struggle for parents to maintain the illusion of magic and enchantment which should be a part of their childhood. The reason I told them that Santa Claus exists is because I want them to believe in something extraordinary. I want them to value generosity and good-heartedness, as the story of Santa Claus is derived from St Nicholas, a kind man who helped the poor and gave secret gifts to people and because of his good…

“I feel extremely blessed with how my career has turned out and the person it has made me. I can’t deny that I am overwhelmed by such success and how the size of my network has grown since stepping foot in the industry,” exclaimed Jovian Mandagie. As creative director and CEO of his fashion empire, the couture designer is planning for an expansion as the brand enters its 10th-year anniversary, with the launch of more stores around Malaysia and overseas. Furthermore, he hopes to produce a variety of designs to attract a wider customer base through online channels and other business ventures. More details about the upcoming surprise to celebrate his 10 years will be announced soon. jovianmandagie.com…

“All the blessings that I have received this year.”SUNITA CHARLES “For those who make the world a better place during this season.”DATIN DING YOKE MOI “Thankful for family and my dad’s incredible Christmas turkey.”LEXIE RODRIGUEZ “That I finally have the time to travel somewhere!”MUHAINI MAHMUD SNAP SHOTS WINERY VOWS This month we showcase #MattClairWeds (Clairyn Chong and Matthew Lim) at an unusual but fun wedding venue…

URBAN PARADISE Get pampered with the relaxing indulgence of a full-body treatment or simple massage offerings available at Urban Retreat Spa where busy urbanites can look forward to escape from the stresses of city living. The multi-award winning spa also reached a milestone recently, as it celebrated its 10-year anniversary. store.urbanretreat-spa.com THE GLOBAL CITIZEN Following the grand opening of the citizenM Tower of London, the innovative hotel group is set to embark on an expansion that includes more properties across Asia. Joining venture with Artyzen Hospitality Group, their new establishments will launch next year in Taipei, then Shanghai shortly after. Founded in 2008, citizenM is famous for its contemporary room design which caters well to various types of travellers. citizenm.com SKIN CARE ON AIR Internationally renowned fashion designer Christian Lacroix…

The L’Oreal Foundation and Unesco partnered to host the 11th edition of ‘For Women in Science’ award ceremony at the St Regis KL. Since its inception, the awards have honoured and rewarded outstanding female scientists for their contributions to various fields of sciences. THE INSIDER The three Malaysian scientists awarded this year were Dr Reena Rajasuriar, Dr Fatehah Mohd Omar and Dr Nethia Mohana Kumaran…

Some of the city’s devoted fashion enthusiasts took time off from their schedules to support their friends Valerie Ong and Kimisabelle Choo, as the duo launched Korean sunglass label Lapiz+ in Malaysia. The event featured music spun by Jane Chuck, as guests enjoyed cocktails and conversations. They even took selfies while donning the stylish Lapiz eyewear. These sunglasses are well-known for its mirrored effect—a rising trend among fashionistas, and popularised by K-pop stars. The shades are now available locally under two brands, Lapiz Sensible and Samdo. THE INSIDER The event celebrated the first anniversary of 176 Avenue—a beauty parlour cofounded by the trio of ladies above…

A connoisseurs’ degustation six-course dinner paired with The Goose wines was hosted at TPC, KL. The crisp tasting South African sea-breeze wine is made at a high altitude vineyard that lies 15km from a beach. THE INSIDER The Goose got its name from founder, Retief Goosen, a golfer whose nickname was ‘the Goose’…

We could all use a little cosmic intervention now and then in our pursuit of wealth, health and good fortune. The more valuable the prospect, the more powerful and exquisite the talisman should be. Thankfully, one can unearth the most powerful, magnetic and uniquely designed gemstones from Tibet, known as Dzi, at Dzi Kingdom. These enigmatic Dzi are known to be sources of energy and blessings for wealth, health and good fortune, and Dzi Kingdom has been offering antique and authentic Dzi collections of the highest grade and rarity, for over 12 years in Malaysia. The value of these short supply treasures are enhanced over time, together with their effectiveness—an attribute sought after by discerning Dzi owners and collectors, as an investment that has priceless worth. Sourced from the Himalayas,…

CURL CONTROL Celebrate curves with the Kérastase Curl Idéal Mask, an intensive hair care that restores life to voluminous curls SCALP RESCUE The Sachajuan Hair Control Treatment gets to the root of all scalp problems, with vitamin-enriched ingredients NIGHT NINJA Wake up to sleek and soft locks with the new Percy & Reed Perfectly Perfecting Wonder Overnight Recovery, with quick-absorbing formula UNRULY UNDONE Whatever your hair type, tame it with the Alterna Caviar Smoothing Hydra-Gelee Nourishing Hair Perfector that delivers high shine and smooth protection DRY GOODBYE Recondition brittle tips with the L’Oréal Professionel Nutrifier Glycerol + Coco Oil DD Balm, imbued with the ideal dose of nutrition…

A FIFTY square-foot retail space wasn’t much to boast about forty years ago, but the owner of that diminutive corner had bigger dreams. The golden goal was for everyone to own a piece of jewellery from Poh Kong—be it for everyday use, festive seasons or to mark important milestones such as marriage, a baby’s full moon and so on and so forth. From the beginning, Poh Kong knew that accessibility would play a major role, so the company strived to provide their products and services to as many customers in as many locations as possible; they reached out to those who dream of owning a piece of jewellery that would mean something truly significant to them. Poh Kong wanted to be a part of everybody’s lives and special moments, to…

Raja Jesrina Arshad was our stylish cover girl this September—featured with Stephanie Looi, the other co-founder of PurelyB—to tell the tale of how their increasingly popular brand came to be and how it has now evolved into a successful platform of its own in just over a year. For those who didn’t get the opportunity to read our article on this amazing tech entrepreneur, PurelyB seeks to give people the information and tools that they need to lead a sustainable healthy lifestyle. The platform started with a website, attracting many visitors and winning many accolades and recognition before opening their own marketplace, obtaining their own yoga platform and most recently starting their own health and wellness TV show, aired on Astro. While all this is extremely impressive, PurelyB plans to…

For those who love clothes and fashion, Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran’s name is one that is looked to for captivating creations. He is a local success story and a proud Malaysian, proving that our country is able to produce outstanding individuals such as this determined and hardworking personality. He began at a local fashion college and later moved to Paris to further his studies, where he would later gain traction, as his talents were starting to get recognition when he became the first non-European designer to win the Silk Cut Young Designers Award and the Open European contest for Look of the Year 2000 in 1991. During his time in Paris, Dato’ Sri Bernard grasped a better understanding on the importance of his cultural identity and returned to Malaysia to…