Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2023 i Tatler Malaysia

Despite covering only one per cent of the world’s oceans, coral reefs are one of the biggest tourist attractions. Being one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, this extraordinary, vibrant marine structure houses more than 25 to 30 per cent of aquatic life, including fish, turtles, sharks and plants. However, what often gets overlooked is how dependent humanity is on coral reefs. With climate change becoming more prevalent, what with increasingly warmer waters and rising sea levels, it’s high time that we start paying attention before the worse catches us unawares. And when we say “worse”, we don’t mean the sudden end of the world. Instead, it’s phenomenon like widespread coral bleaching, the loss of marine life, coastal erosion, islanders losing their source of income, gradual food insecurity,…

“While working in the medical field, I realised our methods are reactionary instead of precautionary”— SYAFIK JAAFAR From clearing land to farm livestock for consumption, to greenhouse gas emissions from the slaughtering of animals, there is surmounting evidence that eating meat is harmful to the environment, and also impacts our health differently. Studies have shown that meat consumption is linked with obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases. A report in 2019 says that 50.1 per cent of Malaysians are overweight, which is worrying. However, there’s been an upward trend of adopting healthy eating habits, and we’ve seen a rise of people moving to a plant-based or vegan diet. Having said that, it’s not a simple switch that many can make overnight. Enter meat alternatives, which can aid in…

TANJONG JARA RESORT Located in Kuala Dungun Terengganu, this resort has a wonderful ecosystem which it helps sustain to draw in tourists. As a PADI Dive Resort, the property ensures that the surrounding natural beauty is preserved, and these include the rich marine life in its waters, the coral gardens and sea turtles as well. tanjongjararesort.com THE FOUR SEASONS LANGKAWI Being on an island, waste management should be a primary concern. Thus, the resort has taken proactive steps to reduce waste in its efforts to be more sustainable. On top of organising beach clean-ups, eliminating single-use plastic (including with suppliers), they also repurpose used cooking oil to produce soap, candles and more. fourseasons.com GRAND HYATT KL Fret not while dining here as the hotel does its best to ensure food…

Sport has long been an established part of all good international schools’ curriculum yet compared to other curricular activities, parents typically do not rate it in a place of importance in the development of children. It is traditionally regarded as just a fun activity for kids to spend their energy, but with little practical value. However, we now know that this is not true. Your child’s weekly tennis rounds or rugby games can have real benefits on their mental, physical, and social development. Studies have shown that being active in sports increases blood flow to the brain and helps the body build more connections between nerves, leading to increased concentration, enhanced memory, stimulated creativity, and better-developed problem-solving skills. In short, playing sports helps the brain grow and makes it work…

Since 1991, Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar (KTJ) has led the way in British-style, holistic education. Founded by three members of the Negeri Sembilan royal family, Tunku Dato’ Seri Utama Naquiyuddin, Tunku Tan Sri Imran and Tunku Dara Tunku Tan Sri Naquiah, the idea behind KTJ was based on their personal experiences of studying in top boarding schools in the UK. The school’s vision is to empower students to become leaders of a sustainable, global community. KTJ understands that we live in a world where issues of sustainability need to be addressed, and outdoor education is key to this. Students are engaged in activities such as kayaking, gardening and orienteering on KTJ’s 80-acre campus, filled with greenery. These on-campus activities are complemented by annual residential trips, which provide opportunities for students to…

With its sleek design and powerful specifications, the Acer TravelMate P2 is the ideal choice for students looking for a laptop that is both portable and durable. HARDER, BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER Powered by the latest 12th Gen Intel Core i3 or Intel Core i5 processor, the Acer TravelMate P2 is equipped with up to 512GB SSD and 8GB RAM that is upgradable to 32GB, providing you with all the power you need to run your favourite applications without any lag. At just 1.6kg, the Acer TravelMate P2 is portable yet durable. Its military-grade MIL-STD-810H-certified chassis ensures that your laptop can withstand the rigours of everyday use. With 8.5 hours of battery life, the Acer TravelMate P2 makes working on the go easy and convenient. With a hinge that opens up…

We speak to Epsom College Malaysia and Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar about how they promote wellness through their nutritional programmes. From salad bars consisting of fresh fruits and dietician-approved recipes to promoting food diversity, both schools make healthy eating enjoyable and interactive. Healthy eating isn’t just limited to the canteen either. It can extend to the classroom with a variety of educational tools as well as a vegetable garden teeming with organic produce. ESTABLISH GOOD EATING HABITS Other than providing balanced meals and a range of healthy options, Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar (KTJ) aims to instil healthy eating habits, especially among impressionable primary school students. A traffic light system is used in the dining hall, with red light for foods with low nutrition and green light for foods high in nutrients and…

As your time at high school or college comes to an end, the transition to college, university, or the workforce can bring about a mixed bag of emotions. The mentality of working hard and taking fewer breaks has been deep-rooted in our Asian culture, and there is the perception of being viewed negatively if you decide to take an adventurous time-out after years of education. However, it has become increasingly clear in recent years that there are no “right” or “wrong” career moves. Friends and family may not fully understand the benefits of a gap year, but every choice comes with an opportunity. By delaying your entry to university, you can take a well-deserved break and dabble in other interests, which in turn can help you feel refreshed and energised…

Non-profit. Two small words can make a BIG difference in the educational experience for students and families. With the rapid growth in the number of for-profit international schools in Malaysia, Julia Love, admissions director at The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) urges parents to research whether the school they are considering for their child is “non-profit” or “for profit”. “Selecting a school is a major investment in your child’s future, so it’s important to ask lots of questions. The difference a non-profit school offers can be felt across a range of areas including leadership, governance, parental involvement, decision-making, and ultimately, of course, where the revenue generated by your child’s tuition fees is spent,” says Love. “The reality is that many families don’t fully appreciate these benefits until their child…

Alice Smith School 2 Jalan Bellamy, 50460 Kuala Lumpur (Primary Campus) |3 Jalan Equine, Taman Equine, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor (Secondary Campus)A reputation for outstanding all-round British education and state-of-the-art facilities TYPE: Early Years, Primary, Secondary and A-Levels CURRICULUM: British National Curriculum ESTABLISHED: 1946 LANGUAGE: English ANNUAL FEES:Pre-school (normal day): RM41,280Pre-school (extended day): RM52,650Reception: RM54,810Year 1 and 2: RM72,210Year 3–6: RM76,110Year 7–9: RM89,130Year 10–13: RM97,050 WEBSITE: alice-smith.edu.my CONTACT: +603 2148 3674 (Primary Campus) or +603 9543 3688 (Secondary Campus) EMAIL: admissions.ws@alice-smith.edu.my Accreditations and awards: Alice Smith School is an accredited member of the Council of British International Schools and a founding member of the Federation of British International Schools in Asia. Additionally it is a member of the Independent Schools Council, the East Asia Regional Council of Schools and the…

For those not in the know, Cultiveat was among the pioneers to practise sustainable farming locally. Growing select crops indoors, they manage to keep produce pesticide-free and yield more within the same amount of land as compared to conventional farming. “Post-lockdown, what we’re trying to do now is to play catch-up; there were a lot of plans in the pipeline—most of which involve expanding our presence,” shares John-Hans Oei, the CEO and co-founder of the business, who regards himself as a humble farmer. The pandemic slowed down Cultiveat’s plans for expansion, as restaurants and clients reduced their demand for Cultiveat’s products. Coupled with the fact that movement control orders were in place, so everything was restricted. However, the lull allowed Oei and team to look internally and fine-tune processes. “Since…

Iman Fandi was once completely oblivious to her father’s fame. “I didn’t realise that my family name carried any kind of weight until I was 10 years old,” she shares, the only daughter to Southeast Asian football legend, Fandi Ahmad, and South African model, Wendy Jacobs. “I had a normal childhood in Indonesia before moving back to Singapore and finding out that people knew who I was because my dad ‘did something’,” she says, referring to Fandi’s long and celebrated career in professional football, first as a player then as a manager to teams in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. “That’s when things started to shift for me.” More than a decade later, Iman, 23, has made a name for herself as a model and singer-songwriter, signed to Universal Music Singapore…

“From my experience, the majority of young bartenders have dreams to eventually open their own bar,” Shirmy Chan muses as her business partner Wong Vi Yon nods along. We’re sitting at a long wooden table in Bar Terumi, accessible via a narrow flight of stairs in a shophouse in Taman Paramount. The airy space is filled with natural light streaming through a window framed with various plants. Chan continues, “There is a long journey between being a junior bartender and owning a bar. Even back then, I always imagined my bar to be a harmonious place, where customers felt safe and comfortable—that’s where the concept was born.” The bar’s name is derived from Chan’s father’s name in kanji, with “teru” meaning brightness and “mi” translating to beauty. From our conversation,…

70% of consumers in Taiwan look for sustainable beauty products and are willing to pay more for them. The clean beauty market in Taiwan is expected to grow by 5 per cent annually—a higher growth than the traditional beauty market there. 1.6 Billion US$ The pandemic gave clean beauty sales a major boost: sales in the US climbed 33 per cent during the first six months of 2021, reaching a total of USD$1.6 billion, with sales for skincare and make-up growing more than 20 per cent during that period. 68 per cent of US consumers surveyed want to buy skincare products made with clean ingredients. 40% of US consumers surveyed say the presence of natural ingredients is the most important factor when it comes to shopping for beauty products, followed…

CHECK TO SEE IF YOUR HOTEL IS ACTUALLY ECO-FRIENDLY Going on a nature trip does not make it “green” or “eco-friendly”, so take care to look up on the places you’re staying and the activities around the area. Though we understand the need to go easy on the wallet, try not to cut corners at the expense of the place you’re visiting. One thing to take note of is whether they have the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard certification. ENSURE THAT YOUR DIVING SHOPS ARE GREEN FINS CERTIFIED It’s not just the hotels, but the diving shops that you choose matter. Are the guides licensed? Are they certified instructors? It’s one thing to know what you’re doing, but another to know about the land and sea you’re about to traverse. A…

Once defined by kitschy thatched-roof villas, extravagant country club-style facilities and tiki drinks, resorts in the Maldives are increasingly dialling it back to proudly show off—and ultimately protect—the archipelago’s spectacular but vulnerable wildlife. Keeping things simple with chic villas, a handful of restaurants and an expert-led dive and watersports centre, hotels like Alila Kothaifaru aren’t trying too hard—such properties don’t have to. The resort sits on a private island surrounded by a vibrant house reef—just as many waterfront resorts around the world have private beaches, many dive resorts have unique access to certain reefs—in the Raa Atoll. Designed by Singapore-based Studiogoto, the 80-villa resort’s minimalist aesthetic was intended to create the impression that each building disappears into the island’s natural landscape. The hope is, so will its guests; a visit…

IPC RBBC The IPC recycling and buy-back centre is one of the most comprehensive recycling centres around—it handles metal, cardboard, cloth, and even certain types of food waste. On top of that, it has a loyalty programme that allows you to collect points to earn rewards. It’s at Level LG1, IPC Shopping Centre in Mutiara Damansara. ipc.com.my SENHENG Not many know that Senheng helps you manage your e-waste. One can either exchange non-bulky items like projectors, PCs, phones and such for cash vouchers at their outlets, or arrange for a pickup for bulkier items—provided you purchased an appliance from the store. This service is available at all Senheng and SenQ outlets. senheng.com.my YELLOW BIN Folks down south can do their part as well, with the Yellow Bin movement that specifically…

Is your child three years old? Are you curious about how preschool could help their development? At Alice Smith Preschool, your child will learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outdoors. Learning is fun! HOW DOES PLAY-BASED LEARNING HELP YOUR CHILD? Play-based learning creates a treasure house of wonder and joy for curious young minds. Teachers take the time to observe play, children’s interactions and how individuals learn; they get to know your child and therefore are able to facilitate the right next steps. Research has shown that the benefits of attending preschool are not just immediate as the child progresses through school but much longer lasting. The Wall Street Journal reported that “Children who went to preschools…

Oftentimes when the term “boarding school” is mentioned, images of fun, excitement and adventure like those illustrated by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series are conjured up. However, before any kind of fun and adventure for the student can start, parents need to undergo the rigorous task of determining if they want to send their children to a co-ed or single-sex boarding school. While on the surface this may seem like a simple enough decision to make, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration before they make their choice. CO-ED EDUCATION A co-ed boarding school is a schooling system where boys and girls learn and live together on the same campus. One of the main advantages is how it prepares students for the future, as…

Switzerland is well-known to Asian families for its mountains and amazing scenery, chocolate and luxury watches. In recent years, Malaysian parents interested in an overseas education for their children are also discovering the exclusive world of Swiss private boarding schools. For decades, these schools have provided an internationally recognised education that attract students from all over the globe, and they now rank among the best in the world. As a small, land-locked country with few natural resources and a population of just 8.5 million people, Switzerland punches way above its weight. It has an advanced and highly-developed free market economy, and one of the highest GDP per capita in the world. This is no accident; their philosophy of education is influenced by famous Swiss thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) who…

As you begin your transition into adulthood, it isn’t just about having a fresh, clean slate. The decisions you make and the actions you take during your freshman year will have a significant impact on the rest of your university experience. Freshman year of college can be a life-changing experience, full of new opportunities and challenges. One of the best ways to prepare for the transition is to do your research and know what to expect. Freshman year can be a lot to handle, but by setting goals, getting involved in extracurricular activities and seeking out support, you can survive and thrive in your first year of university. GETTING FAMILIARISED WITH YOUR DEGREE AND UNIVERSITY Some say one of the most important things to do when preparing for your freshman…

Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, a pioneer in health and security services, is trusted by organisations worldwide, including Fortune Global 500 companies as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. International SOS has the expertise to support a safe environment with multicultural security, medical, logistics and digital experts that provide support and assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days. Three personnel from the organisation and its school partner share their views on the services offered by International SOS. Jing Tan, regional general manager and director of Southeast Asia, International SOS: Describe how International SOS help keep people and organisations safe and secure. International SOS protects students and employees around the world through customised health and safety risk management solutions and workplace well-being…

Edvolution Enterprise was co-founded by Melissa Gomes and Janice Chong back in 2017. The Penang-based not-for-profit social enterprise aims to develop teachers by focusing on leadership development and institutional reform to positively impact the national education system. Tell us a bit about how you got into teaching. While I started off my career in management consulting, I was giving back to my community by driving back down to Melaka to teach English voluntarily over the weekends. Serendipitously, I heard about the Teach for Malaysia programme over the radio one day, and without hesitation, quit my job to be part of the fellowship. I found teaching to be more fulfilling as the impact was more direct. Can you share an example of the impact you’ve made as a…

Playful, innovative and inspired by the ’90s, the Peekaboo Cut bag is a clever combination of Fendi’s signature Peekaboo silhouette and the construction and hardware of another unmistakable Fendi favourite: the Peekaboo ISeeU bag. A strong design statement, the shape of this new creation encapsulates the daring boldness of the ’90s, which informed the entire spring/summer 2023 collection. It is another impressive innovation under creative director Kim Jones, who recently reimagined the cult-favourite baguette bag, in honour of its 25th anniversary. The Peekaboo Cut magnifies its iconic metal bar and twist lock through a horizontal cut, bringing its unique trapezoidal shape into sharper focus. To match this architectural theme, it also features the sleek O’Lock chain in a vintage silver finishing—a first in the history of the Italian fashion brand.…

Whitney Peak is known for her leading roles in HBO’s Gossip Girl reboot and the sequel to Disney’s Hocus Pocus, where she held her own against veteran actors Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler, and Kathy Najimy. Her partnership with Chanel first began in 2021, when she was a brand ambassador for the US market and muse of the 22 Handbag campaign alongside Lily-Rose Depp. Appointed as the new face of Chanel’s beloved Coco Mademoiselle fragrance, stepping into a coveted role formerly held by Keira Knightley for more than a decade, Peak will continue to bring her youthful spirit to the French luxury brand. “She is the embodiment of today’s youth whose curiosity, confidence in life, appetite for experiences and lack of preconceptions echo the temperament of the young Coco Chanel,”…

BLOOMIN’ BEAUTIES Less is more, and the pendants, rings and bracelets in Chopard’s Precious Lace Mini Frou-Frou collection are proof. K-pop band Aespa, who serve as the maison’s brand ambassadors, are seen here wearing the latest additions to the collection, which feature the brand’s floral monogram created from pear-shaped white diamond petals and scalloped borders. Pair the 18-karat ethically sourced rose- and white-gold pieces for a two-tone look. IT WAS ALL YELLOW This necklace from Graff ’s tribal collection is the perfect reason to get into the yellow stones trend started by major high jewellery collections last year. The symmetrical setting features a 1.53 carat fancy vivid yellow pear-shaped diamond at the centre, surrounded by 374 white and yellow diamonds cut into various shapes. THROUGH THE HOOP Spring-summer 2023 trends…

VALERIE ONG The first personality we got to meet was Aki Bear. Entering the home of Valerie Ong’s parents, we are initially greeted by her Shiba Inu, Aki. But as we all have learnt, looks can be deceiving, and as I go in to pet him, Aki, who doesn’t usually bark, lets out a small growl and tries to get a bite. We were quickly warned by Ong and her husband, Travis Loh, to not get too close. Kept isolated during the pandemic, Aki isn’t accustomed to people as much and can get very protective about his territory and loved ones—we were, after all, encroaching into his space. “I got Aki in mid-2019, when my best friend decided to ship him over to me because she thought that our new…

After a day trekking up Batu Caves, wandering the night markets of Chow Kit, and scouring vintage gems in Pasar Seni, it can be good to just sit back, reset, before setting off for the next big thing. Be it charming hideaways, tranquil enclaves or lush sanctuaries, guests will be given the freedom to make themselves at home with intuitive service and curated spaces. Take time off your busy schedule and explore, if you haven’t already. We’ve picked out some of the new and latest hotels in and around the city, just for you. PAN PACIFIC SERVICED SUITES Set against the glittering backdrop of Bukit Bintang, just minutes away from posh shopping malls, fine-dining restaurants and sightseeing landmarks, the all-new Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur is a haven you…

FIFTH Located in one of the Klang Valley’s hottest hubs, Fifth is a pre-loved store that curates unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. From designer brands to statement pieces, style for the crowd at Fifth is about personal expression and self-exploration—everyone gets to wear whatever they want, however they want. Expect edgy high-street fashion and an eclectic aesthetic full of personality. IG: @fifthhh_ Online or in-store. 23, Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya, Selangor LOOOP Boasting a fresh and kitschy aesthetic, Looop is an inclusive pre-loved store that presents a curated selection of clothes and accessories. From timeless pieces, unique finds, local fashion brands, to plus-sized clothing, there’s something for everyone at Looop. What’s more, it’s a consignment store that allows people to find new homes for their pre-loved items. @hellolooop Online or…

PERFORMANCE At the heart of every laptop is a central processing unit called a processor or a chip. The processor is the most crucial piece of hardware that determines the speed and performance to bring everything together. Mouse clicks, video streams, gaming commands … you name it. The laptop’s processor can’t be changed or upgraded later, so making the right choice from the start is essential. If you are going to use your laptop for basic tasks such as web browsing, assignments and word processing, the Intel Core i3 processor will suffice. However, it might be worth investing in a more powerful processor for students who require more power to run heavy programming or graphics-intensive software. The Intel Core i5 processor is an excellent mid-range option that can handle tasks…

Formative education plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s personality, intellect, and future success. The early years of education are critical in developing essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. As such, choosing the right school for your child is a crucial decision that can significantly impact their development. International boarding schools have long been considered an ideal option for providing students with a holistic education that extends beyond academics. Besides fostering a supportive learning environment, international schools offer access to world-class education and a more comprehensive range of opportunities for students to discover and maximise their potential, helping them grow and succeed in all aspects of life. But with the rapid growth of international schools in Malaysia catering to increasing student demand, how would you know…

Epsom College in Malaysia is the only sister school of Epsom College, the United Kingdom’s Independent School of the Year in 2022 and one of the UK’s top co-ed boarding schools as voted by The Telegraph and The Times. Located just 45 minutes outside of KL city centre and 15 minutes from KLIA, Epsom provides students with a true British boarding school experience—an on-campus community feel, engagement with academic staff in a pastoral setting and a distraction-free academic environment—just a stone’s throw away from home. Parents have discovered the benefits of space, time, safety, adventure and all-round success for their children at Epsom, safe in the knowledge that all their needs will be catered for. Epsom Malaysia’s curriculum augments nearly 200 years’ of tradition and academic excellence at Epsom College…

The Advanced Level qualifications, more commonly known as A-Levels, are a set of academic qualifications offered by schools and colleges in the United Kingdom. They are taken primarily by students between 16 and 18 years old and considered to be challenging and rigorous, requiring a high level of dedication and hard work from students. A-Levels are widely recognised by universities as a measure of academic ability and are often required for entry into higher education programmes. The qualifications are divided into various subjects, with students typically taking three to four subjects in the final year of their secondary education. Choosing A-Level subjects can be a difficult task for students as it can be hard to decide which subjects align with their interests and career aspirations. Furthermore, students may feel pressure…