Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2023 i Tatler Malaysia

TATLER HONG KONG In the Weigh-In column, we pitted Yat Siu, chairman of Animoca Brands, and Web3 trailblazer Vivien Khoo—as well as ChatGPT—against each other to debate the extent to which AI should be used for problem-solving. TATLER INDONESIA Mixed martial artist Jeka Saragih has made remarkable strides in UFC’s lightweight division. He etched his name in history by becoming the first Indonesian fighter to reach the final of Road to UFC, after knocking out Ki Won Bin in the semifinals. He spoke to Tatler about the challenges he has overcome and how he hopes to continue along the path to success. TATLER MALAYSIA AMI 2021 honouree Pamela Tan chatted to Tatler about her move from architecture to art, and her desire to represent the diversity of the Malaysian people…

LYLA CHENG Taiwan-born fashion stylist Lyla Cheng is based between London and Asia. She specialises in photo shoots with storytelling elements and describes her style as “cool, edgy and feminine” and has worked for publications including Vogue Portugal and Numéro Tokyo. For Tatler, Cheng styled this month’s fashion shoot, which celebrates diversity in fashion. MICKY WONG With more than a decade’s experience in fashion photography, Micky Wong has worked with fashion publications around the region including Harper’s Bazaar in Hong Kong and Singapore, Grazia India as well as Pin Prestige in Singapore and Malaysia. For Tatler, he photographed the cover shoot featuring supermodels from the Eighties and Nineties. NOÉMI OTTILIA SZABO Europe-based Noémi Ottilia Szabo is a fashion photographer with Hungarian roots. In her work, she tries to capture “the…

In the vibrant tapestry of Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage lies a rich and often overlooked facet—its indigenous roots. Amidst the complexities of modernity, the true understanding and appreciation of these indigenous cultures has frequently been overshadowed. Enter poet and singer-songwriter Kulleh Grasi and professional sape musician Alena Murang, two artists dedicated to unravelling the multifaceted truths of their heritage through music. We detail their individual journeys of keeping their cultural traditions alive through soul-stirring melodies that will hopefully spark a collective consciousness among Malaysians. When asked if Malaysia’s understanding of Sabah and Sarwak has improved, Kulleh Grasi, the lead vocalist and co-founding member of the world music band Nading Rhapsody, responds: “Let’s rephrase that question—while we may identify as indigenous people, how deeply do we understand ourselves? How well do…

POWER AND PURPOSE Our bodies serve as a reminder: regardless of our choices, we could all become disabled as we age and our bodily functions deteriorate. Picture yourself with reduced mobility, dependent on assistance. Now, imagine visiting a mall with limited disabled parking spots, occupied by the cars of able-bodied individuals who ignore the fines. This scenario highlights just a fraction of the challenges faced by the disabled community. They endure not only infrastructural issues but also systemic ableism, leading to ostracism, stigma, and persecution. In the spirit of inclusivity and diversity, as our nation celebrates its 66th year of independence, Tatler sits down with Senator Ras Adiba Radzi. A former veteran news presenter, record-breaking Paralympian, chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), and influential voice in Parliament, Ras…

Watch enthusiasts in Southeast Asia will surely remember the Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition held in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands in 2019. Showcasing 467 timepieces, it was the fifth, and then-largest, grand exhibition organised by the iconic Genevan watchmaking company—after editions in Dubai (2012), Munich (2013), London (2015) and New York (2017)—and the first held in Asia. After the success of the Singapore exhibition, which was visited by almost 70,000 people over the course of 16 days, Patek Philippe decided that the next one would be in Tokyo in 2021—after the Munich exhibition, it had become tradition to organise a grand exhibition every two years. But, of course, the world stopped turning in 2020 and the showcase was postponed. Two years after it was originally scheduled—and four since…

For Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, their achievement of summiting Mount Everest in 1953 not only made history but it also galvanised them to give back to the region that changed their lives. Deeply troubled by the loss experienced by families due to the frequent injuries and deaths of Sherpa mountaineers, Norgay established the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling, India the following year to train young Sherpas to become safer climbers and instil a sense of exploration. It was also important for him to help widows become financially independent and improve the community’s access to healthcare, employment and education. And by striving to improve education in the region, he hoped that this would open up opportunities for future generations to pursue their desired professions. Today, with support from Rolex…

Asia is home to some of the world’s oldest civilisations, and its diverse cultures have long told tales of tradition that are cherished and passed down through generations. Culinary traditions, in particular, continue to be shared and taught, connecting families and communities with each other, and their past, through good food. Today, the guardianship of these traditions is a challenge underscored by the relentless march of modernity, particularly in Asia’s frenetic restaurant scene. But herein lies the culinary paradox—can the forward-thinking spirit of innovation be the champion of tradition? We asked five chefs in Asia, each with their own distinctive cuisine to share, how they do just that. “My cuisine is where old meets new,” explains executive Chinese chef Jayson Tang of Man Ho Chinese Restaurant in Hong Kong. “I…

Growing up in Malaysia, Louisa Ponnampalam had a strong affinity for the sea. At a young age, she was fascinated by sea creatures like dolphins and whales, and it became her dream to see them in the wild. Her passion for the ocean and its inhabitants later inspired her to dedicate her life to studying and finding ways to protect them. Upon completing her PhD in marine science in Hawaii, she returned to Malaysia. Back home, she realised a lack of scientific knowledge and public awareness about marine mammals. Seeing this gap, she co-founded the MareCet Research Organization in 2012. MareCet serves as a platform for developing young Malaysians interested in marine conservation. It offers training opportunities and increases the country’s scientific knowledge and conservation awareness of marine mammals via…

COME ON, BARBIE There’s no other way to put it: the influence of the doll who has been a style icon since the Fifties is staying with us for a while and keeping the world bubblegum pink. If you are not over the Barbie live-action movie (we’re not), proudly and unapologetically add a few pieces in this cheery shade to your wardrobe. OVER AND OVER—AGAIN Pre-fall fashion has brought a renewed focus on bottoms, with designers reviving the Noughties short-over-long trend of skirts or dresses with trousers. The notion is to get experimental with your wardrobe:, mix textures and patterns; pair a long tunic or oversized shirt over slim-fitting pants; or simply go for a monochrome look. MATCHING LINEN No doubt thanks to quiet luxury, linen has lost its old-fashioned…

When one speaks of chronograph watches, perhaps none springs to mind as frequently as the Tag Heuer Carrera. Developed for the world of motorsports, the Carrera is an icon that, as the Swiss manufacture loves to say, has found favour with human icons like Mick Jagger, Ryan Gosling and Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen. It is widely considered to be the benchmark for timekeeping excellence with an enviable legacy to boot. Tag Heuer CEO Frédéric Arnault shares: “[The Carrera] was successful because of these reasons: legibility, understated elegance, and ergonomic design. It’s a watch you can wear with ease. Carrera is linked to the world of motorsports, a world which is close to who we are and what we stand for.” I echo these words back to Nicholas Biebuyck, the…

As the new face of Chopard, the uber cool K-pop group Aespa is seen rocking the brand’s collections including Ice Cube, Happy Sport, Happy Diamonds, Precious Lace, Alpine Eagle watch collections, along with the latest My Happy Hearts collection. The group, which consists of Karina, Giselle, Winter and Ningning, have been mesmerising fans with their richly diverse sounds and energetic performances, with hit singles such as Black Mamba and Savage plus appearances at Coachella and GMA 2022 Summer Concert Series. According to Chopard, the group’s personal brand of star power and blend of fantasy and futurism are encapsulated in its new summer campaign. TREND Ditch the sparkling whites and add a pop of colour to your ensembles this month AISLE READY The Vela halo engagement ring by Hearts on Fire…

I have the fondest memories of my public school experience in Australia in the 1980s, when my family stayed in Melbourne for a couple of years then. Compared to the Malaysian school schedule, it felt like I was out of the classroom most of the time, with lessons that didn’t have a square inch of blackboard: it was a daze of excursions, arts and crafting, swimming, and figuring out what cricket was. Suddenly, school life was fun. Just as quickly though, I learnt something uncomfortable—that I was treated differently from everyone else in school. Through exclusion in the seemingly small things (parties, project groups, etc), I felt like an outsider and an “other”. This was par for the course then: I was a foreign implant amongst kids in a time…

“Aren’t you scared?” This was a common response that Dr Phaik Kin Cheah would hear from people when she first joined the Royal Malaysia Police Volunteer Reserve (Sukarelawan Polis Diraja Malaysia) in 2014. At the time, the mother of two was dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Science at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman with a full-time job in academia and research. “I joined to be a good example and to respond to the needs of the community in Kampar, where there were many cases affecting student safety. I was the only professor in the force and people thought it was strange. They would say, ‘Are you crazy? Don’t you have a family to worry about?’” Cheah says. “My late husband was very supportive of my decision. I wanted…

An up-and-coming actor, Fabian Loo was taken by surprise when Astro Fibre first approached him to ask if he’d like to be the brand ambassador for the media conglomerate’s latest internet solution. “I was shocked at first, but in a good way,” he explains. “I’ve been acting [for a while now] but I think it was One Cent Thief which made me more recognised. As of now I’m still pleasantly surprised by the response from people,” adds the down-to-earth actor who has been in the entertainment industry for a decade. Loo started off his acting career doing television commercials, to help fund himself during his tertiary education. “Then thanks to the rapport I’ve built with certain casting directors, I got introduced to the world of theatre, which is where I…

Known for its vibrant Malaysian fare that includes its famous renditions of nasi bojari and nasi lemak, Madam Kwan’s is a household name in Malaysia. The family-run restaurant boasts 16 outlets across the country, 12 of which are in the Klang Valley alone. The woman responsible for the delicious flavours at Madam Kwan’s is Kwan Swee Lian, who is often seen with her trademark hat, glasses, and sweet smile. She started her career in the food industry in 1977 and now runs Madam Kwan’s alongside her son, Datuk Rudy Foo, and daughter-in-law, Datin Maureen Ooi. Kwan was a beautician in the 1950s with her own beauty salon, Sakura Salon. Two decades later, the salon was transformed into Sakura Restaurant, which marked her debut in the F&B industry. Sakura was well-known…

RETRO RENDEZ-VOUS A cool-girl’s favourite, independent French label Rowen Rose has become the newest name on Linda Farrow’s collaboration list. The six-piece collection draws inspiration from the vibrant atmosphere of 1970s St Tropez, capturing the essence of the classic South of France style and deploying a warm colour palette in its designs. The packaging, adorned with red and white stripes, offers a nod to the iconic umbrellas of the era, evoking a sense of nostalgia and a longing for an idyllic past while maintaining a fresh, modern feel. FOREST CALLING Stella McCartney is adding more new vegan materials to its line-up, debuting its first bag crafted from Bananatex as a part of its autumn 2023 collection. Made from Abacá banana plants cultivated in the Philippines that are grown without the…

Since 2002, the Tambour watch has become a Louis Vuitton icon, immediately recognisable for its drum-shaped form. After 21 years, the Tambour has matured and its latest expression comes in a slimmer 40mm case that’s only 8.3mm thick. The watch is powered by a new exclusive movement, LFT023, developed by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in collaboration with Le Cercle des Horlogers. A first for the maison, it features a new integrated bracelet with curved links, giving it a blend of robustness and fluidity. Two colours are available: silver-grey or dark blue. TREND This season, let’s set time in precious stones—quite literally LUXE BRILLIANCE With its precisely engineered chronograph movement enclosed within a masculine yet sumptuous 39mm black titanium case, the Tag Heuer Monaco Special Edition embodies discreet elegance…