Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2023 i Tatler Malaysia

Former national figure skater turned award-winning sports and documentary photographer Annice Lyn embodies profound empathy in her work. Her winning shot of Russian figure skater Alexandra Trusova at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games earned her the World Sports Photography Award 2023. Trusova’s fearless performance as Wonder Woman as she executed a challenging “death drop spin” moved Lyn to instinctively capture the moment. Lyn’s career journey is a remarkable one. Despite having no formal photography training and coming from Malaysia, a nation not known for winter sports, she became the first Malaysian sports photographer to win gold in the Winter Sports category at the World Sports Photography Awards 2023. Her achievement, amid competition from 700 photographers in 70 countries, was surreal to Lyn. “I just went all-in, you know? I had…

Just when you think you know everything there is to know about David Beckham—now the subject of an upcoming Netflix documentary—you realise how much you’ve missed. The sportsman, considered by many the greatest English footballer of his generation, has transformed from sportsman to brand spokesperson to fashion brand owner and even American soccer club owner. His level of fame is undeniable and almost incomprehensibly extensive. On his first visit to conflict-ravaged Sierra Leone as a Unicef ambassador, despite having never visited the country before, he was mobbed by children a quarter his age. Living in the public eye often means sacrificing privacy, yet social media has allowed celebrities like Beckham to regain some control by choosing when and how to share unfiltered glimpses of family life (see those Beckham family…

HERITAGE Have you seen my Unesco kebaya?” asks Lim Yu Lin, owner of Ang Eng boutique, a kebaya retailer and artisan in Kuala Lumpur. She proudly presents a cream-coloured, Swiss-voile kebaya adorned with an intricate embroidery of colourful flowers including orchid, hibiscus, rafflesia, simpor, and cassia fitsula, along with other iconographies representing five countries: Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Lim explains how her Unesco kebaya came about, saying, “We were invited by the Jabatan Warisan Negara (Department of National Heritage) to demonstrate our embroidery skills at their Unesco exhibition at KLIA.” In April, Malaysia joined other Southeast Asian countries in submitting a nomination for the kebaya to be inscribed on Unesco’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for 2023. This nomination effort aims to protect and…

Apart from being the global brand ambassador and muse for Chopard’s women’s watch and jewellery range, and gracing the campaigns for Happy Diamonds and Happy Sport collections since 2021, Julia Roberts also stars in the maison’s new Chopard Loves Cinema campaign. Both the American actress and the Swiss maison share a common love and affinity for cinema after all, making them the perfect pairing for such a project. The campaign was initially launched on International Happiness Day and the 12-part digital series, directed by award-winning filmmaker James Gray, is accompanied by visuals from Alasdair McLellan. The episodes, which began unveiling in March this year, showcases the audacity, playfulness and humanity that make Julia Roberts a contemporary icon. We get to see Roberts in her most candid, playful and uninhibited moments…

The Malaysian Electric Vehicle Owners Club (MyEvoc) officially began back in 2019 after a group of individuals first decided in 2018 to support electric vehicle (EV) users and promote the adoption of EVs in Malaysia. “A bunch of us got together and formally registered the club in May 2019 because we realised that our nation is falling behind [in terms of EV adoption]. Plus, we noticed that a few EV users were struggling due to the lack of infrastructure,” shares Datuk Shahrol Halmi, the co-founder and president of MyEvoc. Thus, the club was formed to provide EV users with accurate and beneficial information, along with unbiased points of view from users with no vested interest in policymakers, to encourage and promote the EV segment. To date, the club now has…

Situated amidst a 400-acre lush tropical forest with its very own nature reserve, Shangri-La Rasa Ria sits along the soft white sands of Pantai Dalit. A lush green sanctuary with unhindered views of the South China Sea and down-to-earth Bornean hospitality, the resort is deeply connected to its community, employing and empowering Sabahans from Tuaran, many of whom have relatives or friends who were also employed by the 5-star resort back in its early days since opening in August 30, 1996. Sustainability is a strong part of Shangri-La Rasa Ria’s ethos, evident in the community projects that it initiates. These range from environmental clean-up days and tree planting activities to ongoing efforts to preserve the way of life and traditions of local communities, including the Bajau Samah people—an ethnic subgroup…

THE LUXURY TRAVELLER Pangkor Laut Resort: One Island, One Resort Nestled on a private island off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Pangkor Laut Resort offers an unparalleled escape into the lap of nature and luxury. Here, visitors have the rare opportunity of witnessing the splendour of Mother Nature through a two-million-year-old rainforest, a lush haven teeming with fascinating flora and fauna. In 1994, Pavarotti was so enamoured with the island that he performed here exclusively, leaving an indelible mark on this paradise. Guests, too, can experience a stay of classical proportions with the one-of-a-kind Pavarotti suite, surrounded by the same enchanting beauty that captivated the maestro. For those seeking bliss, the resort’s award-winning flagship Spa Village Pangkor Laut is the place to be. Guests will be able to indulge…

With more travellers taking longer, multi-destination trips, some modes of transport are finally getting their share of the spotlight, with luxury sleeper trains making a triumphant return to bucket lists around the world. Also making a triumphant return is the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train: the company recently announced that, after a four-year hiatus, it will launch two new seasonal journeys in Malaysia in 2024. Both routes will depart from Singapore before journeying through Malaysia’s ever-changing landscapes—from vibrant cities to fiery-hued sunsets tucked behind historic towns and lush plantations. Its first route, Wild Malaysia, was curated in partnership with the global tiger conservation organisation Save Wild Tigers. Taking the country’s Jungle Railway toward the eastern side of the peninsula, guests will have the opportunity to visit Taman Negara…

A holiday should be as advertised: the great escape from the daily grind, where you can finally put your feet up and actually immerse yourself in the moment without a care in the world. President of Holiday Tours and Travel (HTT), Ben Foo, who spearheads Malaysia’s leading travel management company of 50 years, believes that true immersion is key to creating experiences of a lifetime. “A retreat, to me, should be like coming home after a long day of work,” says Foo. “[A home] is a place where we reset, physically and spiritually, right? A relaxing getaway should be the same way, but elevated in a way that enriches you and allows you to truly experience life.” Inspired by his own experience at the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar resort…

“I have lived 20 years, four times,” an elderly monk tells us with a bold grin. Tatler had asked his age when our group stopped for a break on the Trans Bhutan Trail. Encounters with monks are common in “The Land of the Thunder Dragon”. Mahayana Buddhism is Bhutan’s official religion, and around 75 per cent of the population is Buddhist. As such, the principles of humility and happiness so deeply entrenched in the religion are felt in the warmth of the country’s people and the simplicity of everyday life. Truly unlike anywhere else on Earth, Bhutan’s mystery and allure have placed the destination at the top of many travellers’ bucket lists. And since the country reduced its “Sustainable Development Fee”—a daily fee implemented in an attempt to reduce the…

Since it opened mid last year, Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, has been featured in Time magazine’s World’s Greatest Places. Just 30 minutes away from Ubud, this off-the-beaten track sanctuary is nestled beside a forest reserve, the Ayung River, a majestic waterfall, and offers a sweeping view of Bali’s seven majestic peaks. Featuring a “no walls, no doors” concept throughout its 16 spacious bales (villas), the adults-only Buahan offers an escape into a different way of being and disconnect from everything. Designed to blend indoor and outdoor areas, where only a thin veil separates guests from nature, each villa is meticulously decorated with locally sourced materials, including “Ulin” wood salvaged from old boat yards. All the villas feature a private pool, gazebo and an open deck for guests to indulge…

Founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, The House of Suntory recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. As the pioneer of Japanese whisky, its Yamazaki Distillery was the first whisky distillery in Japan and began with a dream to create a spirit that pays homage to Japanese craftsmanship. Shinji Fukuyo was appointed the chief blender of The House of Suntory in 2009, becoming the fifth individual ever to hold this prestigious title. Fukuyo began his journey at Suntory in 1984 before spending four years in Scotland to refine his knowledge of whisky-making techniques. Prior to his assuming the role, he served as the general manager of the whisky production division at the Yamazaki Distillery. We speak to Fukuyo about the intricacies of Japanese whisky and what sets it apart from other spirits.…

MEET ME AT THE BAR Nestled amid limestone caves and mountainous terrain, you’ll find the charming city of Ipoh. One of Malaysia’s most historical cities, Ipoh boasts an abundance of iconic venues that narrate the tale of its tin mining heritage. Therefore it comes as no surprise that Ipoh’s a hub for some of the nation’s long-standing gems, including the Sinhalese Bar, one of the country’s oldest bars. It’s been 92 years since Sinhalese Bar first opened its doors. “My late father, GM Perera, opened this bar back in 1931,” says current owner and bartender, Alfred Perera, 83. “He passed away in 1966 and I took over the bar immediately after, so I am the second-generation owner of Sinhalese Bar.” Perera currently looks after the bar with the help of…

EDUCATION After obtaining his TESL degree at a local university in 2010, Khalifa Affnan was posted to Keningau Vocational College (KVC) in Sabah, where he embarked on a fulfilling teaching career that eventually took him across international borders. His eureka moment came in 2017 when he applied for the Korea-Malaysia teacher exchange programme. He was assigned to Seoul Technical High School for a three-month duration, which proved to be the catalyst that broadened his perspective on the world of technology, including drones, robotics, coding, and more. On top of that, his participation in international conferences with other educators also left an indelible impression on him. Khalifa says, “Within those three months, I managed to transform myself into not only a better educator but also ignited a passion and thirst for…

With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, Taylor’s Culinary Institute, located within Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus, is known for producing high-calibre graduates recognised by the industry. The school has ties with reputable culinary institutions around the globe, giving students valuable insights and preparing them for the challenges of the industry. We speak to the director of Taylor’s Culinary Institute, Frederic Raymond Paul Cerchi, and final year student Jack Yap Zhen Jie about their experiences. FREDERIC RAYMOND PAUL CERCHI Appointed as the director of Taylor’s Culinary Institute in 2019, Cerchi brings more than 20 years of industry experience. Having worked in countries such as France, Spain, and England, he joined Taylor’s University 17 years ago to complete his master’s degree and work as a lecturer, and has been there ever since. How does…

In the sporting world, the name Rafael Nadal is instantly recognisable. The tennis superstar has cemented himself as one of the greats in the sport and is popularly known as the King of Clay for his strength on clay courts. Needless to say, Nadal has a special relationship with tennis. But he also enjoys a special relationship with something else: fragrances. The tennis legend, together with his wife Maria Perello, has teamed up with French haute parfumerie Henry Jacques for an exclusive collaboration: their very own perfume collection, In All Intimacy. Henry Jacques’s expertise and know‑how lie in the creation of sur mesure, or bespoke, perfumes. Much like an haute couture house, Henry Jacques is historically known for creating fragrances composed for and tailored to individuals, bringing to life thousands…

TOP GUN Bell & Ross has reduced the BR 03 size to 41mm (from 42mm previously) and it is available in a collection of eight watches. They are powered by the new automatic BR-CAL.302 calibre with a 54-hour power reserve. The look ranges from retro (black ceramic) to contemporary (polished steel) in a variety of dial colours. Though smaller, these timepieces continue to preserve the aviation spirit with aeronautical codes that have become synonymous with the BR 03. AYE AYE SKIPPER The new Tag Heuer Skipper directly references the brand’s yachting heritage. It commemorates Jack Heuer’s sponsorship of the 1967 America’s Cup-winning yacht Intrepid. The original Skipper honoured the Intrepid’s iconic win that year through colour-coded countdown subdials mirroring the yacht’s aesthetics: teal, green and orange; this latest edition of…

On June 10 and 11 this year, 325,000 spectators flooded Le Mans, the small city in northwest France with a population not even half that number—and that wasn’t even including the car enthusiasts and excited families camping on every last inch of the public space outside Circuit de la Sarthe, the racetrack for the world’s most historic annual endurance motorcar race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. What made the city, which otherwise is best known for rillettes de porc, or pork pâté, even more special this year was the race’s centenary. The 2023 event was a cornucopia of historic moments: from the return of Italian car manufacturer Ferrari to the hyper class category for the first time since 1973, which features top-tier cars with the best speed and acceleration;…

FIND YOUR WAY Inspired by a “compass rose”, Dior debuted the Rose des Vents fine jewellery collection in 2002, a line which introduced creative director Victoire de Castellane’s vision to the world. Renowned for geometric silhouettes and floral symbols, the collection continues expanding through Castellane’s lens. New baubles in the ine include the Tribales earrings, combining the signature disc with reversible stone or diamond motifs. Available in yellow or rose gold, the versatile duo or individual styles allow layering of several pieces from the collection to suit your personality. CHOKED UP In July this year, at a sold-out performance in Paris, French comedian Fary put himself in the spotlight wearing Messika’s So Move XL pavé necklace, an oversized 18-karat white-gold chain evocative of styles commonly worn in the 1960s. But…

“The more difficult the conversations, the more necessary they are,” Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) executive director Sumitra Visvanathan shared this in a riveting speech at the 40th anniversary celebration of the non-profit, hailed as the country’s largest service for domestic violence survivors since it first opened its doors in the 1980s. “It’s so important for us to have those difficult conversations for meaningful change to happen,” she added, recounting WAO’s ongoing fight to end gender-based violence in Malaysia and emphasising the importance of mobilising communities and changing mindsets about inequality and domestic abuse in our society. So when I first met WAO’s directors Charlene Murray, Abinaya Dhivya Mohan, Nazreen Nizam, and Amnani Abdul Kadir, I anticipated these difficult conversations. Making small talk on a subject as weighty as domestic abuse…

Back before Penang was inscribed as a Unesco Heritage site in 2008, conservation on the island was almost non-existent. Despite its rich history, the push to save or even maintain culturally valuable sites was not a priority. Architectural Association School of Architecture (London) graduate, Laurence Loh, had established his firm, Arkitek LLA Sdn Bhd in Penang for some years when the calling to conserve a unique building came literally out of the blue. The building was the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also known as The Blue Mansion due to its original indigo colour. Once the grand home of a Chinese merchant known as the Rockefeller of the East, the mansion had always been in Loh’s periphery, having studied at the St Xavier’s Institution school opposite it. Around 1989, the building…

Panoramic view: check. Spacious bathroom: check. Super-soft bathrobe: check. Most luxury hotels aim to be elevated versions of our homes, but which ones are actually etched in your mind upon check-out? More often than not, the hotels that make a lasting impression are those that encapsulate the essence of a destination but also replicate the warm welcome of home. Be they in the wilds of the jungle or adjacent to a historic castle, Tatler has picked six hotels in Asia that are rooted in their locations, providing a window to another world. These are not your typical five-star hotels—their originality makes them impossible to replicate elsewhere. Some are within easy reach while others are quite a mission to get to, but that’s all part of the fun. So pack your…

This year, The Datai Langkawi has been celebrating its 30th anniversary in style, having commemorated highlights of its ‘story’ in three ‘chapter’ events where it focused on celebrating the essence of The Datai Langkawi, namely its community (Chapter 1), arts and crafts (Chapter 2), and nature (Chapter 3). The celebration finale, Chapter 4, will kick off from December 8 till December 17, with the theme ‘30 years of The Datai’. A series of events around dining, nature, craft, and culture, in addition to a variety of artisanal bazaars, showcases, and workshops await guests and visitors. The year-long celebrations will conclude with a highly anticipated gala event on December 16. Here are the main events to look forward to in December: BATIK MASTERCLASS BY KAPTEN BATIK Refining the Malaysian batik tradition…

A travel rule of thumb goes: When in Japan, if you can, make every effort to stay at a ryokan. From soothing hot spring baths to intricate kaiseki meals, ryokans offer a deep immersion into the country’s culture. Even if you’re not staying in a ryokan per se, some of the best hotels in the country are inspired by aspects of the traditional Japanese inn, offering a taste of authentic omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) at its finest while pairing it with modern comforts and contemporary design. Here are Tatler’s top picks of the best ryokan-inspired properties for your next trip to the Land of the Rising Sun. KAI PAROTO, HOKKAIDO The mere mention of Hokkaido brings images of snow-filled landscapes to mind, but the northern part of the country is also…

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Of the many Chinese wedding traditions, the two that took place at mine many years ago were the tea ceremony and the chuangmen (door games). The door games were fun (at least for the bridal party), while the tea ceremony was slightly stressful for everyone: “Who goes first and who goes next? Do the men sit on the right side or left? Do we kneel? Do we need a pillow then? How do we address that granduncle? Who is in charge of the tea set? Please be ready when it’s your turn!” Somehow, we got through all that with tea sets and family ties intact. The Chinese tea ceremony holds significant importance within the context of Chinese weddings, serving as a customary cornerstone through which the…

Despite holding a master’s degree in business and economics and spending the last decade working in advertising, the world of art has always held a particular fascination for Dipali Gupta. However, she found it challenging to pursue her creative ambitions while climbing the corporate ladder, and realised that life was passing by quickly. “A constant state of anomie, where my values were challenged by empty corporate ambitions, became a stepping stone to finding my way back to my creative self. I summoned up the courage to relinquish my sizable pay checks and start afresh,” says the now artist. Trading the corporate life for a different pursuit, Gupta turned to art to find a renewed sense of purpose. In her late 30s, she joined art school with no clue what to…

You’re invited to an unparalleled dining experience that combines the skills of five of the nation’s top chefs with five of Singapore’s most celebrated talents. For the first time, Tatler Dining will be inviting some of the most creative chefs from the Lion City to participate alongside our homegrown stars. Paired up, these chefs will work together to exchange ideas and experiences before splitting up to create individual dishes the public has never seen before—something off-menu. Held over three days from November 3-5, 2023, in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board, this year’s gastronomic affair will carry a vibrant Souk Bazaar theme. All the way from Singapore come Mark Tai of Cloudstreet, Petrina Loh of Morsels, Nicolas Tam of Willow, Marvas Ng of Path, and Maxine Ngooi of Tigerlily Patisserie.…

Garden International School (GIS) has been successfully “Bringing Out the Best in You Since 1951.” What’s amazing is that the school was established prior to the nation’s independence and continues to produce capable, well-rounded individuals throughout the years. With its British-based curriculum, the school caters for students from three to 18 years old—offering both IGCSE and A-Level qualifications. Naturally, having been around for over 70 years, the institution has not only produced notable alumni but also educated multiple generations from the same family. In fact, we’ve even heard of a family that has had three generations schooled by GIS. In this legacy issue, we talk to Jackie Chua and her son Aris Razlan, plus Taranjeet Singh and his son Soheil Singh, who are all alumni of the school. We discover…

On August 23, Tatler GMT unveiled its inaugural issue with a vibrant party at W Kuala Lumpur, and it proved to be the finest hour (or three) when the world of luxury was embraced in all its glory. At the entrance of the hotel, guests arrived to the welcomed sight of the all-electric Mercedes-Benz AMG EQ cars, which have been receiving rave reviews for their style and performance. Everyone was invited to explore the posh interiors of the cars, which are revolutionising how the world perceives environmentally friendly electric vehicles. As guests, comprising watch enthusiasts and avid collectors, entered Woobar, they were treated to a display of luxury watches from the four major Bs in the industry: Bell & Ross, Bovet, Breitling, and Bremont, courtesy of Swiss Watch, the launch’s…

In the heart of Kuala Lumpur lies an oasis of luxury and enchantment, where love stories are woven into the fabric of time. Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur has been an icon of elegance for over three decades, witnessing countless love stories, joyous reunions, and celebrations as newlyweds embark on their wonderful journey of love and life. DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT The grand ballroom at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur is where dreams take flight and love shines brightest. Imagine resplendent crystal chandeliers casting a shimmering glow upon you and your beloved as you take to the dance floor for your first dance. With a capacity to accommodate up to 1,440 guests, this pillarless masterpiece boasts lofty ceilings, tasteful interiors, and state-of-the-art technology, ensuring your celebration is nothing short of perfection. A CULINARY SYMPHONY…

The Les Cabinotiers department at Vacheron Constantin specialises in bespoke time instruments of sublime proportions. Similarly, the Rolls-Royce Coachbuild is the marque’s equivalent of haute couture, dedicated to individualisation and experimentation. Both recently unveiled the result of a project they had been working on: the Les Cabinotiers Armillary Tourbillon commissioned for a Rolls-Royce Amethyst Droptail. Created for a client who has a passion for luxury cars and watches, it presented a rare opportunity for the two storied brands to collaborate and push the boundaries of engineering. Design-wise, the timepiece had to complement the interior of the automobile, in particular the fascia panel. The holding mechanism must meet the precise dimensions of the dashboard compartments and should also allow for the watch to be rotated 180° for setting and winding. It…

What inspired you to get into jewellery design? Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked your interest? It started six years ago when I tried to look for some jewellery for myself. I couldn’t find anything that I really liked, so I started getting interested in the designing and [creative use of] materials that make these pieces truly beautiful. On one of my trips, I visited Lisbon’s Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, where I saw René Lalique’s dragonfly-woman corsage ornament. That moment solidified my ambition to become an artist, and the voice inside me [was clear]: I was going to create artistic jewellery pieces that could transcend time. What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as you embarked on this career path? How did you overcome them?…

LEGACY PLANNING In the intricate tapestry of life, we often contemplate its journey and destination rather than its inevitable conclusion. Thoughts frequently dwell on the present and pursuing a better quality of life. Yet, it is crucial not to dismiss the importance of planning for the end of this journey. Legacy planning, a concept often overshadowed by fear, lack of information, or sheer ignorance, plays a vital role in securing a meaningful and well-organised transition of wealth and assets for future generations. As of 2022, a mere 20 per cent of Malaysians have a will, and even among those who do, the validity of these wills remains questionable. This staggering statistic is further compounded by over RM90 billion worth of unclaimed assets nationwide, creating a complex financial landscape that demands…

The bold geometry employed here was all in service of creating a multigenerational family residence. Kenny Chong of A3 Projects explains that the entire project was ultimately about “addressing human interaction on varying scales”. Chong had previously worked with the clients, a pair of siblings, on their company’s corporate office. He was delighted when they approached him to design a pair of structures that would be home to their respective families as well as to their ageing parents. Chong relished the challenge of coordinating between the various stakeholders while still “putting together the big picture and maintaining a coherent design direction”. What resulted were two houses that represent the very best in sustainable modernity: the Light Box and the Helical Pearl. PRIDE OF PLACE Located on a sloping terrain, the…

PARTS UNKNOWN There is a growing desire among travellers to explore previously lesser-known corners of the world. “Within Southeast Asia, we are seeing a trend of clients requesting longer trips,” says Chinmoy Lad, founder of the luxury travel concierge company The Suite Life. “For example, a week to ten-day tour to destinations or more remote locales of Cambodia, Laos or Vietnam—rather than a short, easy access flight to a major city like Bangkok.” Linda Petrie, founder of Petrie PR, which specialises in luxury hotel clients such as Aman and Hyatt, agrees. “Distance is not a barrier to experience and to discover rare finds. Travellers are prepared to travel far and wide to satisfy their search to escape the crowds, whether to the magical Kingdom of Bhutan, or Central and South…

Unlike the throngs of candy-shaded micro totes and slouchy hobo shoulder bags that come and go with every season, a great piece of luggage should stay around long after the trends fade. In the realm of luxury travel, Tumi luggage has long reigned as an emblem of impeccable craftsmanship and premium design. This reputation has helped garner an impressive list of fans, including football legend Son Heung-min, singer-songwriter and actor Reneé Rapp, F1 superstar Lando Norris and Hollywood A-lister Chris Pratt to name just a few. While it’s difficult to narrow down Tumi’s diverse portfolio of travel cases to just a few standout styles, you can’t help but be drawn to the iconic, perfectly sculpted 19 Degree collection, which comes in both aluminium and recycled polycarbonate versions. Here, discover some…