Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2024 i Tatler Malaysia

TATLER HONG KONG American photographer Marilyn Minter shot an exclusive self-portrait for Tatler, and discussed how her art reclaims agency over how female bodies are portrayed. TATLER MALAYSIA Olympic diver and “national unity icon” Pandelela Rinong opened up about the pressures of being an athlete, and her aspirations to inspire Malaysians to celebrate their differences. TATLER TAIWAN Melinda Wang, co-founder and CEO of the skincare brand Nomel and a Gen.T honouree, spoke about positivity, confidence—and why Michelle Obama’s views on love is a blueprint for her marriage to actor Tony Yang. TATLER PHILIPPINES Industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue talked about how he wants the world to recognise great, modern Filipino design—and how his projects are helping make that happen. TATLER THAILAND Tatler sat down with Amorpol Huvanandana, the founder of Moreloop,…

“It was love at first sight,” Shalma Ainaa recalls with laughter, filling the cafe where we met for our interview, as she reminisces about the moment she first saw Wan Imar across the bustling scene of Trafalgar Square during Malaysia Night, an annual celebration organised in London by the Malaysian High Commission. Both were in the final year of their university studies in London, and despite the immediate attraction, it took a year and a chance reunion on a London tube for their paths to align once more. “My friends were speaking to him earlier, so I asked them to invite him to join us for a futsal game, and I think the rest was history,” says Shalma. Her bold invitation to Imar marked the beginning of a journey neither…

Founded in 2012, Solarvest is dedicated to creating a cleaner and greener tomorrow, guided by its visionary leader and group CEO, Davis Chong, who shares an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable energy solutions. From humble beginnings, Solarvest has risen to prominence as a leading player in the solar industry, delivering innovative solutions that not only meet the needs of today but also safeguard the future of generations to come. The company has already developed a renewable energy portfolio exceeding 1,000MW across the nation. Since its inception over a decade ago, Solarvest has gone above and beyond its initial role as merely a solar energy provider to become a comprehensive clean energy expert. Spearheading a movement towards renewable energy, Solarvest has not only illuminated homes and businesses but has…

As the world grapples with pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss, nations are being called upon to chart new paths towards sustainability, balancing the needs of economic development with environmental stewardship. For Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability of Malaysia, this endeavour is multifaceted. “Our focus is basically to deal with the triple planetary crisis,” Nik Nazmi elucidates, setting the stage for a discussion that traverses Malaysia’s strategic responses to these challenges. His narrative weaves through the formulation of innovative policies and the commitment to integrating sustainability into the nation’s fabric. Central to Malaysia’s action plan is the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which sets an ambitious target of achieving a 70 per cent renewable energy capacity by 2050. This goal underscores Malaysia’s dedication…

More often than not, Malaysian food and Chef Wan are always mentioned in the same breath. After all, for over three decades, the vivacious celebrity chef has been the most ardent promoter of our local cuisine, and this passion has never waned, even today. Just last January, he hosted an exclusive dinner event together with chefs Supachai Saisoigeon, Ahmad Rosnie, and Donadoni at Resorts World Awana, presenting 50 dishes of nearly extinct traditional recipes. An exclusive collaboration between Chef Wan Lifestyle and the hotel group, this event marked his triumphant return after being out of the public eye for a while as he battled with lymphoma cancer. Entitled “A Lost Recipes Affair with Chef Wan and Friends”, the culinary team took inspiration from the 152 Malaysian recipes detailed in the…

Released in 2022, Bajautopia: Tales of Borneo’s Sea Nomads, co-edited by Dr Ng Keng-Khoon and Farah Aliza Badaruddin, highlights the hopes and plights of the Bajau Laut community. This engaging compilation of essays and architectural research endeavours to spark stimulating discussions and debates aimed at enhancing the lives of these nomads. Also known as Sama Dilaut and less commonly referred to as “Sea Gypsies,” Bajau Laut are one of the sub-groups of the greater Sama-Bajau collective, comprising several closely related indigenous groups who regard themselves as a distinct ethnicity, with populations distributed around the coasts of the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. The Bajau Laut have lived scattered throughout the Celebes Seas or the Sulu-Semporna-South Sulawesi Triangle, ancestral territories for over 1,000 years. In Sabah, these highly proficient divers often…

HAUTE PAPER DOLLS Central Saint Martins alum Harris Reed has gained recognition, a celebrity client list and fans among theatrical fashion and couture enthusiasts thanks to his distinctive work. For his seventh collection, Shadow Dance, which draws inspiration from Victorian-era shadow puppets, Reed has incorporated his own twist on sustainability. He has also worked with renowned wallpaper specialist Fromental to add a textural effect and historical element to the designs. The heavily embroidered demi-couture collection highlights ball gowns and corsetry, as well as versatile pieces like corset-and-skirt pairings and little black dresses with a touch of drama. VERY SWOOSH The ongoing and in-demand collaboration between Jacquemus and Nike has welcomed its third drop. The hype around it cannot only be attributed to the popularity of each brand, but also the…

As Raya approaches, indulge in a Raya Beauty That Lasts with Sephora Malaysia from March 7 to April 17. Whether you’re seeking delightful gift inspirations for your loved ones or aiming to present your best self during those celebratory reunions, Sephora has assembled a collection of essentials to prime, enhance and set your glamorous appearance, so you can look and feel great. Explore a curated selection of must-haves designed to create the perfect base, with in-store masterclasses to assist you in maximising your make-up application skills. PREP: BASELINE BESTIES Focusing on establishing a solid foundation is crucial to achieving impeccable looks. Sephora Malaysia offers a range of skin-prepping essentials to guarantee your make-up remains flawless throughout the day. Moisturising primers like the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, Tatcha…

Leap into the era of perpetual calendars…

Established in 1976 to celebrate the Rolex Oyster’s 50th anniversary, the Rolex Awards for Enterprise has grown into a leading international programme supporting individuals and organisations using science and technology to achieve a sustainable future for our living ecosystems. In its 48 years, the biennial programme has supported 160 Laureates across 65 countries. A drop in the ocean can create a huge ripple, and Rolex is fully committed to championing those making a real difference, no matter how small an impact it may seem. Past Rolex Awards Laureates have included marine biologist and explorer Emma Camp, who discovered corals growing in conditions previously thought deadly to them; American social entrepreneur Felix Brooks-Church who created a “dosifier” machine which adds critical micronutrients to fortify staple foods for more than seven million…

What originally drew you to Japanese culture and inspired you to honour it through your jewellery designs? I grew up in Japan but moved to New York in 2014. After being away from Japan for some time, I have rediscovered and come to appreciate Japanese culture even more. It’s not just about the aesthetic—what I love the most is the philosophy behind Japanese beauty. What led you to founding Milamore? I was approached by my co-founder Azusa Yamato to start a jewellery business in 2018. I am a self-taught creative director, with a background in communications; my strength lies in creating a brand’s story and narrative. Since [Yamato’s] family business involves jewellery production in Japan, I wanted to create a brand that showcases Japanese craftsmanship in jewellery—something we are not…

Sprawled across the serene green landscape of Putrajaya, Nexus International School Malaysia stands as an example of a holistic education system. Having been in existence for over 15 years, Nexus has consistently pushed the boundaries of technological integration to foster environments that cultivate creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. As an Apple Distinguished School since 2016, Nexus takes pride in being a top-ranking International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) school in Malaysia—a pre-university course recognised by leading universities globally. Central to Nexus’s educational philosophy is being a “Nexus learner,” actively engaging in the process of discovering, creating, and comprehending content—embracing “The Nexus Way.” This educational approach is grounded in four essential elements: Innovation, Relationships, Inclusion, and Mindsets. These pillars provide a guiding framework for learners on their journey of self-development and academic…

That’s the number of earths needed to accommodate everyone if everyone lives like me, according to the results of an online quiz I took, designed by the charitable research organisation Global Footprint Network, headquartered in California. This is calculated based on questions surrounding my lifestyle choices. While I don’t live in a free-standing, solar-panelled home and grow my own food, I’m not a successful globe-trotting star either. So it’s shocking to discover that my average little life takes up so much resources. Sustainability is a complex issue and I’ve always found it overwhelming to keep up with data, statistics and lists of eco-friendly habits endorsed by the right institutions. However, in unision with this month’s sustainability theme, I decided to do an online quiz to calculate my ecological and carbon…

Rosina Lam loves a challenge. The award-winning Hong Kong actress isn’t afraid to work hard for what she wants and give her all in every project she undertakes. This potent combination of tenacity and talent is likely what propelled her to stardom, earning her multiple awards such as Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2023 for her performance in the TVB courtroom drama Speakers of Law, and Best Actress for her role as Grace Koo in Battle of the Seven Sisters at the 2021 TVB Anniversary Awards. “Each award is an encouragement to me,” shares the 34-year-old actress. “It’s as if someone is cheering me on along the journey of life, awakening my courage to continue to strive in different areas and explore more…

SASIBAI KIMIS Asia’s Most Influential 2021 Founder, Earth Heir Sasibai Kimis, an award-winning social entrepreneur, is committed to empowering artisans and marginalised communities to achieve sustainable livelihoods through her venture, Earth Heir. Relinquishing a prosperous career in finance, Kimis redirected her focus to making a positive impact in Malaysia. Her professional journey included stints in Ghana with the UN, working as an investment banking analyst at Lehman Brothers in New York, and leading a private-equity team at First Avenue Partners LLP in London. Subsequently, she returned to Malaysia, assuming the role of vice-president in the investments division at Khazanah Nasional. In 2013, Kimis established Earth Heir, a Malaysian luxury craftsmanship brand specialising in contemporary bags, accessories, and lifestyle products. The brand’s mission centred on fostering sustainable livelihoods for traditional artisans…

“There are primitive ways to impart flavour into food that are lost in modern times,” smiles Danial Thorlby, the head chef and co-founder of Pickle Dining. He refers to cooking techniques such as cooking over wood fire, smoking, pickling, lacto-fermentation, dry-ageing, and others commonly seen in restaurant dishes. “Such preservation methods and techniques have a strong human element and are not as common in this day and age,” he continues. To be able to serve guests in this manner excites the Malay-English chef. “All these techniques date back to the beginning of time and come from different cultures.” Age-old methods and the history of the world have always interested Thorlby, who tells me that his other career option was to become an archaeologist. However, he instead completed a culinary course…

Reiki is an energy healing modality that was founded in Japan in the early 1900s. The Japanese terms “Rei” and “Ki” translate directly as “Universal” and “Life-Energy” respectively. Komathy Ganesan-Mogan describes reiki as an ancient technology for fine-tuning the physical and etheric bodies to a high vibratory level. This enables one to channel universal life force via their palms for personal healing, healing of others, and even situations. The reiki practice is passed down through a lineage of masters via a unique attunement process that allows practitioners to channel a large flow of the reiki life force. Komathy has 28 years of experience as a reiki practitioner and is also trained in neuro-linguistic programming and hypnotherapy. Working with reiki all these years, Komathy says, has brought immense transformation to her…

When Giden Lim and his wife Penny Choo founded BloomThis in 2015, they were met with scepticism from industry veterans who questioned the motivations of two young entrepreneurs entering such a traditional space. Nevertheless, Lim and Choo were driven by a vision to revolutionise the industry. They aimed to incorporate technology to streamline processes, improve customer communication, and enhance the overall online purchasing experience. Additionally, BloomThis has taken an omnichannel approach by expanding its brand presence from the digital realm to the physical one by establishing three brick-and-mortar stores in the Klang Valley. Apart from offering great products and services, consistency is key. This is especially crucial in Malaysia, where numerous festive occasions generate surges in demand for gifts and flowers. These peak seasons coincide with the numerous celebrations such…

For its spring/summer 2024 collection, Roger Vivier breathes life to its archival designs, aiming to craft enduring pieces that define the brand’s codes. This time around, Gherardo Felloni, the creative director of Roger Vivier, focuses on the Viv’ Canard shoe, reinterpreting it by blending his personal artistic flair with the visionary and pioneering imagination of the maison’s founder, all while remaining uncompromising in upholding the brand’s commitment to quality craftsmanship. Some past versions of the Viv’ Canard, crafted by Monsieur Roger Vivier himself in the 1950s, are preserved in the archives of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Felloni drew from these classic models, as well as his own research of the maison’s history and archives, to design what can be characterised as a graceful and less rational design.…

On the sunny Saturday afternoon of February 3, Longchamp rolled out the red carpet for beloved actress and K-pop idol Kim Se-Jeong to celebrate the launch of its newest store at The Exchange TRX. As one would expect, fans flocked to the boutique in droves to catch a glimpse of the star, who illuminated the space with her radiant smile and irresistible charm. Following the fabulous affair, Tatler had the pleasure of chatting with Kim in an exclusive interview session, where we discussed all things Longchamp, her career as an actress and idol, what she has in store for 2024, her favourite food, and more. It’s been a whole year since you have been appointed as Longchamp’s global ambassador. How has it been so far? It’s a great responsibility for…

In the world of luxury watches, the Swiss have been the longstanding benchmark for their unparalleled precision, quality and craftsmanship. With such an esteemed history and reputation, it can be difficult for watch brands from other parts of the world to make their mark, especially from countries that are perceived to be newer to the watch industry such as those in Asia. But that has not stopped Singaporean entrepreneur Benjamin Chee from taking up the challenge. Over the past 12 years, he founded three watch brands and, on top of that, has been proudly flying the flag for Asian watchmaking. While studying law at university in London, Chee developed a passion for history and design, which eventually led to him venturing into the watch business. “Living in London, I was…

GODDESS GALADRIEL Lord of the Rings star Morfydd Clark ruled the red carpet with her choice of accessories from Chopard’s exquisite collections at the Bafta Film Awards in London this February. She wore earrings from the Haute Joaillerie line, which boasted 3.14 carats of pear-shaped brilliant-cut diamonds along with 1.13 carats of additional diamonds, all set in 18-karat white gold. Complementing the earrings, she chose a ring from the house’s Happy Diamonds collection, which featured sparkling diamonds embedded in 18-karat white gold. Her ensemble was completed with a stunning ring from the L’Heure Du Diamant collection, showcasing an impressive 6.15 carats of emerald-cut diamonds, also set in 18-karat white gold. CROWN JEWEL The Harry Winston Shinde Diamond Flower Earrings have a total diamond weight close to 15.66 carats arranged within…

Bamboo, a plant found deep in secondary forests, has immense potential to revolutionise future construction methods. Although technically a type of grass, bamboo has been used for centuries to build houses because of its strength. Furthermore, bamboo is a highly sustainable material as it grows abundantly and helps absorb more carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen at a higher rate than traditional forests, making it environmentally beneficial. Today, more architects recognise its aesthetic and practical benefits as a building material. Many have even gained fame from incorporating it into their designs. One architect actively exploring the use of bamboo as a construction material is Lucas Loo, the founder and executive director of Sead Industries. Like many others, Loo was initially sceptical about bamboo’s reputation as a building material. He believed it…

Mira Rosa Marini began her education journey abroad at The American School in Switzerland (TASIS) in the autumn of 2018, entering the 8th grade. Established in 1956, TASIS is the oldest American boarding school in Europe committed to creating global citizens. For Elizabeth Marini, vice president of Marini’s Group and mother of Mira, the choice of school for her daughter came down to nurturing her identity. “Modesto, Mira and I decided that we wanted a place where she could connect to her Italian roots and still benefit from a multicultural perspective in her day-to-day learning and life encounters.” TASIS is based in Lugano, Switzerland, the largest city outside Italy to recognise Italian as the official language. Unsurprisingly, half of the TASIS student body is Italian. “We visited one summer and…

NEW ZEALAND Going back to New Zealand to study has always been in the books for designer Celest Thoi, as both her daughters, Clarissa, 18, and Cayla, 16, were born there. She says, “Kiwis, in general, are nice and friendly, and the country is known to be safe. It made sense for us too, as we pay local rates. Also, we prefer how New Zealand ranks higher in education than Malaysia, and encourages more character building. We reckon it’s more conducive to study there. It is a better environment and I can see my elder daughter excelling there. (She didn’t enjoy studying when she was in an international school here.) “My elder daughter left in 2022 and loves it. Her younger sister looked forward to joining her last year. Seeing…

ANTOINE AND CHARLIE The Paris-based photographer and director couple specialise in brand look books, portraits, fashion shoots and landscape photography, and present fashion through their minimalistic aesthetic. The pair have previously worked with Chanel, Tiffany and Cartier. They had fun matching the colour tones of the outfits with the set in this month’s fashion shoot. WEECHEE The celebrity fashion director’s aesthetics are uniquely cinematic, inspired by the film and art world. Having lived and worked in Kuala Lumpur, New York and Beijing, Weechee counts Ling Tan, Gong Li, Li Bing Bing, Simon Yam and Godfrey Gao among his celebrity clients. He insists on pushing the envelope of fashion photography, and his work has been featured in Elle China, Vogue Thailand, Harper’s Bazaar and Esquire. For Tatler this month, he styles…

When Vanessa Chan set out to write her first novel, she had never intended to delve into the historical fiction genre. Her debut novel, The Storm We Made, centres around Cecily Alcantara, a Malayan mother who becomes an unlikely spy for the invading Japanese army during World War II and the horrifying torrent of consequences that befall her family and community. The novel was released on January 2, 2024, to rave reviews, fast becoming a bestseller in the United States and the top pick of notable book clubs, including Good Morning America and BBC Radio 2. It has since been translated into 20 languages, with Chan even approached by Japanese publisher Shunjusha. “We should learn from stories of the women who were dragged into the war,” they wrote to Chan,…

“I remember something an ex-boss said to me: ‘Never chase money or profits, because if you do your job well, both will come,’” Chow Mei Mei remarks candidly. An ICAEW chartered accountant with over 25 years of experience at senior management levels, C-suite positions and board appointments in multinational companies, Chow developed strong capabilities in the fields of IPO listings, mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt fund-raising, and turnaround strategy and execution for large listed companies—skills that made her an invaluable resource at prestigious corporations like PWC, Sime Darby and Sapura Energy. At Sime Darby, she was tasked with starting a group strategy and corporate finance department from scratch. She was part of the key management team responsible for the turnaround of several businesses within the group. Eventually, she was…

Crafted in 1992 as an homage to John Walker and son Alexander’s 19th-century blends, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label epitomises a lifestyle of luxury and prestige. With only 1 in 10,000 casks chosen by the master blender for its exceptional character, each numbered bottle becomes a coveted collector’s piece. To elevate the allure of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label, the exclusive Depth of Blue event unfolded last December at EQ Hotel. Curated for a select audience, this unique gathering immersed Tatler friends in an unrivalled journey, celebrating the spirit’s essence. Attendees dived into the history of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, enveloped in a captivating symphony of rarefied aromas and intricate flavours. The “Blue Room” welcomed guests into a multisensory extravaganza featuring a 180-degree immersive screen and breathtaking special effects, beckoning…

Hello, boss. You look dapper in your suit,” Serina Hijjas says as she greets her father Hijjas Kasturi, clad in a handsome red Boss jacket for the Tatler cover shoot in Mövenpick Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA, Sepang, a green landmark development on the firm’s portfolio. Her tone carries an equal mix of affection and respect for her 88-year-old father, the “big boss” at their architecture firm, Hijjas Architects + Planners. Walking through the corridors of the hotel they designed, which opened in 2018, they tell me that it was constructed to facilitate visa and immigration processes for Hajj pilgrims about to embark on their journey to Mecca. Hijjas explains there’s no hotel designed quite like this, with large open spaces to accommodate the large crowds of pilgrims, a modern…

THE TAPESTRY OF BEING Alia Bastamam Alia Bastamam’s Eid 2024 collection celebrates the rich mosaic of individuality across 30 looks. Her signature silhouettes pervade the collection, reimagined in a myriad of styles that walk the line between sophisticated glamour and restrained grace, such as satin wrapped tops with pleated sleeves and matching sarong skirts, metallic kebayas, and modest dresses in a range of striking hues. REVITALISING HERITAGE Khoon Hooi In pursuit of recapturing the beauty of traditional wear, Khoon Hooi breathes new life into the kebaya with contemporary elegance. The collection, imbued with cherished memories of his grandmother’s kebayas, sees a vibrant assortment of traditional silhouettes meticulously elevated with exquisite fabrics and crystal embellishments. Each piece within the collection embodies a unique charm, from the pink tweed fabric and crystal…

BY ANY OTHER NAME Flowers are back in full bloom. Expanding on the persistent rosettes trend, rose prints, floral embellishment, three-dimensional appliqué and petal-shaped silhouettes are all out there in varying interpretations, per designers’ imaginations. From Loewe and Balmain’s 3D floral sculptures to a simple, playful print at Kenzo, there’s a rose for everyone. LONG STORY SHORT Don’t caught off-guard: women’s shorts are reigning supreme and they are serious. After seasons of barely-there mini shorts, designers are incorporating a touch more tailoring and pairing shorts with blouses, blazers and coats to make them office-chic for summer. If that’s still a little too daring, Bermuda shorts are timeless for a reason. THE SKY’S THE LIMIT Like a breath of refreshing air, icy or sky blue is the colour of the spring-summer…

Measuring more than 1,800 sqft, the Franck Muller boutique in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is its largest in Asia. Like its magnificently audacious timepieces, the boutique exterior is vibrant with holographic projections of its latest timepieces, while the interior is sleek with capsule-like display cases. A hidden champagne door in a discreet corner provides access to a private bar with walls of reflective gold. Decadent yet surprisingly cosy, it reflects the brand’s penchant for bold designs, precious materials, and a singular approach to luxury. Nicholas Rudaz, the CEO of Franck Muller, was recently in town to celebrate the grand opening of the boutique together with Sharon Lim, who heads Franck Muller in Southeast Asia. The boutique is managed by Sincere Fine Watches, its retail partner in the region. Before the official…

Hands up if you’re ready to embrace these stylish cuffs…

Some of us might remember being told to “be serious” by a parent or teacher when trying to make a game out of learning during our schooling years. Traditionally treated as a solemn affair with equally solemn etiquette, learning is commonly viewed as “serious business” by parents and educators alike. It turns out that fun and games can be a positive and enriching experience for students when properly applied and need not be seen as an opposing force that keeps students from learning. Loosely referred to as gamification or game-based learning, it involves the use of game design elements in a non-game context or actual games to acquire skills or knowledge. Some examples of game design elements include goals, game mechanics and rules, interaction, challenges, interactive problem-solving, point scoring systems…

Concord College International School Malaysia (CCIS), a British international school renowned for its highly successful ethos of rigour, kindness, and creativity, is set to open its doors in September 2024. The learning institution, geared towards students aged 5 to 18, offers a broad and balanced education based on Britain’s National Curriculum for Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form (A-Level), following in the footsteps of its successful sister school, Concord College, UK (CCUK). The establishment of CCIS in Malaysia stems from a strategic partnership between Sunsuria Berhad and Concord College International Limited, marking the Malaysian property developer’s foray into the international education sector. Concord College International Limited is a subsidiary of the Bell Concord Educational Trust, an educational charity based in the UK responsible for overseeing CCUK, regarded as one of Britain’s…