EFY magazine online [download]

E D I TO R’ S N OT E & C R E D I T S
Welcome to the 2nd issue of the
efy Magazine!
Stylish, luxuriant, and rich with colour and texture, EFY is designed not only to be read, but
also to be absorbed. It’s perfect when you’re ready to relax, kick off your shoes and curl up
on the sofa or lounge by the pool.
PUBLISHER’S OFFICE
EFY Dot Com Sdn. Bhd
2-3-1 Wisma Pauson,
Jalan Taming Kanan1,
Taman Taming Jaya,
43300 Balakong
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel: +603 8962 3528 / 3670
[email protected]
www.efy.com.my
And we have just the right mix of content for you in this issue – our Hari Raya issue. What
we’re most excited about is the Zalora Rayalution!
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Chan Sook Fen
[email protected]
Ladies, if you’re planning to go for bright-coloured prints and designs for your baju raya, have
a peek at the collection by local artists Fazura and Mizz Nina featured on Zalora. A fusion
of traditional and modern baju kurungs, scarves and kaftans, it’s perfect for any occasion!
But what takes the cake is our Raya Home Décor section, where homeowners invite you
into their majestic homes, sprinkled with a touch of Arabian Architecture, Geometry Motifs
and Vibrant Colours.
We’ve also chatted up three sophisticated, vibrant and talented women. Whether it’s
advocating for women, running a successful business and holding high positions, or simply
being a wife and mom, these three ladies epitomise women power.
Or why not look out for our Yummylicious section for new restaurants that has popped up
at The Row KL. We’ve reviewed three new “kids” on the block, a great place to hang out
after work or over the weekend.
We are confident in providing you an interesting, insightful and engaging read, with realistic
articles on issues that affect your daily lives, and a multi-hued representation of yourself in
areas that matter.
So look around, enjoy reading, and send us your thoughts & ideas. We’d love to hear from
all of you.
To all our readers, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maaf Zahir & Batin from all of us at EFY!
EDITOR
Priya Rama
[email protected]
WRITER
Eris Choo
[email protected]
CONTRIBUTORS
Najihah Sani, Shalina Geraldine, Sabrina Mosbergen,
Audrey Wong, Fariza Saidin, Meena Srinivasan, Ajit
Singh, Y.S Siew, Jeremy Wong
EVENTS & MARKETING
Helen Lee
[email protected]
SALES
Wendy Wong
[email protected]
Tutty Zuliana
[email protected]
DESIGN
Syaril Said
[email protected]
CONCEPT & DESIGN
EFY Dot Com Sdn Bhd
COVER CREDIT
Wayfair
PRINTED BY
Ultimate Print Sdn Bhd
Lot 2, Jalan Sepana 15/3,
Off Persiaran Selangor,
Seksyen 15, 40000 Shah Alam,
Selangor Darul Ehsan
ADVERTISING OR GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Tel: +603 8962 3528 / 3670
Email: [email protected]
Priya Rama
www.facebook.com/efynews
www.twitter.com/EFYeffie
instagram.com/efymalaysia
CONTENT
6 COVER STORY
8 FASHION
A Majestic Décor For Hari Raya
-
-
-
-
ZALORA Rayalution!
Pangoi: Classy, Timeless
Go Korean with YFS
Ultron Sportswear
22 WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE
-
-
-
WAN YON SHAHIMA
HRDF has a HEART
NADIRA YUSOFF
Being individualistic is not going to get us anywhere
JOANNE KAY
Local brands are not inferior
12 BEAUTY
26 PROPERTY TALK
14 YUMMYLICIOUS
18 TRAVELHOLICS
20 GADGETS
21 HEALTH
28 HOME & LIVING
30 EVENT CALENDAR
31 EFY EVENTS
32 LISTINGS
- Shiseido: A Review
- Physicians Formula
Lost World of Tambun
Phones, Unconventional!
Power Up With Spinach
-
-
-
-
How To Seal The Deal Faster
Knowledge is Power for Real Estate Agents
Rewire Your Brains, Stop Bad Habits, says Mind Whisperer
Shopping Malls: It’s All In The Mix
5 Things Homeowners Should Have
May - July
C O V E R S TO RY
A Majestic Décor
for Hari Raya
By Audrey Wong
With Arabian Architecture, Geometry Motifs and Vibrant Colours
The most celebrated festival for Muslims worldwide, Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. While the
Hari Raya celebration represents a time of forgiveness and fellowship, it is also a time for sharing the unique culture and joy of
Hari Raya by opening up the home to friends and family. Whether you prefer a traditional look or a modern décor, here are some
refreshing ideas to get your home ready for the Hari Raya festivities.
DRESS UP THE WALLS
Evoke the majesty of Arabian architecture
in your home by adorning bare walls with
distinctive Islamic art.
Create a central visual focus in the living or
dining room with intricate artworks that feature
interesting motifs to liven up the ambiance in
your home.
If you’re tight on budget, don’t fret. Beautiful
Islamic graphics are easily available online and
these royalty-free images can be printed and
framed up to serve as captivating wall art.
Image credit: Wayfair
Image credit: Irada Arts
6
C O VV EERR SSTO
T ORY
RY
EMBRACE
GEOMETRIC MOTIFS
Infuse a modern take on the traditional Islamic
décor with geometric designs, which are an
essential part of Islamic art and architecture.
Using geometric designs in the interiors can
be extremely versatile. From wallpaper and
rugs to table runners and even bed linens,
geometric motifs allow you to extend the
festive mood from the living room all the way
to the bedroom.
Image credit: Wiz Design
Image credit: Period Living
NEW SOFT
FURNISHINGS
Looking for a simple way to dress up your
home for Hari Raya? Just replace the old
curtains with a new set in a colourful or a
lively theme.
Likewise, switch up the upholstery of
your sofas and armchairs to complement
the look and feel of the new window
treatments.
For a quicker alternative, switch up your
throw pillows with a traditional motif,
such as the songket, to instantly update
the décor for the festive season.
Image credit: Anserai
Image credit: Harlequin
VIBRANT PALETTE
Donning colour-themed outfits is a common
tradition for families during Hari Raya, and
the same can be applied to your interior
décor too.
While green is a popular colour in decorating,
you can be a little more adventurous by
selecting a purple, blue or gold theme for
your home.
When experimenting with colours, less is
more. Ensure that you stick to one primary
hue as the dominant colour and complement
it with accent colours in smaller doses for the
best results.
Image credit: Idecorise
Image credit: Mozaico
7
FA S H I O N
RAYALUT ION
With Raya just around the corner, EFY got a glimpse of Zalora’s modest but stylish line-up of Muslimah fashion at the
exclusive ‘Rayalution: Zalora Fashion Festival 2016’, held recently at Le Meridien, Kuala Lumpur. Spanning three fashion
shows, Rayalution is Zalora’s largest Raya fashion festival to date and features exciting creations by 13 local independent
brands, established young designers and celebrities.
By Eris Choo
Fazbulous by Fazura
Classic, Elegant, Bold
If you’ve always wanted to dress up in celebrity-designed
clothing, then Fazbulous by Fazura is the collection for you.
Nurfazura Sharifuddin, or Fazura as she is better known
among fans, is no stranger to the local entertainment scene,
being an actress, producer, model, host - and now she can add
fashion designer to her portfolio.
Fazbulous is her second Raya collection, after her first
successful showcase at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week last year.
Her collection this time around draws inspiration from women
with beauty, strength and courage. Expect classic and elegant
pieces with bold, monochrome tones of deep blue, red, black
and white.
Available on Zalora from May 10
8
FA S H I O N
SAWDAA by Mizz Nina
Can Be Worn Backwards
Mizz Nina needs no introduction: an award-winning singer,
songwriter and deejay, she has been focusing more on
expanding her fashion empire since her return from Hajj in
2013. She is a firm believer that covering oneself doesn’t have
to be boring.
Sawdaa, a high-end, cutting edge collection, aims to convey
messages of being strong-willed, independent and confident.
Adopting a sporty twist to traditional kurungs and jubahs, the
dresses are carefully crafted from space cotton and are so
versatile, they can even be worn backwards!
The showcase featured a mixed traditional look: baju kurungs
with flowery, embroidered edges, coupled with jubahs done in
block colours and clean lines.
Available on Zalora from April 14
KREE by Rene Diana Sulaiman
Classic Hometown, Touch of City
As creative director, Rene believes in honouring women’s
desire to be beautiful: which is why Kree has been shaped to
be current and fresh for Malaysian women.
Her collection, ‘Kree Lebaran 2016’, is inspired by the idea of
a small town girl who has made it big in the city, but has not
forgotten her roots.
With a touch of city vibe to classic hometown, the designs are
a marriage between old and new, featuring flamenco sleeves
and cinched waists.
Dresses are loose and flowy without compromising on
silhouettes, thanks to sheer material that clings modestly to
the body.
Available on Zalora from June
MINAZ by Hafiza Hamid
For the Feminine Fashionista
Romanticism is the main element in Minaz’s ‘The Journey
2016’ collection, helmed by Hafiza Hamid (Pija), an accounting
graduate turned fashion designer.
Sweet and feminine, Hafiza’s design has made it big among
local fashionistas, thanks to its beautiful floral patterns which
are custom designed and printed.
Subtle-glam, modest and with careful detailing, the dresses
featured soft, pastel hues like mint and beige, but also edgier
(but still girly) looks of blue on velvet red.
Available on Zalora from May 9
Other than Muslimah wear, the collections also feature headscarves and men’s wear.
These collections are now available online exclusively on www.zalora.com.my/zalora-raya-fashion-festival
9
GO KOREAN
FA S H I O N
with YFS apparel
YFS Concept Store recently launched its latest
outlet at IOI City Mall, Putrajaya. Short for Young,
Fashionable and Sassy, YFS also unveiled its Korean
Street Wear collection, themed “Stay It Your Way”,
at the launch.
Since its inception in 1980, YFS has expanded to
more than 50 retail stores nationwide, with another
4 in the pipeline soon.
The merchandise in the store includes American
Denim, AD Jeans, AD Kids & Mikayla as well as YFS
branded fashion product itself.
EFY presents YFS’ Korean Street Wear Collection
2016!
For more information, visit YFS Concept Store
official webpage at www.yfscorp.com
PANGOI
BAGS
Classy, Timeless
By Fariza Saidin
By Eris Choo
Bags aren’t just an accessory, they are a fashion
statement! EFY checks out home-grown leather
bag brand, Pangoi which offers classy but timeless
pieces that go well with any occasion.
1
2
3
2
3
Polished to perfection, this knapsack-inspired shoulder bag is crafted from smooth leather and designed with cape-like sides that expand to
offer more space. The elegant design is functional yet stylish for the office look, but still glam enough for formal events or dinner nights.
Available in brown, coffee and black. Code: PGL-915-010 | Price: RM424.00
Simple but sophisticated, this leather tote bag is designed in a boat shape, which offers spacious compartments – good for storing makeup
and essentials without being too bulky. Its rounded straps make for easy carrying. Decorated with Pangoi’s signature ‘Double G’ logo for a
smooth finish. Available in dark blue, dark green and brown. Code: PGL-915-006 | Price: RM320.80
Bags are not the only thing that Pangoi has to offer, as they also carry a range of affordable yet stylish purses and clutches.
Complete the look with a matching long clutch for keeping your cards, receipts and money. Available in dark blue, camel, maroon
Code: PGLW-915-1007 | Price: RM119.50
Available in Pangoi outlets nationwide or on www.pangoi.com
10
1
FA S H I O N
SPORTSWEAR
Perfect Fit for Getting Fit
By Eris Choo
Check out home-grown sportswear brand Ultron, which offers comfort, function and style for both men and women, at a
fraction of the usual price of international brands. Check out some of EFY’s picks!
Unisex
#TrainInsane Tee
Using super lightweight Superlite Micro-dry® material,
this unisex tee cutting is suited
for both men and women.
Available in two colours,
Black/Neon Yellow and Red/
Black. Ideal for general sports,
running and casual wear.
Price: RM55
Unisex
#TrainInsane
Compression Suit
(Top & Bottom)
Perfect for those among us who like
heavy duty sports and long distance running, the compression suit uses quality
lightweight Micro-dry® material with
stretch-ability and compression properties. Available in three colours, Black,
Heather Grey and Army Green.
Price: MYR89.00 (Top),
MYR129.00 (Bottom)
Camouflage Windbreaker
Want to save space in your bag?
This convenient windbreaker
folds into a pouch for easy carrying. Suitable for both men and
women, it is made from water
repellent Micro-dry® material.
Comes in 2 designs. Ideal for
tracking, hiking and running.
Price: RM209
Women Rattlesnake
Long Pants
Work that body out at Yoga,
Zumba and Dance sessions
with this pair of comfy and
stylish women’s long pants!
Full sublimation print, made
from Micro-dry® material
and available in three print
designs. Price: RM139
HABIB
Sets Hearts On Fire
HABIB recently held its annual Diamond Fest
showcasing its exquisite ‘Hearts On Fire’
couture collections.
With jewellery sets in diamond and rose
gold, consisting of ring, earrings and
pendant, all collections shown can be found
exclusively at selected HABIB showrooms.
11
BEAUTY
1
A Review By Eris Choo
2
New White Lucent
I’ve struggled with bad skin all my life - a combination of an oily T-zone with dry skin. Even
in my mid-20s, I still get acne. After trying numerous skincare products with no results, I
approached the Shiseido New White Lucent range with scepticism.
4
3
5
Inspired by professional cosmetic procedures, it is the latest addition to Japanese brand
Shiseido’s skincare products, employing ‘double strike brightening technology’ that helps
spot prevention and strengthens the skin’s resistance to darkness and spots - or so they
claim. Is this another expensive product that talks big but delivers nothing?
1. Cleanser (125ml - RM151.58)
Cleanser is a basic item in skincare, and the White Lucent Brightening Cleansing Foam is fairly
gentle while lifting away impurities. Its MicroWhite Powder removes dead surface cells for better
clarity and skin luminosity. I liked the fact that a small amount was all it took to get a good lather.
However, the cleansing agents were slightly drying and left my skin feeling taut. This might be a decent option for oily skin, or followed up with a moisturiser.
2. Softener (150ml - RM201.40)
The Luminizing Infuser is a softener that was perfect to use after the cleanser, as it had an oily texture. Using Deep Infuse Technology to boost penetration of an
intensive brightening ingredient called Tranexamic Acid, it softened the skin and opened up the pores for the next set of treatments. Gentle on the skin and alcohol
free, the solution also had a nice, lingering fragrance.
3. Concentrate (30ml - RM270.30)
Next, we have the Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, a goopy liquid with a rose and lotus fragrance. Although not part of the White Lucent series, it can be used
as a complement to the rest of the treatments. Some of the ingredients include gingko biloba, perilla and wild thyme. The concentrate reignites the skin’s defensive
power, protecting it like a shield to resist further damage and maintain a youthful look. They use SakuraResist Technology, which suppresses epidermal signals and
helps reduce spots, using key ingredients derived from Japanese cherry blossoms.This was my favourite as I could feel the concentrate being absorbed into the skin,
leaving it firm and bouncy with a hydrated, smooth and glowy appearance almost immediately.
4. Spot Corrector (30ml - RM434.60)
Dark spots are the bane of the skin - caused by the production of melanin from sun exposure, genetics, aging and other factors. To battle that, the Micro Targeting
Spot Corrector brightens and creates an even, overall skin tone by suppressing melanin production. Similar to laser therapy, the spot corrector ‘targets’ dark spots
and reduces pigmentation by getting rid of surface dead skin cells. It is formulated with Super Hydro-Synergy Complex which supplies moisture and improves skin
texture. It has a pearly sheen and flowery fragrance.
5. Emulsion (75ml - RM233.20)
Last but not least in the range is the Luminising Surge, also a battler of dark spots. The emulsion protects skin from external aggressors such as dryness while creating
a luminous look with an intensive brightening ingredient called 4MSK (potassium methoxy salicylate, which inhibits melanin and tyrosine kinase activity). The soft, silky
emulsion was absorbed quickly into the skin, and was alcohol free and gentle.
Now that I’m in my mid-20s, a more intensive skincare routine is a must to protect the skin and keep it in a youthful state for as long as possible. The products were mostly gentle on the skin and smelled as good as perfume. When used at night, my skin felt bouncy and fresh in the
morning.
While the range didn’t perform miracles within one week of usage, I noticed that my skin felt less dry, was more hydrated and less dull. Even
my acne wasn’t so bad and looked less inflamed. As these products were tested mostly on Asian skin, I felt that the results held up pretty well
against my own.
*All products are dermatologically tested
*Prices are inclusive of 6% GST and accurate at time of writing
12
BEAUTY
4
3
2
5
Physicians
Formula
1
US cosmetic brand
Physicians Formula may be
new to Malaysian women,
but it is America’s number
one bronzer brand.
By Fariza Saidin
6
Physicians Formula recently introduced a new line-up of products under its
Nude Wear and Happy Booster range.
As the name depicts, Nude Wear lines up products that contain 100%
Nude Glow pigments, which allow skin to breathe for a beautiful bare skin
effect with skinglowing finish.
7
The Happy Booster range is designed to enhance mood and stimulate
happy thoughts by utilizing unique breakthrough ingredients, aroma
therapy, color therapy and texture therapy that stimulate positive sensory
reactions.
Each Happy Booster compact also comes with a built-in mirror and a
dual-toned fan-shaped Happy Booster brush, which picks up just the right
amount of powder for the ultimate perfecting finish.
Both Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Powder & Blusher are also
formulated with Physicians Formula’s exclusive Happy Boost Blend – a
combination of Arctic Rose, Omega-3, seed butter and fresh violet.
1. Organic Wear mascara in pink casing.
2. Mineral Wear range powder.
3. Organic Wear mascara.
4. Mineral airbrsh pressed powder.
5. Nude Wear Foundation range.
6. Happy Booster range.
7. Mineral liquid foundation.
Besides the new range, Physicians Formula’s star product is the Mineral
Wear and Organic Wear range.
Made with 100% pure and gentle minerals, Mineral Wear delivers a
flawless complexion with no shimmer, cakey finish. Its content includes
a daily dose of Vitamin A &E derivatives, features talc-free formulas and
natural antioxidants to help protect and condition the skin.
With Organic Wear, your makeup range are free of harsh chemicals,
parabens and synthetic preservations. In short, it is totally free from
harmful ingredients.
Physicians Formula’s products are now available exclusively at selected
Watson Malaysia outlets. Price ranges between RM39 to RM82.
13
YUMMYLICIOUS
2OX
Bistro And Bar
SIMPLY
FRENCHASTIC!
By Eris Choo
had a tart aftertaste. It coated the leaves with
creamy goodness, complemented by bits of
sweet and crunchy walnuts and ham.
Next came the Fusilli Pasta with Rocket Salad,
Tomatoes, Peanuts and Pesto, which was rich
and creamy. We felt that it could have used a bit
more salt, but the dish felt wholesome as it had
everything - carbs, vegetables, and healthy fat
from the peanuts and pesto.
Beef Oyster Blade - RM88
Toasted Goats Cheese - RM38
Pate de Maman - RM40
Moving on to the mains, we tried the house
special: Beef Oyster Blade. A traditional shoulder
cut, the version here has been cooked for over
seven hours in low temperature.
Soaking in its own juices, the meat was so tender
that one slice from the knife was all it took for the
beef to separate. We don’t have to tell you how
melt-in-the-mouth tender it was!
Fusilli Pasta - RM22
Duck Rillette - RM38
IF you’re looking for authentic French cuisine in
Kuala Lumpur, look no further than 2OX Bistro and
Bar at The Row, Jalan Doraisamy.
Tucked in the middle of a swanky row of
restaurants, the place offers fine dining with a casual
touch - clean white tables, wooden chairs and
tasteful decorations. It is named after the Chinese
horoscope of its two owners.
Upon entering, there is a long bar stretching to the
back of the restaurant, lined with bottles of wine
and drinks. In the middle, there is an open space
with bar stools, allowing sunlight to filter in from the
top.
We were greeted by 2OX’s affable head chef,
Thierry Le Baut. A veteran in French cooking, Le
Baut has over 16 years of experience and has been
in Malaysia for three years.
He also helms Maison Francaise, the ‘French House’
at Changkat Kia Peng - which many consider the
first French fine dining restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.
Inspired by his mother’s cooking, Le Baut set out
to create a menu that is authentically French, using
ingredients and cooking techniques typically found
in the region’s cuisine - just like how Maman (French
for mother) used to make them.
14
Chicken a La Basquaise - RM55
We kicked off the meal with some appetisers. First
out of the kitchen was the Duck Rillette served
with Pickled Gherkins, followed by Pate de Maman,
a provincial style pate. These are traditional dishes
found in restaurants and homes in France.
The Duck Rillette, which was mixed with pork,
came in a glass container and was served with
crackers and pickles. The meat has been cured and
salted, cooked over low heat, shredded and raked
before blending to become a creamy paste. Such a
long, tedious process, and all of it was gone within
a few bites!
Meanwhile, the Pate de Maman - a thick slab
of blended, cured meat with crackers - was
presented on a wooden chopping board. Mixed
with herbs such as onion, garlic and parsley, the
pate had a nice mix of fat and lean meat, and was
juicy and salty.
The Toasted Goat’s Cheese with Tomatoes and
Walnuts was a clear winner. The unassuming
salad was transformed into a masterpiece of
textures and flavours, thanks to a delightful
combination of ingredients.
Fresh spinach leaves were topped with two slabs
of slightly-melted goat cheese, which was saltysweet, more pungent than regular cheese and
The Chicken a La Basquaise was colourful,
topped over with green and red peppers, sweet
onions, garlic and swimming in a chicken and
veggie stock. This chicken casserole dish hailing
from Basque in France was big enough for two,
tender and very juicy.
Finishing off the meal on a sweet note, we got the
Classic Crème Brule. The smooth, bouncy vanilla
custard was not too sweet, complemented by a
layer of hard caramel on its surface.
We then dug into the Lemon Tart Meringue
Everinne. The contrasting flavours did a dance on
our taste buds - sour lemon curd at the bottom;
airy and fluffy sweet meringue on top.
Last but not least, the Dark Chocolate Mousse
was rich and creamy. The thick, dark chocolate
balanced out the sweetness of earlier dishes with
a hint of bitterness.
For an all-in experience, go for 2OX’s threecourse set meals for just RM88++, which
includes an appetiser, main meal and dessert.
There is also a Sunday special brunch, which features
dishes from different parts of France every week.
2OX FRENCH BISTRO AND BAR
56, The Row, Jalan Doraisamy,
Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2692 2233.
Business hours: 12pm - 12am (daily)
Y UM M Y L ICIO US
BACCHUS
WINE AND TAPAS BAR
The God of Wine Beckons
By Eris Choo
Good food and great, affordable wine is what you’ll find at Bacchus - a newly opened wine and tapas
bar at The Row along Jalan Doraisamy, Kuala Lumpur.
Named after the Greek god of wine, Bacchus offers over 250 kinds of red, white and rose wines
from Spain, Italy, Australia, Georgia and New Zealand, to name a few.
THE dining area was intimate and cosy; bathed
in soft yellow lights, with wooden chairs and dark
grey walls, and tastefully decorated with wine
bottles and boxes.
Kenneth Gan
Braised Pork Belly
A black leather couch sat in a corner, underneath
a shelf lined with their best-selling wines - the
Perth CEO range from Australia’s Barossa Valley
and Margaret River.
“Wine is always seen as expensive, or ‘highend’. My idea is to make wine affordable, so that
people can enjoy it at every meal,” said Bacchus
owner Kenneth Gan.
“We started sourcing for wines that are
affordable and value for money, especially those
priced between RM80 to 200 that are not well
known in Malaysia, but of good quality,” he
explained.
Salmon Namasake with
Wasabi Mayo
The prices on the menu range from as low as
RM75 per bottle, to RM200 and above. They
also carry vintage wines costing thousands.
To kick off the night, we tried a white wine called
Santa Luz Alba Chardonnay 2013 Valle Central.
It was slightly sweet, with a fruity flavour and tart
aftertaste.
Garlic Prawns
It was heaven at first bite. The meat was
extremely tender; melting on the tongue like
cotton candy. This writer literally closed her
eyes as she ate it - it was that good!
Going hand-in-hand with drinks is food, and Bacchus
delivers with the formidable chef Angie Hiew, a
pioneer behind Spanish restaurant Flamenco and
who has over 20 years of culinary experience.
We sampled the Gambas Al Ajillo, or Garlic
Prawns (RM18). Sizable prawns, cooked to a
beautiful orange, was topped with loads of crispy
fried garlic and drizzled over with oil. It looked
simple, but tasted divine as the fragrant garlic
brought out the sweet seafood flavour.
Next came the Salmon Namasake with Wasabi
Mayo (RM18). The sashimi, served with spicy
wasabi, was prepared with salmon belly which
was fresh and fatty.
We were lucky to savour the Braised Pork
Belly (RM18), their best-selling dish. It gets
so many orders that the kitchen has to limit it
to just 50 sets a day!
The thick slices of belly came soaked in a light
but flavourful consommé, along with broccoli,
carrots and cherry tomatoes.
One thing the place prides itself in is in their
sauces, which are all prepared in-house. Other
offerings at Bacchus include beef meatballs,
fried calamari, tortillas, chorizos and bruschetta;
all perfect finger food to munch on while sipping
on a glass of wine.
BACCHUS WINE BAR
52, The Row, Jalan Doraisamy, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 012-330 7712
Business Hours:
Mon - Thurs (12pm - 12am) | Sat (4pm - 2am)
Closed on Sundays
15
YUMMYLICIOUS
with
timbre
Beef Satay
Edward Chia, Dato’ Seri Idris Jala & Danny Long
Awi Rafael & Zoe Leigh
WHAT makes for the perfect night out with
friends and family?
If it’s food, fun and music, you’ll find all that and
more at the newly launched Timbre @ The Row
on Jalan Doraisamy, Kuala Lumpur.
Offering a cosy dining experience accompanied
by live music, the restaurant dishes out an array
of Western fare such as pizzas, pastas and tapas.
It also doubles as a platform to showcase up
and coming musical talents, with resident bands
playing four nights a week.
EFY was invited to the exclusive launch party held
recently, which saw celebrities such as Sazzy Falak
and Awi Rafael mingling with guests.
We were greeted by an intimate but fun setting
- dark walls, a bar, wooden chairs and tables
16
By Eris Choo
Thin-Crust Anchovies And Duck Pizzas
facing a stage for live bands. The spacious area,
which has both indoor and al-fresco dining, was
already packed with up to 200 guests.
But as Loong puts it, what makes them different
is their commitment to being more than just a
restaurant – it is a social mission.
Waiters hurried in and out of the kitchen,
serving bite-sized house favourites for guests.
Our picks included the thin-crust anchovies
and duck pizzas, salmon gravlax and fried
chicken, and free flow of drinks from the
bar!
“Ten years ago, we started off with one live
music bar, and today we are a brand synonymous
with promoting home grown music talents in
Singapore. We hope to be able to do the same in
all the markets we venture into,” Loong enthused.
While tucking in, we were treated to
performances by Timbre’s resident bands,
such as I.R.I.S, Nick Yungkit & Band, Timbre
Culture Club and E.F.F.Y, (not a coincident!) all
of whom are local talents.
Particularly exciting is when emerging talents are
uncovered, giving them the chance to debut on
Timbre’s performing stage. An example would be
23-year old powerhouse singer Effy, who fronts
one of Timbre’s resident bands, E.F.F.Y.
Surprising everyone on-stage was guest of
honour, National Transformation Programme
advisor to the Prime Minister and PEMANDU
chief executive officer Dato’ Sri Idris Jala, who
jammed to three rock tunes with the band and
Timbre co-founders, Danny Loong and Edward
Chia.
The performance drove the crowd wild, as
Idris rocked and crooned in a gravelly voice,
strumming magic on an electric guitar.
A Platform for Talent
This is Timbre Group’s maiden venture outside
of Singapore, but the company is certainly no
stranger to the F&B scene.
With five live music restaurants and bars,
a music academy, a pizzeria, an artiste
management and entertainment consultancy,
and home delivery service, the group has a
diversified lifestyle-business portfolio.
Co-founder Edward Chia added that it wasn’t
only working with local bands, but the people
who run Timbre as well.
Aside from musicians, the chefs at Timbre are
also Malaysians who have worked in Singapore
and were keen to return to their homeland and
run the local chapter of Timbre.
“We very much look forward to the future
and working with our Malaysian talents and
counterparts,” he said.
TIMBRE @ THE ROW
No.60, 62 and 64
Jalan Doraisamy
50300 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2602 2623
Opening hours: Mon – Sat, 6pm onwards
Live music performances: Wed - Sat
Y UM M Y L ICIO US
SAWADDEE
By Sabrina Mosbergen
GREYHOUND CAFÉ
Complicated Noodle
Fresh Coconut Crepe Cake
Fried Tons of Crab Meat with Rice
Sticky Rice Mango Parfait
Spicy Spaghetti Thai Style
Salmon Sashimi in Spicy Hot Sauce
Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Cake
SUMPTUOUS desserts, unusual appetisers
and unexpected reinterpretations of classic Thai
favourites aptly describe the spread of goodies
showcased at the official launch of the first
Greyhound Café Malaysia at Ansa, Bukit Bintang
earlier this month.
lettuce leaves tossed in Caesar salad dressing, with
tuna flakes and sliced button mushrooms were
presented in a bowl, topped with mini toasted
sandwich bread-squares serving as croutons – a
smart twist to the usual Caesar Salad. The one
gripe was the dish could have benefitted from the
addition of more tuna flakes and mushroom slices.
The Malaysian outlet is the 11th Greyhound Café
branch outside Thailand after Hong Kong, Beijing
and Shanghai.
The Thai-conceived Café franchise prides itself for
its hip Bangkok Café concept of simple Thai and
Western food with a creative twist, harmonising
traditional flavours with contemporary ideas.
The Bukit Bintang outlet’s industrial modern-minimalist
shop design by leading Thai interior designers Poomsak
Teankaprasith and Mesa Nopakun from Dot Line
Plane is a nod to the traditional -meets- contemporary
identity of the brand.
EFY was at the official launch to sample delicious
fares from the Café’s innovative menu.
While the starters showcased at the launch didn’t
reinvent the wheel, they offered an interesting
take on some traditional appetizers like Caesar
salad and Smoked Salmon.
Greyhound Café’s version of Caesar Salad, called
‘Sandwich in a Bowl Salad’ was memorable
because of its creative vision. Crisp Romaine
Taste-wise, the Salmon Sashimi in Spicy Hot Sauce
scored top marks for pairing moreish fresh salmon
slices with a spicy citrus Thai chili sauce that just
awakened the taste buds.
An appetiser that was fun to eat was the
Complicated Noodle dish which required some
assembly – diners were required to place a sheet
of flat rice noodle onto a lettuce leaf, top it with
the chicken mince filling provided, roll up the leaf,
and chomp into it. Like the salmon sashimi, it too
was elevated by the same spicy citrus sauce that
was served together with the dish.
The main courses were more conventional. The
Fried Tons of Crab Meat with Rice was full of
crabmeat but otherwise stayed true to traditional
garlic fried rice, with none of the fiery heat we
normally associate with Thai cooking. The Pad
Thai with Fresh Shrimp was also just average.
However, the Spicy Spaghetti Thai Style - a stir-fry
of spaghetti with seafood - was the clear winner
with its intense chili, fresh peppercorn and basil
leaves flavour.
Hitting the ball out of the park for the café was
the dessert course featuring both traditional Thai
desserts and western cakes.
Acing presentation was the Thai Rice Mango
Parfait, which was a fresh twist on the traditional
Thai sticky rice and mango dessert. Served in a
glass, a sticky rice square is topped by fresh mango
cubes and a refreshing scoop of coconut sherbet,
offering a lighter version of this classic dessert.
Meanwhile another classic Thai dessert, the water
chestnut and coconut milk Tub Tim Krob received
a Greyhound treatment with the addition of
coconut granita and coconut flesh.
The Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Cake was
a devilishly moist and soft cake, layered with
decadent chocolate fudge and sea salt caramel,
served with additional caramel on the side.
Good as the other desserts were, the standout
dessert for us was the Fresh Coconut Crepe Cake
with its light layers of fine crepe, fresh cream and
soft coconut meat from Thailand.
GREYHOUND CAFÉ
Ground Floor, Ansa Kuala Lumpur,
101, Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 2148 1188
17
T H E M E PA R K
PARADISE
IN THE CITY
By Eris Choo
THE people behind Lost World of Tambun
Theme Park and Hot Springs & Spa couldn’t have
picked a better place for a getaway.
Nestled within lush tropical jungle and natural
hot springs, the place is touted as a day and night
destination suitable for all the family.
It is the only theme park in Southeast Asia with
a natural hot springs, alongside a wide variety of
attractions and rides.
EFY writer Eris Choo went to see what the hype
was all about recently.
BY DAY
We kicked off our tour at the Theme Park, which
is divided into six sections. The Amusement Park
boasts carnival-like rides such as Dragon Flight,
a spinning top attraction which hoists riders up
into the air and swings them around in their seats!
We also went on the Storm Rider, an exhilarating
pirate boat which swings up to 180 degrees.
Feeling the rush of wind on your face as you
swing up and down is a great way to start the day.
The little ones will enjoy the Perak Parade, a
carousel with pretty horses and animals bobbing
up and down to music.
I was too chicken to go into the Haunted
Chambers after hearing screams from my fellow
18
(braver) media friends, but they came out
laughing and said that it was all good and fun.
Just beside it is Lupe’s Adventure, a dragonshaped coaster and Perak’s first roller coaster
ride.
Next, we hopped on to Adventure Express,
the perfect vehicle for some quick sightseeing.
The train took us through majestic ruins, surging
waters and all the other sections of the park.
Over at Tiger Valley, we met Putra and Jazz,
the park’s resident tigers. The beautiful big
cats stared at us curiously as we snapped away
and marvelled at their thick orange and black
coats. The tigers looked well cared for and the
enclosure was clean and green, something which
can’t be said of many other zoos in Malaysia.
Moving on, our train stopped at Tin Valley –
a tribute to Kinta Valley’s glorious tin mining
past, where a staff member showed us how
to do dulang washing. We tried swirling the
water around in the tray until only tin deposits
remained – fun for us, but was once a livelihood
for many people.
Rising like a pinnacle nearby was the Needle
of Tambun, an impressive limestone structure
measuring 40m high and covered in vegetation.
Named for its sharp shape, the lone narrow
‘hill’ survived while its neighbours dissolved into
nothing over time.
Petting Zoo
Just a stone’s throw away is Kepura Cave, a spacious
cavern with natural stalactites and stalagmites
jutting from the ceiling and an aquarium.
The place is available for event rentals such
conferences, dinners and even weddings. Imagine
telling your friends and family that you’re getting
married in a cave!
The Lost World Petting Zoo will be a hit among
children and animal lovers, as you can touch, feed
and play with the animals. I enjoyed my visit to
T H E M E PA R K
Hot Spring
Tin Valley
T h e
brand
n e w
Saphira’s Lair
the aviary, where colourful birds of all shapes and
sizes flew overhead or waded across our path.
Some were friendly and even flew right into our
palms to be fed!
We didn’t get to try the Wet Park, but our guide
pointed out the highlights, such as the River and
Beach Garden, which has a landscaped beach
surrounded by 20ft twin waterfalls and two rivers
flowing into the pool.
Adrenaline junkies can hit the waves up at
Malaysia’s biggest wave pool, Jungle Wave Bay,
where waves can swell up to three feet high! Else,
go Zorbing on the water or try Tube Raiders, the
longest inflatable tube ride in Malaysia with four
different slides to choose from.
BY NIGHT
After a fun day out, it was time to relax and
unwind with a good, hot soak at the Lost World
Hot Springs & Spa by night.
Dinner was at Ipoh Street, a row of shops where
guests can savour local favourites like curry mee,
dumplings, rojak, kacang puteh and Ipoh White
Coffee.We dined under gazebos in the middle of
a shallow pool, with our feet submerged in water.
In line with their expansion, new hot spring pools
and attractions have been added, along with a
new slide called Saphira’s Twister, which takes
visitors right into a cold pool surrounded by hot
spring water.
Crystal Falls and Jacuzzi Pools were a
sight to behold. The man-made waterfall
seemed to cascade from the mountain
itself into the hot springs.
The colours changed at intervals, creating
the illusion of glowing, precious stones
similar to the gems they were named
after – Amethyst, Topaz and Sapphire.
Temperatures soared up to 45C!
It took a while for us to get our whole
body in as the temperature was high
enough to boil an egg (!) but once inside,
the water soothed and relaxed our tired muscles.
Kepura Cave
Another new addition is the Emerald Lagoon.
A large pool with milder temperatures, it was
surrounded by wooden gazebos and the lighting
created a clear, crystal-like effect.
We submerged ourselves in the family-friendly
Saphira’s Lair; lit up with luminous lights, like a
glowing rainforest. The temperature was 40C
and there were high powered jets of water that
visitors can stand under for a massaging effect.
Other attractions in the area include the Infinity
Pool, Foot Spa, Lost World Steam Cave and The
Geyser of Tambun.
To wrap up the rejuvenating experience, head
on over to Crystal Spa, which is open from 3pm
to 11pm.Visitors can enjoy various body therapy
sessions such as aromatherapy, traditional ‘Malay
Urut’, head and shoulder massages and Hot
Spring Hot Stone Massage.
The Lost World of Tambun Theme Park and
Hot Springs and Spa is a great place for a getaway that isn’t too far from the city. With the
expansion, guests can expect even more value
from this well-kept holiday resort.
Tickets to the Theme Park are priced at RM58
for adults and RM51 for children, while entry to
the Hot Springs and Spa costs RM26. Those who
book online enjoy more savings.
SUNWAY LOST WORLD OF TAMBUN,
No.1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway 1,
Sunway City Ipoh,
31150 Ipoh,
Perak Darul Ridzuan.
Tel: 05-542 8888
www.sunwaylostworldoftambun.com
Theme Park Operating Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11am – 6pm, (Weekends, School and Public Holidays)
10am – 6pm. Closed on Tuesdays, except on Malaysian school and public holidays.
Hot Springs and Spa by Night Operating Hours: Daily 6pm – 11pm (closed on Tuesdays, except
on Malaysian school and public holidays).
Crystal Spa is open from 3pm to 11pm.
19
GADGETS
PHONES,
UNCONVENTIONAL!
By Fariza Saidin
While the Apples and the Samsungs monopolise the smartphone market,
here are 3 new kids on the block all set to have their share of the pie.
LEAGOO
ALFA 6
The Alfa 6 is operated by 1.3 GHz Quad Core processor, 1600mAh battery for a 4.5” IPS
Display. For convenience and elegance, features Smart Gesture, Smart Motion and Smart
Xender application.
The 1GB RAM + 8GB ROM (MicroSD up to 32GB) allows space management for better and
smoother performance. It has a 5MP Rear Camera for photo takers with a Dual Sim, dual
standby function.
Priced at RM319, customers have a choice of a few colours ranging from Midnight Black,
Pearly White, Bright Blue, and Gorgeous Pink.
www.leagoo.com.my
WIKO
HIGHWAY PURE
French smartphone Wiko Mobile recently made its way into the Malaysian market launching Highway
Pure for the ladies.
At 98 grams, Highway Pure comes embedded with 16 Swarovski Zirconia, with aluminium contours
emphasising its ultra slim design at 5.1 mm.
It conceals a 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor, providing fast and smooth navigation for a 4G smartphone, and 4.8 inch HD screen with AMOLED display technology. Its 8MP main
camera and 5MP front camera can capture moving moments.
Highway Pure is priced at RM999 with FREE screen protector and back casing.
my-en.wikomobile.com
EXMOBILE
VOLTE 2
Home-grown smartphone brand ExMobile launched its latest series, the Volte 2. The 5 inch,
139 grams phone has a 2.5D curve glass with Nano-coating covered on both front and back
panel display.
Priced at RM549, this light weight Volte 2 is easy to handle running on Mediatek 6735A quad
core processor and 26GB of internal storage that can be expanded with micro SD card up to
64GB.
Powered by a 2.2mAh battery that can last up to 90 hours standby time and 7 hours talk-time,
the Volte 2 supports 4G LTE connectivity with Dual SIM and Dual Standby mode while running
on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.
www.exmobile.my
20
H E A LT H
POPEYE was surely on to something with his
well-known love for spinach! The dark, leafy
vegetable Spinacia oleracea is an incredible source
of phyto-nutrients with a host of health qualities
and disease prevention properties.
With its crisp, tender dark green leaves, spinach is
a recognised, nutrient-dense superfood that packs
a punch. It is a storehouse rich with chlorophyll
and anti-oxidants including lutein, zea-xanthine
and beta carotene as well as Vitamins A and C.
All of these compounds act as a barrier against
free radicals to help slow down the oxidation
and aging process, as well as provide support for
healthy eyes and skin.
Spinach is very low in calories yet they are a rich
source of soluble dietary fibre. Approximately
100 grammes of leaves provide some 25% of your
daily intake of iron, a crucial trace mineral that
aids the human body in red blood cell production.
Its leaves also contain a good amount of minerals
like potassium, manganese, magnesium, copper
and zinc.
Juice Works Malaysia, the brand that advocates
freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juice as well
as smoothies, now offers a quick and hassle free
way of consuming your daily intake of spinach.
The newest addition to its menu are the:
1) Tropical Hulk – a blend of Spinach, Mango,
Banana, Jackfruit, Tropical Juice and Mango
Yoghurt with the key benefits of:
- Natural Carbohydrates for energy
- For Gym lovers
- Great source of antioxidants
-Delicious mixture for kids to get your
vitamin A, C, minerals and Calcium for
growing bodies.
2) Strawberry Orchard - a blend of Spinach,
Orange, Strawberries, and Mix Berries
Yoghurt with the key benefits of:
- Great source of Vitamin A & C
- Antioxidants for strong immune system and
healthy heart
- Good source of minerals
- Good source of Calcium for healthy bones
and teeth.
3) Skinny Me - a blend of Spinach, Cucumber,
Apple, and Guava with the key benefits of:
- Low Calories and reduces water retention
to help lose weight
- Good source of antioxidants and minerals
- Anticancer and anti-ageing properties
- Great for prevention of heart disease and
lowers cholesterol
Spinach Surprise is prepared fresh to order, and is
served across all 25 Juice Works Malaysia kiosks
in major malls and offices in 4 states.
“Our loyal patrons are well acquainted with our
many options of Fruit Juices, Power Smoothies
and Detox Juices, where each cup provides
at least three servings of your daily dietary
requirements for fresh produce,” explained Juice
Works Malaysia founder Ling Mooi Li.
POWER UP
WITH SPINACH
“Juice Works has always been
recognised as the ultimate in
freshness when it comes to
juices and smoothies. So we
decided to introduce more
superfoods into our menu with
Spinach Surprise, as this humble
vegetable is truly a turbocharged green,” he added.
“Yet, despite being a storehouse
of health benefits, many of
us do not consume enough
spinach largely due to our busy
and hectic lifestyles. We seldom
eat spinach raw although
cooking destroys much of its
health properties
“With Spinach Surprise, you
get to reap the benefits of this
amazing green vegetable in a
hassle-free and very delicious
drink. Parents, are very
surprised at how delicious it
is, so much so that their kids
happily finish the drink on their
own!” said Choy.
Aside from Spinach Surprise,
Juice Works Malaysia offers
over 30 choices led by the
perennially popular Detox
Juices range that includes
carefully concocted drinks
designed to support dietary
goals, boost immune systems,
soothe upset tummies or
cleanse internal organs.
The Berry Lovers range which
blends zesty berries with low
fat yogurts and other energising
fruits is also a favourite alongside
Tropical Paradise which holds
the key to a rich repertoire of
the exotic delights of sunny
regions such as dragon fruits,
lychee, jackfruits, mangoes and
melons.
Whether in need of a health
supplement, a dietary support,
or just the thrill of a chilled fresh
drink on a sunny day, simply
head to Juice Works Malaysia!
For more details visit www.
juiceworks.com.my
21
BUSINESS
HRDF has
a HEART,
says COO
By Priya Rama
NEW York Times bestselling author
of Mind Over Medicine, Dr Lissa
Rankin once said, “You can quit your
job, but you can’t quit your calling.”
The Chief Operating Officer (COO)
of the Human Resource Development
Fund (HRDF) Wan Yon Shahima
would definitely agree, for it is under
her tutelage that a program to bring
women back into employment was
conceptualised.
EFY spoke to the gutsy COO about
what is it about the HEARTS program
that make women, especially women
who have been complacently out
of job for years, come back knocking
at HRDF’s doors.
THE BEGINNING
“Back in 2013, we were going through
the statistics of latent workforce in
the country, and realised, much to our
chagrin, women made up a glaring
chunk of it. These are educated,
experienced and mature women,
most times in high positions, who
decided to quit primarily due to family
commitments,” enlightened Wan.
This disturbing fact got her on her
toes, and a desire to empower them
back into the workforce. “It’s such a
waste if their skills and talent remain
unused, especially when they have so
much to contribute to the economy.
22
“We started brainstorming with
women NGOs, women associations
and over 200 women, throwing them
the idea of HEARTS as well as
understanding their perspectives,
issues and challenges of coming back
to work,” she explained further.
Their feedback highlighted a very
pertinent yet poignant issue – the
lack of work-life balance in Malaysian
companies.
“These women want to come back
to the workforce; some even want
to take up full-time jobs. However,
the business infrastructure here
is very rigid. We constantly talk
about work-life balance, flexibility
at work, or even work from home,
but to be frank, it is yet to happen
in Malaysia,” lamented Wan.
“Sure, the bigger MNCs probably
has it, but that too only for certain
positions, but the majority of SMEs
and other corporation close both eyes
to it. Therefore, women always have
a challenge when it comes to taking
care of their kids, be it chauffeuring
them to school, child care centres or
clinics when they are sick.
“They are the ones who have to make
the biggest sacrifice; as such when
they aren’t given the flexibility, they
have no other choice than to quit,”
she pointed out.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
And this is precisely where HEARTS
come in, said Wan. “Our program
allows women to freelance from
home, get a part-time or even a
full-time job.
“When we piloted the program 3
years ago, the women were very
receptive to the idea. However,
one bothering issue was low self-
esteem. I guess when you’re out
of the job market for some time,
your confidence takes a beating. So,
many of them had a very negative
mindset and were unsure if they
could still handle the challenges of
working life.”
THE PROGRAM
This incident made the HEARTS
program zoom into 3 areas; one is
to bring back their self-confidence
and to make them realise they
have what it takes to be successful
out there.
Secondly, give them the functional
and technical training they require.
And finally, get them adequately
ready to meet the expectations
of both the employers and
customers, particularly in this era
of lightning-speed urgency.
To date, HEARTS has trained over
800 women with another 2,000
more in the pipeline.
“I’d like to think of HEARTS as a
boutique program. Here, we don’t
leave it to the training provider
to find the trainees. We get the
participants to profile with us via
the HRDF website. We analyse
each and every one of them,
and call them for an interview,
where we explain to them about
the programs offered. Based on
their interest and passion, we
will suggest the best-fit module,”
mentioned Wan.
She also stressed that participants
would not be given modules that
don’t interest them.
“Ultimately, we want to see this
group be enabled and get back
into the workforce and economic
activity. So it defeats the purpose
if they are guided in the wrong
way.”
However, Wan made it clear
that HRDF, as the organiser of
HEARTS, is just a facilitator.
“We can train the women, guide
them, and even place them in a
community to engage with other
women, but we will not spoonfeed them. We can teach them
to fish but they have to find the
river. They are the ones who
need to have the need and want
to succeed!”
TESTIMONY
One such graduate is Juliana,
who is also the ambassador of
HEARTS and a mentor to other
participants of the program.
I was a lawyer by profession but
after many years in the corporate
sector, I decided to take a break,
which turned out to be a 13-year
break (laughs). I wasn’t keen on
the idea of going back to work
as my husband was constantly
travelling, so I need to move a lot
with him.
Thus, being employed full-time
was quite impossible as I would
have to then resign every 3 years
and start all over again. There was
no way I could have climbed the
corporate ladder.
I was quite content staying at
home until I heard about HEARTS
from my sister. I went through
the courses and decided that
translation was the best fit for me.
It was something I could do pretty
much from anywhere.
After the initial interview where
they made sure we met certain
criteria, I enrolled in the first batch
of 2013. The course included
topics such as Getting Back to
Work, Legal and General Text
as well as Science & Technology
translation. Then, we had to sit
for a 5-hour exam.
In short, in just 10 days, I became
a translator. It was quite tough
but a good work out for the brain
after being in hibernation for a
while.
I then applied to become a parttime translator to ITBN, and since
2014 I have been doing translation
jobs for them.
Over the years since its
inception, HEARTS programs
have been constantly improved.
“For instance, what was just a
translation program then, has
now evolved to include editing
and proof-reading. This is to make
our women more marketable,”
revealed Wan.
To date, I have been given over
40 jobs, and each time it’s more
complex translations. I also did
translation for a company that
secured a contract with the
National Archives (Arkib Negara)
to translate Hari Ini Dalam
Sejarah’s BM scripts to English
for their portal. I was part of the
project for a good 6 months.
One organisation that enlists
the translators from HEARTS
is Institut Terjemahan & Buku
Malaysia (ITBM). “ITBMs standard
of quality is pretty high actually.
And for them to have personally
appreciated the work of our
“graduates” is a huge recognition
for us,” she prides.
Her advice to other latent
women? Take the initiative to
come and see the programs
offered and choose the best fit.
Because if you choose something
you’re not passionate, it just
won’t work. It’s a second lease of
life for us, so make full use of the
opportunity!
ARE WE THE LAST
GENERATION TO NEED
AN OFFICE?
The Internet is the most powerful
force behind making traditional work
practices and ‘the office’ less relevant.
High speed connectivity and powerful
software have the potential to render
bus rides, train crushes and coffee
queues in order to arrive at the office a
thing of the past.
filtered, with only the most important
ones being discussed with you.
Much of this is happening now. Today’s
workforce could be the generation that
pioneer ‘bleisure’ – a combination of
business and leisure which irrevocably
blurs the lines between home and work
life, and if that happens, then what
happens to the office as we currently
know it?
In this world you’ll have the capacity to
be more collaborative and innovative
than ever before, with the ability to
‘see’ what those in the physical world
are doing and communicate with them
whenever you need to, including ‘seeing’
what is happening on a project site or
in your retail outlet and ‘popping in’ to
take care of things without physically
being there.
A recent report by Jones Lang LaSalle
showed that within most organisations,
staff desks are utilised just 60% of
the time, with the other 40% spent in
collaboration spaces or out with clients.
In this environment people don’t
even get a desk to call their own and
companies are benefiting from it from
needing less office space.
Coupled to this is the fact that
millennials don’t want to spend their
day in an office if they don’t have to. As
they seek to balance life style with work
style, the office environment may not be
the best place to do that.
The ‘office’ of the future could be your
home, your coffee shop, a library or a
public park; and might be required to
function in multiple ways as a touch
down space, a collaboration space,
a space where things can be built, a
meeting place and more.
As this new model for work emerges,
the technology driving this movement
forward is becoming more powerful.
Technology will soon make it entirely
possible to enter the board room for
a conference, face to face, with clients
and colleagues from around the globe,
while you’re still at home.
Virtual Reality (VR) goggles can readily
provide this capability. The time, cost
and stress of business travel will be
eliminated.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) could take
care of most mundane tasks that don’t
require emphatic thought processes.
Emails will be automatically read and
What’s more, your AI device will
provide details on each person you
meet instantly, informing you of
both their personal and professional
information.
You’ll print what you need to work by
downloading a design from the cloud
and using a 3D printer to manufacture
it.
Within this scenario, innovating will be
more important than ever before. If
mundane tasks are taken care of, the
challenge to all workers will be to find
new ways to add additional value.
This will place a greater demand on
workers to create more value for
customers. Intelligence and innovation
will become the ‘natural resource’ that
companies must leverage to create
competitive advantage.
We have seen technology already
displace and challenge many blue collar
work environments. It would be naïve to
think that similar disruption won’t occur
to white collar work environments,
particularly, when millennials are
demanding this new balance.
Critically, if we are on the cusp of
another workplace revolution, it is
important that we contemplate its
impact. There is a need for businesses
to begin to ponder how the way we
work will change; the effects on staff
and the need to adjust their resourcing
strategies. Uber’isng the office work
force is literally just around the corner.
*Article courtesy of Just Imagine The
company provides a glimpse into the
future for curious readers, exploring ideas
that are probable, possible and for the
imagination.
BUSINESS
L OCAL BR ANDS A RE N OT I N F ERI O R
By Eris Choo
They also organise free workshops
for the public, such as a fortnightly
running movement for runners to
train together, and Yoga classes by
Ultron ambassador Angeline Ong, a
certified Yoga instructor. Plans are in
the works for more free workshops
for different sports, such as Zumba.
ONE wonders how Joanne Kay pulls
off doing so many things at once.
Despite giving birth to a healthy baby
girl recently, Kay is already up and
about with her business - Ultron, a
home-grown sportswear brand that
has been making waves among athletes and the local sports community.
“I’m a workaholic,” Kay admitted with
a laugh. Her day started at 7am, followed by a press conference for a
charity organisation Ultron is sponsoring, a meeting with her brand ambassador, and finally, a chat with EFY.
“The idea for Ultron started in April
2015, around the same time I conceived my baby. It wasn’t something
I planned for!” said Kay, who runs the
business with husband Mark.
As a runner herself, Kay felt that international brands were getting too
expensive - and there were no afford-
24
able options for the masses. Realising
this, she decided to start a homegrown product offering quality products at good prices.
AND THUS, ULTRON WAS BORN
include wicking, breathability, AntiUV, quick drying, anti-bacterial,
lightweight, stretchability and antistatic.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
They opened their flagship store at
Nu Sentral in KL in September, followed by the official launch in December.
What makes Ultron different is the
idea that they aren’t just a sportswear brand, but one that gives back
to society.
The brand carries everything from
compression wear, sports bras and
yoga pants to windbreakers and cycling clothing. The products are priced
from RM37 to RM209, with most
products below RM100.
So far, they’ve sponsored over 60
sporting events (including the Viper
Challenge and PJ Half Marathon)
and more than 100,000 pieces of
apparel to the sports community in
Malaysia.
They work closely with professional
athletes and everyday sport practitioners to come up with the best designs
and functionality.
“We also sponsor aspiring athletes
under our Team Ultron initiative.
These might be students who can’t
afford them, or runners who signed
up late. We dress them up in our apparel and help them participate for
free,” she said.
Their signature range is the MicroDry. Some of the materials feature
Aside from sports, the brand is also
pro-charity. “Runners usually get so
many shirts at runs that they don’t
know what to do with them,” Kay
highlighted.
So from April this year onwards,
they will be clothing the homeless
and underprivileged every month.
Their Nu Sentral store will act as a
collection point for those who want
to donate but are unable to join in
the distribution activities.
This whole idea of community and
clothing came about from Kay’s strong
passion for social work. Before Ultron,
she was actively involved in helping out
at soup kitchens.
“I believe as one person, my voice
is limited but as a brand, I can start
a movement to give back to the
community in different aspects,” she
elaborated.
Ultron also dresses Team Malay-
sia for the RIO 2016 Paralympic
Games and is the Official Kit for
UKM Football Club under the FAM
League.
“We hope that Ultron will become
the apparel for all our athletes on
the world stage,” she enthused.
TPPA AND MALAYSIA
Harmful Digital Policies?
By Eris Choo
CHALLENGES
The recently signed Trans-Pacific
Partnership
Agreement
(TPPA)
between 12 countries (Malaysia
included) has been a ‘hot potato’
topic.
Kay does everything! From the apparel designs to marketing, public
relations, sponsorship as well as organising events, while her husband
manages the manufacturing side of
things.
Covering 30 chapters on matters
concerning public policy, the main
goal of the agreement is to promote
economic growth by lowering
trade barriers, support creation and
retention of jobs, and enhancing
innovation to name a few.
She draws from more than 10 years
of experience working in retail
marketing, business development
and events management.
“People think that being your own
boss is great because you have flexible time, but in reality, the pressure
is high as fail or succeed, it’s all on
you,” she emphasised.
While this might seem like a winwin for all, some experts are saying
otherwise.
With new laws and tough stances on
copyright and intellectual property,
some provisions in the TPPA seem
designed to stifle innovation and
freedom of expression.
EFY speaks to Marty P. Kamden, CMO
of NordVPN on how the signing of
TPPA affects Internet freedom.
One big challenge is to convince
Malaysians to trust more in local
brands.
NordVPN is a company that provides
Virtual Private Network (VPN) to
protect users’ privacy online.
“We’re used to believing that local
brands are inferior to international
brands,” she sighed.
With a VPN, any message that users
send online would be encrypted to its
end receiver; hence users’ privacy is
protected.
“But the sports community has
been very supportive, and it is
slowly catching up among the public when they see the quality of the
wares,” she stated.
“The problem is that TPPA is largely
based on US laws and regulations.
In the US, there are ‘exceptions to
the rules’. There is a fair use clause
whereby for instance, teachers are
allowed to use copyrighted materials
for teaching purposes,” Kamden
explained.
Being a businesswoman in a maledominated industry is also a major
hurdle.
“It’s not just about being a full-time
mother and wife, it’s also how society views women in power positions,” Kay explained.
Her advice? “Don’t be scared of
what people think of you. The most
important thing is to know who you
are, and your direction and confidence will come naturally.”
To read full article, visit
www.efy.com.my
However, this blanket ruling to TPPA’s
co-signing countries fails to take into
account the diverse social and cultural
laws in these different nations, he
warned.
Stricter Copyright and
Intellectual Property Laws
The TPPA will implement changes to
copyright terms, extending to 70 years
after the author’s death (currently its
50 years). This means that copyrighted
works could be withheld from the
public space for up to 130 years!
“The delay of such information into
the public domain will hinder people’s
abilities to innovate, and some
countries might see a stagnant culture
effect,” Kamden claimed.
“Individual rights for freedom of
expression, innovation and creativity
are also at risk,” he added.
The agreement also means that
countries are obligated to expand not
only on copyright terms and restrict
fair use, but also adopt criminal
sanctions for copyright infringement,
even if it is done without a commercial
motivation.
It could apply to fans who are
subtitling foreign movies or shows,
or librarians and archivists preserving
and uploading old books, videos,
games or music.
So be careful - something as innocent
as using a copyrighted song for your
holiday video might land you in jail or
slapped with a hefty fine.
“Even if the copyright holder didn’t file
a complaint, users can still be jailed,
fined and even have their property
or domains seized. Internet service
providers could be made responsible
for enforcing intellectual property
rights, and this would likely lead to
more internet censorship,” Kamden
said.
Digital Content Barriers
The new laws could also create
accessibility issues for communities
such as the disabled.
“Adjustment or tinkering with files to
make the fonts bigger, or let third party
device export subtitles, is often needed
to help people with special needs,”
Kamden pointed out.
However, under TPPA law, tinkering
with copyright content would be illegal
- regardless of whether or not it’s used
to help the disabled.
Journalistic Freedom and
Threats to Whistle-blowers
As journalist groups were not invited
for the negotiation process and
meetings were off limit to the general
public, it is no surprise that the TPPA’s
copyright and digital policy provisions
seem skewered to the benefit of large
corporations.
For one, the extension of copyright
duration means getting publication
consent can be more difficult for
journalists who wish to use such
materials in their stories.
The TPPA’s provision to criminalise
those who gain ‘unauthorised, wilful
access to a trade secret held in a
computer system’ can also have a
broad meaning.
“This vague language surrounding the
misuse of trade secrets section could
limit free expression and compromise
journalistic work and whistle-blower
research. Implications could be
dire in countries that fail to provide
exceptions protecting freedom of
speech,” said Kamden.
How To Protect Your Rights?
In Malaysia, more than 5,000 people
turned up at two protests against the
TPPA earlier this year. However, not
much has been done beyond that to
get the conversation going.
Kamden suggests reaching out to local
policy makers to express concerns on
the topic, so that better protection
laws can be drafted.
Users can also join ‘communities’
discussing the topic, such as the
Electronic Frontier Foundation, who
continuously organise efforts to
educate the public.
Other groups like citizen.org, Wikileaks
and stopTPPA.org have also joined the
conversation by providing useful info.
Kamden further advised users to use
encryption on Internet-enabled devices.
Encryption is like a digital padlock that
allows users to surf the Internet with
an extra layer of protection against
threats such as hackers, online fraud
and government surveillance.
If, for example, you file-share online,
using encryption makes it harder for
the others to track you down, as your
data will be protected.
Recently, encryption has gone from
the realm of tech-savvies to the
mainstream. WhatsApp has started
using data encryption for its over 1
billion users, which enables them to
send and receive messages that are
secure in transit.
For more info, visit www.nordvpn.com
BUSINESS
NADIRA
YUSOFF
Being individualistic is not
going to get us anywhere
By Priya Rama
NADIRA Yusoff is on a mission. The mission
of advocating the culture of philanthropy, volunteerism and giving back to the society.
“I just got back from the US after visiting the
Silicon Valley and six states under the US government’s exchange program. It was indeed a
privilege meeting up with policy makers in the
public and private sectors, as well as the start-up
ecosystem to get a perspective of what and how
they do better than us back home,” said the CEO
and founder of computer system and education
solutions company, Nadi-Ayu Technologies Sdn
Bhd.
Nadira also sits as the President of Women Entrepreneur Network Association Malaysia (WENA),
an NGO that focusses on entrepreneurship development in women, as well as the Vice-President
of Global Entrepreneurship Movement (GEM), a
new movement in town that aims to bring together entrepreneurs from various factions of society.
And we’re just naming a few!
“To be honest, Malaysia has done better than the
US in some areas. I was taken aback by the fact
that the US doesn’t have a maternity or paternity
leave policy, despite being touted as a country that
champions women,” exclaimed Nadira.
However, the US is way better than us in the area
of creating employment for single women. “What
I really liked is the unique system they have conceptualised in getting single women back into the
workforce.
“I was at a place called Kalamazoo, a small city in
Michigan. The communities there are poorer with
many being jobless single parents mainly because
there is no one to take care of their kids while
they’re at work, and childcare is very expensive,”
highlighted Nadira.
“Thus, the Michigan Works was set up by funders
and donors, where they not only provide training
for these single parents to get back into the workforce, but also provide childcare grants, which
pays for their childcare while they ‘studied’. And
when they start working, a subsidy for childcare is
given through a partial grant with the parent chipping in the rest,” she explained.
“In short, rather than giving grants for training
like in Malaysia, the community supports them
through childcare grants, which is a better idea because you are removing the number one obstacle
of single parents going back to work – childcare,”
added Nadira.
In Malaysia, public sector employees are given 90
days while those in the private sector are given 60
days. “In US, employees get up to 7 days only; the
balance will be deducted from their annual leave
or deemed as unpaid leave. They are pretty much
at the mercy of their companies,” she lamented.
“Even private companies in the US come together,
pool their resources and funds to set up 24-hour
childcare centres, which are eventually owned by
these companies. Their employees can then send
their kids for childcare while they work, and as an
employer, the companies don’t feel the pinch because they’re pooling resources together.
“Malaysia is way better than the US in terms of
taking care of the women workforce, thanks to
the policies put in place during Sharizat’s (Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, former Minister of
Women, Family and Community Development)
time,” pointed out Nadira.
Malaysia can certainly learn from this, stressed the
vocal mother of six. “This is a spot-on way to get
women back into employment. Sometimes, it’s
not about being unskilled; we just need to tackle
the right issues like funding childcare grants,” she
elaborated.
26
It is this culture of philanthropy, volunteerism
and giving back that Malaysia sorely lacks, Nadira
added.
“In this period of philanthropist, everyone is just
throwing money to support one another. When
you talk about mentoring, the mentors offer
themselves and say ‘How can I help you?’ In Malaysia, it’s about, ’What do I get in return?’
“We still are a very individualistic society. This is
our major setback. But if we don’t start now, we
will never get there,” said Nadira.
“When I was at Silicon Valley, the minute I walked
in, I could literally feel the spirit of positive entrepreneurship; people were sitting together discussing ideas, sharing thoughts and working together
regardless of who they were.
“Sadly, in Malaysia, we think people will steal our
ideas if we shared it. There is no such thing as
stealing ideas. It’s about how to make your ideas
more solid by discussing and sharing. Ultimately,
it’s about implementation, not ideation,” she expounded.
“Over there, when I talk to you, I do not see you
as my competitor but rather a potential partner
who can complement me. I look into both our
strengths and create a partnership. They are so
advanced in their level of thinking, which is why
they openly share information.
“We have to start creating this spirit here but what
we are doing is trying to emulate the Silicon Valley
in terms of technology and infrastructure without
emulating the actual soul of the Valley, which is the
spirit of giving. We have to start now!” insisted
Nadira.
Read the full interview of Nadira Yusoff on
www.efy.com.my
27
P RO P E RT Y
Rewire Your
Brains, Stop Bad
Habits, says Mind
Whisperer
Additionally, he also conveyed to
the attendees on how to convert
threat into strategy by creating
competitive advantage. Everybody
is created with their own uniqueness
and even though it may seem
we can’t do it all, there is always
room to learn new skills, meet
new people and uplift the situation
around us.
We all get overwhelmed by work
and issues sometimes, but it is
important to remain positive.
SOME of the most perplexing
questions we ask everyday circulates
around self-improvement. This urge
is needed, but it is hard to do.
The founder of Mind Max Plus,
Gary-Dean Atkins, unlocks the art
of our mental potential during the
Malaysian Real Estate Convention
(MAREC) 2016 recently.
It is an unspoken job description
that real estate agents have to face
psychological blocks and realising
that, Atkins shared some of the
techniques that real estate agents
can apply in order to achieve more
in their career.
Dubbed as the ‘mind whisperer’,
he mentioned that it is important
to be aware of our thoughts by
using a combination of PsychoCybernetics.
Psycho cybernetics is a form of
cognitive training and relaxation
techniques, and the MindMaxPlus™
method has enabled people to
rewire their brains, put a stop to
bad habits, and attain sustained
personal and professional success.
During the event, Atkins also
spoke about generating unstoppable
confidence where an individual is
powerful enough to make a positive
change.
28
Atkins mentioned during his talk
that it is essential for a person to
seek support from family, friends or
even the spiritual homes.
This emotional support will bring
fresher perspectives into a person’s
life and it will motivate them to
improve further.
When a person is motivated, they
will not only work hard to achieve
a certain goal, but also expand their
goals. Being stagnant will bring
discontentment after a while, so by
expanding one’s goals, they will see
that life and career is not just a one
way street, but an entire map.
Atkins spent his younger days in the
defence force and believes in the
power of soft skills. In his desire to
leave a legacy on that, he created
methods that would help people in
self enhancement.
MindMaxPlus™ has coached not
only those in the corporate world,
but also in sports and academics.
As the company grows, they’ve
already developed more advisors
and trainers that will bring forward
the framework to public.
SHOPPING
MALLS
It’s All In The Mix
THE man behind numerous
mall brands in the Klang Valley,
Tan Joon Kai, is undoubtedly a
retail maverick. His knowledge
comprises of diverse property
and facility management services
as well as the management of
properties.
Aside from those aspects, he
is also known for capital asset
preservation,
enhancements,
customer services and as well as
revenue and yield management.
As one of the speakers at the
Malaysian Real Estate Convention
(MAREC) 2016, Tan elucidated
the attendees on a few industry
insights that will be beneficial in
this challenging year.
His company, Fair star shopping
Sdn Bhd has an extensive market
research and they listed out that
in the country, there are four
main types of malls and they are:
1. Super regional mall – 12,5%
2. Regional mall – 18.8%
3. Neighbourhood mall – 47.9%
4.Others – 20.8%
Meanwhile, in terms of retail
space, the average that we have
in the country is 13.3 sq. ft. per
capita.
According to Tan, with the push
of online shopping, urbanisation is
set to change retail space, where
it needs to be more specialised.
And because the internet
exposes consumers to many
other avenues, they want more
quality brands.
Shopping malls need to understand
the retail trend mix, meaning, the
types of brands and products that
are offered to the customers has
to match. For instance, if there
are more youngsters to patron
the mall, new fashion brands and
trendy F&B outlets would be a
combination.
Tan also suggested that for malls
to be integrated and efficient,
they would need to pay attention
to having a central management
system. This would be essential
when issues like maintenance
needs to be accounted for.
It makes a lot of difference for
management,
merchants
as
well as the customers when a
mall’s design is unique as well
as accommodating. Important
aspects such as ambience, safety
and comfort will be one of the
many factors that the mall has a
good patron traffic.
Another factor that is important
for malls would be accessibility.
Whether people can get there via
public transportation, it’s close to
main highways or a housing area,
having access to different facilities
helps in bringing customers to the
mall.
Tan believes that malls needs to
have high standards and practice
good global business structure so
that it will stay competitive. Aside
from that, malls should also have a
good partnership with companies
that can help them garner better
market value.
Tan’s notable project such as
Bangsar Village I&II is one of
Klang Valley’s neighbourhood
mall’s success stories. Opened in
2014, the mall has a steady flow of
customers and carries a good mix
of retail chains and F&B outlets.
P RO P E RT Y
HOW
TO SEAL
THE DEAL
FASTER
By Naj Frusciante @ MAREC 2016
A PROPERTY agent’s job description can be
divided into 3 parts. Seeking prospects; initiating
appointments and presenting ideas, and the
most difficult part - closing the deal.
But life works as such that, even the toughest
things has its leeway. During the Malaysian
Real Estate Convention (MAREC) 2016 that
happened recently, business coach Jeevan
Sahadevan shared some of his combat-like
strategies on how property agents can close
sales faster than possible.
Jeevan, from Leveragelab, has been coaching for
more than a decade and has several accolades
to his name, including ‘Coach of the Year,
Asia 2006’. He was also selected as one of 70
Mentors and Millionaires to co-author a book
with legends like Bill Gates, Donald Trump, and
Brian Tracy.
According to Jeevan, the work towards closing
a sale actually begins even before the first
appointment. It’s a mixture of research, strategy,
instinct and experience.
Research is needed to know what a customer
might expect, what the industry has to offer as
well as how an agent can come up with the best
solution for the customer. Once that is done, a
script is important.
Preparing a good script saves the anxiety and
awkwardness between an agent and a customer.
It also shows the effort that an agent takes
to convince a customer. This step may seem
simple, but it goes a long way.
Only with a good start, you can continue
strengthening the relationship, which is building
rapport. Clients can tell if you are just doing it
to suck money out of them. Hence, make it as
human and humane as possible with a little bit
of sensitivity, humour and lots of sincerity.
property agents to read between the lines
so that they can catch the signal and work to
improve the situation.
As much as it is important to know how to
persuade, it is also important to hold back
and wait let things cool for a while. Objection
handling is never easy, but it needs to be done
and it is not the end of the world.
Some clients will reject a proposal the first time,
but they will come back when the time is right.
Another thing that usually works is learning the
influencing techniques. Agents are encouraged
to attend courses, read books and watch
tutorials on how influencing is done.
Even though the rejection was done, an agent
should still stay in touch with the client because
the next project might be the one the client
is looking for. It is essential to be cordial and
professional at all times, even when it is tough.
It is more about understanding body language,
tone of voice and anticipate what the next
action would be. Although everyone is different,
some traits stay the same. It is important for
With those notes taken home by the attendees
of the convention, the property industry ought
to see progressive change in the near future.
Knowledge is Power for Real Estate Agents
An agent needs to understand local and foreign
cultures depending on the clientele. This is
important because cultural preferences could
also reflect buying preferences.
For example in China, the buying preferences
are different depending on provinces
because the further the person is located
geographically, it will change a person’s
lifestyle.
EVER thought of how certain property agents
perform very well compared to others? How
simple or complex is it to be a good agent?
The participants of the Malaysian Annual Real Estate
Convention (MAREC) 2016 were fortunate
enough to have industry expert Veena Loh from
Malaysia Property Incorporated, to give them a
few insights on the roles of real estate agents in
positioning Malaysia in the international real estate
market.
According to Loh, property agents are like
ambassadors where they would need to know
about cultural matters as much as they know
about money matters.
With lifestyle, then comes trends and this is
something that is important when it comes
to purchasing as well. Taking note of what is
happening around you and everywhere else in
the world is very important thing for an agent
to do.
For instance, an agent would have to be
observant and know the trends such as how
Singaporeans prefer to buy commercial lots,
Middle Easterners choose to buy hotels and
Indonesians like to buy residential units.
Another advice that Loh imparted was how
important it is to be in the know of changes in
inheritance laws and restrictions in movement
of currencies in foreign country. As this is very
technical and lengthy, it can put an agent at an
advantage over others.
Selling to a foreigner requires knowledge
of Malaysia, so one should also be adept to the
state rules and laws related to property, including
acquisition, banking and tax issues. In line with that,
agents also should connect with lawyers and bankers
who are familiar with foreign property buying.
Knowing other aspects which could come as a
push and pull factor is another added value for
agents. Push factors make a person consider
moving out of their country while pull factors are
the benefits that a person sees in a country they
want to move to.
In most cases, a push factor would be high taxes,
political issues and also climate. In Malaysia,
foreigners might think that having a property
in the middle of town, near KLCC and its
affordability a trophy asset, thus making location
a pull factor.
It would also come in handy to know about
the ‘Malaysia My Second Home’ programme
(MM2H) as foreigners might be interested in
them.
Lastly, Loh encouraged agents to make full use
of the MPI phone app which is an app that is able
to translate the requirements of a client to the
agent and vice versa.
29
H O M E & L IV I N G
Living Spaces for Gen-Yers at
HOMEDEC 2016
By Eris Choo
Last year, it was all about making homes agedcare friendly for the elderly.
feature of life-sized living spaces, presented by
renowned interior designers and exhibitors.
This time around, HOMEDEC returns with
the young generation in mind with their
Gen-Y Living and Design showcase.
Each series explores different themes,
designs, styles and ideas.
Happening from April 29 to May 2 at the
Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, the home
and living exhibition will feature over 1,200
booths and 550 exhibitors spread across
eight halls.
Organised by CIS Network Sdn Bhd,
HOMEDEC has become a favourite among
Malaysians, and the go-to place to look for
home and living items and design inspirations,
since they first started off in 2003.
They are recognised by industry-related
associations such as the Malaysian Institute
of Interior Designers (MIID) and Pertubuhan
Arkitek Malaysia (PAM).
One of the exhibition’s highlights is their
HOMEDEC Showhome - an innovative
30
True to the Gen-Y theme, this year’s
three Showhomes will feature designs that
work alongside technology such as Wifi connectivity integration and high-speed
broadband - a must for many youths today.
Measuring 80sqm each, the Showhomes are
designed with young couples (aged 35 years
and below) in mind, as well as first-time
homeowners, or those exploring what’s new
in home and tech.
There’s Scandustrial, P Ink Space and House
of Y - each done to give ideas for visitors so
that they can be inspired to create their own
sophisticated living spaces.
The amazing feat is that everything is put
together within 48 hours by a team of
dedicated interior designers and exhibitors.
Aside from the highlights, the exhibition
promises four days of home decor and designs
to cover all home renovation, refurbishment
and redecoration needs.
Visitors will be among the first to grab some
newly launched products, with over 20 major
categories.
There will also be a product sourcing
platform at Real Deals, where exhibitors will
be offering discounts of up to 40-60% and
special packages.
Get know-hows and tips from the experts,
from pre-renovation dos and don’ts to the
right interior design tips and services. Prizes
and RM100,000 in cash are also up for
grabs.
Exhibition hours are from 10am to 8pm.
Admission is free. For more info, visit
www.homedec.com.my
HOME & LIVING
THE GEN Y HAVEN
SCANDUSTRIAL
By Sky Creation Asia
Designer: Astley Ng, regional design principal
In line with what’s hot and trending in
design, ‘Scandustrial’ by Sky Creation
Asia will feature a mix of design and decor styles.
A cross between ‘Scandinavian’ and ‘industrial’, it marries the minimalism and
warmth of Scandinavian decor with a
raw, rustic look that appeals to the GenY crowd.
Since the colours used in both themes
lean to neutrals, the designer has added
pops of colour to accessorise various
parts of the interior - accentuating and
creating an individual identity for each
space.
Designer Astley Ng, the man behind the
Scandustrial Showhome, says that he is
inspired by how spaces tell a story and
how it can be enhanced by meaningful
experiences.
“No two individuals are the same
and thus, all built environments are
discovered and experienced differently.
This breathes life and stories into the
project,” he quipped.
P INK SPACE
By Turn Design Interior (TDI)
Designers: Jeff Lee, design consultant; and Chris Chan, managing director
Understanding that Gen-Yers value
convenience, comfort and savvy
design coupled with technology,
P Ink Space focuses on the living
space, where the TV console
and kitchen island top will be
shared.
The main theme features black as the
lead colour, which exerts strength,
seriousness and authority. Meanwhile,
pink is infused for some charming
playfulness, while wood grain introduces
the beauty of nature.
Watch out for the kitchen cabinet
designs, which are surrounded by a
clear mirror finish for a lightweight,
‘floating’ look.
Dark matte grey surfaces contrast
sharply with the pink colours, adding
dimensions of interest to the overall
space. The adjustable creative board
panel offers flexibility as it can be
created into any decorative pattern,
depending on the homeowner’s mood
of the day.
The tilted panel can be used for storage,
or even as a decorative stand. The fussfree dining area harmonises perfectly
with the design scheme’s clean lines,
giving a minimal, modern feel.
HOUSE OF Y
By Joy Design Studio
Designer: Ariff Rijal Shamsul Rijal, senior interior designer
As Gen-Yers grew up with tech, they
are comfortable with digital electronic
systems. And they demand to be
constantly surrounded by good designs:
smartphones, headphones, bikes,
computers, cars.
With this in mind, House of Y caters
to a group of smart, savvy and creative
young people by meeting their needs for
architectural designs and furniture that
reflects their home and personality.
Understanding that urban homes
today are becoming smaller due to
affordability, designer Ariff Rijal has
come up with a Showhome that
maximises usage of space and functions
through the use of tech.
Inspired by a ‘tree with many branches’,
House of Y’s elements are meant to be
flexible and multi-functional to address
the needs of its inhabitants.
They are compact – steps between
raised floors can serve as a seating
arrangement, devices can be used to
separate a space or be used as a planter
box for indoor plants, and storage
compartments can serve as upright
standing cabinets.
31
5
H O M E & L IV I N G
THINGS HOMEOWNERS
SHOULD HAVE
By Eris Choo
CUCKOO ICON WATER PURIFIER
Get clean and safe drinking water everyday with Cuckoo’s Icon Water Purifier. The Korean
brand has dubbed itself the world’s first In & Out Electrolysis Sterilisation System, which allows
the purifier to clean itself, including its faucet and drain tube.
It also retains mild alkaline levels of 7.5PH, similar to mineral water. Price: RM4452, monthly
rental as low as RM120
Available at selected hypermarkets and retailers nationwide
www.cuckoo.com.my
GENIE LAMP/CANDLE HOLDER
Spice up the room with some Mediterranean flair with decorations from Antikato. How about
a traditional ‘genie’ lamp candle holder, complete with Asfour crystals, 24k gold plating and
intricate floral carvings? This decorative piece also has a small compartment to store items and
trinkets. Price: RM604 (June & July special discount - RM543)
Available at Lot 147D, Centre Court, First Floor, The Curve Shopping Mall, Mutiara
Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor or Lot G29, Ground Floor, IDCC Furniture Mall (Convention Centre), Shah Alam, Selangor
LAURASTAR PULSE IRON
Say goodbye to creases and hello to perfectly smoothed clothing. Laurastar Pulse’s steam function is designed to remove creases in a single movement.
It’s two speed-blower and vacuum system also prevents unwanted creases, while the ‘autosteam’ function moves the iron forward for a fast and effortless experience. Price: RM9,300
Available from distributors Visionary Solutions Sdn Bhd, 10 Boulevard, A-8 Block Alamanda,
Lebuhraya Sprint PJU 6A, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
LIGHTCRAFT
KARTELL LAMP
DYSON PURE COOL
PURIFIER FAN
Made from transparent PMMA
plastic, the Lightcraft Kartell
Lamp adds a touch of classy
to cafes, or just to brighten up
a home. Its prismatic surface
throws light shafts everywhere
for a crystal effect.
This sleek contraption hardly
looks like a fan - more a modern art piece. The oval-shaped
standing purifier fan has no
blades, but its Air Multiplier
technology is able to project a
long-range stream of smooth
air.
It is also 100% rechargeable
and can last up to eight hours
without plugging in. A good
substitute to replace romantic
candlelight! Available in plum,
crystal, amber, green, blue and
smoke colours. Price: RM1,130
Available at
www.lightcraft.com.my
32
It claims to remove potentially
harmful, ultrafine particles using a 360 degrees Glass HEPA
filter. Available in white/silver
or iron/blue. Price: RM3,499
Available at selected Harvey
Norman outlets nationwide
|www.dyson.my
EVENT CALENDAR
MAY - JULY
ITEX 2016
MAY
12-14
Time : 9am-6pm (12 - 13 May) | 9am-2pm (14 May)
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC)
2016
ITEX is the ideal place to unveil a new invention or
product. The event attracts the right target group in
the science and technology industry, particularly investors, venture
capitalists, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, distributors as well as those
from corporate sectors, who make their way to ITEX specifically to
explore new business ventures.
VELOCITY MOTOR SHOW 2016
MAY
20-22
Time : 10am – 10pm
Venue: One City @ USJ25
2016
NOT just an ordinary motorsports show, the
Velocity Motor Show 2016 or VMS 2016 will be a
game-changing event with something for all in the family. Bringing
together fun, lifestyle, entertainment and music, VMS 2016 would
also showcase esteemed exhibitors and host loads of fun activities
for the public. An estimated 7,000 people is expected to attend per
weekend. Entrance is free.
For more details, visit www.itex.com.my
For more details, visit www.facebook.com/VELOCITY-MOTOR-SHOW-2016
KL-PJ WEDDING FAIR 2016
MAY
20-22
GRADUAN® ASPIRE 2016
MAY
Time : 10am - 6pm
Venue: KLCC
28-29
2016
THE premier wedding expo in Malaysia, the KLPJ Wedding Fair 2016 features the Top 50 Bridal
House / Bridal Shop from SS2, Sunway, Damansara, Puchong, Jalan
Ipoh, Loke Yew and Cheras areas, as well as exhibitors from Penang
& Johor for the first time. Also, more than 100 Hotel & Restaurant
exhibitors for your wedding dinner around KL, PJ, Penang, Malacca
and Johor. A great chance for visitors to plan their dream wedding
within their budget! Admission is Free.
Time : 11am - 6pm
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC)
2016
WORKING with leading organisations in Malaysia,
GRADUAN® ASPIRE 2016 will offer talents opportunities
to land their dream career as well as learn all about the corporate world.
This career and networking fair will give them a taste of what it takes to
be part of an exciting corporate culture. Talents interested in pursuing
their education in postgraduate studies will also be able to receive the
necessary information they need via the many university booths present.
For more details, visit www.graduan.com/aspire
EG CHILDREN’S EDUCATION & PRESCHOOL SHOW 2016
MAY
28-29
MF3
JUN
Time : 10am - 6pm
Venue: KLCC
17-19
2016
Time : 10.30am - 9pm
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC)
2016
JOIN us for a fun-filled & enriching annual Children
Education event. A one stop platform showcasing
the widest selection of Children Education Classes, Books, Kids
Improvement Gadgets & Academy as well as the Finest Enrichment
Programs. Over 20,000 products, 100 plus exhibitors and lots of
exciting activities, great prizes to be won and much more!
THE Malaysian Furniture & Furnishings Fair (MF3)
celebrates the best of the furniture industry with the
biggest home furniture fair in Malaysia. Inspiring homeowners with
the best furniture options, the MF3 provides a plethora of information and tips on transforming your home, improving the furniture and
furnishing needs.
For more details, visit www.eggroups.com
For more details, visit www.mf3.my
HOMElove’16
JUN
24-26
Time : 10am - 10pm
Venue: Mid Valley Exhibition Centre
2016
COSMOBEAUTE 2016
JUL
18-21
Time : 10am - 6pm
Venue: Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC)
2016
FROM simple decorations to furnishings or an
elaborate total makeover of the entire house,
HOMElove is the destination of choice to source for anything you
need towards perfecting that dream home… and beyond! The event
is the perfect platform for exhibitors and homeowners to meet.
A premier event for the Cosmetics and Beauty
Products industry, Cosmobeaute 2016 will showcase
exhibitors, particularly in brands of perfume, cosmetics, hair care,
skin care, toiletries, salon and spa products as well as equipment, raw
materials, components and packaging, to name a few.
For more details, visit www.homelove.com.my
For more details, visit www.cosmobeauteasia.com
33
EVENTS & LAUNCHES
HotAir
Balloon
Fiesta
EFY participated in the recently concluded 8th
Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
2016. Our booth was swarmed by visitors for free
giveaways, EFY merchandise, and particularly, for
ice-cream to escape the sweltering heat.
LUCKY DRAW
WINNERS
Being an EFY member has its benefits! Each
week, one lucky member gets picked as
our lucky draw winner. Check out what our
winners walked away with!
Raja Aizah Aziz (left) won 2 Sunway Lagoon tickets worth
RM240. Presenting the prize is the CEO of EFY Chan Sook Fen.
Noryati Hambali (left) won a Complimentary One Night Stay
at Melange Hotel with breakfast at Roccoco worth RM200 and
RM150 in cash. Presenting the prize is the Events Manager of
EFY Helen Lee.
Ahmad Daud Abdul Manan won 2 Sunway Lagoon tickets
worth RM240. Presenting the prize is the Events Manager of
EFY Helen Lee.
34
DIRECTORY LISTINGS
PROPERTY FOR SALE
MCity, Jalan Ampang
Sale | Price on Call
Bandar Mahkota Cheras,
Cheras South
Sale | RM1.4mil
Tropicana Golf and Country
Club, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Sale | RM5.8mil
Koi Tropika, Puchong,
Selangor
Sale | RM340,000
Call : Aden Foo 019-6998862
Call : Jeffrey Ee - 019-3550008
Call : Caryn Koay - 012-2788088
Call : Kelvin Low - 016-663332
Taman Subang Mas
Sale | RM11mil
Ukay Boulevard, Ampang
Sale | RM4.2mil
Platinum Mondrian PV128,
Setapak
Sale | RM1.15mil
StarParc Point, Setapak
Sale | RM1.2mil
Call : Patrick Teoh - 012-3287312
Call : David Fong - 012-2678397
Call : Julian Chay - 016-3861659
Call : Julian Chay - 016-3861659
Laman Bayu, Bukit Jalil,
Kuala Lumpur
Sale | RM1.5mil
USJ One Park, Subang Jaya,
Selangor
Sale | RM680,000
Casa Tropicana,
Petaling Jaya
Sale | RM720,000
Kota Kemuning, Selangor
Sale | RM788,888
Call : Serene Soon - 016-2828548
Call : Darren Toh - 012-3977800
Call : Jessica Voon - 012-4500386
Call : Tony Tan - 016-3018851
Platinum Lake PV12,
Setapak, Kuala Lumpur
Sale | RM500,000
Crown Regency, Jalan P
Ramlee, KLCC, Kuala Lumpur
Sale | RM1.28mil
Sutera Residences, Kajang,
Selangor
Sale | RM1.28mil
Metropolitan Square,
Damansara Perdana, Selangor
Sale | RM760,000
Call : David Fong - 012-2678397
Call : Brian Jia Kok - 012-6968067
Call : Alan Lee - 016-3236211
Call : Lena Ching - 012-2983493
35
DIRECTORY LISTINGS
PROPERTY FOR SALE
36
Bukit Ceylon Seri Bukit
Ceylon, KL City, Kuala Lumpur
Sale | RM700,000
Puncak Banyan, Cheras,
Kuala Lumpur
Sale | RM325,000
Imperial Residence, Cheras,
Selangor
Sale | RM550,000
Jalan Bukit Pantai Bangsar,
Kuala Lumpur
Sale | RM8.2mil
Call : Carina Liew - 012-2196218
Call : Ray Chua - 017-7550505
Call : Joey Teoh - 016-3337927
Call : The One Property - 012-3317673
Sri Putramas III / Royal Regent, Jalan Kuching, KL
Sale | RM740,000
Mansion 88, Semenyih,
Selangor
Sale | RM796,888
Faber Ria, Taman Desa,
Kuala Lumpur
Sale | RM650,000
Sunway Parkville Townhouse
Sale | RM890,000
Call : Tze Hock - 016-3111032
Call : Ray Chua - 017-7550505
Call : Patricia Er - 019-2248199
Call : Cindy Tan - 019-2267798
Verve Suites @ Mont Kiara
Sale | RM920,000
Sri Ara Apartment, Ara
Damansara
Sale | RM360,000
Kiara Designer Suites –
Condominium
Sale | RM838,000
Ativo Plaza, Sri Damansara,
Selangor
Sale | RM1.42mil
Call : Jessica Voon - 012-4500386
Call : Syed Ameer - 019-2247864
Call : Claudia Phang - 012-3952240
Call : Lau Tze Hock - 016-3111032
Pavilion Residences,
Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Sale | RM3mil
Valencia, Elitis Tirai Rimba
Valencia, Selangor
Sale | RM2.5mil
The Element@Ampang,
Kuala Lumpur
Sale | RM750,000
Seringin Residences, Kuchai
Lama, Kuala Lumpur
Sale | RM1,300,000
Call : Sung YS - 012-2687787
Call : Michelle Yee - 012-3835082
Call : Cindy Tan - 019-2267798
Call : David Law - 013-3658677
DIRECTORY LISTINGS
PROPERTY FOR RENT
Twins @ Damansara Heights,
Kuala Lumpur
Rent | RM4,300
Casa Tiara Apartment,
Subang Jaya, Selangor
Rent | RM1,600
Verticas Residensi,
Bukit Ceylon
Rent | RM5,000
Sri Ara Ara Damansara
Rent | RM1,100
Call : Tony Tan - 016-3018851
Call : Tony Tan - 016-3018851
Call : YY Ong - 017-3325569
Call : Syed Ameer - 019-2247864
Rivercity Condominium,
Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur
Rent | RM2,200
Subang Jaya Subang Parkhomes, Selangor
Rent | RM3,200
Prima Ria Jalan Duta Raya
Hartamas
Rent | RM2,200
Megan Avenue 2
Rent | RM6,000
Call : Kimberly Lee - 017-9186915
Call : Irene Lai - 012-6510228
Call : Syed Ameer - 019-2247864
Call : Belinda - 012-3021785
Phileo Damansara 1, Jalan
Damansara, Selangor
Rent | RM3,800
Laman Seri, Shah Alam
Rent | RM4,000
Idaman Residence
Condominium
Rent | RM7,300
One Jelatek, Ampang,
Kuala Lumpur
Rent | RM4,800
Email : Chen - [email protected]
Call : Hanna Halima - 012-4500386
Call : Ahamd Nizam - 012-2065308
Call : Chieng Jin Hung - 016-3113553
Sutramas Apartment
Rent | RM1,500
One South Street Mall, Seri
Kembangan, Selangor
Rent | RM1,400
M Suites, Ampang Hilir,
Kuala Lumpur
Rent | RM2,400
A’Marine, Bandar Sunway
Rent | RM3,500
Call : John Chau - 012-5226221
Call : KK Cheong - 017-6995061
Call : Sharon Lee - 012-2191548
Call : Jamie Then - 016-3116368
37
DIRECTORY LISTINGS
PROPERTY FOR RENT
38
Cascades Residences @ Kota
Damansara
Rent | RM1,500
Richmond, Mont Kiara
Rent | RM3,800
Faber Ria, Taman Desa,
Kuala Lumpur
Rent | RM1,600
Pelangi Utama, Bandar
Utama, Selangor
Rent | RM1,900
Call : Mikasa Chong - 017-3134133
Call : Michael Boo - 017-8895233
Call : Patricia Er - 019-2248199
Call : Christy - 016-2251777
Subang Jaya, SS19, Selangor
Subang Parkhomes
Rent | RM5,000
Subang Business Centre UEP
Subang Jaya
Rent | RM4,500
Scott Garden Condominium
Rent | RM3,500
Soho Suites KLCC,
Kuala Lumpur
Rent | RM2,500
Call : Irene Lai - 012-6510228
Call : Coco Lee - 012-2183981
Call : MK Hoo - 017-7685636
Call : Clement Chen - 012-3211628
Idaman Residence, KLCC
Rent | RM4,500
City Gardens, Bukit Bintang,
Kuala Lumpur
Rent | RM3,000
Damansara Heights
Rent | RM10,500
The City of Endless
Possibilities
Rent | RM3,000
Call : Nikki Chen - 012-7355548
Call : Bernard Low - 012-3322121
Call : Michelle Chen - 012-2800313
Call : Allan Siow - 010-2311269
The Capers, Sentul
Rent | RM3,000
Verticas Residensi,
Bukit Ceylon
Rent | RM8,000
6 Capsquare, City Centre,
Kuala Lumpur
Rent | RM4,500
IOI Resort City Puteri Palma
Condominiums, Putrajaya
Rent | RM3,000
Call : Eason Teu - 016-9751277
Call : Caster Tham - 012-5675519
Call : The One Property - 012-3317673
Call : Jean Ong - 019-3890039
DIRECTORY LISTINGS
CAR FOR SALE
Honda City Vtec Sedan (A) 1.5
RM33,900
Mercedes-Benz E-Class E280
RM24,900
Kia Spectra (A)
RM11,900
Proton Iswara (M) 1.3 AB
RM9,900
Call : Benny Wong Used Cars 016-368 2299
Call : Benny Wong Used Cars 016-368 2299
Call : Benny Wong Used Cars 016-368 2299
Call : Benny Wong Used Cars 016-368 2299
Naza Ria (A)
RM18,900
Mitsubishi Pajero V34v 2.5 D
RM26,900
Proton Persona 1.6 (A)
RM20,900
Honda Stream 1.8
RM93,000
Call : Benny Wong Used Cars 016-368 2299
Call : Benny Wong Used Cars 016-368 2299
Call : Benny Wong Used Cars 016-368 2299
Call : Maju Mesra Auto - 016-651 1296
Honda Civic Type R (M)
RM158,000
Honda Odyssey 2.4
RM138,000
Nissan Elgrand 3.5 Highway
Star
RM225,000
Toyota Vellfire 2.4 X
RM159,000
Call : Maju Mesra Auto - 016-651 1296
Call : Maju Mesra Auto - 016-651 1296
Call : Maju Mesra Auto - 016-651 1296
Call : Maju Mesra Auto - 016-651 1296
HOTEL & TRAVEL
Hazzana Boutique Hotel,
Sri Kembangan
Price from RM99
Melange Hotel – The Tampan
Room
Price from RM160++
Galaxy Management
Holidays
Price on Call
Sheraton Imperial,
Kuala Lumpur
Price on Call
Call : 012-8363236
Call : Melange Hotel - 03-2141 8828
Call : Galaxy - 016-216 1937
Call : Sheraton - 03-2717 9900
39
DIRECTORY LISTINGS
BEAUTY & FASHION
De Perfection
Price on Call
Eve Unisex Hair Studio, Seri
Kembangan
Price on Call
AS’PriT Studio, Klang
Price on Call
Star Ted, Mid Valley
Price on Call
Call : 018-266 6838
Call : 016-948 6683
Call : 03-3325 1357
Call : 03-2202 2191
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Delicious St Mary Café
Price on Call
Master Steamboat
Price on Call
Simply d Nu Sentral
Price on Call
Delicious Setia City Mall
Price on Call
Call : 03-9221 8266
Call : 012-658 3689
Call : 03-7733 6256
Call : 03-9221 8266
HOME & FURNISHING
Freneo Interior Design
Price on Call
Mosquito Net
Price on Call
Call : 016-919 0041
Call : Magscreen Concept Marketing - 012-3145725
Green Nature Builders &
Renovation, KL
Price from RM150
Call : 017-6236538
Ecomatt Living Package
Price on Call
Call : TT Global Centre 016-8164017
SERVICES
40
Boom Productions
Price on Call
iSend Advertising PlatformPrice on Call
FedEx Center, Shah Alam
Price on Call
Maxim Hospitality Supply
Price on Call
Call : 0163627183
Call : Mr. I Success Solution 016-5030590
Call : 1800 88 6363
Call : 016-2606323
41
42