Java JOURNEYS

PP 14391/11/2012 (031211)
The Quintessence Of Nature And Comfort
NEXUS
Life In Full Spectrum
Java JOURNEYS
Coffee Cultures Around The World
NEWSLETTER 2013 • ISSUE 15
CONTENTS
PROPERTY DIVISION
Level 3, Wisma UOA Bangsar South
Tower 1, Avenue 3, Bangsar South City
No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi
59200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel : +603 2245 9118
Fax : +603 2245 9128
UOA PROPERTY GALLERY, THE VILLAGE
No. 2, Jalan 1/112H, Bangsar South City
Off Jalan Kerinchi
59200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel : +603 2282 9993
Fax : +603 2282 8590
SINGAPORE PROPERTY GALLERY
UOA (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
7, Temasek Boulevard
#18-02, Suntec Tower 1
Singapore 038987
Tel : +65 6333 9383
Fax : +65 6333 9332
UOA CARE
Toll Free Line (Malaysia)
1 300 88 6668
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8
10
11
12
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15
International Number
+603 2245 9192
Fax
+603 2245 9198
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Email
[email protected]
www.uoa.com.my
All information, perspectives, articles and plans contained in
this printed material are subject to change without prior notice
and cannot form part of any offer or contract. All information
contained herein is correct at the time of printing and neither
the developer nor its agent(s) can be held responsible for any
inaccuracy.
Printer: Oscar Press Sdn Bhd
No. 29, Jalan Tago 11
Taman Perindustrian Tago
Bandar Sri Damansara
52200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
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FEATURE
Scenaria@North Kiara Hills The Quintessence Of Nature And Comfort
RESIDENTIAL
Desa Green - The Epitome Of Nature Inspired Living
UPDATES on BANGSAR SOUTH
The Central Park At Bangsar South Wins Prestigious
Landscape Award
The Horizon Welcomes More New Names
Bangsar South Knowledge Clinics Features Echelon 2013
HIGHLIGHT
Nexus - Life In Full Spectrum
ECONOMIC
Free Trade Agreements
COMMUNITY
UOA Spreads Festive Joy
UOA Continues Support For Step Up Programme
UOA REIT
UOA Damansara Aims For MSC Status
UOA Centre And Wisma UOA II Unveil New Looks
LIFESTYLE
Java Journeys - Coffee Cultures Around The World
DINING@THE SPHERE
The Chicken Rice Shop
Simply Mel’s Homestyle Treats
CONTEST
Unlock The Mystery
FOREWORD
What a great year it has been, having celebrated our 25th
anniversary in 2012.
From receiving The Edge Malaysia Notable Achievement
Award 2012 to being listed in Forbes Asia’s 200 Best Under
A Billion 2012, we are truly humbled by these recognitions
and look forward to another year of achievements.
We are very pleased to share that The Central Park at
Bangsar South, our 60 acre award winning flagship
integrated city development has recently received an
honour award at the Malaysia Landscape Architecture
Awards (MLAA) ceremony.
In this issue, we invite you to take a closer look at our
feature project, Scenaria@North Kiara Hills. This freehold
residential development located within the established
neighbourhoods of Mont’Kiara and Desa Park City has
commanded increasing interest with its unique proposition
of being a stylishly modern residence amidst lush green
surroundings.
Nexus, the latest addition to Bangsar South also makes
its debut. A stunning RM150 million lifestyle centre that
is slated for completion by end 2013, Nexus affords a wide
range of dining, shopping and leisure options to meet the
needs of city dwellers.
Also, do look out for our community news, lifestyle articles
and new contest.
Enjoy reading and we will be back with more interesting
news and features in the next issue.
Thank you.
The award winning central park at Bangsar South
UOA JEWELS / FEATURE 7
6 UOA JEWELS / FEATURE
makING a positive impression in singapore
THE QUINTESSENCE OF
NATURE AND COMFORT
Artist's impression only
Ooi delivers an engaging presentation on the Malaysian property market
In the pristine terrains of Bukit Segambut lies a 9.8
acre freehold residential development comprising two
high-rise condominiums and 44 link villas. Apart from
its stunning architecture, Scenaria@North Kiara Hills
proves to be so much more than what meets the eye.
With its reclusive yet highly accessible location,
future home dwellers will attain the right kind of
balance between city living and coming home to a vast
surrounding of natural greenery.
Following the positive response and success of its project launches in Singapore last year, UOA hosted yet another exclusive
property showcase featuring its latest residential development - Scenaria@North Kiara Hills - on 23 and 24 March 2013 at
Hilton Hotel Singapore.
The two day event was held to cater to the growing demand for residential properties in Kuala Lumpur while serving as a
perfect opportunity for prospective property owners and investors to gain a better understanding of the project.
Open concept kitchen and dining hall
Further adding to its investment allure and top-notch
population catchment is its close proximity to the
established neighbourhoods of Mont’Kiara and Desa
Park City.
Approximately 2 acres of land will be dedicated to
landscaping based on a unique forest retreat concept,
providing an expansive green avenue for residents to
enjoy the outdoors and absorb nature’s serenity while
staying close to the city centre.
Property veteran Mr Kim Ooi of Quantum Oasis Property Investment Group in Malaysia gave a property talk and shared his
insightful views on the Malaysian property market. UOA representatives and financier partners were also present at the
event to discuss the promotion packages and end-financing options with interested purchasers.
Scenaria is surrounded by a host of amenities including prestigious schools, shopping and dining avenues with excellent
transportation links, making it the choice residence for expatriate families and city dwellers. The condominiums come in six
designs with two to three bedroom configurations ranging from 1,019 sq ft to 1,300 sq ft. To date, Block B has been sold out
while Block A is now open for sale. The link villas are soon to be previewed.
Master bedroom with ample privacy
An array of facilities such as an Olympic length
swimming pool, gymnasium, tai chi/yoga pavilion,
jogging tracks and function rooms will be in place to
complement the lifestyle of discerning urbanites.
For more details and a closer look at Scenaria, visit our
show gallery at North Kiara.
www.uoa.com.my/uoa-property/scenaria
Spacious and cosy living room
Sharing sessions with an enthusiastic crowd
UOA JEWELS / RESIDENTIAL 9
8 UOA JEWELS / RESIDENTIAL
the EPITOME
OF NATURE
INSPIRED LIVING
* Grand entrance
Situated in the prime Taman Desa residential enclave,
Desa Green is a freehold development that offers a
contemporary living experience within a tranquil canopy of
greenery and a desirable address.
* Drop off area
* Open terrace
Desa Green lies in close proximity to major shopping
centres, educational and health institutions with direct
connectivity to arterial expressways and public transport
links. Within the private accompaniment of nature and
complementing urban amenities just a stone’s throw away,
it brings to light a genuine piece of paradise that comes
with comfort, convenience and peace of mind.
DISTANCE
AMENITIES
Based on its modern and thoughtfully designed home
concept, Desa Green has garnered highly favourable
response from investors and homeowners with outstanding
sales achievement.
ACCESSIBILITY
www.uoa.com.my/uoa-property/desagreen
* Lobby area
4km to Mid Valley City
6km to Petaling Jaya
8km to KLCC
Educational Institutions
 VIKAS International School
 SJK Danau Perdana
 SMK Desa Perdana
 Megatech Institute
 INTEC College
 University of Malaya
 UCSI University
Hypermarkets & Supermarkets
 TESCO@The Scott Garden
 Aeon Big@Mid Valley
Shopping Malls
 The Gardens
 Mid Valley Megamall
 Bangsar Village I & II
 Bangsar Shopping Centre
(BSC)
Highways & Expressways
 NPE Highway
 Sungai Besi Highway
 Federal Highway
 SPRINT Highway
 Kerinchi Highway
(formerly known as Carrefour)
 Cold Storage
Health Institutions
 University Hospital
 Pantai Hospital
 Taman Desa Medical Centre
Recreational
 Desa Waterpark
 SMART Tunnel
 East-West Link Highway
 KL-Seremban Highway
 KL-Putrajaya Link
* Artist's impression only
UOA JEWELS / UPDATES ON BANGSAR SOUTH 11
10 UOA JEWELS / UPDATES ON BANGSAR SOUTH
The Central Park at Bangsar South
Wins Prestigious Landscape Award
THE HORIZON WELCOMES MORE NEW NAMES
Opening Ceremonies by BT (British Telecom) and SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication)
The Central Park, a 6 acre lush greenery at Bangsar South has received
an honour award at the Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards
(MLAA) ceremony organised by the Institute of Landscape Architects
Malaysia (ILAM) in April 2013. The Central Park was designed in close
collaboration with Urban Design Group Sdn Bhd, an established and
award winning landscape architectural firm with a solid track record.
The honour award was presented in recognition of The Central
Park’s unique landscape and environment under the Professional
Landscape Design & Planning criteria for outstanding works in design,
environmental sensitivity and sustainability.
The Central Park was developed with the aim to offer quality greening areas to the
Bangsar South community by incorporating the natural beauty of our surroundings into
the landscaping design of the residential cum commercial development. In addition to
green features in designated areas, key elements such as enhancement to urban livability
and involvement of users have also been added in the planning and development stages
of the park.
MLAA recognises the best in landscape design and practice in various categories. The awards
are a celebration of the high standards that have been achieved by landscape architects
demonstrating ILAM’s commitment to quality landscaping.
(From left) BT Global Services President of Asia, Middle East and Africa and
Global Logistics Mr Kevin Taylor, CEO of MDEC Datuk Badlisham Ghazali,
Acting British High Commissioner Mr Ray Kyles and BT Technology, Service
and Operations MD of Global IT Platforms and Architecture Mr Howard
Watson celebrating the opening of the BT office
Lush plantings
(From left) The new corporate services centre of financial messaging
provider, SWIFT was officially opened by Chargé d’Affaires of Belgium
Mr Heikki Vandermander, CEO of MDEC Datuk Badlisham Ghazali and
CFO of SWIFT Mr Francis Vanbever
Bangsar South Knowledge Clinics
Features Echelon 2013
UOA hosted the Echelon 2013 – Malaysia Satellite event in April 2013 in association with e27 as part of the Bangsar South
Knowledge Clinics series. A total of nine satellite events were held in major cities across Asia from March until April 2013
and Bangsar South in Kuala Lumpur was the venue host for the Malaysia Satellite. The event received an overwhelming
response, attracting close to 200 participants from around the country as well as a few from Singapore.
Natural surroundings
Water plaza
A DESIGN APPROACH
In Harmony With Nature
The Central Park is surrounded by landscaped boulevards, water features
and pedestrian streets for convenience and connectivity between buildings in
Bangsar South. The design approach focuses on drawing the surrounding urban
energy into the unique five pillar central water feature which represents the five
elements of fire, earth, metal, water and wood.
On the north-south axis, the design allows for green open spaces with turf and
trees. For high pedestrian connection areas such as the main centre northsouth axis to the light rail transit (LRT) station, paved areas are planned and
planted with varieties of frangipani trees.
Branching out from the centre is the east-west axis. The Eucalyptus Woods, an
informal planting area with public seating is located at the east wing while the
Palm Avenue extends across the west wing with a continuous sense of green
space.
The Central Park at Bangsar South exemplifies the winning criteria by creating a
uniquely serene environment that works in harmony with nature within an integrated
city development.
Urban light feature
The Echelon Satellites serve as a platform
to score startups to qualify for the Echelon
June 2013 exhibitions and pitching sessions
that will see a new tech startup become
champion for its business and product
innovation. The satellites spotlight the most
promising local startups in their own market
for international investors, corporates and
stakeholders with the objective of driving
Asia’s tech industry forward.
Participants of the startup pitches with the judges
UOA JEWELS / HIGHLIGHT 13
12 UOA JEWELS / HIGHLIGHT
Life IN Full Spectrum
Set amidst the iconic Bangsar South, Nexus perfectly complements the integrated
city development by offering a world class food and lifestyle destination.
Spanning approximately 200,000 sq ft nett lettable area over 5 levels of urban
leisure space, Nexus is a RM150 million lifestyle centre designed to meet the
needs of city dwellers by offering a plethora of dining, shopping and leisure
options within the vibrant and well planned vicinity of Bangsar South. Unique
facilities include a grand ballroom with an open garden concept, a 300 seat
auditorium and an executive lounge.
Bangsar South
Bangsar South is an integrated residential cum commercial enclave that stands
apart from the rest with its central location, excellent internet and transport
connectivity plus a host of retail, service and recreational facilities. Bangsar
South’s uniqueness lies in its fully integrated urban formation that spans over
a land area of 60 acres. With an estimated gross development value (GDV) of
RM10 billion and a forecasted population of 35,000 upon completion, the flagship
development is destined to be the preferred lifestyle hub within Kuala Lumpur’s
dynamic cityscape.
* Alfresco dining area
Nexus at Bangsar South is easily accessible via major expressways and is well
served by public transportation. Its highly strategic location is set between
converging highways including Federal Highway, New Pantai Expressway (NPE)
and Damansara Puchong Expressway (LDP).
www.uoa.com.my/uoa-property/nexus
Leisure
* Grand ballroom
Business
LOCATION MAP
* Grand lobby
DISTANCE
Distance is approximation only
Mid Valley
(2.6km)
Bangsar
(4.1km)
KL Sentral
(5.1km)
KLCC
(10.6km)
Pedestrian Bridge
Putra LRT Line
KTM Komuter Line
Interchange Station
* Artist's impression only
UOA JEWELS / COMMUNITY 15
14 UOA JEWELS / ECONOMIC
Free Trade Agreements
THE WORLD ECONOMY LARGELY DEPENDS ON THE
LEVEL OF AMITY BETWEEN COUNTRIES. MUCH LIKE
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS,
THE CRITERIA OF TRUST AND FAVOURABILITY ARE BUILT
OVER TIME, RESULTING IN MUTUAL BENEFITS FOSTERED
BY THE STEADY RELATIONSHIP.
Among countries that are friendly, mutual trust allows plenty
of room for cooperation and perks. Among countries that
are not as acquainted, or even openly hostile to each other,
mutual distrust may call for the need of punitive measures. In
economic terms, the latter is an analogy for sanctions, while
the former is known as free trade agreements.
Sanctions are easy enough to understand. It is a way for the
acquainted cluster (of countries) to form an alliance and
dictate terms to another that is perceived as unfriendly party.
Take the US and European Union-led sanctions against Iran’s
oil and financial sectors for example. On the other hand, the
27 countries that make up the European Union (EU) have
abolished trade restrictions across all their borders, allowing
for free movement of goods and services. 17 of the EU
countries even share the same currency.
Closer to home, the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA)
between Malaysia and Australia signals that both countries,
already friendly to each other, consider their relationship
solid enough to be taken to the next level. The signing of the
FTA cements this. It was lauded on both sides as a means of
improving bilateral trade relations and deepening commercial
ties. But what does that really mean? Why is a FTA worth
pursuing in the first place and what benefits does it truly
bring?
Australia is Malaysia’s 8th largest trading partner
while Malaysia is Australia’s 10th largest. An
estimated total trade of AUD$17.7 billion of goods
and services moved between the two countries in
2012.
Both countries have their inherent advantages. Malaysia
imports Australian coal and steel, Australia gets wood and
textiles from Malaysia. Australia exports its education to
Malaysia (which hosts international campuses of three
reputable Australian universities), while Malaysia helps boost
Australia’s private healthcare business. Tourism potential
both ways is huge.
UOA SPREADS FESTIVE JOY
Under a normal bilateral trade relationship, governments
would seek to earn revenue and maintain control over the
movement of all such goods and services. Australia would
impose an import duty on Malaysian palm oil, while charging
an export tax on bauxite to Malaysia. In turn, Malaysia restricts
foreign ownership of key strategic domestic industries like
education. The FTA changes this.
Under the terms of the FTA, 97.6% of all goods that arrive
from either country will be imported tariff free, rising to
99% by 2017. Duties on items that do remain under tariffs
will be slashed to a near zero. This includes everything from
plastics to cars and hard drives to clothes. This essentially
makes imports from Malaysia cheaper for Australia than
imports from India or China, with which Australia currently
has no FTA. Both countries also agreed to relax investment
rules, allowing Malaysian companies to move into Australia’s
healthcare or mining operations, and Australia in Malaysia’s
telecommunications and financial industries. The result is
a more vibrant, dynamic and less bureaucratic business
relationship that benefits both sides.
While impressive on its own, this itself is part of a greater
trend worldwide to build up regional free trade agreements as
governments around the world realise that rapid globalisation
leaves no country an island and protectionist sentiments
are impediments in an environment where there are always
substitutes. If South Africa will not sell its gold to the US,
then Botswana will. In the past five years, an increasing
number of FTAs have been signed, to go along with wellknown, long-running existing ones such as the ASEAN Free
Trade Agreement (AFTA) and the North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA). Some of the FTAs are bilateral – involving
two countries, like the Malaysia-Australia one. The US has
signed FTAs with countries as varied as Singapore, Peru and
Jordan, while the EU either has or is negotiating FTAs with
almost half of the world’s countries.
Then there are multilateral FTAs, involving a regional group
of countries, rather than a two-way agreement between
countries or groups. AFTA in ASEAN is an example of this, and
it has spread to other developing regions. MERCOSUR, formed
by Latin American heavyweights Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay,
Uruguay and Venezuela; GAFTA (the Greater Arab Free
Trade Area) and COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and
Southern Africa) are other examples of regional cooperation.
The aim for these is strength in numbers, building a strong
regional economic block from countries that would not be as
competitive on their own. ASEAN is a great example of how
this approach works.
So many countries, so many agreements. But in the end, no
matter who the FTA involves, the aim is the same – to abolish
barriers and to promote trade. In an increasingly globalising
world, where every country is in a flurry to establish FTAs
with each other, it is the only way of keeping up with the
Joneses. FTAs allow countries to focus on their specialties
and advantages, secure in the knowledge that they can gain
what they lack from a fellow friendly country. In today’s world,
it is important to have friends, and lots of them – otherwise
one might end up like North Korea or Iran – and even those
countries are now beginning to realise that it is tough and
lonely without any.
UOA staff visited Tong Sim Senior Citizens
Care Centre in January 2013 to usher in the
Chinese New Year (CNY) and spread some
joy to 56 elderly folks in the true spirit of
sharing and giving. Staff volunteers from
UOA started the day by greeting the senior
residents and putting up festive decorations
at the centre.
This was followed by a reunion luncheon
which included the prosperity toss - an
annual tradition of tossing the yee sang
together to celebrate the coming of the
lunar new year – that brought smiles and
cheers to the old folks. During lunch, the
volunteers also made a conscientious effort
to help and feed the elderly residents with
special needs as well as spend some quality
time with them.
Group photo with the elderly folks at the care centre
“The Chinese New Year family reunion is
an important occasion for the festivity. By
hosting the luncheon, UOA hopes to share
happiness and joy with the less fortunate
senior residents at the centre”, said Eugene
Lee, General Manager of UOA Development
Bhd. As per Chinese tradition, cookies and
mandarin oranges, symbols of abundance
and good fortune, were also given out to the
residents.
Tong Sim provides shelter for homeless
elderly folks, many of whom have been
referred to the centre by government
hospitals.
Volunteers demonstrating their decoration skills
Bonding with a senior resident
uoa continues support FOR step up programme
UOA continues its support to The Star’s Step Up
programme for the third consecutive year. The
sponsorship of RM60,000 will go towards funding
the greater reach of the 24-page bilingual education
pullout which is designed to boost English literacy in
Chinese schools in Malaysia.
UOA is proud to join The Star in its conscientious
effort to help students master English in a fun
and interactive way as part of its corporate social
responsibility initiatives.
The Star Executive Director and Group Chief Editor Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai (far left) and
UOA Group Property Director Ms Cecelia Chan (second from left) chatting with the pupils of
SRJK (C) La Salle during the cheque presentation ceremony in March 2013
Step Up is a syllabus-based biweekly English learning
supplement that caters to students in Years Four,
Five and Six, combining a blend of workbook and
enrichment-type exercise as a stimulating method
for teaching and learning English.
UOA JEWELS / LIFESTYLE 17
16 UOA JEWELS / UOA REIT
UOA DAMANSARA
AIMS FOR MSC STATUS
Centrally located between the Kuala Lumpur and Petaling
Jaya intersection, Wisma UOA Damansara is currently
undergoing a major infrastructure upgrade to achieve a MSC
Malaysia Cybercentre status. MSC Malaysia Cybercentres are
developed to house MSC Malaysia status companies, serving
as a physical location with conducive business environment
that provides the ecosystem to attract ICT investors and
promote the growth of local ICT companies.
JAVA JOURNeyS
COFFEE CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD
Europe, via Venice, paving the way for coffee shops to open in Italy
(1645), England (1654), France (1672), Austria (1683) and Germany
(1721).
The refurbishments at UOA Damansara I have recently
been completed in areas such as the lobby, lifts, corridors
and washrooms (on each floor) for a brighter and more
contemporary look. Turnstiles were also installed at the
lobby for added security. The adjacent UOA Damansara
II will be the designated Cybercentre premises, with all
refurbishments made to comply with the MSC Malaysia
performance standards.
And when the European colonial powers took away some coffee
beans from the monopolising Arabs, they began to plant them in
their colonies all over the world – in Asia, in Africa and in Latin
America, setting the stage for the global coffee map of today. Only
the British East India Company prevented a full sweep of coffee
across Europe, turning England into a nation of tea drinkers
following its conquest of India. In America, coffee’s popularity
dates back to the Boston Tea Party, with Americans turning to
coffee when the price of tea skyrocketed.
Some of the new building features will include fibre-to-the
office (FTTO) resilient network infrastructure (on every floor),
100% load generator set with automatic transfer switch (ATS)
for backup power supply, multi-telco environment with 99.9%
uptime, added security measures and a dedicated one stop
centre.
Today, coffee is savoured from Aruba to Zambia, from Chile to
Russia. In countries where tea is dominant – China, Japan,
Britain – java comes a close second in total numbers. In others,
coffee is almost inseparable from culture – see the cafés of Paris,
the espresso bars of Italy and the chic kaffehaus-es of Vienna.
Wisma UOA Damansara
UOA CENTRE AND WISMA UOA II UNVEIL NEW LOOKS
UOA Centre and Wisma UOA II celebrated the completion of a recent refurbishment exercise with refreshing new looks.
Upgrading work areas included the entrances, lift lobbies, common walkways and restrooms. Both buildings now feature
bright, modern spaces, graced with warm lighting.
Future improvement works will include a modern touch screen directory, replacement of walkway tiles and skywalk
connection (to KLCC/Pavilion KL) in front of the buildings.
THERE IS A CROSSROADS IN DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER
THAT IS EMBLEMATIC OF THE WAY COFFEE SEEMS TO
HAVE TAKEN OVER OUR LIVES. WHERE ROBSON AND
THURLOW STREETS MEET, THREE OF THE FOUR CORNER
LOTS ARE STARBUCKS. ALL WITHIN 50 METRES OF EACH
OTHER.
And all three are bustling, each attracting a slightly different
makeup of clientele. In New York, it is impossible to walk
a block without passing a Starbucks (the staple diet of
fashion editors and investment bankers) or a Peet’s, a Tim
Hortons, a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or any one of the city’s
thousands of standalone cafés. At one point, there was even
a Starbucks installed in Beijing’s Forbidden City. The drink
that conquered the world even has its own vocabulary. A
quad venti skinny latte is not a species of butterfly, but a
café latte made with skim milk and four shots of espresso,
served in the largest Starbucks size.
UOA Centre is a 33-storey building comprising 2 integrated blocks of office suites and business suites. A 39-storey
building (inclusive of 5 levels of car park space), Wisma UOA II consists of office suites and 3 floors of retail shops,
adjacent to UOA Centre.
Coffee is the world’s most popular drink. Every
day, it is estimated that over 3 billion cups of coffee
are consumed.
The buildings are strategically located opposite the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, just minutes away from KLCC,
KLCC Park and Pavilion KL Shopping Mall.
Why is coffee so popular? Because of the chemical caffeine it
contains, a stimulant that reduces physical fatigue and restores
alertness. A staple beverage of the world since the 1600s, it is
only recently that coffee has become a gourmet item, inspiring a
lifestyle – the café culture – where coffee is not just served in a
cup at breakfast, but is a cup used to gather people together for
an enjoyable time.
For rental enquiries, please call us at +603 2245 9118
Not bad for a bean that originated in the highlands of Ethiopia.
Legend has it that coffee was discovered in 900 AD, when an
Ethiopian goatherd observed his goats prancing about after
nibbling on the red fruit of a shrub. He took those seeds, roasted
them in a fire and added hot water. The beverage, used by the
Ethiopians as a vitality potion, then found its way to Arabia, which
was the dominant civilisation at that point. Its popularity grew,
and in 1475, the world’s first dedicated coffee shop, Kiva Han, was
opened in Constantinople (now Istanbul). From there, it spread to
Lift lobby - UOA Centre
Entrance - Wisma UOA II
Modern coffee culture owes much to the storied history of these
countries, and also to three American entrepreneurs named Jerry
Baldwin, Zev Siegl and Gordon Bowker, who started up a coffee
shop in Seattle, Washington in 1971. Proving popular, the coffee
house then slowly began expanding into a chain. Eventually, it
was sold to businessman Howard Schultz, who promptly turbocharged its expansion and created a global powerhouse. The
name of that company? Starbucks.
Some may decry the quality of Starbucks coffee but none can
deny that its model is influential. Rather than just be a drink-anddash café, Starbucks instead pioneered the idea of a coffee house
as a meeting and socialising place. Comfortable chairs were
installed. Magazines strewn around. Internet and power points
provided free. It soon became a meeting point for young adults
and a hangout for students, drawn together by the lifestyle sold
by Starbucks. What was second nature to European lifestyles was
codified and improved by Starbucks into a streamlined, qualitycontrolled environment replicated across the globe in all its stalls.
To say it was a success is a gross understatement. Starbucks
elevated drinking coffee from a daily routine to a lifestyle. Upand-coming young professionals – from media to finance, and
lawyers to engineers – bought into it and turned coffee into a
trend that continues today. Other coffee chains and independent
coffee houses took notice of Starbucks and moved to offer similar
experiences, all in an attempt to create a cosy environment where
regulars could come together and socialise, with a cup of coffee
in hand.
And that, in essence, is modern coffee culture. It takes the
ancient concept of camaraderie around coffee – in Turkish coffee
shops, in Britain’s coffee ‘penny universities’ – and updated it into
a lifestyle where coffee is not only a staple supplement to life,
but also an integral one. The whole idea of gourmet coffee and
its accompanying gourmet atmosphere stems from this. It is no
longer just about downing a cappuccino, but rather, it is about
savouring it and watching everyone else savour it too. Clearly, it is
a successful culture, which is why cafés are now one of the most
ubiquitous establishments in any city.
UOA JEWELS / CONTEST 19
18 UOA JEWELS / DINING @ THE SPHERE
THE CHICKEN RICE SHOP
UNLOCK THE MYSTERY
There is probably no Malaysian who has not tried
Chicken Rice before – a local favourite loved for its
wholesomeness, great taste and simplicity. The Chicken
Rice Shop does it all perfectly when it comes to authentic
Hainanese-style chicken rice.
This 12x12 Hidden Word Sudoku puzzle
is based on the letters in the anagram
PEARLY CUBING.
Challenge:
12x12 Hidden Word Sudoku Puzzle. Each row, column
and 3x4 rectangle contains the letters in the word or
phrase exactly once. The hidden word or phrase is
spelled down the diagonal.
As its name suggests, The Chicken Rice Shop specialises
in traditionally prepared steamed, roasted, honey
barbecued or braised chicken; all served with fragrant
chicken broth-flavoured rice cooked to perfection in
a style originating from Hainan island in China. Also
on the menu is a variety of other Malaysian favourites
including Pai Tee (also known as Top Hats), Hainanese
Curry Chicken, Spicy Mixed Vegetables, Stuffed Fish
Balls and Hong Kong Beef Stew to name a few.
1st prize RM300
2ndprize RM200
3rd prize RM100
Fill in your particulars and send your answers via post to the
address indicated in the terms and conditions section no later
than 30 August 2013.
So, visit The Chicken Rice Shop at The Sphere in Bangsar
South today and rediscover the wholesome diverse taste
of Hainanese-Malaysian cuisine with family and friends!
Full name
The Chicken Rice Shop
Unit 1-3, Level 1, The Sphere
No. 1, Avenue 1, Bangsar South City
No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
I/C No.
Tel. : +603 2241 2388
SIMPLY MEL's Homestyle Treats
Tucked away in an upper corner of The Sphere in Bangsar
South is this homely café where flavours of MalaccanPortuguese cuisine come to life. Diners are invited to
indulge in homestyle dishes that are a collection of Chef
Melba’s family recipes and those of the 500-year old
Kristang culture. As a result, you will find a variety of
old-time Eurasian favourites on the menu.
Terms & Conditions:
1 ) Send your answers and details to:
UOA JEWELS Word Sudoku Challenge
Wisma UOA Bangsar South
Tower 1, Avenue 3, The Horizon, Bangsar South City
No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2 ) Winners will be selected based on all correct answers on a first come basis.
3 ) Prizes will be made payable to the name registered as per participation form.
4 ) Judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entertained.
The management reserves all rights to the contest.
5 ) Qualifying entries will have to be submitted by 30 August 2013.
6 ) Winners will be notified via phone/mail and prizes not collected
within 30 days of notification will be handed over to the next best entry.
7 )UOA staff and their immediate family members are NOT eligible to enter
this contest.
Address
Telephone
Email
Project Name /
Property No.
CONGRATULATIONS to THE winners
OF UOA In Perspective Photography Competition
With the influence of the Kristang culture, Chef Melba’s
family concocted a hearty selection of seafood, curries
and condiments such as the sourish Keluak Curry,
Threadfish Appetiser, Devil Curry, Crab Stuffing and
many more that are bound to please any diner’s palate.
Also available for a sweet ending to your meal are
homemade cakes baked with love by the chef herself.
Simply Mel's
Unit 1-1A, Level 1, The Sphere
No. 1, Avenue 1, Bangsar South City
No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel. : +603 2241 4525
1st Prize | RM1000
Tham Chee Seng
2nd Prize | RM500
Gilbirt Ganyon
3rd Prize | RM200
Emest John Lee Xian Zheng
The Vertical II is located in Bangsar South, one of the most sought after addresses in Kuala Lumpur
that is set to become the preferred business and lifestyle hub for today’s urbanites within a dynamic
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Offering intelligently sized individual office suites that are designed to accommodate the spatial
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www.uoa.com.my/uoa-property/thevertical2
Artist's impression only