Lifestyle
10 Things to know about Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister
The official #PM10

24.11.2022
By Natalie Khoo

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After five long days of waiting with bated breaths—no thanks to multiple plot twists as we faced the first hung parliament in the history of our general elections—Malaysians finally have an answer as to who will be the country’s next premier. Following the Conference of Rulers meeting with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong this morning, 24 November, Pakatan Harapan leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been named Malaysia’s 10th prime minister.
The Tambun MP was officially sworn in at 5pm today at the Istana Negara. While Anwar Ibrahim is a name that most Malaysians should know by now, it’s worth revisiting the story behind his long-held dream to lead Malaysia. To bring you up to speed, here are 10 things to know about the man of the hour.

1. Born a Penangite

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Anwar Ibrahim was born on 10 August, 1947 in Cherok To’Kun, Bukit Mertajam, Penang—making him 75 this year. He undertook his secondary education at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar, before continuing his tertiary education at the University of Malaya, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Malay Studies. He later worked on his Masters in Literature through the National University of Malaysia while in prison from 1974 to 1975.

2. A son of politicians

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The saying “like father, like son” rings true for Anwar, whose father, Ibrahim bin Abdul Rahman, had joined politics as the UMNO Member of Parliament for Seberang Perai Central between 1959 and 1969. Meanwhile, his mother, Che Yan binti Hussein, was active in UMNO grassroots politics in Penang.

3. Becoming a politician in his own right

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Even in his youth, Anwar had started carving his way through the political landscape as a student leader of several organisations. For instance, he served as the president of the National Union of Malaysian Muslim Students from 1968 to 1971, and was also president of the University of Malaya Malay Language Society around the same time.
In 1971, he co-founded the Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM), a crucial player in the country’s Islamic revival. From there, he was recruited to join UMNO in 1982, rising up the ranks to become the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture the next year.

4. Building his own family of politicians

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One can say politics is in his blood(line), as Anwar’s wife and daughter are also active politicians today. He married Dr Wan Azizah Dr Wan Ismail on 26 February 1980, with whom he shares five daughters and a son. She was elected as the MP for Bandar Tun Razak in GE15 and was formerly the 12th Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. Their eldest daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, was also the MP for Permatang Pauh from 2018 to 2022, but failed to defend the seat in the recent elections.

5. Former Finance Minister of the Year

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Arguably one of Anwar’s greatest political achievements was during his time as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1998. Under his leadership, Malaysia flourished with a budget surplus for several years. The country also enjoyed an era of unprecedented prosperity that led renowned financial publication Euromoney to name him ‘Top Four Finance Minister’, whilst Asiamoney magazine awarded him with the title ‘Finance Minister Of The Year’ in 1996.

6. Other positions he has held

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Anwar has held various roles throughout his political career, including serving as the 12th and 16th Leader of the Opposition; the second Chairman of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition since May 2020; and the second President of the People’s Justice Party (PKR) since November 2018. He also served as Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and occupied several Cabinet positions in the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration under former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad from 1982 to 1998:

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports (1983-1984)
Minister of Agriculture (1984-1988)
Minister of Education (1986-1991)
Minister of Finance (1991-1998)

Besides that, he has been elected as the MP for several constituencies over the past decades:

Tambun (present)
Port Dickson (2018-2022)
Permatang Pauh (1982-1999, 2008-2015)

7. Fall from power

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During the Asian financial crisis in 1997, Anwar clashed with Mahathir over the implementation of economic recovery measures. Tensions increased when he denounced cryonism and nepotism among Malaysia’s business and political elite, which led to his dismissal by the then Prime Minister. He was later sentenced to six years in jail in 1999 for alleged abuse of power, and faced a consecutive nine-year prison term in August 2000 on a sodomy charge. After Mahathir stepped down from premiership in 2003, the Federal Court overruled his sodomy charges, but disqualified him from rejoining politics until 2008.

8. Leader of the Reformation

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Soon after he was fired by Mahathir as Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar and his supporters initiated the Reformasi movement in 1998. The reformation consisted of several mass demonstrations and rallies against the long-standing Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition government. It also led to the formation of a new multiracial-based party named Parti Keadilan Nasional (KEADILAN), which then merged to become Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) in 2003. PKR became instrumental in the forming of Pakatan Harapan (PH), which won the highest number of seats in GE15 (82), albeit still short of the simple majority of 112 seats to form the government.

9. Years in the making to become PM

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For some, the third time’s the charm. But for Anwar, many have lost track of how many chances he has had to become Prime Minister. After being sacked from his Deputy Prime Minister post and sentenced to jail, he returned to politics in 2008 and even succeeded in getting the popular vote in GE13 (50.9 per cent). However, BN won the elections and formed the government due to the malapportionment of the electoral districts. Not long after, the Court of Appeal overturned Anwar’s acquittal and gave him a five-year prison sentence, which many leaders in the international community condemned as a politically motivated move.
Prior to PH’s historical win in GE14 in 2018, interim Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had agreed to pass the baton to its de facto leader, who received a full royal pardon and was released from prison following the formation of the new ruling government. However, Mahathir unexpectedly stepped down in 2020, triggering a political crisis that, once again, quashed Anwar’s ambitions. Hence, today marks the end of his elusive decades-long journey to lead Malaysia as Prime Minister.

10. A proud family man

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Politics aside, Anwar appears to be a family man who enjoys spending time and, in his words, “vibin’” with his grandchildren. While his Instagram bio reads “Papa of six, PapaTok to eleven,” it turns out that he is also “Papa” to an adorable cat named Billy. Interestingly, the cat made headlines recently when it greeted reporters waiting outside the PH chairman’s house!

With the dust settled and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officially named the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia, the real work (and reformation) begins.
Read more news in Malaysia here.

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Beauty
Camouflage Makeup – It’s Not Just For The Military
Rule Britannia

20.07.2015
By Renyi Lim

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BURO Beauty Empties Giveaway Week 2: Win up to RM4,500 worth of beauty prizes

In the name of beauty, Burberry, we salute you – it’s not an easy task bringing camouflage back into the fold (think of all those camo-print cargo pants from the 90s) – yet here it is, proudly displayed in khaki green, nude and black, in the Limited Edition Burberry Autumn/Winter 2015 Runway Palette, RM 190. Not only does it mirror the deep, dignified shades seen on pieces from Burberry’s recent ‘Patchwork, Patterns & Prints’ womenswear collection, but as Burberry Make-up’s Artistic Consultant, Wendy Rowe, puts it: “The Autumn/Winter 2015 make-up look is all about the eyes – we created a modern, romantic veil of colour on the eyes inspired by natural tones.”

Against the smokey-eyed mystery of this season’s look, the complexion has a warm, matte finish – set off to impressive effect by the Burberry Face Contour, Effortless Contouring Pen for Face and Eyes, RM 125, which elongates eyes, and sculpts cheekbones and jawlines to achieve an elegant, quintessentially British aesthetic of natural beauty.

Lips, too, are understatedly sexy, with the sheerest hint of colour: the Burberry First Kiss – Fresh Gloss Lip Balm, RM85, comes in five delightful shades, hydrating the lips and giving them a butter-soft, youthful look. Boho chic, here we come.

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Fashion
This is how Onitsuka Tiger is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year

06.08.2019
By Joan Kong

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News flash: Onitsuka Tiger turns 70 this year. To celebrate, going big is, of course, the only way to do it. The surprise collab that was unveiled at Givenchy’s first standalone menswear show during Pitti Uomo back in June 2019 was one of the most talked about collections that month. While I can’t think of a better way to kick-start the year of festivities, trust me when I say that was just a prelude of what’s to come. I was recently at Onitsuka Tiger’s Autumn/Winter 2019 press preview in Bangkok, and here’s everything that was unveiled—including more exciting partnerships lined up!
Autumn/Winter 2019 collection
The Autumn/Winter 2019 press preview in Bangkok was held at Warehouse 30—the perfect venue to complement the Downtown Rave inspiration. Influenced by Europe’s club scene in the ’90s, this season’s designs are fueled by the electric youth spirit and peppered with trendy streetwear elements—it’s a collection cool kids won’t be able to get enough of. While most pieces are in minimal, oversized silhouettes, bright colours and logo-play amp up the interest. The AW19 collection is divided into five main themes, with each being released every month starting from July onwards. They are “The Athleisure Mix”, “The Printed Noise”, “The Fluorescent Clubbing Snowboarder”, “The Raw Urban Uniform”, and “The Berlin Trilogy”.
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Onitsuka Tiger’s idea of a rave party consists of laser beams that light up the warehouse, pipe structure frames for that slight industrial flair, and last but not least, the It-list of the region. Spotted at the event: Thai model-actress Baifern, Singaporean singers Tabitha Nauser and Aisyah Aziz, and our very own actress Lyn Lim and style influencer Andre Amir. After the model presentation, we were ushered into the after-party next door, where we had a night of fun over fresh kicks, drinks, and beats by DJ Montonn Jira.

Collaborations, revealed
To continue its anniversary celebration with a bang, the brand has announced a collaboration with seven exclusive designers from Japan and abroad, with collections scheduled to drop each month until the end of the year. Each of these creatives gave Onitsuka Tiger’s signature designs their own reinterpretation, resulting in the best mash-ups that—fortunately, for us—money can buy. The list includes CINOH‘s Takayuki Chino; KKtP‘s Kim Kiroic; Christian Dada‘s Masanori Morikawa; StaffOnly‘s Shimo Zhou and Une Yea; Kye‘s Kathleen Hanhee Kye; Sulvam‘s Teppei Fujita; and a secret designer guest who will be revealed on a later date.
Takayuki Chino’s collaboration is the only ongoing partnership of the lot, and the shoes are based on the Ok Basketball Lo, inspired by the brand’s early basketball shoe silhouette with a low-cut. A hybrid design that combines leather and canvas, different colours are used for the left and right shoelaces for a subtle, yet eye-catching finish. In a statement released by the brand, the designer says: “To this I’ve added ease of movement, along with a combination of the Onitsuka Tiger standard colours of tri-colour and the distinctive “CINOH” signature colours of white and navy to give this collaboration a distinctive look.” Aside from that, suits for men and women are also introduced in a classic deep navy silhouette, complete with tri-colour lines adorning the sides for a hint of sporty flair.

On the other hand, Kim Kiroic of Shanghai-based label KKtP’s went down a more classic route by opting for the Tiger Corsair silhouette which is one of the brand’s bestsellers. While the colours and design remain the same, take a closer look and you’ll notice the entire upper is covered with a translucent material that give off a trendy vibe, striking the right balance between classic and contemporary. To complement the shoes, a transparent poncho is also introduced to be layered over the tracksuit in Onitsuka Tiger’s signature hues.

Both collections are now available in the Onitsuka Tiger Suria KLCC and Mid Valley stores, with more drops scheduled each month.
Tried and tested

While I’ve heard many good things about the shoes, I’ve never actually owned a pair from Onitsuka Tiger until the trip to Bangkok (I know, I’m late to the game). But all things considered, there’s no better time to test out the shoes than on my full day of activities in the city. From the airport straight to lunch, an interview, to the main event and after-party at night, I can honestly say that my pair of Tiger Corsair—in the classic white, blue and red colourways—kept me (and my wide feet) comfortable all day. They perfectly complemented my all-denim ensemble from the Onitsuka Tiger x Andrea Pompilio collection too.
7 Minutes with creative director Andrea Pompilio
Having served as Onitsuka Tiger’s creative director for six years now, Andrea Pompilio has been taking the brand to new heights without straying too far from the brand’s rich heritage. I got a chance to sit down with the Italian designer to get more insight into his creative mind, and listen to what he has to say about the brand, and fashion in general.

On the “Downtown Rave” theme this Autumn/Winter 2019
I’ve always loved taking inspiration from the street. By street I don’t mean streetwear, but watching real people on the streets. For me it’s all about the reality and what people want. This is why I’m always interested in new cultures and to hear what the new generations have to say.
On his design process every season
It’s more or less the same, but sometimes it can be an image, or a person on the street that kick-starts it all. Personally, I think one of the biggest moments is the first fitting. It’s where you can get creative, more so than the beginning stages.
On his favourite pieces from the AW19 collection
The puffer jacket, the new logo that’s printed on a sweatshirt and T-shirt.
On his earliest memories of fashion
I come from a city in central Italy where some of the most exclusive stores are located. When I was eight years old, I had the chance to see and touch Gianni Versace and Franco Moschino’s clothes up close. That was my earliest memory of fashion, and I used to save up to buy sweaters from Moschino and pants from Versace.
On how his experiences at Prada, Calvin Klein and Yves Saint Laurent shaped his approach to design
All the experiences were very interesting for me. I was at Prada for about nine months, and the way they work is very precise. At Calvin Klein, I was working on merchandising more, so that gave me an opportunity to study and figure out the American market. Yves Saint Laurent was a different world, especially after Calvin Klein where it’s all about minimalism, the brand was all about eclecticism-it was completely different. All these experiences have now become a part of me.
On his favourite items in his closet
Honestly, I spend too much money on shoes. Socks and shoes can completely change how a man looks. My other obsession? Boxers.
On what’s next for Onitsuka Tiger
We’ll be opening a new store in Milan and Paris, and we’ll be having our biggest event so far in Japan this year. Maybe one day we’ll do a kids’ collection, who knows?

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Art + Design
See this Gucci artist collaborator’s artwork at her first Asian exhibition in Seoul

07.08.2018
By Gwen Ong

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Coco Capitán is an artist with a unique perspective of the world. Her name exploded onto the fashion scene when she collaborated with Gucci last year for its Fall/Winter 2017 collection. Capitán famously scrawled on a slew of items such as bags, sweatshirts and vests with contemplative phrases –”common sense is not that common” and “what are we going to do with all this future?” This was even followed up with huge graffiti-style wall art in New York and Milan.

Her medium is not limited to just handwriting as you may discover at her new exhibition, Is It Tomorrow Yet? at Daelim Museum, Seoul. Capitán also covers photography, painting, video and installation. “I have always worked in different media, but perhaps kept most of the work that wasn’t prose or photography locked in the studio until now with the wrong assumption that I had to build my artistic identity in only one field,” said the London-based artist in an interview with Dazed.

On her favourite piece from Is It Tomorrow Yet?, she has this to say: “They are all special because of their story, the final look of the pieces has less of a personal importance to me. It’s more about what I learned and lived while making them.” This exhibition has given Capitán a chance to explore a range of mediums such as ceramics and sculptures that she has never used before.
“I particularly like the installation works. There’s a magic to installation art, you dream something up, think of a design, think of a medium, work with people to realise your vision,” she said. “Installations make any idea you might have possible, which I think is an artist’s greatest dream.”

Is It Tomorrow Yet? shows Capitán’s inquisitiveness and probing questions about values, hierarchies and the future. If you’re headed to Seoul, do drop by to check it out. The exhibition runs until January 2019 at Daelim Museum.

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Fashion
London Fashion Week AW18: Highlights of Day 4
Full swing

15.02.2018
By Joan Kong

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Erdem
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Erdem AW18″ rid=”5944″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Who: The designer took inspiration from American ’20s child star Adele Astaire (who married the son of the Duke of Devonshire, Lord Charles Cavendish). He was invited to stay at the Chatsworth House while he worked on the collection.
Where: The show venue at London’s National Portrait Gallery perfectly complements the looks from his AW18 collection.
What: Erdem will be releasing a 13-piece capsule collection with beauty brand Nars, including a lip-powder palette, a highlighter and blotting papers. The collaboration is scheduled to drop mid-April 2018.
The Low-down: The brand sent down a series of beautiful looks in its signature florals, from figure-accentuating dresses in velvet, metallic numbers, and slightly risqué pieces such as bustiers. But it was the dark, goth-like vibes that added that extra allure. Some of the models walked down the runway in retro lace long gloves, while some strutted in sheer polka-dot black veils that exuded that tinge of mystery. Dresses aside, the designer also sent down impeccably tailored coats and blazers in checks.
Buro Loves: The line-up of sequins that gave the melancholy aura that little spritz of opulence.

Christopher Kane
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Christopher Kane AW18″ rid=”5945″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Who: The wife of British prime minister David Cameron, Samantha Cameron was one of the front-row guests
Where: There was a sudden evacuation at the Tate Britain Museum hours before the show, and models had to wait out in the rain while the cause of the alarm was checked.
What: The collection revolved around the theme “sex”, and according to the designer, “it’s fascinating if done in a very beautiful, provocative way”.
The Low-down: While most looks were created around the idea of the theme, there were a few pieces that were more than just that. In a colour palette of mostly black and nudes (no pun intended), erotic illustrations that were referenced from “The Joy of Sex” and “More Joy of Sex” books were spotted on different separates. The provocative subject aside, Christopher also played with different silhouettes from a juxtaposition of materials like leather and lace, in puffed up shoulder that somehow radiated a feminine finish.
Buro Loves: Another season, another ugly shoe. Following the embellished Crocs for Spring 2018 (which has sold out), this round, Christopher Kane collaborated with Z-Coil (an orthopedic footwear brand) and released its own version of the spiral-booster chunky sneakers with rainbow embellishment. If you can’t beat it, you might as well join them right?

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Food + Drink
How to start an Instagram bakery, according to the entrepreneurs behind ‘Fari and Ali’ and ‘Basket Break’

24.09.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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It has been a rough couple of years. In case you missed it (no idea how you would), we’ve endured three government upheavals in three years, a global pandemic, multiple on-and-off lockdowns, and a recession. Pretty bleak, by all accounts. In spite of it all, however, there is a silver lining.
The pandemic has proven that remote working is not only possible but, in some cases, more beneficial than traditional office-based working. With productivity surging, morale improving, and stressful commutes cut out entirely, the work-life balance of many employees has drastically improved. The result? More time for hobbies such as sewing, gardening, and—most pertinently—baking (what else is there to do, eh?).
In fact, the baking craze took Malaysia and the world by storm during the first MCO and global lockdown. You may recall explore pages and feeds filled with sourdough loaves, cloud bread, and a variety of other baked goods. On the flipside, with budgets shrinking and furlough looming, many were searching for other sources of revenue. Thus, the at-home Instagram bakery boom was born.
Instagram businesses are nothing new, but the pandemic has fostered a sharp uptick in the phenomenon. But, why have budding entrepreneurs resorted to the app? What makes it such a useful tool for small businesses?
To glean some insight into the world of Instagram businesses, we spoke to two of KL’s hottest at-home IG bakers, Sharifah Samira Albana from Fari and Ali and Daphne Ng from Basket Break.
First, let’s get to know them a little:
Sharifah Samira Albana, Fari + Ali
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Fari and Ali?
Albana: “Fari and Ali were my late maternal grandparents. I was born and raised in Malaysia to an Iranian mother and a Malaysian father but, despite growing up here in KL, my Iranian roots have always been very strong. I spent every single school holiday until I was 18 in Tehran with my grandparents, and they were such an integral part of my life.
“My fondest memories in Tehran involve coming home with a box of ‘shirini tar’—basically, a box of cream-based desserts—and sitting around the table with my grandparents, watching my grandfather having one too many (and getting a cheeky telling off from my grandmother).
“During the first MCO, I found myself trying to bring those memories to life and so I started practising baking noon khamei or cream puffs. On my 11th or 12th try, I took a bite and there it was: I had created a dessert that had actually transported me back to those days with Maman Fari and Baba Ali, sitting around the table, laughing with them. Gosh, it made me feel so very warm inside.”

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You’ve got a loyal clientele (writer’s note: I am one of them)—what does your process for creating a menu look like?
Albana: “Creating a menu for Fari and Ali stands guided by my key principles which are authenticity, quality, and affordability. My first port of call is always making sure the desserts I introduce taste like something you’d get from a confectionery shop in Iran. Once I nail that aspect, then I feel confident to call it an authentic Persian dessert.
“The next step is to ensure that all the ingredients I source are of the highest quality. Being able to source the right ingredients for a specific dessert determines whether or not it goes on the menu. Price points are also very important; we started out creating a menu with pricing that wouldn’t break the bank, while not sacrificing the quality of our ingredients. We wanted a family of four or five to be able to buy a box and really eat their fill without burning a hole in their pockets.”

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Daphne Ng, Basket Break
Website | Instagram

You’re renowned for your unique menu. What inspired you to combine sourdough with doughnuts (and cookies)?
Ng: “Sourdough doughnuts (or bombolonis, beignets, youtiao, malasadas—the many names of sinful fried dough) started from corporate fatigue, rewatching many old Bon Appetit YouTube videos, and feeling the urge to bake despite having a broken fridge.
“Sourdough cookies happened as a bonus. It’s where the liquid starter discard from refreshing our starter goes—into chunky chewy crisp cookies.”

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Where does the name Basket Break come from?
Ng: “Before sourdonuts, Basket Break was a creative outlet for chasing the perfect sourdough loaf, experimental bakes and cooks. Little known fact: It was also a place to embroider and needle paint, which quickly stopped—it earned me pricked fingers and strained eyes. Scroll down far enough BB’s IG page and you’ll catch a few glimpses!
“It’s truly as simple as taking a 15-min ‘Break’ from my (then) full-time job to fold my dough during bulk ferment. I couldn’t find another noun to categorise both embroidering and baking… ‘Basket’ was the closest. It stuck.”

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Food + Drink
In the forests of Janda Baik, A Little Farm on The Hill
Passions at work

29.01.2016
By Buro247

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We all like to believe that we’re hard wired with the moral code to stand up and do what’s right, and sometimes, in between the self-righteous chest thumping, some of us do contribute a modicum of effort to a just cause. More often than not however, it’s a prevailing case of empty vessels making a whole lot of hullabaloo, which is why it’s so heartening—though discouragingly rare—to meet someone who actually puts their money where their mouth is.

Cue Pete Teo and his wife Lisa, and their enchanting A Little Farm On The Hill, home to a treasure trove of organic fruit and vegetables and also the disarming venue for lunches and private events. Despite some expected initial hiccups, Pete has proven himself to be a dab hand at farming, and thus so much more than just the one trick pony that more than a few of us are guilty of being. Lisa’s architectural background has also produced a compelling framework for the dining room, from which a panoramic vista of the surrounding farm and mountains can be sighted. Really, it’s hard not to be utterly seduced. The beguiling setting, the neat rows of crops being patiently tended to by contented farm hands, the resident dogs tacitly running their security operation, and the sight of Pete and Lisa, both self-confessed urbanites, fitting so tidily into this serene landscape.

“I had always gravitated towards the unfamiliar, but to be given a chance to feel like a complete novice again has been a privilege… We are at an age when most kick back and enjoy the fruits of familiarity, but we’ve instead opted to learn something new. That in itself is both a challenge and a reward,” says Pete, whose newly acquired skill sets include the construction of a brick smoker from which brisket and rumps emerge, miraculously transformed from unpopular cuts into unctuously velveteen pieces of smoked meats. “Most of the hard work was about revisiting O-level physics… but the first time we lit a fire in the smoker and saw smoke emerging from the chimney was so massively satisfying that we both sat back and admired it for what seemed like an age.”

Lisa is no slouch herself, and her considerable talents in design and cooking have been both integral and serendipitous in first the establishment—and henceforth, the day to day running—of the farm and dining room. On the day I visited them, the hills were veiled by a light mist and delicate rain fell intermittently, so that an already delicious pastoral scene was infinitely heightened, especially since the raucous traffic sounds of the not-too-distant past were rapidly being replaced by little more than the muffled sounds of farm hands going about their business.

Despite their humility about their farming endeavours, Pete and Lisa now have enough produce to sell and to supply their dining room, which is inundated by bookings from jaded urbanites for lunch or private parties. It’s hard to describe the unassailable sensation of being completely mesmerised when you first visually experience the farm, and then afterwards becoming so completely immersed that having to wrench yourself away to rejoin the madding crowd is veritable torture, so I’ll leave it to Lisa to do it for me:
“The gasp of surprise…WOW… when they get to the top of the stairs and look into the dining room. First they’re amazed by the environment. Then at the end of the afternoon well-fed and watered and super relaxed after one of our feasts, they’re amazed by the quality of the food and reluctant to leave.”

One caveat: the secret isn’t so secret anymore, so book pronto, Tonto, for the wait once this column is out could be prohibitive, to say the least.

Follow Fay on Twitter and Instagram at @misskhoo.

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Technology
Inside the world of mechanical keyboards with Malaysian custom keyboard builders

11.09.2021
By Natalie Khoo

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Chances are you’ve probably seen or heard a mechanical keyboard, even if you didn’t know it was one. Remember the ASMR typing videos you’ve scrolled through on TikTok? We’ll bet you those were mechanical keyboards. Or those aesthetic WFH setup and home office ideas you’ve searched up on Pinterest and Instagram? You’ve probably spotted mechanical keyboards there too. They’re the sturdy-looking “classic” (or retro, if you prefer) keyboards, as opposed to the flat, modern types.
To put it simply, a mechanical keyboard differs from a membrane keyboard and most other types of keyboards (a topic for another day) in that it has a switch underneath each key. These switches have a variety of responses, sounds, and travel times, which make them attractive to gamers, coders and/or typists.

Mechanical keyboard switches

Membrane keyboard

Scissor switches

Though they’ve been around for decades, mechanical keyboards are arguably more popular than ever right now. It’s not just the calming or euphoric ASMR effect and WFH-related factors that contribute to their popularity, but also the satisfaction of being able to customise a keyboard entirely to your liking.
Just ask our local mechanical keyboard community, which has been growing exponentially over the past year. We spoke to two custom keyboard builders, content creator Shu Faye Wong and ThatKeyboardGirl (AKA Sugar), on how they got started, why it’s so popular, and what their current go-to mechanical keyboard looks like.

Shu Faye Wong

BURO: When and how did you first develop an interest in mechanical keyboards?
Shu Faye: “I developed an interest in getting my first mechanical keyboard when I started playing PC games in college. Back then, it was very easy—just pick a colour and a switch and you’re good to go. I’ve been using mechanical keyboards ever since.”
BURO: What got you into customising mechanical keyboards after that?
Shu Faye: “I became more interested in the custom scene when I noticed that my mechanical keyboard was slowly showing problems, and I wanted to get a new one. I was looking for a good one to get and my brother introduced me to custom mechanical keyboards through YouTube, and I was so impressed that I decided to build one myself instead of buying a pre-built one.”

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A post shared by (@shufayewong)

BURO: Mechanical keyboards seem to be getting more mainstream lately. Why do you think there’s a surge in interest and popularity for them?
Shu Faye: “I think it’s because of the ASMR videos circulating online. Back then, it was just food ASMR or people randomly scratching oddly satisfying sounds, but now everyone just wants to listen to keyboards. I think it’s also because there are more budget/entry-level custom keyboards for people to purchase. Back then, there were very little and most of them are expensive so it only attracted a niche market. Now, you can get a hot-swappable keyboard (note: hot-swappable means that you can easily switch out the switches) for less than RM200! Not to mention, we’re in an era of gaming and it has been MCO season so many of us are stuck at home. I think many people would want to invest in a good keyboard to increase their productivity when working from home.”
BURO: Do you think mechanical keyboards are just a trend or a growing movement? Why so?
Shu Faye: “I think it’s a growing movement, because I don’t think anyone who has a custom keyboard can go back to using a pre-built keyboard anymore. They just feel and sound drastically better, and everyone loves something that they can customise to suit them.”

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BURO: Any advice for those just starting out in customising mechanical keyboards?
Shu Faye: “Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions! Be patient and be careful while working on your keyboard. You will spend hours on it but the effort is worth it if done right. Oh, and yes, you don’t need more than one keyboard. Make sure you do some financial planning before you dive deep into this rabbit hole.”
BURO: What are three of your favourite mechanical keyboard accounts to follow on Instagram?
Shu Faye: “@mochi.crafts, @valasupply, @alexotos.”

Photo: @mochi.crafts/ Instagran

Photo: @valasupply / Instagram

Photo: @alexotos / Instagram

Watch the video below to find out Shu Faye’s current go-to mechanical keyboard and how she has customised it.

Follow Shu Faye on Instagram and Twitch for more updates and custom mechanical keyboard builds.

ThatKeyboardGirl (AKA Sugar)

BURO: When and how did you first develop an interest in mechanical keyboards?
Sugar: “I’ve been gaming since I was a kid, but never owned a gaming set-up at home until 2015. That’s when I bought my first mechanical keyboard, a Razer Blackwidow, which I used for only two months, followed by the mechanical keyboard that I used until 2020 and is still with me today although I don’t use it anymore—the Corsair K70 with Cherry MX reds.”
BURO: What got you into customising mechanical keyboards after that?
Sugar: “I only got into this customising hobby in October 2020, when I was upgrading my computer set-up during the lockdown and I wanted to make everything unique and for my keyboard to match my sakura and turquoise theme. I started looking around YouTube, Instagram, Shopee and Lazada and I was amazed at just how much customisation you could do with mechanical keyboards, from the case to the switches to the keycaps to even getting a matching custom cable to connect the keyboard to your PC (unlike my Corsair, which comes with an undetachable/built-in cable).”

Sugar’s current go-to keyboard.
BURO: Mechanical keyboards seem to be getting more mainstream lately. Why do you think there’s a surge in interest and popularity for them?
Sugar: “I think it’s because we’re all stuck at home due to the pandemic and most of our work and social interactions are confined to our desks. There are way more options for mechanical keyboards versus normal membrane/stock keyboards and seriously, it’s really easy to ‘get poisoned’ or ‘fall down the rabbit hole’ of mechanical keyboards once you see how beautiful they can look and how good they can sound. I also believe the majority of mechanical keyboard users are gamers too, and even though I firmly subscribe to the belief that skill trumps peripherals—a mechanical keyboard’s response rate/latency rate definitely beats a membrane keyboard any day. To add to this, the streaming platform Twitch has been growing fast and many of the biggest gaming streamers use mechanical keyboards as well (Ninja, xQcow, Shroud, Pokimane).”
BURO: Do you think mechanical keyboards are just a trend or a growing movement? Why so?
Sugar: “I definitely think that it is a growing movement. I would go as far as to say once you go mechanical keyboard, you can never go back. Seriously. I should just send you guys a fully modified custom mechanical keyboard to try out and you can tell me if you can go back to using a normal keyboard after. It is so easy to get influence

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Music
Reddi Rocket and Lunadira dish on their new EP, their explosive songwriting dynamic, and their biggest musical influences

10.12.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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In case you missed it, the dynamic duo known separately as Lunadira and Reddi Rocket released their newest EP ‘Tangerine’ on 27 November. Created within the confines of the pair’s makeshift home studio, the sonic experience you’ll enjoy with a listen of the EP is thanks to little more than a broken sound card and a pair of earphones (not that you’d guess it). To learn more about the local creatives and get some insight into the new EP, we sat down with the pair over Zoom. We were met with sunny—albeit sleepy—dispositions, and plenty of good humour to go around.
As it stands, the album is 12 minutes of tangerine-tinted crooning. But don’t be fooled by the deceptively sweet-sounding love songs; the lyrics that accompany the sugar-coated tunes and swoon-worthy harmonies aren’t so cutesy as they are bittersweet. Indeed, the narrative of the album offers an honest perspective on the many different facets and stages of a relationship, from the good to the bad to the ugly.

Lunadira says it best: “This world Reddi Rocket and I have created for ourselves during the pandemic was the product of personal longing and hope. We’re hoping it takes you on a journey of emotional release—from the moment you lock eyes on that stranger, to the aching pain you feel when it’s time to let them go.”

The first track, ‘amigonnadie’, ties the other four tracks together thematically. The song frames a conversation between a couple; one person is emotionally hindered by the traumas of a past relationship, while the other is working to earn their trust. The duo embody this perfectly as they parley back-and-forth throughout the song, perfectly capturing the frustration and fear one feels in a budding relationship.
Production-wise, the track is reminiscent of Clairo’s ‘4EVER’ with its pared-back instrumentals and vocal-heavy mix—just as well, considering that she’s one of the pair’s biggest influences.

Track number two is called ‘please you’ and puts the spotlight on Reddi Rocket. “I was really inspired by D’Angelo, and I thought we could have one track that was just me singing,” says the lad. “We wanted to try it and see how it turned out. I’ve never done this before, so I wanted to keep it simple, focus on the lyrics, and sing.” It pays off—aptly described by Lunadira, “the song is self-explanatory, and its lyrics say ‘I love you, but I don’t think you’re good for me and I don’t think you appreciate me enough’”.

The third song on the tracklist, ‘hoodie’, is the lead single on the EP, and—according to Reddi Rocket—was the ‘anchor’ for all the other tracks on the album. In fact, Lunadira says that if ‘hoodie’ hadn’t been so well received as a single, the EP may never have found its way to Spotify. Musically, it makes sense as the heart of the EP. However, as Lunadira put it, “lyrically, it’s different. It’s the only song without a hint of negativity in the songwriting.”

When explaining the thought process behind the EP’s penultimate song, ‘mosquito bites’, the pair joke about the ‘healthy competition’ that keeps their spirits alive. Lunadira jokes that she wrote the song to compete with her partner’s own solo track: “I swear to god, this sounds like I’m having an ego trip (laughs).” The song covers similar themes to the second track—where ‘please you’ is about one person accepting the end of a relationship, ‘mosquito bites’ is about a relationship (romantic or platonic) that has run its course. Overall, the song is brilliantly produced, with a hopping beat and a catchy hook to keep you coming back for more.

Finally, we have ‘ok bye’; a fitting outro for the EP. The track starts off simply, with a guitar and Lunadira’s voice front-and-centre. However, as we hit the end of the track, the instrumentals and chorus vocal swell as a final, poignant, farewell. As Reddi Rocket puts it, “This whole EP is just us talking about the things that we don’t talk about. All the unpleasant things in relationships, and all the conversations you’ll save for later. I think putting it into songs makes it less taboo.”
Ahead, find the rest of our discussion in full.
Outside of this collaboration, you both have separate music careers. What are some of the differences you’ve noticed when writing with each other as opposed to when you’re writing apart?
RR: I take a longer time to write when writing by myself (laughs).LD: He does! We’ve actually had discussions about how different our songwriting is. Mine is very much pop-ballad-y, whereas [Reddi’s] is more contextual. Through his writing, [Reddi] will put you in a situation, where he’s like ‘this is me right now, this is what I’m doing.’ It’s very visual, whereas mine is more descriptive. You can see it in the hook of ‘please you’: “Can I get a hundred thousand dollars/Maybe I can buy you all the flowers/Even if I could, not really sure that I would.”

This isn’t your first rodeo together. What is your favourite thing about working with each other?
RR: What’s exciting is that you never know what you’re going to come up with. Even if you have an idea, after having a conversation and getting excited about making something, we could end up making something that’s totally different. That’s pretty much how it is.LD: What I like about working with [Reddi] is that he gives me a reason to want to understand production on a different level. Our terminologies are so different, so when it comes to trying to communicate in the studio, we tend to lean back on references and nostalgia. But, when I try to tell him what to do, it comes out different. I agree!RR: So, really, I’ve taught her everything she knows! (laughs)

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A lot of the tracks on the EP actually really remind me of Clairo, at least in terms of production. Who are some of your influences?
LD: Clairo was actually one of our references for mixing ‘amigonnadie’. Apart from that, Arlo Parks is one. Also, a lot of Moses Sumney—at least in terms of trying to find encomium writing (that’s a new term we’ve learnt). I think we were inspired a lot by the early 2000s pop.RR: In terms of the production, I was inspired by the likes of Kenny Beats, Benny, D’Angelo. There are quite a lot of few.LD: Quite a lot of few? (laughs) While we were making ‘Tangerine’, we were also very inspired by the stuff our peers were doing. Some of them are venturing into hyper pop, some of them are doing trap. We also like to critique a lot, even though we’re—you know—not the best music critics. RR: Only with each other!LD: For our sake, and to figure out what we want, it was a lot of listening to something and questioning whether we liked it, what could be better and what about it was perfect.RR: We do that a lot.LD: It was a lot of looking to artists for… competition? No, not competition. Inspiration! Also looking amongst our peers and our people that we think we have something to learn from.RR: Friendly support.LD: Healthy competition (laughs)

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A post shared by Reddi (@reddirocket)

What does the songwriting process look like for you two? Music or lyrics first?
RR: Music first.LD: Mood, music, lyrics, arrangement, and then everything else.

What challenges do you face generally when you write?
RR: It’s easier for me to spot out corniness in lyrics. It’s the same way how I approach lyrics and how I approach arrangements. So, when I look at lyrics, I’ll sometimes want to change certain words. There are certain words I don’t like to use, and certain words I can’t pronounce (laughs). For me, writing is very visual. I see it, I look at it, and I think about how it’s going to sound when I sing it.LD: I tend to just word vomit then edit after. I like to be very descriptive. I saw Alex Turner (of Arctic Monkeys fame) do it and I was like wow—I want to write like him (laughs). I think [Reddi] is more careful with what he puts on paper, whereas I will just put down everything, look at it and then see if it sonically makes sense. I like to write in a way where there is certain emphasis on words, or certain different ways of singing it. Telling a story through actually changing the information on some words. I like that, and I strive towards that.
Listen to Tangerine here. Follow Lunadira and Reddi Rocket on Instagram. Subscribe to Lunadira on Youtube.

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Food + Drink
A Paean to Pasta… and all things wheaty and delicious
O-mighty noodles

24.11.2015
By Buro247

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Friends roll their eyes when it’s my turn to select a dinner venue because inevitably it will involve noodles. So imagine my horror when my doctor told me in no uncertain terms that I needed to abstain from wheat pronto for the indefinite future, thanks to something in my constitution that has now, in a fit of perversion, decided to reject the very substance that has nourished, comforted and satiated me all these years. “What about gluten free pasta?” I gasped, a drowning person desperately clutching at twigs to stay afloat. “Nope. Gluten is just one of the 1,500 proteins that are poisonous to you, so no dice,” my doctor replied, with what I am convinced was a vestige of smugness in his voice.

That’s why, dear friends, even as I struggle to cope with my new wheat-free-ish (look, a lifetime’s habits are hard to break ok?) life, and even as I yearn, hanker, and long, for nothing more than a steaming bowl of slippery, sinuous noodles, with or without soup, Italian or Chinese, I offer you my paean to all things noodley. If nothing else, the memory of my favourite things will give me some semblance of pleasure, even if it is only vicariously.

Obviously it’s the hawker noodles, or lack thereof from here on in, that hurts the most. Not being able to tuck into my favourite Hokkien fried noodles, wantan mee and mee mamak when the urge grabs me is akin to trying to function without my left arm; you manage—just barely—but it’s really not much fun. It’s of course a hidden blessing that I spend a large amount of my time in Sydney, where good hawker food is an oxymoron. But it also means my usual Italian haunts have become a lot less appealing to me, now that I cannot partake in my favourite pastas.

Increasingly, I find myself dreaming of all the food that has now become off limits, but more than just the standard pasta dishes (oh, spaghetti amatriciana, how I mourn thee!) and hawker food, there are certain gustatory proferrings that I know I won’t have the self-restraint to refuse the next time it’s put in front of me. The first of these are the irreproachable wantan noodles at Grand Imperial (Level 5, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar Baru, +603-2283 1118). Pulled torturously by hand by a team of chefs, the noodles there are par excellence, not merely because of their supremely springy texture, but also because this feat has been apparently achieved without the crutch of alkaline water that many lesser Hong Kong-style establishments resort to. Whether enjoyed with Imperial’s unctuously caramelised char siew, or with the perennially satisfying ginger and spring onion combination, the noodles there are yet to be supplanted as my favourite Chinese mien in KL.

On the other, rather more demure and elegant, end of the culinary spectrum, is my all-time favourite pasta creation: capellini with uni and roe. I would like to give a hearty pat on the back to whomever concocted this deceptively simple but infinitely satiating gastronomic marriage because it is as serendipitous a pairing as ever there was. The finesse of the angel hair is the perfect foil for the creamy, voluptuous, briny flavours of the uni, and the salty crunch of roe adds infinite textural depth. Try Cilantro’s (MiCasa All Suites Hotel, 368-B Jalan Tun Razak, +603-2179 8082) cold angel hair pasta with sea urchin and sweet prawns for a particularly meritorious interpretation of this culinary classic, or head over to Section 17, where chef/proprietress Isadora Chai is working miracles with this dish. At Bistro à Table (96 Jalan 17/54, Petaling Jaya,+603-7931 2831), Chai’s version is the ultimate in one-up(wo)manship because her cold pasta doesn’t just encompass avruga caviar with soy, mirin and white truffle oil, it’s also triumphantly presented with live abalone.

With these superlative dishes in mind, I prophesise that my wheat-free lifestyle isn’t destined to be long-lived. So I may die eating wheat products, but I promise you it will be with a massive, self-satisfied grin on my face.

Follow Fay on Twitter and Instagram at @misskhoo.

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Source:https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/food-and-drink/menu-writing-separating-the-wheat-from-the-chaff.html

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Film, TV + Theatre
#WandsReady: The ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ trailer is here
Something wicked this way comes

14.03.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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When we last saw Newt Scamander, he was on his way back to Europe after a misadventure in New York that led to the capture of Grindelwald. But alas, peace is short-lived in the wizarding world as the dark wizard escapes custody and sets out to gather followers in a malicious bid to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over muggles. Newt is once again roped into the plot when his former teacher Albus Dumbledore enlists his help to thwart the dark wizard’s plans.

Eddie Redmayne (Newt), Katherine Waterston (Tina), Dan Fogler (Jacob), Alison Sudol (Queenie) and Johnny Depp (Grinderwald) all return to reprise their Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them roles, while three notable characters  are set to make their debut in the upcoming sequel: Jude Law as Dumbledore, Zoë Kravitz as Leta Lestrange, and Brontis Jodorowsky as Nicolas Flamel.

Watch the first trailer for ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ here:

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Beauty
Irritable bowel syndrome: What is it and do I have it?

28.08.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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You may have heard of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—it’s the gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that causes all sorts of mischief within your poor belly. Constipation and diarrhoea are just the beginning; there are lots of signs and symptoms that make this condition so characteristically difficult to deal with.
IBS is complex and widely misunderstood—so, to get some deeper insight, we spoke to gastroenterologist Dr Tee Teong Jin from Sunway Medical Centre Velocity for advice that will come in handy for any of you who may be suffering from this condition.
To start us off, let’s answer the age-old question:
What is IBS?
“IBS classified as a syndrome; it is a functional disorder, which means that there are no obvious visual signs of illness, and it doesn’t cause permanent damage to intestine,” says Dr Tee.
It is not to be confused with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)—we know, very similar acronyms, very different ball games. IBD is far more sinister—it’s an actual disease that manifests as the inflammation of the bowel wall. Also, it could cause permanent damage to the intestines (it’s a risk factor for colon cancer), and it has to be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and surgery.
But, back to IBS—the symptoms of IBS include “altered bowel habits”, which is a really fancy way of saying diarrhoea, constipation, or (if you’re particularly unlucky), both at the same time!
It doesn’t end there either; apart from the poo problems, the disease is also characterised by “chronic or recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort (usually in the lower abdomen)” and “bloated abdominal distention”.
There are three kinds, based on the symptoms you exhibit:

According to Dr Tee, “the disorder affects around 15 per cent of Malaysians, and between 10 per cent to 15 per cent of the Western population.”
“Younger individuals (25-45 years of age) are more likely to report IBS symptoms as compared with older individuals,” he says.
The specific type of IBS you have can also be dependent on your sex. Dr Tee explains that “women report IBS symptoms more often than men. In particular, women with IBS tend to experience more symptoms of constipation and abdominal discomfort, especially bloating, whereas men with IBS report more symptoms of diarrhoea.”
What causes it?

Well, to put it simply—pretty much everything.
“IBS is the result of a complex interaction between psychosocial and physiologic factors via the brain-gut axis,” says Dr Tee. This means that anything from “genetics, environment, diet, stress, intestinal microbiome, low-grade inflammation, gut dysmotility, and disturbances in the neuroendocrine system of the gut” can lead to the development of IBS.
Okay, this sounds like me. How do I get checked out for it?
It’s really simple, as it turns out. According to Dr Tee, IBS can be diagnosed based on symptoms without additional testing beyond a careful history, general physical examination, and routine laboratory studies in patients who meet the Rome criteria.
Just make sure that you’re keeping an eye out for any “alarm features” that may indicate more dangerous diagnoses. These include black stools, blood in your stool, low red blood cell count, weight loss and a family history of colon cancer or IBD.
If you do notice any of the above, head for a gastroscopy and colonoscopy ASAP.
How do I fix it?
The bad news is, there isn’t really a cure.
However, the good news is that treatment is just a matter of lifestyle modification and symptom management. The other bad news is that it does mean you’re probably going to have to give up a few of the things you love the most.
So, what are you going to need to purge from your life? To start, you’ll need to cut the sedentary lifestyle. It’s all about including moderate or vigorous exercise (if you can) in your daily routine.

Next, you’ll have to work on adopting a well-balanced diet. Dr Tee says that there are a few foods that seem to exacerbate the condition according to patients, including “milk and dairy products, wheat products, onions, peas and beans, hot spices, cabbage, certain meats, smoked products, fried food, and caffeine.” Yes, he did just list all of your favourite foods. To make it easier, you could try leaving out one problem thing at a time and see how it goes.
Finally, working on reducing the stress in your daily life, and getting plenty of sleep is your next priority. If none of this works, then it’s probably time to see your doctor for options.
Is it IBS or lactose intolerance?
Good question—and a difficult one to answer. While the two conditions share similar symptoms, the prevalence of lactose intolerance is slightly higher in adults with IBS. However, lactose intolerance is not the cause of IBS in most patients.
“Nevertheless, because both conditions have very similar symptoms, patients with symptoms suggestive of lactose malabsorption should be given a trial of a lactose-free diet or a lactose hydrogen breath test, which measures the exhaled hydrogen produced from colonic bacterial degradation of lactose,” he says.
He advises patients who respond to a lactose-free diet to gradually reintroduce lactose into their diet to determine if and when symptoms recur.
Though, you should proceed with caution: Cutting out lactose can lead to a deficiency in calcium intake, which may increase the risk of osteoporosis. The solution? Increase your calcium intake from other sources, or just start scoffing down the live-culture yogurt—Dr Tee says that “it is well tolerated by many patients with lactose intolerance”.
This article is purely to raise awareness for IBS—it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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Beauty
Beauty Guide: Where to make yourself over in time for Raya
Crown-to-chin reset

27.04.2022
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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If you’re hoping to address the dry hair, dull skin, and possible halitosis that may have resulted from a month of fasting, you’re in luck. In fact, ahead of Eid, there’s no better time to pencil in a full crown-to-chin makeover.
To help you look your best for the festive season, we’re here to help you get primed and pampered with our pre-Raya beauty guide. Ahead, find four must-have treatments to treat yourself with, from hair care to dental care and beyond:

Get a fresh cut and colour at Mont Kiara’s Walking on Sunshine salon-café

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“With Raya just a few sleeps away, now is the time to get your hair done if you haven’t. I highly recommend booking a day of pampering at Walking on Sunshine in 163 Retail Park, Mont Kiara. Start by refreshing your hairstyle (or getting a more drastic makeover if you’re feeling bold); dine leisurely at the in-house café if you’re not fasting; and then flaunt your new look and get a pre-Raya preview of how you’ll look during the festive season at Photopia, a self-photo studio that’s also within the same area.
“Stepping into this garden-themed beauty and dining lounge, the biggest of its kind in Malaysia, really did feel like I’d entered a lush and welcoming refuge for a break from reality. The owners also helm KL’s renowned Leekaja beauty salon, so I knew I was in good hands. My stylist, Tesmen, is an amazing colourist who has won multiple competitions in recent years. Not only did he take the time to thoroughly examine my hair’s condition, his friendly and instantly likeable personality meant that any questions he asked—to find out about my preferences—didn’t feel intrusive.
“His skill was evident in the cut and subtle gradient colour effect he gave my hair. It looked stylish and flattered my skin tone, yet didn’t dry out my tresses any further (thanks as well to a quick treatment) or irritate my scalp. Tesmen also noticed that my curls, from a previous salon session, still looked good and took this into consideration with his suggestions. This attention to detail is everywhere in Walking on Sunshine: Soft, soothing music play from Bose speakers while the hair dryers are from Dyson. There is a seperate area too, available upon request, for Muslim women and anyone in need of privacy.
“I also loved being able to order a drink from the cafe’s extensive menu and have it delivered to me, with options ranging from floral teas to ginseng beverages to juices. It goes without saying that the list includes coffee, with everything from an Americano to a pumpkin latte. For food, I recommend the Seafood Pancake, Bulgogi Fettucine, Butter Garlic Prawn Pizza, and my favourite which is also Luke’s Favourite, a wholesomely satisfying bowl of pan-seared salmon and poached eggs atop a bed of greens. Should your session coincide with iftar, stay on to buka puasa and skip the traffic jam.” — Adelina Tan, Deputy Editor
Address: 1F-01, 163 Retail Park, 8, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: Opens daily, 10am to 8pm
Call: 018-669 2000

Rehydrate your hair with the Davines OI Hair Treatment at CocoDry

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“If you’re like me and have not had time to get your hair treated and coloured for Raya, here is where you should go. Italian haircare brand Davines has launched its OI Liquid Lustre recently, and this lightweight rinse-off treatment works to give your tresses extra softness, silkiness and shine. Part of the OI family, this product contains roucou oil—which comes from an antioxidant-rich plant—that reduces hair damage and nourishes each strand from deep within, thanks to the essential vitamins it contains.
“The one and a half-hour session at CocoDry starts with a brief yet relaxing hand massage using the OI Charcoal Body Scrub, which has deep-cleansing and detoxifying properties and leaves the skin feeling very smooth. Once that’s done, the hairdresser proceeds to brush the scalp with a wooden brush to exfoliate its surface a stimulate circulation. This is followed by a much-needed head massage and shampooing session using the OI Shampoo to make my hair clean, soft and voluminous. The Liquid Lustre is then used before the conditioner to instantly give my locks better manageability, followed by a hair-masking session and finally, a quick blow-dry.
“I could definitely feel and see the difference in my hair texture post-treatment. Where it was dry and frizzy before, it now felt smooth and silky, and looked really healthy. CocoDry also offers a hair-styling service where you can choose any style from their lookbook—from updos to braids to buns—and have it done for you before you leave. This is a great option if you want to look Raya-ready. For a lasting style throughout the festivities, it’s best to make your appointment just one or two days prior Eid.” — Sarah Hani Jamil, Editor
Book your 90 minute appointment at the CocoDry Publika or Bangsar outlets here,

Refresh your smile with the ZenyumFresh Bundle

“There will be plenty to smile about and people to greet this Raya, so don’t forget to add oral care to your grooming checklist. Brushing my teeth is such a no-brainer, it’s something I’ve long taken for granted as just one more thing to do before starting or ending the day. Sure it’s important, but it’s also far from exciting. At least that’s what I thought before trying out the ZenyumFresh Bundle consisting of day and night toothpastes (more on this later), a mouthwash, and a pack of floss. Check out the beautiful colours on the packaging and tell me it doesn’t spark joy and excitement!
“Both the ZenyumFresh Day! and Night. Toothpastes are SLS-free, using coconut instead as an all-natural foaming agent. As to why there’s a need for two toothpastes, the ZenyumFresh Day! Toothpaste contains papain to brighten the teeth and provide enamel protection. It also has the gold-standard Japanese hydroxyapatite and sodium fluoride for all-day protection, as well as peppermint oil to get rid of morning breath.
“The ZenyumFresh Night. Toothpaste, on the other hand, cleans away stains that have accumulated during the day using ultra-fine-grade activated charcoal. In addition to this and aloe vera (to soothe the gums), it contains extra sodium fluoride too, giving it the ability to remineralise, repair, and prevent cavities.
“Flossing after a meal ensures bits of food aren’t lodged between my teeth, which the ZenyumFresh Floss takes care of with a combination of activated charcoal and sturdy nylon thread. In a small plus for the environment, it’s 100 per cent vegan and 60 per cent made from cornstarch. I really enjoy pairing it with the ZenyumFresh Breath Shield for a more thorough cleanse between brushing.
“I’m not a fan of traditional mouthwashes as I dread the unpelasant taste and sensation I’ve come to associate with this part of oral care, but the blend of essential oils in the Breath Shield is super-refreshing and easy on the senses. Other ingredients in it are xylitol and zinc citrate, to prevent the formation of plaque and tartar.” — Adelina Tan, Deputy Editor
SHOP HERE

Find more Raya 2022 stories like this here.

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Art + Design
How Grohe stays joyfully on top with water—according to Michael Seum, VP Design

17.07.2019
By Ronn Tan

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How do you even begin to describe the change in consumer behaviours and trends? Drastic? Major? Unpredictable? Lifestyles are no longer as they were 10 years ago. Everyone seeks for more convenience in their lives, to minimise burdens and to optimise the limited time available in the cycle called a day. With the advent of technology, that specific dream is increasingly possible. However, as technology brings about massive improvements in the daily lives of society, brands have to go the extra mile to facilitate the life of their consumers. Whether it is speed, simplicity, or convenience, the demand is high and there is the need for brands to respond to the changes in consumer behaviour.

Imagine this: you’re home after a long, busy day at work, you’re exhausted and all that’s necessary is a good shower to wind down and relax (finally). Wouldn’t a shower system that’s not just stylish and functional but also the ultimate controller provide the best solution to your fatigue woes? That’s where Grohe comes into the picture with the Grohe Euphoria SmartControl 310 shower system that has it all. You know you’re bound to experience an amazing shower when you can curate your own shower experience. Grohe gives you the power to do just that—the global leading brand innovates, designs, and develops complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings with the purpose of providing the best experience you can ever get, whether emotional or physical.
Quality. Technology. Design. Sustainability. These are the brand values of Grohe—as they seek to bring consumers the joy of water. While awards aren’t the only measurements of a brand’s success, it has to be noted that Grohe has garnered more than 350 design and innovation awards in the past 10 years alone (including its record year in 2018 with 63 design awards). However, the amount of awards, while brilliant, aren’t as important to Michael Seum, Vice President Design at Grohe. Instead, the design maestro gave a highly precise and elegant insight into the brand here:
Grohe is a leading brand and won 63 design awards last year (2018—record year). Describe Grohe in three words.
Design awards, for me, are really important in the sense that you’re getting recognition from an expert jury and expert panel. It’s super important to me that we’re getting recognition for all the hard work and decisions we made. So, design awards are probably the strongest endorsement you can get. I am really proud of the work we have done. On the three words to describe the brand, I will break the rules a little bit—shaping the future of water. This is an industry that is largely playing on just styling products yet we need to delve a little deeper on how we can create lifestyle experiences and how we can focus on more meaningful ways to treat water. Water can be super transformative, or it can be a big part of frustration in our lives.
From the Water security system Grohe Sense and kitchen faucet collection Grohe Essence Professional to Grohe Blue Home, they all come with the seal of quality ‘Made in Germany’. What sets products made in Germany apart from the rest?
In our heritage, the brand tagline is Pure Freude an Wasser (the pure enjoyment of water) and the Germany industry is well-known in the world for quality. It is really important to us but I think the deeper parts of our brand DNA rely on the balance between quality, technology, design, and sustainability. When we put those four elements together, that’s what makes ‘Made in Germany‘. We are not exclusively made in Germany. We have German minds that are in the factory in Thailand—designed with the standards of every German factory. A large part of what sets Grohe apart as a brand is that a large part of this industry plays on a commodity basis. They sell on price and aesthetic but we are putting our investments in various different areas, whether it is through more intelligent and connected products, or on quality. It is sad that today when you buy something in a basic store that lacks in quality, and this is not sustainable. We believe that all our products need to have a certain level of standards. That is why we rely on German craftsmanship and attention to detail.

There are three signature elements in Grohe’s DNA. Can you explain why the Ring, 7 Degrees, and Lozenge are essential to the brand’s identity?
Let’s talk about why signature elements. When you’re driving, you look in the mirror and you see a car behind, you see it from a distance and you automatically know what kind of car it is. That’s DNA, a recognisable object. In our industry, it’s not quite the same because we have to fit into consumers’ homes and at the same time, match a particular interior style. You can be very prescriptive in your DNA like the automotive industry or you can be more subjective, but these are philosophies that really help us be consistent in our designs. You can see all those elements in our portfolio.
Consumers are fundamentally changing how they define and use their living spaces. What do you think is the trend at the moment and how does Grohe respond to the new trend?
I see a lot of trends and we have to be very selective with trends. This is the type of product, when you purchase it, you’re making a long term commitment. I don’t look for fast trends. I look for what I see as long term trends. I don’t just look at style, I look at emotional context and how we respond to behavioural changes in society. This is richer for inspiration because I can design a faucet every day if I wanted to but this is not a sustainable business model.

Why is it important for anyone to choose their shower heads or kitchen taps carefully?
Choice is a very interesting word, right? You come into a store and you’re faced with so many choices. That can be overwhelming. What we like to do in the design team is to put ourselves in the shoes of the consumers—when I’m showering, what is it that I actually do. I need power to rinse shampoo, a moment to pause so that I can apply soap, or just to reset my mind. There’s the functional and emotional element so you can easily just look at design and colour but you also have to look at the experience that you want—a more experiential bathroom. This is the same for faucets. We have products that are extremely simple in design philosophy or we have products with embedded technology. Some people respond to technology different. Some want it in all parts of their lives so it is very individual in terms of how you shop, but think through the process.
Sustainability is an integral and crucial part of Grohe’s corporate strategy. Grohe has received numerous sustainability awards such as the German Sustainability Award last year. In your opinion, why is being sustainable important?
I look at where I’m at in my life. I want to leave a better place for my children. Sustainability comes with very small gestures—not big actions. There are small steps that we can take. For instance, washing with cold water versus hot water (much bigger impact on energy usage), and shutting your faucet while you’re brushing your teeth. We all need to make these basic changes. We can bring technology to the market but it’s up to consumers to really adapt how they use this. We are focused on products that are able to remove bottled water out of the system. These are small steps you can take that have drastic impact on sustainability. Part of my job is to be a role model for sustainability. I am vegan and this is probably the best thing you can do to be more sustainable because food consumption (agriculture) is one of the biggest drivers of water usage. Taking a 10-minute shower is not a problem, but skip the steak for a week and you’re already making a drastic improvement in sustainable behaviour.

What are you most proud of from all your achievements with Grohe?
I really don’t care about the number of design awards. What I’m really proud of is when I see my team holding the design awards, put them back down and aim for the next one—this belief that we can make another one. I know I’m doing something positive that way.
What’s next for Grohe?
I can’t tell you that but it will be pretty awesome. I can’t tell you our secrets.

While Grohe’s plans for the future aren’t publicly clear, one thing’s for sure is that with technology, the next era of design creation has arrived. Human-centric products are now necessary in order to be meaningful and relevant to consumers. One example is the Grohe Icon 3D, the brand’s first 3D metal-printed faucets. The new Grohe Atrio Icon 3D and Grohe Allure Brilliant Icon 3D – produced by printing metal using a powder bed laser melting process – are creations that once seemed impossible. The innovation of the ultra thin walls of the Grohe Atrio Icon 3D and the hollow interior in the familiar silhouette of Grohe Allure Brilliant equal to making water flow appear magical.

Grohe’s expertise and success in the industry aren’t surprising at all, with more than 6,000 employees worldwide, five production plants in three different countries, and presence in over 130 countries worldwide. Whether it is the Grohe Sensia Arena shower toilet, Grohe Sense smart water sensor, or Grohe Lineare faucets among many other state-of-the-art creations in Grohe’s intensive catalogue of products, the reality is clear and apparent: Grohe is shaping the future of water.
For more information on Grohe, visit their website.

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Beauty
Actress Felicity Jones on women empowerment and her idea of radiance

26.03.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Did you know that every additional year of primary school encourages girls to marry later and have fewer children, not to mention leaving them less vulnerable to violence? While education might seem like a basic right for most of us, young girls in poverty-stricken nations might view education a luxury that they have no access to.
During our recent trip to Tokyo for Clé de Peau Beauté’s inaugural Power of Radiance program launch, we learned the importance of advocating for education for girls from Muzoon Almellehan, the Power of Radiance award recipient and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and Felicity Jones, English actress and global brand ambassador of Clé de Peau Beauté, alongside contributors Cindi Leive, Belinda Lee and Naomi Kawase.
Below, Jones shares her thoughts on Clé de Peau Beauté’s Power of Radiance initiative, her first impression of Almellehan, and why we should all embrace our imperfections:

What value do you think the Power of Radiance program can deliver in creating a better tomorrow?
It’s about women coming together to share their stories, learning from one another in order to feel more empowered. We’re encouraging a feeling of strength and community and having that can effect great change in the world.

What is your role as the global brand ambassador for Clé De Peau Beauté?
My role is very much to meet Muzoon Almellehan, getting to know her and understanding her story and context, and bringing attention to what she went through. It’s also a way to meet other people and bring recognition and shining a light to their stories.

How did your relationship with Clé De Peau Beauté begin and what was the first product you fell in love with?
Early on when I was younger, I fell in love with the concealer. It was in every single makeup artist’s makeup bag. It’s been a harmonious collaboration. We’re both concerned with excellence, taking care, high standard and doing something that was philanthropic really appealed to me early on.
I wanted to do something that didn’t just focus on beauty on the outside, but also what’s on the inside. I think that’s what radiance is about—an inner strength and core, and part of developing that is through education, understanding the world in a broader context.

How did your first meeting with Muzoon Almellehan go?
We hit it off and connected straightaway. We met in London where I was interviewing her about her experiences. I was very obviously nervous and she said to me, “Don’t very nervous, it’ll be fine!” And she’s only 21! (laugh) I was struck by her confidence and openness and that inner strength she has in abundance.

What do you feel is the most important part of this program?
I think we all have had an education and we take it for granted. Education is not a right for everyone in the world and this program brings attention to that, especially for Muzoon who has had real experience with that. Education particularly for girls wasn’t made a priority. She didn’t know how long the conflict in Syria would go on for, and she just knew that we can’t not have an education for that period. Because for that generation, [the lack of education] is going to bring them back centuries. Often female education is not as prioritised as it is for young boys.

What is something that people don’t know about you?
I love dancing! I’m not trained in it or anything but I love going out with my friends and getting completely lost on the dance floor. I used to love going to drum and bass raves when I was in my 20s.

How has education impacted your life?
It’s been everything. It gave me enormous confidence. It gives you an opportunity to understand yourself better. I also got to meet great people and made great friendships as well. Being an actor, if I got straight into that when I was 16 I would have lost out. Having that spectrum of knowledge is important, and the key is curiosity. If you could stay curious in your life and take on new ideas, learn new things, then you wouldn’t get old and grumpy.

What do you think are some of the challenges that women face at this day and age and how do we combat it?
There’s a lot of pressure to feel perfect in every front. I think it’s important not to feel that. I’ve been reading about wabisabi recently and it was relaxing—the very idea of embracing imperfection is great.
I think you have to like yourself, with all the things that you would criticise yourself for, it’s the voices in your head and what you tell yourself. We have to make sure as a society that those voices are positive, accepting, and that it’s okay not to be perfect because that’s who I am. I think that’s where I get hope from, especially in the public eye where you feel an enormous amount of pressure from having to be a certain way.

Felicity Jones presenting the Power of Radiance award to Muzoon Almellehan in Tokyo

Why do you think it is important for a woman to have a career?
I did a radio program when I was 15-16 and I bought an Alanis Morissette CD with my first paycheque, and I remember feeling that I didn’t have to ask anyone about this decision. I just could go out and have this power in the world and that’s so important to have. I’ve always been encouraged by my mother very early on to have my own income, have a career, and so I feel that gives you freedom, ultimately.

What empowers you?
Women coming together and sharing stories, not feeling isolated, definitely friendships. Being at home. I love storytelling in every aspect and I always feel it’s a great antidote to feeling depressed—watch a film or read a magazine.

What are your go-to tips for radiant skin all-day long?
Don’t drink too much coffee! That will help. Also having a very good skincare routine and taking makeup off at the end of the day. I think skincare is a daily upkeep—I actually really enjoy the process of taking care of my skin. I do like to take time to properly cleanse, moisturise, lie down in the bath with a mask on and don’t feel guilty about it.

What makes you feel dressed up?
Eye makeup. I love the ritual of applying makeup. The process of choosing a blusher colour and a lipstick colour depending on your outfit.

What advice would you give younger actresses who are starting out?
It can be disheartening when you’re going from audition to audition and having other people decide if you’re good enough. If you can write your own material, get together with friends to make your own short films. Be involve in every aspect of storytelling. Your acting gets better because of that, ultimately. And so you’re not waiting on other people to tell if you’re good enough. I admire people who have that versatility—to write, direct and act, like Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

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#ShesGotTheMoves featuring Melody Tee

Culture
#ShesGotTheMoves featuring Melody Tee
Buro dance special

01.06.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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One of the most moving dance forms, contemporary dance is fundamentally expressive, and is oftentimes graceful and powerful both at once—qualities that inherently shine through when one watches Melody Tee dance. A graduate from the LaSalle College of the Arts in Singapore, Melody’s career in dance has taken her to Asia, United States, Sri Lanka and Dubai for performances, cultural interactions and dance collaborations. Among her notable accomplishments are receiving the ‘Festival Director’s Award’ in Short and Sweet Dance Competition in 2013, as well as awards at South Korea’s Andong Mask Dance Festival 2014.

Here, watch as Melody talks about what dance means to her and perform a beautiful short piece:

Follow Melody Tee on Instagram at @melodytkl or @danztechmovement.

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Fashion
Karl Lagerfeld receives the highest distinction Paris can offer
Kudos to the Kaiser

05.07.2017
By Buro247

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Chanel never shies away from a spectacle but at the Maison’s FW17 haute couture show yesterday, it was not the magnificent feather-trimmed finale gown nor the jaw-dropping ‘Chanel Tower’—a scale model of the iconic Parisian monument, la tour Eiffel—built within the Grand Palais in Paris that made the most impact.

A post shared by Suzy Menkes (@suzymenkesvogue) on Jul 4, 2017 at 4:28am PDT

Called upon to receive the highest distinction a civilian can, Karl Lagerfeld was embraced in a chorus of claps and cheers as he accepted the award. La Médaille Grand Vermeil de la Ville de Paris was presented to Kaiser Karl by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo following kind words in tribute to the Lagerfeld’s remarkable achievements in service of the French capital.

“You make Paris more magic, more creative, more beautiful. Paris loves you, Karl. You are Paris.”

Lagerfeld’s contributions in fostering the reputation of Parisian fashion that brings high-spending visitors and international press to Paris have been evident in the six consecutive shows he has staged in Paris in the previous year alone. Through the years, the storied love-affair has yielded a 35-meter high rocket ship, a recreation of the Parthénon, a life-sized Japanese dollhouse and a Chanel supermarket, amongst many other sets that inspired awe and wonderment.

“Everyone is in love with Paris again… Vive la France!” Karl Lagerfeld.

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Culture
Malaysian Women in Art: Talking female beauty and strength with Sophia Kamal

22.08.2019
By Tammy Chan

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There is no shadow of doubt that we live among many talented individuals in Malaysia. From entrepreneurs to techies and designers, you will find many men and women who are making a mark for themselves in his or her own way. #MalaysiaBoleh is a term that we don’t take lightly. In the spirit of celebrating all-things Malaysian this month, we put the spotlight on female artists who are capturing our attention with beauty and power through their medium of choice.
In the first part of the ‘Malaysian Women in Art’ series, we talk to Sophia Kamal, a visual artist who is known for her fine art portraiture in vibrant colours. Her subjects are often in the realm of self-identity, feminist beauty, sensuality, exploitation and religion. Armed with a BA in Fine Arts from the University of East London, the artist has exhibited her work across Asia and Europe throughout the years.
Get to know more about Sophia’s creative expression of the female strength in our catch-up below as well as a silent interview on what Malaysia means to her.
1. Tell us 5 fun facts about yourself.
1. Pet cat name—Gandalf
2. Sunset > sunrise
3. Can’t get enough of flowers
4. Can’t get enough of cats
5. Enjoys peace and quiet

2. How did your journey as an artist began? Do you remember what sparked your interest? Do you come from an artistic family?
I remember being super excited going to art stores as a child and ‘pau‘ my mum’s art materials and I would spend hours in my room using up every single colours and materials that I had. My dad likes to ‘bertukang‘, so he would also be spending hours alone building furnitures like shelves and tables while my mum usually spends her evenings doing oil paintings of scenic landscapes that she took pictures of, so yes I would say they are pretty artistic and I grew up being heavily encouraged by my parents to be creative.

3. Describe your art style in one sentence.
I love using bright harmonious colours that are striking and somehow alien but yet beautiful.

4. Can you tell us about the process of making your work?
I go through phases, sometimes I would plan everything out before I start a piece. Sometimes I never sketched anything, I would just jump in on a piece with a reference as a start point and see where it takes me. And then other times, I would plan with a rough sketch or idea and write them out for the piece rather than sketch them out beforehand. But ultimately through years of painting and experimenting, I learned that I must trust my process whatever it may be and just have to keep going until it feels harmonious and makes me feel good.

5. What medium do you find yourself most comfortable with and why?
When I went to college to pursue fine arts I was taught all kinds of medium but once I started using acrylic, there is just no going back from there. Suffice to say, I only use acrylic now, and from time to time, I’ll go back to pencils and soft pastels for sketching out ideas but acrylic has always been my main medium. And through lots of work and experimentation using acrylic paint, I learned how true and comfortable it feels to me when I use it.

6. A lot of your paintings are of female body parts. What inspires you to paint those?
For many years, I like to focus on the female characteristics and features such as the female gaze, posture and details like the eyes, hands and skin textures. I love capturing these fascinating details especially the eyes that intrigues with the essence of strength and this allows me to focus on the idea of beauty, keeping the attention focused on the eyes that acts as a window to the female soul.

7. At a glance, your art all seems to be painted in tones of pink, purple and blue. Is that your signature colours? What is your favourite colour in general?
I’ve always been attracted to bright and happy colours that makes me feel good. I’m really inspired by classical portraiture, Disney cartoons and mother nature. I take colour inspiration from little things I see, especially nature, I feel like it helps me a lot on colour use. I don’t have a favourite colour, I find all colours unique and beautiful, but I mostly wear black, if that means anything.

8. Is art something that you’re currently doing full time?
I think that every artist, especially the young, needs to have a day job at least to support themselves and live as artists. And the hype that goes along the lines of ‘do what you love and the money will follow’ that’s been brainwashing us doesn’t work in the real world. I learned it in a very hard and brutal way that as an artist I need to be good at more than one thing. I ventured from one odd job to another skipping from jobs to jobs till I could find one that works for me, and there is always something out there that is meant for everyone. Reality is we need to have peace in our lives, bills need to get paid, and art materials don’t come cheap; if we’re struggling to support ourselves we won’t have any space in our head and heart for our art.

9. Tell us about your most recent project for SHIFT Contemporary Visual Art Exhibition.
With SHIFT, I wanted to focus on the feelings of fear and closure both intertwining with one another when we’re dealing with changes that constantly occur in our lives. Because I used to be highly anxious around people especially those whom I’ve never met, I would get emotionally overloaded from even trying to introduce myself. But over the years, when I focused on my creative energy through continuous painting and being around like-minded people, I grew more confident.
Focusing on this notion, I wanted to create a sense of fluidity that happens in my paintings that presents the elements of water, fire and light, and with that, I feel the colours red and bright orange naturally goes well with that feeling. I also began to explore the relationship between the self and the environment because I always look to the safety of my environment in order to seek acceptance.

10. How many other shows or exhibitions have you participated in?
Ever since graduating from the University of East London in 2015 with a BA in Fine Arts, I have been actively participating in exhibitions both locally and internationally. I had my first group show in Shoreditch London by Espacio gallery in 2014 where I first debut my earlier portraits. And once I came back to Malaysia, I had my first solo exhibition titled ‘Wudu’ that was held in an independent gallery called Minut Init in 2015, and in 2017 I was involved in a group show at Atelier Sangatsu in Osaka; to name a few highlights. And with such recent participation in a group exhibition ‘Awan & Tanah’ organised by Cult Gallery that is currently ongoing.

11. Who were the artists you looked to when you first started your practice, and who are the artists you look up to now?
Some of my artistic influences when I first started are the works of Van Gogh, Monet, Klimt and Kahlo off the top of my head, there are many more to name. I love the distinctive impressionist style of Van Gogh’s blue sky and his use of yellow super pigmented light and stars and Claude Monet’s subtle colours in his water lily and garden paintings and the use of gold leaf that sparks up his muses by Gustav Klimt. Frida Kahlo has this vibrant energy in her paintings and her bold character as well as a female painter that makes her style so unique and amazing. I still look up to these fellow artists up until now as they influenced me when I first started and there’s always that feeling of nostalgia rushing back and burst of adoration when I go back to their archives of paintings.

12. Do you think it’s a challenge being an artist in Malaysia?
Not going to kid anyone but I think it’s challenging being an artist, put me anywhere in the world and it’s still hard to be an artist. There are so many challenges and there are no guidance like a road map or something to tell us what to do next. But I remember what drives me into being one in the first place, and that it’s all about the work. Just keep painting/ working/ singing/ writing/ cooking whatever that you are set out to do and learn to master your time properly and your creative compass will lead you your way. It’s that simple.

13. Women struggle to gain recognition in the art world to this day, especially in Malaysia, but you’ve managed to make a name for yourself. How would you encourage other women to do the same?
This is my advice to other women artist out there—Just keep painting or doing something creative even if you are told not to or even if you don’t feel like it. I know how conflicting it can be sometimes we’re not in the mood, and that’s ok just switch to something else for a while, don’t sweat the small stuff, just get back to it when you’re feeling better. There are times where I struggle with my art but I keep going because I know that if I don’t make the work no one else will. If you don’t finish your project, no one will finish it for you. When you have that something in you that is eating you up telling you to create stuff, you go and create stuff, you’ll feel so much better when you do and especially when you finish it.

14. What’s the most effort you ever went through to produce an artwork?
Every painting process can get so frustrating, it’s really conflicting because every painting has its phases, and I think this happens to all artist.

15. What do you do when you are not creating art?
I do many other things! Going out and doing other stuff is so much fun and gives me ample of motivation and ideas for my art. I love to go out for a jog or a cycle, I find that sweating gets my brain pumping for more ideas and being around nature always provides me with colour inspiration. I also enjoy the cinematography and colours of films, I always find interesting perspectives in the production of movies and cartoons. Other times, just kicking back with a good read while my cat accompanies me is really relaxing and highly recommended. Buying groceries and then cooking a meal for the family is always something that I enjoy doing too.

16. Any information on upcoming projects and endeavours? What’s next for you?
I’ve begun my research on the authenticity and unique features of our local flowers, it kick started from my small series of flower painting last year where I documented a series of flowers that I found from my trip in London and painted them in small scale and it kinda escalated from there. I think our local flowers has a much different vibe in a way that it is also very mysterious. I’m really excited about this project and can’t wait to see the result.
17. What’s your favourite Malaysian food?

18. What gives you that feeling of national pride?

19. Which national holiday / festival is your favourite?

20. Where do you see Malaysia in 10 years?

21. Your fondest childhood memory.

Follow @sophiakamal for the latest on her artwork and exhibition.

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