Lifestyle
7 Things to do this weekend: 22 & 23 October 2022
October outings

22.10.2022
By Marissa Chin

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

From a four-day Korean extravaganza fair to following a scrumptious breakfast trail, here are seven fun excursions to include in your long weekend ahead:

1. Follow Oatside’s Breakfast Trail for the ultimate morning pick-me-up

Where: Selected cafes and restaurants across Johor Bahru, Klang Valley and Penang
When: October 11 to November 6
Whether you’re a breakfast person or not, Outside’s Breakfast Trail is one that will get you out of bed and on the hunt for some delicious food. For a limited time only, enjoy all-new breakfast menu items at your favourite cafes that are created exclusively to pair with Oatside’s oat milk.
Some popular hangout spots for coffee enthusiasts and breakfast lovers include 28 Fireplace, Hani Eatery, VCR Bakehouse, Story of Ono, V88 Cafe and Bar in Klang Valley; McCallum Coffee Roaster in Penang; and The Starter Cafe in Johor Bahru.
For the full list of cafes and restaurants, head to Oatside’s Instagram.

2. Explore the Metaverse at MoMo’s digital art fair

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A post shared by MoMo’s Kuala Lumpur (@stayatmomos)

When: 21 to 23 October 2022 | 12pm to 8pm
Where: MoMo’s Kuala Lumpur
Price: Free entry
This weekend, deep dive into the metaverse at MoMo’s Digiverse—where art meets technology. It will be an immersive experience with boundary-pushing local artists and illustrators who are passionate about the future of art. Artists such as AzyanDraws, Amir Hamzah and TujuGila will be present to showcase their unique artworks and their experiences of being part of the NFT evolution. NFXT, a community of forward-thinking creatives, will also be attending this immersive experience, so if you’ve ever had any burning questions about NFTs, now’s the time to get them answered whilst enjoying music and good food at the same time.
For the latest updates, follow MoMo’s on Instagram.

3. Immerse yourself in Korean culture at the K-Food Fair 2022

When: 21 to 24 October 2022 | 10am to 10pm
Where: Blue Concourse, Sunway Pyramid Mall
Price: Free entry
If you love all things Korean, then the K-Food Fair is for you! This weekend, head over to Sunway Pyramid Mall to get a full Korean experience with activities, live performances, food tastings, games, and more. K-pop enthusiasts can look forward to the K-pop dance cover performances, a dance competition, as well as a fun game of K-pop random play dance to test your knowledge. Foodies can join the live Korean cooking demo session by Chef Jiale to learn delicious fusion recipes and food tasting during the Open Kitchen Session.
You can even test your luck with some traditional Korean games such as dalgona cooking cutting, Ddakji, and Jegichagi. Lastly, the public also has a chance to try on traditional Korean hanbok for a memorable photo session at the fair’s special photo zone.
For more information on K-FOOD Fair 2022, visit their website.

4. Drink with style with 1664 Blanc and 1664 Rose’s artsy new cans

When: Until November
Where: Selected hyper-markets and official Carlsberg stores
France’s number one premium wheat beer, 1664 Blanc and 1664 Rose, returns with a playful yet elegant new look with their latest offering—the exclusive ‘Art with a Twist’ cans!
Created and designed by famed French artist Michaël Cailloux, the vibrant designs aim to encourage city dwellers to embrace their creativity and explore the rich, brightly-coloured canvases of their life any time they sip on 1664 Blanc and Rose.
To find out more, follow 1664 Blanc Malaysia on Instagram. Facebook, and website.

5. Prep for your outdoor adventures at Cycle & Carriage x Under Armour’s concept store

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When: Until 31 October 2022 | 10am to 10pm daily
Where: Lot G316, Level G, 1 Utama Shopping Centre (New Wing)

Cycle & Carriage has collaborated with popular sportswear brand Under Armour to convey the message of living better and healthier through their theme of ‘Outdoor Adventures’. “This partnership with Cycle & Carriage truly complements Under Armour’s mission of making people better through the development of health and mental strength. Hence, we want to encourage people to live an active lifestyle and meet their health and fitness goals, no matter the destination,” added Ms Lina Ismail, Under Armour Senior Marketing Manager.
Explore the Cycle & Carriage concept store to embark on exceptional journeys with style, comfort and unmatched mobility. From now until November, visitors have the chance to get a closer look at the Mercedes-Benz SUV models Mercedes-AMG GLB 4MATIC on display to inspire their next outdoor adventures, as well as the latest Under Armour women’s gear and equipment.
For more information, head to Cycle & Carriage’s website or Facebook.

6. Try out Ippudo’s brand-new flavour at the first cashless and self-service outlet

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Where: Ippudo Express, Damansara Utama
Craving Japanese ramen? There’s a new dining experience you can check out! Ippudo has launched its world’s first cashless and self-service outlet right in Damansara Utama. Called Ippudo Express, the brand-new outlet offers premium quality Japanese ramen in a convenient and efficient setting, perfect for diners on the go or introverts looking for a quiet meal.
With its launch, Ippudo Express is serving a new spicy and sweet Shiro-Bomb ramen flavour and never-before-seen appetisers such as Deep Fried Gyoza with Mayonnaise and Bopiled Gyoza with Ponzu Sauce.
Customers will be able to place their orders themselves via the Kiosk stations, order directly from the Ippudo mobile app or QR web-order at their seated tables. To further elevate this experience, Ippudo has launched its very own mobile app with an e-wallet system to simplify the process and payment. Pricing at this outlet will be lower than traditional Ippudo outlets as a service charge will not be included.
For more updates, follow Ippudo Malaysia’s Instagram. Download the mobile app here.

7. Learn the history of traditional Japanese pottery at Yakishime

Tanaka Tomomi, 'Core'
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Isezaki Jun, 'Kurochohozara' (Black Rectangular Dish)
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Shimizu Mayumi, 'Bowl and Cups'
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Wada Akira, 'After The Rain Comes The Sun'
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When: 17 October to 25 November 2022 | 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm on Monday to Thursday, 9am to 12:15pm and 2:45pm to 5pm on Friay (Closed on weekends and Public Holidays)
Where: Museum of Asian Art, University of Malaya
Price: Free entry
Delve into Japan’s history of traditional culture at Yakishime, a ceramic exhibition comprised of 96 works that explore the country’s rich artistry. Yakishime is described as the most basic means of producing ceramics by firing unglazed wares at high temperatures.
The works on display include examples of new and innovative styles that push the boundaries of the conventional concept of yakishime, and walk visitors through a journey of past and present through yakishime tea and food vessels. Further, the exhibition will also introduce the idea of a Japanese tea ceremony and washoku, a Japanese cuisine, through these earthenwares in hopes of communicating distinct Japanese sensibilities and aesthetics to those who may be unfamiliar with these simple and unassuming ceramics.
For more information, visit Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur’s website.

Want more ideas for your weekend plans? Head here.

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Lifestyle
Revolutionising the key card: SPG Keyless entry
The first of its kind

28.08.2015
By Buro247

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

Making its debut last weekend in Malaysia at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral is the first mobile, keyless entry system in the hospitality industry. Using the SPG app, hotel guests will be able to unlock their room doors with a simple tap of their smartphone. Where available, guests can even bypass the front desk by checking-in via the SPG app.

SPG Keyless marks a new development in the SPG app and we can expect another wave of upgrades to the app that will allow guests to personalise aspects of their stay and assist hotel associates in providing their signature meaningful, custom services for a memorable stay.

For more information on SPG Keyless, please visit www.spg.com/keyless.

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Watches
Omega taps South Korean actor Hyun Bin as its new global ambassador

18.11.2020
By Joan Kong

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Nine months after the end of hit drama Crash Landing On You, Hyun Bin is back on our screens again, albeit for a different reason. The South Korean actor has been tapped as Omega’s newest global ambassador, and he’ll be joining the Swiss luxury watchmaker’s family of stars, which include George Clooney, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, and more.

Speaking of the appointment, President and CEO of OMEGA Raynald Aeschlimann says, “Hyun Bin shows a great skill for his character performances, always delivered with confidence and quality. We truly admire the excellence and attention-to-detail he brings to his work, which are values we also share at OMEGA. Furthermore, he is a man of impeccable style and we’re looking forward to bringing him together with our most illustrious timepieces.”

Having made his debut as an actor in 2002, aside from the record-breaking TV series mentioned earlier, some of Hyun Bin’s notable work include Secret Garden, Memories of the Alhambra, and box-office hits The Swindlers and The Negotation.
In a press statement released by the brand, Hyun Bin says, “OMEGA’s pioneering spirit and quest for innovation has endured throughout the times, and has created many “first steps” in history. Hopefully, as an ambassador, I can deliver OMEGA’s philosophy and message, and we can create some special new footprints together.”

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Film, TV + Theatre
BURO TV Guide August 2022: ‘The Sandman’, ‘Lightyear’, ‘The Screaming Sky’, and more
Your monthly streaming guide

05.08.2022
By Phyll Wu

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14 Thrilling new TV shows and films to stream in July 2023

This August, the cinematic world brings us a variety of exciting international and western films to keep us entertained all month long. From embarking on a cosmic adventure with Buzz Lightyear to surviving an alien apocalypse with paranoia clouding our minds—you’ll want to add these seven shows to your watchlist:
The Sandman

When and where: 5 August 2022 on Netflix
Watch if: You’re a fan of DC comics
Starring: Tom Sturridge, Gwendoline Christie, Vivienne Acheampong, Boyd Holbrook, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, and Mason Alexander Park
Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s award-winning DC comic series, The Sandman tells a dark mythical story of the many-sided Morpheus, the Lord of Dreams (AKA Sandman) and one of the seven powerful beings of Endless. He takes control of the Dreaming, a metaphysical plane we travel to in our deepest slumber where he gives shape to our biggest fears and fantasies. But what happens when he is unexpectedly captured and held prisoner for over a century?
Watch here.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law

When and where: 17 August 2022 on Netflix
Watch if: You’re a fan of Marvel
Starring: Tatiana Maslany, Jameela Jamil, Mark Ruffalo, Ginger Gonzaga, Tim Roth, and Benedict Wong
Debuting as the thirteenth installment of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase Four, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law follows Jennifer Sue Walters—an attorney specialising in superhuman-oriented legal cases—as she navigates through the complexities of single life at 30-something years of age. Oh, and she also happens to be a green six-foot-seven-inch superpowered hulk.
Watch here.
Read: The entire Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Five timeline, explained
See Season 3

When and where: 26 August 2022
Watch if: You enjoy action-packed thrillers
Starring: Jason Momoa, Sylvia Hoeks, Hera Hilmar, and Dave Bautista, Yadira Guevara-Prip
Set in a post-apocalyptic dystopia, Jason Momoa stars as Baba Voss—fearless warrior, leader of the Alkenny Tribe, and adopted father of Kofun and Haniwa, who had been gifted with the mythical ability of sight in a sightless world. Returning for its third and final season with stakes higher than ever, Season Three takes off a year since Voss had ventured out to live remotely in the forest after brutally defeating his ultimate nemesis and brother, Edo. But his peace will soon come to an abrupt end when a Trivantian scientist invents a new form of sighted weaponry that could lead to the downfall of humankind, leaving him with no other choice but to return to society and protect his tribe.
Watch here.
Lightyear

When and where: 3 August 2022 on Disney+
Watch if: You were disappointed with the ban in June
Starring: Chris Evans, Keke Palmer, Peter Sohn, Taika Waititi, and Peter Sohn
Although the release of Lightyear was met with a disappointing ban in Malaysian theatres, Disney+ has our back. Starring Chris Evans as the voice of the titular character, Lightyear follows the iconic space ranger as he embarks on an intergalactic adventure to explore the habitable planet, T’Kani Prime, alongside his ambitious crew. After discovering that the planet hosts hostile lifeforms, teamwork is vital for their survival against Zurg and his ruthless army of robots.
Watch here.
Gordon Ramsay’s Future Food Stars

When and where: 22 August 2022 on BBC or Astro Channel 717
Watch if: You’re a fan of Gordon Ramsay
Starring: Gordon Ramsay and twelve contestants
Gordon Ramsay presents us with yet another culinary competitive series, Gordon Ramsay’s Future Food Stars, with 12 up-and-coming food and drink entrepreneurs competing for the big prize—Ramsay’s whopping £150,000 investment. Like any of Ramsay’s competitions, the contenders are in for a series of gruelling challenges designed to test their character and skills.
READ: Review: Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill brings the chef’s British classics to Malaysia
Bad Sisters

When and where: 12 August 2022 on Apple TV+
Watch if: You enjoy thrillers with dark comedy
Starring: Sharon Horgan, Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene, and Eve Hewson
Based on Malin-Sarah Gozin’s Clan, Bad Sisters promises a “delicious blend of both dark comedy and thriller” with a familial murder mystery involving the five early-orphaned Garvey sisters. Forever bound together by a promise to always protect each other, their sisterly bond manifests in the form of revenge murder against their violent and possessive brother-in-law, making them the subject of an investigation filed by his life insurers.
The Screaming Sky / Ceroboh

When and where: 31 August 2022 on Netflix
Watch if: You’d like to support local talents
Starring: Mia Sara Shauki, Nia Atasha, Grace Ng, Charles Roberts, Syazani Zikry, and Sasidaran
What better time to support our local talents than in the month (and specific date) that commemorates Malaysia’s independence? On that note, may we suggest the upcoming supernatural thriller titled The Screaming Sky, starring actress Mia Sara Shauki as the leading role alongside model Nia Atasha. In a world overrun by mind-controlling aliens known as Sky Beasts, The Screaming Sky follows six people seeking refuge in an abandoned building. But when one of them falls victim to the aliens, paranoia among the group becomes just as deadly as any threat from the sky.
Find more shows from July to add to your watchlist.

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Lifestyle
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard head to court on first day of libel trial in London

08.07.2020
By Ronn Tan

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

Update (7 July 2020):
The libel trial involving Johnny Depp and Amber Heard has begun as they both appeared in London at the Royal Courts of Justice. In the trial, the Pirates of the Caribbean star is suing the publisher of The Sun, News Group Newspapers (NGN), and Dan Wootton (the paper’s executive director) for calling him a “wife-beater”. The case is a result of the publication of article by The Sun called Gone Potty: How can JK Rowling be ‘genuinely happy’ casting wife beater Johnny Depp in the new Fantastic Beasts film? in April of 2018.
In the opening statement, David Sherborne (Johnny Depp’s attorney) said that the actor “is not and never has been a wife beater”. He also mentioned that—according to Johnny Depp—the Aquaman actress was “the one who started physical fights”.
It was alleged by Johnny Depp during his witness statement that Amber Heard is “a calculating, diagnosed borderline personality; she is sociopathic; she is a narcissist; and she is completely emotionally dishonest. I am now convinced that she came into my life to take from me anything worth taking, and then destroy what remained of it.”
In court, Johnny Depp also denied that he’s the “horrible monster” that Amber Heard allegedly said he is and also denied that he has issues with anger management. During the cross examination by Sasha Wass (the defense attorney), the actor admitted to consuming magic mushrooms, ecstasy, LSD, cocaine, and marijuana; and that he “wasn’t particularly proud of” himself.
The trial will run for three weeks starting on 7 July 2020. The actor’s former partners, Winona Ryder and Vanessa Paradis, are expected to give evidence via video link as witnesses of the trial.
***
The world is shocked and surprised by new revelations involving Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. Throughout the past few years, Amber Heard accused Johnny Depp of abusing her—they were married for 18 months—but new audio confessions revealed that she was hitting him instead. In a taped conversation, Amber admitted to “hitting” Johnny as well as hurling pots, pans, and vases at him.
Amber Heard and Johnny Depp

During a 2015 therapy session, the back-and-forths were consensually recorded on Amber Heard’s phone. In that explosive episode, Johnny Depp—who admitted to pushing Amber once—suggested that the now-divorced duo take some necessary time out so that their relationship doesn’t end up physically tumultuous. The stars married in February 2015 before splitting. It was alleged by Amber that Johnny Depp threw a phone at her face. That’s when she filed a restraining order against her ex-husband. In August 2016, the divorce was finalised with an agreement of $7 million settlement (approximately RM28,655,200).
Johnny Depp

From the latest reveal, Johnny Depp said, “If things get physical, we have to separate. We have to be apart from one another. Whether it’s for an hour or 10 hours or a day. We must, there can be no physical violence towards each other” before Amber Heard responded with: “I agree about the physical violence, but separating for a day, taking a night off from our marriage?”. This sentiment of truce ended with Amber saying “I can’t promise that it will all be perfect. I can’t promise you I won’t get physical again. God sometimes I get so mad I lose it. I can promise you I will do everything to change. I promise you. I’m not going to throw around divorce. I not say divorce unless I really mean it”. Fast forward to 2020, it is clear that the intention to make things right did not work out for the both of them.
“I don’t know what the motion of my actual hand was, but you’re fine, I did not hurt you, I did not punch you, I was hitting you,” Amber said before continuing with “I did start a physical fight”. Johnny responded with: “Yeah, you did. So I had to get out of there”.
Amber Heard

Here’s a little timeline for you: on 18 December 2018, Amber Heard’s op-ed was published in The Washington Post. She urged support for women who are victims of domestic abuse. Amber wrote, “Two years ago, I became a public figure representing domestic abuse, and I felt the full force of our culture’s wrath for women who speak out”. On 1 March 2019, Johnny Depp called Amber’s allegations untrue and filed a $50 million defamation suit (approximately RM204,680,000) against her. While he wasn’t named in Amber Heard’s op-ed, Johnny said the article connoted that he was the abuser—which was also what got him fired from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. In a 300-plus page filing in April 2019, Amber called Johnny “the monster” and a month later, Johnny denied ever abusing any woman by saying: “I will continue to deny them for the rest of my life”. To support his defamation case, Johnny Depp has submitted 87 surveillance videos.
#JusticeForJohnnyDepp is now trending. This is a case that highlights how lightly domestic abuse against men is taken by the media (and society). One thing’s for sure—Amber Heard kept her job in Aquaman whereas Johnny Depp will not be playing Captain Jack Sparrow again (at least, for now). We just have to wait to see what happens in the future. After all, as of writing, the case has yet to be settled. It’s sad and unfortunate that all of that happened. Here’s hoping for the best for everyone involved, including Johnny’s children. You can listen and read the full transcript of the audio confessions here. Stay tuned for more updates!

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Food + Drink
Moët & Chandon launches new multi-vintage champagne MCIII in Malaysia
A pioneering hybrid

05.06.2016
By Rachel Au

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Review: Sky35 KL presents an omakase experience plated on Hermès finery

Imagine adding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir still wines, Grand Vintage still wines and Grand Vintage champagnes together as one blend? The first aged in metal (stainless steel vats), the second in wood (oak casks) and the third in glass bottles—and all three have a different maturity. Then, it is bottled for an average of 10 years of maturation and another one year for post-disgorgement.

The idea for MCIIII sounds complex but for the team at Moët & Chandon, it was a new start to a brand new champagne and the inspiration behind it stemmed from a similar blend they released in 1999 to celebrate the turn of the century—the Moët & Chandon Esprit du Siécle.

While the Esprit du Siécle combined only bubblies from the best years of the 20th century, MCIII was a more challenging goal as they had to combine still wines with champagne. It took the Maison two trials in five years before the third (and successful) attempt. Hence, the “001:14” numbering on the MCIII bottle—the “001” referencing the first cuvée and “.14” referencing the disgorgement date.

For such a unique champagne, even the way it’s served is different. It’s recommended to use a burgundy-shaped glass to keep the wine’s freshness and enhance its tasting sensations. With a  slight swirl and at the first whiff of the MCIII, the aromas come by the layers—mature, dark, warm and sweet notes of coffee, malt, mocha, praline, liquorice and the like, then intense nuances of citrus peel, citron, kumquat, bergamot and verbena, and finally mineral tinges and dry toasted notes.

The taste itself is magical on the palate. Despite its complicated birth, so to speak, it is seductive yet playful, full-bodied yet delicate, and above all, simply refined. MCIII starts out light and crisp, then slowly evolves to a rich expression of its fruitiness in notes of candied citrus fruits, plums and nectarines, dried figs and dates as well as tinges of warm spices such as vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Finally, it settles to a mineral finish with a slightly bitter saltiness that is invigorating and refreshing.

And because the MCIII combines the best of both still wines and champagnes, it is quite versatile to be paired with either light or strong entrées. But really, it’s a champagne for the elegant and intimate moments.

For more information, visit their website.

Related stories:
The largest champagne cellars by Moët & Chandon reopens
#BuroLovesMoet: Delivering little buckets of love
Flirting with flamingos: Moët Rosé’s new limited edition look

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Features
The evolution of style and personal growth according to Phei Yong
The business of style

03.05.2022
By Sarah Hani Jamil

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Fashion Insider: Content creator Eros Erfe on the inspiration behind the ‘Bags of KL’ series

Evolving in social media and the entertainment industry is no small feat but 28-year-old content creator and entrepreneur Chan Phei Yong has made it look seamless. Starting his career as a radio DJ in 2015, Phei Yong later ventured into YouTube full-time with his own channel in 2017, creating comedic and personal content revolving around his life that so many could relate to. This garnered him a huge audience with up to 718,000 subscribers on the platform.
These days, Phei Yong has taken on many new roles, including founding CMaker Production—a TV and video production company— in addition to being a style influencer, working with numerous high-fashion brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Longchamp to create fashion content. Therefore, his next career move, the launch of his own online clothing brand Step8ight, felt like a natural progression for the young multi-hyphenate. Here, he shares the idea that sparked the launch of his label.
Hi, Phei Yong! Tell us about yourself.
“Hey there! I’m the Managing Director of a newly-launched clothing brand, Step8ight. Honestly, it feels quite surreal to not be here today as a YouTuber or a host, but I’m excited for this new adventure.”
What was your first encounter with fashion?
“I regard myself as a late bloomer in the fashion industry. It wasn’t until the third year of being a radio DJ that I slowly began to get in touch with fashion. The way I see it, style evolves with age—the point in time and phases of life that you go through as the years go by. I am now a firm believer that fashion is all about cherry-picking a flower that symbolises and represents who you are, despite the many different blooms that light up the garden.”

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How did Step8eight come about and what is the inspiration behind it?
“Our 30s are a defining decade and entering it is a pretty huge deal to me. That’s why I came up with 12 milestones to achieve by the end of the year. Starting a personal brand is the eighth on my list and one I’m very proud of as style exudes presence and shows the world who you are and who you want to be. There’s nothing I would like better than to look in the mirror and truly feel good about what I’m wearing.”
The oversized reversible blazer is your featured product. Can you share more details about this item and how you would style it?
“The first ready-to-wear item by Step8ight is an oversized, two-way reversible blazer, hugely inspired by the facets of my personality. One side is for the party person, with the logos worn outwards. And the other is for a calm and laid back persona, worn plain-side-out when you need to be subtle and more formal.”

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A post shared by STEP8IGHT (@step8ight)

What else can we look forward to Step8ight in the future?
“We’ve recently launched the versatile, oversized Cuban Shirt. It is wrinkle-free for an effortless everyday look. It’s an essential everyone should own and is available in four colours, including our very own Step8ight green. As a brand, Step8ight strives to constantly evolve and step ahead of the curve, no matter the destination.”

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A post shared by STEP8IGHT (@step8ight)

Who inspires you, style-wise?
“Frankly speaking, the one muse that inspired my love for fashion isn’t a renowned brand or fashionista—it’s my father. He may not be the most impeccably dressed person with an exquisite sense of style, but the fact is that he’s a self-demanding person who’s had a huge impact on the way that I conduct myself now. Similarly, fashion is fueled by the desire to express the quirkiest ideas and demands I have in terms of styling.”

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What do you hope to see more of from the local fashion industry?
“Regardless of the industry we are in, our country has always had the greatest advantage: Malaysia is, in fact, a developing nation with plenty of potential to grow. When there is no market saturation, the opportunities are endless in the big blue ocean!”
For more style interviews, click here.

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PFW SS16: Acne Studios

Fashion
PFW SS16: Acne Studios
Rock geometry

04.10.2015
By Su Fen Tan

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Couture wedding gowns that will make you feel like a fairytale princess

“Musicians make their own fashion. It’s a personal expression that I find inspiring”, said Creative Director Jonny Johansson of the collection; evidence: embroideries of guitars in chrome and plexiglass, complete with guitar strings, on tops, jackets, and cropped trousers.
Oversized, masculine tailoring and boxy silhouettes were juxtaposed with feminine fabrics—swaying fringes, crushed velvet, and knits—alongside prints of soundwave zigzags and circular motif resembling CDs.
There was a lot to love when it came to accessories, notably the roomy square-shaped leather bags with wide obi-belt ties at the shoulder, clutches with knot handles and the series of sock sneakers.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Acne Studios SS16″ rid=”3521″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Culture
How to deflect those annoying questions at family reunions
Enough is enough

05.02.2016
By Buro Malaysia

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All the exciting live concerts in KL to look forward to in 2023

It’s yet another essential time of the year. You know, the one that brings your entire family together, and you have to spend the next couple of weeks making awkward small talk with relatives you had forgotten existed. Typically the festivities for the day, takes either the entire afternoon onwards, or merely dinner. And most times, while it’s only a few hours that you have to put up with them, it ends up feeling like a few centuries.

And it’s mostly because of all those darn questions.

I mean, props to your relatives for trying to break the ice with small talk and all that. But these questions have just got to stop.  And it’s up to you to do it. Here are some answers that may help with that:

Q: Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend yet?
A: No money, how to date?
or
A: I have a very close relationship with my KFC delivery service.

Q: When are you getting married?
A: No money, how to get married? (side note: for us working in creative industries, we can really say it, and mean it)

Q: When are you going to have kids?
A: Kids? Oh, that happened years ago!
or
A: I have cats.

Q: Wah, you put on weight ah?
A: Yeah, bad genes. As you can see, it runs in the family.

Q: Why did you choose that hair colour?
A: The same reason why you chose that hair colour.

Q: So you’re studying Communications? What can you do with that?
A: Anything I want, actually.

Q: Got promoted yet?
A: Yes. (even if you haven’t).

Q: What will you be doing in your new position then?
A: The exact same thing, really.

Q: Oh, so you work in communications… Do you get paid a lot?
A: No.

Q: Oh, you just graduated? My son got full A’s while studying in America, he’s becoming a doctor and is going to get paid a five-figured monthly salary, and he also just completed his piano diploma while feeding kids in Africa…
A: Well, at least I have personality.

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Chinese New Year 2021


Fashion
Are you ready for Uniqlo and Lemaire SS16?
Double yolk

28.01.2016
By Buro247

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We thought we were blessed when news of Uniqlo’s collaboration with Lemaire for AW15 broke last year. Such perfect pairings are rare as unicorns and a second sighting? We marched straight out and spent a month’s wages on lottery tickets.
So successful was the first collection that French designer Christophe Lemaire and partner Sarah Linh-Tran are honouring fans with a second coming. SS16 will launch on March 4 and will be available at Uniqlo stores in Fahrenheit 88, One Utama, MidValley Megamall and IOI City Mall.
“We focussed on flexible, versatile and lightweight pieces you can wear every day. The collection fulfills the need for light summer attire that you forget about once slipped on and which can be worn in the street, at work or at home,” Lemaire explains. “The garments combine simple and relaxed lines with functional details inspired by sportswear.”
Loose-fitting, simple silhouettes in tones of ginger, mahogany, blue/green (a Lemaire signature) and ash gray are accented with stark whites and blacks in a variety of cottons, making for the perfect transitional wardrobe.
“Every item combines elegance with moderate relaxation and comfort for modern, advanced wardrobe mainstays,” says Lemaire. “The collection balances strength, tranquility and softness to underscore wearer personalities, perfecting volumes and silhouettes so they remain eternally attractive.” See all the campaign images here and if you can’t find anything you like, we suggest a visit to the optometrist, stat.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Uniqlo and Lemaire SS16″ rid=”3768″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Beauty
Say ‘bye’ to signs of ageing with Sothys BX Wrinkle Corrector
Aesthetic solution

14.10.2016
By Gwen Ong

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

Did you know on average each of us expresses up to 15,000 facial movements daily? Think about it, we go through a myriad of emotions from weekdays to weekends that ranges from joy to pain, frustration and anger-depending on who is rubbing against us the right or wrong way. So is it any surprise then that these emotions transform into expression lines which over time, means wrinkles?
Recognising that there’s more demand from women (and men) to maintain a smooth and evergreen appearance, Sothys has made further research into scientific skin care and address specific concerns like the appearance of age and premature ageing.
The Sothys BX Wrinkle Corrector is designed with cosmeceutic grade formulation that acts like a daily micro-dose of dermo-relaxing peptides, mimicking a cosmetic botulinum toxin (aka botox) effect and specifically targets the formation of expression lines caused by daily facial micro-contractions.
Its dermo-relaxing peptide complex work by limiting the expression of muscle contractions and relaxing them so that any existing lines and wrinkles are smoothen out. While its Ultra-moisturising complex creates a softening and reduction of wrinkles by immediately filling up the expression lines.
The Sothys BX Wrinkle Corrector is also suitable to be used as post treatment following dermo-aesthetic botulinum toxin injections. An observation made by an independent dermatologist found that regular use of the Sothys BX Wrinkle Corrector reduced the frequency of botox injections required, with clients gaining around an extra six weeks for every six months of injections.
To apply, you just need to aim the high precision applicator on the targeted expression area and dispense one shot to blend in the direction of the muscle fibres after cleansing and before applying serum or creams. For maximum results, appy in the morning and evening for up to three months.
Sothys BX Wrinkle Corrector 15ml retails at RM550.

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4 Beauty treatments you can check out in town for a mid-day refresh
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Beauty
The future of beauty is…bacteria? Gallinee’s founder Dr. Marie Drago explains

05.08.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Here are three things Dr Marie Drago believes: You shouldn’t double cleanse, you should be washing your hair less, and you should be keeping your skin’s microbiome happy. Take from that what you will, but upon hearing this, we just had to learn more about the reasoning behind this controversial philosophy.
In our skincare-savvy day and age, we’re all about revolutionary scalp care for healthy hair and doubling down on active ingredients in pursuit of perfect skin. Naturally, hearing Dr Drago’s philosophy seems counterintuitive.
Enter: Skinimalism and the low-poo movement. These movements have taken the beauty industry by storm (though skinimalism really is just an age-old practice repackaged as a trend). Skinimalism, in particular, calls for a complete pare back of your routine to encourage healthier skin, and one brand is expertly riding the waves of the movement.
Don’t over-cleanse and don’t over-treat—that’s the Gallinée way. What do they suggest you should do instead? Well, just as you would introduce probiotics into your diet to foster a healthy gut microbiome, Gallinée urges you to do the same for your skin’s microbiome. To learn more about the burgeoning bacterial revolution, we spoke to Dr Marie Drago, the founder of the pro-probiotic brand:
What inspired you to make the jump between pharmacy and cosmetic science?

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Pictured: Dr Marie Drago
“After my pharmacy studies, I went directly to work for the cosmetic industry. I’ve always been fascinated with making and using beauty products. My mum tells me that I was trying to make perfumes by putting flowers in water when I was little. Pharmacy studies helped me to get much better at making products!
“The inspiration for Gallinée came about because I was under very heavy treatment for my autoimmune disease, which wasn’t really working. I started looking into the science of it and found out about the microbiome and how taking care of my good bacteria helps with my condition.
“I stopped my treatment and switched to a probiotic and prebiotic-focused diet—which I am still on—and it was such a revolution. That’s when I thought, ‘If consuming probiotics and prebiotics can do so much for our gut, why is no one taking care of the bacteria on our skin?’
“Because the idea was so new, I couldn’t find any science on it, so I called my university and they told me to submit my thesis on the effects of probiotics on the microbiome. I went back to school, 15 years after the end of my studies, and researched for my thesis—which is now the basis for the formulations of Gallinée. Here at Gallinée, we believe that you are a planet. You are made up of human cells and of billions of bacteria living together in perfect harmony. If you look after them, they will look after you.”
Could you define microbiome skincare for our readers?

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“Microbiome skincare is a branch of beauty that not only considers the skin, but also the live ecosystem that lives on it: the microbiome. This microbiome, these good bacteria, are your first line of defence and can also help build the skin barrier, reduce inflammation and protect against the bad bacteria that causes acne and eczema. So, it makes a lot of sense to take care of this microbiome.
It is the generation after probiotic skincare, where the idea was just to bring good bacteria to the skin. Microbiome skincare put your own live good bacteria to work, helping them to give you back the best skin ever!”
What are the differences between probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics?

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“Probiotics are just another word for good bacteria. In cosmetics, they are usually gently killed by heat. Prebiotics are the nutrients for good bacteria alive on your skin. I find it so interesting, as it’s really putting your microbiome to work. We use a lot of them in Gallinée products. Postbiotic is a new concept: a produce of good bacteria that has a positive impact on the microbiome. At Gallinée, for example, we love lactic acid: it is made by lactic acid bacteria and creates the perfect environment for your microbiome.”
What are the unique advantages of including probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in your skincare routine?

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Lifestyle
7 Minutes with Malaysian diver Leong Mun Yee on the 2017 SEA Games
Diving in to the details

06.07.2017
By Rachel Au

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She is one of the most experienced Malaysian athletes and also one of the most decorated. At only 13 years old, Leong Mun Yee made her SEA Games debut in Jakarta in 1997 and was also selected to be part of the national diving team for the 1998 Commonwealth Games. On a global scale, she has competed at four Olympic Games and together with Pandelela Rinong, won the first World Championship medal for Malaysia in 2009.
Fast forward to 2017 and it’s the Ipoh-born athlete’s 20th year of her career. To date, Mun Yee has won 15 gold medals in the SEA Games, making her the only Malaysian diver that has won the most gold medals in this biennial competition. And yet her drive to win has not faltered one bit as she hopes to gain her 16h gold in the Kuala Lumpur 2017 SEA Games happening from August 19 to 30.
The 32-year-old has, however, hinted plans to retire after the Games with no certainty of her competitive schedule for the rest of 2017. Her two upcoming major events are the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest (July 14-22) and the SEA Games (Aug 19-30). We had a quick chat with Mun Yee to find out more about her training and preparation for the Games, and where are the best places to eat in Ipoh.

A day in the life of Leong Mun Yee… consists a lot of training. I train for about seven to eight hours a day, six days a week. I would start as early as 8.30am till 12pm and then the afternoon session begins from 3pm to 7pm.

A post shared by Leong Mun Yee (Angela) (@leong_munyee) on May 28, 2017 at 12:51am PDT

My first encounter with water sports was… when I was two. My brother used to swim for the Perak state so I would follow him for swimming classes.

I switched to diving… when I was 10. It was 1995 and the National Sports Council appointed a new diving coach from China to visit Perak to select divers for the 1998 Commonwealth Games squad. My parents took me to the tryouts and I was one of the six chosen from my state for the national team and eventually, the only one from Perak who competed at the Commonwealth Games at that time.

A post shared by Leong Mun Yee (Angela) (@leong_munyee) on Jun 5, 2017 at 4:48am PDT

To prepare for the 2017 SEA Games, I’m currently… at the training camp in China. Earlier in the year, it was all about training my strength and stamina. Now it’s more on improving and perfecting my diving skills.

Wearing the right workout gear is important… to ensure comfort and prevent injury. I have different Nike shoes for different kinds of training so I always change my footwear accordingly, whether I go for a run or do strength exercises. I’m especially a big fan of the Nike Pro Bra and the Nike Free TR7 women’s training shoe, which gives great support as well as flexibility in every step.

My favourite sportswear brand is… Nike. I have always liked their products. The opportunity to become a Nike athlete came when one of the members of our national football team (FAM)—which is also sponsored by Nike—suggested me to the brand.

The sports scene in Malaysia… has changed tremendously. From the facilities to the athletes’ welfare to the country’s achievements in competitions, I have seen a lot of improvements between now and 20 years ago. I feel that people nowadays are also more keen to participate, be it making a sport their career or being in the audience.

My advice to aspiring Malaysian athletes is… to follow your dreams. Do know that it’s not easy—never easy—but don’t give up.

I never travel without my… pillow.

Three things people don’t know about me: I’m actually quite girly, I used to dislike working out, and I was chubby as a teenager.

Three of my favourite places to eat in Ipoh: Old town area, the hawker stalls near the stadium and Concubine Lane.

Related stories:
#RoadToRio: 5 Malaysian athletes on their first Olympic Games
24 Questions with Dato’ Nicol David on her hometown Penang
15 Things to know about the 2017 SEA Games in Malaysia

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Fashion
London Collections Men: Watch the Moschino AW16 live stream here

10.01.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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Just because you’re not at London doesn’t mean you have to miss all the action. Watch the live stream of the Moschino AW16 presentation right here:

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Beauty
Here’s Why You Really Need This Facial Mist Duo in Your Kit
Day-to-night Pitera power

09.07.2015
By Terry Saw

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We live in a time where we want everything to move faster, work better – and we want those results yesterday. Skincare products are working harder than ever, cramming in as many benefits as our skin can soak up in the few minutes it takes us to apply the product – win. Right?
Then occasionally you get skincare players like SK-II that comes along and shakes things up a little. And don’t get me wrong; I love my facial mists, but a day and a night mist? I sense raised eyebrows, so I put both of them to the test…

SK-II Mid-Day Miracle Essence, 50ml, RM232
Firstly, did you know our skin’s rhythm and behavior varies across each 24-hour cycle, depending on our stress levels and the external aggressors we’re exposed to? What that means is this yo-yo effect over time leaves us with drier and duller skin – not a good look.
Also, our skin’s hydration levels are said to take a dip around 4pm and 8pm (personally makeup-meltdown is around 3pm for me) so I’ve been making it a point to spritz the Mid-Day Essence every morning, after lunch and just before dinner. The formula is infused with high levels of Pitera and a MoistureLock Complex so it keeps the skin hydrated for up to four hours at a time. My makeup does stay fresh during the day – unless I’m outdoors for the most part – and we know in this lovely humidity, it takes more than a miracle mist to keep any makeup on at all after 10 hours! I do notice visibly lesser sneaky fine lines, which usually creep up by the evening, although I may have been spritzing it on more than three times during the day for good measure.

SK-II Mid-Night Miracle Essence, 50ml, RM232
I use this on clean skin post-cleansing – it really helps to know that the mist particles are so fine, that they’re about a quarter the size of visible skin pores, so what you’re getting is optimum moisture penetration for your skin. Plus, the cooling effect from Menthoxypropanediol (a menthol derivative), refreshes yet calms my skin down after a long day. A spritz or two before bed lets me wake up to calmer, suppler skin in the morning too.
So as much as I am a cheerleader for multi-tasking products, I don’t mind adding a night mist into my beauty routine, which takes an additional two seconds out of my day to spritz – I’ll live. I may not see results yesterday, but I actually do the next morning when I wake up to well-hydrated skin and that’s good enough for me.
SK-II Mid-Day Miracle Essence and Mid-Night Miracle Essence are now available at all SK-II counters.

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Food + Drink
Meet Cookhouse—the first ever cloud kitchen and co-cooking space in Malaysia

30.06.2020
By Ronn Tan

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In the past few years, Malaysia (especially Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya) has seen a rise in the number of co-working spaces—with some notable names such as Regus and Colony. Now, the city finally has its first co-cooking or cloud kitchen space. Meet Cookhouse, the first community-based co-sharing kitchen space in Malaysia.

Located in Petaling Jaya, the 10,000-square foot, shared cloud kitchen space aims to empower food entrepreneurs (also known as Residents) to hone their kitchen and entrepreneurial skills without the need to spend on their own brick-and-mortar property. Cookhouse can be accessed 24/7 and consists of five private kitchen studios, a shared baking production, Asian and Western kitchen, prep kitchen, walk-in freezers and chillers, dry storage, packing facility, loading area, as well as food delivery pick up stations for easy distribution.
In addition to complying with Malaysia’s regulations—such as standards for safety and cleanliness, Cookhouse is currently in partnership with tech partners like Food Market Hub, Aliments, Oddle, SoCar, and Mr.Speedy.

We had the opportunity to speak to the founder of Cookhouse, Huen Su San, to learn more about the cloud kitchen space, the idea behind its conception, and Cookhouse’s objectives.
What is Cookhouse and who is it for?
“Cookhouse is a community-centric concept of shared kitchens with commercial-grade kitchen facilities and cloud kitchens, a cooking event space, and co-working office. Cookhouse is built for food entrepreneurs who are serving online and delivery markets—both new and established players.
“Cookhouse is a good fit for online and food delivery businesses, restaurants, and cafes looking for central kitchen and prep kitchens, caterers, food truck operators, and all sorts of food producers. New food startups benefit from the lower startup cost and supporting ecosystem which shortens its learning curve while established players leverage on reaching new markets at a faster pace and lower cost.”
Where and how did the idea for Cookhouse come from?
“The idea of Cookhouse came about from my own experience in F&B as well as running Glasshouse at Seputeh, an events venue. At Glasshouse at Seputeh, we host all sorts of events, including food events. It was here that I saw a gap in the market for an event space built specifically for food events and demonstrations. In expanding my own F&B business, I had built up two central kitchens and realised the high capital expenditures involved and challenges in setting them up.
“Through this, I saw the value in being able to provide a shared alternative for other food businesses in Malaysia as an option while scaling up their businesses. Marrying both these solutions together saw the birth of Cookhouse—the name was a natural progression to complement our previous concept, Glasshouse.”

What is Cookhouse’s main objective? Is there an ultimate goal that the team is working towards?
“Cookhouse’s ultimate objective is to create an ecosystem of support for people passion for food and business. Besides providing the infrastructure, we build a network of solutions around these food businesses and entrepreneurs where we are able to share and pool resources, learn from one another, and grow together.
“In the short time which we have started operating, we have already built a network of partners and collaborators from logistic companies, tech companies, and food service providers which will benefit our Cookhouse community. In the end, our goal and hope is for our Cookhouse residents to be successful and profitable. Their success stories will be the very core of our community.”
Cookhouse is a new concept to many. Why should one use the facilities in Cookhouse?
“Cookhouse provides lower barriers to entry and commercial setup which will allow entrepreneurs to capitalise on volume production equipment, tech gadgets, and conveniences as well as exposure and support from our partners and collaborators. For a new food startup, Cookhouse—with its ecosystem and support network—gives these new entrepreneurs a headstart in their business venture.
“More importantly, Cookhouse is built by a food business operator from the perspective of a food business operator to specifically address challenges and find solutions for the benefit of the food entrepreneur. Cookhouse is also able to cater to the food business through its different growth stages, from start up through expansion phases by adding satellite cloud kitchens across Klang Valley to reach its delivery markets.”

One of the most interesting aspects about Cookhouse is the design. Is there a specific reason behind the vivid colour palette?
“Orange is a vibrant colour that transmits positivity and energy. We opted for this colour as it is able to evoke these emotions within us, to fuel and drive our passion in food and business.”
Did Cookhouse work with local personalities in the F&B industry on the kitchen’s design and facilities?
“For the conception of the first flagship Cookhouse facility, it was primarily my own idea built around practicality and solving problems that I had experienced myself while growing my own food businesses. I do hope to get more feedback and input from other F&B personalities for our next upcoming kitchen setup. The current design and facilities are built to inspire and promote interaction between Residents.”

What are the basic rates for anyone who wants to start?
“The rates start as low as RM200 per pax per day or RM900 per pax per month, inclusive of utilities.”
If you could invite a prominent chef to run a class at Cookhouse, who would you choose, and why?
“Chef Wan because he is an icon and an ambassador of Malaysian food. When the world is your oyster, after a journey or adventures of exploration, the taste we always long for will be one of home.”

Lastly, do you have any advice for aspiring chefs and food entrepreneurs in Malaysia?
“Fight for your dreams, build your team, and live your dream. When we are dealing in the food business, we are very much a contributor to society’s life experiences. Our products and services bring people together, give people comfort, memories, excitement, and happiness. It’s a beautiful creative industry to be in, surrounded by a lot of passion. But it is important for business sustainability that passion projects are also profitable projects.”

To ensure that F&B businesses grow efficiently and sustainably, food entrepreneurs require the right environment. Through the opportunities of shared spaces, Cookhouse plans to assist food entrepreneurs and chefs by providing them with a supporting network as well as taking away the expected issues such as pest control and equipment maintenance. It’s the first-of-its-kind cloud kitchen in Malaysia and Cookhouse is definitely a beacon of hope for anyone in the F&B industry, especially during a zeitgeist filled with uncertainties.

Cookhouse Malaysia
Address: 3A, Jalan PJS3/1, Petaling Jaya
Contact: 012 521 8855
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Instagram

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2020


Lifestyle
#BuroAList: What’s cookin’ with Chef Jeff Ramsey and Chef Sherson Lian
Fresh off the grill

19.11.2017
By Alyssa Lee

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We’re back with another episode of our exclusive interview series with the movers and shakers of our local landscape. This time round, the spotlight is on Chef Sherson Lian of Kitchen Mafia and Chef Jeff Ramsey of Babe Restaurant.

Jeff Ramsey
His restaurant is known for combining an artful finesse with a playful take on modernist cuisine. “Fun dining” is what it’s called. But Jeff Ramsey got his start on humbler grounds. Initially tasked with just cleaning dishes, he got his lucky break when he was given some time behind the sushi bar. Thereafter, he trained with the world’s best—Masayoshi Kazato, the official Sushi Ambassador of Japan; José Andrés, protégé of the legendary Catalonian chef Ferran Adria of elBulli; and Japanese “super chef” Hide Yamamoto. Ramsey earned a Michelin Star in 2009, at the age of 32, and has since gone on to be featured at pop-up restaurants across the globe and is now a sought-after culinary educator consulting on restaurant openings in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Sherson Lian

A household name, Sherson Lian has made his mark as an entrepreneur in the gastronomy business. He started off with and is still currently hosting 5 Rencah, 5 Rasa on TV3, a local cooking production that will be rolling out its 18th and 19th season at the end of this year. Boasting a lifetime of exposure to the culinary industry, Lian has taken the passion he developed as a child from working at his mother’s café and nurtured it to now span multiple television deals locally and regionally, two restaurants, a food styling and events catering business, a cookbook, and plans to venture into restaurant consulting for start-ups and makeovers in the near future.

In the interview you can watch and read below, we grilled the chefs on pressing matters like improving our country’s restaurant industry and how great jackfruit is despite its wind-inducing properties. But chefs being chefs, you can tell they’re used to the heat.
P.S. Don’t miss the challenge segment in the video below where the chefs try delivering cheesy pick up lines while making grilled cheese sandwiches!

Briefly walk us through how you got started in the industry.

JR: Pretty typical of my generation, I started as a dishwasher in a Japanese restaurant and I became sort of the back-up sushi guy. One day, one of the chefs cut his finger, I got put out to the sushi bar, and it was my chance to shine. I took up the opportunity and fell in love with the whole business.
SL: My mum started a cafe when I was eight or nine years old. Every school holiday, I’d enjoy my time helping out in the cafe and I guess that opened my eyes to the business as I grew older and one thing led to another; now here I am!

How would you describe your identity as a Chef and what do you want your restaurant to represent?

SL: I think my identity as a chef is bold, daring and very casual. I can’t say I’m authentic to a certain cuisine because I believe in diversity and variety. I like my restaurants to always be open in concept, honest in food—it should be a place where people feel comfortable and have a good experience.
JR: Babe is all about pushing boundaries. We are constantly questioning how far can we go now? It’s about teetering the line to find what is acceptable to the Malaysian audience. For myself, yes, I am a chef, but I am more accurately a multipotentialite, and a restaurant is a really fun way for me to express myself in many ways.

Tell us about where your businesses are at now. Sherson, how is Makhan by Kitchen Mafia doing?

SL: The business is growing well. We’ve only been open for five months so it’s hard to say if it’s reached what I have envisioned. We have yet to drill down on marketing efforts but just by being in The Gasket Alley, a buzzing local biker haunt, has been quite sustainable. There’s definitely a lot of potential for Makhan.
What are you working on for Babe, Jeff?

JR: Babe is a restaurant that I love to go to work everyday in. I get to cook up whimsical, tasty dishes, and pass my passion on to the guests. For that, it’s very successful. As a perfectionist, I want to achieve more and more success, and develop the menu and our services to the highest level that we can go and we just push everyday to create a better product.

A common thread is this art of fusion that goes through your food—is this something that stems from your mixed parentage or a style you developed along the way?

JR: My mum is Japanese-Korean, my father Irish-American. I say it often, I cook how I look. It’s second nature—it’s the food I grew up eating; but mostly with a Japanese slant because that’s the food I embraced as I studied as a cook.
SL: I agree, whatever we produce is based on what we’ve been exposed to. My mum is living in Melaka, she cooks a lot of Nyonya food but it’s because she’s been exposed to that. I just cook what I like.

Having so many different influences, what’s a Malaysian ingredient you think is most underrated?

JR: Jackfruit is ridiculously good but you kind of have to be in the mood for it because its aroma is quite strong.
SL: That, and people tend to say “angin”… It gives you wind!

Working with food on the daily must make you very picky with what you eat. Where do chefs go to eat?

JR: I think that’s just what the perception of people is. Chefs get off work late and eat whatever is open.

SL: I’m not fussy with what kind of food I eat, but I am fussy with the taste and how it’s prepared. Like Jeff said, supper used to be a frequent affair; especially when I just opened Makhan a few months ago. It’s essentially a bar with Indian food. People “makan” , then they drink till late and on the way home, McDonald’s is always there, calling out my name. That’s how the “middle kingdom” expanded.

Is there a chef or restaurant that inspires you and you’ve modelled your restaurant to?

JR: There’s a restaurant in Barcelona called Tickets run by Albert Adria (the brother of Ferran Adria, who headed elBulli for a long time) that I would love if someone recognised is what we’re going for. They’re No. 25 on the World’s Best Restaurants list but they’re really a casual restaurant that does interesting, tasty food; a place where you can relax, drink, enjoy yourself; it’s a bit loud. That’s the kind of vibe I hope to create with Babe.
I think that any city could and should support a fine dining scene, it’s the F1 of restaurants. The technology and practices used in that tier of restaurants will certainly trickle down to the lower tiers within a city, and cause the overall level of cuisine and hospitality to become greater.

What are your thoughts on the Malaysian F&B scene? Have you any suggestions on how the climate can be improved?

SL: The scene is divided into three major layers in my opinion: the stripped down and bare (hawkers, etc), the casual (bars, bistros, cafes etc) and the fine dining establishments. I think the first layer is always going to be thriving; that is what Malaysia is known for! The second really depends on their legitimacy in every perspective-from the concept and food, to the vibe and service. But the final one is tricky; I don’t think the market is mature enough for it. This makes fine dining restaurants quite hard to sustain.
This is why I think sharing exposure across the three layers is a way to improve. Hawkers have stood and will stand the test of time. We now have to give more exposure—not just locally but also on a regional and international level—to the casual joints and fine dining places. Then, people will come to Malaysia not just for street food but also to visit places from the other two layers in this industry.

What are three key personality traits a chef should possess?

JR: 1) An attitude of service towards others2) Willingness to sacrifice to achieve greatness3) True, deep down confidence in yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t
SL:1) Dedication2) Willingness to work hard3) A good palate

What is the most important life lesson you’ve learnt over the course of your career?

JR: Wake up with intention, seize the day, but don’t stress on trying to accomplish it all today.
SL: One never knows everything especially when it comes to food.

Where do you see yourselves in the next five years?

JR: I have plans where we’re working on a sushi-focused version of Babe. I’ll be pretty busy with these two restaurants.
SL: What I would like to achieve is to have a couple more [restaurants]. To grow the business, grow the brand.

Jeff Ramsey wears the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang White Ceramic and Sherson Lian wears the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico Carbon.
Stay tuned for the final episode of Buro A-List coming up next week.

Original: https://www.buro247.my/fashion/buro-loves/buroalist-all-things-fashion-with-tengku-syahmi.html
Credits:

Photography: Gerald Goh / Metal Bees
Videography: Octopost Studio
Styling: Cai Mei Khoo, Joan Kong
Hair: Juno Ko
Makeup: Ling Chong
Art Direction: Chong Yi SuenOriginal: https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/buro-loves/buroalist-roen-cian-and-timothy-tiah.html

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Beauty
For effortless touch-ups on-the-go: YSL Beauty Volupté Tint-in-Balm
Chapped lips begone!

28.07.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

We all know the drill when it comes to getting your pout on: Reapplying your lippie is always the first thing on your mind right after a meal, and it is of utmost importance to check your teeth every now and then to ensure that you aren’t a victim of that cringe-worthy lipstick-on-teeth faux pas.

But if you’d like to give your lips a break from all that—while getting a peace of mind—YSL Beauté’s new Volupté Tint-in-Balm is just what you need to replace that tube of lipstick in your makeup kit. If you’re already a fan of tinted lip balms, this one will be up your alley for its unique double formula. Instead of the traditional balm, the Volupté Tint-in-Balm has a double core that leaves a unique finish. Its outer shell offers a sheer colour pay-off that’s vivid, while the lip-shaped core in the middle boasts a double “back injection” technology to leave your lips nourished and hydrated.

The result? A radiant, just-bitten glow with lips that are cared for. Available in 12 delectable shades from flirty pinks to magnetic magentas, the Volupté Tint-in-Balm is available this 3 August 2017 at YSL Beauty in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. The best part? You can engrave your name or initials on the lip balm casing for a truly customisable experience!

Related stories:
11 Makeup artists on Instagram who are giving us major lip art envy
#BizarreBeauty: Toilet paper lips and other stories

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Beauty
Lend your support at L’Oreal Professionnel Hair Fashion Night Presenting Colour For Life 2016
A bigger purpose

13.05.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

When it comes to charity campaigns and events, L’Oreal Professionnel takes the cake for both passion and initiative. This year, the professional hair care brand is switching up its annual charity drive by combining its Hair Fashion Night with its fund-raising initiative for Malaysian AIDS Foundation, Colour For Life, resulting in their most star-studded event to date: Hair Fashion Night Presenting Colour For Life 2016.

Over the course of two days, you can get a hair consultation and hairstyle makeover at this event while doing your part to support the lives of children living with HIV. The event also sees the launch of Style My Hair app, the brand’s new mobile application available to download on Android and iOS that’s designed for women to experience a total face makeover (haircut, colour, and styling) while keeping up with the latest hair trends—this means that you can now find out if you’re able to pull off that edgy coloured ‘do you’ve been pondering over.

Of course, no L’Oreal Professionnel event is complete without a list of renowned names in the industry to lend their support. Eight renowned designers including Datuk Professor Dr Jimmy Choo (OBE), Dato’ Tom Abang Saufi, Eric Choong, Winnie Sin, Melinda Looi, Sereni & Shentel and Samantha Lee have contributed designs which have been imprinted on reusable tote bags that you can purchase for RM30 each.

Drop by Pavilion Center Court to get a professional hair consultation for free, and a haircut with styling for RM30 by L’Oreal Professionnel hairstylists themselves. All the details of the events here:

When: Monday, 16 May, 2016
What time: 10am – 3pm
What: Free hair diagnosis and hairstyle consultation by professional hair stylists
Where: Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Centre Court

When: Tuesday, 17 May, 2016
What time: 10am – 8pm
What: Charity hair cut drive by professional hair stylists
Where: Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Centre Court

Related stories:
L’Oreal Professionnel Hair Fashion Night Presenting Colour For Life 2016: Personalities and stylists
L’Oreal Professionnel Hair Fashion Night Presenting Colour For Life 2016: The 8 Renowned Designers

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Beauty
Here are some of the best summer beauty inspiration from the latest K-pop comebacks

22.06.2020
By Kelly Lim

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

With the arrival of summer comes the opportunity to go all out with your makeup routine and this year, we’re seeing a season of gloss, glitter and bright colours that will give you that inner (and outer) summer glow. As always, the world of K-pop offers endless beauty inspiration to try out and have fun with thanks to the variety of comeback concepts that range from bewitchingly dark looks to casual chic to mark a melt-free hot girl summer. Take hair and makeup cues from the K-beauties in some of the most recent music videos below:
Chung Ha (Ft. pH-1) – ‘My Friend’

Solo artist Chungha switches out her fierce girl crush style for a more laidback beauty look in the playful music video of her latest Zion.T-produced track ‘My Friend’ featuring rapper pH-1. The anthem of encouragement sees her flaunt a sense of breezy self-confidence with no-makeup makeup that highlights her natural features through spidery mascara and rose-tinted lips, topped off with rainbow-coloured nails each dotted with a single pearl to add a bit of fun to the look. We’re also loving the statement black scrunchie holding her casual half-up do in place, a trend that is bound to take off by the time autumn rolls around.

Choi Ye Geun – ‘Lucid Dream’

Choi Ye-Geun’s glossy glitter makeup in her dreamy ‘Lucid Dream’ music video is the perfect beauty look for a summer in the new normal. Sprinkles of glitter accentuate her upper lid and brows to place emphasis on her upper part of her face (an ideal highlight during an age when masks are an essential public accessory), underscored by blush pink shadow, giving off the ultimate dewy youthful glow.
Weki Meki – ‘Oopsy’

For something more night-time appropriate, look to the girls of Weki Meki in their latest ‘Oopsy’ music video and be inspired by their updated take on the classic evening beauty look. The key here is to pair a statement matte lip with a chic winged liner and hints of matching rosy blush around the eyes and cheeks. Take it to the next level by adding a bit of sparkle in the form of rhinestones to line either side of your eyes; and gloss to elevate the blush with some shine.
TXT – ‘Puma’

Feeling sultry? Go wild by recreating some of TXT’s edgy beauty looks in their mysterious ‘Puma’ music video which sees the brother group of BTS show off a darker, beast-like aura for the new track. Piercings, prints and slick hairstyles aside, the boys rock some seriously smokey eyes in shades that match their coloured locks, ranging from lilac to burgundy and umber brown, to give off a stylish, feline vibe.

Oh My Girl – ‘Nonstop’

Sweeping the music charts, Oh My Girl’s latest title track Nonstop highlight the group’s lovable energy in a casual but chic retro-inspired style with a hint of cowgirl swag. For standout hair, take notes from Seunghee and Mimi’s pink and purple pastel-coloured dye jobs or wrap it back with a printed bandana scarf for a 90’s era look. Amidst the various makeup looks, the group shows that a stained glossy lip goes with virtually anything, pairing it with crystallised 60’s cat-eyes, peachy-pink monochrome makeup to OTT blush to give off an ethereal, ultra-romantic look that’s also low-key enough for the everyday.
Ha Sung Woon – ‘Get Ready’

If you’ve been thinking about jumping onto the orange lockdown hair trend, let Ha Sung Woon sway you into finally doing it for real. The former Wanna One member shows just how trendy and effortlessly easy burnt fiery locks can be in his funky ‘Get Ready’ music video by pairing it with different retro-looking outfits that punctuate the song’s smooth, jazzy style. Whether it’s tousled under a red beret, or styled in elegant finger waves for an evening tux ensemble, Sung Woon’s carrot top offers more evidence as to why orange is the new black for summer 2020 hair.
Blackpink – ‘How You Like That’

YG Entertainment
Blackpink’s How You Like That may only be arriving next week but the concept teasers for the group’s latest single had to be mentioned for its bewitching beauty looks. From Jennie’s chunky ash blonde highlights and crimson-blush undereye shadow to Lisa’s graphic lilac mani and blunt cherry red bangs, all four girls are seen sporting dramatic new makeovers for the upcoming comeback, offering head-turning hairstyles, ultra-long glamour nails and enchanting eye makeup that are all guaranteed to put anyone under a spell.

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Watches
LVMH Watch Week 2022: 7 Timepieces we can’t stop thinking about

29.01.2022
By Sarah Hani Jamil

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

The third edition of LVMH Watch Week returned this week as the first global gathering of the horlogerie calendar. In usual fashion, the four-day digital showcase was a fiesta of mechanical mastery and artistic wrist-ice––courtesy of the latest creations and collections from the group’s enviable stable of maisons Bvlgari, Hublot, Zenith and more recently, TAG Heuer. There was plenty to salivate over at various price points, with each watchmaking house celebrating their past and crafting icons for the future.
Ahead, we round up our favourite timepieces from the 2022 LVMH watch fair:
Bvlgari Lvcea Intarsio

Speaking the language of light, the Bvlgari Lcvea is a round-dialed canvas that has always housed the timeless elegance and marvels of Rome. Its 2022 iterations draws inspiration from the sundials of ancient Rome that captured light to signal the passage of time, which have been translated into three-dimensional dials that also bring new colours to the palette. Crafted with marquetry technique called Intarsio, 37 pink mother-of-peal and blue aventurine micro-elements have been cut and faceted by hand for both cases, then assembled to create a unique display of lightwork and reflection. To complement this, diamond hour-marks dot the rims of the dials, alongside a diamond-set bezel and cabochon-cut rubellite crown.

Shop: Lvcea Watch, Bvlgari

Shop: Lvcea Watch, Bvlgari

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Bvlgari Octo Roma Blue Carillon Tourbillon

First unveiled this time last year, the Bvlgari Octo Roma Blue Carillon Tourbillon gets an electrifying update with a blue high-tech carbon-based coating on the movement and the side circumference of its 44mm platinum case. The timepiece also received hour indexes and an Arabic numeral at the 12 o’clock, but don’t let its appearance distract you––it’s a serious complication piece with a Tourbillon minute repeater movement that chimes on three hammers with three gongs to tell you the time via melodic sequence. A push of the button on the side and you’ll find it ringing out a C note for the hours; E, D, and C for the quarters, and E for the minutes. Only 30 will be made.

Shop: Octo Roma Blue Carillon Tourbillon, Bvlgari
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Hublot Big Bang Integral Time Only

For the first time ever, Hublot reveals the Big Bang Integral in an unprecedented diameter of 40mm. Never before has the iconic design been fitted into such a slim-fitting and classic outfit, which now comes in three different materials of yellow gold, titanium and ‘All Black’ ceramic. The new collection, named ‘Time Only’ refocuses on the essence of watchmaking with simplicity as the guiding principle, alongside the return of the integrated bracelet––an aesthetic signature of the Big Bang Integral––to give the timepiece its strength. Like all the All Blacks crafted by the watchmaker, the ‘All Black’ rendition is limited to only 250 pieces.

Shop: Big Bang Integral Time Only All Black, Hublot

Shop: Big Bang Integral Time Titanium, Hublot

Shop: Big Bang Integral Time Only Yellow Gold, Hublot

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Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu II

Seven years running, Hublot refreshes its iconic collaboration with Sang Bleu, the creative and design studio owned and Swiss tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Büchi. This time round, Plescia-Büchi has applied his intricate line wok and signature geometrics to two iconic materials born of the Hublot Art of Fusion––ceramic in black and green, and ‘Magic Gold’. Created in-house via a mix of 18-karat gold and ceramic, the latter material completely rid worries of scratches and disfiguration. All of this is strapped in rubber and a special Sang Bleu clasp (there’s also a flyback chronograph on board). Via the three limited editions, only 550 tattoos will be available to wear on the wrist.

Shop: Big Bang Sang Bleu II Black Magic, Hublot

Shop: Big Bang Sang Bleu II Green Ceramic, Hublot

Shop: Big Bang Sang Bleu II Magic Gold, Hublot

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Zenith DEFY Midnight Sunset & DEFY Midnight Borealis

Following the launch of the Midnight collection at LVMH Watch Week 2020 in Dubai, Zenith releases two stunning new models this year, inspired by other natural occurrences in the sky: the DEFY Midnight Sunset and DEFY Midnight Borealis. Housed in a 36mm stainless steel case and embellished with brilliant-cut white diamonds on the bezel and every hour marker, the dials on each timepiece feature an eye-catching gradient of colours, offering an unexpected visual allure.

Shop: DEFY Midnight Sunset, Zenith

Shop: DEFY Midnight Borealis, Zenith

The face on Midnight Sunset transforms from warm red to a deep yellow tone, while Midnight Borealis features a blue dial that shifts to a bright emerald green towards the bottom. Both watches are equipped with the automatic Elite 670 automatic manufacture calibre, providing a power reserve of 50 hours. On top of the metal bracelets, the timepieces come with three additional colourful straps––following the gradients of the dials––that you can exchange and play with thanks to the interchangeable strap system.
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Zenith DEFY Skyline

An evolution of the DEFY Classic timepiece introduced in 2018, the new DEFY Skyline retains the same DNA of its predecessor but offers an edgier aesthetic, starting with the octagonal case and a 12-sided faceted bezel comprising brushed and polished surfaces in tones of grey, silver and blued metal. The perfectly-aligned star-studded dial is inspired by the brand’s former four-pointed star logo and offers more depth value and a 3-D appearance to the dial. The 41mm steel model is equipped with a screw-in crown and a transparent sapphire crystal case back. Making performance its utmost priority, the Skyline features an automatic winding mechanism with a bi-directional rotor, delivering a power reserve of approximately 60 hours.

Shop: DEFY Skyline, Zenith

Shop: DEFY Skyline, Zenith

Shop: DEFY Skyline, Zenith

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TAG Heuer Autavia Chronometer Flyback Chronograph

A chronograph veteran that was a hit in the ’60s, TAG Heuer’s Autavia celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. To mark the milestone and for the first time, the watchmaker is bringing back the flyback chronograph to the collection, with a newly developed Calibre Autavia Chronometre Flyback Chronograph, available in dial options of panda, all-black or blue. All pieces feature Super-LumiNova coating on the hour markers and hands to ensure quick and clear legibility, which takes inspiration from a historic Autavia reference.

Shop: Autavia Chronometre Flyback Chronograph, TAG Heuer
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Read more watch-related stories here.

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Watches
Sophisticated combinations of the décorative arts: I Giardini di Bulgari
Stories on your wrist

04.09.2015
By Buro247

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Merging together watchmaking, art and craftsmanship, Bulgari recalls the most refined of paintings with the dials of its latest timepieces. Starting from 2013, when the Maison’s feminine time complications only featured the exotic charm of tropical gardens and underwater Garden of Eden, Bulgari’s collection has now blossomed to comprise of four enchanting gardens, yielding from two new inspirations to transform its dials into true embodiments of traditional art. Crafted in pink and white gold, the bezel is either engraved with the emblematic ‘Bulgari Bulgari’ motif or set with approximately 2.9 carats of iridescent diamonds.

Produced in limited quantities, the timepieces are created using five core decorative techniques of champlevé, miniature painting, mother-of-pearl marquetry, stone marquetry and gem-setting, alongside complicated mechanisms to imbue an avid sense of artistry. Aside from the intricate and eloquent designs of the dials, three of the four gardens house the BVL 263 Manufacture calibre, a mechanical self-wound tourbillon movement that can stay water-resistant for up to 30 metres, boasts a 64-hour power reserve and holds a cage with sapphire bridges.

Il Giardino Tropicale
This exotic garden features colourful accents ranging from purple to orange, dominated by the extravagance of a parrot. With its distinctive elements, the dial’s foreground serves as a décor of a tropical jungle, harnessing champlevé engraving traced on gold. Set in pink mother-of-pearl with 61 diamonds or paved with 226 snow-set diamonds, the background effortlessly exudes vibrant luxuriance. Crafted by the delicate stroke of miniature painting, the parrot remains the highlight of the timepiece, revealing colours of unparalleled power that are reinforced by the surrounding floral and plant motifs.
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Il Giardino Lariano
Reminiscing the charm of the Como Lake region, this romantic garden features an elegant white swan gliding across a sea of blue-grey Tahitian mother-of-pearl. Amidst a dazzling sky of 244 snow-set diamonds, the swan appears to be floating above the tourbillon’s transparent bridges, gracefully crossing the diamond-accentuated waves. Together with the 5 layers of paint that compose the swan, the fine brush strokes of miniature painting achieve a purplish-pink shading, enabling the feathers to mirror the gradient effect of petals.
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Il Giardino Marino
Featuring coral, starfish and fish, this underwater Garden of Eden centres on the vibrancy of marine life through its use of bright and lustrous colours. Glimmering in a glossy coat of blue lacquer, the dial adopts the champlevé technique to finely engrave its coral motifs before being set with 23 brilliant-cut diamonds. Although the coral and mother-of-pearl are carefully shaped and inlaid, the fish and starfish are reproduced in turquoise to display an eloquent depiction of the underwater vivacity.
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Il Giardino Notturno
Shining under the clandestine night sky, this garden reveals the enigmatic beauty of a stylised moonflower, also known as the “beauty of the night”. Although the design dates back to the 1970s, where it was used in mother-of-pearl marquetry to decorate a piece of jewellery, it now ornaments the face of an exquisite complication. Unravelling the four levels of its dial architecture reveals four elements; fire, earth, air and water. Fire is embodied through the spangled look of aventurine glass, which is enhanced with 8 diamond stars. Earth is represented by the moonflower motif, which has not only been engraved, gem-set, polished and rhodium-plated but also set with white Tahitian mother-of-pearl. The movement of air is encapsulated by the watch’s moonphase, consisting of an aventurine disc adorned with two engraved and polished gold moons. Water is depicted through the wave effect, varying thickness and polished finish of the mother-of-pearl. Unlike the other gardens, the Il Giardino Nutturno operates on the solotempo BVL 210 Manufacture movement.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Il Giardino Notturno” rid=”3278″ order=”a_tstamp”}

For more information about the collection, visit the website.

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Fashion
Yoona, Julian Cheung, and the Ferragamo family celebrate the reopening of the Salvatore Ferragamo flagship store in Hong Kong
Fresh, new start

07.11.2017
By Cai Mei Khoo

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Couture wedding gowns that will make you feel like a fairytale princess

The pavement outside the Ferragamo flagship store was chock-a-block with photographers, shoppers, curious onlookers, and fans waiting to catch a glimpse of some of the celebrities who were in Hong Kong to fete the reopening of the Salvatore Ferragamo store on Canton Road.

Set across two floors, the store’s bronze façade shines in daylight, further illuminated by LED strips that pay homage to the grosgrain ribbon found on the brand’s Vara shoes. The entire ground floor is dedicated to the women’s collections, with a unique video installation projected onto the ceiling of the first room upon entering the store. The shoe room is generous in size, and includes an entire wall dedicated to Ferragamo’s Creations—iconic models from the brand’s archives, including the rainbow wedge created for Judy Garland in 1938, and the invisible sandals with F-shaped wedge heel, created in 1947.
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The men’s collection is found on the first floor, done up in wood and marble floors, with touches of leather, and velvet seats. “I am very proud of the splendid renovation of the Canton Road flagship store, offering our clients a beautiful example of Italian craftsmanship, and lifestyle in the heart of Hong Kong,” says Ferruccio Ferragamo, Chairman of the Ferragamo Group. “The store reopening event was the perfect occasion to celebrate our longstanding relationship with this region.”

Celebrations continued that evening, where the Ferragamo family, including Giovanna Gentile Ferragamo, Fulvia Visconti Ferragamo, and James Ferragamo, along with some 1,000 guests attended a party at Asia Society Centre, which had been transformed to a digital floral garden in line with the concept of High Tech Botanical. A 3D layered flower heel (that’s become the brand’s new signature) marked the entrance to the main event space, an exhibition of the brand’s Pre-Spring 2018 accessories collection. Large screens lined the walls of the room, filled with digital floral prints, from photos taken by Salvatore Ferragamo’s new Women’s Collections Creative Director, Paul Andrew.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Ferragamo HK Party” rid=”5647″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Upstairs at the rooftop garden, celebrities and social media influencers the likes of Nana Ou-yang, Hikari Mori, Marion Caunter, Yoyo Cao, and Tina Leung mingled over champagne and sweet treats. “Hong Kong is a dynamic and vibrant city,” says Paul Andrew. “It’s the perfect background to present the Pre-Spring 2018 collection to its eclectic crowd, and introduce Ferragamo’s vision to a new generation of women.” Indeed, it will be exciting to see what Paul Andrew has in store for the brand, as he makes his debut as creative director for women’s collections of Salvatore Ferragamo next season during Milan Fashion Week AW18. Watch this space.

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Lifestyle
Our team tries to go without plastic for a week
How hard can it be?

28.04.2017
By Buro247

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

GWEN ONGDeputy Editor

The saying ‘old habits are hard to break and new habits are hard to form’ rang loud and clear in my head throughout my weeklong #GoGreen pledge. Although I’ve generally been mindful about recycling, I do sometimes lapse when it comes to refusing those rustling carrier bags and microwavable plasticware. I blame it on absentmindedness but truth is, it was just easier to make excuses. So, for our eco-challenge, I was adamant to be as “green” as I can. I had a game plan—I just needed to make it a HABIT to be environmentally-friendly. I figured if you practise doing something long enough, it becomes part of you.

While I did good in bringing my own recyclable bags for groceries and food container for tapau, there was another area in which I didn’t do too well—reducing my water footprint. For example, when I cook, I like washing up as I go but this means that I tend to use more water than if I were to wash everything up at the end. This is a hard thing to change as it is ingrained in my somewhat OCD self to always just clean, clean, clean! My realisation from this challenge is that a new process or way of doing things will not kill me but sticking to my old habits will kill the earth, slowly but surely. If I’m to be a responsible human, I need to cultivate good habits in every areas of my life. Note to self: stop turning the tap on!

JASON LIMFashion Editor

Disposable plastic ware has become so ingrained in our day-to-day lives that hardly do we spare a thought to the strain this places on our environment. I have never been conscious of the amount of plastic I use and sincerely believed that a week without would be a cinch. The first few days of the trial were relatively easy—I found that not being able to buy takeaway coffees (I forgot my travel mug every. single. day.) ended up saving me a fair amount of money. I think I may also have dropped a couple of pounds because my fridge at home is full of nothing, so not being able to rely on food delivery services meant no dinners unless I ate out. All these inconveniences only required minor adjustments that had no initial impact on my lifestyle—I was having fun and I felt good about what we were trying to achieve.

The biggest challenge I discovered as the week wore on was the lack of potable water sources in Kuala Lumpur. I try to drink at least two litres of water everyday, and a full day out of the office without being able to refill or purchase drinkable water left me very thirsty and crotchety. Every other issue: from not using plastic utensils or straws, to opting not to have a coffee-to-go were all easy matters to resolve—all it required was a little mindfulness and planning ahead. But the lack of water fountains (I’m a little unsure of refilling my water bottle straight from the tap) was something that I really struggled with and short of developing humps for storage, I struggle to think of an easy fix. All suggestions welcome.

RACHEL AUSenior Lifestyle Writer

Initial thoughts: The Earth is dying; Mother Nature needs our help; It’s time to take the first step to making a difference; No plastic, no purchasing items that uses biodegradable packaging, etc. It’ll be fine. Having lived in Australia for almost two years, I’m quite well-trained in carrying tiny reusable bags for my groceries and other knick knacks from my shopping. I started using my own water bottle instead of buying drinks. For the first half of that week, I could proudly say I was acing the challenge. Then my resolve was challenged at the grocer’s near our office. I really wanted kueh but it was packed in a plastic container. My faith was not strong enough. At our office party on Friday, I used paper plates, thinking it was recyclable. Then, I saw Gwen with a proper-washable-plate. I failed once more.

Final thoughts: It’s harder than it seems because leading a sustainable lifestyle isn’t just about using tote bags and saying no to plastic straws. Just because something is made from paper doesn’t mean there isn’t a better, more eco-friendly option. And above all, the fate of this planet is more important than kueh.

WEI YEENFashion and Beauty Writer

My first thought upon getting the #GoGreen-week memo was, “OMG, where do I get metal straws?!” Coming from someone who wears a lot of lipstick and loves her drinks iced, giving up plastic straws didn’t seem doable—that is, until I found out how these little unassuming, cylindrical plastic things play a devastating role in suffocating a helpless marine animal. But then I remembered what the late Fay Khoo (RIP, <3) taught us—that everything begins with the choices you make.

The past week had me making a conscious decision to order hot drinks instead, and also to consume it in-store instead of having it in a takeaway cup; along with making my own cuppa joe in the office on a daily basis. My trusty tiffin carrier had its permanent spot on my desk as well, serving as a nifty container for days I needed to tapau lunch back to the office. Prior to this, I already had a stash of recyclable tote bags in my car boot, but I had to keep reminding myself to bring it along in my purse—or better yet, making sure I don’t leave the house without one in my bag. Last week required real effort to stop myself from resuming my usual habits of straw-sipping and plastic-bag hoarding. But I figured that as a fellow inhabitant of this planet, it’d be selfish to not take up a role in saving it—even if it means making one simple choice of investing in a metal straw. Because who really needs another plastic bag/bottle that would take about 1,000 years to decompose?

TAN SU FENWriter

The eco-friendly team challenge started off well enough—I managed to refrain from accepting or using disposable containers, both mindfully (finally bringing my own container for lunch takeaways) and by habit (I always have a reusable tote and tumbler with me when I head out)… until one fine Thursday afternoon. Those who know me well will know that I rarely have iced drinks. But the weather was scorching hot that day, so I ordered a cold drink to go with my lunch without thinking much about it. Only after getting home did I realise that I’ve just broken the rules of the challenge: I used a straw, and contributed to the plastic waste that earth certainly doesn’t need. And the scary bit was—it didn’t even occur to me as it happened.

That little incident got me thinking about how easy it was to say yes, indirectly or not, to disposable plastics. On the flip side, it also occurred to me how easy it can be for us to make a difference: by being more mindful of our decisions and what we consume. So I faced a little hiccup in the middle of the week, but I learned that with conscious effort, we can be a lot more eco-friendly in our daily habits—it’s the least we could do for Mother Nature.

ALYSSA LEEEditorial Assistant

I was doing so well… Until free llao llao happened. There I was, digging into my cup of wonderfully tart froyo when it dawned on me that we were on a throwaway-plastic fast and the bright green spoon I had in my mouth was pretty much 100% plastic and was about to be thrown away. Sure, I could have washed it and kept it for a good 10 years but who are we kidding. Had I formed a habit of using my own carry-and-keep cutlery, I would have refused the plastic spoon in the first place. It’s about the sacrifice of convenience. More than relinquishing use of takeaway/throwaway boxes for quick lunches and lazy dinners, it means sacrificing time to wash portable dining sets and tumblers every morning, carrying the extra bulk around daily, forgoing dainty shoulder bags for more utilitarian totes to accommodate that extra bulk; it could almost—God forbid—be at the cost of being fashionable. But it’s a price we need to be willing to pay.

Over the week, I faltered the most when I was given things in disposable plastic ware. I could avoid buying them myself—that was easy—but when the boyfriend buys your favourite meal to go and you find it packed in an array of creatively-sized disposable plastic containers, it’s a hard choice between breaking his kind heart and breaking the fast. See, I could very well be the most passionate eco-warrior but if all the people around me are unaware that we’re in the midst of a war, all the battle cries and swishing swords would hardly amount to anything. We need to make these efforts known, even if that means refusing a whole cup of free llao llao (with unlimited free toppings!). Or, eat it with your fingers and potentially start some very pertinent discussions on the dangers of throwaway plastic on Mother Nature. It’s a collective effort; care to join us?

YI SUEN CHONGDigital Designer

Initial thoughts: My mother has always been conscious about environmental issues, and thanks to her, our household has very little throwaway plastic. She always makes it a point to bring her own containers to take away food, she frequently nags us about saving electricity (I have this bad habit of leaving the lights on and falling asleep), and don’t even get me started about recycling. So ,when I got this #TeamTries brief, I thought to myself, how hard could it be? I’ve been doing this at home, surely I can ace it.

Challenge No 1: I left my containers at home and we need to tapau lunch one day. We searched our pantry high and low and finally, managed to find a few plastic containers. Phew, the day is saved. Challenge No 2: I can’t have my flat whites to go – the lids are made of plastic. I find this the hardest part as I was so used to taking-away at least three to four cups a week (gasps!). Solution: I could get a KeepCup Espresson! I barely made it through the entire week without buying a single takeaway coffee. But I did and I am immensely proud of myself. Lessons learnt: After the week, I’ve realised that it really isn’t that hard to make more conscious/eco-friendly choices. We could argue that one’s effort of buying a recyclable cup would barely make any differences at all, but it’s the accumulated effort that counts, right?

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