Food + Drink
Buro Orders: 8 Dishes you should definitely try at Beta KL
Just to give you a beta idea about the restaurant

05.04.2018
By Rachel Au

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When it comes to Malaysian food, we are decisively both proud and judgemental. Luckily for us—and everyone else—we are blessed with an abundance of good restaurants and hawker stalls to satiate our cravings. But out of this giant pool is only a mere handful of restaurants that dare to put a twist to the familiar flavours we grew up with. One of them is newcomer Beta KL, sister restaurant of [email protected].

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Beta KL started with a map. Literally. When conceptualising the menu, they decided to focus on the diverse flavours of each distinct regions of Malaysia: North (Kedah, Perak, Pulau Pinang, Perlis—zesty and fresh); Central (Selangor, Kuala Lumpur—char, savoury and complex); South (Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor—sweet, tangy and creamy); and East (Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Sabah, Sarawak—sea-inspired and herbaceous).
It sounds interesting yet complicated but don’t worry, we’ve rounded up some of the dishes you could start off with—separated based on its section in the menu—on your first visit. Fun fact: The name ‘Beta’, which might remind you of the Greek letter, also stands for ‘I’ or ‘me’ as a royal salutation for kings or sultans. And boy did we feast like one.

RINGAN

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1. Sago {E}, RM30
It’s clear that Beta KL puts a lot of thought into assembling their dishes. The presentation here is certainly on point, evident from this very first dish we were served. The sago has been pieced together to form a crispy taco-like shell, holding a mix of curry powder-coated shrimp and laksa aioli. Delightful though the curry powder is a tad strong.
2. Ox Tongue {C}, RM27
By dish number two, here’s another relevation—Beta KL uses a lot of bold flavours, as does most Malaysian food. Served on a small toast, the ox tongue carries a strong taste of turmeric with a tinge of spiciness.
3. Inverted Karipap {S}, RM30
Oh so crispy and thin. Loved it though we’re not sure if the potato and curry cream warrants its price tag.

EARTH

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4. Spicy Garden {N}, RM32
Both salads that we tried were refreshingly tangy but if you’re not a fan of cincalok, this one isn’t for you. If you are, the mix of cincalok fermented shrimp granite and vegetables could come off as addictive.
5. Winged Beans {E}, RM27
So is this one. Finely chopped and mixed with Budu aioli, anchovies and chilli, this goes wonderfully on its own in a whole mouthful or with rice.

H2O & LAND

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6. Fish Collar {N}, RM60
The Barramundi collar was quite fresh and the flesh, tender. The addition of a bushy pile of pucuk petai on top is a nice touch but otherwise, nothing much to shout about.
7. Duck Leg {S}, RM60
“Twice cooked” made it really tender but it’s the accompanying fermented black beans sauce that takes the dish a step further in terms of flavour. A must-try, for sure.

MANIS

8. Bird’s Nest {C}, RM80
Out of the three options available in their humble-sized dessert menu, this is the one to order if you’ve eaten so much that you’re past the gates into food coma level. Sounds exaggerated but we’ve all been there. Despite its fancy Frozen effect from the dry ice, this is definitely a delicious treat. The combination of bird’s nest, coconut sphere and water chestnut makes it very light on the palate with only a mild sweetness coming from the accompanying lychee bits. However, again, it feels a little overpriced.

DRINKS

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Call this a bonus round as Beta KL also prides itself as a bar (one that has been designed after a traditional Chinese medicinal cabinet). If you’re not up for something with alcohol though, opt for the Orange Mule (orange, sweet potato, lemon, hibiscus ginger soda). Despite its vibrant colour, it’s more refreshing than overly sweet.
As for cocktails, we tried the Winter Elixir (longan Pisco, goji berry, Osmanthus, sesame, lemon and egg white) and Hybrid Brew (jujube gin, coffee vermouth, Fernet Branca, Islay Whisky, Lapsang Souchong Tea). The former is floral and fruity while the latter is an interesting mix but essentially fruity-yet-smoky-yet-bitter-dry.

BETA KL
Address: 163, Fraser Place, No. 10 Jalan Perak
Opening hours: 12pm – 3pm; 5pm – 1am (closed on Mondays)
Phone number: 03 2181 2990
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Style
Virginie Viard to succeed Karl Lagerfeld as Chanel’s creative director

20.02.2019
By Joan Kong

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Following the death of Karl Lagerfeld, the future of Chanel will rest in the hands of its newly appointed creative director, Virginie Viard. According to a statement released by the brand, “Virginie Viard, director of Chanel’s Fashion Creation Studio and Karl Lagerfeld’s closest collaborator for more than 30 years, has been entrusted by Alain Wertheimer with the creative work for the collections, so that the legacy of Gabrielle Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld can live on.”
Recommended by the chamberlain of Prince Rainier of Monaco, Viard started out as an intern at Chanel in 1987, four years after Karl Lagerfeld joined as creative director. In 1992, the French designer joined Lagerfeld at his second stint, Chloé, before returning to the iconic fashion house as the Haute Couture coordinator five years later. In a 2017 interview with The Telegraph, she mentioned that “I make the collections come to life with the ateliers and the Métiers d’Art houses, based on Karl’s sketches. I coordinate the teams, liaise with suppliers and choose fabrics. Then, of course, I do fittings with Karl. As soon as I receive his sketches, the process begins. I try to please him, but I like to surprise him too.”
Their close working relationship was apparent in Chanel’s episode in the 7 Days Out documentary series, where Lagerfeld stated that “Virginie is the most important person, not only for me but also for the atelier, for everything. She is my right arm and even if I don’t see her, we are on the phone all the time.” Virginie Viard has joined Lagerfeld for the finale of several shows, and took the final bow in Lagerfeld’s place at Chanel’s haute couture show in Paris last month, as the brand revealed that the designer “was feeling tired”. The French designer will now be the first woman to take the helm at Chanel since Coco Chanel herself.

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Beauty
#FitnessFriday: Pound at Sole To Soul Dance Studio
A heart-pounding workout

22.05.2017
By Rachel Au

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Remember that cool workout that was inspired by drumming and went viral online? Interestingly, about one year ago, we listed Pound as one of the workouts we wished was available in Malaysia and now it is — at Sole To Soul Dance Studio. Knowing that we will be taking on such a high-intensity workout that’s said to burn up to 900 (and more) calories per hour, we figured it was the best way to also put the new Triaction by Triumph sports bra collection to the test.
Watch the new episode of #FitnessFriday featuring Pound below:

Cai Mei Khoo, Editor-in-Chief
If it’s a fun workout you’re looking for, look no further than Pound. High-intensity and stress-relieving at the same time, you’re handed a pair of neon green drumsticks, called Ripstix, and spend the next 45 minutes hitting them on the floor, above your head or side to side. Our instructors had great energy and led this cardio-intensive class to the beat of the latest hit songs. We did glute bridges to an entire song, which had me feeling sore the next day. The Triaction sports bra I tried was lightweight and comfortable, and offered good enough support for this fairly fast-paced class.
Rating: 4/5

Gwen Ong, Deputy Editor
I realised two things from this class – 1) how my lack of coordination made me look like a failed jester, 2) how even with my klutzy tendency, I can still have fun. That’s right, I was a fool who had a good time pounding about aimlessly. I had seen videos of Pound when it went viral last year and I was fascinated by how coordinated (and cool) the moves are even though this was not my strongest skill. I felt like a total rock star holding the two drumsticks and taking my stance. The class conducted by Alice and Daniel was detailed as they both showed us each and every step of the high-energy workout. My thighs and butt really felt the sore for the next few days. One more thing that I realised, a good support system is needed for such a high-intensity class. Besides the spirit of camaraderie with my teammates throughout the class, I had the support of the Triaction sports bra to keep “my girls” in check.
Rating: 4/5

Rachel Au, Senior Lifestyle Writer
Source: https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/health-fitness/fitnessfriday-bridal-bootcamp-koa-fitness-malaysia.html
I’ve been anticipating the arrival of Pound to KL for a while now so imagine my excitement when I heard Sole To Soul Dance Studio has recently offered classes. When I first saw videos of the, as they say, Rockout, Workout, I figured this might just be the class that transforms my couch potato attitude about exercising. It looked cool. After taking one session, however, I realised I forgot one important detail: I’m horrible at hand-leg-body coordination. Alice and Daniel’s instructions were clear for each routine but once the music started and the pace increased, my mind was in a blur — wait, what? Right? No, left. Erm. — and my body, stagnant for the second half of each song. Don’t get me wrong. I could really hear my heart pounding (pun intended) throughout most songs and the burn on my thighs was immense. It really is a full-body workout so it was a good thing that the Triaction sports bra offered ample support throughout. However, I love it mostly for its snug, perfect fit since it has adjustable straps. I couldn’t walk for almost a week after the session which leads me to conclude that Pound is not The One — a Quarter Pounder is (note: I am not sponsored by a certain fast food chain).
Rating: 4/5

Loh Wei Yeen, Fashion & Beauty Writer
Source: https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/health-fitness/fitnessfridays-team-workout-at-fuel-athletics.html
I have to admit that I had my reservations prior to the class — in my mind it involved either 1) real drums or 2) incessant air-drumming that might result in quite a hilarious scene on camera. While it inclined more to the latter, Pound is a combination of coordination and choreography that would bode well for someone who is looking to vent their frustrations (or should I say, pound it out?) while losing calories at the same time. Alice and Daniel were super helpful in showing us all the movements in between each rep, and if you actually do it right, the day after would result in soreness in all the right places — which is definitely a good thing, right? The favourable rating also extends to the Triaction sports bra I wore during the class. It gave me adequate breathability and support I needed without the chafing — plus I love that it’s got adjustable straps and clasps for the perfect fit.
Rating: 4/5

Tan Su Fen, Writer
Working out to music is always a good idea, and adding in the drumming element definitely amps up the fun factor. Having tried Pound before (and loved it), I went in anticipating a great sweat sesh, and this class didn’t disappoint. The instructors kept the class in high spirits with their upbeat energy, and despite the workout being fast-paced, it wasn’t too difficult to keep up, as Alice and Daniel would give us a quick run-through of the steps before each song. By the end of the workout, my drumsticks thighs were really feeling it. On a side note, my Triaction sports bra lived up to its promise of comfort and sweat-wicking capabilities, deeming it a trusty companion for dynamic workouts.
Rating: 4/5

Alyssa Lee, Editorial Assistant
Source: https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/health-fitness/fitnessfriday-bootybarre-at-activ-studio.html
Walking in to the studio, I was immediately disappointed. Contrary to my (uninformed) expectations, there were no giant drums to pound on or — more pertinently — cower behind. Instead, our neon green Ripstix and uncoordinated movements were on full display. My Triaction sports bra kept things a little more discreet — the comfortable cups and band did not cut into the flesh to create any extra unsightly bumps while its patterned straps flashed the slightest bit of pizzazz on the shoulders. Pound is the kind of workout where you get so caught up trying to follow the routine that time just flies by and reps become a blur. For exercise novices, taking attention away from the exertions was actually really useful — it kept me going. The catchy music and the manufactured energy of a dozen drumsticks clacking together made the session feel like an amateur reenactment of ‘Stomp’, a.k.a an adrenaline pumping riot. Very fun, really tiring, wonderfully sweaty. Just got to say, in lieu of sweaty palms wrapped around Ripstix, I think I’d fare much better with oily palms wielding drumsticks of the edible variety.
Rating: 4/5

Yi Suen Chong, Digital Designer
Source: https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/health-fitness/fitnessfriday-bootybarre-at-activ-studio.html
I was fascinated by Pound ever since I saw a video of it on Facebook. Drumming on the floor like a rockstar and working out to energetic songs? Sign me up, pronto! Our session at Sole To Soul Dance Studio did not disappoint. A whole body workout combining cardio, conditioning and mild strength training, it requires a lot of coordination (which I lacked but did not take away the fun) and lower body strength (evident by how sore my thighs were for the next few days from the drum-squats). The killer move for me was the core conditioning workout (sitting in a V-shaped position while pounding on the floor with the Ripstix). It was a good thing the Triaction sports bra gave me the extra support I needed. The adjustable bra strap enabled me to alter the tightness according to the type of workout I’m doing. For all the wannabe rockstars, this is for you.
Rating: 4/5

Sole To Soul Dance Studio is located in Taman Sea. Find out more on their website or Facebook page.

Source: https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/health-fitness/jumping-fitness-malaysia-workout-review.html
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Lifestyle
Chris Pratt weds Katherine Schwarzenegger, BTS collabs with Charli XCX and more

09.06.2019
By Su Fen Tan

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Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza, Taufik Batisah and Nissa Sabyan unite for a Raya song
The three beloved singers from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia respectively come together for a very special Hari Raya collaboration with the song ‘Ikhlas’. Inspired by theme of togetherness that the Syawal celebration brings, it’s also a reminder to “always be grateful for all our blessings, especially during this blessed month”, said Dato’ Siti. Stream the music video now on Apple Music or YouTube.
Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger are married
After a whirlwind romance that began in June last year, the couple has tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at the luxurious San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California on Saturday. They announced their engagement in January this year. Pratt’s ex-wife Anna Faris was said to be among the guests. Other celebs in attendance include actor Rob Lowe and Katherine’s brothers Patrick and Christopher.

BTS’s upcoming mobile game to be released on 26 June
Still in the middle of their wildly successful world tour (including a historic sold-out concert at Wembley), BTS has announced the details for their upcoming mobile game called ‘BTS World’. The interactive game will allow fans to “manage” BTS virtually, as well as exclusive content such as never-before-seen photos and video clips created by the members of the boy band. They have also collaborated with Charli XCX on their latest single ‘Dream Glow’, a track about overcoming obstacles and pursuing dreams. It doubles as a soundtrack for the game and the first part to an OST album that will be released in the future.

You might also like… What BTS is wearing on their world tour

Queer Eye‘s Antoni Porowski gets a fabulous drag makeover
After slaying in a technicolour silk co-ord by Sies Marjan at the CFDA Awards pink carpet earlier in the week, Antoni proceeds to stun as his fabulous alter-ego, Eva Cado.  The avocado-loving chef was given a makeover by RuPaul’s Drag Race‘s Miz Cracker for a special Pride edition of Drag Me, a series on Them’s YouTube channel that sees celebrities transformed into drag queens. Antoni also spoke of his fluid sexuality during the makeover: “I think the word that I’m most comfortable is fluid, and it’s so shocking to me how that surprises people. Call yourself whatever the hell you want to refer to yourself as! It’s not something that should be judged or questioned, but embraced.” Hear, hear.

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Features
24 Minutes with designers Juliani Jamal and Arene P. Khairudin on Innai Red’s 2018 bridal collection
Modern Grace

25.04.2018
By Joan Kong

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Bring us back to the start. How did Innai Red Bridal come about?
Juliani & Arene: Innai Red Bridal came about since the inception of the brand in 2012. The brand’s founder, Izrin Ismail was clear that Innai Red should be a label that exudes contemporary femininity and sophistication through bridal pieces, and luxe evening and traditional dresses. Our first bridal collection called Airy Tale made its debut in 2012, and it’s inspired by pure dream and romance.

What is the inspiration behind this year’s collection, called ‘Modern Grace’?
A: Grace Kelly is the main inspo behind the collection—her beauty and her sense of style are what we’d like to channel in the pieces.
J: I believe wedding dresses need to stand the test of time, so these are classic wedding gowns with a fashionable modern twist. You wouldn’t want to look back at your wedding photos 20 years later and regret what you wore!

Tell us more about the design process. How early did you start working on the collection?
A: From sourcing the material to finishing the collection, it takes a year to complete the collection.
J: We started with fabrics. An intricately embroidered tulle is our key material this year. Then, we worked on the different silhouettes we want to feature in the collection. Classic shapes were reworked to suit the modern bride—hence the name ‘Modern Grace’. The final touches are the embellishment which is Innai Red’s signature.

Do each of you have a favourite look from the collection?
A: Mine would be the Aria—I would wear it if I’m getting married again (laughs).
J: My favourite is the Kellie—the duchess satin dress with a dropped waist tulle skirt. It’s minimal, modern, and so me.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Innai Red bridal collection favourites” rid=”6183″ order=”a_tstamp”}
What are some of your favourite materials to work with, and why?
A: This year we worked with a lot of structured materials such as the duchess satin and taffeta. I love the idea of using a harder material as base before finishing it with a softer embellishment or beadwork.
J: I like to work with crepe silk the most, because it falls beautifully on any body type, and it’s more breathable and resilient compared to other materials such as chiffon.

Do your customers prefer purchasing ready-made gowns or making a bespoke piece?
A: Our customers usually refer to the collection pieces only as a guide. We usually end up designing new looks for them.
J: The collection is pretty much to showcase what we can do and give the brides some ideas, but the dress will be designed according to what they want and what suits them. Sometimes it’s a mixture of two designs, or maybe even three.

What are the main difference between designing a RTW collection and bespoke pieces?
A: Bridal pieces are definitely more personal. We design according to their personality, body type and also the theme of the wedding. Brides have their dream dress in mind for their wedding and it’s our job to make it happen. It’s very challenging but I love that we are part of something that they will remember.
J: The expectation is a lot higher for bridalwear. It’s a once in a lifetime event and brides-to-be can get quite emotional when it comes to their wedding dress. So with bespoke bridal pieces, the process takes a lot longer from design, fabrication to fittings.

What do you think are some of the skill sets necessary for designers who have their own RTW line to be able to tap into bridalwear?
A: They should be able to work with different body types and accommodate different personalities. You need to have a skilled team too, because the cuts and finishing are very important. So it’s not just about designing a nice dress, but to have a perfect-fit dress for any sizes.
J: A designer’s technical know-how and a good team to execute the dress is paramount.

Let’s talk about the upcoming royal wedding. What do you think Meghan Markle’s dress will be like?
J: Her style is quite simple but chic, so I think it’ll be modest with minimal lace. I’m really hoping it’s not a ball gown silhouette—that’s so predictable for royal weddings!

What are you guys working on at the moment, now that both the Raya and Bridal collections this year have been launched?
Juliani & Arene: Our RTW KLFW 2018 collection to be shown in August.

What’s next for Innai Red Bridal?
A: Perhaps to explore more traditional styles from different cultural backgrounds. For example, songket and tenun for the Malays; cheongsams for the Chinese; and sarees for the Indians. That would be interesting.
J: For me, perhaps a collection that speaks to different bridal styles, such as the minimalists, the romantics, the traditionalists and more.

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Technology
Samsung Galaxy S21 Series in Malaysia: Here’s everything you need to know

14.01.2021
By Rachel Au

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New year, new phones to come. And the first one off the 2021 boat of flagship releases is Samsung’s S21 Series, featuring three competitive models: The Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 Ultra. Unveiled during the Galaxy Unpacked live stream on January 14, there are two main takeaways from Samsung’s latest flagship series.

One, the brand’s move to exclude the charger plug and earphones from the devices’ boxes.
“We discovered that more and more Galaxy users are reusing accessories they already have and making sustainable choices in their daily lives to promote better recycling habits.”
— Patrick Chomet, EVP and Head of Customer Experience Office, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics

He adds that by doing so, it’s a show of support for their Galaxy community as well as “help address sustainable consumption issues and remove any pressure that consumers may feel towards continually receiving unnecessary charger accessories with new phones.”
“We’ve also been implementing standardised USB-C type charging ports since 2017, so older chargers can still be compatible with our newest Galaxy models,” says Chomet.
Two, the rumours/news about the integration of the S Pen from Samsung’s Note Series with the Galaxy S Series is true. Except it’s only for the Galaxy S21 Ultra.

“We are committed to innovating new mobile experiences that flow seamlessly and continuously to make our consumers’ lives easier and better. We’ve made the bold decision to expand the S Pen experience to Galaxy S21 Ultra, and plan to expand the S Pen experience across additional device categories in the future.”
— TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics.

So, besides the Galaxy S21 Ultra being S Pen-capable, how do all three phones from the new Samsung Galaxy S21 series differ from one another? Fret not as we break it down below:
DESIGN, SIZE & DISPLAY
Samsung takes pride in its bold new design for the Galaxy S21 series, featuring a matte finish and an iconic new Contour Cut Camera Design that seamlessly blends into the smartphone’s metal frame. In terms of size and display, however…

L-R: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21
   Samsung Galaxy S21 — 6.2-inch   Samsung Galaxy S21+ — 6.7-inch   Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra— 6.8-inch
All three Galaxy S21 smartphones boast a Dynamic AMOLED 2x display with a 120Hz refresh rate for vibrant colours, crisp sharpness and even smoothing scrolling. But our favourite bit about this is that, your eyes are protected by Samsung’s new Eye Comfort Shield. Built into the screen, the AI-based feature will automatically adjust the blue light levels to reduce both eye fatigue and eye strain.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
However, only the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s display has WQHD+ (Wide Quad HD, which is also sometimes referred to as 2K), giving it the status of the most vivid and brightest display in a smartphone. Despite brighter colours that can withstand even under the harshest sunlight, the Eye Comfort Shield could easily reduce blue light by 50 per cent.
Psst… don’t worry about dropping the phone either as Samsung says it has fitted the Galaxy S21 series with the toughest front glass.
REAR CAMERA
It’s one of the most competitive factors for a smartphone these days and Samsung’s Galaxy S21 series does not disappoint. First off, the basic hardware for the phones…
   Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21+   A triple-camera lens system    (12MP Ultra Wide, 12MP Wide, 64MP Telephoto with Phase Detection)   Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra   A quad-camera lens system    (12MP Ultra Wide, 108MP Wide with Phase Detection, and a dual 10MP Telephoto lenses)

Samsung Galaxy S21
But that’s not all. As per Samsung’s tradition, the camera on all three of the Galaxy S21 smartphones is deeply integrated with powerful AI technology so essentially, all you really need to do is point-and-shoot and not worry about editing photos or blur images. Phase Detection is one feature that we thought was worth mentioning as its background goes back to DSLR cameras to ensure faster and more accurate autofocus.

In addition, Portrait Mode is now enhanced by AI to deliver DSLR-like bokeh effects more naturally with virtual lighting. It works for your pets too! Not to mention, you can even ‘fake’ a backdrop with extensive customisation tools. And with all that zoom power, it’s not always easy to actually use it to capture the necessary detail but Samsung has improved Space Zoom with Zoom Lock, and again, thanks to AI, to ensure tripod-like stability and advanced super resolution image processing. That means, however far you may zoom (30x, actually), there’s less noise and better clarity.
For the super-powered Galaxy S21 Ultra:
Things get boosted with its 108MP Wide lens, complemented with Phase Detection autofocus, to deliver photos that are 64x richer in colour and more than 3x wider in terms of dynamic range. For the real pros, you’ll love that Pro-mode allows snaps taken as 12bit RAW files. There’s also a new dual zoom lens (one optical 3x and one optical 10x) whereby users will get to unlock a 100x Space Zoom. Night Mode gets an upgrade with a faster Bright Night sensor and enhanced noise reduction so colours come our brighter and more vivid than before, with studio-quality results, says Samsung.
   FRONT CAMERA   Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21+— 10MP   Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra—40MP
VIDEOGRAPHY
In summary, you can shoot in 8K and capture ultra hi-res photos when you playback your footage with 8K Video Snap. We’re sure most people can relate since it’s usually a tough choice between “Is this better as a video or a photo?” but for example, when it’s a loved one’s birthday, you do want both the video of him/her being embarrassed by the song as well as the money shot of blowing the candles. No dilemma here!
And for folks who worry about shaky hands, Samsung’s solution is called Super Steady recording in 60fps. Fun features are aplenty for those who dabble in videography. There’s the new Director’s View (use all lenses and shift between all lenses so you never miss a shot or have to redo them for variety) which includes Vlogger View so you can shoot with the front and rear cameras simultaneously (great for reaction videos!).
For the Galaxy S21 Ultra
Be prepared for the first-ever 4K filming across ALL lenses in 60fps. Enough said.
PERFORMANCE AND BATTERY
With all that AI processing and technology doing the work in the background, it’s only necessary to be backed up by the super fast AP—all three S21 smartphones house the most powerful 5nm processor (in a Samsung device). AI processors run 2x faster, CPU is 20 per cent faster and GPU is more than 35 per cent faster. They’re also network-compatible with 5G technology.
In terms of battery life, Samsung says the Galaxy S21 series has the most intelligent battery complemented by a new power-efficient display and AI (which optimises the battery based on your usage pattern). Speaking of AI, we witnessed the crazy ability to even remove ‘unwanted’ people from a photo, all thanks to AI technology.
   Samsung Galaxy S21 — 4,000mAh*   *Same as the S20   Samsung Galaxy S21+ — 4,800mAh*   *The S20+ used a 4,500mAh   Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra— 5,000mAh*   *Same as the S20 Ultra
For the Galaxy S21 Ultra
It’s the world’s first smartphone to tap into HyperFast WiFi 6E for the best and fastest connectivity.
S PEN

Does the Galaxy S21 Ultra come with the S Pen? Unfortunately, no. The S Pen is compatible with the Galaxy S series for the first time but you’ll need to either:

Use the one you have from your Tab S7
Buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra case which includes the new S Pen

An S Pen Pro will also be released later this year.
COLOUR OPTIONS
The colour to get from Samsung’s new Galaxy S21 series, however, is the new Phantom Violet.

L-R: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21
   Samsung Galaxy S21 — Phantom Pink, Phantom Gray and Phantom White   Samsung Galaxy S21+ — Phantom Violet, Phantom Black and Phantom Silver   Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra— Phantom Black and Phantom Silver
PRICE & AVAILABILITY IN MALAYSIA
   Samsung Galaxy S21 — from RM3,699 (256GB | 12GB RAM)   Samsung Galaxy S21+ — RM4,299 (256GB | 12GB RAM)   Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra— from RM5,299 (256GB | 12GB RAM)   Available from January 29th (according to the livestream; no confirmation on the release date for Malaysia)
Pre-order details (15 – 28 Jan 2021) are now available on Samsung Malaysia’s website here.
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Technology
Netflixing with kids can be safe—here’s how

24.05.2019
By Ronn Tan

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We’re now living in the zeitgeist of streaming services with numerous globally-known entities such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu Live, YouTube TV, HBO Now, and the upcoming Disney+ (to launch on 12 November). These cord-cutters have disrupted the traditional manners of television-watching by providing content that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. One notable streaming service that most Malaysians use is Netflix.
Evidently, as most of us, if not all, mention Netflix in our conversations on a regular basis. Something along the lines of “Hey, I binged-watched the entire season of 13 Reasons Why yesterday. What did you watch?”. Malaysians love consuming entertainment and Netflix is one of the most prominent sources. There’s something for everyone and it applies to families too! But even though Netflix has all types of content for all ages, cultures, moods, and sensibilities, the brand’s priority has always been ensuring safe-viewing for everyone, especially kids. Here’s a bite-sized infographic on how you can make Netflix kid-friendly:

Yes, Whitney Houston believed that children are our future, and they are. So, of course, parents wouldn’t want exposing the young ones to unnecessary content so soon, right? Netflix is here to assist with that goal with a series of features and controls that can be accessed via the website (mums and dads take note, and use a desktop for this). Parents will be able to adjust and personalise the selection of content suitable for the whole family. Not sure how? Don’t worry; we’ve got you sorted with this brief step-by-step guideo on how to set the parental controls on Netflix.
Viewer Profiles for Kids

Netflix allows users to creatre different profiles, and there are two category types—adults and kids. Go on to the Netflix website using a desktop (not on a SmartTV, sorry) to choose and manage profiles. Parents can locate this at the upper right hand corner of the screen. Titles with the “13 years and below” ratings will be available to profiles set for kids whereas everything else will be accesible via adult profiles only. In addition, parents can set the “Allowed TV shows and movies list” to “for little kids only” level. Pretty sure we want to prevent them from watching horror films and explicit love stories. No oops moment, for sure!
For more information, click here.
READ MORE: Apart from Netflix, these are other things you can do in KL this weekend
Choose Your Categories

Parents can choose from four maturity levels which will calibrate and decide appropriate content. Here’s another reason to rejoice: precise profiles can be created for each member of the family and based on age. Yes, you can set the maturity level quite specifically. That’s a win! The levels consist of “for little children only”, “for older children and younger”, “for teens and below”, and “all maturity levels”. Pay attention to this chilly reminder: make sure you click to save.
READ MORE: Sabrina might be a little too chilling for kids, but these tidbits might interest you
Setting Up Your PIN
Let’s be honest. Children can be very sneaky and playful. After all, the young ones are constantly curious. Home Alone, remember? Combat unwanted access to their profiles by setting a 4-digit PIN. This will restrict kids from content that’s considered unfit for their age. Setting the PIN is easy. Just go to My Account, look for Settings, and click on Parental Controls. After entering your password and saving your PIN, select the programmes to be restricted. Phew! Gone are the days of walking in on your kids watching Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes.
Take note: Users are able to change PIN via the web only.
For more information, click here.
READ MORE: Need some help with your career? LinkedIn has some important tips
Monitoring Your Child’s Netflix Activity

Yes, privacy is important and personal space should be respected. However, parents also want the best for their children, including ensuring their safety. Therefore, the Viewing Activity feature comes into play to offer parents a better piece of mind. Parents will be able see what their children are watching, even when left unchecked. However, it can take up to eight hours for the changes to parental controls or maturity levels to take effect. Quick tip: Sign out of your account and sign back in to expedite the process.
Fun fact: You can delete your Viewing History for a clean slate of recommendations. Fresh suggestions? Why not?
READ MORE: These Airbnb homes are perfect for a cosy Netflix night in
Spoilt For Choice

On a global basis, approximately 60 per cent of Netflix users revel in kids and family content every month. There are so many brilliant titles for everyone to enjoy such as Puss in Book: Trapped In An Epic Tale, Larva Island, Our Planet, and Nailed It! (a personal favourite). With an extensive selection of films and TV shows to watch, ‘spoilt’ is probably an understatement.
READ MORE: Netflix might be a good date idea, but these ideas are unconventional!
With these features and controls, parents no longer have to feel uneasy when watching Netflix with the entire family. Here’s to safer Netflixing and chilling!

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Visualising the senses of Hennessy X.O

Lifestyle
Visualising the senses of Hennessy X.O
Filming a sensation

25.02.2016
By Buro247

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Ever wanted to describe something, but didn’t know how? If you’ve ever wished you could take an exact feeling out of your brain and see it visualised right in front of you, perhaps this new campaign by Hennessy X.O will inspire you.

The new Odyssey campaign brings on board film director Nicolas Winding Refn to interpret the sensorial journey of the fine cognac on film. Here, he explores the impressions described by Hennessy’s Comité de Dégustation (tasting committee). Draped in Refn’s mysterious and conceptual signature, the film unravels into a dreamscape of colour and texture, using natural elements like water, earth, fire and metal to bring the cognac’s taste and feel to life.

“Taste is a powerful sense,” Refn says. “Experiencing certain tastes creates the sensation of a journey. The complex flavours in Hennessy X.O excite the palate and offer rich contour and contrast, opening the door to unique experiences.

Watch the film below:

For more information, head here.

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How these three brands make the most luxurious jewellery sustainable
Green is gold

20.04.2017
By Buro247

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CHOPARD
What started as an encounter between two women during Oscar season has sparked “The Journey to Sustainable Luxury”—a multi-year programme that champions responsible sourcing and the lives behind the supply chain—at Chopard. The two women are Livia Firth, Founder and Creative Director of Eco-Age (also wife of Oscar-winning actor, Colin Firth) and Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard.

Being a brand consultancy that provides bespoke sustainability solutions for businesses, Eco-Age designed The Green Carpet Challenge that has spurred collaborations with various luxury fashion brands. One of the most notable is Chopard’s Green Carpet Collection that cooperates with the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) and utilises Fairmined gold from South America, diamonds strictly sourced under the Kimberley Process, and coloured gemstones mined in partnership with Gemfields. First debuted by Marion Cotillard at Cannes Film Festival, the jewels have since adorned the likes of Julianne Moore, Gemma Arterton, and Cate Blanchett, on BAFTA and Golden Globe red carpets.

True luxury
Despite the higher price of Fairmined gold, the difference is absorbed by the company, “so that it doesn’t get more expensive for the consumer,” reveals Scheufele. “Chopard is defined by true luxury and today this means knowing where jewellery has come from and how it has been made.”

CARTIER
One of the founding members of the Responsible Jewellery Council, Cartier follows a mandate that regulates the sourcing of precious gems and metals. Social and environmental standards are controlled with the objectives of maintaining a fair quality of life for all communities involved. Reforestation, cyanide-free metal extraction, and efforts towards eradicating water pollution puts eco-friendly initiatives at the forefront of the council’s mission.

The luxury jeweller and watchmaker also adheres to the Kimberley Process to keep their diamond supply conflict-free. Staying true to their strict policies, Cartier rejects diamonds from Zimbabwe and gemstones from Burma in light of the abuse of human rights at those places.

Old is gold
Traditional methods may have their merits and when modernised, they could rival the effective but destructive ways of today. Green-mining is proof. Through Eurocantera, a Honduran mining venture, Cartier engages a modern alluvial gold mine—meaning gold is panned from the water’s surface (as it was in days of old), hence eradicating the dangers and pollution from hard rock blasting. Additionally, this supports artisanal miners with steady income, education, healthcare and local infrastructure development.

TIFFANY & CO.
More than a decade ago, Tiffany & Co. emerged as one of the pioneers of sustainability in the jewellery industry with their efforts to stem the flow of “blood diamonds” through the purchase of raw materials directly from the source or suppliers who are full participants of the Kimberley Process. On top of using only certified mines, Tiffany monitors their supply chain through in-house cutting and polishing facilities often located within the source country. This creates jobs and generates funds for the economic development of those communities.

Tiffany & Co. is also among the first companies to cease the use of coral in jewellery and raised awareness about how corals are in fact, living animals—not rock nor plant—and the foundation of healthy marine ecosystems. Anisa Kamadoli Costa, Chief Sustainability Officer at the jewellery house summarises it as “luxury without the environmental cost.”

When blue is green
Fun fact: Tiffany’s blue boxes and bags are green. They are produced with recycled paper or material from responsibly managed forests and also coated with a film that makes them 100 percent recyclable post-use.

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Fashion
Paris Fashion Week SS17: Highlights of Day 6
Dash of kink, splash of pink

03.10.2016
By Buro247

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

An alternative side of the revered couturier, Christóbal Balenciaga was unlocked with a titillating sophomore collection under his namesake house by one Demna Gvasalia. Stumbling upon a serendipitous connection between Balenciaga‘s favourite luxurious silk gazar, and stretchy spandex (both came to light in the year 1958), the designer approached reviled fabrics like spandex, latex and rubberized leather to redefine the role of fetishism in couture. The deployment of kink was more luscious than lurid with surprisingly adept drapery using spandex along with skin-tight, waist-high boots balanced out by literal straight-edged jackets (thanks to whalebone inserts across the shoulders). Bags the size of footstools indiscreetly swung along beside the models, adding a dash of hyperrealism to the eighties theme. Shows like this that push the boundaries of luxe so close to the cliff edge of good taste are what make fashion week so exciting but as always with this industry, the winds of change may prove that the Demna manifesto is not without its kinks.

Phoebe Philo invited the fashion crowd to a collective session of people watching with her Céline Spring 2017 show at the Tennis Club de Paris. Bypassing the predictable route of a sports tie-in, Philo put together a presentation that reinforced her status as the purveyor of minimalist mastery as models meandered around the set mimicking the busy footfall of the everyday. Haphazard styling with mismatched shoes and absent-minded layering alongside deceivingly accidental offbeat proportions lent the understated wearables the elusive notion of luxury. Sugary iced gem tones offset the practical palette but it was the bold strokes of Yves Klein blue offering a vague smudge of a woman’s figure that took the cake.

Pierpaolo Piccioli made a blushing solo debut at Valentino sans partner in crime Maria Grazia Chiuri (now at Dior). Tonal expressions of the colour pink flowed down the runway followed by muted springtime hues. While the reigns on the Valentino aesthetic of high romanticism were still tightly gripped, the silhouettes loosened into a free flourish. This season’s dreamy dresses featured elaborate embroidery and prints inspired by Hieronymus Bosch and redesigned by the deft hand of Zandra Rhodes. The narrative of Valentino did not change this season; the only difference was the new perspective.

The sinuous veins of geodes splashed across slippery slips at Givenchy. The first looks sent down the runway showcased blown up prints of dissected gems. The undulating curves were then replicated more subtly in stylized necklines and fluid style lines. “It’s all about the mandala, the strength of nature and the strength of spirituality,” offered Riccardo Tisci. Large slices of agate hung off heavy chains offering an incorporeal hint to stark tailoring. The collection culminated in a Nirvana of psychedelic experiences manifested in dizzying prints and reflective embellishment. ‘Tis a show that touches both heaven and Earth.

Related stories:
Paris Fashion Week SS17: Highlights of Day 5
Paris Fashion Week SS17: Day 5 Street Style

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Lifestyle
London Fashion Week AW16: Where to go and what to do
A fashion-esque lifestyle guide

21.02.2016
By Rachel Au

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London is at its peak season right now as street style stars, models, celebrities and notable fashion  personalities are in town for London Fashion Week; but the party isn’t just on the runway. Sponsors and even non-sponsors have joined in the occasion with their own side events that range from an LFW-themed afternoon tea to quick beauty fix counters. To get the full LFW AW16 experience, these are some of the events you should check out:

The May Fair LFW Afternoon Tea, 19th – 29th February
You’ve not fully embraced the English culture until you’ve had afternoon tea. While you can’t have it with the Queen, you can partake in an afternoon tea at The May Fair hotel that’s inspired by the Autumn/Winter 2016 colour trends. Sipping tea and enjoying delectable treats? It’s just about the perfect way to unwind after a long day at the front row.

Finishing Touches at W London Hotel, 19 – 21 February
Whether it’s your nails or lipstick, keep them all on fleek by dropping by W London Hotel—and getting a drink at the bar. If you do, you can get complimentary beauty and style fixes ranging from express manicures to stylist tips to lipstick touch ups and more.

Behind-the-scenes of LFW at Madame Tussauds, until 21 February
On any average trip to London, Madame Tussauds is typically a must-visit but for Fashion Week, the emporium has put together something more fitting for the occasion: a look and feel of what happens backstage at LFW where you’ll be able to mingle with the likes of Cara Delevingne, Kendall Jenner and Anna Wintour—the wax version of them, that is. You’ll also get to bring back some fashion goodies from LFW’s main sponsors.

London Fashion Weekend, 25 – 28 February
Once LFW is over, the magic doesn’t have to end—because there’s London Fashion Weekend! Head over to Saatchi Gallery again for catwalk shows, discount designer shopping, beauty pampering sessions and industry talks.

Vogue 100: A Century of Style exhibition at National Portrait Gallery, until 22 May
If Vogue has always been your fashion bible, then you wouldn’t want to miss the Vogue 100 exhibition where a series of stunning pictures and visual materials have been curated from the Condé Nast archive and international collections to be put on display to tell the story of one of the most influential fashion magazines in the world.

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Beauty
Tried and tested: 5 Manipedis to usher in the festive season
A nail affair

08.12.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Cai Mei Khoo, Editor-in-Chief: Gel mani and regular pedicure by Nails on Wheels

Being on-the-go constantly, it’s sometimes difficult to find the time to get my nails done at a salon. Enter Nails on Wheels, a mobile nail service where manicurists will come to wherever you are, whether at home or at work. In between meetings at the office, I managed to squeeze in a gel manicure and normal pedicure — an office chair was converted into my personal nail station, complete with foot bath and portable UV lamp. I had two manicurists, doubling the efficiency — one carefully cutting my cuticles, while the other scrubbed my feet. I opted for a classic red shade for my fingernails, and a metallic grey for my toenails. My pedicure was perfectly fine but the colour on my fingernails were slightly uneven — a small matter I was happy to overlook given I saved on both time and effort from having to drive out and battle traffic to get to my regular nail salon. Definitely a service I’d recommend to those who are short on time — but more so for a simple manicure and pedicure, as the manicurists only do simple nail art services.

Gwen Ong, Deputy Editor: Deluxe Collagen manicure, Posh Nail Spa SS2, Petaling Jaya

I’m a gel manicure virgin — don’t judge but I just never gotten round to it. There’s a first for everything and I can tell you this won’t be my last. The Deluxe Collagen Manicure started off with the manicurist slipping my hands into a pair of treatment gloves that are preloaded with vitamin E and collagen-rich emulsion to moisturise the skin as well as prep the nails. After about five minutes, the tips of the gloves were peeled off for the manicure that included trimming and shaping of the nails and cleaning the cuticles. Next, the polish! I was enamoured by Claire Danes’ Cinderella dress at the Met Gala earlier this year, so I knew I wanted glitter for the festive season. My manicurist did a good job — the design was understated yet pretty. Following this, she removed the gloves and massaged the rest of the collagen treatment into my hands. I got a gel pedicure as well in bright red — I do love Christmas! For my first gel manipedi, I was happy with the service offered but sitting on the bulky sofa for over an hour to get my nails done was admittedly a tad uncomfortable. Perhaps my lack of height had something to do with it. But two weeks in and my nails are still holding up against my clumsy nature — no better way to make it worth it!

Jasmine Leong, Senior Fashion Writer: Gel manicure and regular pedicure, WaXalon Luxe by the The Nail Parlour, Mid Valley Megamall

I always have my nails done in my neighbourhood, so when I was told that I would be paying WaXalon Luxe a visit, I was beyond ecstatic. Upon entering the parlour, I was welcomed into a small, private area—behind the golden curtains were comfortable (and sterilized!) seats and golden blankets, all fit for a princess. After making myself comfortable with a hot cup of green tea and warm herbed pads placed around my shoulders, manicurists, Cathy and Ana started on the Courtesan Della Passione manicure and Bellissima Dulce Sublime pedicure. Out of the many scent options, I picked cucumber and to my surprise, the pedicure sink was then filled with cucumber slices teamed with the natural essences of olive oil, honey and calendula extracts. After that, my hands and legs were lightly buffed with body scrub before they were wrapped in a rich cocoa and shea butter mask, and encased in heated gloves and booties. Cathy and Ana then gave my hands and legs a therapeutic massage. The manipedi session hadn’t even started yet, and I already felt ultra pampered! I was slightly concerned about my split and broken nails but Cathy reassured me that they would go unnoticed after my manicure. True enough, the gel polish stayed beautifully and there was no sight of any flaws. I was slightly disappointed that they do not offer nail designs but with the quality service, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Waxalon Luxe, thanks to the manicurists’ care and attention. I would definitely book an appointment for a manicure (and perhaps even, a waxing) session with my girl friends soon!

Loh Wei Yeen, Fashion & Beauty Writer: Gel manicure and regular pedicure, 176 Avenue, Bangsar

I rarely go for gel manicures as I find that it takes up too much of my time sitting around waiting for my nails to look pretty — you can tell that patience isn’t my virtue. But 176 Avenue’s gel manicure made it worth the wait for two good reasons: Firstly, my manicurist tried her best in ensuring I got the accurate nail look as depicted from the image I wanted to go for, and secondly, it lasted me a whopping four weeks without a scratch, cuff or chip in sight. Before I started the manipedi session, my hands and feet were given a thorough scrub down for good measure — cuticles were trimmed, nail beds were pushed, and nails were snipped off nicely. My choice was a deep red look peppered with metallic foil that would be perfect for the festive season, but along the way, there were a few hiccups including the foil-like elements’ refusal to adhere onto my nails. But my manicurist was patient to boot, layering on nail lacquer while trying a few ways to ensure the metallic foil strips would stick onto my nails successfully. Her hard work finally paid off as the manicure looked superb at the end of the session — three long hours not gone to waste, after all! 176 Avenue is also a great place to drop by for a convenient head-to-toe primping session; you can get your eyelash extensions or haircut done while prepping your nails as well.

Rachel Au, Lifestyle Writer: Gel manicure and pedicure, Makeover Nail Salon, Bangsar

Believe it or not, I’ve yet to actually try gel manipedi (though it’s been on my to-do list for the longest time) so it was such a great opportunity to try Makeover Nail Salon’s service. There were plenty of gorgeous designs I saw from their Instagram account but there was one major worry: I have really short nails. When I got there, even Wai Wai, the designated manicurist, remarked its lack of length but she was quick to reassure me that there is still a variety of designs that will suit my nail shape. She recommended this one called ‘Transparent Marble’ which involved placing some holographic strips on the nail before painting some black and white strips to create the marble effect. For an extra glam factor, she added a few Swarovski crystals that were imported from Korea and I was mesmerised. At the end of it, it’s not just about the expertise because although Wai Wai didn’t ask, I felt like she could tell what design would suit my taste and style — and that literally helps to narrow down all the options I had in mind. I definitely can’t wait to go back and try another gel manicure once I’ve got longer nails.

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News
#RakyatJagaRakyat: 32 White flag initiatives and food aids in Malaysia to support

28.07.2021
By Natalie Khoo

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[Update on 16 July 2021: More initiatives have been added to this non-exhaustive list. All initiatives are now distinguished by category (food banks, NGOs, businesses) for easier reference]
[Original article dated 1 July 2021]
(Note: An excerpt of this article is adapted and updated from a previous #KitaJagaKita article.)

Half of the year 2021 has gone by, but the majority of Malaysians who are not in essential services remain in “total lockdown” under Phase One of the National Recovery Plan (NRP). Daily Covid-19 cases in Malaysia are still nowhere near the 4,000 mark required to progress to Phase Two, and total cases have now surpassed 745,000.
According to the Economic Action Council (EAC) secretariat, more than 600,000 households from the middle-income group (M40) have slipped into the B40 category since the pandemic. Even charity and non-profit organisations are running low on funds to alleviate the burdens of the these poor and underprivileged communities.
The escalating situation has compelled Malaysians to take matters into their own hands, as seen with the #BenderaPutih (White Flag), #KitaJagaKita and #RakyatJagaRakyat movements.
If you are able and willing to help fellow citizens and marginalised communities tide through these difficult times, here are some Covid-19 food and donation drives and initiatives to support in 2021.
Food Banks
1. Yayasan Food Bank

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A post shared by YAYASAN FOOD BANK MALAYSIA (@foodbankmalaysia)

Established in 2019, Yayasan Food Bank is a non-profit NGO that redistributes surplus food to B40 communities in higher learning institutions (IPT), charity homes, welfare centers and Program Perumahan Rakyat Termiskin (PPRT). Under its Covid-19 Emergency Fund, it aims to provide food boxes to affected communities in Malaysia. Each family food box consists of basic food items and other non-perishable supplies worth one week of groceries. Cash and food donations are welcome.
Donate to: billplz.com/yfbmcovid19
Contact: [email protected] / +6011 3767 0600 (WhatsApp)
Distribution locations: Nationwide
For more information, visit this website.
2. Kechara Soup Kitchen

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A post shared by Kechara Soup Kitchen Society (@kecharasoupkitchensociety)

Kechara Soup Kitchen is no stranger to society, having served the homeless and marginalised communities in Malaysia for over 13 years. Since the onset of the pandemic, the not-for-profit NGO has initiated numerous fundraisers to provide skillset training for low-income individuals to gain independence—on top of its usual soup kitchen and food bank operations.
To get involved, you can sign up as a volunteer, start a fundraising initiative, or pledge cash and in-kind donations. Businesses and corporations can also work together on CSR partnerships to help continue its mission of serving the underprivileged.
Donate to:Kechara Soup Kitchen SocietyMaybank 5122 3133 4874Swift Code: MBBEMYKL
Contact: +6010 333 3260
Distribution locations: Klang Valley, Johor, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Perak, Sarawak
For more information, visit this website.
3. Food Aid Foundation

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A post shared by Food Aid Foundation (@foodaidfoundation)

Founded in 2013, Food Aid Foundation is a non-profit organisation and food bank that rescues surplus food and distributes it to charity or welfare homes throughout Malaysia. In recent months, it has distributed thousands of food bags to quarantine (PPR) and vaccination centres (PPV) to support our frontliners that are serving the public during these trying times, while also distributing groceries and supplies to underserved communities. Cash donations from the public are welcome. You may also express your interest in food donations via email to [email protected].
Donate to:Food Aid FoundationMaybank 5647 8016 5577Swift Code: MBBEMYKL
Contact:  +603 9226 5500
Distribution areas: Nationwide
For more information, visit this website.
4. The Lost Food Project

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Beauty
Are mandarin oranges actually good for you?

19.02.2019
By Rachel Au

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It’s finally the last day of Chinese New Year (also Lunar New Year) and that means one thing: Chap Goh Mei. Besides being a day to mark the end of the 15-day celebration, it’s also often known as a Chinese Valentine’s Day where single ladies would throw mandarin oranges with their names and phone numbers scribbled on it in hopes their fated partner would pick them up.
Fun fact: The tradition actually originated in Penang.
But why waste a perfectly good mandarin orange? We have Tinder and Coffee Meets Bagel (and a throng of other platforms) to help with matchmaking nowadays—because surely, data and algorithms are far more reliable to link us with a potential date than the currents of the Klang River (note: not an official orange-throwing spot—please check for areas that allow such activities). Although, know that it’s all done in good fun and today, the tradition has also evolved into a form of competition in groups and on boats.

Chap Goh Mei Orange Throwing KL
In general, the mandarin orange is considered a low-calorie fruit (an estimate of 50 calories) that’s high in Vitamin C (almost a day’s worth!). They are, however, high in sugar content (equivalent to two teaspoons of sugar), making them a great substitute for your afternoon snack but it also means you should eat them in moderation (like most things in life).
They’re also great for keeping your eyes healthy as they provide vitamin A and thanks to them being rich in fibre and thus slowing down digestion, mandarin oranges help you to feel full for longer without actually consuming a lot. That’s another great reason to have them as a snack.
However, we know what you’re thinking: Why are they often linked with people getting sore throat during Chinese New Year? According to a health blog, its writer Yin Teing placed her suspicions on preservatives which Cilisos found to be sulphur dioxide.
Fun fact: Some mandarin oranges are preserved using sulphur dioxide.
According to their research, too much of said preservative can cause a myriad of states of feeling unwell which includes a sore throat.

Are Mandarin Oranges Bad For You
There is another theory. Chinese old folks can often be quoted calling them yit hei or “heaty”. Yes, if you believe in Traditional Chinese Medicine—it is acknowledged by the local Health Ministry as well as recently recognised by the World Health Organisation—mandarin oranges are considered a heaty food. To summarise: The concept of heaty and cooling food is mapped after the belief of “yin” and “yang”, and refers to “the effect of the said food on our bodies”.
This means, for example, that heaty food would warm the body and improve blood circulation. In contrast, cooling food would eliminate toxins and cool down the body. To illustrate, consider how a hot day out at the beach is made instantly better by having a coconut (a cooling type of food).

mandarin oranges heaty
If a person is meant to have a balance of “yin” and “yang”, and one consumes too much of either heaty or cooling food, it would then put the forces out of balance. The weather can also be a factor for such. Consider this. Eating too many mandarin oranges (as well as CNY cookies and fried dishes) would make your body heaty. Chinese New Year weather is typically, and especially, hot. Add the two together and your body is at an extreme level.
Of course, there’s no scientific research to back this. One thing’s for sure: Mandarin oranges have a lot of sugar so you’d have to limit yourself with them anyway. If you’re worried about them spoiling in this heat, you can always freeze them to give them an extra life of ten months. Just keep them in an airtight bag before placing them in the freezer.
Or you can always continue the Penang-born tradition. Happy Chap Goh Mei!

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Watch: Izara Aishah picks up new beauty tricks on accentuating her features

01.04.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

Last year, we took a trip to Seoul with Tom Ford Beauty to glean the hype behind the first and latest cushion compact from the brand—the Traceless Touch Satin Matte Cushion Compact. Apart from testing out the product, we also picked up a few tricks of the trade thanks to a makeup masterclass hosted by Tom Ford Beauty, where we learned all about the brand’s approach to beauty.
A flawless look doesn’t necessitate a pile of makeup products. According to Tom Ford himself, all you really need is flawless skin and symmetric definition. To break down what that literally means, we thought what better way to demonstrate the appearance of symmetry than with a beauty walk-through with actress Izara Aishah?

Tip 1: Enhance the natural bone structure of the face by defining the features—this also helps create a more symmetrical look. Use a contour colour to shade the underside of the cheekbones, jaws, and along the hairline at the temples. Then, highlight the top of the cheekbones, brow bone, and the centre of the nose for a subtle, illuminated effect.
Tip 2: Give the skin a flawless canvas for a radiant look. Use a cushion compact that offers great coverage, hydration and also SPF for UV protection.
Tip 3: The final touches to a balanced, symmetrical look is a set of well-groomed brows. Gently fill in brows to create a softly arched shape, then finish your look with a favourite lipstick colour.

Products used in the video:
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Credits:
Videography: Nicholas Chin/2117.co
Art direction and styling: Loh Wei Yeen
Makeup: KF Bong
Hair: Ckay Liow
Assisted by: Chong Yi Suen

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Culture
‘person(a) : an investigation into self’ takes you into the core of the self portrait
Finding meaning in the selfie

30.10.2015
By Buro247

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The selfie: that’s the term ones’ presentation of oneself has been reduced to. For co-curators Sharmin Parameswaran and Vignes Balasingam, the person(a) project began as a series of questions surrounding the selfie, before blossoming into a visual dialogue from 20 local artists reflecting on the “self” aspect of this social phenomenon and presenting it on a public platform.
“It started out with a very simple question,” Sharmin explains. “I was hanging out at a cafe one day and I noticed a group of girls in the corner taking selfies – professional selfies – where they sort of knew how to look at the camera, angle themselves with that slight smile and all that. I was just looking at them and wondering, why?”
An idea she held onto for quite awhile, Sharmin eventually roped in Vignes who was the founder of Obscura Festival (a photography festival) for the project. “From there we started talking, and he brought up how selfies were actually self portraits in the past, where artists painted themselves and photographers took photos of themselves, but not with a cellphone,” Sharmin says. “You deliberately had to plan what was going to be shot – so there was a bit more deliberation in taking self-portraits at that point in time. Then Vignes brought up this idea of personas, because what we’re doing is, we’re actually presenting a persona of ourselves in front of the camera.”

Thus, the duo selected 20 local talents to explore a more conceptual idea of the self portrait, asking them to turn the camera onto themselves in a more figurative manner. Going past the general understanding of the selfie, these artists instead delve into a self-investigation that explores their personas in the form of art photography. The exhibition then goes past the limits of printed photographs, but also incorporates multimedia art, mixed media and art installations, with all artworks up for sale.
“This is a show that is about questions rather than answers, and how it relates to you as a viewer,” Vignes says. “Because I think the entire exercise of the selfie is to prove you existed – if not to others, at least to yourself. Like, ‘in this day and this time, I was here.'” In our interview with Sharmin and Vignes, the co-curators give us a deeper understanding of person(a).
Are these photographers and artists ultimately representing themselves in their artworks?
Sharmin: We basically gave the brief: if you were to turn a camera, figuratively, onto yourself, what is it about yourself that you would like to present? And if you look at “self,” we’re actually made up of many layers: there is the physical self; our mental, social and emotional selves; and all of this is situated in different contexts that could be Malaysia, racial discussions, techology and such. So if we start looking at “self,” it’s not a matter of “me,” as a photograph. We are made up of a lot of things, so I think, depending on the artist and what they chose to focus on, there are different selves that are being presented.
Vignes: What we’re doing is, in a way, what people do on Instagram – they photograph themselves, they decide how they want to look, they wear particular clothes, they do their OOTDs – so it’s actually quite concerted. So this can be something quite similar, in the sense that it is talents working with photography to create this work and share it in a physical space.
What’s different about this show is that the artists have been invited to take a deeper look into the term, why we photograph, how we do it, and what we’re trying to say. It could be introspective, but also outwardly critical. For some of the works, introspection is not about what they do, where they live, and what their genders are; it’s more about their observation about something and their commentary about what they see. It’s also personal, and the personal is interpreted by different people in different ways, and therefore it’s manifested in different ways.
How did you choose the talents for this project?
Vignes: For the artists, we were quite familiar with their work; we kind of saw something in their work or in their personality which was interesting, so we invited them. There are some artists who are very established but there are also beginners who are doing their first show. A lot of people are thinking that they might go in there and see a whole bunch of photos that are self portraits. But no, it’s very very interactive, visually and mentally stimulating, and probably emotionally wrenching as some of the works are very personal. A lot of the artists had almost an existential crisis in trying to create the works, they pulled a lot out of themselves.

Did the artists create the works specially for this exhibition?
Vignes: Yes, they were asked to create new works for this exhibition. We didn’t want to rehash old ideas. We really wanted people to start thinking about it based on the brief.
Sharmin: A few of them will be showing their existing work, but most of them are showing new ones. But we wanted it to be new works because our personas change; our personas would have been different one year ago or five years ago, and that’s why we needed it to be current. I think there are a number of artists who have looked at their past work and how it has evolved now. So they’ve either added on to it, or possibly taken a different angle. It’s interesting because then the art becomes a process or a documentation of self.
Was there any consultation on your part as curators?
Vignes: I think my role, for instance, was to try to understand and see what the artists were thinking about their own work, and then push them to think further in terms of how they were approaching the project, how they were processing what they were feeling and thinking, and how they were going to exhibit the work. It’s a different kind of curatorial stance, because with Obscura Festival the works exhibited are already complete. So this is very much raw and new.
But for me, what was important was to give them a way to help them transcend what they were doing, into something greater. So it was very conversational. I kind of encourage them to think about the work differently, because sometimes you can be very much within your own headspace when you think about your own work. It really helps when you have someone from the outside looking at it and noticing different details that you may have previously missed, or see the relationship between your old and new work. So that’s where the work starts to take on different manifestations.
person(a): an investigation into self opens on 31 October and runs until 8 November at Black Box, Publika. Head here for more details.

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Film, TV + Theatre
8 Reasons to watch ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’ on Netflix

24.08.2018
By Stephanie Boey

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2018 has been a great year for expanding representation in film. Marvel’s Black Panther was a huge success at the box office raking in US$1.3 billion. Closer to home, Crazy Rich Asians has made US$40 million in sales so far and it’s only been in theatres for a couple of days. Unless you’ve pre-booked your tickets for the weekend, chances are you’re going to have to settle with mediocre seats at best if you can get any at all. I’ve tried virtually every shopping mall and cinema vendor in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya.
Time to hit up the next best thing—Netflix. The network’s recent push, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before also sees Asian representation into mainstream media. Centred around Lara Jean Covey, an Asian-American high school student whose secret love letters get mailed out to her five crushes… and chaos ensues.
Here are 8 reasons to tune in:
1) The refreshing new faces The promising young cast is lead by Lana Condor (who made her acting debut as Jubilation Lee/Jubilee in X-Men: Apocalypse) nails the character’s naïvete while fellow young actresses Anna Cathcart and Madeleine Arthur provide brilliant comic relief as the protagonist’s sister and BFF respectively.
2) … and familiar ones John Corbett plays the widowed patriach to the heroine. You might remember him as Aidan Shaw from Sex and the City, My Big Fat Greek Wedding and United States of Tara. Pretty Little Liar’s Janel Parrish plays Margot, Lara Jean’s older sister.
3) The humour The movie has some pretty solid lines which include a diss on Uggs and a joke about googling Justin Trudeau shirtless, two highly polarising topics in our books.
4) Diversity The story revolves around a biracial American family. Lara Jean is half-Korean and half-Caucasian, but what’s great is that the story isn’t explicitly about that and neither is it written as the family’s defining quality. They just happen to belong in a multicultural household, as do many families in America and all over the world for that matter. According to IMDb, Jenny Han the author of the books, was approached by studios to sell the rights but had plans to change Lara Jean’s heritage to fully Caucasian. But Jenny was determined to keep the character’s original Asian roots. Representation matters!

 5) Eye candy Israel Broussard plays the unattainable boy next door and the male lead character, Peter Kavinsky portrayed by Noah Centineo is also a sight for sore eyes. He’s previously known for his tv role in The Fosters, and has another upcoming film on Netflix, Sierra Burgess is a Loser scheduled for 7 September 2018.

6) Throwback teen movie referencesThe narrative by the movie’s main protagonist is reminiscent of another coming of age teen flick—Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. John Hughes’ Sixteen Candles also gets special mentions in the film.
7) The cinematographyThe aesthetic and carefully arranged artful shots come together for a visually pleasing product which is a pleasant surprise for a romcom.
8) The soundtrackThe music is a perfect blend of old and new. The ’80s movie references continues with Tears for Fears hit from 1985, ‘Everybody Wants To Rule The World’ seamlessly woven in with current favourites like Troye Sivan, Sza and Blood Orange.

Watch the trailer below:

‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’ is available for streaming on Netflix here.

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Film, TV + Theatre
Review: Episode one of ‘Record of Youth’

07.09.2020
By Ronn Tan

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*Spoilers ahead*

The wait is over! The inaugural episode of Record of Youth is finally here. The first outing of the 16-episode series aired simultaneously on tvN and Netflix, putting the drama under the international spotlight. Starring Park Bo Gum as Sa Hye Joon, Park So Dam as Ahn Jung Ha, and Byun Woo Seok as Won Hae Hyo, Record of Youth already has an advantage in terms of star power. However, that’s not to say that viewers will only stay for their favourite K-drama actors. So, what happened in Episode One?

Photo by tvN and Netflix

The episode began with Sa Hye Joon and a clip of him auditioning for a show. From the get-go, viewers get a glimpse of what’s to come, with directors not knowing his name. We also saw him guarding a door for celebrity—which he (hilariously) failed to do well. Record of Youth aims to highlight how class differences and statuses in society affect how to achieve your goals. Hye Joon dreams of becoming a successful actor but things haven’t been going his way. Although he has many fans from modelling and social media (including Jung Ha), he’s struggling to make ends meet.

Photo by tvN and Netflix

That fact is highlighted with Won Hae Hyo’s character as well. He’s a successful model and one that comes from a privileged background. There are hints throughout the episode that Hae Hyo and Hye Joon will be major (yet friendly and supportive) “rivals” in the series—with the latter being described as Hae Hyo’s sidekick. After all, Hye Joon’s mother works for Hae Hyo’s mother. However, the bromance is strong with these two!

Photo by tvN and Netflix

Ahn Jung Ha is a huge fan of Sa Hye Joon and aims to meet her favourite model one day (#FanGirlMode). She works hard as makeup artist despite the constant admonishing she gets from her employer. We don’t get to see much of her in the first episode but it will be interesting to see how she connects with Hye Joon throughout the series. By the way, did you notice the way they were looking at each other at the makeup area? It seems like something’s brewing.

Photo by tvN and Netflix

Although Record of Youth might seem light-hearted at times, it’s clear that the core themes are hardworking, class struggles, and attempting to follow your dreams despite the challenges—dare we say that this storyline is extremely relatable and relevant? We’ve also spotted a few noteworthy fashion moments, by the way! Sprinkle some comedy, brilliant acting, and an attractive cast, Record of Youth has everything it takes to be a successful series—well, if the storyline develops accordingly, based on the first episode.

Photo by tvN and Netflix

It seems like the drama is off to a great start, with a sneak peek of the chemistry between the leads along with an interesting plot (so far). New episodes of Record of Youth air every Monday and Tuesday—will you be watching the second episode?
For more information about the drama, click here.

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Should you wash your face in the morning? We investigate


Food + Drink
A tale of the fake meats that bleed and where to find them

24.07.2019
By Ronn Tan

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Throughout the last century or so, society has witnessed massive changes in food trends. The way we eat and the food we consume are dictated by various influences, such as cultural, geographical, political, and economical factors. Some food trends evolved into staples whereas the others were simply dropped (not literally). From clam broths to fondue, junk food to casseroles, and pasta salad to avocado, the in-things of the moment can be said to have been products of the epoch.

As time goes on and the 2000s came, mankind began to take their health more seriously. That includes deciding on thorough shifts in lifestyle choices. One noticeable difference—the consumption of food. Every year, we stumble upon new healthy food trends, such as oat milk (to replace dairy), moringa (as opposed to matcha), and quinoa. However, another fad has been gaining traction and that’s the meatless meat. Yes, vegan meat. You read that right. Wondering how can meat be vegan? We break it down for you below.

Alternative meats (an alternate term for vegan meat), although a niche industry, are gaining in popularity. While it’s true that veggie patties have been in the market for awhile, these new age vegan meats aren’t exactly the same. In fact, companies such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have invented meatless meat products that invoke the genuine experience of tasting actual meat.
The question is how did these companies create an alternative that gives the same experiences with meat, fish, and dairy? The answer lies in heme, a fundamental molecule found in every living plant and animal that makes meat taste like meat. It was discovered that the alternative cooked, smelled and tasted just as similar to the real thing when heme is mixed with plant proteins, fats and other simple nutrients (read more here).

In the past, vegetarians were the main target market for veggie patties but with technological breakthroughs, this is a contemporary horizon. Meatless meats by Impossible Foods, Beyond Meat, and Phuture Meat (a Malaysian company) are aimed at meat-eating customers. In fact, Ethan Brown, the founder of Beyond Meat, said that 93 percent of their patrons are neither vegans nor vegetarians.

Can one actually distinguish between real and fake meats? You will have to find out for yourself. According to Tim Carman from The Washington Post on Burger King’s alternative hit, “the Impossible Whopper patty, all by itself, has more flavour than the meaty one”.
The thing about food is that it is very individual-dependent. After all, our palates and preferences do vary. You might either find that Beyond Meat tastes better than the vegan meat from Impossible Foods, or that none of them seem like meat at all. The best way to know is to actually savour them on your own. Without further ado, check out some of these spots where you can go heme on the alternative meats of your choice.
1. Privé, Singapore

There are a few Privé outlets in Singapore and Malaysians seeking the nearest location serving alternative meats should try out The Impossible Burger there. Whether it’s the Somerset or Wheelock branch, you can opt for either The Impossible Meat patty or Beyond Meat patty (priced at approximately RM65).
For more information, visit this website.
2. Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay, Singapore

Among the many restaurants serving vegan meat in Marina Bay Sands is Bread Street Kitchen. Here, you can choose between the Impossible beef Wellington or the flatbread (priced approximately at RM118 and RM72 respectively).
For more information, visit this website.
3. Cut by Wolfgang Puck, Singapore

If you have been to Marina Bay Sands, you would have easily noticed Cut. Similar to Bread Street Kitchen, Cut has its own variation of the alternative meat with The Impossible Sliders. This plant-based mince (priced at approximately RM55 for three) is almost exactly like the Mini Kobe Beef Sliders, executive chef Joshua Brown’s signature.
For more information, visit this website.
4. Sushi Ryu, Malaysia

This isn’t just the first restaurant in the country, but also the only one to try fake meat by Beyond Meat. Located at Platinum Park, this is as close as you can get to an alternative meat without travelling abroad. It’s 100 percent vegan and plant-based but with the satisfaction of real beef. The Beyond Meat Katsu Sando is priced at RM100.
For more information, visit this website.

Now that you know where to go for fake meats from Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat, you can finally test them out. Do they appear and assay like actual meat? Either way, the interest in alternative meats doesn’t seem to be ending any time soon, especially with companies such as Impossible Foods raising approximately RM1.2 billion from investors. They include the likes of Bill Gates, Katy Perry, Serena Williams, and Jay-Z. Only time will tell if these products will end up becoming a norm rather than just a fad. In the meantime, read more about Impossible Foods (here), Beyond Meat (here) and Phuture Meat (here).

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Fashion
Father’s Day 2023: 20 Suave and stylish gifts to treat your cool dad
Nothing but the best

08.06.2023
By Benedict Unang

Images courtesy of respective brands

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Father’s Day falls on June 18 this year, and it is just the perfect time to celebrate fathers with thoughtful gifts. While some dads may be blissfully unaware of what presents they will receive—believing that it’s the thought that count—others may be picky and difficult to please. If he’s in the latter category, good news—you’ve come to the right place! From summer staples to everyday basics, we’ve rounded up all the goods that will boost Dad’s confidence and make him look dashing. Read on to see our picks that will make him feel special for the day!

Shirts for days
What could go wrong with gifting shirts? With summer in the air, you can bet Valentino’s patterned short-sleeved shirt and Fendi’s cotton polo shirts will be spotted on sightseers or at a beachside barbecue. Likewise, Tom Ford’s long-sleeve denim shirt and Christian Dior’s couture over-shirt are among the best alternatives—especially when coupled with Bermuda shorts for the quintessential laid-back style.

All-over Toile Iconographe print shirt, Valentino

Christian Dior Couture over-shirt, Dior

Cotton polo shirt, Fendi

Long-sleeve denim shirt, Tom Ford

Amp up his kicks
It’s no secret that men spend a lot more on sneakers than women, and if your dad is no different, then it’s only fitting to offer him the classic Mexico 66™ SD shoe by Onitsuka Tiger or New Balance’s 990 design, which pairs well with athleisure attire. Or, if he’s all about the preppy look, loafers are an excellent choice. Whether it’s the bright orange Berluti’s Lorenzo Drive leather loafers or the brown loafers by Tod’s, any of these shoes will look effortlessly great with timeless styles.

Mexico 66™ SD, Onitsuka Tiger

Made in USA 990v3, New Balance

Lorenzo Drive Scritto Camoscio leather loafer, Berluti

Brown loafers in leathers, Tod's

Build his bag collection
It’s time for dads to quit stuffing everything in their pockets! Help Dad out by getting him a new bag like the Fastline Messenger bag by Louis Vuitton. The navy blue cowhide leather bag is a compact bag that can contain all of the necessities and also works as a shoulder and crossbody bag. For those who are constantly on the go, the Tumi Expandable Organiser Laptop Brief is excellent to store their office gadgets, while the spacious Military bag by Loewe and Gucci’s Jumbo GG backpack are ideal companions for short vacations.

Fastline messenger bag, Louis Vuitton

Expandable organizer laptop brief, Tumi

Military backpack in soft grained calfskin, Loewe

Jumbo GG backpack, Gucci

Refresh his wallet
If his wallet has seen better days and is now a bit shabby, this is your cue to get him a new one. As black wallets appear sleek and fit with any fashion choice, the scratch-resistant Coach 3-in-1 wallet and the classic bifold Medusa Biggie wallet by Versace are a good way to go. In case he prefers subtle colours, check out Burberry’s check and leather bifold wallet or Bottega Veneta’s mud green Intrecciato leather wallet.

3-in-1 wallet with signature canvas interior, Coach

Medusa biggie wallet, Versace

Check and leather bifold wallet, Burberry

Intrecciato bifold wallet, Bottega Veneta

Sunglasses to keep him cool
While sunglasses might not be a popular gift for fathers, it’s one of the most useful ones since they can be worn anywhere. Chanel’s shield-style sunglasses and Saint Laurent’s round-framed sunglasses, for instance, lend an instant flair to any outfit while providing sun protection. Alternatively, the Ray-Ban for Scuderia Ferrari wayfarer sunglasses and Prada rectangular metal sunglasses will help to balance out round or square face shapes.

Shield sunglasses, Chanel

Classic Sl 28 metal, Saint Laurent

Ray-Ban for Scuderia Ferrari Charles Leclerc liteforce wayfarer sunglasses, Ferrari Style

Eyewear collection sunglasses in Iris shaded sun lenses, Prada

For more fashion reads, click here.

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Fashion
Here’s what all your favourite local celebrities wore for Raya this year

07.06.2019
By Joan Kong

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Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri! It’s that time of the year where we indulge in all things food, family, fashion, and fun. Regardless whether you’re #TeamRayaKL or #TeamRaya elsewhere, either way, the festivities won’t be complete without an #OOTD of your Baju Raya for the ‘Gram. Curious to see what our top local celebrities wore for Raya? We’ve rounded up their choice of traditional attire this year. From Baju Kebaya to Baju Kurung Pahang, the stars opted for an array of designs on day one and day two of Raya, but one thing the ensembles have in common, is the pretty hues they’re in. Some noteworthy looks include: Neelofa and Daiyan Trisha’s blush pink outfits that radiated a sweet girly vibe like no other, Siti Saleha who stunned in an electric blue ensemble, and Yaya Zahir who was spotted in the hottest colour this season, Barbie pink.
Below, check out what our local celebrities wore for the festivities this year:
1. Neelofa

2. Daiyan Trisha

3. Fyza Kadir

4. Izara Aishah

5. Vivy Yusof in Radzuan Radziwill

6. Sazzy Falak in Maslea

7. Ain Edruce in Shals

8. Ameera Khan in Rico Rinaldi

9. Farah Ann in Emel by Melinda Looi

10. Yuna in Batika by Hudaa

10. Marion Caunter in Khoon Hooi

11. Scha Alyahya in Fern

12. Puteri Aishah

13. Yaya Zahir in Losravelda

14. Siti Saleha in Innai Red

15. Hannah Delisha in Emel by Melinda Looi

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Culture
A guide to understanding Gen Z slang and how to use them correctly

06.01.2021
By Melissa Foong

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It’s 2021, Gen Z-ers and TikTok seemed to have taken over the world, or the internet at least. With their exclusive lingo used ubiquitously on social media sites, being called a boomer might just be the biggest insult for some. In a world dominated by meme culture, your grasp of new slang can make or break your reputation as a supposedly cool person, or in their terms—passing the vibe-check.
Though many of these phrases have been around for decades, social media platforms have revolutionised and spread the language more rapidly than ever before. Here are six Gen Z slang words and how to use them:
1. No Cap

Image: Giphy
If you see #nocap flooding the comment section, then you’re doing something right. The phrase is often used to express sincerity, as it translates into “no lie” which is basically the same thing as “I swear to God”. When used, the person genuinely wants you to know that they are being honest.
Here’s an example:
That dress on you is such a head-turner, no cap.
Nowadays the Gen Z-ers are taking it a step further by replacing the word cap with the emoji—some say it’s because the three-letter word just takes up “too much time”.
2. Wig

Image: Giphy
As a modern slang often used on social media platforms, the phrase definitely packs a punch. Wig is a synonym used by Zoomers for being enamoured with someone/something so much that one’s hairpiece can fly off one’s head. That’s right, fly off. It is not just an accessory—it’s a feeling.
Here’s an example when Katy Perry and an American Idol contestant casually conversed using the phrase—which instantly became the source of a flurry of memes and fan reactions:

3. Yeet

Image: Giphy
On the surface, the word “yeet” may look like it’s just another nonsensical internet word used without any context. But what does it actually mean and how do you use it? According to Cambridge Dictionary, the phrase is used when something is thrown with a lot of force. You can technically use it whenever you want to crack a laugh out of everyone, although you should probably avoid using it in a professional setting.
Here’s an example:
He just grabbed my ice cream and yeeted it into the lake.
4. L

Image: Giphy
Unlike the year 1995, the alphabet W no longer stands for whatever. Similar to that, L doesn’t stand for loser as some might claim it to be. The correct word that represents the letter is “loss”, with origins from the sports industry where “wins” and “losses” are abbreviated to W’s and L’s for spreadsheets and boxscores. Referenced from that vernacular, a common phrase used today is to ‘take the loss’ or, even shorter form, ‘take the L’.
Here’s an example:
Candice really took the L on that math exam.
5. UwU

Image: Giphy
Now with Japanese animation (anime) becoming more mainstream across the globe, we’re seeing more new terms being appropriated from that sub-culture—“UwU” or “UωU” is one of the many Gen Z phrases that is derived from it. Typically, the term indicates quirky happiness, or what others might call the kawaii energy. The three-letter word is similar to millennials’ favourite smiley face “:3” (if you know, you know). The two capitalised u’s serve as eyes while the w is supposedly a pout.
Here’s an example taken from Twitter when a certain user finally realises what it signifies:

Me, knowing “uwu” is a facial expression and not a soundAlso me: https://t.co/cONsjZnvjz
— kylie minogue stan (@hehechrissy) August 27, 2018

6. Karen

Image: Giphy
As the Karen meme gains traction on the internet, people are becoming increasingly confused over its definition. The #KARENALERT that you see on your feed throughout 2020 is NOT about a certain someone who became a worldwide sensation overnight. Rather, it is a term used for obnoxious women who use their privilege/entitlement to demand their own way.
Here’s an example of the word is used:

I just published “As Millions Die, Amber Heard Complains About Having to Go to Court Over a Situation She Created” https://t.co/JQCLnQOnQY #AmberHeard is the quintessential #Karen.#JohnnyDepp #MeToo #JusticeForJohnnyDepp
— Carla Paola (@_Carla_Paola) December 19, 2020

For more stories on culture, click here

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