Lifestyle
How many women made it into the new Cabinet of Malaysia

02.07.2018
By Rachel Au

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Malaysia is truly on the brink of a new era. The 14th General Election has resulted in many firsts. Among them, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah being the first female Deputy Prime Minister and today, Syed Saddiq becoming the youngest-ever minister in the country at 25 (he’ll turn 26 in December). But the matter remains that the ratio of women to men in the Malaysian political scene is still relatively low. Wan Azizah’s appointment prove to be a huge first step, allowing, at least, the possibility of a female Prime Minister to be questioned and considered.

Even so, there are still naysayers who doubt her capabilities and discredit her work, claiming her husband, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is actually the Deputy Prime Minister instead of her. She recently told New Straits Times Press, “I am the one who goes to work, go in early, I do all the work and (they say) that he is the deputy prime minister?”
“Give me some credit. I do a lot of work, you know,” she continued. “Lest you forget, I was also the country’s first female opposition leader.”
“Why should I vacate the seat? I was elected by Pandan voters,” she answered on the topic of her vacating the parliamentary seat for Anwar’s return.

While there may be several factors that lead to these kinds of doubts, ponder also for a moment that this is in response to a female leader. In our exclusive interview with MP Hannah Yeoh — who was sworn in today as the Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development — she admitted that women in the local political scene tend to get certain unrelated comments, unlike the men.
In that case, despite the hot topic and deafening support from feminists, is Malaysia truly ready for more women representation in the government when there’s still a portion of people who look at gender over ability? The rest of the Cabinet ministers (and their respective deputy ministers) were sworn in today where out of the 50 members, only nine are women: Five full ministers and four deputy ministers. One of Pakatan Harapan’s manifestos proposed to have at least 30 per cent of the Cabinet to be women. The current percentage is 18 per cent.

Before anyone transforms into a keyboard warrior, know that Wan Azizah had addressed this recently, saying it is a target, not a fixed quota. According to The Malaysian Digest, she pointed out that though gender is a criteria, so is choosing capable people for the job. She told The Star, “There are some new phases and changes in the Cabinet coming, but I also want to add that we want women to be recruited based on capability and their qualification, not just because of gender.”
Malaysia may still not have a 30 per cent female representation in the government but five women full ministers is the first step. The first woman minister in Malaysia, Fatimah Hashim, was appointed 49 years ago in 1969. Since then, there have not been more than three women appointed as full ministers under one administration. Since then, only 13 other women have made it to Cabinet positions.
“It will take political will, but it can be done… We need to put our foot in the door and keep trying to open it. People will get used to women [in these roles] and then it’s no big deal,” Marina Mahathir said to Asian Correspondent.

“Get used to.” Exactly. How many Malaysian women out there had the aspirations to join politics? How many of these women are mothers or have commitments? A politician is a full-time job. Balancing a career, relationship and a family is often a struggle for a woman but it’s not impossible. We’ve asked countless women on how they do it — women who grew an idea into a full-fledged business, women with dreams who dared to chase them, women who hold high positions in a dynamic company.
These women inspired many others to believe in themselves. In the political scene, the number of women doing it is small, but their statements are big. In Hannah Yeoh’s words, “I have to make sure I survive first so that when people see that I can do it, they will think they can too.” She also told us that to attract more women into politics, the parties and the office have to be flexible, understand the needs of these women and their commitments, and learn to support them. “It must be a win-win.”

Because few thought it possible to join the political scene. Because few gained enough experience and know-how to qualify as a full minister on the Cabinet. Because times were different. But all this is beginning to shift. The interest, the passion, the will to act. Nine out of 50 today is a step up. Now is the time to step up.

The women in the new Cabinet of Malaysia
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development
Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah binti Wan Ismail
Minister of Rural Development
Rina Harun
Minister of Housing and Local Government
Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin
Primary Industries Minister
Teresa Kok
Energy, Green Technology, Science and Climate Change Minister
Yeo Bee Yin
Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development
Hannah Yeoh
Deputy Minister of Education
Teo Nie Ching
Deputy Minister of Energy, Green Technology, Science and Climate Change
Isnaraissah Munirah Majlilis

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs)
Dr Fuziah Salleh

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Culture
7 Minutes with singer-songwriter Gentle Bones

15.02.2019
By Su Fen Tan

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Joel Tan, or better known by the moniker Gentle Bones, has come a long way since his stint of putting up covers and originals online during his A-Levels days. It wasn’t long before he caught the attention of the masses with the single ‘Until We Die’, which soared to the top of the local iTunes singles chart circa 2014. But 2016 appeared to be the breakthrough year for him, where he released his sophomore EP Geniuses and Thieves, penned a major label deal with Universal Music Singapore, headlined and sold out two nights at the Esplanade, toured the region, and made it to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia list.
The Singaporean singer-songwriter has certainly been keeping busy since then, as fans were rewarded with both a collaborative album and new solo releases in the last year alone.
Gentle Bone’s latest EP, ‘Michelle’

If you’re putting together a playlist that revolves around the matter of the heart, Gentle Bone’s latest EP Michelle will make a groovy, poignant addition to your library of love songs. Featuring three tracks, the Singaporean singer-songwriter’s latest body of work follows the electro-meets-R&B sound that he has developed over his past few releases, accompanied by heartfelt lyrics—or love letters, if you will—dedicated to his friend who inspired the EP.

Hi Joel! How’s 2019 shaping up for you so far?
“It’s shaping up great, I am in Los Angeles right now producing new music! How are you guys?”

We’re doing good too, thanks! And of course, congrats on the recent EP, Michelle—tell us about the direction behind your latest work.
“This EP is a love letter to Michelle and it’s me putting together everything that I’ve learnt from my journey in music so far into three simple love songs.”

So far you’ve released the lyric videos for ‘I Wouldn’t Know Any Better Than You’ and ‘Be My Ocean’ from the EP, and they are both animated videos. What prompted that move?
“I want my listeners to be focused on the music I create and a lyric video really helps with that. I’ve been really drawn to the power of animation lately.”

Going back to ‘Be My Ocean’, what was the inspiration behind the music video?
“To show how great love can take many shapes and forms!”

We noticed that you deleted most posts off your Instagram before the drop ‘I Wouldn’t Know Any Better Than You’. Was that a creative decision or…?
“My main goal is to create great music and every time that I release something new, I’d like for that to be the only focus on my public platforms.”

It’s pretty crazy to think that at 24, you’ve already been in the industry for almost 10 years. How do you think you have grown as an artist over the years?
“It’s been an amazing journey, I’ve done more that I could possibly imagine I’d do. And it’s amazing to know that creating music is still my first love.”

Are there plans to play in Malaysia anytime soon?
“Yes, as soon as I am done with the new music I am working on! I’d like to be able to have an amazing setlist planned for my future shows.”

Who have you been listening to as of late?
“The new 1975 album is inspirational!”

What is one advice you’d like to impart to the budding musician?
“I always think back on my first days on YouTube and always try to remember why I first loved making music.”

Will there be new material coming in the year ahead? What’s in the pipeline?
“Currently working on some singles, I hope to put that out ASAP!”

Stream ‘Michelle’ by Gentle Bones here.

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Fashion
How to rock the white tank top according to your style
Blank canvas

13.08.2022
By Phyll Wu

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The versatility of the white tank is arguably unparalleled to most tops, making it an essential piece in every closet. A classic of all classics, the humble tank has outlived every trend cycle by virtue of its timeless, fuss-free, and genderless design. This year, however, the staple piece gained a spotlight on the runway, paired with some of the most memorable pieces of AW22 including Matthieu Blazy’s leather jeans for Bottega Veneta and Prada’s panelled midi-skirt adorned by Euphoria star Hunter Schafer.
Initially designed for the male wardrobe, the white tank’s classic cool aesthetic has made its way into every model’s off-duty look—and it is fair to say that the sleeveless garment is having a moment in the fashion world, which means there is no better time than now to rock a tank. But with so many ways to style it, where do you even start? Fret not—we have your back. From street style to Y2K, we’ll guide you through the many ways you can elevate the ageless basic.
Casual comfortable
White tank tops paired with straight-cut pants are always the go-to outfit for a clean and casual look. Whether you’re heading to class, the office, or an art exhibition—it can never go wrong. While black is the safe option, neutral shades give off classic undertones while vibrant colours bring a lively aura to your ensemble. Regardless, the baggier it is, the more effortless it looks.

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A post shared by Chloe Miles (@chloehelenmiles)

Blue Petali Lounge Pants, Sportmax

But don’t stop there, throw on a flowy button-up or an oversized blazer! If you need an extra oomph, a belt is always a good option.

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A post shared by Petra (@pepamack)

Green Faux-Leather Olympia Blazer, The Frankie Shop
Chic
So, you’re heading to brunch with your girls. You want to dress up for the ‘Gram, but the sunny weather insists on your white tank. Luckily for you, tank tops can be chic too. And one of the easiest ways to do so is to pair it with a skirt! The beauty of a white tank top is that it goes with nearly any skirt, so take your pick:
Something long and flowy?

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A post shared by Adenorah (@annelauremais)

Low Rise Bias Skirt in Green Beaded Chiffon, Mirror Palais

Or something short and fun?

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A post shared by emma chamberlain (@emmachamberlain)

Ssense Exclusive Black Lucy Mini Skirt, Rose Murdoch

Perhaps something mid-length and casual?

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A post shared by Bella 🦋 (@bellahadid)

Green Viscose & Linen Pleated Skirt, Gucci

The choice is up to you! But to elevate your look,slip-ons, mules, and sandals add the perfect chic flair to your ensemble.

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A post shared by Kendall (@kendalljenner)

Les mules Bagnu, Jaquemus

Not chic enough? Wear a headband or a scarf!

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A post shared by Imaan Hammam (@imaanhammam)

Multicolour silk scarf, Gucci

Street style
White tank tops are especially easy to style with streetwear, and it is one of the safest options to pair with any of your Nike Air Jordans. Like skirts, it goes along well with nearly every type of pants. For example:

Sweatpants

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A post shared by Kim Kardashian (@kimkardashian)

Red ‘The Sweatpants’ Lounge Pants, Marc Jacobs

Baggy jeans

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A post shared by Bella 🦋 (@bellahadid)

Navy wrap jeans, Ottolinger
Navy wrap jeans, Ottolinger

Shorts

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A post shared by emma chamberlain (@emmachamberlain)

Logo-plaque shorts, Prada

Biker shorts

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A post shared by ￣( ´•̥×•̥` )￣ (@diakimeko)

X knee-length biker shorts, Dion Lee
X knee-length biker shorts, Dion Lee
And if the weather is fitting, enhance your look with an oversized puffy jacket!

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A post shared by ambi :3 (@bbyambi)

Green Cotton Jacket, Spencer Badu

Green Cotton Jacket, Spencer Badu

Y2K
The Y2K girls love a good tank top and they probably have it in every colour. So when it comes to styling tanks in the most fabulous ways, they do it best. If you haven’t already seen it on every girl in the 2000s, layering with contrasting colours is the favoured option for styling back in the day.

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A post shared by RUBY LYN (@rubylyn_)

And it goes without saying that with a Y2K aesthetic,low-rise jeansare crucial.

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A post shared by Lydia Campanelli (@lvdiv)

Courtney low-rise wide-leg jeans, Grlfrnd

But if you’re feeling something more comfortable, you can also opt for sweatpants—low-rise, of course!

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A post shared by Juicy Couture (@juicycouture)

OG Big Bling Velour Track Pants, Juicy Couture

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Music
How cool is OK Go’s zero gravity music video?
Not afraid of heights

12.02.2016
By Buro247

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If there’s one thing that I can say confidently, it’s that American alternative rock band OK Go’s music videos always outdo the music itself. Ever since they stepped onto critical popularity with the release of the video for ‘Here It Goes Again’ from their 2005 sophomore album, they’ve found a niche and stuck to it: low budget, single-shot, choreographed music videos.

But of course, following the success of having released four studio albums, their budget seems to have gotten bigger. This time, for their single ‘Upside Down, Inside Out,’ the band does intricately choreographed stunts inside a plane that flies at a parabolic arc, creating what seems to be a zero gravity space.

The band said on their website, that the single-take video was paused and shot eight times as the anti-gravity moments only lasted a maximum of 27 seconds. It took them some 27 flights to plan, rehearse, and complete the video. The band took three weeks to film the video in Russia, at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center near Moscow.

Watch the video on OK Go’s Facebook page.

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Food + Drink
The Table: Five stellar restaurants under one roof at Isetan The Japan Store
What is washoku

19.02.2017
By Buro247

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An entire floor dedicated to showcasing the best of washoku—an overarching term for Japanese cuisine—has been unveiled on the fourth level of Isetan The Japan Store. Housed within the intimate space soaked in the warmth of ambient lighting and cosy furnishing of wood and stone are five restaurants (and a sixth slated to open at a later date)—each specialising in a different pillar of washoku—collectively known as The Table.

SUSHI AZABU

A regular haunt of New Yorkers and Hollywood celebrities, the Michelin-starred Sushi Azabu opens its first outpost in South East Asia. Under the skilful hands of Japanese-trained chefs, traditional house speciality sushi featuring the freshest seafood from Japan is served with refinery and a side of Omotenashi—warm hospitality and a spirit of respect.

TORIDEN

Whispers in the wind say that the secret of the beauties of Hakata lie in one simple element—collagen. Farm-fresh chicken simmering in pots of golden broth packed full of nutritious collagen is the specialty at Toriden. Experience Omakase-style meals, which will take you on a chef-curated journey that revolves around Mizutaki – the chicken hot pot.

TONKATSU ANZU

An elevated take on tonkatsu comes courtesy of an artisanal approach at Tonkatsu Anzu. Premium, aged pork is carefully slow cooked to achieve the unforgettable favours of home. Let the succulent flavours of juicy porcine cuts—sourced from local farmers in Kyushu—blossom on your palate as the blooming apricot trees in the Fukuoka prefecture on Kyushu island do every year.

YAKINIKU TORAJI

From their humble origins on the small backstreet in Ebisu, Tokyo, Yakiniku Toraji now boasts over 70 outlets worldwide. The well-loved BBQ-style restaurant has finally landed on our side of the world, making Kuala Lumpur the first city in South East Asia to host them. Carefully selected meat in a variety of premium cuts guarantees succulent flavour-packed bites. Don’t miss out on their special BBQ sauces—the cloudy lemon dip will completely change perceptions on barbecued meats, trust us.

THE TOKYO RESTAURANT

Be the first to nab a table at The Tokyo Restaurant outside of Japanese borders. In its international debut, this contemporary foodie haven will be tantalising tastebuds near and far with its modern riff on food while keeping the essence of Tokyo at its core. Drop by for a stylish meal in plush leather booths with kitchen views or enjoy classic cocktails and a claret of wine from the bar.

Business hours of the restaurants listed above are from 11am to 11pm daily.

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Culture
Malaysian comedian Kuah Jenhan’s Guide to Happiness

24.04.2020
By Rachel Au

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What makes me happy?
Oddly enough, this lockdown has reaffirmed that I am a voyeur of life. Wait, voyeur sounds bad, more like a peeper of life (sounds less bad). I am in my happy place just watching passionate friends exercise their passions from home. I watch my comedy buddies organise live streams from home like Crackhouse Comedy Club KL and I feel inspired. I exercise at Ministry of Burn and it hasn’t stopped them either. That’s amazing because my fitness friends only have fitness and NOTHING ELSE in their lives. You’d think they’d be the first to go insane but there they are, documenting and sharing routines for free.
The resilience of passion makes me happy.

A book that makes me smile
Fleabag: The Scripture by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. It’s the script for the first two seasons of the hit show Fleabag—with commentary. I remember watching Phoebe perform the Fleabag play and I was immediately enthralled. The TV show is great! Phoebe Waller-Bridge is great!
A song that makes me smile

Kill This Love by Blackpink because it’s a kick-ass song but it also comes with a lot of memories for me. I watched them at a concert. Friends tease me all the time. These memories make me smile. Also, BLACKPINK IN YOUR AREA!!!
Netflix shows to watch that never fail to cheer me up
Hopefully for you, MACC’s (my comedy group) comedy special and six-part series, which is coming really soon.
But currently, I am watching this Japanese anime called Assassination Classroom on Netflix. Just check out this insane premise: A destructive alien who is threatening Earth becomes a school teacher whose students are tasked with killing him, even though they adore his fun ways. WHAT?!

Feel-good movies to watch when I’m feeling down
Gosh. Over the last (many) weeks, most of what I’ve watched have been edits of the MACC show.

But at the top of my head, I can list two movies I saw recently:

The 400 Blows by François Truffaut—An old French film that was beautifully shot in black and white; and it’s about the different worlds children and adults exist in
Flight of the Conchords: Live in London concert—For something more unconventional and funny. LOLs every time for me!

Go-to Instagram accounts for a pick-me-up
I like art accounts such as @brechtvandenbroucke, @jean_jullien, @agathesorlet, @abstractsunday, and @uglymalaysiana.

Special mention: My friend @rambotan.jpeg.

Happy foods
Bread and butter. I’ve been thinking about it and I think the only way to explain it is I am just in love with bread. It’s just flour, yeast and water. It is magic how something processed, something rotten, and something free come together. Oh my god, I am human bread.

Happy Hour drinks—non-alcoholic (and alcoholic)
I am generally a water drinker. Drink your water!

But when the mouth is notti — Yomie. Option C4— Jujube and Purple Rice.
What I do when things feel overwhelming
I’m an obsessive person and it’s where I do my best work. But when it gets overwhelming, I nap.

I try to step out of the experience and observe from further away. I do something physically intensive that requires me to focus in the moment. Could be anything from exercise, jumping around, to learning a new Tik Tok dance.
Here’s an inspirational quote, written by me
“I am human bread.”
ASMeowR—A Kuah Jenhan original
Take a break, play the clip below and close your eyes for a meow-gical track like no other:

Brought to you by one of these cats…

Please send your lockdown looks to @kuahjenhan on IG. He is asking for it/them.

Profile

Kuah Jenhan
Comedian
He’s one of Malaysia’s most popular comedians as well as co-founder of the Malaysian Association of Chinese Comedians (watch him roast-off with fellow comedy members, Douglas Lim, Phoon Chi Ho and Jason Leong).
More often than not, Kuah Jenhan’s jokes revolve around history, identity and insecurities—all of which many of us would LOL until we realise it hits quite close to home. And then the laughter continues. With numerous sold-out shows and a slew of nominations under his belt, Jenhan is both kuah-lity and kuan-tity.
 Instagram | Facebook  Website

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Fashion
Children’s Day 2018: Muiz, Jacob and Chloe are our little fashion stars

20.11.2018
By Joan Kong

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Fashion
Breaking news: Raf Simons is leaving Dior
The modernist exits

23.10.2015
By Wei Yeen Loh

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After three and a half years of helming Christian Dior while injecting a sense of newfound modern romanticism to the house’s designs, Raf Simons is leaving his role as creative director of Dior, citing “personal reasons” according to his statement.

The recent Spring/Summer 2016 show on October 2 will be his last, and the fashion house has yet to confirm a successor although it will continue showing its collections in Paris. The Belgian designer was previously the creative director of Jil Sander while running his own label. Simons replaced Bill Gaytten as creative director of Dior in April 2012, shortly after John Galliano’s dismissal from the role. Most well-known for the fitted, iconic Bar jacket he had reworked for his debut collection at Dior along with grand sets during Paris Fashion Week (the latest being 400,000 stalks of blue Delphiniums serving as the backdrop), Simons has had a strong track record at Dior, with sales steadily growing for women’s ready-to-wear.

Stay tuned to Buro for more updates on this developing story.

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ICYMI: #BestofBuro (13 – 19 March 2017)

Lifestyle
ICYMI: #BestofBuro (13 – 19 March 2017)
Weekly highlights

18.03.2017
By Gwen Ong

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Buro 24/7 Australia: Apart from her powerful voice, Adele is also known for her winged eyeliner. Meet Michael Aston, the man who is responsible for getting the Grammy award-winning singer ready for her stadium-sized concerts. He shares about their working relationship and tips to get the iconic eye look.

Buro 24/7 Singapore: Adriana Lima, one of the most recognisable models of our time, was recently in the Lion city. Our team caught up with the 1.78 metre beauty to talk nerves, getting older and a particular ‘starboy’. Read what’s her definition of sexy and what’s her favourite piece of lingerie.

Buro 24/7 Malaysia: From hair accessories to jewelleries and bags, get ahead of the trending items to own next season. Our round-up of the top 20 blings, bags and booties from the Paris Fashion Week AW17 runway will help you to plan your shopping and rock your outfits.

Buro 24/7 Middle East: Also from the Fall Winter 2017 runway, we take a look at the beautiful trending fabrics that got us excited this season. A plethora of leather, velvet and dipped-metallic dominated Paris, Milan, London and New York in all shapes, sizes and colours.

Buro 24/7 Malaysia: Japan is a popular travel destination this time of the year, especially if you’re eager to catch the blossoming hanami season. Read our city guide on the places you can go to view the pretty flowers and what other attractions to check out, plus where to eat and drink while you’re there.

Read last week’s #BestofBuro here.

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Beauty
Classic Malay dishes, but make it healthy this Raya—here’s how

05.06.2019
By Ronn Tan

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Fasting month is over and Muslims in Malaysia, and abroad, are ready to celebrate Raya. For over 30 days, they have abstained from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. With the passing of the Holy Month of Ramadan comes the festive celebration. Open houses, colourful costumes, and delicious food—you name it! However, it’s no secret that classic Malay dishes can be a little on the unhealthy side (but oh-so-yummy). With society shifting to a more health-centric lifestyle, eating during Raya can be non-bloating too. These are some brilliant ways to prepare classic dishes without the high calorie count while ensuring that they still taste amazing.
Rendang

Calories the unhealthy way: Approx. 286 per 75 grams (beef), Approx. 350 per 200 grams (chicken)
No, not the crispy one you saw on the telly (although, if you’re interested, we do have that recipe here). Rendang is a dish that needs no introduction here in Malaysia. This is, after all, a hallmark of Southeast Asian cuisine. It’s warm, rich and bursting with spicy flavour, but it can be very unhealthy. Scrap that. Rendang isn’t, traditionally, for the health-conscious. Generally, to achieve the desired flavour and texture, an abundance of spices, meat, and coconut (simmered for hours) are utilised. Raya is one special occasion, and rendang is a classic staple.
Why is this classic Malay dish unhealthy? Well, it has saturated fat content (linked to heart disease) that is unfortunately high. Hence, that begs the question: how do you make the dish healthy? First of all, use lean meat to cut the fat content. If you intend to go further, try vegetarian protein, such as tempeh. Furthermore, opt to flavour the rendang with desiccated coconut instead of coconut milk. Last but not least, substitute frying with braising the meat and spices to reduce the use of oil. You will end up with a dish that’s 43 per cent lower in fat and 40 per cent lower in calories—say good bye to the original unhealthy rendang. This is the first step to a Raya where you won’t end up unhappily bloated.
READ MORE: Learn how you can weave a ketupat (without looking)
Terik Tauhu Tempeh

Calories the unhealthy way: Approx. 325 (serving for four)
While terik tauhu tempeh might seem healthy, you might not notice that the braised firm soya bean curd and fermented soya bean curd dish contains massive amounts of fat, including saturated fat—major contributors to high risk of heart disease and stroke. What changes can you make for a healthier terik tauhu tempeh?
Begin by cutting the amount of saturated fat by only using oil that’s high in unsaturated fat. This can include canola oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil—instead of butter or ghee. In addition, reduce the amount of oil absorbed by the ingredients by heating oil until it becomes hot before stir-frying. This will also shorten cooking time! If you are planning to include dairy in the dish, why not opt for low-fat products? Yes, it’s Raya and a time to celebrate with family and friends, but you would want the best for the ones you love too. Therefore, a healthier method to prepare the terik tauhu tempeh (a good source of protein) is exactly what’s needed.
READ MORE: What makes Malaysian Raya unique?
Nasi Lemak

Calories the unhealthy way: Approx. 400 per plate
Hold up! Any form of gagging isn’t surprising. Nasi lemak is the national dish of Malaysia and any type of reincarnation is generally frowned upon. This is a dish that connotes different images for every Malaysian. After all, everyone has their preferences, no? The truth is that nasi lemak isn’t very healthy. Yes, that’s a bummer! The good news is that there are ways to churn out a healthier version of the dish for Raya.
What comes to mind when you think of nasi lemak? Fragrant coconut-flavoured rice, sambal, ikan bilis, cucumbers, and boiled eggs. While that’s mouth-watering enough, you can actually substitute white rice (immensely refined and processed) with quinoa because it is high in protein as well as rich in minerals and fibre. As for sambal, use raw honey and olive oil instead of sugar and processed oil. A slight reminder though: don’t go hem on the raw honey, in spite of the vitamins and antioxidants. Last but not least, stop with the deep frying and bake the ikan bilis instead. Crunchy and healthy? Yes! This Raya, it is going to a fun and healthy celebration.
There are so many classic dishes to feast on during Raya, such as serunding, satay, lontong, lemang, soto ayam, and dodol. However, as wonderful and amazing they are to your tastebuds, the positivity doesn’t translate in the context of your health. Eating healthy doesn’t mean being restrictive, boring, and bland. The points above are prime examples. Don’t let the delicious and aromatic food tempt you. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

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Watches
Roger Dubuis’ new Excalibur Spider models flaunt a fearless racing DNA
Dare to be bold

11.08.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

With the unveiling of the Excalibur Spider Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon in 2015, Roger Dubuis became the first manufacture to have put together a double flying tourbillon with a skeleton execution. Since then, the Excalibur Spider range has been at the forefront of the brand’s bold approach to watchmaking, promising “progressive complications and disruptive materials”.

At SIHH earlier this year, Roger Dubuis introduced the Excalibur Spider Pirelli – Double Flying Tourbillon, an exquisite timepiece that features their signature skeleton double flying tourbillon and a strap with inlays made of rubber from the winning tyres at the Monaco Grand Prix. This summer, the brand further spurs its ‘Dare to be Rare’ concept with three new expressions of the Excalibur Spider. Like the Pirelli partnership, the new timepieces are inspired by performance-oriented industries and supercar supremacy.

The Excalibur Spider Double Flying Tourbillon takes on fiery orange accents this season—a nod to the colour coding of supercars. The hand-wound mechanical skeleton Calibre RD105SQ powers this dynamic timepiece, with the twin flying tourbillons at 5 and 7 o’clock rimmed by speedometre-type small second displays. This unique model with a bold racing DNA is limited to production of only 28 pieces.

The two new Excalibur Spider Skeleton Automatic models, on the other hand, feature relatively low-key (when it comes to the Excalibur range) aesthetics. Both feature the contrast of pink gold with futuristic titanium and multi-layered carbon. Driven by the automatic skeleton Calibre RD820SQ with micro-rotor, they exude a racing automobile-inspired vibe that is synonymous with the rest of the collection. Both are limited to 88 pieces each.

Related stories:
Best watches at SIHH 2017
Massaro’s magic touch on Roger Dubuis’ Velvet
Star Piece: Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Double Flying Tourbillon watch

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Buro Loves
Eyebrow guide: Your handbook for the best brows ever, from tutorials to our favourite brow products

30.10.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

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Beauty
Everything you need for the perfect at-home blowout
Blown away by the bounce

04.07.2022
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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

It’s no secret—getting the voluminous, bouncy curls of a good blowout just right is no easy task, and the traditional method of using a blowdryer and round brush is definitely not for the faint-hearted (or scrawny-armed).
Fortunately, at-home hairstyling has come a long way, and there are now easier ways to achieve the look of a blowout than there used to be. Ahead, we’re delving into three different ways to get an at-home blowout, as well as everything you’ll need to succeed:
STEP 1: PREP AND DETANGLE IN THE SHOWER
A good blowout starts with a good base, so make sure you’re prepping your hair well in the shower. Step one is to double shampoo your hair—this will help you to deep-clean your scalp, providing a clean base for your styling products. Step two is to condition well in order to give your hair that sleek, shiny finish.
While conditioning, do also make sure to detangle your hair (gently!) with a wide-toothed comb. The conditioner acts as a lubricant to help prevent unnecessary breakage and damage to your hair when combing. Detangling will make it easier for you to section your hair once you’re ready to start your blowout.

STEP 2: HEAT PROTECTANT
If you’d like to avoid a frizzy blowout and permanent long-term damage to your tresses, heat protectant is an absolute must. Since every part of your hair will be treated with heat for this styling run, you’ll want to make sure you’re spritzing on an even layer throughout your entire head of hair.
READ: The best heat protectants for healthy, unsinged hair of every type
STEP 3: TEXTURISING SPRAY
A texturising spray is your best friend when it comes to maximising those big, bouncy curls—just spray it through your damp hair before moving onto styling.
READ: The best texturising sprays you need for easy styling
STEP 4: BLOW BIG OR GO HOME
The beginner way
If you’re a little too uncoordinated for the traditional round brush and blow dry method, we’ve got a simple solution for you—hair rollers. There are two ways you can do this: either with hot rollers or velcro rollers, and we’re here to walk you through both methods.
Hot rollers:

What you’ll need:

Hot rollers (preferable ones with varying barrel sizes)
Sectioning clips

Step 1: Pre-heat your hot rollers.
Step 2: Start with damp or dry (and detangled) hair, and part your hair into three sections horizontally.
Step 3: Start with the bottom section, rolling sections upwards with the smallest roller size.
Step 4: Move on to the middle section of your hair, rolling sections downwards with a bigger roller size.
Step 5: Roll the top section of your hair upwards with the biggest roller size, leaving your fringe for last.
Step 6: For curtain bangs, place the roller on top of the bangs and roll upwards to create volume. For normal straight fringes, style as usual.
Step 7: Leave your hair to cool completely, then remove the rollers and tousle until the desired volume has been reached.

Velcro rollers:

What you’ll need:

A curling iron
Velcro rollers (jumbo for long hair, medium for mid-length hair, small for short hair)
Hair pins
Sectioning clips

Step 1: Pre-heat your curling iron.
Step 2: Start with dry and detangled hair.
Step 3: Part your hair into two sections, and start with the top section.
Step 4: Take two-inch sections at a time, curling each section with your curling iron until it is heated through, then roll each section around your roller. Pin in place.
Step 5: Once all sections are completed, allow your hair to cool completely.
Step 6: Remove your hair from the rollers and tousle until it has reached your desired volume.
TIP: Alternating the direction in which you’re rolling your curls creates dimension, volume and texture within your hair.
The intermediate way
If, like the rest of the internet, you’re already an avid fan of the Dyson AirWrap, you’re in luck! The versatile styling tool can, in fact, give you the at-home blowout of your dreams. Here’s the how-to:

What you’ll need:

Dyson Airwrap
Velcro rollers (optional)

SHOP HERE
The advanced way
For those feeling particularly confident in their hairstyling skills, here’s the advanced breakdown using just a hairdryer and round brush.

SHOP HAIRDRYERS:

GHD Helios Professional Hair Dryer, RM1,035
SHOP HERE
The cult-favourite GHD Helios Hair Dryer needs no introduction. A firm favourite with professionals and beauty enthusiasts worldwide, it now comes in a new, limited-edition summery lilac colourway.

T3 Cura Hair Dryer in White, RM1,065
SHOP HERE
The T3 Cura Hair Dryer has been built with a powerful ion generator that produces cuticle-smoothing negative ions for stunning, frizz-free results.

READ: The definitive guide to every girl’s must-have hair tools
STEP 5: FINISH UP
To hold your blowout all day long, don’t forget to douse your tresses in a generous amount of hairspray!
SHOP HAIRSPRAY:

Percy and Reed Hold It Right There! Strong Hold Hairspray, RM85
SHOP HERE
This firm-but-flexible hairspray is everything you’ll need to keep your bouncy blowout intact under our Malaysian humidity, thanks to the inbuilt humidity protection in its formulation.

Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray, RM131
SHOP HERE
Lightweight and volumising, this hairspray absorbs excess oil with volcanic minerals to preserve volume while holding your hair in place.

OPTIONAL: MAKE IT LAST
Want to make your blowout last a few extra days? Dry shampoo is your new best friend.
READ: The best dry shampoos you can get in Malaysia
There you have it: Your step-by-step guide to everything you’ll need for the perfect at-home blowout. Good luck and good (hair) day to all!
Find more hair guides like this here.

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Fashion
The most wonderfully weird accessories from NYFW AW20

16.02.2020
By Stephanie Boey

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

The beauty of fashion is the thought of creative minds pushing boundaries and exploring ideas that are unconventional. Truth be told, the world be would be a very gray and dreary place if all fashion designers thought the same, and didn’t dare push the envelope with unique and cutting edge ideas. Personally speaking, I find that the best shows aren’t just the ones that exhibit beautiful clothes that will stand the test of time. To me, some of the best collections are the ones that make you remember them long after viewing, even if the clothes are deemed to daring or risqué to be worn IRL. (The late Alexander McQueen‘s runway shows definitely come to mind).
Like everything else in life, a balance in fashion is necessary. Fashion can be utilised as self-expression and be made into political statements and conversation starters. There’s a time and place for fashion to be serious, as well as fun and exciting. And New York Fashion Week is definitely the place for the latter. It’s the first city in the roster and is home to many up and coming designers in the scene. The city itself has so much character and its translated into the clothes and accessories that make their way down the runway.
The most memorable pieces from New York Fashion Week go to the loud and quirky accessories. Form takes precedence over function in this list. They are extremely unique and are prone to whiplash-inducing double takes with their OTTness. These accessories are not for the wallflower or the faint of heart.
Have several seats with Area’s crossbody chair accessory

nyfw-aw20-area-studio-nyc-accessories
Marc Jacobs suggests to wear your heart on your…head

nyfw-aw20-marc-jacobs-accessories
In Vera Wang’s faux fur neck warmer, your neck will never feel the chill again{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] NYFW AW20 accessories – Vera Wang” rid=”7872″ order=”a_tstamp”}

Why wear one type of earring when you can wear several with Prabal Gurung’s ear piece{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] NYFW AW20 accessories – Prabal gurung” rid=”7875″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Coach’s geometrical carry-ons are very aCUTE.{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] NYFW AW20 accessories – Coach” rid=”7877″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Proenza Schouler’s take on the Japanese sandal with padded leather straps look extremely comfy
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] NYFW AW20 accessories – Proenza Schouler” rid=”7874″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Libertine’s sequinned cello appliqué plays well with a muted French beret.

nyfw-aw20-libertine-accessories

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Style
Mimpikita celebrates #KitaSepuloh with a fashion exhibit at Isetan The Japan Store

08.08.2018
By Stephanie Boey

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The ultimate wedding shoe guide for the bridal party

Local womenswear label Mimipikita founded by sisters Nurul, Amirah and Syahira Zulkifli celebrate their 10th anniversary this year, and to commemorate their decade in fashion, the brand is hosting an exhibit at Isetan The Japan Store in Lot 10. The monthlong exhibition showcases Mimpikita’s most memorable designs from the earliest collections to the latest, collector’s items, celebrity red carpet dresses and never-before-seen archived pieces.
Take a deeper look into what goes into creating a fashion collection, the brand’s ideation process is preserved in sketches, fabric swatches and moodboards on display. The main attraction is the ‘Divine Chimera’ masterpiece, a couture gown constructed from a combination of Mimpikita’s signature in-house motifs designed from the past decade.

You too can own a piece of the runway with the latest Mimpikita Autumn/Winter 2018 collection which is scheduled to showcase at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week on Wednesday, 8 August 2018. Also available at the merchandise store, #KitaSepuloh limited edition footwear in collaboration with Nelissa Hilman, makeup palettes with Syed Faizal Beauty, notebooks, tote bags, accessories, and t-shirts decorated in Mimpikita’s floral graphic prints.
The Mimpikita #KitaSepuloh exhibition runs from 8 August to 2 September 2018 at Level G, Isetan The Japan Store, Lot 10. Entrance is free.
The exhibition is set to host talks and workshops. For live updates, please visit Mimikita’s Instagram.

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Culture
Here’s your complete guide to investing for beginners—from how to start to trends to look out for in the “New Normal”

16.07.2020
By Ronn Tan

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If you’ve always thought of getting into investment but wasn’t sure where to begin, this one’s for you. Getting started can be daunting and terrifying, especially when finances and risks are involved—and especially during a time of economic uncertainty. The global economy has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and Malaysia is no exception. With the current Movement Control Order and not knowing what’s going to happen in the near future, it’s completely normal for Malaysians to delay taking the first step into the world of investing.

Munirah Khairuddin
We had the opportunity to speak to the Chief Executive Officer of Principal Asset Management, Munirah Khairuddin, about all things investment. She shared tips and advice on how to get started, when to begin investing, the dos and don’ts, as well as her thoughts on the realm of investment for Malaysians.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the economy in Malaysia?
“The COVID-19 pandemic is not only affecting the Malaysian economy but the global economy as well. On a macro level, we are seeing weak economic numbers with international institutions such as International Monetary Fund (IMF), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and The World Bank revising their forecasts for the country’s growth.
In the latest World Bank’s June 2020 Malaysia Economic Monitor, the Malaysian GDP is projected to contract 3.1 per cent. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), in its Annual Report for 2020, guided that GDP growth for the year will range from +0.5 per cent to -2.0 per cent.

DEFINITION

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
“The monetary value of all finished goods and services made within a country during a specific period. (It) provides an economic snapshot of a country, used to estimate the size of an economy and growth rate.” (Source)

That being said, COVID-19 is not only an economic threat but inherently, a health crisis. Malaysia has been quick to address both issues with the extraordinary policy support from both the monetary and fiscal side. Through the course of the Movement Control Order (MCO), Malaysia has announced a RM295 billion stimulus package, with RM45 billion as a direct fiscal injection.

DEFINITION

Direct fiscal injection
As MalaysiaKini simply puts it: “A fancy word for cash from the government.”

The measures are to soften the contraction in economic activities and most importantly, assist the most vulnerable in our community. However, over the next six months and beyond, we expect the world economy to recover gradually after the number of new COVID-19 cases peaked and economies begin to resume their daily activities.”
In your opinion, when is the right time to invest in stocks and properties? Is there ever a ‘right time’?
“At Principal, we believe in long-term investing and one of our core expertise is helping customers invest in their long-term goals. A practical investment approach is generally based on a long-term view and investors’ time horizon.

DEFINITION

Time horizon
“The period of time one expects to hold an investment until they need the money back.” (Source)

Understandably, these are indeed unprecedented times of crisis, however, the fundamental thing to know is that market volatility has always been a part of investing. Hence, we believe there are always opportunities in every situation—even now.”

DEFINITION

Market Volatility
“Volatility often refers to the amount of uncertainty or risk related to the size of changes in a security’s value. A higher volatility means that a security’s value can potentially be spread out over a larger range of values.” (Source)

What are the questions to ask for anyone planning to invest now?
“For new investors: Do you have an investment goal? What is your risk tolerance? These are the two most fundamental questions before one begins a journey into investment. For example, we should be able to recognise our risk appetite according to the risk scale spectrum: conservative, moderate or aggressive.
For investors with a conservative appetite, you might want to choose asset classes that are suitable in your portfolio—with low risk and stable returns. Examples: bonds, fixed deposit, and money market instruments. For those with an aggressive appetite, you might want to go for equities with high risk and high returns as compared to bonds.

DEFINITION

Money Market
“The money market refers to trading in very short-term debt investments.” (Source)

A good mix of asset classes would see a 50:50 between fixed income and equities, and would be suitable for those with a moderate appetite. The identification of our risk tolerance would then translate to how we can strategise our investment portfolio to achieve our goals.

DEFINITION

Asset Class
“An asset class is a grouping of investments that exhibit similar characteristics and are subject to the same laws and regulations. Historically, the three main asset classes have been equities (stocks), fixed income (bonds), and cash equivalent or money market instruments.” (Source)

For savvy investors: We are increasing exposure to equities vis-à-vis fixed income as policymakers are likely to pause announcing new measures. This is to allow them to assess the impact of the policies implemented earlier. We are positive on Asia equities on a 12-month basis and has added ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) names in anticipation of a broader market recovery going forward.
For conservative investors: We would recommend Malaysians to focus on bond funds and balanced funds that are income-focused.

DEFINITION

Bond Fund
“A bond fund is simply a mutual fund that invests solely in bonds. For many investors, a bond fund is a more efficient way of investing in bonds than buying individual bond securities. It is also referred to as a debt fund.” (Source)

For investors with a higher risk tolerance: Our recommendation is to focus on growth-oriented funds that offer exposure to growth areas in China, Asia-Pacific, Global Technology, ASEAN, and Malaysian aggressive funds.”

DEFINITION

Aggressive Growth Fund
“An aggressive growth fund is a mutual fund that seeks capital gains by investing in the shares of growth company stocks. Investments held in these funds are companies that demonstrate high growth potential, but also carry greater risk.” (Source)

Photo by Getty Images
Is a downturn triggered by a virus different from a financial crisis?
“There is a difference in the degree of the economy being affected. A financial crisis would generally impact the financial sector greater whilst the other productive industries should remain relatively intact.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced global economies to impose a form of lockdown that curtail economic activities across board with exception of essential services and production.
As we are seeing, virtually almost all countries in the world imposed a form of lockdown. Taking a closer look at SARS, similarly with the situation at hand with COVID-19, history has guided the turning point for sentiment will come once the vaccine is invented and escalation of the virus decreases.
The negative sentiment will affect businesses particularly in the consumer, transportation, restaurants, tourism, and retail sectors in the short-term.”
What industries and investments do we expect to rebound the fastest?
“The manufacturing sector and external trade are likely to see the first rebound.”

Photo by Getty Images

If someone is investing for the first time, what are the major dos and don’ts to take note of?
“You’re probably thinking, ‘I’d love to see my money grow. How can I get started investing?’ The three rules below can help you form a solid investment plan:

Start investing as soon as you can — The more time your money has to work for you, the more opportunity it’ll have for growth. That’s why it’s important to start investing as early as possible
Try to stay invested for as long as you can — When you stay invested and don’t move in and out of the markets, you could earn money on top of the money you’ve already earned. That’s called compounding returns, and it could mean more money for retirement
Spread out your investments to manage risk — Putting all your money in one investment is risky; you could lose money if that investment falls in value. But if you diversify your money across multiple investments, you can lower the risk of losing money

One important investing strategy is to start sooner and stay invested longer, even if you start with a smaller amount than you hope to invest in the future. This allows compounding to really work. Compounding happens when earnings from either capital gains or interest are reinvested—generating additional earnings over time.

DEFINITION

Compounding Returns
“The compound return is the rate of return, usually expressed as a percentage, that represents the cumulative effect that a series of gains or losses has on an original amount of capital over a period of time.” (Source)

You typically can’t invest without some risk. However, there are ways to manage risk in your investment portfolio. The simplest way is through:

Diversification — Spread your money across multiple different types of investments and that can help reduce the risk of losing money. One investment may suffer a loss of value, but those losses can be made up for by gains in others
Asset allocation — This involves dividing your investment portfolio among different asset categories like stocks, bonds, and cash. A simple way to spread your investments among different asset classes is to invest your money in unit trust funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Both products typically have a large number of stocks and other investments within the fund, making them more diversified than a single stock.”

DEFINITION

Unit Trust
“A unit trust is an unincorporated mutual fund structure that allows funds to hold assets and provide profits that go straight to individual unit owners instead of reinvesting them back into the fund. The investor is effectively the beneficiary under the trust.” (Source)

What are the best resources and tools to learn more about investing?
“There are many authorised educational portals readily accessible to the younger generations who are seeking knowledge on investing and investments. One portal I’d highly recommend is Principal’s Knowledge Centre. It is where we publish our thoughts about investing and share educational pieces to investors.”

Photo by Getty Images
What is a simple method to value a company?
“I would say Principal has a very rigorous investment process that encapsulates fundamentals, momentum, and valuation (FMV). Our multi-state investment process utilises both quantitative and fundamental analysis. The three key fundamentals are identifying companies with strong franchises, increasing price, and earnings momentum, as well as reasonable valuations.”

Photo by Principal Asset Management
Can you explain the following investing terminologies?
a. Common share — There are a variety of shares such as preferred shares but basically, it is a type of securities in which you have ownership over the company.
b. Dividend — Dividend is the amount of money or stocks you receive in return for investing in a profitable company.
c. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) — An investing instrument, similar to trust or mutual funds. ETF provides affordable and easy access to broad market exposures. It is a good instrument for fund managers seeking beta.

DEFINITION

Alpha and Beta
“Alpha measures the amount that the investment has returned in comparison to the market index or other broad benchmark that it is compared against. Beta measures the volatility of an investment. It is an indication of its relative risk.” (Source)

d. Prospectus — It’s a booklet outlining key details of a fund.
e. Initial Public Offering — When a company is looking to be listed in the public exchange, the public gets a pick at its initial public offering, essentially a starting price tag.

Photo by Getty Images
How do you start investing in Malaysia?
“Here are some basic guidelines for first time investors:
a. A well-stocked emergency fund — Life throws curveballs. It is good to have an emergency fund with at least three months’ worth of living expenses to give yourself some stability. Your emergency fund will give you a buffer if anything unexpected happens, so you would not have to tap into investments slated for other purposes.
b. Extra money every month — Your emergency fund is looking good. You pay all the bills and any high-interest debt. You have enough to cover groceries and other expenses. Have some leftover money? It does not have to be a lot. Investing is all about starting small and growing over time. The key is to stick with it so the money invested can work for you.
c. Long-term goals —Investing is a journey that gets better if you know where you are headed. That is where long-term goals come in. Goals give you direction and focus for your investing. Maybe your goal is a comfortable retirement. Maybe it is a great college for your kids. Be detailed and realistic about what you want to accomplish.
d. Access to a retirement plan — If you are contributing to a Private Retirement Scheme (PRS), you may have already taken a big step towards investing. PRS aims to help individuals accumulate savings for retirement, on top of their mandatory retirement savings. Simply put, the more savings you set aside, the more comfortable your retirement will be. If you have yet to start investing, then do not procrastinate. Start thinking about your retirement plan.”

Photo by Getty Images
Are you ready to kickstart your investment journey? There is a lot to think about before you begin. Understand that the presence of risks is expected and that you have to be prepared, both financially and mentally. Keep Munirah Khairuddin’s tips and advice in mind when you’re taking your first step—from what to do as a beginner to things you should definitely look out for.
You can read more about Principal Asset Management here.

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Food + Drink
8 Malaysian kombucha brands you should definitely check out

22.10.2020
By Buro247

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Known to be a great source of probiotics, more and more Malaysians have started drinking kombucha—contributing to its increased popularity and consumption. Although the health drink isn’t new in the country, the switch to a healthier lifestyle can be largely credited for the booch’s newfound fame. Food trends come and go but kombucha has definitely stuck around; leading to the formation of these Malaysian kombucha brands.
1. Alchemy Micro Brewery

Photo by Alchemy
Meet the newest kombucha brand in town—established by the brewers from Wizards. They currently have four unique flavours: Coffee Kombucha, Yuzu Kombucha, Chrysanthemum and Longan, as well as Lychee and Oolong. They are available in two sizes, 170 millilitres and one litre. Expect the finest ingredients with bottles that look just as fine (and adorable).
Instagram
2. Zenboocha

Photo by Zenboocha
This new homemade kombucha brand currently has three interesting flavours to choose from. They are Ginger Honey, Lychee Rose, and Passion Potion. The label on the bottle is designed by Petra, a tattoo artist in Prague, and completed by Jamie Hendricks. If you’re looking for something refreshing, Zenboocha’s the one for you.
Instagram
3. Belly Good Kombucha

Photo by Belly Good Kombucha
Brewed and bottled in Kuala Lumpur, Belly Good uses premium tea biscuits for all their concoctions. Giving life to the culture is organic evaporated cane juice—that is converted into beneficial acids, enzymes, and probiotics by the kombucha culture of bacteria and yeast. The available flavours at the moment include Golden Goddess (Ginger, Lemongrass, Turmeric, and Pu Er Tea), Lululemonade (Lemon, Ginger, and Green Tea), First Love (Lychee and Pu Er Tea), and Piña Colada (Pineapple, Coconut, and Green Tea).
Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Wild Kombucha

Photo by Wild Kombucha
Creating the right balance of tang and tart, the Malaysian artisanal kombucha brand uses fruits and floral in its drinks. Brewed in small batches, Wild Kombucha is concocted the traditional way. Flavours include White Tea, Peach Blossoms, Lavender Lemonade, Chrysanthemum Goji, Blueberry Acai, Black Tea, and Apple Aid. Retailers include Babel TTDI, Oxygen Cycle, and Botanica+Co Alila Bangsar.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. WonderBrew Kombucha

Photo by WonderBrew Kombucha
Aiming to protect the environment and support local farmers, WonderBrew utilises organic and natural ingredients from sustainable sources. The Original Flavour consists of the signature blend of oolong and premium black tea whereas Purple Pari Pari is made with organic green tea, organic butterfly pea, and organic lemongrass. Other unique options include Black Booch, Markisa Breeze, Lite Green, and Beet It.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. ChaCha Kombucha

Photo by ChaCha Kombucha
Made with 100 per cent natural ingredients for guilt-free drinking pleasure, ChaCha is founded by Matthieu Morisset (a plant-based chef) and Ishaq Vadillo (a health and fitness Trainer). Brewed right here in Malaysia, ChaCha has something for everyone. The Original—or Basic Bucha—is made with dark ripe Pu-Er Tea while the Buzz Bucha is concocted using vanilla beans.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
7. Boocha

Using fresh fruits with premium tea, this local brand home-brews its kombucha. Notable flavours include Pineapple, Mango, Bentong Ginger with Lemon, and Any Berry, To order, you can contact 012 2202 110.
Instagram
8. Wizards

Photo by Wizards At Tribeca
Although not a traditional kombucha-brewing company, the popular cafe has a variety of unique concoctions—all handcrafted by Team Wizards. They include Cascara Kombucha, Mixed Berries and Mint, Osmanthus and Honey, as well as French Rose.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
What are your favourite kombucha flavours? These local brands are definitely making Malaysia proud (and healthier) with their respective creations.

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Style
Fashion buzz: Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas’s second wedding in France, Maria Grazia Chiuri receives French Legion of Honour and more

08.07.2019
By Joan Kong

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Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas get married in France

After a surprise nuptial in Las Vegas, Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas got married in a traditional European wedding ceremony in France. A Louis Vuitton ambassador, naturally, the Game of Thrones star wore a bridal gown designed by women’s artistic director Nicolas Ghesquière, and the seemingly plain long-sleeved gown was anything but simple. The dress—which took over 350 hours to make—features embroidery that required 10 embroiderers and 75 hours of craftsmanship, and it was covered with 100.8k of crystal and beads. The evening reception was held at Le Château de Tourreau, where celebrities including her bridesmaid Maisie Williams and Priyanka Chopra, Ashley Graham, and Wilmer Valderrama were in attendace. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Maria Grazia Chiuri receives French Legion of Honour at Haute Couture week

Dior’s first female creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri was awarded France’s highest civilian distinction, the Legion d’Honneur, shortly after she presented the brand’s Autumn/Winter 2019 couture collection. Held at the Dior headquarters at 30 Avenue Montaigne, the designer was given the honour by Marlène Schiappa, France’s gender equality minister. When accepting the honour, the designer said: “Dior is a Maison that represents femininity and for this reason I believe that my commitment is to make women aware of their potential, and I thank the Maison that supports me and gives a voice to women and their work. Their commitment can change the world.” Previous fashion designer recepients include Karl Lagerfeld in 2010 and John Galliano in 2012—although the latter was stripped of the award following his anti-Semitic remarks a year after.

Liu Yifei is Emporio Armani’s newest ambassador
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Emporio Armani has unveiled its newest womenswear and eyewear ambassador for the Greater China and the Asia-Pacific region, and it’s none other than Chinese actress Liu Yifei. The brand followed the announcement with its new Autumn/Winter 2019 campaign which was shot in Milan. In a released statement, the actress says: “I am so honoured to be selected by Giorgio Armani to be the new Emporio Armani womenswear ambassador for Greater China and Asia-Pacific. I’ve long been an admirer of Giorgio Armani’s work, and I am always attracted to what he does for Emporio Armani—every piece has flowing and dynamic lines and perfectly expresses the aesthetic elegance of Armani’s style. As an actress, I hope to be able to explore wearing these clothes in my work in the future—it has been an inspiring collaboration.” We know what the star will wear to the Mulan premiere early next year.

Longchamp collaborates with Tokyo-based design studio, Nendo
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Fun fact: When Philippe Cassegrain created the Le Pliage bags, he was inspired by the ancient Japanese art of origami. And now, one of the brand’s most loved bags has been brought full circle as a collaboration with famed Tokyo-based design studio has been unveiled. Our favourite nylon bags have been given a reinterpretation, with three different shapes taking centre stage—a cube, a cone, and a circle. The first comes with a removable and foldable stiffener that can be used for storage, the second, in a statement-making triangular shape, and lastly, a circular bag is inspired by traditional furoshiki folding cloths, which were widely used as bags back in the day. All three designs come in several sizes and colours, complete with the signature Le Pliage leather flap that’s unmistakably Longchamp.

MSGM launches activewear
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Attention workout fanatics: MSGM is launching an activewear line which will be available from February 2020. This marks creative director Massimo Giorgetti’s first foray into the world of training, sports and leisure. “As a wellness fan, a keen yoga practitioner and a runner, I have tried to express my passions in a product that is effortless, makes a strong aesthetic impact and is also supremely practical,” he adds. “A product that is simple only in appearance, but actually combines MSGM attitude with strong technical know-how,” says the designer in a statement. Judging from the campaign images, the ladies can expect seamless clothing that’s shaped to the body like a second skin, accompanied with trendy silhouettes and MSGM’s signature neon hues.

Jane Birkin auctions Hermès bag for charity

Jane Birkin has a Hermès bag named after her, and now, she’ll be donating two of her travel bags—which she shared with her late partner Serge Gainsbourg—at the French fashion house’s Summer collection sale at Hôtel Hermitage in Monaco on July 19. The pair used to carry them on their journeys between Paris and London. The proceeds from the auction will go to NGO Doctors of the World, which provide healthcare for people in need. According to WWD, the Haut à Courroies 50cm bag—that’s almost like a larger version of the Hermès Birkin—and the American Garment bag from 1970 have both been restored for the sale.

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Beauty
Your fight against lines and wrinkles starts with this powerful duo
A lineless future

11.05.2017
By Gwen Ong

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

Expression lines are formed as life is lived but this doesn’t mean you need to stop living in an effort to prevent crow’s feet, worry lines, eyebrow furrows and smile lines from forming on your face.

La Prairie’s latest miracle worker – the Line Interception Power Duo – is the intervention you need to target wrinkles and smooth out the creases that are already there. Featuring two chambers in one, the product is designed to work on the skin specifically for your day needs and evening care.

During the day, our skin is exposed to various stimuli on the facial muscles and environmental factors such as harmful UV rays and infrared radiation. This prolonged exposure can lead to premature ageing over time. Hence, the day cream contains three different peptides to inhibit the signalling pathway and help prevent the formation of fine lines. It also has a SPF 30, UVA and IRA protection content.

As evening time is when the skin begins its repairing process, the night cream helps the regeneration work more efficiently and counteracts against the impact of the daily aggressions. It is formulated with anti-wrinkle peptides that help stimulate the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid while strengthen the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, the night cream supports the elimination of damaged proteins in the skin, so your face appears renewed and restored with youthfulness.

The Line Interception Power Duo works best together with the La Prairie Anti-Aging Rapid Response Booster for an effective fight against the dreaded wrinkles.

La Prairie Line Interception Power Duo is available from June 2017 onwards at La Prairie Isetan KLCC, Isetan The Gardens and Parkson Pavilion KL. Priced at RM1,690.

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News
7 Things you can do this weekend: 4 & 5 August 2018

01.08.2018
By Rachel Au

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

1. Sunny Side Up Market: Merdeka Edition 2018 at Slate @ The Row, 11am – 6pm, 3 – 5 August
Start off your Merdeka celebrations early with Sunny Side Up Market as they feature over 35 homegrown businesses. Buy local, eat local, wear local.
For more info, visit the event page.

2. Pop Up Malaysia at Publika, 10am – 10pm, 2 – 5 August
At another part of town is this arts and crafts market where you can shop or join workshops to pick up a skill or two.
For more info, visit their Facebook.

3. Starbucks Signing Workshop at Starbucks @ Bangsar Village 2, 7.30pm – 8.45pm, 4 August
Learn sign language at this fortnightly Starbucks Outreach Community Program that’s run in collaboration with SID (Society of Interpreters for the Deaf). This week’s theme is “Action Words”.
If you’re interested, email [email protected] with your name, contact number and preferred session.

4. Gymnastics Strength Training with Coach Armands at lululemon KL, 9.30am – 10.30am, 4 August
You can always count on lululemon KL for a good community sweat out session and this weekend, they’ve invited Coach Armands Priede of District 13 and CrossFit Lah to teach you how to engage your body and use it for complete strength and flexibility training.
For more info, visit the event page.

5. MNS Wildfriends – Volunteer at Zoo Negara, 8am – 1pm, 4 August
This one’s for the animal lover, aged between 18 – 30 years old. Organised by the Malaysian Nature Society, this special program will allow you to get up close and personal with the animals through a series of activities.
A minimal fee of RM 50 (MNS members) and RM 65 (non-members) will be charged for each participant, and is inclusive of the zoo entrance fee, lunch, an exclusive T-shirt and a certificate. Register here or email [email protected] for more info.

6. Midnight Tacos at Fuego @ Troika Sky Dining, 10pm – 1am, every Friday and Saturday night
Fuego has your after-dinner soirées sorted! The new Taco Roulette (RM195+ per platter) will serve you six tacos of your choice (choose from chicken, beef or fish) paired with six Cimarron tequila shots – but wait, one of them is a spiked taco with habanero paste. Dare you take up the challenge? Alternatively, you can always order them à la carte.
For more info, call 03 2162 0886 or visit their website.

7. Dive into a unique seafood Osusume menu at Nobu KL, whole month of August
Dishes include: Toro Tartar with Nori Chips, King Crab with Yuzu Hollandaise and Mango Salsa and Seared Scallop with Mushroom Truffle Sauce.
Prices range from RM30 to RM165. For more info or to make a reservation, call 03 2164 5084 or WhatsApp 019 389 5085.

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Gucci’s garden is a feast for the eyes

Fashion
Gucci’s garden is a feast for the eyes
The Alchemist's Garden

14.06.2017
By Buro247

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

The remarkable charm of Gucci lies in the hands of its maker. Alessandro Michele’s uncanny knack for blending discordant influences—influences that span centuries, continents and cultures—into a thriving ecosystem in which creatures of myth, gods of old and myriad flora and fauna exist in harmonious rhythm.

Aptly titled The Alchemist’s Garden, Michele’s Autumn/Winter 2017 collection showed a heady concoction of both men’s and women’s looks (119 to be exact), many of which could easily be worn by either sex. Band t-shirts walked alongside faux-real logos, red carpet ready gowns, garish prints and geeky sweaters—a concoction that while strange to imagine, made serious visual impact when moulded by Michele’s hands. His world is unique and considered and while not always relatable (Look #93 featured a male bodysuit with a cut-out that went from the pectorals to just above the crotch), is always charmingly endearing.

It is a wondrous kind of magic that Michele is working. Alchemy was the science of trying to change base metals into gold and with Gucci accounting for 52% of its parent company Kering’s revenue (in 2016), Michele has certainly proven his Midas touch. For a look at the full collection, check out the gallery below.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Gucci AW17″ rid=”5133″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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LFW SS16 Street Style: Fringe benefits

Features
LFW SS16 Street Style: Fringe benefits
Shake it off

22.09.2015
By Buro247

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

Since it stepped into the spotlight in 2014, this 70s trend has endured past the seasons and continues to make its mark this Spring/Summer’16. Seen at an array of shows at NYFW S/S’16, including Hervé Léger, Rebecca Minkoff and Christian Siriano,  fashion attendees in London have quickly caught on this trend wagon to incorporate the slashed hemline look into their outfits. Whether in the form of a suede fringed poncho or the details of leather accessories, this persistent trend adds a boho edge to any outfit.
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Lifestyle
7 Things to do this weekend: 10 & 11 December 2022
Out and about

09.12.2022
By Marissa Chin

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

From even more festive fun to exciting parties, here are seven outdoor excursions to add to your weekend plans:

1. Enter Kate Spade’s winter wonderland at Sunway Pyramid

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When: 8 to 26 December 2022
Where: Sunway Pyramid Ice Rink
To usher in the holiday season, Kate Spade New York takes over Sunway Pyramid’s ice-skating rink in the House’s typical playful style and fashion. Also featuring an experiential pop-up Candy Bar, the booth’s interior is decked in the brand’s blend of whimsical patterns and black-and-white checkered floors. Check out the interactive pop-up and displays to experience the magic for yourself!
For the latest updates, follow Kate Spade Malaysia on Instagram.

2. Sip House of Suntory’s newest line of Gin

Where: Select restaurants and bars, Jaya Grocer, Village Grocer, Sunshine, BIG, Mercato, The Food Merchant, De Market, Urban Fresh and AEON Big
If you’re a fan of the Japanese spirit, have a sip of Sui, House of Suntory’s latest concoction crafted with eight traditional botanicals—juniper berry, coriander seed, angelica seed, angelica root, cardamom, cinnamon, bitter orange peel and lemon peel—but with a Japanese flair with the addition of yuzu, ryokucha (green tea) and ginger. The result is a light and clear-tasting Gin that pairs well with everyday meals.
For more information, visit the website or Sui Gin’s Instagram.

3. Celebrate all things music and street culture at Fred Perry Subculture

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A post shared by Fred Perry Malaysia (@fredperrymy)

When: 11 December 2022, 4pm to 10pm (doors open at 3pm)
Where: Sentul Depot
Price: Free entry
After taking the party online for the past two years, Fred Perry Subculture is back this year to light up Sentul Depot with its biggest celebration of music and street culture yet. Featuring night-long live music performances by the finest local talents, such as Gerhana Skacinta and The Times, this is one party you don’t want to miss.
Limited tickets are available, so be sure to register here. For the latest updates, follow Sentul Depot’s Instagram.

4. Explore the ‘Daydreams’ of Miriam Omar

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A post shared by MIRRO 🌸 Miriam Omar (@miriamomar)

When: 7 December 2022 to 7 January 2023
Where: The Zhan Art Space
Price: Free entry
The local artist is hosting her first-ever solo exhibition, Daydreams, at Zhan Art! Inspired by her love for landscapes, nature and vibrant colours, over 16 artworks displayed at the exhibition feature her signature whimsical style that blurs the lines between reality and imagination. Apart from paintings and textiles (with prices ranging from RM395 to RM8,900), there are also exclusive merchandise, including Mirro’s Garden Journal in collaboration with ana tomy and Zhan Art Space at RM138.
For more updates, follow Zhan Art Space on Instagram.

5. Jump into the pool at Kedai KL’s Wet Christmas Party

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A post shared by KEDAI (@kedai.kl)

When: 10 December 2022, 1pm to 8pm
Where: Popsicola KL Poolside Cafe, MAHSA Avenue
Price: RM30 (entry), RM85 (mini buffet)
Get your swimsuit on because Christmas is about to get a little wet! If you’re looking for some poolside action this festive season, head over to Kedai KL’s year-end Christmas Party, where a buffet, refreshing drinks and head-bobbing music await!
Follow Kedai KL on Instagram, so you don’t miss out on any deets.

6. Return to your school days at the Pencil Exercises exhibition

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A post shared by The Back Room KL (@thebackroomkl)

When: 1 to 23 December 2022
Where: The Back Room KL
Price: Free admission
In The Back Room KL’s latest exhibition, artist Liew Kwai Fei takes over the gallery with his piece titled ‘The Hanging Exercise’. Over a two-month period in 2021, Liew produced 117 drawings (yes, you read that right!) using only pencils on graph paper. Through the two deceptively simple elements of a pencil and a grid, Liew explores the constraints of gridded form and composes works of rebellion, community and pleasure. His 117 drawings have been compiled in a new book, Pencil Exercises, which will be available for purchase at the Godown Artist Market also happening over this weekend and purchased online on Cloud Projects.
For more information, follow The Back Room KL’s Instagram.

7. Tune in to the best local short films at the BMW Shorties Festival 2022

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When: 10 December 2022, 2pm to 5:30pm
Where: RexKL
Price: Free entry
This year’s BMW Shorties Festival takes over Petaling Street for a day of short film screenings, good music and vibes! The BMW Shorties is Malaysia’s most prestigious and longest-running competition for short film and digital content. This Saturday, the 15th Grand Prize Winner will be announced. Celebrate with local talents as you tune in to the Top 10 Finalists’ film screening along with the director’s commentary—you will also be able to vote for your favourite to win the People’s Choice Awards!
Follow RexKL on Instagram for the latest updates and BMW Shorties for more information.

For more BURO Weekend Guides, click here.

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Watches
Chinese New Year: Roar into 2022 with these limited-edition feline-themed watches

06.01.2022
By Kelly Lim

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

February 1 marks the beginning of the Chinese Lunar Year of the Water Tiger, a resolutely optimistic zodiac sign that represents courage and strength. As such, the year ahead is one of major changes and plenty of excitement, and what better way to keep track of the time than with a special-edition accessory rife with symbolic meaning?
Ahead, take your pick from these horological masterpieces crafted in celebration of the new year and in honour of the tiger:
Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Tiger

Chopard continues their annual zodiac tradition and tribute to the art of Urushi with an 88-piece limited edition L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Tiger timepiece for Chinese New Year. Housed in an ultra-thin ethical 18k rose gold case, the highly symbolic watch features a tiger flaunting its strength, perched above a bay surrounded by cliffs against a starlit, gold-sprinkled background. Once again, each dial was entrusted to the master lacquer artist Minori Koizumi of the century-old Yamada Heiando Imperial lacquerware workshops.
MORE INFO
Piaget Altiplano Year of the Tiger

For Piaget’s ultra-thin Altiplano zodiac timepiece, renowned enamel artist Anita Porchet has depicted the majestic tiger in cloisonne grand feu enamel on the dial that’s housed in a 38mm white gold case. Crafted using the 4,000 year old art of cloisonne, which involves transferring designs onto the surface using thin gold wires to create tiny partitions, the display is on that will keep its sense of grandeur for years to come.
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Ulysse Nardin The Classico “Tiger”

Ulysse Nardin joins in the 2022 Lunar Year celebrations with a 88-piece special edition Classico in champlevé and paillonné enamel. What that means is that two centuries-old methods of enamelling have been used to bring a sketch of a mighty tiger to life on the dial of the breath-taking rose gold watch that houses a self-winding UN-815 movement with 42 hours of power reserve.
MORE INFO
Blancpain Traditional Chinese Calendar

A harmony of Chinese and Gregorian calendars, the Blancpain Traditional Chinese Calendar timepiece features a pristine dial that highlights double-hours, days, months with indication of leap months, signs of the zodiac, as well as the five elements and the 10 celestial stems. The platinum-crafted watch arrives issued in 50 pieces that were all individually number and boasts a transparent caseback that shows off its beautiful self-winding 3638 movement, and an engraving of a tiger on the rotor.
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Dior Grand Soir Tiger

Classic horlogerie craft meets the sophisticated creativity of Dior’s Maisons in the Grand Soir collection. Feminine yet feline, this particular precious timekeeper expression of creativity Feminine yet feline, the Dior Grand Soir timekeeper plays with materials in representation of the Water Tiger, featuring a sapphire crystal case-back that reveals its automatic movement. Available in a limited edition of 88 pieces and straps in either beige silk taffeta or black satin.
MORE INFO

Harry Winston Premier Chinese New Year Automatic

Available in a limited edition of eight pieces only, Harry Winston has unveiled a 35mm Premier set with 57 brilliant-cut diamonds in honour of the Year of the Tiger. Taking centerstage on the dial are two playful tiger cubs crafted from rose gold with cut-outs filled in red mother-of-peal to represent their stripes. Also featured are three gold rosettes with a diamond in the centre to reflect the patterns of the grand entryway leading into the brand’s iconic flagship salon in New York City.
MORE INFO
Read more Lunar New Year stories here.

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Audemars Piguet’s amazing new museum

Watches
Audemars Piguet’s amazing new museum
New home

05.07.2015
By Kenneth Tan

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Without doubt, the retro-modern architecture of Audemars Piguet’s new museum stands out in the quaint township of Le Brassus among the mountains of Vallee de Joux, Switzerland. The first half of the complex is a futuristic construction of a sunken spiral pavilion of curved glass supporting a roof (that in turn has to support up to two metres of snow). The second half of the complex, however, houses the original building in which founders Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet laboured to create their many horological triumphs in the late 19th century.

“It will be my life’s greatest achievement when we complete it,” says Sebastian Vivas, Audemars Piguet’s Heritage and Museum Director. To even contemplate the project, Vivas says they had to find a design that would reflect the brand’s underlying value; of mastering the rules and then breaking them. “That has become the philosophy of the project.”
In the process of curating and building a 400-strong timepiece collection for this eventual museum, Vivas has gathered a repository of stories to go with the exhibits. One, which is linked to the founders, harks back to their ‘school watch’ – the pièce de résistance that enabled them to graduate from watchmaking school. “Can you imagine that at barely 21, they were already able to construct a perpetual calendar and minute repeater on their own?” Vivas asks.

As for the museum project, which is estimated to be completed sometime in 2018, Vivas is wistful when he recalls the day they decided on the design of Danish architecture firm, BIG. “I had received the five shortlisted designs via email in my office,” he begins. “The first looked like it could be a nice museum, the second was more interesting, the third was okay and the fourth had a very strong design but didn’t seem to reflect our values,” he remembers.
“I was thinking that if the fifth one didn’t work, we may not have a museum,” Vivas adds. “I opened the document and suddenly, I was alone in front of my computer at 7pm, and I couldn’t do anything other than smile,” he says. “It was clearly extraordinary, bordering on the idea of impossible, and it was absolutely clear in two seconds, that this is exactly what we wanted.”

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Food + Drink
5 New cocktail bars to check out in KL for your next boozy night out

14.10.2021
By Buro247

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

With Malaysia slowly resuming business as usual (as far as “usual” goes in a post-pandemic era), our local F&B establishments are gradually picking up speed again—much to our delight and for the betterment of the economy.
Over the past few months, new cafes, restaurants, and bars have mushroomed around the Klang Valley, making urbanites spoilt for choice (as if we weren’t already) on where to drink and dine. If you’re looking for the latest cocktail joints in town for a few pick-me-ups, consider adding these new locations to your bar hop.
Shin Chew Kee Cold Drink Store

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Located along the same row as the famous gin-based cocktail bar Pahit, Shin Chew Kee Cold Drink Store is the namesake of the historical neighbourhood it calls home. The hidden bar features a rustic setting that preserves the colonial architecture of the heritage row, while offering a modern twist with its cocktail menu. It prides itself in tea-infused cocktails—or tea-tails, if you like—accompanied by a food pairing menu to complete the experience.
Address: 8 (upper floor), Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, 5pm to 12am (closed on Tuesday)
Contact: 013 483 8863
Facebook | Instagram
Mizukami Garden

Photo: @bar.mizukami / Instagram

Following the launch of Mizukami Collective earlier this year, award-winning mixologist Shawn Chong has unveiled the next chapter in his collective of bar concepts. Enter Mizukami Garden, a collaboration with another speakeasy bar, The Curious Gardener, that lives up to the garden theme with a menu inspired by its lush surroundings. Highlighting a garden-to-glass concept, expect zero-proof, low-ABV, and original cocktails that are crafted with fresh botanicals, including herbs grown on-site from its garden.
Address: The Curious Gardener (inside The Farm), G-01, Level Ground, The Sphere Bangsar South City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 2pm to 11pm (Tuesday to Friday), 12pm to 11pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Instagram
Lullaby KL

Photo: @lullaby_kl / Instagram

Lullaby is Chinatown’s latest hangout spot for craft beer and cocktails, featuring nostalgic interiors defined by heritage house windows and wooden and vintage-inspired furniture. Fans of craft beer will enjoy the extensive selection here, spanning from Taiwanese labels to India Pale Ales (IPAs) and Estonian brews. Meanwhile, cocktail enthusiasts can take their pick from a selection of cocktails and bites. Online customers can also shop its collection of craft beers from the brand’s website.
Address: 1st floor, 198 Jalan Tun H.S. Lee 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 3pm to 12am
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Baijiu

Photo: @baijiu.kl / Instagram
Another recent bar to grace Chinatown is Baijiu, which opened its doors at the Insta-famous Kwai Chai Hong in September. The new haunt serves up dim sum and cocktails with oriental-inflected elements, such as tea-based potions laced with red dates and five spice powder. True to its name, which means “white liquor” in Mandarin, the bar also offers Baijiu shooters alongside bespoke cocktails and classic Chinese dumplings.
Address: Lot 4, Lorong Panggung, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 5pm to 12am (closed on Mondays)
Contact: 010 2666093
Instagram
Amazonia KL

Occupying the space that was previously Barfly in Solaris Mont Kiara, Amazonia KL is a tropical-inspired cocktail kitchen and lounge that offers a melange of classic and original concoctions. Be transported into the wild as you step inside its jungle-themed interiors, complete with rainforest murals and verdant plants filling the space.
Address: 1st floor, SohoKL, Solaris Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 4pm to 10pm
Contact: 018 206 6599
Facebook | Instagram
For more boozy stories, head over here.

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Lifestyle
#InstaLove: Christmas reindeer cake by Malaysian bakers
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer cake

23.11.2016
By Rachel Au

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RECOMMENDED

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

But then again, do we really need a reason to just enjoy cake? One thing’s for sure, Malaysia has a pool of talented bakers and that includes the two women behind Kek & Co. Already known for their gorgeous cakes, founders Farah Melissa and Satira Diana saw an even bigger increase in fans after debuting their unicorn cakes.

A photo posted by KEK & Co. (@kekandco) on Nov 5, 2016 at 7:11pm PDT

As Christmas is around the corner, another new breed has been born from their kitchen: A Rudolph cake. And so far, they come in two versions. There’s the adorable reindeer face cake or…

A photo posted by KEK & Co. (@kekandco) on Nov 17, 2016 at 4:11am PST

A minimalistic one showcasing monochrome colours with the gold dusted horns.

A photo posted by KEK & Co. (@kekandco) on Nov 18, 2016 at 5:30am PST

Whichever it is, you can probably discuss your specific preferences with Kek & Co. Question is: Should we get it for ourselves or give it as a gift?

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