Watches
Lost for words? These spectacular mechanics will fire up conversations in no time

19.02.2019
By Su Fen Tan

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpétuel
In the Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpétuel lies Jaeger-LeCoultre’s first multi-axis tourbillon alongside a minute repeater with a Westminster chime and perpetual calendar—all fitted within a very wearable 43mm case. To achieve this, it called for the creation of a tourbillon that is significantly smaller than the watchmaker’s Gyrotourbillon predecessors, an admirable feat considering the complexity involved in mechanism size reductions.

Further ensuring the precision of this breath-taking timepiece is a one-minute constant-force mechanism, which provides a consistent level of energy to the power-hungry tourbillon. The perfect embodiment of both complexity and elegance, this is truly a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s mastery in haute horlogerie.

Hermès Arceau l’Heure de la Lune
If any brand was to nail a whimsical take on the moonphase complication, it’ll be Hermès—and that is what the Maison did here with the Arceau l’Heure de la Lune. A twist on the already captivating double hemisphere moonphase, this model features the simultaneous display of moon phases in both northern and southern hemispheres with two floating mobile counters (time and date) that will rotate around the dial, indicating the current phase in a celestial game of hide-and-seek.

Adding to the cosmic appeal to this dreamy creation are the dial treatments; one version comes with a meteorite dial, resembling the surface of the moon, while the other glitters with a beautiful aventurine finish.

Vacheron Constantin Traditionelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar
Vacheron Constantin keeps the heavy hitters coming with the Traditionelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar, a perpetual calendar with an incredible 65 days of power reserve. With most perpetual calendars, the movement runs down when not worn regularly, so you’ll have to reset the indications when you put it on again. But should you set aside this watch and pick it up again about two months later, it will still display the correct date and month.

Behind that function lies spectacular watch engineering. Two oscillators lie at the heart of Twin Beat (hence the name), both powered by the same mainspring but operating at different frequency levels; one at a high beat (5Hz) and one at a low beat (1.2Hz). The patent-pending system allows the owner to choose the lower frequency when the watch is not in use, effectively putting it on “standby” mode. Now that is what you call a breakthrough solution.

MB&F Medusa
Looking for a living room centrepiece that doubles as a sculptural time-telling machine? Meet the MB&F Medusa. Constructed in collaboration with clockmaker L’Epée (their 10th creation together), the Medusa is a dual-configuration clock, housed in delicate hand-blown Murano glass with an ethereal quality that resembles the bell-shaped body of a mature jellyfish. At its heart is a movement that combines the winding and setting systems, engineered around a central axis to mimic the radial symmetry of a jellyfish’s neural column.

It can be set on a desk with a steel frame, or hung from the ceiling, where it can be further decorated with glass tentacles which will gently sway with the motion of the clock. Medusa comes in three different colours—blue, green and pink—each available in a limited edition of 50 pieces.

Ressence Type 2
Belgian brand Ressence first revealed the prototype for Type 2 at last year’s SIHH, generating much excitement over its intriguing e-Crown concept, where a tiny solar-powered module is installed within the mechanical watch, allowing it to reset itself to the right time when prompted. Well, the wait is finally over—enter the Ressence Type 2.

This has to be the most innovative integration of digital tech and traditional watchmaking we’ve seen. With the e-Crown, one simply needs to tap the dial to activate the system, which will digitally register the time. When the Type 2 detects 12 hours of inactivity, the e-Crown automatically holds the barrel of the mechanical movement to save energy. Just double-tap when you put it back on and it will restart the movement and reset the time. How cool is that?

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Watches
Frédérique Constant unveils the world’s first mechanical smartwatch
Hybrid Manufacture

22.02.2018
By Gwen Ong

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The world of watchmaking may be traditionally driven by heritage and movement, but the possibilities are endless when the term ‘hybrid’ comes into the picture. One such brand that is making a buzz is Frédérique Constant, which has made a revolutionary move into the smartwatch game. The luxury watchmaker has just unveilved its first timepiece that combines both mechanical movement with smart functions.
Called the Hybrid Manufacture, the timepiece sports the handsome looks of a traditional self-winding watch where the elegant guilloché-patterned front dial displays classic functions such as 24-hour and date indications within a round case. But looking deeper, this Frédérique Constant timepiece houses a new self-winding Calibre FC-750 and also an exciting new electronic section.
The former incorporates a patented transmission system with antimagnetic shield, a Bluetooth antenna, an accelerometer, a microprocessor, an analytical module to measure the running rate, amplitude and beat-error of a mechanical movement and a rechargeable battery. While the latter was entirely developed and produced in-house with functions such as activity tracking and sleep-pattern monitoring, intelligent fitness coaching and 24 timezone indications, which had so far been exclusive to quartz-driven connected watches. Thus, Frédérique Constant Hybrid Manufacture is a world first in creating a symbiotic relationship between mechanical movement and smart functions.
“When it comes to incorporating two technologies into a single calibre, the technical challenges consisted in cancelling out the negative magnetic effects between the mechanical and eletronic modules. Our designers and watchmakers therefore developed a unique case equipped with an antimagnetic shield,” said founder Peter Stas in a report by World Tempus. The data and operational reports collected on the watch can be viewed on the Hybrid app on your smartphone.
Frédérique Constant Hybrid Manufacture is available in four versions, including a limited series of 888 pieces. The timepiece comes in a wooden winder-box that can be used to wind the mechanical movement and to recharge the battery. A removable travelling charger is also available.

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Beauty
What you have to know before getting clear braces, according to Zenyum
Let's get things straight

30.05.2022
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Thinking of getting braces but don’t want to commit to a mouthful of metal? Here’s what you need to know about clear aligners

Good news: If you’ve been looking to get some orthodontic work done, you can now do so without the hefty price tag. Indeed, straighter teeth don’t have to cost an arm and a leg anymore, thanks to the dental startups that have popped up in the last few years.
One such startup is Zenyum, a South-East Asian dental brand that specialises in clear aligners. For the unfamiliar, clear aligners are essentially invisible braces that straighten out your teeth without the inconvenience and look of traditional metal braces.
READ: How to keep your breath fresh under your face mask
To learn more about the start-up’s services, we spoke to Dr Melissa Shalini Pereira, Zenyum Malaysia’s Partnership Manager. According to her, the brand is on a mission to make invisible teeth-straightening treatments accessible for everyone: “We use top-notch aligner materials and work with world-class suppliers because we believe in making fuss-free and high-quality products, and we have been able to make invisible braces up to 70 per cent more affordable than other methods.”
READ: 7 Things you could be doing wrong with your oral hygiene
Sound good? Ahead, find out more about clear braces, from the upkeep involved to the actual process of getting your trays made:

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Which patients qualify for Zenyum braces?
“This is a tough one because I want to say each and everyone of you (who are 18 and above)! We can treat almost all types of teeth, except for severe cases which typically goes on a case to case basis.”
“We have a very robust program to design and customise your treatment plan, but we believe that no amount of AI can replace the eye of a dentist when it comes to the oral checks, the x-ray diagnosis and the taking impressions of your teeth. [Getting clear aligners] is not a one-size-fits-all treatment—our smiles and teeth are all very different. Hence, the hands-on intervention of our dentists are necessary to make sure the treatment is safely designed just for you.”
What does the process of getting clear aligners entail?
“We have a free online pre-assessment that will help you find out if Zenyum is suitable for you before you see our dentists for an in-person consultation. It takes less than a minute and all you have to do is answer a few questions about yourself and your teeth goals. The most important part of the assessment is the hi-res photo of your teeth as that’s how our dentists can tell if we can help you achieve your dream smile. So, not only are we making it more accessible with this free online assessment, we are also making it more convenient because you only need to see the dentist when we get you pre-checked.”

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What do the average dental and oral care routines look like for Zenyum users?
“We encourage our users to incorporate three simple steps (floss, brush, and rinse) into their oral care routines to ensure that their mouths are protected all day. This is achieved with the help of the Zenyum Sonic Toothbrush, which is an electric toothbrush that has three personalised modes and a built-in two-minute timer to aid our users in ensuring that they are brushing thoroughly. The toothbrush has 33,000 vibrations per minute to ensure effective cleaning. Our users would pair it with Zenyum Fresh, a toothpaste that is 100 per cent cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and made with naturally-inspired ingredients.”
How should patients prepare for their Zenyum braces?
“I would say that users should understand that this is not a treatment that gives overnight results. It takes time as our aligners provide gradual tooth movement. Be patient, but also be compliant with the usage of the Zenyum Braces.”

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What should patients know before getting clear aligners?
“Compliance is key. You will be required to use your aligners about 20-22 hours daily—this may sound like a chore, but it is crucial. Unlike fixed metal braces which are constantly there, clear aligners are removable and should be removed when eating. Just don’t forget to put them back on after mealtimes!”
Are there any risks associated with getting clear aligners?
“There is a risk for everything, but yes, just like every other dental treatment, clear aligners fall under the branch of orthodontics and comes with risks. Of course, we have our partner dentists to assess each patient and evaluate if clear aligners are suitable for them with minimal risk but, essentially, if you are deemed suitable, then the treatment of clear aligners are safe and would successfully enhance your smile. With Zenyum aligners, our partner dentists are always there to assist and evaluate if there are any problems mid treatment, so there is nothing to be worried about.”

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Would you advise teeth whitening in addition to clear aligners?
READ: Should you whiten your teeth? Everything you need to know before, during, and after your appointment
“Teeth whitening is completely optional as this procedure involves compliance from the patient as well. The common question always asked by many is ‘how long will the teeth whitening last?’. For this, it depends on the individual and their habits—for example, whether they smoke or drink a lot of coffee, tea, or coloured beverages. These are the variables that can influence how long [the whitening] lasts.”
Find out more about Zenyum here.
This interview has been edited for clarity. Find more beauty insiders like this here.

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Culture
Why floral artistry is not as easy as you thought
Time to blossom

27.11.2015
By Buro247

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For the last two years, Faradiba Anuar of Florahera has been honing a craft that transforms just about any space into one with a beautiful, fragrant and fresh atmosphere. Floral artistry – or flower arrangement – has taken up her spare time as she imparts her knowledge unto eager hobbyists. Holding private one-on-one workshops as well as recently expanding into group workshops with The Craft Crowd, Faradiba – who is a schoolteacher by day – tells us that floral artistry is undoubtedly fun, but it’s no easy task.
In fact, to master this craft, one needs to be well versed with its background, rather than just its final visual outcome. Thus, a bulk of the learning process involves delving into how to treat, manage and take care of these flowers so that they last as long as possible and serve their purposes. In our interview with Faradiba, she explains why.

How did you start learning how to do floral arrangements?
I went for a few courses and after that I self-experimented and self-learnt, of course, with the help of the Internet. Then, I also did a lot of research, not only on how to do the arrangements, but I also studied about the flowers themselves, as well as the seasons and suppliers. This is because some local suppliers can’t or refuse to bring in a few flowers that I want, so I have to directly contact suppliers from outside of Malaysia to bring them in for me.
Why did you want to teach floral artistry?
First of all, sometimes it hurts me to see when people have the resources – like, beautiful flowers – but the arrangements are really bad. I feel that it is my responsibility to at least share what I know. During my last group workshop there were a group of foreigners, probably tourists, who joined the class. They thought that the whole course would be the same as what they’ve learnt previously, but when it came to a few tips that they have not heard of before, they were actually very happy. They got to learn something new.

How do you come up with a lesson plan on what to teach your students?
For events where I collaborate with organisers, I usually follow the organiser’s brief. For example, with The Craft Crowd, they asked me to do a basic course. So I taught them all the basic tips like how to manage the flowers, how to hold them, how to choose them, and how to keep them fresh, and other minor things.
But for personal courses, I am very particular. I am very strict, and I follow the course outline that I have been through before. So the person has to be very committed. First, we start with knowing the flowers, and then, how to manage the flowers. It takes awhile before you can actually start arranging the flowers. People may think that arranging flowers is just as that; but let’s say if we have ten chapters, arranging the flowers is only at chapter seven.
So there’s actually a lot of work that goes on behind flower artistry that people don’t really know?
Yes, people may think that arranging is easy, but it’s more than that. For people who take learning and teaching very seriously like I do, I feel that I’m responsible for making sure that my students understand and apply the right things. Because let’s say if they want to teach others later on, what they carry forward is my responsibility.

 Is floral artistry then, very different from just creating something pretty?
Some people think that flower arrangements are just about buying pretty flowers and gathering them to make beautiful arrangements. But probably on a professional level, or for people who really want to learn about flowers, it’s important to make sure that it’s more than just making the flowers beautiful. To me, personally, when I buy flowers, the flowers are the product of somebody’s hard work, to plant it and take care of it before it blooms that big. For example, take peonies: people see the big beautiful peonies but they aren’t aware of the hard work it takes to grow it. It is common that when you plan ten peonies, only two to five of them can grow well.
And of course, there’s the price. You don’t want to buy one peony for RM45 and then just arrange it to make it beautiful; you want to make it last. Some of my clients complain that some florists have the flowers beautifully arranged, but when it comes to their events, the flowers don’t last. It’s important to make sure that the flowers maintain and serve their purpose. The longer they can last fresh, the better it is.

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Culture
Pop Culture Catch-Up: Beyoncé wants to slow down, Anne Hathaway wants to right a wrong, and more

06.11.2020
By Lea Rina

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Beyoncé is looking to slow down

In the December issue of British Vogue, Beyonce Knowles-Carter opened up about how her 2020 has been and the profound shift she felt.
“I have learnt that my voice is clearer when I am still. I truly cherish this time with my family, and my new goal is to slow down and shed stressful things from my life,” she explained. “I came into the music industry at 15 years old and grew up with the world watching, and I have put out projects non-stop. I released Lemonade during the Formation World Tour, gave birth to twins, performed at Coachella, directed Homecoming, went on another world tour with Jay, then Black Is King, all back to back. It’s been heavy and hectic.”
In recent years, we have seen a clear shift in the artist’s focus on representing her culture and the Black community through her music and charity initiative BeyGood. The Grammy winner went on to reveal, “I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on building my legacy and representing my culture the best way I know how. Now, I’ve decided to give myself permission to focus on my joy.”  And though this means we might see less of our powerhouse queen, after 24 years on the grind, we can completely understand her need to slow down and focus on herself for a change!
Anne Hathaway says it will never happen again

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A post shared by Anne Hathaway (@annehathaway) on Oct 14, 2020 at 1:45pm PDT

The disability community was in an uproar over The Witches, one of the latest films from Warner Bros. Starring Oscar winner Anne Hathaway, the fantasy film is based on the novel of the same name that was written by British writer Roald Dahl. The movie premiered on October 22 and almost immediately received backlash from parents and people within the disability community. One Twitter user voiced her opinion, writing, “@WarnerBrosUK was there much thought given as to how this representation of limb differences would effect the limb difference community?!”

@WarnerBrosUK was there much thought given as to how this representation of limb differences would effect the limb difference community?! @ReachCharity @RoaldFull pic.twitter.com/kiTEAuYt7i
— Amy Marren (@amy_marren) November 2, 2020

The film tells the story of a young orphan boy who goes to live with his grandmother in the rural town of Alabama. There, the pair encounters glamourous witches with claws for hands; bald heads and no toes. It is quite clear why this was deemed unacceptable. Many members of the community expressed that they were in “pain” after watching the movie, with grave concern on the effects the movie will have on children with disabilities as the witches are depicted as evil and hated.
Anne Hathaway took to Instagram to express her deepest apology to anyone affected, saying, “many people with limb differences, especially children, are in pain because of the portrayal of the Grand High Witch in The Witches“. She went on to say, “I do my best to be sensitive to the feelings and experiences of others not out of some scrambling PC fear, but because not hurting others seems like a basic level of decency we should all be striving for”.
She ended her apology with: “I particularly want to say I’m sorry to kids with limb differences: now that I know better I promise I’ll do better. And I owe a special apology to everyone who loves you as fiercely as I love my own kids: I’m sorry I let your family down.” Anne teamed up with the Lucky Fin Project, sharing a short film along with her apology, showing her support and letting the voices of those with limb differences be heard.
Hailey Bieber is not pregnant

Hailey Bieber wants people to write about something more important. The model made it clear via Instagram Story that she and husband Justin Bieber are “not pregnant”. According to the 23-year-old, Us Weekly was intending to report that she’s expecting her first child and her response was gold. She shot back with: “So please stop writing false stories from your ‘sources’ and focus on what’s important aka the election.”
Little Mix dropped their new album Confetti

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A post shared by Little Mix (@littlemix) on Nov 5, 2020 at 4:00pm PST

Soaked in fierce independence, Little Mix’s new album Confetti is definitely a testament to the group’s essence of girl power. First formed on X Factor back in 2011, the girl group is best known for their earlier singles like ‘Shout Out to My Ex’ and ‘Break Up Song’. The talented girls are not done rocking your world so click here to listen to their newest album!
The official trailer for The Call is out now

Mark November 27 on your calendar as the day you’ll be watching The Call! The trailer for the upcoming Korean thriller stars Park Shin-Hye (#Alive) and Jun Jong-Seo (Burning) and tells the story of parallel time zones. A woman in the present answers a phone call from a woman living in the past. With a 20-year gap between them, the two soon grows close and a truth is accidentally revealed that could threaten one’s life and change the course of time. Watch the trailer above for a sneak peek!
For more pop culture news, head over here.

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Food + Drink
Light It Up with W Kuala Lumpur this festive season

04.12.2019
By Ronn Tan

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What did you do last Christmas? What did you do eat Christmas? Are you excited for Last Christmas starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding? With the festive period at the end of each year, you’d want to have a jolly-good one. The annual celebrations bring along some usual suspects—from the abundance of tantalising food to joyful affairs. While it is easy to find options out there in Kuala Lumpur (it’s a competition that Santa would be proud of), this is a season for the best. But, really, what is the best in town? When it comes to food and drinks, here’s a lineup of remixed festive celebrations in town that you should consider.

W KL Desserts
W Kuala Lumpur, located at the heart of the city, is definitely a spot to head to this Christmas. This December, the hotel aims to brighten up everyone’s favourite time of the year with a dazzling lineup to honour the festivities—and to end the year on a high!
Flock
Christmas Set Menu (1 December 2019 – 31 December 2019)
The hotel’s Modern Australian, all-day dining restaurant has a slew of selections to take note of. From 1 December 2019 to 31 December 2019, you can enjoy a specially curated three-course menu by Director of Culinary, Richard Millar. The concoction will feature fresh produce from local vegetable growers Weeds & More and locally sourced artisan chocolate from Chocolate Concierge. For appetiser, start with either sea scallop sashimi or lobster. As for main, you have a choice between sous vide turkey breast and confit leg or crispy skin Hiramasa kingfish and paella of pearl cous cous. End the meal dehydrated meringue and cranberry semifreddo or chestnut mousse and popping Noir Sable.
Price: Set meals start from RM188+
Time: 7pm – 10.30pm
Retox At Dusk: Christmas Edition (24 December 2019)

W KL Seafood
If you’ve been at the Retox at Dusk dinners at Flock before, they are back—with a festive twist! Let there be joy with a Christmas themed spread filled with choices. Begin your evening from the fresh seafood display with choices such as Alaskan King Crab legs and freshly shucked Fine de Claire oysters. Before you head back to the seafood, select from the Christmas station with options including Christmas roast turkey carving with apricot and sage stuffing as well as mains like Angus beef tomahawk and salt baked ocean trout. Don’t miss out on classics like Panettone, Almond Stollen and Christmas Bon Bon (using chocolate from Chocolate Concierge). As there will always be room for dessert, you should try the Forest Blueberry Yule Log and Rose Lychee Berries Santa Belt Gateaux among others.
Price: RM288+ (with free flow non-alcoholic beverages), RM388+ (with free flow selected alcoholic beverages), RM688+ (with free flow selected alcoholic beverages inclusive of champagne)
Time: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Retox Superbrunch: Sleigh All Day (25 December 2019)

W KL Mains
The return of the glitzy brunch will be accompanied with Christmas twinkles. What should you expect? In addition to ravishing performances over sparkles, tinsel, and mistletoe, look forward to star-studded, locally sourced ingredients paired with creative cocktail experiences. Offerings include a whole roasted turkey with apricot and sage stuffing, classic Christmas mince pie, Christmas pudding, cookies, ginger bread muffins, Foie Gras chawanmushi, red wine braised Wagyu beef cheek, grilled lamb cutlet with salsa verde and mint sauce as well as a toasted S’mores bar. Oh, no that isn’t all! Some must-have desserts are the Hangover Fruit Cake, Citrus-Cinnamon Éclair, and Mont Blanc Au Chocolat.
Price: RM288+ (with free flow non-alcoholic beverages), RM388+ (with free flow selected alcoholic beverages), RM688+ (with free flow selected alcoholic beverages inclusive of champagne)
Time: 12.30pm – 3.30pm
Retox At Dusk: Light It Up (31 December 2019)
Is there a better place or occasion to usher in 2020? Don’t miss out the final Retox at Dusk for 2019 at Flock which consists of a bigger and bolder spread featuring scrumptious choices such as Transmontanus Caviar, grilled spring chicken, Lobster Bisque, Slipper Lobster, baked miso white cod, Rocher Timer Au Chocolat, caramelised chestnut cheesecake, a dark chocolate fountain, and a trio chocolate espuma station. Happy New Year!
Price: RM388+ (with free flow non-alcoholic beverages), RM538+ (with free flow selected alcoholic beverages), RM988+ (with free flow selected alcoholic beverages inclusive of champagne)
Time: 8pm – 12am
Yen
Christmas Menu (20 December 2019 – 25 December 2019)
It’s time for a reunion dinner at W’s Cantonese restaurant. For the festive period, Executive Chef Tan Kim Weng has created a six-course menu. The curation showcases contemporary Cantonese favorites (oriental take on Christmas classics) such as roasted Christmas turkey with stuffed scallop, prawn paste and bran dough, stuffed crab meat with seafood, mushrooms and cheese, crispy egg noodle with lobster tail and ginger onion sauce, double-boiled fish maw soup, and warm Christmas Pudding with almond soup.
Price: RM198+ per person (minimum of two orders)
Time: 12pm – 2.30pm for lunch, 6.30pm – 10.30pm for dinner
New Year’s Eve Menu (26 December 2019 – 31 December 2019)
With 2020 approaching, it’s only apt that there are two six-course menu options to choose from. Dishes to expect from the menus include steamed cod fish with preserved vegetables and crispy fermented bean, ‘Yen’ Double Treasures featuring slow-braised abalone and sea cucumber, lobster tail with Nepalese rock rice with organic quinoa and crispy rice, as well as desserts like the low sugar Almond Cream and Okinawa Sugar with tea cream mochi. Treat yourself for a successful and well-spent 2019, why don’t you?
Price: RM228+ per person (minimum of two orders)
Time: 12pm – 2.30pm for lunch, 6.30pm – 10.30pm for dinner
Woobar
Festivi-Tea Hi-Tea (11 November 2019 – 5 January 2020)

W KL Afternoon Tea
Name a better duo than W KL and afternoon tea. Take everything you know about the festive period and that’s what Woobar’s hi-tea set is giving. With a themed twist, the set consists of mini but tantalising delectables such as turkey ham, cranberry relish, baby gem, beetroot ribbon sandwich, golden chestnut Noir tart, cranberry Bavarois Sable and Foie Gras chawanmushi, as well as prawn and mushroom espuma. Enjoy the free flow of coffee and tea by TWG Selections.
Price: RM208+ for two (inclusive of festive mocktail)
Time: 3pm – 5pm
Light It Up (31 December 2019)

W KL Woobar
If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to usher in the New Year with your loved ones without going too far away from the city, Woobar is the place for you. Private and intimate, there are cocktails, a board game themed menu, and bottle servive packages. A serene celebration is still one with full of zest and life.
Time: 6pm – 2am
Wet Deck
Light It Up featuring Huxley (31 December 2019)

W KL Wet Deck
Wet Deck, with its outdoor pool and stunning views of the Petronas Twin Towers, is the place to be on New Year’s Eve. Are you ready for a sophisticated yet playful evening soiree? A staple name in the UK house scene, DJ-producer Huxley, will be there to entertain with electrifying beats. Other acts for the special occasion include Victor G, Victor Trixter, and Gracie. Sip on cocktails while watching fireworks beautify the sky at the stroke of midnight.
Price: RM180 nett cover charge (inclusive of a glass of champagne, wine, spirits, or beer)
Time: 6pm – 2am
Whether you’re looking for a place to party and to ring in the New Year or a spot to dine and chill for Christmas, W Kuala Lumpur has prepared a myriad of options. All you have to do is decide and enjoy yourself. After all, it’s the festive period and the time to be pampered. Well, here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Oh, and don’t forget to “Light It Up”!
For more information, call 012 347 9088 or email [email protected].
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For more Christmas/Festive content, visit our Buro Christmas Village.

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2019


Men's
Boy de Chanel: A look at Chanel’s first men’s makeup collection

15.02.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Whoever said beauty is gender-driven has got it sorely wrong, and Chanel can attest to that with an all-new makeup collection targeted to men. As per the brand’s house codes—”beauty is a matter of style”—the Boy de Chanel collection is made for the style-savvy, street-chic man who has his list of beauty essentials down pat. What you can expect from this range is nothing short of sleek and masculine—from the midnight blue packaging down to the textures and formulas of each product.
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The Boy de Chanel comprises three products—brow pencils, foundation, and a lip balm. The Le Stylo Sourcils Eyebrow Pencil comes with a spiral brush on one end and a retractable, tapered tip on the other, and is waterproof, comfortable and stays on for eight hours, thanks to emollient oils in the formula. Best part? It comes in four shades so you don’t have to worry about matching your brow shade with your hair colour.
The Le Teint Foundation is likely one to add to your collection for good reason, given Chanel’s impeccable track record when it comes to foundations. Soft focus powders in the formula help to correct imperfections with a sheer finish, and it also has SPF 25 sunscreen to protect skin from the negative effects of the sun. The texture is fluid and lightweight, and it has hyaluronic acid to keep your skin comfortable all day long. Lastly, we are a little more than impressed with the sound of the new Matte Moisturising Lip Balm—how does it nourish and soften lips without leaving it shiny? We’re dying to know—but fret not, the Boy de Chanel makeup collection is now available exclusively in Chanel Beauty boutiques at Mid Valley and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
What’s making our hearts beat a little faster than usual is the new face of Boy de Chanel: actor Lee Dong Wook, also the first Korean to represent Chanel for a campaign of this scale. Below, scroll through all the visuals for some behind-the-scenes action:
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Beauty
3 New heady fragrances to delve into this spring
An olfactory dive

25.05.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Got a penchant for warm, woody scents? Giorgio Armani’s bestselling Acqua di Gio fragrance range has a new woody addition — the Acqua di Gio Absolu, a heady concoction that brings together fresh water and warm wood for a masculine scent. For a balanced redolence between both notes, patchouli gives it a sensual twist, forming the heart of the fragrance. A dash of labdanum resinoid 0ffers an ambery finish to the base, altogether giving it a timeless character. The amber-coloured bottle also incorporates woody elements — the unique cap is made of sustainably sourced ash wood.

Refresh your senses with a zesty new scent from Burberry — the Mr. Burberry Indigo. Top notes include lemon oil, blackcurrant, and rosemary, along with a vibrant heart made of green violet leaf, driftwood and spearmint. You can’t miss the earthy base of amber, white oak moss and musk, allowing for a bold, well-rounded finish that’s a signature of every Burberry fragrance. Spot elements from the house’s iconic navy trench coat on the bottle, from the weighted cap that’s inspired by the buttons to the hand-tied English-woven gabardine knot.

We’ve covered woody and zesty fragrances, but this new one from Atelier Cologne is all about celebrating your favourite cuppa joe. As the Café Tuberosa opens with notes of bergamot, tangerine and cardamom, the rich coffee espresso accord will hit you in a subtle manner, alongside a floral whiff thanks to tuberose and Damascena rose absolue. A vanilla base made of patchouli, Madagascar vanilla and cacao absolue lends some musky undertones that give this fragrance a kick unlike any other espresso-inspired scents.

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Beauty
Spotted: The beauty releases of our childhood dreams
Oh, happy days…

15.01.2017
By Terry Saw

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

So 2017 is off to a good start – a really happy one actually. We don’t know about you but there’s nothing like taking a stroll down memory lane to help us cut through the clutter and stress of that-thing-called-life and so far, we’ve got these beauty brands to thank.
Crayola for Clinique

Only the cutest, most creative lippie release yet! This new playful collaboration between Clinique x Crayola is a genius combination, which brings together the most beautiful Chubby Stick shades in a limited edition Crayola packaging for the most grown-up arty collaboration of our crayon-loving kiddie dreams – coming soon to Clinique counters nationwide!

Powerpuff Girls for Peripera

K-Beauty brand Peripera invites us on a ’90s flashback with its release of a new makeup collection featuring everyone’s favourite Powerpuff Girls: Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup. If its universally flattering eye, lip and cheek tints don’t make you fall head over heels instantly, the collector’s packaging certainly will.

Clarins 4-Colour All-in-One

Clarins reinvented the multi-colour retractable pen of our high-school heydays – remember the one we shamelessly played with all day, feeling undeniably cool? No, just us? Okay. But the point is, Clarins stepped it up to make it ultra cool by housing three smooth eyeliners and one lip liner in one nifty pen – the perfect look is just four clever clicks away.

Sega’s Sonic for GlamGlow GravityMud

GlamGlow’s GravityMud just became every beauty junkie and Sega gamer’s dream come true. The firming mask treatment comes with all the mega skin benefits in a stunning Sonic blue formulation, all dressed up in a limited edition Sonic the Hedgehog packaging that will take some courage to crack open.

More beauty inspo ahead…
3 Weird & wonderful beauty tricks to try
7 Beauty trends you need to know in 2017

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Lifestyle
Where to catch the award-winning short film ‘A Useless Fiction’ this Sunday
A different film experience

15.12.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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This Sunday (17 December), KL Experimental Film, Video & Music Festival (KLEX) is set to feature Cheong Kin Man’s short film A Useless Fiction as part of its video screening series ExScreen 017. The screening will take place at RAW Art Space in KL, where the director himself will be present his work and engage in a Q&A session. Released in 2015, A Useless Fiction was the winner of the International Experimental Film category at Columbia Gorge International Film Festival, and it also received the 2015 Rising Star Award at Canada International Film Festival.

Besides Cheong’s short film, you’ll also be able to catch No’I by Belgium filmmaker Aline Magrez at the screening. ExScreen 017 will start at 8pm, and admission is by suggested donation of RM10. For more information, check out the event poster below:

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Travel
Where to eat and what to do at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

09.01.2019
By Rachel Au

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Our friendly neighbour Singapore is no doubt a vibrant city. From the stunning S.E.A. Aquarium to cool neighbourhoods like the Katong area to Michelin-starred restaurants, attractions are aplenty. And among the poster children of Singapore is Marina Bay Sands, as shown in Crazy Rich Asians. An architectural beauty, inside and out, it’s evident that much care and thought have (and continuously) been placed into its being. If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway, there’s enough to do at Marina Bay Sands that you won’t even need to step foot outside of the resort. And because there are new shows, restaurants and exhibitions every few months, this applies throughout the year, every year. Here’s what we recently discovered on a 3D2N trip.

WHERE TO STAY

The hotel within the resort itself, of course. Luxurious in both size and comfort, the winning factor is the magnificent view beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. Our Deluxe Room granted us a lush panoramic view of the gardens with the sea and its ships in the background. Staying at the Marina Bay Sands hotel also means automatic access to the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck and the famous Infinity Pool.

WHERE TO EAT
You’ll be spoilt for choice, that’s for sure; and so, here are some of our favourites from the trip.
1. Yardbird Singapore
Previously known as The Bird Southern Table & Bar for its Singapore outpost, the popular restaurant from the US relaunched with its original name back in December 2018. For those unfamiliar with the brand, Yardbird is all about soulful American cooking with a commitment to using farm-fresh ingredients. The star, however, is really their famous 100-year-old fried chicken recipe. Fun fact: They use Malaysian chickens here.

yardbird singapore brunch 1

The relaunch also marks the introduction of something they call a Great American Brunch, featuring classic favourites and dramatic desserts, all in the name of a fantastic family-friendly experience. Available on weekends, the menu will include popular items from their Miami and Los Angeles outlets as well as new creations by Yardbird’s Corporate Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith. Think giant, fluffy Funfetti Pancakes and an Instagram-worthy Doughnut Tree adorned with six colourful treats in three flavours that change every week.

yardbird singapore brunch 2

While brunch is a huge deal for Yardbird, its lunch and dinner menus are also up to par. Founder and owner John Kunkel especially recommends their amazing ribs. “We serve them in this dome filled with smoke and it’s absolutely delicious,” he added. To complement, the restaurant also has an extensive bar programme serving unique handcrafted cocktails and a large selection of whiskeys.

2. Bloom

blossom mariana bay sands

One of Marina Bay Sands’ newest addition, Bloom is a contemporary Chinese restaurant that takes the best of Canton, Sichuan and Shanghai cuisines and adapting it with a modern take. The result is a flawless balance of traditional and modern flavours and techniques. Among the dishes we tried, our ultimate favourite is the Poached Fish Noodles and Lobster in Lobster soup. The broth was heartwarming yet rich in flavour while the noodles—made from fish—were both silky and chewy. Another stunner was the Pan-fried Japanese Scallops and Edamame Beancurd with foie gras. A simple dish with a touch of indulgence, we certainly wanted second (and third) helpings.

3. Spago

spago marina bay sands

Yes, the same one by Wolfgang Puck. The Singapore outpost marks Spago’s first venture into Asia and if you opt for the Bed and Breakfast with your stay at Marina Bay Sands, the breakfast buffet is included (you can also choose to dine at Rise or Adrift) and it’s quite a spread! Make sure to order your omelette with fried bacon bits—fluffy yet crunchy.
Side note: As you make your way to the restaurant, you’ll pass by the popular (and crowded) Infinity Pool. Be there extra early if you wish to capture that Instagram-worthy shot.

Other notable mentions of the places we tried: Lavo Singapore (must-try: The signature one-pound meatball), Black Tap (for craft beers and crazy shakes) and DB Bistro & Oyster Bar (calling seafood lovers).

WHAT TO DO
1. Check out The Shoppes for shopping and more
The list of brands is almost endless and you can literally spend hours here. From international luxury brands to emerging labels, it is, however, more than just a shop till you drop experience. The interior is worth taking a moment to admire and that extends to installations such as The Rain Oculus that sits right above the mall’s canal—where sampan rides are available should you wish—facing the new Hugo store.

Then, there’s the Louis Vuitton Island Maison. An underwater tunnel connects the Maison with The Shoppes and it’s decked with a theme for a few months to match the current season before changing to the next. Another must-visit stop is Penhaligon’s, a luxury British perfume house with a story to tell for every fragrance. They even have a quiz for you to take to narrow down three to four fragrances that you might like. Another highlight at The Shoppes is the interactive Digital Light Canvas, which brings us to the next point.

2. Relish your inner child at the Digital Light Canvas
A first-of-its-kind multi-sensory digital installation by the award-winning Japanese art collective teamLab, the Digital Light Canvas is great to watch from a floor above as well as to ‘play’ on the ‘canvas’ itself. Located at the North Promenade, it features a combination of a 14-metre tall light sculpture suspended from the ceiling and an LED floor spanning 15 metres in diameter.

digital light canvas mbs singapore

The former is programmed to project 3D objects onto the installation via a smartphone (they offer personalised animations for special occasions such as wedding proposals, birthdays and anniversaries) while the latter produces graphics following people’s movement on it (e.g trails of light will follow wherever you step on the floor).

3. Be inspired and intrigued at the ArtScience Museum
Last, but not least, the famed ArtScience Museum where many have had a taste via its Future World: Where Art Meets Science exhibition. There’s currently one other interesting exhibition that is running till 14 April 2019—Minimalism: Space. Light. Object. Adrian George, Associate Director of the ArtScience Museum, who also curated it, said it’s the first survey of minimalist art held in Southeast Asia. Minimalism is pretty much a buzz word these days but in the form of art, it could surprisingly extend to sound as well as a myriad of colours.

Interestingly, a Malaysian composer is also participating in the exhibition. The Sound Room explores the concept of minimalism in the form of audio and Adeline Kong’s recent piece, Herringbone was selected to end the programme on a high note. During the tour, George also stressed that unlike other themes of art, there is no second meaning to a piece of minimalist art. “It is what it is,” he said. And that’s what it was.

Find out the latest happenings and more at Marina Bay Sands via their website, Facebook or Instagram.

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Beauty
Everything you could ever need to know about UTIs, explained

15.10.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Hello ladies: Today we’re diving right into the taboo. However, we’re not talking about breast health, uteruses, vaginas or sex. Our topic of the day? UTIs. That’s right—we’re talking about urinary tract infections. Now, don’t get confused; although it’s acronym is three letters and it concerns your groin, we are not talking about IBS. No, today we’re talking about your need to pee… constantly.
Ahead, find all of your burning questions answered.
What is a UTI?

Image: Medical News Today
Urinary tract infections or UTIs as you’re probably more familiar with, describes any infection of the urinary tract, which encompasses the kidneys, the bladder, and the tubes that run between them.
UTIs generally tend to occur in women, who are 30 times more likely to develop a UTI than men (boo). In fact, statistics show that over 50 to 80 percent of women will contract at least one UTI in their lifetime, and 20 to 30 percent will suffer a recurrent UTI. Why must we women suffer more? Apparently, we have our relatively short urethras to blame.
UTIs can happen in any of the organs, but for ease of reference they are split between the upper urinary tract (the kidneys and the ureters), and the lower urinary tract (the bladder and the urethra). The infections are referred to by different names depending on where they occur. For example, a bladder infection is called cystitis, a urethral infection is called urethritis and a kidney infection is called pyelonephritis.
There are two types of UTIs: simple, and complicated. Simple UTIs are the kind usually seen in women, or healthy people with normal urinary tracts. Complicated UTIs, on the other hand, are more common in men and children, or in abnormal urinary tracts. Your doctor will know the key difference, so don’t worry for now.
As for why they happen? It goes without saying—your genitals are covered in bacteria. But don’t freak out yet: A lot of this bacteria is good for you. However, sometimes E. Coli The Terrible (Note: Sometimes other bacteria are responsible) decides to wreak havoc on your poor urinary tract and boom—you can’t pee right.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?

According to this article, the general symptoms depend on whether you have an upper or a lower UTI.
Symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection:

A strong, and frequent, urge to pee
Cloudy, bloody or smelly pee
Pain (often described as a burning sensation) when you pee
Nausea and vomiting
Lower abdomen pain

Symptoms of an upper urinary tract:

Fever, chills and rigors
Back pain that occasionally radiates to the waist
Nausea and vomiting
Possible symptoms of lower urinary tract infection
Septic shock

Why do I have a UTI?

When it comes to UTI’s, you’re spoilt for choice of cause—it could be anything from:

Sexual intercourse This is particularly common if you’re having sex frequently, and especially if there are multiple or new partners involved (slow down, tiger!)
Poor personal hygiene UTIs are, as we’ve mentioned, bacterial infections. It’s clear why poor personal hygiene will put you a lot higher up on the risk factor
Forms of contraception In particular, diaphragms and condoms with spermicidal foams are linked to a higher risk of contracting a UTI
Pregnancy A growing fetus puts pressure on your urinary tract, which can trap bacteria and/or cause difficulties peeing
Menopause Once you hit menopause, you may have trouble fully emptying your bladder (fun!) which puts you at a higher risk of a UTI
Heavy antibiotics use Antibiotics can disrupt the natural flora of your gut and your urinary tract, leaving you susceptible to infection
Diabetes This metabolic disease causes frequent urination and high blood sugar, neither of which bode well for UTIs

How do I treat a lower UTI?

Image: Shutterstock
Lucky for you, your doctor’s doing all the heavy lifting here. The most common treatment is a bit of a no-brainer. Bacterial infections are treated with—yep, you guessed it: Antibiotics. However, if you can’t take antibiotics for any reason, there is one sneaky treatment your doctor might use to avoid the development of dangerous bacterial resistances. This is a drug called Methenamine that stimulates the production of formaldehyde in your bladder to kill those nasty buggers. Fret not, though—it won’t pickle you from the inside out.
If you’ve exhausted the medical professional route and you’re looking to speed up the purging process, there are a few things you can do at home. The first is to keep the water flowing. The idea is that the more you pee, the quicker the infection passes.
Plus, if you have any girlfriends who have had unfortunate brushes with ye olde UTI, you may have heard that cranberry juice makes an excellent infection-buster. Now, we won’t say that it doesn’t work at all, but studies have shown that if it does help, it’s not much. However, cranberry juice is delicious and you should not need a UTI to validate your drinking habits. Just make sure you’re keeping everything in moderation—around 30% of participants in this study reported stomach issues after going too hard on the juice.
How can I prevent myself from getting a UTI (again)?

Well, the unfortunate truth is that UTI’s are typically a recurring thing. The statistics are not in your favour. However, the experts do recommend a few things that can mitigate the risks:
Pee before and after sex
The thought behind this is that it will flush out any nasties hanging around where they shouldn’t be (and we’re not talking about your partner).
Drink plenty of liquids, especially water
Nipping to the loo more often helps you avoid any illegal loitering of bacteria in your nethers
Wipe from front to back
Now if you don’t already do this, you’re going to be horrified to learn why you should. Fecal matter is full of ‘bad’ bacteria, and you’ve been wiping them home by going bum to bush! We cannot stress enough that you should always, for the love of all things holy, wipe from front-to-back.
Drink cranberry juice
Hey—we both know this might not work but that shouldn’t stop you. Go wild.
Avoid douching
Ladies, odd as it may seem, this cleaning process can actually end up doing more harm than good. Your vagina is full of both good and bad bacteria, and douching indiscriminately wipes out the good guys! Douching is a particularly bad idea if you’ve had a few UTIs already. While you’re at it, avoid getting any kind of fragrances around your hoo-ha. Also, avoid the bath like the plague—there’s nothing worse for your urethra than sitting in a tub of your own dirt.
Change your birth control
Contraception is the best baby-preventing invention since abstinence, but there are so many options that it’s near-impossible to tell what’s right for you. Allow us to help—we can narrow down your choices for you. If you’re UTI-prone, steer clear of diaphragms and unlubricated or spermicide-treated condoms as they can contribute to the growth of the bad bacteria you’re trying to avoid.
Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing
Why? To keep your genitals dry, of course! Wearing gentle, airy fabrics will not only ease the discomfort of your UTI, but keeping your urethra dry will also help to prevent fostering further infections.
For more feminine health stories, click here. This article is not a substitute for medical advice. Although information is cited accordingly, do not make any medical decisions based on this article.

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News
7 Things to know about Ismail Sabri, Malaysia’s 9th Prime Minister
Man of the hour

20.08.2021
By Adelina Tan

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Third time’s the charm? Former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is now the ninth Prime Minister of Malaysia. He is Malaysia’s third Prime Minister in three years, following the resignation of former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday, 16 August.

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Ismail Sabri will be sworn in by the King this Saturday, 2:30pm, at Istana Negara. Out of 220 members of Parliament (MPs), 114 backed him for the top position, giving him a slim majority sufficient to form the new government.
What was the topic of our new Prime Minister’s thesis? Who are his family? Why did he go viral for his shirts? Being curious ourselves, we’ve put together seven things to know about the man of the hour:
1. A son of Pahang

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He was born on 18 January, 1960 in Temerloh, Pahang—making him 61 years old. He attended primary school at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bangau (1967) before moving to Kuantan, the state capital of Pahang, to continue his secondary education at Sekolah Menengah Air Putih (1973). He then transferred to Sekolah Menengah Teknik Kuantan, Pahang (1976), before completing Form Six at Jaya Akademik.
2. Formerly a lawyer

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In 1980 at the University of Malaya, Ismail Sabri pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). We’d love to sneak a peek at his thesis, about the treatment of political detainees in Malaysia, and hear more about his thoughts on the matter.
His legal career was cut short when, after just two years of working as a lawyer, he was appointed a Member of the Temerloh District Council in 1987.
3. A man of sports and culture

1995 was Ismail Sabri’s breakthrough year, as he was chosen to be Political Secretary to the Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism (then Datuk Sabbaruddin Chik). In the same year, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Pahang Tenggara Board (DARA) and the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board.
The next year, in 1996, he was promoted to a Member of the Temerloh Municipal Council. Sports may get a boost under our new PM, as Ismail Sabri is well-acquainted with the field, serving as Chairman of the National Sports Complex before entering Parliament in 2004, as the first member of the new seat of Bera.
4. Other positions he’s held

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In 1987, Ismail Sabri held his first position in UMNO, as a Member of the Temerloh UMNO Division Committee. He went on to rise in ranks within Temerloh UMNO as Division Information Chief, Division Head of Youth Movement, Deputy Head of Division, and ultimately, Head of Temerloh UMNO Division in 2004. He was elected to Parliament in the 2004 election, becoming the first member of the new seat of Bera.
He is currently Deputy President of UMNO. The new Prime Minister has also held various portfolios as a cabinet minister:

Minister for Youth and Sports (2008–2009)

Minister for Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism (2009–2013)

Minister for Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry (2013–2015)

Minister of Rural and Regional Development (2015–2018)

Minister of Defence and Senior Minister of Malaysia (Security Cluster) (2020–2021)

5. Who’s who in the new “first family” of Malaysia

Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri and Datin Seri Muhaini Zainal Abidin tied the knot in 1986. Over the years, they’ve raised four children: Three sons, and one daughter. His eldest, Datin Nina Sabrina, is married to fashion designer Jovian Mandagie. Their child, Jeanelle Nika Mandagie, is the apple of her grandfather’s eyes.
Ismail Sabri’s son, Gaddafi—who goes by Dafi—is the other famous member of the family. A singer and actor, he’s a Akademi Fantasia alumni and (fun fact) voiced Troy in the Bahasa Malaysia dub of High School Musical.

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6. Adventurous with his shirts

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As the father-in-law of a prominent name in fashion, the new Prime Minister’s bold fashion choices—at least when it comes to his shirts—has sparked the people’s imagination more than once. Throughout the pandemic, Ismail Sabri was often called upon, in his former role as Senior Minister (Security Cluster), to deliver briefings on the country’s daily Covid-19 situation.
One creative genius has even likened the shirts he’s worn to kuih, ice cream and other desserts. Mandagie says he, along with Ismail Sabri’s wife—Datin Seri Muhaini—frequently provide his father-in-law with fashion advice.
It seems like our new PM expresses his adventurous side through fashion, as seen in his fondness for bright colours and eye-catching prints.
7. Shortest-ruling Deputy Prime Minister

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Before becoming Prime Minister, Ismail Sabri’s name had already gone down in Malaysian history as the shortest-ruling Deputy Prime Minister. His term lasted for only 40 days.

While we don’t know yet what contributions the new government will make to the country, we can be sure that interesting times are ahead.

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Lifestyle
Celebrating 120 years of Swarovski’s multi-faceted world, the crystal company launches an all-new book
Bedazzling the world

19.10.2015
By Buro247

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Swarovski turns 120 this year, and with the celebration of this milestone came the launch of the crystal company’s sumptuous new book. Chronicling over a century of collaborations with some of the world’s most renowned creative talents, the book illustrates the story of how Swarovski crystals became one of the most highly coveted, prized element used by designers and coveted brands around the world.
Published by Rizzoli, Swarovski: Celebrating a History of Collaborations in Fashion, Jewelry, Performance, and Design features contributions by globally renowned commentators such as Suzy Menkes, Alice Rawsthorn, Vivienne Becker, Deborah Nadoolman Landis, Deyan Sudjic and Colin McDowell.
Catch a glimpse of iconic Hollywood and fashion icons commemorated in the book in this video:

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Makeup
Valentine’s Day 2022: 7 New makeup essentials you need for the prettiest (foolproof) date night look

04.02.2022
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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PSA: The most romantic night of the year is fast-approaching (we’re talking T-10 days til V-day, people!), so if there was any time to get yourself together, now would be it. Why? Well, for this year’s Valentine’s Day, you may actually find yourself out and about in society for the first time in two years—our point being that whether it’s a stroll in the park or a dinner date for two out on the town, there is finally reason to dress to impress.
Naturally, any pretty dress needs a good beauty beat to go along with it, which is where our nifty little guide comes in. Ahead, we’ve compiled the hottest launches in makeup to hit BURO’s beauty desk so you can look your best while you’re dressed your best this Valentine’s Day.
Whether you’re hoping to keep your skin matte all night long or you want our tried-and-true secret to perfect red lips, we’ve got you covered. Ahead, here’s what we’re adding to cart for date night:
Face:
Gucci Beauty
Sérum De Beauté Fluide Matifiant, RM245

Every long-lasting look starts with a good base—that’s where Gucci’s new mattifying primer comes in handy. Formulated to keep your foundation looking fresh while keeping your skin beautifully hydrated, this gel primer is a must-have on date night.
It controls shine throughout the night thanks to its the sebum-regulating complex of Moambe Jaune Tree extract, salicylic acid, and bamboo powders, and primes your skin with soothing rose centifolia distillate as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Available at the Gucci Beauty KLCC Store, Gucci Beauty Boutique at MidValley, and Gucci Beauty counter at Sogo Southkey.

Laneige
Neo Foundation, RM170

Following the success of the best-selling Neo Cushion, the latest launch by Laneige is the Neo Foundation. Formulated to deliver on the latest makeup trend, cloud-skin, this new creation delivers a demi-matte finish with a subtle glow.
Available in both matte and glow finishes, the foundation also offers 48 hours of long-lasting coverage, anti-oxidation technology, and anti-pollution protection. Needless to say, even if your date ends up running overtime (wink wink), you can rest assured that your base will stay intact!
Shop Neo Foundation Matte here. Shop Neo Foundation Glow here.
NARS
Limited Edition Love Affair Radiant Creamy Concealer, RM120

The brand’s cult-favourite concealer now comes with a brand-new makeover. Packaged in a glass tube and decked out with an exclusive gold-and-red heart top, you’ll be in the mood for love with just one swipe.
The formulation offers buildable medium coverage with a stunning dewy finish—the perfect companion for covering up pesky breakouts and blemishes. Your date will never know what you’re hiding…
Available here.
EYES:
Chanel
Les 4 Ombres in Méditerranéen, RM276

Inspired by the villa that once belonged to Gabrielle Chanel, La Pausa, the palette includes four earthy shades that perfectly capture the Mediterranean landscape: An iridescent platinum, a gold highlighter, a beige copper, and a brown khaki. These romantic shades will draw attention to your peepers in a sultry, yet subtle way—the perfect companion for those flirty gazes you’ll be throwing out, eh?
Available here.
Patrick Ta
Major Dimension Precision Gel Eye Liner, RM120

This creamy gel pencil liner is the perfect companion for date night—applying with full coverage and setting to a completely budge-proof finish, it offers all the versatility of a liquid eyeliner in a more convenient pencil form. No smudgy lashlines or panda eyes at the end of the night.
Available here.
LIPS:
Christian Dior
Rouge Dior

The perfect pout is undoubtedly the most important part of any Valentine’s makeup look, so a good lippy is crucial to have on-hand for the evening. Our pick? The latest launch by Dior Beauty.
The Limited Edition New Look Rouge Dior collection comes in six stunning shades, including the velvet finish 100 Nude Look, 720 Icône, and red 999 in addition to the satin finish 312 Incandescent, the metallic finish 525 Chérie, and the matte finish 772 Classic.
TIP: Use this lippy as your blush for a beautiful monochrome look!
SHOP HERE
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Lip Liner

The latest launch from ABH is a must-have for any date night look—in lieu of a lippy (or, better yet, used with a lipstick), these pigmented, long-wearing pencils are a dream companion for kissable, mask-proof lips. Just use the pencil to sketch out your lip shape and fill in the centre, then either leave it be, add some gloss, or top up with a swipe of lipstick.
SHOP HERE
For more Valentine’s Day stories like this, click here.

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Beauty
Nail the perfect statement eye and lip in less than 5 minutes
Lady of the night

28.11.2015
By Terry Saw

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

For the face
“Firstly, use Diorskin Nude Air Serum Foundation to enhance your complexion and give the skin a naturally healthy glow. Apply with your fingertips or using the Backstage Light Coverage Fluid Foundation Brush No. 11, blending the foundation from the center of the face outwards.

“Next, you’ll want to neutralise dark circles around the eyes. Diorskin Fix It will do the trick – it lifts, smoothens and sculpts the eye contour area.
“Highlight the five key areas of the face – the tip of the chin, bridge of the nose, forehead, cheekbones and the wings of the nose using Dior Skinflash. This delivers subtle touches of light to brighten and revitalise your key features.

“Pat loose powder to refresh and add radiance to your complexion before applying Diorskin Rosy Glow onto the cheeks for a pretty flush.”

For the eyes
“Especially with statement eyes, you’ll want to use a primer on the lids to make sure your eye makeup stays throughout the night. Backstage Eye Prime doesn’t only ensure your eyeshadow doesn’t transfer, but it also keeps the colour even and as intense as when you applied it.

“All the colours you need to create the statement eye, you’ll get from the 5 Couleurs Collector – Christmas 2015 Collector’s Edition palette:
1. Use the Frosted Chestnut all over the lids to make the colour of your eyes pop.
2. Blend the bold Claret Red at the outer corners of the eyes upwards for instantly bigger peepers.
3. Line the lash lines and outer corners of the eyes with Scintillating Charcoal for added depth. Layer for intensity.
4. Illuminate the inner corners of the eyes with the Creamy Nude heart.
5. Highlight the brow bone using the Pale Pink shade to finish.

On the lips
“Line the lips with Dior Contour to enhance lip volume before filling it in with Diorific Mat – Christmas 2015 Limited Edition in 750 Fabuleuse.

“The aim is to go bold, so you’ll want a rich, intense colour for the lips as the finishing touch to the look. Now all that’s left is to party!”
Related stories:
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Style
Fashion buzz: Red Velvet’s Irene and EXO’s Chanyeol are Prada’s new ambassadors, the Coach x Jean-Michel Basquiat collection is here, and more

23.09.2020
By Lea Rina

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Prada introduces its newest ambassadors: Red Velvet’s Irene Bae and EXO’s Chanyeol Park

From Blackpink Rosé’s appointment at Saint Laurent to EXO’s Kai’s reign at Gucci, it’s safe to say that K-pop is taking over the fashion world, and it’s definitely not stopping anytime soon. The latest brand that has jumped on the bandwagon? Prada and its new brand ambassadors, Red Velvet’s Irene Bae and EXO’s Chanyeol Park. To mark the announcement, the duo showcased their charm in a special shoot, featuring the brand’s Autumn/Winter 20 collection.

The Coach x Jean-Michel Basquiat collection is here

 View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Coach (@coach) on Sep 14, 2020 at 9:30am PDT

The unveiling of the collaboration during New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2021 has set the fashion (and art) world abuzz since last September. Now, the Coach x Jean-Michel Basquiat collection is finally here and it’s the fashion-art crossover you never knew you needed. From ready-to-wear pieces to bags, the artist’s signature graffiti can be spotted peppered on the pieces.
The brand released its global campaign starring Jennifer Lopez, Michael B. Jordan, Jeremy Lin, and Basquiat’s niece, Jessica Kelly earlier this month, but locally, Coach has also teamed up with the local It-list to celebrate the launch. Nur Fazura, Fattah Amin, Joe Flizzow, and Yuna were some of the celebrities in the mix, alongside fashion influencers Jane Chuck, Ashley Lau, Juwei Teoh, Brian See, and more.

Coach x Jean-Michel Basquait is now available in stores.

Stella McCartney launches its first genderless collection

It’s impossible to mention sustainable fashion without thinking of Stella McCartney, and now, the brand has set its sights on gender fluidity. For the first time ever, the brand has unveiled its first unisex line that’s a “celebration of individuality, diversity, and positivity in the face of climate change”.
The capsule collection is comprised of streetwear favourites including utilitarian puffer jackets and trench coats, matching co-ords, and hoodies and track pants, which will undoubtedly appeal to the younger generation (and their other half).

Calvin Klein Underwear unveils its Autumn/Winter 2020 campaign featuring Lay Zhang, Hyuna and Dawn, and more

For Autumn 2020, Calvin Klein Underwear has unveiled its new Asia campaign, and as usual, it features a star-studded cast. The stars this season? Musician Lay Zhang, K-pop couple Hyuna and Dawn, and more. In the images shot by renowned photographers Trunk Xu, Jumbo Tsui, Janghyun Hong, and Giseok Cho, the celebs can be seen lounging around in the latest collections, Icon and Perfectly Fit Flex.

Raf Simons is doing womenswear

Yes, you heard that right. Seven months after Raf Simons announced his new role as the co-creative director of Prada, the designer has revealed that he will be launching his first-ever womenswear range under his eponymous label on—mark your calendars—October 23. The collection will be presented alongside his Men’s Spring/Summer 2021 line.
On another note, the designer will be showing his first collection for Prada as its co-creative director on September 24.

H&M Studio’s AW20 collection is a disco dream come true

H&M Studio’s AW20 collection is here, and if you’re looking to give your wardrobe a striking overhaul, these pieces are not to be missed. Dubbed “The Refined Rebel”, the collection takes inspo from 19th-century writer Vernon Lee and pop icon David Bowie, with notes of ’70s rock, disco, and punk radiating throughout. Eye-catching silhouettes, the plethora of embellishment, and the bold colour palette can be found in the form of pantsuits that are nipped at the waist, glitter co-ords, and frilled blouses—they make the perfect party ensembles.
In a statement by the brand, creative advisor Ann-Sofie Johansson says, “The AW20 Studio collection muse is not afraid to challenge the status quo. This collection is for those that celebrate being oneself above all else. We hope our customers feel inspired to dress with a carefree, rebellious attitude.”
H&M Studio’s Autumn/Winter 2020 collection will launch online on September 24.

Read last week’s Fashion Buzz here.

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Film, TV + Theatre
Chinese New Year 2021: Top 9 CNY commercials of 2021 that made us feel things

14.02.2021
By Sanjeeva Suresh

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While most Chinese New Year advertisements of years past are typically filled with some level of comedic relief or sentimental family narratives, this year they mostly all had a similar notion. It was the adapting and coping of festivities and the sense of unity amidst the ongoing pandemic. The main takeaway? It’s that there isn’t much we can’t get through with some familial love and a sense of togetherness. While we enjoy this Chinese New Year weekend, let’s look back at some of the stand-out commercials that really resonated with Malaysians. So grab your box of tissues because tears and laughter will ensue. I’m not crying, you are!
1. Etiqa’s “How do you get from C– To A+?”

Theme: Choose love before anger
This touching video from Etiqa shows a son amidst his exam preparations. Adjusting to classes from home, he tries to concentrate on an online Zoom class but is continuously distracted by his family who delegates him random chores. In a fit of anger and frustration, he leaves the house saying, “I don’t want to be a failure because of my family”. Once he calms down, he returns to find his family members have left, leaving behind symbols and displays of luck. Racked with guilt, he returns to his room to find his family gathered to surprise him with a plate of yee sang. He soon realises that the distractions were all a ruse by his family to get him out of the house so they can hang these decorations and displays of luck. He apologises and regrets his behaviour, leaving viewers to remember that family comes first above the stress of exams and deadlines.
2. TNB’s “Nian-tastic New Start”

Theme: Unity against adversity
Tenaga National combines comedy with traditional festivities. The advertisement takes us on a journey to a time from long ago, where rural villagers search far and wide to learn the ancient secret to triumphing over evil and unlocking true prosperity. Every year the evil “Nian” makes an appearance. Leading up to this, various problems plague the village, from a family cat losing its fur to a chicken laying smaller eggs. To put an end to these problems, a few villagers seek out a mystic master who lives a life of solitude (apart from a modern touch-screen iPad) in a cave. He “advises” them to chase away this terrible “Nian” by a display of unity. They believe a converging of firecrackers and auspicious music and singing should scare him away, and it works! The theme here is that with joy and good energy, challenges are easier to overcome together. The clip closes with the phrase “together, we’ll rise above adversity and welcome prosperity”.
3. Celcom’s “Story of Strength”

Theme: Bonds from union strengthen with every reunion
This short and sweet video from Celcom highlights what most Malaysians celebrating Chinese New Year are facing. The question of how to adapt and cope with the celebrations this year. The clip shows a little girl asks her “Ah Po” about Chinese New Year. Her grandmother explains that while yes, things will be different this year, this is not the first time she’s seen hardship. As images from colonial Malaysia and World War II flash onscreen, viewers are reminded that history has seen difficult moments too. The “Ah Po” tells the little Wei Wei that “there is nothing we cannot overcome when we are together”. The video ends with the grandmother saying “as long as we are together, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome” while a virtual gathering takes place.
4. RHB’s “Love Carries On”

Theme: Progress starts by lifting others to reach their dream
Have your box of tissues ready because this advertisement from RHB—based on a true story—is guaranteed to pull at your heart-strings. The audience is immediately drawn into a speech given by a graduate during her convocation ceremony. In the speech, she thanks her dedicated father, who not only lifted her to reach her dreams but physically carried her when she was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. The story shows how far a father’s love goes, especially as she says “when it would have been easier to give up”. The story is based on Ngu Nyok Ping’s 2016 convocation ceremony speech. Her father Ngu Ee Kiong carried her to school after she lost her mobility. Nyok Ping now dedicates her life to helping other disabled people.
5. Maxis’ “Little Lion”

Theme: Happiness and health is worth more than luxury
Sometimes it’s easy to forget how Covid-19 affects children. Imagine being a young child growing up during a pandemic. That’s what Maxis highlights in their Chinese New Year film. We see a family struggle to cope financially, all the while placating their youngest family member who is an aspiring lion dancer. As Covid-19 sees the cancellation of lion dancing classes, the boy steals moments to practise it with a wicker lion’s head before an older family member asks him to do household chores. We soon come to discover that the adults are trying to incorporate nuanced lion dance moves while carrying out the chores, from the stance to the jump. The underlying message is that the family’s health is truly their biggest wealth. While the family may have moved into a smaller house and sacrificed on luxuries, the family members are still together, united and happy.
6. Prudential’s “The Reunion”

Theme: Happiness is a place within you
This heartfelt short film highlights a photographer’s life as she battles between work-related stress and passion for her art. This stress soon has her suffering a mild stroke, and she awakes to find herself at her family home. Brooding and stir-crazy, she rejects all the joy that comes from Chinese New Year and prefers time on her own rather than with family. It takes a little girl to reunite her with her love of photography, and soon she’s back on her feet again. Here’s the twist: the little girl is actually herself. Viewers discover that the main character has been reminded of her younger self from a photo album from 1998. She ultimately discovers that true happiness can only be found within oneself. The message is subtle but a strong one. That it is only we who can choose to wallow in sorrow or dig from within and find happiness instead.
7. Watsons’ #HappyBeautifulNewYear

Theme: Surviving hardships together
This video starts off with a flashback from 1998 (although to be honest, the styling and hair are more mid-80’s if anything). It begins with a catfight from two budding stars that results in the performing duo parting ways. We fast forward to the present day, and there’s still a grudge between the two. The daughter (played by Jenn Chia) decides to use the power of music to bring the pair together—and it works. This short incorporates nostalgia and shows viewers that ultimately love and friendship are worth holding on to rather than decades-old petty grudges. There is also a heavy display of Watson’s cosmetics products, predominantly their eyeliner. The ad also features a plethora of local celebs including Amber Chia (who really displays some acting chops here), JinnyBoy, Lizz Chloe and Ayda Jebat, to name a few.
8. Tesco’s “Ong Medley”

Theme: Adapting to a “new normal”
We are introduced to a family coping with a “new normal” brought on by Covid-19. Mother, father, son and daughter each face their own personal battle against boredom. Kudos to the team for featuring an Indian lead actor and including him with a Chinese voiceover. The video incorporates music (or medleys) with different genres representing various offerings from Tesco. 80’s pop for fresh produce and seafood, R&B for hampers and gifts, a 90’s ballad for grooming and promoting a healthy lifestyle and a 2000s-style rap for streetwear fashion. The video has already garnered over five million views.
9. Apple’s “Discovery of the Nian”

Theme: Sometimes the biggest fear we face is the fear of the unknown
“Why is everyone afraid of the Nian?” It’s a question asked by Ah Ting, the protagonist of this short film. Shot on an iPhone 12 Pro Max (something viewers may easily forget because of the sheer quality of the video), this coming-of-age story highlights the unhindered spirit and bravery of a curious young girl. Ah Ting refutes her parents’ belief that the “Nian” is a child-eating creature and seeks to find out the truth for herself. Her dangerous adventure leads her to befriending Nian. As she grows older, she realises that the fear towards Nian was based on rumours and hearsay, so she attempts to ingratiate the creature back into society. The film appears to end on a cliffhanger. Viewers see Ah Ting’s parents accompany her into the forest—though they were initially against this idea—and befriend Nian. As the closing credits roll, we see a happy ending as Nian joins the family for an evening meal. The short film is directed by Lulu Wang and created by the team behind the Golden Globe-nominated film, The Farewell.
For more more Chinese New Year 2021, click here

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Watches
Eye candy: See all 60 years of the Omega Speedmaster from its online catalogue
Get up to speed

14.03.2017
By Gwen Ong

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Born in 1957, the Omega Speedmaster is a legend. The timepiece is often associated with the NASA space flight programmes of the 1960’s and 1970’s. In 1969, spaceman Buzz Aldrin wore the Speedmaster Professional – a chronograph that earned the title ‘Moonwatch’, when he stepped on the surface of the moon.

The first generation’s wristwatches were not intended for space flight though, it functioned more of a tool watch for racing car drivers as it was the world’s first chronograph wristwatch with a tachymeter scale on the bezel. Hence, today these watches are prized by serious watch collectors, which were made in limited quantity.

A post shared by OMEGA (@omega) on Mar 7, 2017 at 7:21am PST

Since its introduction, the Speedmaster has been made in different variations but one thing stays true—its precision, readability and robustness. All the iconic models of the Omega Speedmaster collection is now available for viewing online.

On the online archive, you can read up on the history of the respective watch from the year of its release, its history and technical details. So, yes, you can geek out to a range of basic technical specs including case diameter, calibre number, reference number, front crystal material and etc. You’ll also get to discover exclusive materials like detailed manuals, advertisements, movement spec and fun facts for some of the releases from recent years. Be warned, you could potentially spend a few hours just browsing through the collection! Check it out here.

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Lifestyle
Push yourself further: Jabra’s Sport Coach Wireless
#BeatYourBest

05.08.2015
By Buro247

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On August 1st, Jabra officially launched the Jabra Sport Coach Wireless in Malaysia. The Jabra Sport Coach is a headset engineered to meet the needs of cross training enthusiasts as they can create customised workouts based on 40 different exercises. Users can get real-time coaching through the unique earbuds, which are equipped with Dolby sound technology.

Jabra is no novice when it comes to creating audio solution for fitness enthusiasts. In fact, they are the pioneers in this area with the award winning Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless that gave users in-ear heart rate monitoring. It is no surprise that 81% of consumers report working out with the Jabra Sport Coach makes it easy to get the extra motivation they needed.

As cross training, or high-intensity interval training, is the top workout trend for 2015, the Jabra Sport Coach Wireless was created specifically to enhance this exercise style. The Jabra Sport Coach Wireless retails at RM649.

Available at IT Hypermarket, epiCentre, Machines, Radioshack, and Viewnet Computer Systems.

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Travel
This is the world’s new tallest hotel—and it’s decked in gold
Dubai’s on a high

19.02.2018
By Rachel Au

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The title of the world’s tallest hotel didn’t have to leave very far. It went from the JW Marriott Marquis in Dubai to the Gevora Hotel in, well, Dubai. The latter won by just a metre. Officially a four-star property, the Gevora spared no expense in making sure it’s coated in luxury. It’s decked out in solid gold (including the revolving doors at the lobby), five glitzy restaurants, a health club, and a rooftop bar with a pool that beat the one at Marina Bay Sands to become the highest swimming pool in the world.

With its towering height, one can surely expect panoramic views all around. The spa, in particular, is on the 71st floor. The property houses a total of 528 bedrooms – and butlers to usher guests to them – at a starting rate of DH650 (approx. RM688) per night. The Gevora Hotel, however, is not the world’s highest hotel. That title remains with The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, which is located from the 102nd to 118th floors of the 488-meter International Commerce Centre.

Gevora Hotel, 101 Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; +971 4 524 0000

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Food + Drink
Sitka Studio: An alternative dining space
Honestly tantalising

11.04.2016
By Rachel Au

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Fashion is starting to change its game to a ‘See Now, Buy Now’ concept, beauty brands are implementing new ingredients to formulate better (and easier) products, and we are now on the path to the age of virtual reality and 3D printing. The world is ever-changing and people are always finding new ways to refresh what is familiar—the same effort applies to food. For us Malaysians, we’ve seen food trends come and go/stay, and we’ve tried franchises from overseas; but a concept that seems to be trending is the use of fresh, local produce, traditional ingredients and modern techniques to create good food with a different expression and a new fusion of tastes. Sitka Studio on Jalan Batai is one such place that practises this.

From the founder of Aberdeen, UK’s renowned Moon Fish Restaurant, Christian Recomio and PJ’s friendly neighbourhood cafe Food Foundry founder Jenifer Kuah (who also started Feeka and Butter & Beans) comes Sitka, a modern cuisine restaurant built on their love for food and shared core beliefs in creating dishes that are pure in flavours and honest in quality. Sitka Studio is an extension of that brand where they get to be a bit more playful by experimenting with different ingredients to create a simple yet innovative tasting menu exclusively for two nights a month only.

To start off with, Sitka Studio’s 9-course tasting menu for April is full of promise and surprise. Each and every dish that was brought out was met with awe at first sight before being carefully presented by either Recomio or one of his team members in the kitchen, who were all happy to answer any of our curious questions about the plate set in front of us. What makes it more intriguing is though Sitka Studio is a fine dining experience, it isn’t filled with the usual stiff fine dining atmosphere. With an open kitchen and an airy, comfortable space, there are no formalities—just a gathering of people with an admiration of food and rightly rewarded for it in the form of tantalising creations.

The menu began humbly with sourdough and cultured butter before piquing our interest a notch higher with a literal bird nest-like appearance served on a plate. It was actually chicken skin (so crispy) with thin slices of cauliflower, foie gras, and tiny pickled grapes (adds a slight tangy sweetness). It made for a light yet delightful taste and it was definitely my personal favourite of the night. What followed was an even more artistic display—shredded pieces of flower crab mixed with macadamia bits on top of a tofu made from nut milk. On its own, it was either bland or intense, but in one spoonful of everything together, it was a new refreshing taste (although the nut milk is still a little too strong).

The next dish was a well-received fungi party. Resembling a handful of noodles were strings of mushroom that had been stir-fried with miso and truffle oil, and topped with a large, sliced Eryngii that had been coated with miso on one side. The last appetiser of the night was egg, that served more as a dip but delicious nevertheless, and chips sprinkled with black garlic powder.

For the mains, there were the sea bass and the 28-day aged duck. The taste of the freshness of the fish is certainly to be applauded but it was the ‘oyster snow’ that stole the show at the dinner table—or so we thought until we tried the duck that topped its performance. The technique used to age the duck itself was enough to score bonus brownie points, as it needed to be kept in a storage under a constant temperature for 28 days straight till it shrunk to the size of almost two fists.

With a blissfully full stomach, it was time for desserts and both were wonderfully satisfactory to end the night. The creme fraiche with rose was light in taste and meshed well with the slight sour-sweetness of the mulberries-perfect for a heavy stomach. But what I loved most was the last dessert/dish of the night: organic chocolate with caramelised rye and parsnip ice cream topped with fried parsnip strips. Every bite was addictive though we heard some commented over the dinner table that the rye bits felt like eating breakfast. Well, to each his own and Sitka Studio is certainly one interesting story to re-tell after you try it.

The first tasting menu evening will be on 16 April and subsequently on 30 April and is priced at RM298++ per person. Sitka Studio is located at 8-5A Jalan Batai, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur. To make a reservation or for more information, visit their website.

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Technology
Review: Why the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra 5G is my personal entertainment hub
Limitless possibilities

16.05.2022
By Sarah Hani Jamil

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“Is it a tablet or a laptop?,” was the first question on my mind upon unboxing the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra 5G. At 14.6 inches wide and almost as heavy as my current work computer at 728 grams (5G), I was initially apprehensive about adding another gadget as big as this into my rotation, especially as I’ve been a loyal Apple user all the way, having used and owned several iterations of the iPhones, two Macbooks, an iPad Air and more.
The good thing going on for it, however, is that at 5.5mm, the S8 Ultra Tab is incredibly thin and stunning. Coupled with the generous display screen surface that’s surrounded by a thin bezel, and delivering exceptionally clear quality and performance with the super AMOLED touchscreen display, I knew that using it was going to be interesting. Ahead, go through my review of Samsung’s brand-new and biggest tablet on the market.

All-around media powerhouse

As previously mentioned, the S8 Ultra Tab offers a top-notch display with incredible colour contrast. On top of that, it incorporates the 4nm processor—the fastest chip in the world of Samsung Galaxy—ensuring that online streaming, action-packed games and editing videos run much faster on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 mobile platform. While I don’t really play online games, I definitely feel the difference when bingeing on a Netflix show or watching YouTube videos; it’s more enjoyable on the tab compared with viewing on a TV or laptop screen. Both the performance and animations are consistent at all times. The sound that emits from the tablet is loud, clear and fills in an entire space thanks to quad speakers and Dolby Atmos support.

A huge canvas for the S-Pen

If you’ve read Lifestyle Editor Natalie’s review of the S-Pen here, you’ll know how greatly versatile this slim tool is. Thankfully, it comes together with the purchase of the S8 Ultra Tab. One app that I’ve taken a huge liking to is the Clip Studio Paint, which lets me draw, colour and bring my creations to life. It’s very therapeutic after a long day at work. The S-Pen offers a 2.8 millisecond response time and a natural brush feel that makes it feel like I’m colouring on real paper. For utmost convenience, it can be attached magnetically on top of the tablet so you can step away without the worry of losing it. Moreover, the pen can be charged right away at the back of the tablet when you place it in its designated slot. How handy!

From play to work to play

Personally, the Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra Tab feels like a smartphone…on steroids! It works exactly like an Android phone but obviously much, much bigger. I scroll through TikTok and Instagram, listen to music, create notes, update my calendar, edit videos and more with it. However, that’s not all there is to the device. Featuring Samsung Dex, Samsung’s desktop UI (user interface), you can turn your tablet into a desktop and treat it more like a real computer, offering you the next level of versatility. You can also transfer files easily thanks to the micro SD card slot. If you’re one who needs two screens for work so you don’t have to keep opening and closing windows, you can use the tablet as a second monitor with just a click of a button. Moreover, with the split-screen feature, I can use two apps side by side and easily multi-task—work on one side and watch BTS videos on the other!

Massive battery life
Despite the device being so thin, which usually results in a smaller battery size, the S8 Ultra Tab offers an 11,200 mAH battery life. This roughly gives you eight hours of screen time before you need to charge it if you’re using it heavily throughout the day. If you’re playing with it sparingly like I have—to edit work and wind down for an hour or two—the Tab runs for a couple of days without having to be charged.

Superior camera performance

The horizontally placed camera lens in the middle of the device delivers perfectly-balanced visuals for virtual calls with work, family and friends. There are two 12MP, 4K webcams—one regular and one ultra-wide—for high-quality selfies that flatter you at any angle. Although I still prefer to take pictures with a phone, the 13MP back camera is a feature I appreciate as I can capture great images with it when and if I need to.

Is it worth the price tag?

With a starting price of RM5,899 for the Wi-Fi model, it certainly is on the high side for a tablet. However, the hefty price tag is inclusive of the tablet’s sleek black book cover, keyboard and the S-Pen, all of which are necessary additions that elevate the tab’s luxe experience. Plus, considering all the pros mentioned above, not to mention the supersized screen, and many other features I’ve yet to discover, I definitely see myself using it for the long haul. So yes, worth the investment.

For more info on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, click here.
For more tech reviews, click here.

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Watches
Here is how you can help Save The Children with Bulgari
#makeadifference

07.06.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

In 2009, Bulgari celebrated its 125th anniversary—it was also the year where they embarked on a global partnership with Save the Children, an organisation that works to promote children’s rights, provide relief and help support children in developing countries. A special jewellery collection inspired by the iconic B.Zero1 line was created by Bulgari, with proceeds going towards Save the Children ($100 per sale). They have raised US$42 million thus far, an amount that has reached 1 million beneficiaries in 29 countries where poverty, natural disasters, conflict or discrimination can hinder the children’s right to a better future.

The partnership doesn’t stop there, they also organise field trips, where influential celebrities play their part in making a difference. Recently, four celebrity friends of Bulgari—including local actress and producer Debbie Goh—travelled to Dien Bien Dong District, Vietnam to visit the projects being funded by the brand and Save the Children, as well as interact and spend time with the children.
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“To see their faces and their smiles—it was really amazing. It is really important to continue creating awareness for these children and to help meet their needs. Education is very important for their growth. I was very moved to see how Bulgari is supporting Save the Children in addressing a need that is so important but often forgotten for these marginalised children,” says Debbie. This Summer, Bulgari and Save the Children will launch a bilingual educational program in Vietnam to help improve communication between teachers and the ethnic minority children, support the children’s literacy as well as their learning environment.

Want to play a part in making a difference for the children? This month, Bulgari launches a new bracelet as part of the Save the Children jewellery collection. Crafted in sterling silver and black ceramic, the beautiful new bracelet is priced at RM2,200, where RM350 goes to charity. Take a look at the bracelet here:

The Bulgari-Save the Children jewellery collection (RM2,200 each) is available at Bulgari boutiques nationwide. For more information on the partnership, visit the website.

Related stories:
Bulgari’s ambassadors visit Nepal for Save the Children campaign
Love is in the air with Bulgari B.Zero1

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