Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd. Debuts the Nikon Z 8 in Malaysia

Mr. Keizo Fujii, Managing Director, Chief Regional Officer (S.E. Asia, Oceania, M. East, Africa Region); Mr. Jonathan Ang, General Manager (Singapore & Malaysia Business Division) at Nikon Singapore Pte. Ltd.; Mr. Francis Lai, Managing Director, Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd.; and Dato’ Billy Lai, Business Development Director, Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd (left to right) with the models
Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd., Nikon’s official distributor in Malaysia, recently officially introduced The Nikon Z 8 at the official launch in Kuala Lumpur which MHB Digital’s principal photographer Andy Kho and I attended. The Nikon Z 8 is a full-frame mirrorless camera designed for serious photographers, videographers, imaging professionals, and forward-thinking innovators. The all-new Nikon Z 8 redefines the concept of adaptable agility, packing state-of-the-art capabilities from the flagship Nikon Z 9 into a lighter, more portable form factor that is Ready for Action without ever compromising the quality of creativity.

“The new Z 8 is designed to be versatile; it is approximately 30% smaller than the Nikon Z 9, allowing users to shoot anywhere, anytime without any hassle. It comes equipped with industry-leading technology and cutting-edge features, providing crystal clear and high-resolution images and video up to 8K 60p with impressive detail, sharpness, and precise colour. The Z 8 gives professionals the utmost confidence to capture without limitations while producing remarkable files and uncompromising Nikon qualities that can shorten the time needed for post-production or editing.”
Dato’ Billy Lai, Business Development Director, Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd.
Dato’ Billy Lai, Business Development Director, Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd.
The new Z 8’s compact and lightweight video recording system, weighing only 910g, allows for adaptable filming for an extended period of time, even for a one-person operation. The camera’s compatibility with a number of videography equipment, such as the MC-N10 Remote Grip and wireless video transmitters, as well as v-mount batteries, significantly reduces the amount of gear needed during shoots and the amount of time spent setting up.
Even with a prime lens connected, the High-Res Zoom enables full-frame 4K UHD (30p/25p/24p) and Full HD video recording while allowing zooming up to an angle of view comparable to two times the focal length. The Z 8 was designed with videographers in mind, and it can record up to 125 minutes in 4K UHD/60p2 and up to 90 minutes in 8K UHD/30p3.
Users can enjoy various and nimble shooting angles with easy and flexible operation thanks to the camera’s 4-axis vertical/horizontal tilting monitor, which also supports vertical display orientation. When in shooting mode, tilting the monitor in either a vertical or horizontal direction displays the i menu in the appropriate orientation.
Mr. Keizo Fujii, Managing Director, Chief Regional Officer (S.E. Asia, Oceania, M. East, Africa Region)
Mr. Keizo Fujii, Managing Director, Chief Regional Officer (S.E. Asia, Oceania, M. East, Africa Region)
Select from a wide range of video formats – from 12-bit N-RAW and ProRes RAW to 10-bit Apple ProRes 422 HQ and 8 bit-H265 SDR in-camera recording. Create high-definition videos in 4K UHD/60p, 50p2, and 30p oversampled from 8K, allowing you to shoot in high-definition footage that can be appreciated on a large screen. For those that need greater frame rates, there are 4K 120P, 8.3K/60P (in N-RAW only), and 8K UHD/30P options, as well as N-Log for colour grading.
Users can capture bustling city scenes or epic wildlife movements with time-lapse recordings in 8K HDR that can also be viewed on Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG)-compatible 8K monitors through an HDMI 2.1 connection.

Decisive moments are easily caught on camera with the Pre-Release Capture3 function. When using High-Speed Frame Capture+, users can record up to 1 second before the shutter button is fully pressed, or up to 4 seconds after the button is fully pressed.
The camera’s autofocus identifies roughly 3% of the human face size in the frame automatically. Subject detection is also supported by 3D-tracking, autoarea autofocus (AF), and 20 other types of custom widearea AF (12 of which are seen in the movie). Capture night scenes with clarity thanks to the excellent AF detection range of -7 EV (-9 to 19 EV in starry vision mode), which allows for improved detection of targets in low-light circumstances.
Users may quickly and reliably lock focus because the AF recognises and tracks up to nine different types of subjects. The new Aeroplane mode in the AF subject detection menu helps users to quickly concentrate on the desired aircraft regardless of magnification (size) since it delivers a more steady detection, even in low-light settings or with a cluttered background.
The new HLG (HEIF) format support also allows for 10-bit still photos with richer tonal gradation.

Users may take their portrait photography to the next level by using the skin softening tool, which identifies human faces and softens the skin while keeping the eyes and hair sharp. The effect can be applied to videos, live streaming, and still images.
The portrait impression balance effect reduces editing time by enhancing portraits in-camera by changing the hue and brightness. In addition to the photo or video shooting menu, the adjustment is available via direct settings and the i menu while confirming the subjects through live view image.
Enhanced auto white balance (AWB) performance, which helps to lessen colour cast, and an intuitive user interface for altering colour temperatures can help users create more stunning portrayals.
The Sereebo® P series, a new ecologically friendly polymer used on the main body components that can withstand knocks and temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius, adds to the camera’s toughness. Furthermore, the dust-and-drip resistant construction keeps dust and fluids out of the camera.
When the power is turned off, the VR lock prevents inadvertent harm to the image sensor. Reduce the chance of dust clinging to the image sensor by using a dual coating for the optical filter and image sensor, as well as a sensor shield for when attaching and removing the lens.
With no blackout, the Real-Live Viewfinder reveals subject motion in real time. Because there is no mechanical shutter, you can capture a large number of photos of golf swings and tennis serves without worrying about shutter wear or rolling shutter distortion.
Obtain stable images with a powerful Vibration Reduction (VR) that achieves an effect similar to a shutter speed of 6.0 stops with the in-camera VR and Synchro VR. For video recording, electronic VR is also accessible.
The MB-N12 Power Battery Pack offers about 1.8x more shots and recording time while maintaining the Z 8’s dust and leak resistance. It is available separately and is designed for cold weather operations, even at -10 degrees Celsius, with USB charging and power transmission.
The camera is also the first in the Z series to feature two USB terminals, one for power charging/supply and the other for data transfer, allowing for power delivery while communicating without encountering unexpected disconnections and hence a more dependable connection on both ends.
The all-new Nikon Z 8, distributed by Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia, retails at MYR 18,338 for Z 8 BK SG (body only) and MYR 22,608 for Z 8 BK SG (24 – 120mm f4 kit).
For more information on the new Z 8 and other Nikon products, head over to https://www.futuromic.com/

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Photo credits: Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd. and the author’s own

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Product Review – ZTE Axon Elite

[Tech & Gadgets]

After the launch of the ZTE Axon Elite in Malaysia on 28 September 2015 (which you can read here – https://timchew.net/2015/10/09/zte-launches-axon-elite-in-malaysia/), I managed to get my hands on a unit to see what’s so special about this smartphone which has not one (1) but two (2) rear cameras!
Now ZTE is not new to Malaysia and if you look at your modem or router you’d probably see that it’s made by ZTE. ZTE is one of the global leaders in the mobile handset manufacturing industry in the world, offering a complete range of mobile devices, including mobile phones, tablets, mobile broadband modems and hotspots and family desktop integration terminals.
A lot of the hardware supplied to the telcos are also from ZTE. However ZTE Mobile Devices has only just recently entered the Malaysian smartphone market proper and with it came the ZTE Axon Elite which is their flagship.
First thing I had to try out when I received the smartphone was the two (2) rear cameras – a 13-megapixel and a 2-megapixel camera. The 2MP camera improves the depth of field effect for bokeh photography, and comes with a large f/1.8 aperture that spans to f/1.0, with a max shutter speed of 1/90,000 of a second. This was really quite an astounding camera for a smartphone. After shooting in bokeh mode, you can even edit the photo to adjust the focus point, and the level of depth of field effect – from none which means the whole photo is in focus, to maximum which will blur out everything except the subject in focus.
At the front is a 8-megapixel camera which unfortunately does not have beauty mode so girls, you’ll need to download third-party beauty apps if you’re the type who relies on beauty mode for your selfies.
So here’s a look at some of the photos that I shot and uploaded to Instagram, starting off with the photos shot with bokeh mode.

 View this post on Instagram

 Cocktails at SkyBar, Traders Hotel.  Photo shot with the ZTE Axon smartphone with its dual rear cameras for a beautiful bokeh/ background defocus effect without any editing.  #ZTE #zteaxon #nofilter #bokeh #tradershotelkl #cocktails
A post shared by  Tim Chew (@timchew1311) on Feb 13, 2016 at 8:35am PST

Ensure that the subject is near the smartphone and there’s a nice far background behind and you’ll end up with some shots like this one of some cocktails at SkyBar in Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

 View this post on Instagram

 Lunch with @stephiielim yesterday.  Photo shot with the #ZTE Axon using its dual rear cameras which allows beautiful bokeh/ background defocus photos without editing or applying any filter. #zteaxon #myhottestbloggers #bokeh
A post shared by  Tim Chew (@timchew1311) on Dec 30, 2015 at 2:41am PST

It works well for portraits too like this photo of MHB’s Stephanie Lim.

 View this post on Instagram

 Delicious #cake for #dessert Photo shot with the #ZTE Axon using its dual rear cameras which allows beautiful bokeh/ background defocus photos without editing or applying any filter. #zteaxon
A post shared by  Tim Chew (@timchew1311) on Dec 19, 2015 at 12:37am PST

Great for that artsy feel without the need to edit the photo.

 View this post on Instagram

 #oysters  Photo shot with the #ZTE Axon Elite smartphone with its dual rear cameras which give a #bokeh effect without the need for any editing. #zteaxonelite #nofilter #ztemalaysia
A post shared by  Tim Chew (@timchew1311) on Mar 1, 2016 at 7:00am PST

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 Plump and juicy grilled scallops!  Photo shot with the ZTE Axon Elite with its twin rear cameras which can shoot bokeh photos with no additional editing.  #scallops #ZTE #zteaxonelite #ztemalaysia #axonelite
A post shared by  Tim Chew (@timchew1311) on Feb 28, 2016 at 8:08am PST

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 Sweet Janet at the Maybank Championship 2016 at the Royal Selangor Golf Club yesterday.  Photo shot with the ZTE Axon Elite with bokeh mode.  #ZTE #zteaxonelite #nofilter #ztemalaysia @zte_malaysia
A post shared by  Tim Chew (@timchew1311) on Feb 21, 2016 at 10:46pm PST

Quite cool and very useful especially for someone like me who’s constantly attending events and taking photos. The manual mode is useful when it’s a difficult lighting situation such as poor/ dim lighting or a lot of backlight.

 View this post on Instagram

 #sushi Photo shot with the #ZTE Axon Elite smartphone. #zteaxonelite #ztemalaysia
A post shared by  Tim Chew (@timchew1311) on Mar 5, 2016 at 9:39pm PST

Fancy some sushi?

 View this post on Instagram

 Mini #salmon don Photo shot with the ZTE Axon smartphone.  #zte #ztemalaysia #zteaxon
A post shared by  Tim Chew (@timchew1311) on Jan 11, 2016 at 8:01pm PST

Or how about a salmon don?

 View this post on Instagram

 Shot @jiayeen with the ZTE Axon Elite smartphone using full manual mode in the camera app. #ZTE #zteaxon #zteaxonelite #ztemalaysia
A post shared by  Tim Chew (@timchew1311) on Jan 11, 2016 at 3:48am PST

The backlight was really bright so I went full manual and snapped this pic of MHB’s Jiayeen during an outing.

And Jiayeen took a selfie with the 8MP front camera.

tomcat says – The Axon Elite’s 3,000mAh battery is enough to keep me powered throughout the day on a single charge. The dual front facing speakers provide crisp and clear sound and really why would any brand still keep putting speakers at the back of the phone? The camera is really wonderful in good lighting and in poorer lighting, I have the option of going full manual to adjust the settings to get a better shot. The fingerprint sensor was so convenient that I didn’t even bother with the eye-scan, while the 32GB internal storage is adequate although at the highest setting photos shot with the camera does have quite large files. To address the space issue, I ensure that my phone is always sync-ed to Google Photos that automatically backs up my photos and allows access across devices.

Technical Specs

Network
GSM 850/900/1800/1900,
EVDO BC0
WCDMA: Band 1/2/5/8;
TD-LTE: Band 38/40/41;
FDD-LTE: Band 1/3/7/8/12/17/20

Platform
Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor with Adreno™ 430 GPU

OS
MiFavor 3.2 (Android  OS 5.0.2)

Dimensions
154mm x 77mm x 9.8mm

Colors
Ion Gold

Screen
5.5″ CGS (Continuous Grain Silicon) TFT LCD, 2.5D curved display.
LCD Resolution: 1920 x 1080 FHD, PPI 401
Corning Antimicrobial Gorilla Glass

Camera
Rear-Facing Camera: Dual lens 13MP, 2MP, dual LED Flash, 4K HD resolution
Front-Facing Camera: 8MP, 84 degree wide-angle, 1080p HD resolution
Video Capture: 4K HD resolution at 30 FPS

Audio
Hi-Fi Audio Chipset: AKM 4961
Microphone: 2- mic noise suppression

Security
Fingerprint scanner (five finger records), Visit Mode, TrustZone, EyePrint ID™, Voice Unlocking

Battery
3000mAh, Quick Charge™

Memory
3GB  LP DDR4  RAM + 32GB eMMC ROM, supports 128GB TF card

Interface
3.5mm Earphone port, supports quick charge 5pin Micro USB,
Dual-SIM 4FF, SD card

Features
GPS/Beidu /Glonass/BT 4.0/WIFI  2.4G & 5G, 802.11 a/b/g/n /ac   WIFI Direct
Accelerometer/Proximity/Light/ Electronic compass / Hall sensors, driver assistant

The ZTE Axon Elite is available in Malaysia priced at RM1,999.00 ZTE authorised retailers as well as on online marketplaces.
For more information, head over to www.ztedevices.com.my
Consumers can purchase the ZTE Axon Elite online at these eBay links:
France: http://www.ebay.fr/itm/301725125012
Italy: http://www.ebay.it/itm/291550442188
Spain: http://www.ebay.es/itm/221866281521
United Kingdom: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331639864316
Global: http://www.ebay.com/itm/271969968508 (not including the U.S. and Canada)

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The Rolls-Royce Cellarette: A Bespoke Whisky And Cigar Chest

[Automotive News]

The House of Rolls-Royce recently unveiled the newest addition to its portfolio of collectables, the Rolls-Royce Cellarette. Containing an array of accoutrements designed to perfect any soiree, the Cellarette derives from the marque’s rich heritage of providing clients with effortless and affable hosting opportunities.
“The Rolls-Royce Cellarette, the latest addition to the Rolls-Royce Connoisseur’s Collection, offers our clients new ways to enhance their lifestyle beyond the experience of their Rolls-Royce motor car.  Historically, Cellarettes were used to secure wine and spirits.  This bespoke chest can be configured to stow aperitifs or digestifs, dependent on the client’s preferences, alongside prized cigars, in a spectacular fashion.” Nicholas Abrams, Bespoke Designer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
The Cellarette epitomises true Rolls-Royce style: precision engineering, exquisite hand craftsmanship and a breath-taking presentation of luxury. The polished aluminium chassis, enveloped by embossed Rolls-Royce Havana leather complete with an Obsidian Ayous Open Pore veneer serving tray with Spirit of Ecstasy inlay, makes the Cellarette the perfect accessory for any Rolls-Royce owner with a passion for convivial hosting.  Although, the Cellarette will fit discreetly into the rear of any Rolls-Royce, it truly comes into its own as a centrepiece at an al fresco dining experience, or as an accompaniment at an intimate gathering.

The dark exterior opens to emit a warm ambient glow.  Armagnac leather highlights are accentuated by a soft light, evoking the atmosphere of a distinguished Members’ Club.  An array of beautiful accessories are revealed in a mechanical fashion, mirroring the opening of the coach doors of a Rolls-Royce motor car. Once unfurled, the client is presented with hand-blown lowball glasses, each exquisitely finished with the ‘RR’ monogram.  These glasses rotate outwards as the unit opens, evoking a charming sense of theatre.
In unison with the glasses, an Armagnac leather-lined bottle pannier is revealed.  The ‘RR’ embellished holder can adapt to different bottle sizes, with the bottle held in place magnetically by a polished aluminium fastener, ensuring, enabling safe stowage of any preferred refreshment. At the opposing end is a humidor which when opened offers the user a cigar tray.  Cigars are nestled in Spanish Cedarwood at the chosen humidity level for optimum enjoyment, a measure that is precisely monitored by a hygrometer. Featuring unique detailing, the hygrometer recalls the hands of the fabled Rolls-Royce clock.

Accompanying the humidor are the perfect accessories for the cigar enthusiast.  Magnetically held at either end of the cassette are two smaller containers – one for, an intricately detailed cigar cutter and lighter, made by S. T. Dupont, Paris and, is engraved with the Spirit of Ecstasy Expression, and the other is for an ashtray.  To ensure the compact transit, the ashtray’s cigar cradles extend only once the container is opened.
The Cellarette represents The House of Rolls-Royce’s commitment to producing the finest luxury products and experiences for its patrons, well beyond the confines of the automotive environment.  Like any Rolls-Royce product, the Cellarette can be tailored to the client’s exact specification.
The Rolls-Royce Cellarette is available to acquire through Rolls-Royce dealerships, with prices starting from GBP £44,150 excluding local taxes.

Photo credits: Rolls-Royce
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We All Love Our Samsung Galaxy S II

[Advertorial]
As you guys know, sometime back I got my hands on a Samsung Galaxy S II and I must say that the smartphone has really changed my life!
What a beauty! She's super fast too!
I now update my Facebook and twitter on the go with photos using the 8MP camera while staying in touch with friends is a breeze with the many IM apps available! My thousands of contacts are now organised and I now check my email on the gowhenever I need to.
But there are people who are more in love with their Samsung Galaxy S II and for them Samsung Mobile has created a little microsite to allow their S II owners to profess their love for the phone.
Check it out here – http://www.samsung.com/my/lovegalaxysll/
Click this image to go to the microsite
Glad that dude didn’t fall down the escalator…
Anyway entertaining? Ok lor…then I clicked the ‘Click Here’ button (yes I couldn’t help it!) to see what else there was on the site which brought me to a page where you can request the actors to ‘perform’ what you type in the box at the bottom left of the screen.
Hint – if you like hot girls (like me) try to type ‘DRINK’ and then click the ‘Play’ icon.
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Done it yet?
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She’s cute right? Hahahahaha! That’s Jenvine Ong who is one of the finalists of the iFeel Girl Search 2011.
The hot Jenvine Ong!!!
Anyway if you’re a Samsung Galaxy S II user and would like to profess your love to your phone as well, simply log into the microsite (http://www.samsung.com/my/lovegalaxysll/), shoot a little video of yourself with the phone and upload it. I even hear rumours that Samsung might compile all these videos into an upcoming music/ viral video so imagine millions of people around the world watching you!
You might just be the next YouTube sensation…
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Speaking of YouTube. I just found this little video and I had to update this post to gloat.

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Nokia Lumia 530 Launch and Senses Launch

[Tech & Gadgets]

Microsoft Devices Group launched their newest offering the Nokia Lumia 530 at Marini’s on 57, Kuala Lumpur on 12 August 2014. The new offering comes in at a very affordable recommended retail price of RM355.00 and is the most affordable Lumia to date with the latest Windows Phone 8.1 operating system.
Lumia 530 is available in Dual SIM 3G variant, and features key innovations and Microsoft services found in high-end Lumia smartphones including:

The latest version of Windows Phone 8.1 including one swipe notifications from Action Center, and the fast Word Flow keyboard
A powerful quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor that delivers a fast user experience of favourite apps, gaming and internet browsing on the 4-inch LCD display
Seamless integration with Microsoft services such as Skype and Microsoft Office
Popular social apps such as Instagram, WhatsApp, Viber, LINE and WeChat, key gaming apps such as Asphalt 8 and other notable apps such as FitBit, AirAsia and MyTeksi, available in the Windows Phone Store
The Dual SIM 3G variant for easy switching between two SIM cards (useful especially if you have two girlfriends/ boyfriends!)
Smooth performance with signature Lumia apps such as Creative Studio and Glam Me, which help people take quality voice-guided selfies with the 5MP rear camera
4GB of on-board memory, expandable with SD cards up to 128GB, and an additional 15GB of free cloud storage on Microsoft OneDrive that lets people sync, store, access and share files between Lumia 530 and computers, laptops and tablets.

“The Lumia 530 is packed with power for everyone and underlines our commitment to bring affordable smartphones to Malaysians, “ said Bruce Howe, General Manager, Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. “With a powerful quad-core processor and Windows Phone 8.1, users will be able to enjoy the best of Lumia innovations, third party apps, and Microsoft services at a never before price.”

Technical Specs

Lumia 530

Operating System

Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Cyan

Display

4.0” FWVGA LCD display

Battery

Up to 22 days standby, 13 hours 2G talk time. Battery capacity: 1430mAh

Connectivity

HSPA+ 21Mbps/5.76Mbps, Wi-Fi (b/g/n), BT 4.0, micro-USB

Processor

1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200

Camera

5MP

Memory

512MB RAM, 4GB eMMC with up to 128GB micro SD card support

The Dual Sim Lumia 530 is current available at the recommended retail price of RM355.00 and comes in a choice of four (4) colours namely bright orange, bright green, white and dark grey variants.
More info at http://www.microsoft.com/en-my/mobile/

Launch of SENSES by Ox Entertainment

Headed over to Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on 12 August 2014 for the official launch of SENSES by OX Entertainment Sdn. Bhd. SENSES is a new lifestyle brand that promotes premium entertainment concerts and events aimed at the upper class of Malaysian society. The events will pull together the vital ingredients for a good show namely – good international entertainment, classy venues, delicious canapés and premium drinks.
A select guest list limited to 1000 people will be set via an exclusive booking system. Guests will then be given an access card, which is specially designed with the band on the cover and will serve as a collector’s item, which will grant them entry into the event.
As SENSES is aiming for the more premium market which is somewhat older, expect to see artistes which are from the 70’s and 80’s such as Billy Ocean, Tower of Power, Level 42, John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival, KC & the Sunshine Band, Kool & the Gang.
The first act that SENSES will be bringing to Malaysia will be Smokie from the UK with popular hits like Living Next Door to Alice, If You Think You Know How to Love Me, Don’t Play Your Rock ‘n’ Roll to Me, and Lay Back in the Arms of Someone. The pre-opening act for the show will be local artiste Alan Perera of the famous Comedy Court.
03 March 2015 – Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Sarawak
04 March 2015 – Grand Ballroom Magellen Sutera, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
06 March 2015 – Grand Ballroom Renaissance Hotel, Johor Baharu
07 March 2015 – Hotel Equatorial, Penang
08 March 2015 – Grand Ballroom Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

There will be four open long bars just waiting to serve you as well throughout the event with premium liquor such as Skyy Vodka and Cutty Sark Scotch whisky.

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Editor’s Note – May 2019

[Editor’s Note]
Carlsberg Malaysia Welcomes New Managing Director Ted Akiskalos

We headed over to Brixton23 in Kuala Lumpur city on 26 April 2019 for Carlsberg Malaysia’s welcome party for its new Managing Director Ted Akiskalos which also doubled as a farewell party for outgoing Managing Director Lars Lehmann who has been promoted to the Executive Committee (ExCom) of Carlsberg A/S (Carlsberg Group) as Executive Vice President of Eastern Europe and also as CEO of Baltika, Carlsberg Group’s company in Russia effective 1 May 2019.
MHB Digital’s (http://mhbdigital.com) history with Carlsberg Malaysia goes back to our inception as a full-fledged digital agency back in 2011 – as they were our very first client! (My personal history with Carlsberg Malaysia goes way back to 2006 and you can read some of the previous stories here – https://timchew.net/?s=carlsberg)
Over the years, we’ve witnessed many changes to the management team and we’ve had the privilege of knowing five (including Ted) Managing Directors, one of which remains a good friend till this day! While it is always rather sad to say farewell to the outgoing MD, I must say that Carlsberg Malaysia knows how to throw probably the best farewell/ welcome parties!
We got to enjoy Carlsberg Malaysia’s portfolio of beers, stouts and ciders, and bid farewell to Lars and family, as well as meet Akiskalos for the first time. The party was inspired by the concept of Brixton 23 after the “Kingsman” movie series. Lehmann and Akiskalos made a dapper appearance on stage to cheers from the guests, ajd after some short speeches ignited a beer fountain with dazzling pyrotechnics in the spirit of semper ardens (Carlsberg’s motto in Latin meaning “always burning”) before joining Carlsberg Malaysia Chairman Datuk Toh Ah Wah, Independent Non-Executive Director Chew Hoy Ping, and the management team to thank guests for their continued support that saw the company through “Probably The Best Year” for the 2018 financial year.

 Carlsberg Malaysia’s outgoing Managing Director Lars Lehmann (L) and new Managing Director Ted Akiskalos.
 Lehmann (L) and Akiskalos made a dapper appearance on stage, igniting a beer fountain with dazzling pyrotechnics in the spirit of semper ardens (“always burning”) to mark the passing of the baton from one managing director to another.
As incoming Managing Director, Akiskalos brings with him nine years of experience within the Carlsberg Group where his first role was as Vice President of Group Strategy with a proven track record in driving growth and leading various transformational projects throughout the Group.
At 40 years of age, this appointment is Akiskalos’ third role as Managing Director within the Carlsberg Group. Currently the Managing Director of Carlsberg Sweden, Akiskalos has led the company to return to double-digit growth, and the highest reputational scores among all beer companies in Sweden. As Managing Director for Carlsberg’s operations in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, he, together with the team, transformed Hong Kong to be the market leader whilst improving its profits significantly in three years.

 Akiskalos said, “I am most honoured and humbled by this appointment because Malaysia, which covers Singapore and an associate company in Sri Lanka, is one of the top three markets in Asia, in terms of profitability and growth. Taking over the helm from Lars, my intent is to continue our growth with our strong brand portfolio and win with our winning customers.”
 In delivering his farewell speech, Lehmann said, “It has been Probably The Best three years for me and the Company. Together, we had an unprecedented financial year in 2018 with strong growth in revenue, net profit and free cash flow, allowing us to declare the highest dividends in the history of Carlsberg Malaysia. None of these would be possible if it wasn’t for our customers and consumers’ support towards our brands, our people and our businesses.”
 Both the outgoing and new Managing Directors pledged the company’s commitment to continue delivering excellence in great innovations, excellent product quality and relevant consumer activations in the times ahead.
 Ted with former Managing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia Soren Ravn
 Ted with the Carlsberg Malaysia management team

 Andy and I with HR Director of Carlsberg Malaysia Felicia Teh (second from left) and popular blogger Fat Boy Bakes (who makes the most amazing cakes!)

For more info, head over to https://carlsbergmalaysia.com.my/
Photo credits: Carlsberg Malaysia and author’s own

 Farewell and all the best Lars!

Locker & Loft “On The Road” Pop Up Bar at Faux Space Bangsar

Joanne and I headed over to Faux Space in Bangsar Baru for the “Locker & Loft Pop Up Bar” at Faux Space. Locker & Loft needs no introduction as it’s one of the mainstays of the speakeasy scene in Petaling Jaya.
Faux Space though, is a recent addition to the bustling Telawi area in Bangsar Baru, and is a co-working space type cafe where customers just need to purchase an item from the cafe to utilise the Wi-Fi and the space.
The event saw Locker & Loft feature their popular cocktails while some guest DJs provided the tunes.

 I dropped by another day after the event to snap a pic of Faux Space (couldn’t do so during the event night as it was crowded and rocking!)
 It’s actually quite a conducive environment to get your work done or to have a meeting with your team/ clients. Best of all – the food and beverages are not overpriced!

For more info on The Locker & Loft, head over to https://www.facebook.com/lockerandloft/
For more info on Faux Space, head over to https://www.facebook.com/fauxspace/
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Editor’s Note – August 2018 Featuring High-Tea Buffet at Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel and the Launch of the New Somersby Elderflower Lime

[Editor’s Note]
High Tea Buffet at Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel

Jocelyn and I headed over to the Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel recently to try out their new Weekend High-Tea Buffet at Feast – the hotel’s all day dining restaurant located on level 3 of the newest hotel in Petaling Jaya. The interior of Feast features a streamlined, contemporary setting enhanced with interesting Asian elements, inspired by the bright and cheery colours that encourages the building of appetite when dining.
The restaurant has indoor seating that seats 160 pax complemented by a live show kitchen and well-lit buffet counter. The open kitchen showcases the art of cooking such as wok frying and pizza twirling, as the chefs ensure that the spread of food is constantly topped up with a fresh batch whenever it’s running low.
The buffet is themed “Going Local”, and has a variety of local all time favourites such as Kari Sotong Nyonya, Double Boiled Chicken with Herbal Soup, Chee Cheong Fu, Yong Tau Foo, Kung Pao Lala, Portugese Egg Tart, Prawn Vindaloo and Nasi Lemak with Ayam Rendang and more.
To be honest, I really prefer these kinds of buffet high-teas rather than the tiered trays of sugar filled desserts which girls order as they want to post on their Instagram to show off. This one is an actual meal which has a multitude of dishes across various cuisines – Malay, Chinese, Indian and Western!
If you like seafood, there’s a fresh seafood section with fresh yabbies, mussels, prawns, etc. etc. and I must say that at this price (refer below), it’s really a good value for money buffet high-tea!
The buffet is priced at RM88 nett per adult and 50% off for children age from 5 to 12 years old. The buffet runs from 12noon to 4.00pm on weekends.

Sheraton Petaling Jaya hotel celebrates the mid-autumn festival with specially prepared delicious treasures to honour this celebration of unity and togetherness with beloved friends and family. This is the first year that Yue Restaurant, Sheraton Petaling Jaya joins the mid-autumn festival, offering exclusive mooncake boxes with choices from 6 different traditionally baked mooncakes. Among the flavours are Baked Durian with Single Yolk, Pandan Paste with Single Yolk, Pure Lotus Paste, Red Bean Paste, White Lotus Paste with Single Yolk and Mixed Nuts (which can be purchased individually priced from RM26nett per cake).
These exquisite mooncakes are ideal as gifts for business partners, friends and family, and come in an intricately and beautifully designed boxes with individual elements of Plum Blossoms, Butterflies and Peacock. Each gift box is priced at RM158nett inclusive of four (4) mooncakes of your choice. The beautiful box can be used after the festival as a jewellery box to keep your accessories and jewelry.
Along with the mooncakes, Chef Ben Lim – Sifu of Yue restaurant kitchen has prepared two (2) different 8-course menus; the Golden Fortune menu priced at RM1,888 and Precious Jewels menu at RM1,288 per table. Chef Ben has included in the menus, some of his signatures dishes like the Pan Fried Chicken topped with Salted Egg and Barbecue Sauce, Fried Prawn Meat with Lotus Root and Macadamia Nuts, Double Boiled Chinese Herbal Soup, Steamed Dragon Grouper and Pan Fried Australian Lamb Rack with Angelica Herbs.
The mid-autumn festival menus and mooncakes are currently available from now until 24 September 2018.

Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel is located at:
Lorong Utara C, PJS 52,
46200 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia

For more info, head over to http://sheratonpetalingjaya.com
Telephone: +603-76228888
Email: sheraton.petalingjaya@sheraton.com

The photos above were shot with the Huawei Mate 10 Pro (not the photo of the mooncakes of course which was courtesy of Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel).

Thanks for having us!

Somersby Launches the New Somersby Elderflower Lime Variant

MHB’s Andy Kho and I headed over to Morganfields in USJ on 17 August 2018 for the launch of the new Somersby Elderflower Lime. The new variant is best served over ice, and is infused with floral notes combined with a twist of lime, making it a very refreshing cider indeed! The Elderflower is the white blossom of the Elderberry tree. Its delicate and subtle lacy white flowers are attributed with medicinal properties and is frequently used for flavouring food and drinks in Europe.
Now I was there right at the start when Somersby was first launched in Malaysia back in 2012 at the Carcosa Seri Negara (which you can read here – https://timchew.net/2012/06/25/somersby-apple-cider-launch-at-carcosa-seri-negara-220612/) and through the years (you’ll find the entire history of Somersby cider in Malaysia here – https://timchew.net/?s=somersby and no, in case you were wondering – I don’t work for Carlsberg Malaysia which owns the brand here in Malaysia), there have been new additions to the Somersby cider family.
Of course, I have my favourite among all the variants which is Somersby Pear – as it’s the least sweet among all the variants and is incredibly refreshing. The new Somersby Elderflower Lime is now my second most favourite with its well-balanced taste which is neither too sweet or sour, complemented with just a hint of floral notes as not to overpower your palate. It made one very refreshing drinks and as it was a blazing hot evening, this cider was perfect to cool down with!

“Proud to be in the forefront of innovation, we are excited to offer cider lovers a new cider – Somersby Elderflower Lime adding to the existing variants of apple, blackberry and sparkling rosé. By adding a twist of lime into the elderflower, this cider simply tastes so refreshing and boasts a pleasant floral aroma,” said Carlsberg Malaysia Managing Director Lars Lehmann (sitting in the driver’s seat of the Combi). “Somersby Elderflower Lime was launched in Singapore early this year and it has since grown exponentially and contributed significantly to the cider business of our subsidiary Carlsberg Singapore. We are confident that this new variant will further strengthen Somersby’s foothold as the No.1 cider position in Malaysia.” (Photo courtesy of Carlsberg Malaysia)

The launch was an all-white-themed (yes I was being rebellious) evening of good food and cider, in casual elegance with Scandinavian-style garden decor, white Elderflowers everywhere, especially the flower tunnel where many guests took selfies in.
To promote the Elderflower Lime variant, the Somersby Kombi mobile bars will be making month-long roving visits in September to local tourist spots, night markets, supermarkets and hypermarkets around Peninsular Malaysia offering consumers a chance to sample Somersby Apple, Blackberry, Sparkling Rosé and the new Elderflower Lime.
You can also get a can of Somersby Elderflower Lime FREE with every purchase of a 4- can or 4-bottle pack at participating hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenient stores from 27 August to 30 September. This deal is also available for the 6-can pack Carlsberg or Carlsberg Smooth Draught.

There will be special food promotion at 100 participating F&B outlets from 1 September to 31 October where there are special promotions for the Somersby Elderflower Lime. If you’re dining at Morganfield’s, try the Baby Back Ribs promotion paired with the Somersby Elderflower Lime.
The Somersby Elderflower Lime, in 4.5% alcohol content, is available in bottle (330ml) and can (320ml) at major hypermarkets and supermarkets nationwide. You can also head over to http://www.winetalk.com.my to get the Somersby Mystery Box set worth RM50 comprising ALL FOUR flavours at only RM35!

Pretty girls including Yuth Gan and Liyee Lee
Andy and me with Carlsberg Malaysia’s HR Director Felicia Teh. Thanks for having us!

For more info, head over to http://www.facebook.com/SomersbyMY
Photo credits: Andy Kho Photography, Carlsberg Malaysia, and author’s own using the Huawei Mate 10 Pro.
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Romantic Dining Spots in KL – The Hill Damansara Heights

[Romantic Dining Spots in KL]
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UPDATED 6 February 2014 – The Hill is currently closed however the restaurant has relocated to The Roof, First Avenue Bandar Utama and you can read about my visit here – https://timchew.net/2013/11/13/dining-with-a-view-signature-by-the-hill-at-the-roof-first-avenue-bandar-utama/
or my latest visit here – https://timchew.net/2014/08/04/food-review-signature-by-the-hill-the-roof-first-avenue-bandar-utama-may-2014/
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The thing is about dating for us guys is that we constantly have to crack our heads over where to bring our date for a nice dinner/ meal. I must admit that I have spent many a lunchtime furiously Googling through food blogs to find a nice place to go for dinner. Therefore I decided to start this little series of posts to help guys out there who are in the same predicament as I am.
So to start off my series I decided to bring my date over to a place that I was pretty familiar with – The Hill in Damansara Heights.
The Hill is a trendy restaurant, bar and lounge located atop one of the hills of upmarket Damansara Heights. With such an address you’d expect a small outlet but The Hill sits on a 18,000 square feet plot of land, and had three (3) floors namely; The Beer Garden on the ground floor, The Dining Room on the first floor, and The Lounge on the second floor.
For the purpose of my visit which is to have a nice, quiet and cosy dinner we opted for the Dining Room and managed to get a nice table in the corner where we could have a little more privacy.
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Little Yearing (Pinot Noir) bottle – RM120.00. My date chosed this as she’s a wine drinker unlike me who pretty much drinks anything that contains alcohol. It turned out to be a good choice as it was a rather mellow wine which went well with our steak. The Hill has an adequate selection (Carbenet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, etc. etc.) from different countries and you should fine one that suits your tastebuds.
Soup of the Day – RM12.00 – The Soup of the Day rotates every week so do ask your server beforehand. In our case the soup was a pumpkin soup which had a really nice texture and little pieces of ginger to give it some contrast. I really liked the garlic toast which came with it as they didn’t stinge on the garlic oil. A nice and warm start to the meal.
Smoked Duck Salad – RM26.00 – we decided to go with an East and West theme and this dish seemed to combine both! Delicious smoked duck on top of a bed of lettuce, apple slices, orange slices, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, walnuts and croutons. For those of you who avoid duck because of the smell fear not because the duck in this dish was perfectly cooked and there was no hint of that “ducky smell”.
My date for the night with our Mixed Sashimi
Mixed Sashimi – RM60.00 – 15 pieces containing a mix of salmon, tuna, butter fish, octopus, shrimp and scallops. The fish and seafood were pretty fresh and this was a nice dish to share.
Australian Grain Fed Tenderloin – RM60.00 – make sure you ask for this baby to be medium rare. 2 juicy pieces of tenderloin with mushrooms, beef bacon and cheese in between and roasted potatoes and broccoli on the side. The beef was flavourful while the mushrooms and beef bacon provided a little contrast in texture and some earthy flavours.
After dinner we headed up to the Lounge on the top level (2nd floor) which was a nice dimly lit bar and lounge with a pool table in the corner. As we were rather early we planted ourselves on one of the sofas on the side and took our time to finish our wine.
Boss approved of my choice of restaurant – phew!
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We didn’t have the cocktails as we didn’t want to mix with the wine but next time you’re there do try the “Watermelon Slush” or the “Milo Ais” and you’ll be pleasantly surprised…
Romantic Ambiance: 7.5/10
The Hill currently has a live band playing on Wednesday and Saturday nights from 10.00pm onwards. Also if you’d like to expand your network the is Mingle Thursday from 9.00pm till late which features all you can drink wines (7 types of wines available), or if you are a beer drinker there is Asahi Super Dry beer and if you’re feeling peckish there complimentary tapas too. The rate for ladies is Rm68.00nett while men pay Rm88.00nett.
Now The Hill is pretty popular so if you’re planning to dine there you’d better book a table beforehand.
23, Lorong Dungun,
Bukit Damansara,
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
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Phone: 016 229 1505 (Call between 11.00am-11.00pm)
Opening Hours: 5.00pm to 2.00am (Mondays – Sundays)
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/hillkl
Website: www.thehill.com.my
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FUJIFILM KL Photography Walk 2015

[Adv]

Fujifilm Malaysia invited us to join their KL Photography Walk on 10 January 2016, so excitedly we registered two teams of two – Stephanie and Andy, and Jiayeen with me. The participation fees were RM30 for Fujifilm camera users and RM50 for non-Fujifilm camera users.
Accompanying us on the photography walk was the new Fujifilm X-T10 camera.

 View this post on Instagram

 Our equipment at the FUJIFILM KL Photography Walk 2016 today – the FUJIFILM X-T10.  #fujifilm #fujifilmxt10 @fujifilmmy
A post shared by  Tim Chew (@timchew1311) on Jan 10, 2016 at 12:19am PST

The new Fujifilm X-T10 come with new dials for enhanced operability, a 920K-dot tilting LCD, a compact and lightweight body, new AF Zone and Wide/Tracking modes, X-Trans™* CMOS II sensor & EXR Processor II, “CLASSIC CHROME” film simulation, and a Real-Time Viewfinder making it a really versatile and capable camera.
We even had two (2) extra lens with us besides the kit lens – the Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 lens, and the Fujinon 50-230mm lens giving us a variety of options.
The walk started off at the briefing and registration point in Fahrenheit88. There were a lot of Fujifilm fans and users participating and we were broken into teams of two (2) persons. However we decided to head out (being the rebels that we are) as a group of four (4) as we wanted to benefit from Andy’s expertise and learn some of his skills.

Group photo before the walk officially started!
We were given a specific route to follow which brought us from Fahrenheit88 to the Imbi market area, past Pavilion to Jalan Sultan Ismail and then back to the starting point. Along the way we had to shoot 10 photos to fit the various categories given to us. First up was “Motion & Lines” and I caught this pic of Andy shooting Stephanie along the roadside.
Motion & Lines
Multi colours
Stephanie shooting Jiayeen
The photo taken by Stephanie
The girls learning how to use a system camera properly rather than just using their smartphone to snap pics
The girls really liked the fact that the X-T10 comes with a Portrait Enhancer mode

The next category was “Reflection” and Andy shot this pic off a car window
Next up was our team numbers. We were team 68 and 69.

The next category was “Light & Shadow” and we got Stephanie and Jiayeen to pose in the sunlight

This was our entry for “Old & New”
Incomplete and Complete
KL landmark & frame – using the trees to frame one of the Petronas Twin Towers
The last category which we shot from the Pavilion pedestrian bridge – Walking Above, Traffic Below
All that walking around made us quite hot and hungry so we decided to stop for a lunch break before heading back to the starting/ finishing point
So we went for Japanese food in Pavilion

This was our shot for the 10th category – Symbol & Story
Getting back to the finishing point (which was the starting point) we got our best photos printed out then compiled our entry

Later in the afternoon, professional photographer Kim Boon (http://www.kimboon.com/) gave us a little presentation of his photos that were taken with FUJIFILM cameras with us. He also shared some tips and tricks with us.
Then the submissions from each team were displayed and we got to see how the teams interpreted the various themes and translated them into photos. There were many teams though that took the same “old and new” shot which soon had everyone very tickled to see the same buildings popping up although shot from different angles.

Congratulations to all the winners who took home Fujifilm products and cash vouchers!

It was a very interesting experience for all of us and it was nice to meet other Fujifilm camera users as well. Looking forward to the next Fujifilm Photography Walk!
More info at http://www.fujifilm.com.my/ or https://www.facebook.com/x.fujifilm/

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Samsung Mobile Star

Samsung Mobile launched it’s new Samsung Star at Starbucks, Pavilion. Featuring a touch screen user interface and a 3″ LCD screen, the Samsung Star’s recommended retail price is RM999. Pretty affordable for a touch screen I must say…looks like an indirect competitor to the iphone.
In conjunction with the launch of this new model, Samsung Mobile is running a contest aptly named Samsung Star & Shine. Up for grabs are prizes worth RM50,000 and is open to the Malaysian public. Click here to find out more.

Launching at Starbucks, very unique!

A 3″ touch screen mobile phone for just RM999? Quite a good deal indeed!

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FitFlop x Anna Sui Tea Party

[Fashion]

MHB’s Nicole Fu and I headed over to the FitFlop outlet at Mid Valley Megamall on 25 October 2016 for the FitFlop x Anna Sui Preview and Tea Party. British footwear brand FitFlop™ creates ergonomic sandals, shoes and boots, using world-class design, a splash of fashion and a continuously innovating mix of beauty, brains and biomechanics.
Anna Sui’s collaborative spirit results in a variety of collections – from Victorians to cowboys, to reinventing Warholian superstars and Finnish-inspired textile prints, and rethinking the status quo of everything from Barbie dolls to Google browsers. She’s already earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, is recognized as an icon of the catwalk.
This collaboration is FitFlop’s third with Anna Sui. The collection consists of ballerinas and sandals which mixes playful and pretty with everyday practical.

 A prominent local stylist was on hand to explain how the new collection goes with different looks

More info at www.fitflop.com or https://www.facebook.com/fitflopmalaysia/
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Versus Versace Fall Winter 2016 – Ready to Wear & Accessories

[Luxury Fashion]

For Fall Winter 2016, the Versus Versace collection by creative director Anthony Vaccarello features a tough, rebellious attitude reflected in a utilitarian mood for the city streets.
Trench coats, zip-up bombers, double-breasted coats and cargo pants define the season for both women and men. Camouflage prints are reborn with the head of the Versus Versace lion, while paisley prints bring softness and leopard prints have rock energy. Mini skirts in either print or pleated with the Versus Versace lion hardware, are daring, a playful contrast when worn with utilitarian coats.
Everything in the collection depicts attitude, especially the fur-trimmed parka, or the men’s blouson with a fur collar.  The shirt is the new city essential, like the women’s black shirt with epaulettes, or the men’s camo shirt, always with a covered placket. There’s tomboy toughness to women’s pieces like the pinafore body miniskirt or the loose fit jeans, especially when worn with flat ankle boots.
Checkerboards of patent or studs turn bombers and miniskirts optical, the perfect combination for shirt prints that remix the iconic Versace Greek key. Fearlessness is innate, like the diamond slashed lingerie top for women, or the black sheer long dress with utility pockets at the chest. A one-sleeved black mini-dress is held by the Versus Versace lion, while a black T-shirt dress has a bold trim of Versace metal mesh.
“I love people with a strong sense of mind. It’s this toughness that we capture in the new Versus Versace collection – the individual attitude of the new generation.” Donatella Versace

Women’s Accessories

Men’s Accessories

The Versus Versace Boutique is located at:
Lot 3.51, Level 3, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur,
168, Bukit Bintang Street,
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Telephone: +603 2110 1708

Images courtesy of Versace Malaysia.
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Valentine’s Day 2017 Menu at Samplings on the Fourteenth, Berjaya Times Square Hotel

[Valentine’s Day]

My partner in crime and I headed over to Samplings On The Fourteenth Restaurant at Berjaya Times Square Hotel recently to try their (2017) Valentine’s Day menu. The restaurant will be offering a 4-course dinner prepared by Chef Val which is available only on 14th February 2017 from 6.30pm till 10.30pm and priced at RM298 nett per pax (or RM596 nett per couple) inclusive of dinner, photo booth, door gift and lucky draw.

 Samplings on the Fourteenth has won many awards throughout the years including from the Malaysia International Gourmet Festival
 The tables are spaced out nicely so you won’t be overhearing the next table’s conversation

 If possible, try to get a table by the window which offers a nice view of the KL skyline
 The view from Samplings on the Fourteenth which is on the fourteenth floor of Berjaya Times Square Hotel Kuala Lumpur
 Surprised my partner in crime with a nice bouquet of flowers from Cest La Vie Florist

Appetizer
Pan-Seared Foie Gras, Balsamic Jelly, Dried Cherry Confit and Butterscotch
I love a well cooked piece of foie gras and Chef Val cooked this one to perfection! Loved the piece of toasted brioche as well as the other components in this dish like the balsamic jelly and dried cherry confit which cut through the earthy richness of the foie gras. Look out for the butterscotch swipe which will impart a lovely sweetness balancing out this dish. The mixture of tastes (earthy, sweet and piquant) combined with the variance of textures makes this a very ingenious appetizer indeed!

Soup
Chicken Consomme Flavoured with Sherry and Quail Egg Garnish
After the richness of the foie gras in the appetizer, Chef Val decided to go with a soup that didn’t have cream in it for fear of overwhelming the palate. Thus he concocted this chicken consomme (which is a French style of soup making) that was flavoured with sherry while a little quail’s egg bullseye was swimming in it. A surprisingly healthy soup but a welcome one instead of the rich and heavy soups that most Western restaurants churn out.
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Main (Choice of)

Pan-Fried Cod Fillet, Artichoke Cous-Cous and Saffron Aniseed Reduction
My partner in crime had most of this one but I did try the perfectly cooked cod and cous-cous but the really awesome component of this dish was the saffron aniseed reduction which really complemented the fish! It’s not easy to cook cod and can easily be overcooked but this one was really beautiful judging from the opaque flesh which retained the juice and flavour.

Or

Braised Beef Cheek with Smoked Garlic, Mashed Potatoes and Truffle Jus
I had this one and I really couldn’t get enough of it! Super tender beef cheek braised for over two (2) hours until its melt in the mouth atop a bed of mashed potatoes and truffle jus. Not a super overwhelming truffle jus mind you, but just enough to give it a hint of luxury without overpowering the beef. Leave the garlic if you intend to kiss your date later though.

Dessert
Vanilla and Brie Panna Cotta, Elderflower Essence and Honey Comb
A very Insta-worthy dessert indeed! A really pretty and firm panna cotta with hints of vanilla and Brie (cheese) which gave it an extra dimensions contrasted against the piquancy of the berried while the honeycomb added a touch of sweetness to this dish. No doubt this dessert was made for the fairer sex.

Price: RM298.00 Nett per pax

 My partner in crime with Chef Val
 Calling it a night

Another winning menu by Chef Val and as I’ve tried his menus year after year I’d say that his consistency of coming up with creative and innovative dishes makes Samplings on the Fourteenth a very potential option for a memorable Valentine’s Day dinner.

Samplings on the Fourteenth is located at:
14th Floor, Berjaya Times Square
1, Jalan Imbi,
55100 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.

Telephone: +60 (3) 2117 8000 ext. 8131
Website: http://www.berjayahotel.com/kualalumpur
Email: bth.samplings@berjayahotel.com
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 Thanks for having us Samplings on the Fourteenth!

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Samsung Galaxy A33 5G Unboxing

[Tech & Gadgets]

Samsung Electronics recently launched the new 5G enabled Galaxy A73 5G, Galaxy A53 5G and Galaxy A33 5G in Malaysia. The new mid-range smartphones are aimed at offering a holistic mobile experience at a great value. I recently got my hands on the Galaxy A33 5G and will be putting it to the test over the next few weeks to see how it performs.
In a nutshell, the Galaxy A33 5G is powered by a brand-new processor, has an expansive and smooth display, 5,000mAh battery, 5G connectivity, defense-grade security, and an eco-conscious, stylish and slim design. The phone supports four generations of One UI and Android OS upgrades and up to five years of security updates.
The Galaxy A33 5G features a quad-camera system with a 48.0 MP + 8.0 MP + 5.0 MP + 2.0 MP setup on the rear and a 13MP shooter on the front. The Galaxy A33 5G’s AI-powered camera is powered by a brand new 5nm processor. The improved Night mode automatically synthesizes up to 12 images at once, so night photos look bright, with less noise. And when shooting video in low-light environments, the camera’s framerate is automatically adjusted to create bright, clear videos. There’s a Fun mode that comes with playful filters and effects that now work with the Ultra-wide lens. The Photo Remaster (supposedly) enhances old and low-quality photos, while the Object eraser removes pesky photo bombers in the background (Ed – this should be quite useful!).

I was rather amazed by how thin the box

In the box is the phone, a USB type C cable and the SIM card slot opener. Kindly note that there is NO ASING AND NO CHARGER included meaning that you’ll need to purchase it separately or use your existing Samsung charger, assuming that it can provide a 25W charge
The Galaxy A33 5G features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The battery is surprisingly large at 5,000mAh and comes with 25W Super Fast Charging.
The Galaxy A33 5G has a slim bezel while the Ambient Edge design seamlessly blends the camera with the body of the phone. The screen is made with the tough Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5, and the phone is also IP67 water (underwater photos!) and dust resistance.
Being a conservationist, I’m glad to hear that Samsung is committed to delivering tangible environmental actions with their Galaxy for the Planet initiative to help make the planet healthier by 2025. Building on Samsung’s sustainability efforts, the Galaxy A series removes the charger plug and reduces the size of the packaging. Packaging also uses sustainably sourced paper, while the device itself uses recycled post-consumer materials (PCM) for the side buttons and SIM card trays.

What struck us immediately was the matte texture of the back of the phone which was nice to hole. However, I always ALWAYS use my phones in a case to protect them from drops and scratches (and as such I placed an order for a casing on a shopping app the following day). We both also liked the unisex pastel colour. Good to see Samsung making a departure from the usual black/ white colours and venturing into younger and more youthful colours!

It was fast to startup and setup. The phone feels pretty solid in the hand! Not the plasticky type of phones which I really dislike.
The new Galaxy A series ensures data and information stay protected, secured by the defense-grade Samsung Knox. When storing private photos, notes and apps, Secure Folder offers users an encrypted, digital safe, so only they can access its contents. Using Private Share, users can control exactly who has access to files and for how long. The Galaxy A33 5G also includes the new Samsung Wallet, a convenient and protected place to safely store everything from boarding passes to credit cards.
The Galaxy A33 5G works seamlessly with other Galaxy devices for the full, connected Galaxy ecosystem experience. Audio options are expanded by connecting the Galaxy Buds series to the phone.

Elizabeth trying out the camera’s selfie mode. Samsung’s selfie shots tend to be very natural but if you like to edit your apps you can download and use your favourite beauty app

I will be bringing the A33 5G around with me so stay tuned for my user review
For more info, head over to https://www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a33-5g-awesome-blue-128gb-sm-a336elbhxme/
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Samsung Malaysia Electronics Partners Up with Senheng for the First-Ever Premium Experience Store in Southeast Asia

[Technology & Gadgets]
The Samsung Malaysia Electronics Management Team and the Senheng Electric (KL) Sdn. Bhd. Management Team
Samsung Malaysia Electronics together with Senheng announced the opening of its first ever Senheng x Samsung Premium Experience Store located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur at the Shoppes at Four Seasons Place on 16 June 2022.
The management team of both Samsung and Senheng alongside distinguished guests were present at the grand launch of the store which retail Samsung’s latest collection of mobile devices and state-of-the-art consumer electronics and home appliances that includes flagship line-ups like the Galaxy S series, Galaxy Z series, Galaxy Hearables and Wearables, Neo QLED Smart TVs, BESPOKE appliances and more.
“We are excited for this collaboration with Senheng that extends on our long-term partnership to enhance Samsung consumers’ experiences. At Samsung, people are at the centre of everything we do. Everything that we are doing today is being designed to enrich people’s lives in ways that matters the most and provide a healthier environment” said Edward Han, President of Samsung Malaysia Electronics.
Chairman of Senheng, Mr. Lim KH, who was also present at the grand launch ceremony shared, “Senheng and Samsung have been engaging in a very fruitful strategic partnership for over many years. Our partnership with Samsung allows an opportunity for a new era of connectivity and collaboration in businesses. We share a commitment to open collaboration and are continually looking for new ways to deliver better user experiences across devices, applications, and services, so that people across Malaysia can have a feel of Samsung’s latest products”.
From L to R: Wong Che Hoe, Senior Vice President; Lim Kim Yew, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director; Lim Kim Chieng, President; Lim Kim Heng, Executive Chairman & Group Chairman of Senheng’s subsidiary companies, Senheng Electric (KL) Sdn. Bhd.; Jo Sang-Ho, President and CEO, Samsung Electronics Southeast Asia & Oceania; Jimmy Tan, Head of Consumer Electronics; KM Liew, Head of Mobile eXperience (MX); Elaine Soh, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Malaysia Electronics
Mobile Experience Zone @ Senheng x Samsung Premium Experience Store
TVAV Zone @ Senheng x Samsung Premium Experience Store
BESPOKE Kitchen Zone @ Senheng x Samsung Premium Experience Store

With a large space of 5,399 sqft, consumers will not only see a display of Samsung goods at the location, but will also get to experience a connected, smart living environment. There are six experiential zones of Mobile eXperience, Visual Displays and Digital Appliances that feature Samsung’s latest products including the Galaxy S22 Ultra, BESPOKE AirDresser, Neo QLED 8K TV, The Freestyle, and many others.
In conjunction with the grand launch, there are exciting deals for customers to enjoy when they make their purchase from 17 June 2022 to 21 June 2022 in-stores and on the Senheng mobile application. From RM1,000 rebate for every purchase of the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, to RM2,599 worth of free gifts when you purchase a QLED 4K TV*. You can also receive up to RM3,699 worth of free gifts when you purchase the BESPOKE refrigerator*. There will also be live shows that are happening daily during the promo period on Samsung’s and Senheng’s official Facebook pages.
*On a first come first served basis. Terms and conditions apply.

Photo credits: Samsung Malaysia and author’s own using the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G
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Samsung Galaxy A33 5G User Review

[Tech & Gadgets]

This post is a follow-up to my original post on the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G (which you can read here – https://timchew.net/2022/04/26/samsung-galaxy-a33-5g-unboxing/) after I spent around five (5) weeks playing with the phone.
I was pretty impressed with the long battery life which was more than enough to last a whole day without recharging. Unfortunately, there was no charger included in the box and I didn’t have a spare Samsung fast-charge (25W) charger hence I used flagship (super charge) chargers by two (2) other smartphone brands to charge it. Charging took a while though but then again it’s a large battery.
I also liked the stereo speakers (not too common on mid-range smartphones) and the sound quality was actually pretty decent.
I felt that the 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate was slightly smaller than what I’m used to (ie. flagship models), so if you like large screens, go for the top of the line flagship Galaxy S series… or perhaps even the Galaxy Z Fold3 if you have the budget to spare (RM6,999).
The phone was capable enough to run most apps without any discernable lag. However, when it comes to gaming, it’s fine for basic games that are not graphics-intensive, but really struggles with anything that needs a high-frame-rate. If you’re looking for a gaming phone, the Galaxy S series is better suited for it.
The Galaxy A33 5G features a quad-camera system with a 48.0 MP + 8.0 MP + 5.0 MP + 2.0 MP setup on the rear and a 13MP shooter on the front. The Galaxy A33 5G’s AI-powered camera is powered by a brand new 5nm processor.
The photos below were shot with the phone. I did not edit them in any way as I believe that potential buyers need to view the real capabilities of the phone, not some heavily edited photos which are dependent on the editing skills of the photographer. The photos below have been resized to save space (but it’s literally the resolution you’ll find on Facebook).
As with most modern smartphones, the camera performs well in good lightingThe real test is how the camera performs in low or dynamic lighting situationsI thought that this was quite a good photo with Auto-HDR enabledIndoor photos with adequate lighting were surprisingly not over-saturatedTo be entirely honest, most girls weren’t too thrilled with the lack of beauty features in the Portrait mode, except Yvonne who was pretty cool about the lack of it. Then again, she’s blessed with pretty good looks for her age.There are a number of filters that you can use to enhance your portraitsLet your creativity flowThe food photos were also not over-saturatedThe colours were surprisingly quite naturalTried using the 2x lens to snap a photo of my food and I think that the wide lens is much better suited for it. The colour also turned out rather weird.The colours were more saturated in this photo but it does make the food look more appetising! Perhaps the AI determined that extra colour saturation was required to make this a better photo.The clarity was pretty good. (I do use a small video light to add some light when shooting indoors so there won’t be a colour cast.)
Pretty impressed with the clarity of the wide angle camera

Overall, the photos turned out to be pretty decent. Colours were (mostly) not over-saturated and the clarity was typical of Samsung’s mid to flagship range smartphones which is pretty good in most situations especially in good lighting conditions.
Girls who like some beauty filters for portraits might not be too thrilled that the camera’s portrait mode doesn’t provide many beauty editing options however they can always use a 3rd party beauty cam app.
For more info, head over to https://www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a33-5g-awesome-blue-128gb-sm-a336elbhxme/
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Huawei MediaPad M2 8.0

[Tech & Gadgets]

Recently we got our hands on the Huawei MediaPad M2 8.0 which is Huawei devices’ latest tablet. We decided to do a little shoot with Andy Kho shooting MHB blogger Stephanie Lim at Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur. We shot in three (3) different locations inside the hotel – Gobo Upstairs Grill & Lounge, SkyBar and inside one of the hotel rooms.
The Huawei MediaPad M2 8.0 was designed to offer a seamless audio experience paired with stunning visuals. This very slim tablet comes with a best-in-class audio, the device has dual stereo speakers and a PA power amplifier that creates clear tones with amplified volume, producing a balanced audio system that further enhances users’ entertainment experience.
The Huawei MediaPad M2 8.0 utilizes Clari-Fi® music restoration technology by Harman Kardon along with Super Wide Sound 2.0 (SWS 2.0) that projects 180-degrees surround sound effect for a music quality with low distortion rate that allows users to listen to their favourite tunes with a lot more accuracy and sharpness. Complete with Huawei’s ClariVu® technology and 8-inch FHD IPS touchscreen, the device adjusts its display functions according to its environment, providing users ease of use and amazing visuals.
Inspired by the theme of classical music, Huawei MediaPad M2 8.0 has a metal body and a sleek metallic texture that allows user-friendly grip. The parallel design of the stereo with dual speakers facilitates a harmonious acoustic enhancing feature that makes it an ideal home theatre on-the-go.

Although the front camera is only 2 megapixel and thus not the best for selfies, Stephanie just couldn’t resist trying out the camera’s beauty mode and snapped this pic.

 View this post on Instagram

 @stephiielim trying out the #Huawei Mediapad M2's front camera. This 8" tablet comes with stereo speakers with Harman Kardon tuning. #huaweimediapadM2 #huaweidevicemy
A post shared by  Tim Chew (@timchew1311) on Feb 12, 2016 at 6:15am PST

Not too bad for a 2MP camera.

Technical Specs

Size

Height
214.8mm

Width
124mm

Depth
7.8mm

Weight
330g

Color

Gold

Display

• 8.0-inch FHD IPS touch display

CPU

Hisilicon Kirin 930, Octa-Core 2.0GHz

Operation System

• Android 5.1

Memory

RAM : 3GB
ROM : 32GB
Micro SD up to 128GB

Network

GSM：850/900/1800/1900MHz
UMTS：850/900/1900/2100MHz
LTE-FDD：Band 1/3/7/8/20；
LTE-TDD：Band 38/40

GPS

GPS / A-GPS

Connectivity

Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi hotspot 802.11ac/a/b/g/n
Bluetooth: 4.0
USB OTG

Sensors

• Ambient Light Sensor
• Accelerometer
• Proximity
• Hall sensor
• Compass

Camera

• 8 MP (Rear) AF camera
• 2 MP (Front)

Audio

Audio formats: MP3, FLAC, APE, WAV, OGG, MIDI, 3GP, and AAC

Video

Video formats: MP4/3GP/3G2/AVI/MKV
Image formats: JPEG, GIF, BMP, WBPM and PNG

Emotion UI

• EMUI 3.1

Battery

4800 mAh

In the box

Handset × 1
Charger × 1
Headset x 1
USB cable × 1
Quick Start Guide × 1
Warranty Card × 1

tomcat says – The Huawei MediaPad M2 is light and slim, has beautiful aesthetics and provides nice and rich sound from its dual speakers. The speakers are so powerful I normally have it at 25% loudness when I’m in a room otherwise it’ll be too loud! It’s great for entertainment and can play most games without any noticeable lag. However setting the graphics for games like World of Tanks to medium or high results in markedly decreased performance in terms of frames per second which makes the game jerky. It runs fine on the minimum plus a little extra graphics option but anything more than that will noticeably affect gameplay. Games like Clash of Clans and Boom Beach run smoothly unless there’s a hoard of 200+ enemies attacking at the same time which will then cause the game will slow down a bit.
It’s great for entertainment and you can watch about two full length movies before it needs to be charged which makes it good for long haul flights. Bring a large powerbank along and that should last you for most of your flight.
Besides gaming and movies, I’ve been using the M2 for checking social media like Facebook and Instagram, Gmail, and reading the news on apps like BBC. It certainly beats squinting at a smartphone screen and in fact when the M2 is around I don’t use my smartphone for anything other than calls or What’s App Messenger.
Quite an handy companion and it’s great for chilling and browsing social media, listening to some music or watching a movie when you’re in the bedroom or out and about. The premium metal design will get it some looks as well as most people are used to seeing either iPads or plasticky tablets.

Huawei Mediapad M2 8.0 available at all Huawei authorized stores nationwide from late November 2015 and is priced at RM 1,499.00
More info at http://consumer.huawei.com/my/

Photo credits: Andy Kho Photography (www.andykho.com)
Model: Stephanie Lim – http://www.stephanielim.net/
Venue: Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur (more info at http://www.shangri-la.com/kualalumpur/traders/)
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Sunday Champagne Brunch at BABE – Japas Fun Dining

[Premium Dining]
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My partner in crime and I along with some of my MHB Digital influencers and friends recently attended the Sunday Brunch on 9 December 2018 which is priced at RM150++ per pax (for the food only) with an option to add-on RM250 for unlimited flow of Perrier Jouet champagne! Guests are free to have a dip in the pool or lounge on the deck chairs which have a lovely panoramic view of the Kuala Lumpur city skyline.
This special brunch only happens once every quarter so do follow BABE on their Facebook page (link at the bottom of this post) to stay in the know of upcoming events.

Starting off the meal was not your typical “amuse bouche” as the ” Down the Rabbit Hole” course came in the form of test tubes containing liquids of various flavours. We were not told what they are so we had it then tried to figure out what it was. Eventually after we finished it the servers revealed it to us and some were very interesting especially the “Hainanese Chicken rice” one. Mine was mango lassi which I (fortunately) identified quite easily as I love to have it at Indian restaurants!

Crab Nori Salad
Alaskan King Crab, Coriander, Lime Leaf Leche De Tigre
Sweet umami goodness of Alaskan King Crab on an edible leaf. This served to pretty much whet the appetite for what’s to come!

Ikura Tartlette
Thin Tart Shell With Fromage Blanc and Marinated Salmon Roe
My partner in crime and I really enjoyed this one! Salmon roe on top of white cream cheese in a tart shell – simply bursting with umami flavours from the roe, contrasting against the creaminess of the cheese. A truly excellent appetiser!

“Steak” Sandwich
Braised Beef Tongue, Gherkins, Wagyu Tartare
Beef done two (2) ways atop  what we thought was bread but turned out to be “bread” made from tomatoes which gave a very interesting texture, and tartness to the “sandwich”. The green “leaf” turned out to be cheese! What a surprising not to mention interesting take on a common sandwich!

Nagano Walnut Soba
Cold Buckwheat Noodles with 7-Ingredient Herb, Root and Seed Condiment
We got to “play” with our food here. After all, the place is not called Japas FUN Dining for nothing! First, we crushed the walnuts which were then added to the broth. Next we squeezed the oil into the dried ice which froze it to form tiny little icicles which were then placed on the soba. As it slowly melted, it imparted its flavours to the soba which we then dipped into the broth (containing the walnuts) before eating it! Talk about interactive dining!

We crushed the walnuts first before the broth was added to it
Freezing the oil into tiny icicles!

Forest Floor
Braised Daikon, Japanese Mushroom Duxelle, Seaweed Egg Emulsion
We had to remove some actual leaves to reach the “forest floor” where we discovered the “mushroom” which contained the daikon and mushrooms. Loads of earthy flavours in this dish and great for a mushroom lover like me and my partner in crime.

Mains (Choice Of)

Yuan Miso Salmon with Yuzu Cream
Crispy Burdock, Herb Salad and Daun Kaduk Oil
Most of the girls had this one. A perfectly cooked piece of salmon that went exceedingly well with the (slightly) piquant yuzu cream.

Or

(None of us ordered this one hence no pics/ comments)
CO2 Battered Tatsuta Chicken
Tatsuta-age, Truffle and Black Pepper Dressing with Mizuna and Radish
[Upgrade to Krystal Osetra Caviar : 15g for RM175++]

Or

Kagoshima A5 Wagyu Striploin 100g Steak
[Supplemental Charge of RM120)
Those of us who ate beef had this one and it was mind-blowingly awesome! It delicious chunks of Wagyu was served with various condiments like watermelon salt (yes they make it themselves), Japanese black pepper, and more! The flavours of the beef, with it’s super tender texture feels like a party in the mouth. Definitely one of the best wagyu dishes I’ve had this year in my life!

Awesome! Simply awesome! I closed my eyes and savoured every bite of this!

Pina Colada
Caramelized Banana, Vanilla Rum Syrup, Coconut
A nice refreshing and creamy end to a wonderful interactive meal! It was like having the cocktail in solid form, which was rather unusual but undeniably satisfying! The girls attacked this one with gusto!

We also had their famous Babe & Daz which is an “ice cream style” foie gras laced with some Martell cognac and covered with chocolate! I loved this as I love foie gras and this was one of the most unique ways to enjoy the premium ingredient! (FYI this is not part of the champagne brunch set.)
A pic with Chef Jeff Ramsay and Chef Chu of BABE – Japas Fun Dining

BABE will also be running a special Festive menu from 21 December 2018 to 65 January 2019 which will feature some of the restaurant’s “Best of 2018” menu put together for this festive period.

BABE – Japas Fun Dining is located at:
Work @ Clearwater,
11th Floor, Changkat Semantan,
Damansara Heights,
50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Telephone: 03-2095 8599
Website: http://www.babe.com.my
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/babegastro/

Thanks for having us!
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X Top Model 2012 Finals

[Event]
Headed down to the Penthouse at The Icon on 15 September 2012 for the X Top Model 2012 finals with MHB’s Chelsea, Melissa, Valerie and Andy. I didn’t really follow the X Top Model 2012 search as much as last year as I was busy with loads of other events but I did promise them to attend the finals.
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Customary photo at the photowall – with Valerie, Melissa, Chelsea, Magdeline and Andy

Left my cam with the girls and this is what they shot hahaha!
Mags showing her sexy back!

With MHB’s twin towers – Chelsea and Valerie
The cute Kronenbourg 1664 girls kept us well watered

Fashion show by some of the 2011 X Top Model finalists. Here’s one of my favs – Fancy from Penang.
The sexy Wai Yee
And 2011 winner Sim Hui

Nuraini Binti Mohd Noor or just “Tuti” is the X Top Model Malaysia 2012!Tuti, 21, from Cheras, Kuala Lumpur and the only child in the family, stands at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) with a 32-24-30 frame beat off the challenge from six other finalists to walk away with a modeling contract with an international modeling agency, an exclusive runway debut at Beijing Fashion Week, cash, prizes, sponsors contract worth USD$20,000.00 and a fashion spread with one of Asia’s top fashion magazine.
Tuti and Angelica will be representing Malaysia at the international finals
With Sim Hui and her sister Sim Li (who was also in the 2011 search)

Fancy from Penang! I like her sharp features.

Valerie said our outfits were rather matching so we decided to take this pic

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More info at https://www.facebook.com/XTopModelSearch
Photo credits: Andykho.com , X Top Model, and author’s own
More (MHB) photos at https://www.facebook.com/myhotbloggers
Subscribe to my public updates at https://www.facebook.com/timchewkc
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Vivo Launches the New V15Pro Smartphone in Malaysia

[Tech & Gadgets]
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Vivo launched the all-new V15Pro smartphone in Malaysia at a press conference which included a special appearance by Malaysian songstress Siti Nurhaliza on 26 February 2019. The V15Pro is Vivo’s first model after the NEX to incorporate the industry’s first Elevating Front Camera, and aims to elevate consumers’ mobile experience with this latest affordable V series addition that packs in many high-end technologies that usually feature in only the most premium phones.

 Vivo Brand Ambassador Janna Nick, Vivo Malaysia CEO Mike Xu and Vivo Brand Ambassador Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza launch the V15 Series smartphone

 “Innovation is one of our core values. Aside from the industry’s first Elevating Front Camera which gave us the ultimate bezel-less display, we are always looking to bring other game-changing features, such as higher-quality cameras and smarter AI services that transport the mobile experience to a new dimension.” Said Mike Xu, Chief Executive Officer of Vivo Malaysia. “The V15Pro is a clear example of our commitment to bringing advanced products to consumers from all around the world and from all walks of life.”

The Vivo V15Pro comes with a 32MP Front Camera with upgraded mechanics and design enhancements also ensure the camera is sturdy enough to withstand daily wear-and-tear. The innovative Elevating Front Camera which first debuted at MWC 2018 as a concept, and later featured in the first NEX effectively created the ideal smartphone full-screen display.
With the elimination of the notch, the V15Pro has a 91.64% screen-to-body ratio, creating an unprecedented immersive viewing experience for gaming and video viewing. The Super AMOLED Ultra FullView™ Display on the V15Pro has a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, and is 6.39 inches diagonally. Its side and top bezels have been reduced to a razor-thin 1.75mm and 2.2mm respectively.

 The 32MP Front Camera makes it an ideal phone to capture selfies

The V15Pro comes with AI-embedded solutions for an enhanced mobile photography experience, and an AI Triple Camera which provides better clarity and a wider perspective.
Users can easily capture high-quality photos thanks to the 48 Million Quad Pixel Sensor, 8MP AI Super Wide-Angle Camera, and 5MP Depth Camera. The “four-in-one pixel” technology in the main rear camera combines four pixels into one large pixel to deliver high-quality 12MP photos even in the dark. The AI Super Wide-Angle Camera can expand up to 120 degrees (capturing up to 108-degree photos after accounting for distortion), capturing more people and fuller landscape shots.
Improving on the V11, the V15Pro is equipped with AI photography features including AI Face Beauty and AI Portrait Framing. The all-new AI Super Night Mode is said to enable consumers to capture night scenery without a tripod by taking multiple photos at different exposures. It then combines them to greatly improve brightness and clarity, delivering photos with a high level of detail and stability.
The fairer sex would definitely love the all-new AI Body Shaping feature, where users can adjusting every aspect of the body such as the waist and legs.
 Vivo Malaysia CEO Mike Xu and Vivo Brand Ambassadors Dato Sri Siti Nurhaliza and Janna Nick with Vivo partners and dealers during the launch of the V15 series smartphone
 Siti Nurhaliza performed two songs during the launch to the delight of her screaming fans!

The V15Pro also incorporates In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology, which is now in its 5th generation with higher fingerprint pixel density and more sophisticated algorithms allowing users to unlock their phones in a more secure and intuitive manner.
Without a physical fingerprint pad, the back cover adopts a unique Spectrum Ripple Design in Topaz Blue or Coral Red, that reflects different shades at different angles.
Vivo’s AI comes with a more powerful Jovi – a personal assistant that is touted to better understand consumer’s needs and desires. The brand-new AI-powered Jovi Image Recognizer has access to almost 100 mainstream e-commerce platforms such as Shopee and Zalora, so it can easily search through databases of over half a billion products for users. With a simple scan, users can now directly locate the product the want and purchase it through e-commerce platforms.
One press of the new Smart Button on the side of V15Pro activates the Google Assistant, while two activates the Jovi Image Recognizer. The V15Pro also has its own customised voice commands developed in partnership with Google, and can be used to activate a various functions such as AI Face Beauty, clean up phone memory, search for food pictures in the photo album, and more.

Avid gamers will be happy to know that there an upgraded Game Mode 5.0 with new Competition Mode that allocates system resources to prioritise game performance, and Dual-Turbo, which reduces frame-drop by 300% and increases smooth gameplay.
The V15Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 675AIE Octa-core processor with 6GB RAM + 128 ROM, ensuring ultra-smooth performance, while Vivo’s latest Dual-Engine Fast Charging technology, can charge the phone to 25% battery in just 15 minutes.

The V15Pro in Topaz Blue and Coral Red will be available for pre-order, which comes with a complimentary gift box in Malaysia from 26 February to 1 March 2019 via Vivo roadshows at select locations, Vivo Concept Stores, authorised dealers and collaboration partners.
Additionally, Vivo will also be holding a V15 Pro Superday Sale on 2 March 2019 at Sunway Pyramid (Blue Concourse) where early birds will received a complimentary DJI Spark selfie drone (on a first come first serve basis) and a Vivo gift box.

V15Pro Specifications

Basics

 Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 AIE Octa-core

RAM
6GB RAM

Storage
128GB ROM (Supports microSD Card up to 256GB)

Battery
3700mAh with Dual-Engine Fast Charging

Operating System
Funtouch OS 9.0 (based on Android 9.0)

Body

Dimensions
157.25mm x 74.71mm x 8.21mm

Weight
185g

Display

Screen
6.39” FHD+

Type
Super AMOLED

Touch Screen
2.5D (Glass)

Biometric recognition

5th Generation In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology

Camera

Camera
Front: 32MP
Rear: 48 Million Quad Pixel Sensor + 8MP AI Super Wide-Angle Camera + 5MP Depth Camera

Photography Modes
Ultra HD, PPT, Professional, Slow, Time-Lapse Photography, Camera Filter, Live, Bokeh, HDR, AI Face Beauty, Panorama, Palm Capture, Gender Detection, Retina Flash, AR Stickers, AI Face Shaping, Watermark, AI Portrait Lighting, AI Scene Recognition, AI Portrait Framing, AI Body Shaping, AI Super Wide-Angle, AI Super Night Mode

Pre-Installed Apps

Google Services
Play Store, Google, Chrome, Gmail, Map, YouTube, Drive, Play Music, Play Movie&TV, Duo, Photos, Google News (all countries)
Google Pay* (only in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Russia)

Connectivity

USB (USB2.0), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (Bluetooth 5.0), GPS, OTG, NFC* (only in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Russia)

Sensors

Accelerometer, Ambient light Sensor, Proximity Sensor, E-compass, Gyroscope

Items in the box

V15Pro, Earphone, Documentation, USB Cable, USB Power Adapter, SIM Ejector, Protective Case, Protective Film (applied)

For more info, head over to http://www.facebook.com/VivoMalaysia

 Photo shot by me. All the other photos/ visuals are courtesy of Vivo Malaysia.
Photo credits: Vivo Malaysia and author’s own (single photo directly above)
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Editor’s Note – January 2018

[Editor’s Note]
Martell NFC Cocktail Afternoon with Pierre Boyer

Just like that and it’s already 2018! I must say that 2017 seemed to fly by very quickly – guess I was enjoying myself quite a bit, especially the alcohol related ones like the Martell NFC Cocktail Afternoon with Pierre Boyer which was held on 18 November 2017 at the La Bodega Lounge in Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru.
The event was a collaboration between Martell Malaysia (Pernod Ricard Malaysia) and Winetalk whereby Pierre Boyer, Martell Brand Ambassador and David, Winetalk’s resident Sommelier conducted a little workshop for us guests to learn about Martell cognac (more precisely the NCF and V.S.O.P. variants as well as the history of the house of Martell) and how to create some Martell NCF cocktails.
Winetalk is an online marketplace for alcohol which includes (original! No bootlegged or smuggled alcohol here) wine, beer, cider, liquor and spirits which is delivered right to your doorstep, often at prices below that which you’ll find at brick and mortar retail outlets.

We got one of the Martell girls to try her hand at making a cocktail

My partner in crime for the afternoon making her cocktail

For more info on Winetalk, head over to https://winetalk.com.my/

I have two (2) very special features this month namely:
Valentine’s Day – https://timchew.net/2018/01/04/valentines-day-2018-romantic-dinners-in-kuala-lumpur-klang-valley-langkawi-and-penang/
Chinese New Year – https://timchew.net/2018/01/09/chinese-new-year-cny-dinners-promotions-and-yee-sang-in-kuala-lumpur-and-selangor-2018/
Both features will be continuously updated as more info comes in or after I attend the reviews. If you’re a restaurant or hotel (or even florist!) and would like your establishment included in the feature, drop me an email at editor@myhotbloggers.com
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Dior and Dior Homme at the Cannes Film Festival 2016

[Fashion]

The spotlight was on the many stars and celebrities during the first week of the 69th Festival de Cannes. Strutting down the red carpet was often one of the highlights of the festival and the fans and paparazzi were out in full force to capture the stars in their glamorous looks.
Here’s a look at some of the stars who were decked out in Dior.
Yao Xin wore an embroidered light blue and black jacquard Silk dress Dior Haute Couture with shoes and clutch Dior

Jodie Foster wore a Dior blue silk crepe dress

Celine Sallette wore a printed Green, white and black silk faille coat Dior Haute Couture, Bois de Rose earrings by Dior Fine Jewelry

Liu Yifei wore a strapless dress embroidered off pink wool Dior Haute Couture with shoes and clutch

Liu Yifiei
The Chinese actress Liu Yifiei, who is also ambassador of Dior Prestige skincare in China, ascended the steps at Cannes in a flower-embroidered, strapless white Dior dress, made just for her.
The Dior ateliers, a few steps from 30 Avenue Montaigne, is where Liu Yifei’s dress originated. In order to make it, the seamstresses closely followed the sketch like a detailed road map: with a few pencil strokes and touches of colour, the line of the dress is defined, along with the movement of its train and floral motifs.
With this sketch as a starting point, the petites mains can produce the toile through which they note all the indications necessary for the making of the dress, from the bust lines to the volume at the hips, which will be accentuated by an underskirt of faille, tulle and horsehair, not forgetting the placement of the embroideries, represented by pieces of paper pinned to the toile. Once this has all been finalized and validated, the petites mains cut, tack and sew the ecru faille fabric until they arrive at a preliminary version of the dress, which is then taken to China to be tried on by Liu Yifei.
The star then gives her impressions, her measurements are carefully noted to ensure that the fabric molds her figure flawlessly, and the dress makes its way back to Paris where it will be used as the model for the real dress the actress will wear on the red carpet. The petites mains will make this from fabric that has already been embroidered with the floral motifs. On the light-coloured faille, cotton ribbons topped with pale pink frayed organza are shaped into corollas, while the stems and leaves are traced out in flat metal sequins, crystal bugle beads and silver thread. The overall effect acts as a subtle nod to the delicacy of the Granville roses used in Dior Prestige skincare, of which Liu Yifei is the gorgeous ambassador.

Kirsten Dunst wore a yellow dress with metal belt Dior Haute Couture
Kirsten Dunst
American actress Kirsten Dunst who’s most notably known for her role in the Spiderman films together with Tobey Maguire wore an haute couture yellow coat dress, custom made in Dior’s ateliers.
In order to produce this unique creation for the American actress, Dior tapped into its heritage and savoir-faire. With its slim waist and flaring cut, this 1950s-inspired dress exudes femininity. Its line and proportions are the result of a rigorously-realized shaping, stitch by stitch, sculpting the fabric to the curves of Kirsten Dunst’s body. To give this impression of lightness and fluidity, the petites mains in the ateliers have carefully manipulated the fabric to create ripples that naturally, effortlessly dance to the rhythm of her movements.
Referring to the art of colour dear to Christian Dior, yellow is also, in his own words “the colour of good weather, of sun and youth.”

Marion Cotillard
In the atelier Flou, tucked away under the eaves of 30 Avenue Montaigne, the petites mains have translated Marion Cotillard’s wishes and inspirations into a unique creation, a golden dress, a sliver of glittering details. Working from a mood board of ideas, the lamé dress was designed to project pure, pared-down simplicity of an apparently effortless kind only the savoir-faire of the Dior happier couture ateliers can accomplish. Only a single seam is visible on the bust: it gives the fabric a draped movement that seems to continue to the shoulder where it spills into a ruffle of black velvet, like a trompe l’œil.
The fabric’s ability to mold the curves of the chest in a natural manner without any other visible stitches or darts is the result of the rigorously-constructed organza foundation underpinning it. Lastly, a fine copper chain was sewn into the hem of the dress so that the light fabric falls in a fluid fashion, enhancing the actress’ movements on the red carpet.

Not to be outdone. The men were also decked out and looking dapper in Dior Homme with Diego Luna, Gabriel Garcia Bernal, Jack O’Connell, Mads Mikkelsen, and Vincent Lindon in the brand’s creations.

Photo credits: Dior, http://www.vogue.fr/, http://tomandlorenzo.com/, http://news.xinhuanet.com/, http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/
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