the real ronaldo...admired and feared as an attacking midfielder with the versatility to shine as a...

ISBN 978-967-15037-0-6

THE UEM SUNRISE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

APRIL 2018

THE REAL RONALDOIn a league of his own

LAMBORGHINI GOES BULLISHThe world’s first super SUV debuts

BATAM’S OWN “ROUTE 66”Island hopping by car

“SIGNATURE SELECTION: ROAD TO RUSSIA 2018”At the showcase of

‘Ola Bola The Musical’

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib

EDITORIALNik Surina SuriaJosephine VeeranNorlyana Mohamad TermidziNurul Nadiah ZainudinMohd Ifzan Mohd Izam

CONTRIBUTORSLee Yew LeongLeon Jake-Li LimNgiom Lim Vishal J. SinghA. WallTom WestMelisa WongAlice Yong

CREATIVE & ART DIRECTIONMelisa Wong

GRAPHIC DESIGNERSPriscilla Freddy Alvin Lim Lawrence NgieJoanne Wong

PHOTOGRAPHER Khoo Boo Wai

PRODUCTION MANAGERYap Choi Ying

PRINTERAtlas Cetak (M) Sdn BhdWisma AtlasNo. 2, Persiaran IndustriBandar Sri Damansara52200 Kuala Lumpur

PUBLISHED BYUEM Sunrise Bhd (830144-W)Level U2, Block C5Solaris DutamasNo. 1, Jalan Dutamas 150480 Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaT 603 2718 7788F 603 6207 9033www.uliving.life

PRODUCED BY Moonshadow Sdn Bhd(A subsidiary of Octagon Creative Group)D32, 3rd Floor, Podium BlockPlaza Pekeliling, Jalan Tun Razak50400 Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaT 603 2775 3533F 603 2775 3588E [email protected]

All information herein is correct at the time of

publication. All materials published remain the property

of U LIVING Magazine. Every reasonable care has been

taken to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the

information contained within this publication.

The views and opinions expressed or implied in

U LIVING Magazine are those of the authors or

contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of

UEM Sunrise Berhad, its directors or editorial staff. All

rights reserved by UEM Sunrise Berhad. Reproduction

in whole or in part, in print or digital, without written

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LET US HEAR FROM YOU!

We welcome feedback, insights, comments

and suggestions for U LIVING Magazine

and how we can make it more “ubiquitous”.

E-mail us at [email protected] stating

your name, email and contact number.

We reserve the right to edit your letter

before publication in line with editorial

policy and guidelines.

MD/CEO’s MessageDear Reader

2018 is a special year for us. It is not only UEM Sunrise’s 10th year anniversary, it also marks our organisation’s 50 formidable years of combined experience in successful community building and a tipping point as we move into delivering the next decade of excellence. In celebrating 50 years of community building and delivering the next decade of excellence, also known as Project C50, it is about rejoicing a significant milestone we have achieved together through our accomplishments as a talented, imaginative and dedicated team driven by passion and commitment.

We take pride of our roles in designing exceptional living spaces beyond just houses but developing thriving communities and creating masterpieces for our customers and stakeholders.

Allow me the liberty of using sports analogy - it is the theme of this issue after all. Much like Cristiano Ronaldo’s stellar career trajectory from a young football prodigy to becoming a global phenomenon, playing for one of the best clubs in the world, Real Madrid and a self-made man, UEM Sunrise built its reputation from the ground up and has become one of Malaysia’s leading developers, both domestically and internationally. Therefore, it is

no coincidence that we are featuring Cristiano Ronaldo on our cover. This issue highlights football, and sports in general, as a universal unifier of people, nations and cultures.

We concluded the third instalment of our sales campaign, “Signature Selection: Road to Russia 2018” in Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur at the showcase of ‘Ola Bola The Musical’ with a grand finale lucky draw on 10 March 2018. We gave away luxurious prizes worth more than RM1 million. Among the highlights were three top winners walked away with 7D/6N trips to Moscow, Russia to watch the Finals of the FIFA World Cup 2018. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Harimau Malaya legends, Datuk Hassan Sani, Datuk James Wong and Tuan Haji Bakri Ibni.

More exciting stories await you as you flip the pages forward.

Finally, as Ramadan approaches, UEM Sunrise wishes all Muslim readers a happy Ramadan Al-Mubarak.

Sincerely,

Anwar Syahrin Abdul AjibManaging Director/Chief Executive OfficerUEM Sunrise Berhad

SPOTLIGHTPLACES, PEOPLE, PLANET

08 WHEN THE GOAL IS GLOBAL GLORY Cristiano Ronaldo Rules

12 THE “WHITE” HOUSE Minutes from Singapore, and a world away

ABODESHOMES & INTERIORS

18 RESIDENSI SOLARIS PARQ Limitless Living For Every Aspiration

20 SERIMBUN Leisure of Lushness

FIT & FABLOOK GREAT, FEEL GREAT

22 GROOMING MAKES THE METRO MAN Carly had it right: You’re so vain

24 GO TRIBE! An exercise concept that pulls no punches

BUZZHIGH TECH, HIGH COOL

26 LAMBORGHINI GOES BULLISH The world’s first super SUV debuts

HORIZONSADVENTURE & DISCOVERY

30 REACH FOR THE STARS! Meet the star behind Malaysia’s

space programme

SHOWCASEARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE

34 BEAUTY OF ASIA Why do great posters “grab” you? Impact and immediacy

36 MALAYSIAN CONTEMPORARY ART SCENE COMES OF AGE KL showcases a broad canvas of creativity

GLITZA PASSION FOR FASHION

42 FASHIONABLY MODEST Modest yet modish? Why not!

44 FROM PERSONAL ART TO STYLISH LUXURY The “other” Lotus. And a lot cheaper

GASTROEPICUREAN JOURNEYS

48 TUMIS@TEAKS Raya Feast with Malay/Javanese food

WHIRLWINDOF ACTIVITIES @ PUBLIKA

52 EXPLORER OUTFITTER Great adventure under the skies

56 KALEIDOSCOPE A Treasure Trove of Gifts

FAMILY AFFAIRSCOMMUNITY TIES

58 BATAM’S “ROUTE 66” Island hopping that’s a short road hop away

68 OLA BOLA THE MUSICAL Triumphant success!

HOT PICKSPROPERTIES THAT TRULY SHINE

74 GERBANG NUSAJAYA The complete 21st Century

Township

WHAT’S INSIDE

COVER Cristiano Ronaldo

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Ververidis Vasilis

Our cover features football prodigy Cristiano Ronaldo

who has set record breaking achievements. Showcasing

his talents and capabilities on and off the field, he is

regarded as one of the best footballers of his generation.

Ronaldo is currently one of the highest-paid professional

athletes. SKOPJE, MACEDONIA - 8 August 2017.

IMAGE 123RF

Ryu Jae Hung HanGeul Korea [email protected]

ISBN 978-967-15037-0-6

THE UEM SUNRISE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

APRIL 2018

THE REAL RONALDOIn a league of his own

LAMBORGHINI GOES BULLISHThe world’s first super SUV debuts

BATAM’S OWN “ROUTE 66”Island hopping by car

“SIGNATURE SELECTION: ROAD TO RUSSIA 2018”At the showcase of

‘Ola Bola The Musical’

Lotus Arts de Vivre @ Starhill GalleryG2A, Indulge Floor, Starhill Gallery

Kuala Lumpur.

House of Lotus Arts de VivreBukit Bandaraya, Bangsar

Kuala Lumpur.

Luxuryexquisitely

crafted in style

U LIVING ◆ EDITORIAL

WHEN THE GOAL IS GLOBAL GLORY

Across our planet, football is revered as the Beautiful Game. From the sun-baked plains of Africa to the sun-kissed beaches of Australia, from the cobblestone lanes of Europe to the deep jungles of

South America, the devotees of the sport indulge in it with tremendous flair and passion. Football is also a fabled avenue for those blessed with raw talent to achieve their dream of international

stardom. Through sheer determination and unswerving ambition, many youths have risen from a modest background to realize their wildest dreams.

Destined For Greatness

O ne such luminary is Cristiano Ronaldo, who is widely

regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all

time. He was born on 5 February 1985 on the island

of Madeira in Portugal.

His talent was unmistakable and his willingness to work

hard was legendary. Slowly but surely, he honed his skills

to perfection and he waited patiently for football to change

his life. However, even he could not foresee how he would

lift the world of football to new heights while electrifying

audiences worldwide.

In 1995, he joined a football club called Nacional, which was

based in Madeira. His mastery of dribbling, bursts of speed

and staggering power in the air earned him a spot in the

Sporting CP team. This was an impressive breakthrough

because Sporting CP is one of the biggest clubs in Portugal.

In 2003, he was handpicked by Sir Alec Ferguson to join

Manchester United and this launched his elevation to rockstar

status. His extraordinary work ethic during training became

his hallmark and his willingness to dig deep and go the extra

mile during important matches earned him the respect and

affection of Manchester United’s fans.

Today, he is Real Madrid’s talisman and a five-time winner at

the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or Award for 2008, 2013, 2014,

2016 and 2017.

PHOTO CREDIT: Christian Bertrand/Shutterstock.com

VALENCIA, SPAIN - 22 February 2017

Cristiano Ronaldo plays at the La Liga

match between Valencia CF and Real

Madrid at Mestalla Sourceshttps://www.biography.com/people/cristiano ronaldo-555730 http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1860184/bio

8

U LIVING ◆ SPOTLIGHT

PHOTO CREDIT: 123RF

PHOTOGRAPHER: Ververidis Vasilis

Skopje, FYROM - 8 August 2017

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo,

celebrates with teammates after

defeating Manchester United 2-1

during the Super Cup final soccer

match at Philip II Arena in Skopje

9


PHOTOGRAPHER: Tun Mohammad Fadzrul Redza

10


Malaysia’s Overnight Sensation

On 16 February 2016, Mohamad Faiz Subri stepped forward

in the heart of the City Stadium in Penang to launch a free

kick that would define his life and set him on a course to

international adulation.

For a moment in time, the howling fans in the stadium

were stunned into silence. Everyone who witnessed the

trajectory of the ball could hardly believe their eyes, and

they instantly knew that they would forever be boasting

that they were there when Mohamad Faiz challenged the

laws of physics, and deftly performed a miracle of the ages.

Inexplicably, the ball swung to the left before swerving

crazily to the right and dipping in a graceful arc to escape

the desperate clutches of the goalkeeper.

Mohamad Faiz’s free kick earned him the FIFA Puskas

Award 2016, which highlights the best goal of the year.

Just how gobsmackingly fantastic was the free kick? It has

been viewed over 44 million times on YouTube and viewers

around the world continue to rub their eyes in disbelief.

The past recipients of this award include superstars like

Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, James

Rodriguez, etc.

Born on 8 November 1987 in Kedah, Mohamad Faiz’s

journey to become the first ever Asian to win the FIFA

Puskas Award was fraught with obstacles. He began his

career with Tambun Tulang FC before moving on to play

for Perlis FA, T-Team, Kelantan FA, Terengganu FA and

Penang FA. He was tapped to join the national team in 2012

and 2013 before being dropped . Thanks to his resurgence

in 2016, he is currently back on the national team.

Renowned for his true grit, Mohamad Faiz is greatly

admired and feared as an attacking midfielder with the

versatility to shine as a winger as well as a striker.

Although Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamad Faiz may

seem to be modern-day Cinderellas at first blush, deeper

insights into their rise to prominence will result in a greater

appreciation of their drive and strength of character.



PHOTO CREDIT: METRO

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - 9 January 2017

Mohd Faiz and Ronaldo at The Best

FIFA Football Award 2016

Sourceshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohd_Faiz_Subri

11


On entering the house after a warm reception from the

housekeeper, the first impression was a cheerful one

as the interior of the home turned out to be bright

and airy, with an uplifting summery vibe that permeated

throughout the space.

Endowed with a swimming pool and tropical greenery, the

sights invoked intimations of scenes in a house party held

in a Miami, Florida resort home. The home was adequately,

but minimally, adorned to allow plenty of room for freedom

of movement as well as freedom of the mind.

Mr. Simon White, who first appeared, seemed like a man of

strong stature with charm and eloquence. He was followed

by his cheerful and excited wife, Sarah and their two sons

dressed in adorable unison.

Their two boys, Dexter and Johnny, had their own way of

interacting, as they rode their toy scooters around the house

in their excitement while Sam Smith songs were playing in

the air, as the bright noon sun hung above.

Simon, who hails from Coventry, England was working

around towns such as Burbridge and Nottingham in the UK

before he was asked to head a new division in Singapore in

2009.

THE “WHITE” HOUSE

One English expat family’s new home and lifestyle in East Ledang is feeling almost, well, presidential

12


13


“ The beauty of living in Asia is such that it has worked well for us... for a woman, it is wonderful because I can have a family and a career at the same time. In the UK, this would be difficult”.

“Here in East Ledang, everyone is friendly. Moving to East Ledangis like “Icing on the cake”.

14


Excited with his new venture in Asia, he left the UK together

with his wife, Sarah.

“It was work and partying” for us in our first two years until

our eldest son, Dexter was born in 2011. Johnny, our youngest

son came three years later. Life of course slowed down for us

after the kids came. We were living in a condo then and were

thinking about applying to become Permanent Residents

in Singapore”.

Their lives changed as soon as they visited East Ledang

for the first time. Only an hour away from the hustle and

bustle of Singapore, serene suburban feel and an intimate

community, Sarah remembers telling her husband, “We

would have been nuts not to seriously consider this place”.

Sarah, who was visibly a woman with foresight, knew that

East Ledang would end their search for the perfect home.

“I have always wanted my own pool”, as she proudly recalled

her triumphant endeavour to convince her husband to

move there in 2015. She made a point to have her home

a culmination of their previous travels, as she pointed out

adornments from places like Bali, Thailand, and England.

Peace and tranquility pervaded their living quarters as a

standing praying Buddha guarded the upstairs corridor.

“The beauty of Asia is such that it has worked well for us….

for a woman, it is wonderful because I can have a family and

a career at the same time. In the UK, this would be difficult”.

“In Singapore, in the condo where we lived for five years we

did not have friends, our neighbours were focused on their

own lives. Here in East Ledang, everyone is friendly. Moving

to East Ledang is like “Icing on the cake”.

15


Many times, Simon and Sarah emphasised the strong

contrast between Johor and Singaporean life, and how their

peers were greatly mistaken as their move was met not

without skepticism from among them. One of the pleasant

surprises about Johor was stated with pride, “People in

Johor are much more relaxed and friendly than neighbours

in Singapore who tend to focus on their own lives”. East

Ledang has a very friendly community, and neighbours are

close to one another. Sarah even runs a Book Club every

Wednesday night in their home. “We read a book once a

month, some of my neighbours ride their bicycles to our

house, we have potluck together and sometimes our kids

will gather and watch a show on TV”.

“The staff of UEM Sunrise are helpful and always ready to

help us with any issues which may arise”.

“I leave for work from East Ledang at 7.45 am and I am on

Alexandra Road, Singapore by 9.00 am”. Sarah works in

the People and Organisation division within an Engineering

Company dealing in Oil and Gas. She commutes to Singapore

four days a week and works one day from her home in East

Ledang.

Simon, who has his own company, focuses on expanding

his business network with clients based in Johor,

Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and other parts of Malaysia.

He has made Iskandar Puteri his main base now.


It is for these reasons that they prefer to spend most of their time in Johor, Simon

says, “Everything we need is here. In AEON Supermarket, there is an organic

section. There are more shops and restaurants now the whole area is developing

and more people have moved in. The children’s school, Marlboro College is a

short drive away from here”.

As a family, they would often go cycling around the lake when the sun is down and

the weather is inviting. Simon would occasionally go to the nearby Horizon Hills to

play golf with his mates. An ardent athlete, he also plays football and is a member

of the Football Club at Marlboro College.

On that Saturday morning, the Whites were a picture of contentment: an ordinary

family going about their ways in an extraordinary place, sharing the joy and happiness

together. East Ledang enabled this young family to experience both Singapore and

Johor as part of their daily lives. Their decision to move to East Ledang enabled

them to have the best of both worlds.


The design philosophy of Residensi Solaris

Parq itself is a blend of nature and luxury

that follows the harmony between earth

and the sky, representing nature and heights of

luxury. It weaves innovative architectural features

as well as technology into the design concept.

Located just next to the iconic Publika, Residensi

Solaris Parq marks the first development phase

of Solaris Parq, with retail, suites and office

components following closely behind in the

second phase. Residensi Solaris Parq speaks

volume about the vast potential of work and

lifestyle offerings. The units are planned to the

smallest detail for practical living and flexibility,

with several options and prices, suitable for singles

as well as families. With more than 30 lifestyle

amenities and cutting-edge facilities for its

residents to enjoy, Residensi Solaris Parq will also

be home to a two-acre urban park with a variety

of thematic landscaped zones. The richness of the

park with its array of activities and recreational

areas will be the popular common ground for the

residents.

RESIDENSISOLARIS PARQ

18

U LIVING ◆ ABODES

Limitless Living For Every Aspiration

UEM Sunrise remains committed to developing Residensi

Solaris Parq into a sustainable and thriving development. Its

strong track record in building sustainable developments,

adds value to the lives of those living within its built

environment. The company is confident that its residents will

be happy to call this place ‘home’.

Residensi Solaris Parq consists of two towers with 288

units per tower and offers five different built-ups ranging

from 721 sq ft to 2,469 sq ft The selling price ranges from

RM873,800 to RM2,968,800. Residents are set to enjoy

superb accessibility with its connectivity to SPRINT Highway,

Penchala Link, New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) and

Duta Ulu-Klang Expressway (DUKE).

Residensi Solaris Parq is due to be completed in 2020.

19

U LIVING ◆ ABODES

SERIMBUN L E I S U R E O F L U S H N E S S

S erimbun in Iskandar Puteri was

launched in February 2018. The

215-unit Serimbun development is

UEM Sunrise’s latest landed project in the

Southern region. It is surrounded by rich

greenery that encircles the neighborhood.

Serimbun’s appeal lies in its low-density

setting amidst vast open spaces, dotted

pockets of greenery within a well-secured

and guarded freehold landed community,

which also promises a lively ambience.

Serimbun consists of two design options

with built-ups ranging from 1,993 sq ft

to 2,117 sq ft The double-storey houses

are priced between RM630,000 and

RM1,443,000, and come with four

bedrooms. A low-density development of

just nine units per acre comes a total of

215 residential units over 24 acres of land.

Serimbun is located merely a 35-minute

drive from both Malaysia’s Sultan Abu

Bakar CIQ Complex and Singapore’s Tuas

Checkpoint. Key features and amenities

of Serimbun include fitness facilities such

as outdoor gyms, walking paths/jogging

tracks and open fields with ample park

areas and water features to unwind

without leaving the comfort and security

of the community.

U LIVING ◆ ABODES

20

It is accessible via the Second Link Expressway and the Coastal Highway and close to major amenities like the Columbia Asia Hospital; AEON Bukit Indah Shopping Centre; Giant Hypermarket; Tesco Hypermarket; and EduCity – a fully integrated educational hub comprising universities, other institutes of higher education, academia-industry action and R&D centres as well as recreational and sports facilities.

Prominent entertainment and leisure destinations within the proximity include LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort, Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park, Mall of Medini, Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club and Puteri Harbour Marina.

Serimbun is due for completion in 2020.

U LIVING ◆ ABODES

21

Today’s metrosexual men are fuelling the growth of the male grooming market around the world.

MAKES THEMETRO MAN

GROOMING

U LIVING ◆ FIT & FAB

A staggering USD29.14 billion or approximately RM 123

billion. That is how much the global male grooming

market is estimated to be worth come 2024.

The phenomenal sum is enough to make cosmetic giants

like L’Oréal sit up and take notice while Google picked men’s

beauty & skincare as one of the top four key trends to watch

in its 2017 Beauty Trend report.

Gone are the days when men’s

toiletries only consisted of just

shampoo, deodorant and shaving

cream. Modern, metrosexual males,

especially millennials and those aged

35-44 have no qualms filling their

bathroom cabinets with a vast array

of beauty and grooming essentials:

facial cleansers, moisturisers, eye

serums, anti-aging creams and

even mud masks — all formulated

specifically for men.

According to global research and

leading men’s magazines, today’s

gentlemen show a healthy, holistic

interest in taking care of themselves;

be it on their personal grooming

from head-to-toe or their overall physical health and inner

well-being. Famous sports personalities, leading male

celebrities and sartorial-savvy social media influencers form

part of the driving force behind current male beauty, skincare

and grooming trends.

Such pivotal shifts in male attitudes have augured well for

the beauty, grooming and self-pampering industries. Step

into any shopping mall, department store or pharmacy

and you would notice a growing number of brands and

specialised vendors pandering to the metro men segment.

For instance, Truefitt & Hill – London’s finest gentlemen’s

barber and perfumer – has a cultish clientele who seek their

specialised haircutting, shaving and grooming services, in

addition to the house range of shaving, fragrance, hair and

bath products.

Guys seeking to de-stress and

pamper their skin, body and mind

can step into SOTHYS For Him

Salons where the brand’s signature

Homme 3D Recharge Intensive

Treatment is proffered. Performed

by well-trained SOTHYS specialists,

the relaxation ritual starts with

Homme Essential Cold Compress

with Bio Stimulating Oil to release

physical tension and relax the

body and mind. Then comes the

deep-cleansing Homme Essential

Shoulder and Neck Tension Release

procedure followed by a facial

point massage with the application

of an Age-defying Face Serum,

Noctuelle Cream and Age-defying

Hydrating Fluid. Completing the

treatment will be a 15-minute Hydra-Smoothing Mask and

Homme Essential De-Stressing Final Movement.

In response to growing demand, SOTHYS has recently

introduced its HOMME Home Care Manly Regime line – a

simple three-step procedure incorporating the magnesium-

rich volcanic rock as an active ingredient to cleanse the

male skin, protect it against aging and to boost its vitality.

Step into SOTHY’S PARIS at Level UG 1, Publika.

Left To Right:

1. Age-defying hydrating fluid.2. Hair and body revitalising gel cleanser.3. Energising face cleanser.4. De-stressing eye roll-on.5. Softening shaving foam.

23


GO TRIBE!Have you noticed the proliferation of cooler, edgier niche health & fitness clubs in the Klang Valley? We have. Check out what these “natives” are up to.


“Boxing is normally associated with aggression and

masculinity,” explains Christian, “but we want to change

people’s perspectives on that. You don’t have to be a fighter

to do boxing. Anyone at any level of fitness can participate

in a full body workout that burns your legs and upper body

through a strength and cardio workout routine”.

Ok, so, try me! I arrive one Saturday morning ready to punch

above my weight (ha ha). First I don the bandage-like hand

wrappings, then the boxing gloves (with some help from

Marek!), then I am ushered into a dark room with mirrors

and music and—the “main event”—several rows of punching

bags. Everyone has his/her own bag. Our instructor this

morning is Rachel, who belted out commands as she

herself was showing us how to punch, jab, hook, uppercut,

dodge, weave, etc. in various combinations, followed by the

occasional admonitory cry of “Go Tribe!” or “C’mon Tribe!”

Classes are structured into three minutes of 11 rounds, with

a 45-second break between rounds. It combines boxing

training incorporated with HIIT (High Intensity Interval

Training) elements for a full body workout. So, in a single

round, you can transition from a boxing combination

straight into squats and lunges, engaging all muscles in

a short period of time. Music is another key component,

synchronising moves to a pulsating beat.

We wanted to bring a new concept of exercise to Malaysia.

“By adding variety, music, and a nightclub feel along with an

intense workout, Tribe wants to appeal to a wider range of

people who want to exercise but find it difficult to motivate

themselves from working out alone”.

Tribe had only been open for two weeks when I visited, and

they already had a decent number of “tribe members” in my

class. Also in the works—a café on the mezzanine level that

will offer healthy snacks, juices, smoothies and cups of joe.

Any plans to expand to more “Tribes” in the Klang Valley?

Definitely, says, Christian. Tribe is located in the new Arcoris

Plaza in Mont’Kiara.

W ell, its called Tribe. And it really is cool,

edgy, and different. While other gyms may

incorporate boxing or combat classes of

many programme options on their weekly schedule,

Tribe utilises boxing as its core fitness platform there.

Tribe Box Studio (to give its official name) is the

brainchild of 20-something founders Mark Choo

and Christian Lee. Best friends since childhood,

and both avid fitness enthusiasts, they travelled to

gyms throughout the USA, UK and Asia, and from

there formulated their own workout concept built on

boxing.

25


U LIVING ◆ BUZZ

What do you get when Lamborghini decides to jump on the SUV bandwagon? Beauty and the Beast? Streetwise on Steroids? Part Rambo, part Lambo? Yes.

The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush

U LIVING ◆ BUZZ

Since the Lamborghini Countach first appeared in 1973,

with inflected angular slices across the body surfaces

that tear at the human emotion, car aficionados

continue to gaze with amazement as Lamborghini continued

to roll amazing heart-wrenching cars, one after another as

they mercilessly grabbed the emotion of the percipients.

First, they draw attention towards their low-slung, ground-

hugging menacing yet incredibly beautiful looks; and when

the engine is turned on and burst into life with piercing roar

into the atmosphere, heads will turn towards the sculptured

beast that stands out from the normality around it.

People admire and buy the Lamborghini because of the

attitude it carries along with it, and also for the menacing

good looks and the power of the performance. The car is

an indulgence, and the propensity to own one is led by

ineffable emotion. Most of the time the Lamborghini car is

not particularly practical, but its owner will possess it like a

priceless work of art.

Now, the Lamborghini Urus is bringing the car maker into

the realm of the real physical world – more than that, it is a

car that seats passengers like a normal SUV and will travel

and perform in any part of the world, in extreme terrain

under different weather conditions. The prototype had been

tested in extreme heat and cold, in the desert as well as in

the arctic. The Urus has made Lamborghini more than an

emotional possession; it is indeed a car that is useful and

can function in any condition, without loosing any of the

Lamborghini character.

Car followers may be somewhat familiar with the scale

of the car as it shares the same platform as the Audi Q7,

Porsche Cayenne and the VW Touareg as these cars are

underpinned by the parent Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo

platform, making a roomy cabin for four; there is the decent

suede-lined 616-litre boot with split-fold seats too.

U LIVING ◆ BUZZ

However, the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine under the bonnet

flames away the SUV rivals with an acceleration of 0-100 kmh

(0-62mph) in 3.6 seconds, and amazingly, it does 0-200kmh

(0-124mph) in 12.8 seconds. It has a torque of 627 lb at 2250-

4500 rpm, and spits out 641 bhp at 6000 rpm. In short, the

SUV performs like a high-performance sports car. To ensure

the safety of it all, braking is provided by ceramic rotors front

and rear, measuring a whopping 440 mm in diameter on the

front axle. Engineers quote a 100-0 kmh stopping distance of

33.7 metres which is quite a feat for a machine that weighs

2200 kg.

If the driver takes the car off the beaten track, into the wilds

perhaps, as SUV drivers are expected to do occasionally,

he will be surprised at how far the Urus will go. Adjustable

suspension provides 9 cm of extra ground clearance when

set in off-road mode, rising to 248 mm clambering height

when prepped for off-road duties.

The new Tamburo driving dynamics selector can let the

owners programme the car engine, transmission and traction

management systems into various modes for different road

conditions such as Track set-up... Dynamic driving, Snow,

Off-road and Sand. The system will tailor the air suspension

and electromechanical anti-roll bars to make sure the Urus

is set up for any condition.

Going SUV is certainly a big shift for Lamborghini as its last

SUV model was 30 years ago, which was a more conventional

one. The Urus looks every bit like a Lamborghini, with the

sharp angles and creases that adorn today’s Huracán and

Aventador – there isn’t anywhere on the surface that isn’t

inflected by slashing lines or converging crease. It is far from

subtle as is expected of a Lamborghini. And when the engine

is turned on, the presence of the Lamborghini is unmistakable.

Lamborghini expects quite a take-up rate for the car as the

company created a brand new factory at Sant’Agata, Italy,

which doubles production at the Italian car maker’s plant

from today’s 3500 cars annually.

U LIVING ◆ BUZZ

LENS

through the

Reach forthe Stars!

“Astrophysics is gradually becoming recognised as a sphere that is equally represented by men and women... ”

U LIVING ◆ HORIZONS

30

“Opta ardua pennis astra sequi”...“Desire with

outspread wings to follow the stars.” This was

how the great antiquarian Roman poet Virgil

described man’s eternal yearning to pursue the metaphorical

heights—be it stars, stardom, or a steller career.

That career, in our story, is the “elevated,” and to most,

esoteric realm of astrophysics. A “male-dominated” realm

to be sure. But one woman has broken that glass ceiling, as

it were, Malaysia’s first astrophysicist, our very own Datuk

Dr. Mazlan Othman.

Datuk Dr. Mazlan heads the prestigious Scientific Academy

of Malaysia, in whose bright, bookshelf-lined office we sit for

our interview. Behind her desk hangs her framed doctorate

degree from New Zealand’s University of Otago (where she

was also the first woman to attain a PhD in Physics).

Despite her accomplishments and status, she strikes me as

humble, unassuming, and ever-cheerful. This is reflected in

her office, which is minimally adorned, and contains, among

her many scientific books, an interesting collection on

culture, including “Endau Rompin: A Malaysian Heritage,”

and a tribute book to the women of the scientific world

“The Glass Universe”. I was curious as to why a scientist

would take a liking to culture; the significance of this would

soon reveal itself.

Datuk Dr. Mazlan recalls the process to which she became

an astrophysicist, it all started as she sought advice from a

teacher when she was deciding between the science and

arts stream. Her initial agenda was go into the arts stream,

but the teacher pointed out that Malaysia, at that time, was

in dire need of scientists and engineers. A teacher’s sincere

advice had led to the best decision Datuk ever made.

According to Datuk Dr. Mazlan, the most appealing aspect

of Physics, especially astrophysics (which she discovered

in university), was the philosophical implications of the

discipline that permeated throughout human existence

existentially. She contrasted the uncertainties that pervaded

astrophysics and cosmology with the predictability of

other forms of physics, for example the Newtonian Laws

of Physics. As soon as she saw the discipline’s proclivity to

explore the unknown, she never looked back.

Datuk Dr. Mazlan despite always having “gender-blind”

perspective of the world, was proud to state that

astrophysics is gradually becoming recognised as a sphere

that is equally represented by men and women. This is

due to the increasing equality of opportunity for women

throughout the globalised world. However, locally, due to

the traditions of culture and mindset of society, talented

and brilliant women are still facing challenges entering the

scientific world. This is partially because of the dedication

that is required of the profession. For example, the field of

observational astronomy would require traveling to very

remote areas and working late nights. This is also coupled

with another biological problem, as during these times,

women are in their reproductive cycles.

“... this is due to the increase of quality of opportunity for women throughout the globalised world. ”


31

Additionally, she finds that some women are intimidated by

mathematics, and thus are unfortunately turned away from science

early on.

However, it ought to be sign-posted, that the slight

inequality that is occurring is not necessarily an issue. If

women want to choose to nurture and secure the stability

of their household, it is just as noble a cause, “all power to

them”, as Datuk Dr. Mazlan says. The production of great

citizens of Malaysia and of the world, always begins at home.

What is perhaps more of a pressing issue, is that Malaysia

is far behind in the global race of the space industry. As

our government is still facing the economic recession, the

budget for Malaysia’s science industry is found wanting.

There is, however, a silver-lining to this. Much of the research

and data conducted by NASA for example, is accessible to

scientists with the right connections.

Ironically, Datuk Dr. Mazlan highlights the arrogance of

scientists to which they fail to stay within their field of

expertise. She states, for example, that scientists have

proposed triumphantly, but arguably a misled endeavour,

that the only way for the liberal arts to progress is, vis-à-

vis science. She calls this hubris. In 2011, Stephen Hawking,

world-renowned physicist, in the spirit of scientific

supremacism, stated startlingly that “Philosophy is dead”,

and that science has successfully overtaken philosophy in

all its glory. In his book “The Grand Design”, he states, “How

can we understand the world in which we find ourselves?...

How does the universe behave? What is the nature of

reality? Where did all this come from? Did the universe

need a creator? Most of us do not spend most of our

time worrying about these questions, but almost all of us

worry about them some of the time. Traditionally these are

questions for philosophy, but philosophy is dead.

Philosophy has not kept up with modern developments in

science, particularly physics. Scientists have become the

bearers of the torch of discovery in our quest for knowledge.”

Datuk Dr. Mazlan has formed an entirely different conclusion

from the very same set of questions mentioned by Stephen

Hawking. This will be explained shortly. Experts have argued

that in order to produce scientists and engineers alike,

we ought to educate children with four core components

– Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

It has been postulated that STEM education creates

critical thinkers by increasing science literacy, and thus

consequently producing the next generation of innovators.

Datuk Dr. Mazlan begs to differ, she argues that this should

be augmented to “STEAM”, i.e. adding Art into it. This

holistic form of education ought to be integral in producing

scientists; this will produce more well-rounded individuals as

well as nurture creative skills to which they can draw from.

Young children especially, should explore all unchartered

territory of their intellect rather than specializing from a

very young age.

““STEAM”, is a holistic form of education ought to be integral in producing scientists; this will produce more well-rounded individuals as well as nurture creative skills to which they can draw from. ”


32

What would she do if she was Education Minister? She did,

however, jokingly express the lack of desire to take up such

an arduous position, but if she had to, it would be something

like modelling the education system as the Scandinavians

have; the success of Finnish schools is a testament to this. In

Finland, there are no rankings, comparisons or competitions

between students, schools or regions. Every school has the

same goals and draws from the same pool of university-

educated teachers. Consequently, a child from either a

rural town or metropolis will get the very same quality of

education. In other words, equality of teaching is the most

important aspect of the educational system. Besides Finnish,

math and science, the first graders take music, art, sports,

religion and textile handcrafts. English begins in third grade,

Swedish in fourth. By fifth grade the children have added

biology, geography, history, physics and chemistry to their

learning. Furthermore, unlike most stagnant systems, the

Finnish system is perpetually looking for ways to improve.

There are many things that we can do to improve Malaysia.

What do we strive for as individuals and as a collective?

And how do we go about doing this? Perhaps the answer in

here, lies with Datuk Dr. Mazlan’s simple but ever-important

proposition- “if you want something badly enough, you

have to do it yourself.”

Datuk Dr. Mazlan was the founding director of Angkasa,

the Malaysian National Space Agency, and has played an

instrumental role in sending our first Malaysian astronaut to

space. She has established university courses in astronomy,

laboratories for undergraduate and postgraduate training

and the Malaysia Space Science Studies Division, the first

National Planetarium of Malaysia , the National Microsatellite

Programme and the National Space Centre.

She spearheaded the setting up of the Langkawi National

Observatory, and initiated the programme which placed

the world’s first remote-sensing satellite in the near-

Equatorial orbit. She said, “My pride and joy in setting up the

Langkawi National Observatory included the architecture

and landscaping.”

Hubble Space Telescope was launched into orbit from

NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery on 24 April 1990. Hubble

orbits about 547 km (340 miles) above Earth. It is the length

of a large school bus and weighs as much as two adult

elephants. It travels about 5 miles per second and is solar-

powered. Scientists have learned a lot about the universe

from pictures taken by the Hubble.

“Young children especially, should explore all unchartered territory of their intellect rather than specializing from a very young age. ”

Hubble Space Telescope


33

“The Beauty of Asia” Poster Exhibition addresses an awareness of social, cultural and historical diversity from the various countries reflected in these works.

Organised by the joint-efforts of KECD (Korean Ensemble Contemporary Design) and wREGA (The Graphic Design Association, Malaysia), these posters were a collaborative effort by designers from 10 Asian countries. Korea, China, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Messages were depicted in the form of design elements captured through typography, imagery, colours and motifs. This was a rare opportunity for Malaysians comprising of designers and the public to view these design extravaganzas from our Asian neighbours.

“The Beauty of Asia” exhibited at the Creative Space, National Art Gallery from 23 January until end of February 2018.

34

U LIVING ◆ SHOWCASE

Chang Ho Chul The Beauty of New SEOUL Korea [email protected]

Choi Jae Wan Hope to spread out like fog Korea [email protected]

Ho Seng Ying Beauty of Asia - The Bola Spirit Malaysia [email protected]

Yan Zhi Xian Beauty of Asia - Petronas Twin Tower Malaysia [email protected]

Lei Hou Keong EVENING Macau [email protected]

ChiiiDesign 27th Macao International Music Festival Macau [email protected]

Chew Jin Yi Beauty of Asia - Light of Malaysia Malaysia [email protected]

Wong Imaya Beauty of Asia Malaysia [email protected]

Hung Shin Chieh Tokyo Image Taiwan [email protected]

Chen Jheng Chang Impermanence Taiwan [email protected]

Hao Yiwei Characters of Asia China [email protected] Luo Shibao The beauty of China China [email protected] Erick Dream of Wayag Indonesia [email protected]

Karman Sandy Naga Bonar Indonesia [email protected]

Tohidi Lida Shams rise from the eas Iran [email protected] Shinichi The beauty of the woman is power Japan [email protected] Koji Nakamori TEACH & PEACE Japan [email protected]

Khodabandeh Elham your sound, my iranian essense Iran [email protected]

Bai Xinlei Architecture China China [email protected] Kita Norikazu Integration Japan [email protected]

Pham Huyen Kieu VIETNAM – THE HUNDRED EGGS STORY Vietnam [email protected] Quyen Tran Long Bien Bridge Effeil Tower Vietnam

35


MALAYSIAN CONTEMPORARYART SCENE

COMES OF AGEWith the launch of the KL Biennale, we are treated to one of

the world’s pre-eminent art offerings

B y tradition, the Art Biennale which has its roots in

the Venice Biennale since 1895 is the fertile platform

for some of the world’s provocative contemporary

artists to show their works for discourse and contemplation.

The artists are normally selected by the curators or specially

invited. When the first KL Biennale opened in 2017, it was an

opportune moment for several of Malaysia’s contemporary

artists to exhibit their works alongside artists from other

parts of the world.

The mammoth KL Biennale is spearheaded by the National

Art Gallery which has drawn together 100 artists from 12

countries. Somewhat different from the normal provoking

themes associated with the Biennales, the KL Biennale

theme was Alam Belas or Be Loved, which is about the

compassionate nature, instilling positive human values like

honesty, tolerance and solidarity.

Being a Biennale, there is still that little bit of a provocative

experience in many of the contemporary works. It was the

mythic venue for the contemporary artist to make their

statements and for the audience to ponder over the works.

The timely inaugural event for Kuala Lumpur is essential to

maintain an art discourse in the city and to have an open

cultural vein where ideas and creativity can thrive. After

all, art is an essential commodity of culture, an existential

platform which announces the richness of a civilisation. We

are all the poorer if not for art and having the Biennale is

giving art the biggest platform possible.

Most of the works have something to say and they are mostly

quite absorbing. The three local works featured here are not

necessarily chosen for merit but that they have an appeal

and conversation in them. They depict where Malaysian art

stands in the worldwide field of contemporary art.


36

Called ‘Operasi Cassava’, it is a participatory piece, which

aims to secure a vaunted place for the ‘ubi kayu’ (cassava)

within the collective consciousness of Malaysians. The

installation explores the social and cultural significance of

ubi kayu by audience participation.

According to the artist, “Opscassava transformed the cassava

plant into a cybernetic organism of which life is sustained

by the (re) discovery of personal cultural data based on the

crowd sourced cassava stories archives of opscassava.com

as well as social networks. This prototype is designed to

demonstrate different organisms and objects can be given

the ability to autonomously curate their own memories and

history within the inter-networking of Internet Of Things

or IOT”.

Operasi Cassava

Lim Kok YoongOperasi CassavaProjection of text, sound powered by cassava and digital archive643cm (w) x 318 cm (h)

37


‘The Map’, an overhead, mobile and grounded installation,

invites audience participation in discovering varying territorial

placement and the view of land overhead. Chew’s work has

a wonderfully deceptive simplicity, drawing the viewer into

a meditation on what they might have come to expect from

nature while now considering alternatives: ‘‘What if the land or

water is above us? What if we could view the map from opposite

angle? What if we are able to view the interior/inside of the

land or water from above our eye level? What if the land or

water is lighter than what we think?’’ How would these changes

in perspective, interaction and experience impact the way we

live? What if ...

Bibi Chew’s installations are sometimes overhead,

mobile or on the ground, inviting the audience’s

participation as the installations are analogies of the

land’s geography. The theme falls into place the ‘love

for nature’ which is partial to the curatorial theme. The

involvement of the audience as the bodies move

through space around the installations demands

some degree of meditation on the cut-outs and

sculptured silhouettes of the various states of

Malaysia as they are elevated overhead and fixed on

moveable poles. In an obtuse way the installation

forces the audience to rethink the relationship with

the land and perhaps love it in return.

Besides the Map series, the artist also has her River

series on display with a work entitled, “Where Have

All the Rivers Gone?”, which pays tribute to rivers, the

place where civilisations normally begin, and the source

of life..

Bibi Chew Chon Bee Where Have All the Rivers Gone?2017, Mixed media - Acrylic paint & water colour60 x 42 cm ( 7 pieces)42 x 60 cm ( 7 pieces)

Bibi Chew Chon Bee Malaysian Map

2017, Mixed media - 6mm MDF Board,

Bolt & Nut, Steel, Metal and Roller,

Multi-dimensional and interactive


38

These monstrous delicate objects adorned on the wall look like futuristic organic life forms, captivating under the

spotlights.

The micro world of things are unseen to the naked eye. These delicate objects focus on the aesthetics of scanned

micro images of seeds, pollen, pistils or stamens from plants and flowers. They were scanned using a Scanning

Electron Microscope (SEM) which beams light on the surfaces of materials. The topography of a specimen can be

recorded, and hence magnified.

These images of the seed/pollen are seen to protrude from the layers of added materials, wire mesh and delicate

metal sheets. “What Lies Beneath” is the artist’s message of showing magnified versions of small objects.

Seeds and pollen are airborne elements; when blown in the wind they will find new resting places to thrive. They

symbolise progeny and fertility.

Tetriana Ahmed FauziWhat Lies Beneath2017, Mixed media

280 (h) x 500 cm (w)

39


Taukeh by Day, Undertaker by NightOil on perforated board, 2017

101.5 x 81 cm

The Apothecary BrothersOil on perforated board, 2017

101.5 x 81 cm

L eon Leong’s work is one of conscience and empathy

as he captured lives once lived, etched in memory

in a block of 1960s flats. Instead of being conserved,

the iconic Razak Mansion has since been demolished, to

the chagrin of architects and conservationists. The building

was designed by first generation Malaysian architects, Eric

Taylor and S.P. Chow at different times to personify tropical

modernism.

The artist’s interest was really in the lives of those who

once lived there, showing real people in various poses and

actions.

The value of the art pieces lie beyond the visual impressions

as he lived among the residents over a period of six months

before the demolition, renting a unit there. Over time the

place became home and the residents regarded him as one

of their own. There was nostalgia as well as sadness, as the

colours and form captured in the pieces would vanish into

thin air forever, not to be experienced ever again except for

photographs and in pieces of artwork captured by the

artist.

CRACKS IN

THE WALLA Mixed Medium Installation Exhibition

KL Biennale held atthe National Art Gallery

by Leon Leong Wai Pung

40


A Farewell to Naga Oil on perforated board, 2017-2018

150 x 120cm

Drawers of MemoryOil on perforated board, 2017-2018

150 x 120cm

Staying Here, Texting HomeOil on perforated board, 2017

98.5 x 78.5cm

Evening Routine of A Bank ProgrammerOil on perforated

board, 2017

90 x 120cm

The House of Melayu ChicOil on perforated board, 2017

78.5 x 99.5cm

Overall exhibition space, “Cracks in the wall” incorporates

a typical Floorplan at Razak Mansion.

41


Fashionably Modest

Nusheena’s stylish collection blends contemporary chic with respect for Islamic tradition

T he magic of 1001 Arabian

Nights comes alive at

Nusheena, evoked through the

boutique’s fashionable collection of

Muslimah apparel and accessories.

Opened last November at Publika,

Nusheena is slowly but surely gaining a

respectable following for its stylish yet

modest Islamic fashion. Whether it’s a

girly day out for shopping or afternoon

tea, a celebratory familial gathering or

a convivial evening in town, today’s

fashion-conscious Muslimah of all ages

will find a befitting outfit or two here for

any occasion.

U LIVING ◆ GLITZ

A veritable Aladdin’s cave of Muslimah

fashion, Nusheena’s collection showcases

long, flowy kaftans in eye-catching prints

or soft pastels detailed with intricate

embroidery or tassel trims, loose abaya

tunics and cardigans in colourful cotton,

crisp linen and shimmery silk, and

fetching kurta tops teamed with comfy

patiala pants.

The stylishly modest apparel can

be worn with statement-making

accessories such as sumptuous shawls

of satin, cashmere or French chantilly

lace, silk or cotton printed scarves,

multi-layered bead necklaces, pretty

bejewelled brooches, beaded sling bags

and pearly clutches, among others.

Also in stock are leather chappals, pin

cushions and tasbih (prayer beads).

In addition, the boutique also proffers

imported organic natural beauty care

products from Nablus of Palestine.

For self-pampering at home, the

range includes barbary fig anti-

aging serum, rose water toner and

handscrafted soaps with plants and

floral extracts.

Nusheena has even attracted the

patronage of local celebrities like

Mizz Nina and Erra Fazira as well as

shoppers from Southeast Asia and

the Middle East.

U LIVING ◆ GLITZ

Simple materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and an eye for design that is both distinctive and timeless

Lotus Arts de Vivre

44

U LIVING ◆ GLITZ

Four Dragon Head Ebony Wood Bracelet The ebony wood bracelet inlaid with scarab

wings and sterling silver dragon heads. The dragon heads are plated with 9K pink gold and set with ice diamonds. The wood wears so

beautifully and seems to release power and wellness into the skin of the owner.

Silver Dragon Ebony Beads Bracelet This ebony beads 9K gold inlaid bracelet is

enhanced with 9K pink gold plated silver dragon head set with tsavorites and rose-cut diamonds.

The wood wears so beautifully and seems to release power and wellness into the skin

of the owner.

Thirty four years ago, with time on her hands in Bangkok, Helen von Bueren

embarked on a hobby that would later become quite a family industry,

dealing with a unique kind of art and craft that would be adored by royalty

and celebrities from various parts of the world. Kuala Lumpur would have its own

Lotus Arts de Vivre outlets in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.

The intricate pieces are not just distinguishably Asian but combed with culture

and mythology; they are uniquely Thai in aesthetic sentiment. They have wide

international appeal as they seem so precious and artistic from whichever

perspective. As most items are handmade by artists and craftsmen, and intricately

designed, they are mostly one-offs, therefore eminently collectable, possibly

becoming heirlooms to pass on to the next generation.

LEFT TOP

45

U LIVING ◆ GLITZ

Red & Gold painted Rattan Clutch Bag The rattan handbag is painted in red and gold

and the handbag edges are enhanced with sterling silver.

Black & Gold painted Rattan Clutch Bag The ever popular Rattan clutch bags,

painted by Balinese artists, designed with Sterling Silver corners.

TOP

RIGHT

In the world of mass production, it

could be easily seen why Lotus Arts

de Vivre has gained traction among

art connoisseurs and collectors. The

materials used are rarely overtly precious

materials as there are handbags created

out of bamboo, jewellery made from

scarab wings and fine lacquer bowls

made from teak and silver, clutchbags

from rattan with touches of stirling

silver and rings from lacquer. However

any one of these items, like a handbag

can take up to eight months to make,

especially with the intricacies involved

in the crafting and melding in of

contrasting materials.

The artistry and labour of love simply

make the items timeless, which is

unique in itself in this transient age.

They are also items of conversation that

are tangible, tactile and touchable, in

contrast with an era where most things

are logged in the clouds through smart

phones.

4646

U LIVING ◆ GLITZ

Chairman, Rolf von Bueren explains: “For the past several

decades, my family and I have travelled the world to find

creative inspiration, source fabulous materials, and maintain

our long-term relationships with some of the most highly

skilled craftsmen living today. This love for exploration and

respect for ancient cultures is driven by the fact that our

cultural heritage is disappearing at an incredible speed. While

we cannot fight progress, it is essential that we preserve

the knowledge of traditional crafts which play a vital role in

any culture and identity. Thailand has many crafts that are

preserved by Her Majesty The Queen in a unique organisation

called Silapacheep. To preserve these crafts is to preserve

one’s Thai national heritage and we continue to do exactly

that”.

Lotus Arts De Vivre’s exquisite pieces of work are seen from

Palm Beach to New York, from London to Cannes, from Delhi

to Dubai and from Beijing to back to Bangkok and are sought

after worldwide. Visit their stores at Starhill Gallery and

Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

Elephant handbag, carved out of cinnabar lacquer.

TOP

47

U LIVING ◆ GLITZ

Savouring Malay/Javanese recipe...

Cooked with Lots of Love.

INTRODUCING

TUMIS@TEAK5

U LIVING ◆ GASTRO

48

T O N G U ET A N T A L I Z I N G

T R E A T

A passion project by

friendly Singaporean

couple, Rosli & Yani,

Tumis@Teak5 as a place is

somewhat cosy because of the

rustic warmth it exudes due

to the tropical ambience that

embrace the atmosphere.

Tumis@Teak5 is part restaurant and

part furniture store, hence the homely

atmosphere that is elicited from the

teak furniture that fills the spaces, together

with the various regional decorative items that are

carefully arranged in composition.

Most of the customers are there for the cuisine, which is

largely a step up of the Malay and Indonesian traditional

fare. For example, one of the favourites is the Javanese

‘Nasi Ambeng’, which is rice accompanied by sotong,

sambal, serunding, egg, crackers and condiments.

Another favourite is the rice set that comes with Ayam

Lemak Cili Padi, all at reasonable prices.

Rather unusually named is the Daging Maut, which is

wickedly delicious yet painfully spicy, and it is becoming

a legendary dish that challenges the brave. The dish

comprises beef cooked in black gravy with lime leaves

– hot and spicy, yet tender, living up to its name. Safer

sounding dishes are the

more familiar Ayam Penyet,

Ayam Merah, Nasi Kukus,

Kuah Lodeh Lontong, and

more. There are nuances

of naughty bits too like the

Tongkat Ali iced tea that has

a delightful taste to it.

With Ramadan coming, Tumis@

Teak5 would be a popular

destination to break fast. Its popular

blue and greeen santan dessert is a

reminder of a Ramadan favourite. Indeed,

in anticipation of Ramadan, Rosli and Yani specially

prepared a sample for the U LIVING team to savour

and, not only did the food lived up to the reputation;

the arrangement of the cuisine was also commendable,

which was equally a feast for the eyes.

What comes across is that the food is prepared with

love, like home cooked meals for special occasions, with

a desire to delight the customers, and it is no wonder

that many of its customers are regulars. The customers

range from office workers to families and occasionally,

royalties visit the restaurant.

Tumis@Teak5 is located at D1-G3-8, Solaris Dutamas 1

– within the vicinity of Publika

49

U LIVING ◆ GASTRO

1

2

3

Sirap Limau Cendol Special

Nasi Serai Ketupat Palas

Bandung Cincau Urap Kelapa

Kuah Satay/Kacang Kuah Lodeh/Lontong

1 5

2 6

3 7

4 8

6

7

8

11

12

Savour the “RAYA FEAST” a t TUMIS@TEAK5

U LIVING ◆ GASTRO

4

Nasi Impit Daun Pisang Red Rubies

Ayam Merah Sambal Sotong

Orange Juice Sambal I Love You

Beef Rendang Sparkling Lemon Mint

9 13

10 14

11 15

12 16

5

10

13 14 15

16

9

Savour the “RAYA FEAST” a t TUMIS@TEAK5

U LIVING ◆ GASTRO

51

EXPLOREROUTFITTERWhether you want to escape to an untamed wilderness, or just love the great outdoors, be prepared - and do it in style!

52

U LIVING ◆ WHIRLWIND

EXPLOREROUTFITTER

T he great outdoor offers adventures like no other, from the

highest mountains of the world the bluest waters of the seas. To

take part in such wonderful expeditions, Explorer Outfitter Sdn

Bhd is committed to providing the best of these amazing experiences to

outdoor enthusiasts who are driven by passion and love to enjoy nature

at its best. By embracing the theme of “Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime”

and through the Explorer Experiential Model, simply known as the 3’E

- “Educate, Equip, Explore” - Explorer Outfitter is on a mission to bring

only the most rewarding of outdoor experience to fellow adventurers to

experience how truly wonderful these journeys into the wild can be.

Explorer Outfitter is, however, much more than a retail outlet.

While sourcing the best gear locally and internationally, Explorer Outfitter

offers a wide selection of outdoor equipment for climbing, hiking,

travelling, camping, adventure-centric lifestyles and 4WD expeditions.

This unique concept allows participants to broaden their horizons when

embarking on these amazing expeditions while interacting with exotic

cultures across the globe.

53


As part of the concept of an “Experiential Shop”, Explorer Outfitter organises

workshops where participants learn how to set up camping tents and tie the

knots, how to set up fires, how to perform CPR, and other lifesaving skills for

an outdoor lifestyle, while providing a selection of “above the average quality

products, for the below average price”.

Truly, Explorer Outfitter is committed to promote the advantages of an active

lifestyle, encouraging personal fulfillment and a chance to explore the world as

thrilling as it is.

So join in and explore these adventures for yourself! Visit us at Lot 11-19, Level U1/

G4, Block C5, Publika, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur.

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A Treasure Trove of Gifts Visiting Kaleidoscope is an event in itself as there is so much to touch, feel and

look at. The items are so densely packed that the customer is practically trapped

by exotic and pretty things. It is a therapeutic getaway from external realities.

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Among the easiest to collect are the little

notebooks which could be just as fun as

they are useful. The range of appeal spans

from schoolgirls to professionals, and prices could fit

different purse sizes.

Other useful items are little crockeries, T-shirts,

coasters and trays. Also pillows, picture frames and

sandals. Clothes are chic and stylish, and affordable.

There are bags from the hills of South Mexico woven

by the mountain tribes, trinkets and necklaces from

Tibet and ceramic wares from Southeast Asia and

Europe. And there are handmade products like soap

and candles that are all-natural.

Some items are deeply personal, such as compact

mirrors for make-up and customised pens of quirky

designs, as well as cups that are like animated

cartoons, and there are of course fluffy toys of all

sorts.

As it calls itself, Kaleidoscope is very much about

lifestyle – step into an enchanting journey, located at

Level G3, Publika.

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GET YOURKICKS ON

Just a short ferry ride from Puteri Harbour International Ferry Terminal in Iskandar Puteri, Johor our intrepid explorer finds a less-travelled road, and its many stories remind him of

another road famous for stories and lore

T he smell of saltwater was in the air and sounds of

construction came from the distance. A couple of

hours ago, we had arrived in the industrial boomtown

of Iskandar, Johor by plane from Kuala Lumpur and were

now awaiting our ferry to sail into Batam Island, Indonesia.

Time passed quickly as we awaited for our embarkation at

1.00 pm in Puteri Harbour International Terminal. We were

told that the ferry terminal had been built since 2013, as a

result had significantly boosted tourism in Johor. With its

clean and modern interior, serviced by a terminal café that

offerred local food and drinks as well as a convenience store;

the amenities provided had eased the angst of waiting.

Soon after, we departed the southernmost point of Peninsular

Malaysia. The weather was perfect that day, the ferry was filled

with the breeze of the Singaporean Strait, and the waters

glistened with the rays of the afternoon sun. A contrasting view

would soon be perceived as we sailed past Tuas Second Link

bridge, as we sailed west, to our right were the rural fishing

villages of Malaysia flanked by upcoming condominiums and

to our left, industrial structures occupied the Singaporean

northern coast. Further advance into the sea revealed rural

sides of both countries, at this point, I pondered if this was

the sight that Stamford Raffles (British colonialist and founder

of Modern Singapore) himself saw when he sailed onto these

shores for the first time. He must have saw many fishing homes

built on top of these waters as well as immense potential for

these lands.

But it was not until the ferry begun to sail into the southern

borders of Singapore, the fruits of his conquest became

immediately apparent. In the distance, beyond the cloudy

mists, stood the mirage of the Singaporean skyline. However,

where our destination laid, could have been unchartered

territories for Mr. Raffles.

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U LIVING ◆ FAMILY AFFAIRS

Batam Island

Tonton Island

Nipah Island

Setokok Island

Galang Island

Galang Baru Island

Rempang Island

After two hours, we arrived in the northernmost

and largest island of the Riau Archipelago.

Armed with nothing but our wits and a keen eye

for a story in the relatively unknown island of

Batam, after multiple inquiries from resourceful

taxi drivers, we eventually caught wind of a

famous attraction spot among foreigners and

locals – Barelang Bridge. According to them,

located 20km away in the southernmost point of

the island was a bridge built in the late 1990’s by

the government in their endeavour to transform

the neighbouring islands into industrial outposts.

The next day, we got on a pre-booked taxi, and

after a 40-minute drive out of Batam City, we

were greeted with an exceptional sight: a large

bridge, standing tall among the small hills of the

islands, and occupied by many merchants. At

10.00 am, the sun was shining strong, and a full

view of the bridge, in all of its humble majesty, as

well as the connecting island (Tonton Island) can

be seen on top of a hill, on the left, just before the

entrance of the bridge.

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The bridge was cool, airy, and filled with

sounds of music playing from the locals’

cars. This place is frequented, especially

by locals, as a place to socialise or for

couples at night, as the lights of the

bridge and the moonlight present as a

romantic escape.

However, there was something else, that

became an object of great interest. As we

crossed the bridge to take more photos,

pointing towards the straight road that

continued long after, “where does this

road lead to?”, I asked the taxi driver in

Malay. Perianto replied with a big smile

that this was the straight road that goes

well beyond the second and third island

and into the deep rural lands of the last

island until it reaches the very edge of

the archipelago – “Barelang Ujung”,

literally meaning the end of Barelang.

However, besides that, he did not know

much else. And immediately, the thought

of America’s iconic and legendary

“Route 66” entered my mind, the

American mother-road that was a

metaphor for freedom, exploration,

soul-searching, and the rebellious

abandonment of all responsibilities. And

here stood a long piece of tarmac, that

stretched into the unknown; the word

“road trip” was screaming in my face.

“I think we have a story, guys. We’re

looking at it”. I said. With the sudden

influx of excitement in the atmosphere

and the spontaneous change of plans,

eager to see what we might find, we rode

into uncertainty. We were going in blind.

A quick Google-searching revealed that

the Trans-Barelang Road, spanned across

six islands, approximately 100km long.

However, we could not keep our eyes

off our windows, we winded them down

and embraced the salty air. We saw

vast untainted lands, low hills, turquoise

waters, and quaint rural villages.

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As we approached the 18th km after entering Rempang Island

(the third Island of the Trans-Barelang road), we came across

a sign for Melayu Beach (Pantai Melayu) on the west coast of

the island. Eager to see for ourselves, for the very first time,

what a Riau Island beach had to offer. And we were greeted

with everything we expected the beach to be and more: village

houses by the beach. As we approached one of them, we saw

a man polishing his rifle. “I use it to kill birds when I want to

pass the time”, he said. Being men, the photographer and I both

had a good laugh holding up a gun for the very first time. But

the testosterone surge did not distract us from what laid before

us: white sands, coconut trees, village huts, fishing boats, and

most importantly, the happiness that was exuded by the local

villagers; for us city people, the village life was something worth

fantasising about.

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As we went back on our way, Perianto, our taxi driver,

remembered that in the following island stood an ex-refugee

camp that housed victims from the Vietnamese War in the

1980s. It sounded to us, to put it understatedly: promising 12km

from Melayu beach, as we approached the entrance of the site,

there was an eerie-looking rusty sign that said, “Ex Vietnam

Camp”. But that was only the beginning of the ghostly things

we saw as we went deeper in. We came across thick jungles,

abandoned hospital units, desolate churches and pagodas,

decaying UN vehicles, graveyards and poorly maintained

barracks. One did not need to know the history of this place to

discern the death, impoverishment and cruelty that continued

to haunt these lands.

These structures were saturated with a dark history. Abu Nawas

Tanawolo, a local guide, had stated that hundreds of refugees

died here, as they awaited their fates to be decided by the UN

in this tiny foreign island. These lands bear the souls that had

died from natural causes as well as those that took their own

lives. The refugee camp had operated between 1980 and 1996,

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during these times, 250,000 people had walked these roads,

but many of them, had lived every day with dread and despair

as crime and torture by the Indonesian Brimob police was not

uncommon. One could learn about the history of the Galang

Refugee Camp in the museum that is open to the public, located

in the centre of the camp. Abu, the local guard for the camp,

described how he felt too attached to the place to leave, he had

indeed worked alongside the refugees and saw the atrocities

that took place, but alas, he said, “we are the only ghosts here”.

As the afternoon sun begun to descend, we continued onwards

with our epic roadtrip. So far, our gamble had bore much fruit,

and it was clear to us that it was imperative we kept going south

to Barelang’s edge. As we approached, the very last island of

the highway, the lands became very quiet, and houses became

much harder to spot.

23km from the camp had taken us to the end of Batam’s Route

66, and the surprises kept coming: we saw a sign, “Restoran

Kelong” to the left and “Cakang Beach” straight ahead.

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We knew what our priorities were, destiny could just wait a

little bit longer, so we turned left. It was surreal for us to find

a floating restaurant by the beach, built entirely from wooden

stilts. Interestingly, conversation revealed that the family that

ran the restaurant, were Chinese immigrants that had migrated

from Chaozhou, China, three generations ago. Pleasantly

surprised, Perianto and the restaurant owners started speaking

in their ethnic dialect, Teochew. This revealed another side of

the people of the Riau Islands, the Chinese community here

are a significant part of the cultural identity – that is the Riau

people. Furthermore, the fresh seafood that was served to us

was simply outstanding. We struggled to comprehend that the

food in front of us had only been alive 40 minutes ago.


65

At 6.00 pm, we returned to the fork from where we came,

and powered through the untarred road, eager to see what

would find at this “land’s end”. As the sun began to touch

the horizon, and its orange beams filled the skies, we beheld

before us, the orange jewel that awaited us at the end of our

journey: a magnificent sunset. As we descended down a small

hill and waded through mangrove trees to meet dusk halfway,

our photographer who worked tiredlessly throughout the day,

began work with his large surge of energy till the sun crept away.

Ecstatic with the “treasures” we found, we begun our journey

back with glad hearts. On the way back to Batam Island, I said

to our photographer, “Boo Wai, I think we found a hidden gem.”

After a few seconds, I looked back, he was fast asleep. But I

knew he could not agree more.

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Well, let’s just get it out there … Ola Bola The Musical was simply spectacular!

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From 8 February till 11 March, OLA BOLA THE

MUSICAL was on show at the Panggung Sari,

which is the main stage for art and dance

performances at Istana Budaya, here in Kuala Lumpur.

Directed by Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina, an active

advocate of the performing arts, the musical is adapted

from the film about the national Malaysian football team

a.k.a. Harimau Malaya, and their momentous journey to

qualify for the 1980 Olympics.

The entire performance was an engaging sequence

of joyful, humorous and heart wrenching moments,

incorporating a collection of wildly catchy songs and

street dance styles, which was a first-time collaboration

by two award-winning talents in their fields – composer

and lyricist Mia Palencia and the rapper-lyricist Altimet,

that personified the patriotic spirit of the musical,

brilliantly brought to life by the memorable performances

of the cast members themselves.

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The Ola Bola movie by Chiu Keng Guan released in 2016

inspired this musical adaptation presented in mostly

Bahasa Malaysia and English, with the occasional utterings

in Mandarin, Cantonese, Tamil and even Punjabi. The

multi lingual approach in script and dialogue continues

to reinforce the notion that this is first and foremost a

Malaysian work of art, and the mix of languages here is a

distinctively Malaysian cultural component in our national

identity.

The cast sang, rapped, danced, and skillfully even played

football on stage with grace and fluidity. The support

of motion and visual graphics projected on stage that

seamlessly and creatively established a striking visual

atmosphere that truly was a feast for the eyes.

Several highly memorable performances, most notably

from the charismatic sports commentator Rahman (Iedil

Putra), the hot headed team player Ali (Luqman Hafidz),

the prideful captain Chow Kok Keong (Brian Chan) and his

sister Mei Ling ( Melissa Ong ), the goalkeeper “Spider-man”

Muthu (Abi Manyu) the gentlemanly coach Harry (Stephen

Rahman-Hughes), the sassy Cik Kiah (Nasz Sally), Sergeant

Ahmad (Altimet) and the jovial Uncle Wong (Douglas Lim)

all proved to be entertaining scene stealers, and the audience

was clearly in love with every one of them every time they

appeared on stage, evident through the rounds of applause

generously lavished at each of their scenes.

Indeed, the musical evoked an entire spectrum of emotions

ranging from elation to sadness, and from despair to hope

upon seeing the beloved members of the Harimau Malaya

team put aside personal differences and problems and

come together as a team to take the country to greater

heights.

Perhaps as wildly entertaining as Ola Bola The Musical is,

its true element of genius where storytelling is concerned

centers on the idea that despite our personal, religious and

cultural identities and backgrounds, we are all Malaysians

at heart, born and bred in this nation, and we all share a

common fate living on this blessed land.

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The Harimau Malaya Football legends Datuk Hassan Sani, Datuk James Wong and Tn. Hj. Bakri Ibni.

Anwar Syahrin (second from left) with the three lucky winners of the grand prize to watch the World Cup Final match in Moscow, Russia.

The “spirit” of the musical vividly celebrates all things that

make us uniquely Malaysian, and in this case, expressed

through the love of football coupled with a sense of

patriotism for the homeland, that lead to a triumphant

celebration of unity, diversity and friendship.

On 10 March 2018, UEM Sunrise concluded its special sales

campaign “Signature Selection : Road to Russia 2018” with

a grand finale lucky draw at the showcase of ‘Ola Bola The

Musical’.

“Hosting the show is not only a special tribute to our

stakeholders but it is also to reaffirm UEM Sunrise’s

patronage towards art and excellence in theatre productions

as well. The grand finale lucky draw is more than just about

winning the prizes. Most importantly, it is about celebrating

the loyalty of our customers by rewarding them with a

broader range of benefits and experiences, such as the

once-in-a-lifetime trip to Russia to catch the all-revered

football match that only happens once every four years. It is

also about giving the opportunity to create more memories

that our customers can experience and share with their

loved ones. We thank our purchasers for their continuous

support and it is our hope that winning the prizes will give

them a lifetime of cherished moments,” said Anwar Syahrin

Abdul Ajib, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of

UEM Sunrise.

55 lucky winners walked away with luxurious prizes worth

more than RM1 million including top three prizes of 7D/6N

trips to catch the finals of the FIFA World Cup 2018 in

Moscow, Russia. The other prizes include travel vouchers,

Tag Heuer watches and football jerseys autographed by

world renowned football superstars namely Cristiano

Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., Harry Kane and Eden

Michael Hazard.

The “Signature Selection : Road To Russia 2018” sales

campaign which ran from September to November 2017

saw 502 property units snapped up with a total sales value

of RM588 million.

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The cast of “Ola Bola The Musical” with Anwar Syahrin, UEM Group Berhad’s Board Members, UEM Sunrise’s Board Members and management team, as well as the Harimau Malaya football legends.

The authentically-autographed football jerseys won by winners of “Signature Selection : Road to Russia 2018” grand finale lucky draw.

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T wo of the biggest catch-phrases

that make living in a new town

desirable in the 21st century

habitat concern sustainable living and

connectivity. These are ideals, where

context and economics permit.

Other than the aspects to do with

renewable energy, minimising wastage,

and recycling of waste and water,

sustainability has to do with living,

working and playing in close proximity

so as to minimise carbon footprint.

Less measurable are aspects like being

in a healthy, green environment, which

keeps the inhabitants productive,

hence maintaining efficiency. The

green environment reduces CO2 in the

atmosphere, even if population increases.

Gerbang Nusajaya is the second phase

development of Iskandar Puteri. It is the

gateway to Iskandar Malaysia that is set to

be the commercial and business engine

of Iskandar Puteri which commands

an estimated gross development value

of RM42 billion. UEM Sunrise and its

partners have commenced construction

Gerbang Nusajaya The Complete 21st Century Township

U LIVING ◆ HOT PICKS

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works in Gerbang Nusajaya since 2014,

and development is expected to span

over a period of 25 years. Upon full

completion, an estimated 76,000 direct

job offerings and 137,000 indirect job

offerings will be created, and Gerbang

Nusajaya is expected to become the

home for 220,000 people.

Gerbang Nusajaya has been planned

and designed to be a sustainable

development with catalytic projects

strategically introduced in the area

to support its transformation into a

thriving and vibrant destination for

work, live and play. These catalytic

developments include components such

as Fastrackcity – motorsports & lifestyle;

Nusajaya Tech Park – light to medium

industrial parks; campus offices; as well

as various residential precincts namely

Melia Residences, Denai Nusantara, East

Ledang and many more, all of which are

within close proximity to the Iskandar

Puteri High Speed Rail (“HSR”) station.

U LIVING ◆ HOT PICKSU LIVING ◆ HOT PICKS

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On 17 October 2017, The Honourable

Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak,

Prime Minister of Malaysia, unveiled

the architectural concept designs of

the seven stations in Malaysia for the

Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed

Rail (“KL-SG HSR”), namely Bandar

Malaysia, Sepang-Putrajaya, Seremban,

Melaka, Muar, Batu Pahat and Iskandar

Puteri at the MyStations: Transforming

Malaysia event.

The catalytic KL-SG HSR project is

a game-changer which will not only

further strengthen the connectivity

between Malaysia and Singapore, but

will also enhance the accessibility,

improve mobility, increase logistics

efficiency and transform the way

communities live, work and do business.

The idea of KL-SG HSR was initiated

through the Economic Transformation

Programme (“ETP”) to transform

Malaysia into a high-income nation. The

KL-SG HSR stations will also transform

the landscape of the region as towns

along the line stand to benefit from

the opportunities, facilitated by greater

accessibility.

The connectivity will enable businesses

to be more productive and access a

broader market place, while the public


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Theme Resort

Kota Iskandar

Gelang PatahSiLC

Bukit Indah

Kukup

Tanjung Bin

Sg Pulai

Forest City

Kota Iskandar

Singapore

Skudai

Forest City GolfCourse Medini

Pekan Nenas

Kangkar Pulai

Horizon Hills

5km 10km 15km

Iskandar Puteri HSR City

Hig

h S

pe

ed

Rail

GERBANGNUSAJAYA

will enjoy an improved travel experience

of shorter travel time (90 minutes

from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore) and

a comfortable ride through the KL-

SG HSR’s city centre to city centre

connection along the corridor.

On 22 January 2018, UEM Sunrise

announced that Atkins, a member of

the SNC-Lavalin Group, has won the

International Land Use Master Planning

Competition for Gerbang Nusajaya’s

Transit-Oriented Development (“TOD”)

plot. Atkins was selected out of other

participating world-class master

planners, based on its remarkable,

practical and sustainable design for

the TOD plot that surrounds MyHSR

Corporation Sdn Bhd’s (“MyHSR Corp”)

Iskandar Puteri HSR station in Gerbang

Nusajaya. With the announcement

of Atkins as the winner for the

International Land Use Master Planning

Competition, UEM Sunrise is now well-

positioned to develop and bring to life

the Gerbang Nusajaya’s TOD.

Gerbang Nusajaya’s TOD will be

developed in parallel with the Iskandar

Puteri HSR station. UEM Sunrise has

committed to completing the TOD in

time for the station to receive its first

passengers once the KL-SG HSR

becomes operational in 2026.

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U LIVING ◆ HOT PICKSU LIVING ◆ HOT PICKSU LIVING ◆ HOT PICKS U LIVING ◆ HOT PICKS

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192

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the real ronaldo...admired and feared as an attacking midfielder with the versatility to shine as a...

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