Indholdsfortegnelse for January 2023 i Tatler Malaysia

TATLER HONG KONG Mention skipping to most people, and they’re more likely to imagine a school playground than a strapping athlete whose moves the members of BTS would be jealous of. But Cheung Pakhung, one of the fastest rope skippers in the world, wants to challenge that preconception, and show that his sport builds strength, agility—and interpersonal skills. TATLER MALAYSIA Through her start-up Cell Biopeutics, research scientist Dr Jezamine Lim Iskander has set herself a goal of producing ethical and legal stem cell therapy treatments, position Malaysia as a hub for cutting-edge technology and make cell-based therapy more affordable. TATLER INDONESIA Greysia Polii is an Indonesian athlete and entrepreneur. She currently ranks 13th in badminton globally, and she’s also on Tatler Indonesia’s Gen.T list for 2022. Greysia founded her own…

Malaysian artist Ivan Lam invited me to write about his latest and most intimate body of work, catharsis (2022): an assemblage of bodily experiences that explore on a personal and collective level what it means to live with chronic pain. Immediately, I sensed that catharsis is an exhibition that happens in a state of negotiation, for it sees Lam’s sensitivity in tension with his decades-long renowned mastery of both subject and material. In this series, the artist contends with a new medical language of organs, symptoms and cures. Since the nature of pain is unsharable, Lam returns to the language of scientific textbooks—a language that is certain and collective. Similarly, Lam makes the choice to be a beginner again through his art-making by deliberately choosing pastel crayons—a never-before-used material in…

As a content creator and social media marketing strategist, Alyssa Johaan understands the importance of a style identity—an instantly-recognisable aesthetic that catches the eye in the millisecond a picture appears on your endless feed as you scroll through social media. For a better part of a decade, Alyssa has cultivated a modern and minimalist style persona to complement her fast-paced lifestyle. Her followers, drawn to her authenticity and accessibility, have seen her through her university days in London to her return to Kuala Lumpur, where she currently works as the creative and marketing lead of local fashion label, Petit Moi. This busy 25-year-old can always be found wearing a simple but chic ensemble of white and beige; holding an oat milk latte in one hand and a capacious bag filled…

“It is difficult to imagine my life without the Mediterranean Sea. I love the scent, the citrus, the freshness … to me, there is nothing like the scent of the earth after the rain, when the sun sets”—RAFAEL NADAL Tennis legend Rafael Nadal and wife Maria Francisca Perello have embarked on their latest—and perhaps the most intimate—journey yet with luxury French perfumer Henry Jacques, crafting a collection of three exquisite fragrances that not only represent the multifaceted personalities of both Nadal and Perello, but a story of two childhood sweethearts who have grown together for the past 18 years since they started dating in 2005. Anne-Lise Cremona, CEO of Henry Jacques, describes the label’s first partnership with the iconic couple an encounter of “sharing emotions with great mutual trust, and…

RIGHT ON Southpaws, this one is for you. The split-seconds monopusher chronograph by Patek Philippe is designed to be worn on the right wrist, to suit left-handers. Reimagining its most coveted model, the 5372 split-seconds monopusher chronograph, this incarnation is a younger and more athletic version of its predecessor, with a red-seamed, black textured calfskin strap. It has a platinum 38.3mm case with a satin-finished charcoal dial. The perpetual calendar, with indications of day, month and leap year, also appears on the dial, powered by the calibre CHR 27-525 PS Q, while the high-precision moonphase complication promises to keep the watch in perfect sync with the lunar cycle for 122 years. ONWARD AND UPWARD The latest addition to Blancpain Air Command features piston-type chronograph pushers, a flying chronograph and a…

GIVING IT HER ALL Karen Puah’s femur first snapped during a bouldering incident; her bone had been clearly broken in two places, one of them just shy of piercing her skin entirely. With a metal rod keeping her bone in place months later after two surgeries, Puah is taking an active rest, moving from one place to another still, regardless of the traumatic incident. “It didn’t make me swear off rock-climbing at all,” says Puah. “In fact, I just look at it like I’ve always looked at any obstacle or problem in my life: ‘what could I have done to avoid this incident?’ or ‘what can I do next time to prevent this from happening ever again?’” At 50, Puah doesn’t look her age at all—nor does she allow it…

| Letter from the Editor | My hobby is fitness and wellness … but only theoretically. That is to say, I keep up with studies and research and am happy to discuss the origins of a particular diet or fitness trend. Any free time I get, I love reading up on the latest holistic findings or what’s new in the gut health world, rather than you know, actually going to the gym or eating less junk food. Yes, I’m the most annoying of armchair fitness experts. All theory and very brittle practical experience. I’ve cycled through almost everything: from yoga and Pilates or cardio and calisthenics to HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and hiking to make up the (now debunked) 10,000 daily steps. Even with diets, I’ve tried Atkins (remember…

It’s often said that history is written by winners, which is somewhat the case for The Tree Whisperer: The Official Biography of Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng, Founder of IOI Group. It’s a memoir on the grand patriarch and founder of local conglomerate IOI Group, who passed away in June 2019, translated by Michelle Tan Ching Wuen from the original text written in Mandarin by Angeline Lee Hoong Lian. Definitely a winner in the realm of property and plantation business, the main contention would be that he didn’t get to produce the book himself—despite many urging him to do so. The book was commissioned by the family and took plenty of research and interviews to record the remarkable life of Tan Sri Lee. Speaking to family members, business associates and…

The latest buzzword to be thrown about that all companies seem to be jumping on the bandwagon to implement is the acronym for Environment, Social and Governance (ESG). But do the companies truly know what they’re getting into, or just claiming the title for the sake of doing the right thing—much like how rainbows emerge in June but are nowhere to be seen or spoken about before or after. We take an educational hike into a forest reserve with professor Muhammad Sadruddin Saidfudin of Planters International, which mainly champions the environmental aspect of ESG, and find out how the organisation is helping other corporations do the right thing. First let’s get into each of the initials to understand what companies should be looking out for. In terms of the environment,…

PRIDE OF MALAYSIATelling our nation’s most colourful stories, woven by a multicultural people On the morning of February 12, 2021, the silence outside my room was deafening as the lockdown approached its one-year anniversary. Though I could hear the tell-tale pop of firecrackers exploding from far away, it was a lonely sound that reverberated across the entire neighbourhood; a stark reminder that things wouldn’t, and couldn’t, remain the same anymore. Growing up, I was used to the thundering sound of cymbals and drums blasting through my window—it was, much to my younger self’s consternation, a dreaded alarm clock that signalled the ushering of the new year and an abrupt end to my being able to sleep in during the New Year holidays. A symbol of prosperity and protection against negative…

At a young age, Elaine Hong knew she wanted to be in the fashion industry. She realised her dream but saw the negative impact fast fashion had on the world, resulting in her quitting her job to work in a sustainable startup that upcycled waste. The experience ignited her passion as an entrepreneur, inspiring her to start her own company. In 2019, she co-founded Enya, which offers affordable and accessible personal care products for women. She says, “Menstruation is a natural process for girls and women around the world, however, period products such as pads and tampons are often not regarded as a basic necessity.” The company has set up operations not only in Malaysia, but also Singapore and Brunei. I suffer from sensitive skin, so many off-the-shelf personal care…

SHIRR THING If our Instagram reels are anything to go by, ruching is in. From Bottega Veneta to Victoria Beckham, drawstrings and shirring add interest to bodycon dressing, and put an end to worries about wrinkles. EASTERN PHILOSOPHY Lunar New Year style is for life, not just the holidays. Classic Asian touches are being updated in a variety of ways for the modern wardrobe, from gold embroidery and jade accessories to Loewe’s Chinese Monochrome collection, which explores the historical and cultural impact of ancient ceramics. WHAT A CARRY-ON Whether or not you have your 2023 travel mapped out, it’s always wise to have your essentials ready. A must-pack list for a winter getaway? Lightweight luggage, a pair of kicks that goes with everything and colourful, mood-boosting knits. RETURN TO THE…

What areas do you plan on developing under your leadership? One of my plans is to enhance our client experience. I want to bring in my 20 years of experience in the luxury industry to enchant our clients, going above and beyond to make their experience with Van Cleef & Arpels one-of-a-kind. Secondly, we will continue to strengthen our position as a stand-out example of a high jewellery maison, bringing our unique high jewellery creations from our Mains d’Or, or Golden Hands [a name given to Van Cleef & Arpels’ craftsmen], in the Paris workshop to our audiences through an annual high jewellery event and other campaigns. If you could name only one piece from the archives as a favourite, what would it be? I have always been in love…

ENAMELLED TO PERFECTION While the Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon in black Grand Feu enamel was limited to 175 pieces in 2021, the watchmaker has added the Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon in white Grand Feu enamel to its permanent collection. This steel model has a fluted bezel and is polished and satin-finished. The power reserve is displayed at 12 o’clock on a white Grand Feu enamel dial by Donzé Cadrans, the acclaimed dial manufacture acquired by Ulysse Nardin in 2012. The UN-128 self-winding manufacture calibre powers the flying tourbillon with constant escapement, which is outfitted with a flying anchor made of silicium, an award-winning system patented by the brand. WRIST CANDY Harry Winston’s 32.2mm high jewellery watch is made with a variety of vibrant gemstones, drawing inspiration from the brand’s candy cocktail rings.…

“I had never been hangrier in my life than when I was at that holistic health retreat in Koh Samui,” January So deadpans. Her husband Aaron Chin, sat by her side and nursing his coffee, can’t help but burst into laughter at her blunt declaration. “When Aaron asked if I wanted to try a ‘cleansing’ trip to ‘detox’ in Thailand, a week-long fasting retreat while at a holiday resort surrounded by hawker stalls wasn’t what I had in mind at all.” The process, So tells Tatler, was nothing short of harrowing. For the first half of the week at the retreat, not only was she told that they couldn’t eat, but they had to do the occasional, but thorough, cleansing of the colon via an enema. Chin winces at the…

Mandy Law, buying manager, OMD Malaysia: I am grateful for OMG’s Mental Wellness Day. Scheduling time to attend mental health talks, health screenings and wellness activities provided me some stress relief. It helped me cope with the feelings of isolation and burnout, especially during the pandemic. I truly believe that employees whose mental well-being are prioritised are more productive with better mind clarity. See Ying Lee, manager, PHD Malaysia: While one day might not solve heavy underlying problems that lead to burnout, the wellness programme helped me to recharge and de-stress and provided me the time to focus on relieving stress, relax and have fun to prevent burnout. By staying mentally healthy, I am a happier and healthier person not just at the workplace but also in my daily life.…

Last year wasn’t quite the recovery year we had hoped for. As we emerged from the pandemic, we were faced with all kinds of new challenges; health worries were replaced by financial worries, all manner of catastrophes (floods, fires, hurricanes, hunger) were making the news all too often, the threat of climate change becoming more real than ever … looking at it from a feng shui and astrology perspective, this was unsurprising. It was a year of “Three Tigers” with the misfortune star dominating the year’s chart. This year, happily, the forecast looks a little rosier. The Rabbit is a nimble creature well-known for its ability to outrun any predator, is quick-thinking, strategic, and most of all diplomatic. The feng shui chart of 2023 meanwhile is ruled by the Romance…

One Last Look The Crown, The Glory is a representation of the importance of mental health—which is something oft overlooked by most. The mixed media print on board conveys the message of remaining unafraid of being alone, which we had to do during the height of the pandemic, with lockdowns in place. Sivarajah Natarajan shares that being alone should instead be viewed as a luxury, and a chance for us to delve into ourselves. The typewriter motif subtly seen showcases memories being typed into our minds, and even with no one around, we can always cherish our memories.…

MAX MAK Max Mak is a Kuala Lumpur-based fashion stylist with more than a decade of experience. His work has been featured in The Peak, Marie Claire, Female and Harper’s Bazaar. He’s also worked with brands such as Bonia, Samsung and Watsons. For Tatler, Mak styled January So and Aaron Chin for the cover story (p.118). CHUAN LOOI Chuan Looi is a sought-after photographer whose work has been featured in top fashion magazines in Malaysia and Hong Kong. He’s also an award-winning music video director and had published a coffee table book, which was a collaboration with actress Lee Sinje based on their month-long trip to India. For Tatler, he photographed January So and Aaron Chin for the cover story (p.118). IDA FISKAA Ida Fiskaa is a Norwegian photographer based…

The complicated phenomenon of capitalism is that even wealthy people may not be happy. “There are many depressed, mentally stressed people who look very happy and appear like their lives are well put together,” Che Puan Sarimah Ibrahim shares one of the biggest myths surrounding mental health. By that token then, even famous people may not be happy. And so begins our conversations with two personalities: Sarimah the award-winning celebrity host; and Sarimah the woman—and mother—with anxieties. The celebrity version of Sarimah has been in the public eye for more than two decades now. She broke into the scene on TV in 1997 when she was 18, hosting the RIM Chart Show and Kids NTV7. Then in 2001, she launched her eponymous solo album Sarimah, which quickly earned her recognition…

Margaret Thatcher once said, “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” These words could very well apply to Anne Rajasaikaran, an accomplished woman who aspires to make an impact in people’s lives through her multiple roles as wife, mother, philanthropist, business leader, entrepreneur and most recently, beauty queen, having won the title of Mrs Malaysia International Global 2022. As CEO of Edumaax Education Group, she oversees Imperium International College, St John’s International School and Pusat Tuisyen Kasturi. In fact, earlier this year, they graduated their first batch of students from Imperium International College, which recently received the BrandLaureate Awards for Most Valuable Brand under Education—Tertiary, Professional and Vocational as well as the McM Rising Star Awards for Education. To her, the…

NORTHERN LION DANCE Compared to its southern counterpart, the northern lion dance has an extensive history that dates to the Northern Wei Dynasty (359–534 AD). Some historians believe that it was after Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty’s expedition to Gansu province that this dance took place, as the Mongol prisoners he had captured performed for the emperor wearing animal skins and hand-carved wooden animal masks. Performed in pairs to represent the male and female lions, the northern style is vastly different in terms of design as well as its movements. Made to resemble Pekingese or Fu dogs, the northern lion’s head has more angular features compared to its southern counterpart and is usually made from wood that is painted gold. While both male and female northern lions sport red-and-yellow…

NEW OBSESSION Italian maison Valentino debuted its official monogram, Toile Iconographe, at the spring-summer 2023 Unboxing Valentino show. Pierpaolo Piccioli is using the striking graphic on everything from prints on pret-à-porter and accessories to models’ make-up, a bold reminder of the continuining appeal of logomania. WELLNESS RESTORED The theme of Issey Miyake’s autumn-winter 2022 collection is Sow It and Let It Grow, and we’re carrying that energy with us for the new year. The irregular silhouettes and bold, bright colourways of the Rhizome knitwear collection are inspired by the beauty of plants. The lightweight woollen pieces are designed to be layered and worn in a variety of ways, reflecting the freedom and wildness of nature. WAXING LYRICAL Barbour waxed jackets are beloved by the British royal family and owners of…

What sets your soul on fire? For Malaysian make-up artist Mei Pang, it’s the thrill of outdoing herself—whether that’s finding a new technique to create a beauty look, completing another yoga class or committing to one more day of sobriety. “Sobriety saved my career,” Toronto-based Pang says. Her shaved head, praying mantises on each temple (plus a further plethora of matching tattoos) and razor-sharp eyeliner might lead one to assume she’s hardcore; a rebel. They’d be partly correct—she’s hardcore, but these days only about establishing her sense of self, fostering positivity online and maintaining her health to share and celebrate with others. “I wake up at five in the morning, I do my make-up and I feel incredibly productive. And I do it with a clear head,” she says. “Professionally,…

Every year, Asian communities around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year, accompanied by unique ceremonies and beliefs. But one thing remains constant across borders, clans, generations and traditions—the colour red. The vibrant colour holds a significant place in Chinese culture particularly, as it represents good luck, vitality and prosperity. “Legend has it that a beast known as a nian would emerge on Chinese New Year’s Eve to devour villagers, livestock and crops,” says Stewart Young, director of jewellery and head of jewellery Asia at Bonhams. “[Certain] villagers heard that the nian were scared of children dressed in red; since then, we [Chinese communities] have hung red lanterns and scrolls with couplets to keep the mythical monster away for another year. The nian dance, or lion dance, is performed every…

Omega recently showcased its prowess in feminine watchmaking at the Her Time exhibition at Parc Paragon in Bangkok. The exhibition, which was held from November 8-14, 2022 delivered a spectacular opening with the presence of its brand ambassador and beloved K-drama star Han So-hee. The Her Time exhibition travels the globe in an effort to highlight Omega’s rich history in feminine watchmaking and incredible portfolio of women’s watches of remarkable form and function. Take for instance the new 26mm De Ville Mini Trésor that Han chose to complement her elegant white ensemble at the event. The timepiece is crafted entirely in 18-karat Moonshine gold, a proprietary alloy designed to mimic the appearance of “moonlight in a dark blue sky”—simply put, it’s yellow gold but a much classier version. The exhibition…

The Year of the Rabbit begins on January 22. Take tips from the pros on what the new lunar year will bring—and the best upgrades you can make to your living spaces to maximise good energy and avoid misfortune. Meet our feng shui and interior design maestros: Priya Subberwal, Hong Kong-based feng shui consultant, interior designer and founder of Disha Consulting David Tong, Singapore-based founder and principal consultant of Chinese Metaphysics Global Consulting Nina Kati, Ireland-based feng shui interior design consultant, founder of Nina Kati Feng Shui Interior Design Anjie Cho, New York-based feng shui consultant, architect and founder of Anjie Cho Architect LET IT GO While feng shui doesn’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions, there are some easy-to-follow tips that can improve fortunes in general. • Throw away stuff that…