Group Chief Executive Officer, Muar Ban Lee Group Berhad
For Dato’ Chua Heok Wee, Group Chief Executive Officer of Muar Ban Lee Group Berhad, the story of the company is closely tied to the values passed down by his father; hard work, honesty and an unwavering commitment to quality.
His father started Muar Ban Lee with one simple yet powerful vision: to build reliable, high-quality machinery for the palm oil industry. Growing up in the family business, Dato’ Chua had the opportunity to witness that dedication firsthand. It was his father’s perseverance and resilience that inspired him to continue the legacy, while recognising that moving forward also meant adapting to a changing industry.
“Stepping into leadership is about honouring that strong foundation while evolving to meet the dynamic needs of a changing industry,” he shares.
“Innovation is far more than just introducing new technology, it is about crafting better solutions for our customers.”
Today, Muar Ban Lee has grown from its local beginnings into an internationally recognised manufacturer, with its success built firmly on product quality and strong customer relationships. For Dato’ Chua, there are no shortcuts when it comes to machinery that represents a significant long-term investment for customers. Reliability, durability and performance remain at the heart of the business.
“Focus on solving real-world problems rather than chasing short-term success. Stay hungry to learn, embrace change with open mind, and never stop improving your skills.”
The company also sees its customers as long-term partners rather than simply clients. Listening to their operational needs, providing dependable after-sales support and continually improving its products through customer feedback have helped build partnerships that span decades.
Like any business, the journey has not been without challenges. Global economic uncertainty and rapid technological change have tested the company’s ability to make difficult decisions while keeping its long-term vision in sight. For Dato’ Chua, these experiences have reinforced the importance of resilience, adaptability and teamwork, while also creating opportunities for innovation and improvement.
As the manufacturing landscape evolves, innovation and sustainability are becoming increasingly important. Muar Ban Lee continues to invest in research and development to improve the efficiency, reliability and performance of its machinery, while developing practical solutions that help customers increase productivity and lower operating costs.
Yet even as technology advances, Dato’ Chua remains guided by the same principles that shaped the company from the beginning: integrity, quality and commitment to customers. Every product carrying the Muar Ban Lee name, he believes, is a reflection of the company’s reputation.
His vision is not simply to expand Muar Ban Lee, but to make it an even more trusted partner to customers around the world. The Group plans to continue investing in technology, product quality and its people while broadening its expertise and reaching new markets.
Ultimately, the legacy he hopes to leave is a company respected for its values, trusted for its quality and remembered for the relationships it has built.
Receiving the CHT International Achievers Award 2026 (Malaysia) from YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, the Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, Malaysia, accompanied by Dato’ Chng Huck Theng, Founder & President of the CHT International Awards
For Dato’ Chua, the future is ultimately about staying true to the principles that have guided Muar Ban Lee from the beginning. He hopes the next generation will continue to build relationships based on trust, put customers first and never compromise on quality; no matter how much the business evolves.
“True investment isn’t just about financial yield; it’s about acquiring pieces that continue to yield intellectual and emotional dividends over time.”
For celebrated Hong Kong actress Maggie Cheung Ho Yee, the trajectory from screen icon to talent agency founder and art connoisseur is not a departure from her craft, but its natural, elevated evolution. In an exclusive conversation with EZ Malaysia during her visit to Penang, she reveals a life beautifully recalibrated by the discipline of fine art, curation, and intentional living, demonstrating that creativity knows no rigid boundaries.
Cheung views her iconic acting career—particularly in atmospheric period dramas like War and Beauty—as a form of transient living sculpture. Performance, much like fine art, relies heavily on negative space; the tilt of a head, a held breath, or a deliberate pause often speaks much louder than written dialogue. This acute aesthetic sensitivity now directly guides her approach to art curation and investment. Rather than chasing fleeting market fads, she walks through galleries waiting for a “visual gasp”—artwork that offers a deep emotional spark and quiet mastery. For Cheung, emotion acts as the key that opens the door, while structural curation ensures it remains standing.
“Reinvention is not about discarding who you were; it is about unfolding the next layer of who you already are.”
This philosophy of restraint mirrors her visionary capsule exhibition concept for EZ Malaysia readers, titled “The Space Between Shadows and Light” (陰陽之間). Fusing Eastern philosophy with Western minimalism, the conceptual salon serves as a sanctuary of contemplative beauty, spotlighting contemporary Asian abstract masters who bridge heritage with modern form. For Cheung, managing a fine art portfolio demands the exact same patience as nurturing raw creative talent. Both disciplines require looking past immediate noise to protect long-term intrinsic value and mature over time.
Away from the camera lens, art and regional travel provide Cheung her ultimate luxury: the freedom to simply observe. Wandering through the heritage streets of Penang, she finds inspiration in the warm timber and historic patina of George Town, which directly influences her interior design choices. Her own home is a minimalist sanctuary built around air and natural light, allowing her collection to breathe. To the next generation, Cheung offers a blueprint for longevity: build “creative capital” by feeding the mind. True reinvention is never a chaotic leap, but the elegance of aligned action and consciously curating your attention.
Fifteen years ago, standing on the wind-scoured ridge of Pakistan’s treacherous Gondogoro-La at 5,585 meters, Singaporean Glen Chee dropped to one knee and proposed to Malaysian Candy Cheong. His lungs burned from the thin air, his legs trembled in crampons, and fixed ropes anchored them to the raw edge of the Karakoram range. Yet through the freezing exhaustion, Candy said yes—it was a proposal etched in ice and adventure! Returning home, Glen and Candy packed away their high-altitude gear into an old trunk, pushed it into a dark corner of the storeroom, and quietly hung up their mountaineering boots. They traded glacier ascents for domestic life, running marathons, exploring cities, and traveling at a leisurely pace. But by 2025, a deep, persistent craving returned to their souls. The mountains were calling them home, and it was time for one gloriously crazy comeback.
They set their sights on the Nepalese Himalayas: Mera Peak. Standing proud at 6,476 meters, it promised a breathtaking front-row seat to five of the planet’s six highest giants: Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. To turn this wild dream into reality, they entrusted their safety to living legend Khoo Swee Chiow, the famed Singaporean adventurer who has stood atop Everest three times and crossed over 300 peaks worldwide. Excited, they dragged that forgotten trunk out from the storeroom. Opening it was a heartbreak; 15 years of dormancy had reduced their trusted gear to literal dust! A massive shopping spree later, fully geared up, they embarked on three months of relentless hill climbs and road runs. They felt ready, but the mountains would soon prove them delightfully wrong.
Their expedition was a close-knit crew of seven like-minded Singaporeans and Malaysians who cherished efficiency and comfort. To maximise time on the trails and skip the grueling road approach, they chartered private helicopters from Kathmandu directly to Kothe (3,691m), nestled inside the remote Hinku Valley. From Kothe, the trek to Thagnak was a leg-draining warm-up against a backdrop of surreal majesty, pushing upward toward Khare across rocky moraines and beneath staggering vertical cliffs. At Khare (5,045m), they settled down for crucial acclimatisation. Above 5,000 meters, high altitude is a silent game of patience; skipping this step means severe illness, permanent injury, or death. Here, they strapped on crampons for refresher training, practicing jumaring, roping, and ice-axe handling on icy slopes. Then came the push to the Mera massif, where romance met raw, unadulterated agony.
Ascending the massive Mera glacial slope between 5,300 and 6,000+ meters was an agonising, 16-hour ordeal. At this height, the air pressure plummets, cutting effective oxygen down to a brutal 47%. In sub-zero cold, every single step felt like lifting lead weights. Severe breathlessness tore at their chests, extreme fatigue settled into their bones, and a thick brain fog clouded every thought. They didn’t just walk; they waddled, crawled, and fought for every inch of elevation. Standing on the Mera massif at their absolute physical limits, Glen and Candy leaned into each other. They would never have made it without the flawless guidance of Khoo Swee Chiow, alongside the astonishing care, technical skill, and infectious warmth of their Sherpa team; Lead Sherpa Guide Ngwang, Sherpa AP Pasang, Sherpa Rinji, and the superhuman porters who carried their gear with effortless grace. Lying in high camp, battered and bruised, Glen and Candy swore to each other: “Never, ever again!”
Welcome expedition photo with Paul, Kin, Khoo (our expedition leader), Sherpa Ngwang, Glen and Candy.
Yet, less than a month later, looking at the faded tan lines on their faces and the fresh fire in their eyes, the mountain magic had already worked its spell. The pain is fading; the triumph remains. The gear isn’t going back into the trunk this time. In fact, they are already eyeing 2027. Whether it’s a return to Mera Peak or a dramatic summit of Mt. Kazbek in Georgia, the mountains haven’t seen the last of Glen and Candy.
During a family dinner on an ordinary weekend, everyone is chatting happily around the table. The children are sharing stories, adults are discussing daily matters, and laughter fills the room.
Yet Grandpa seems a little quieter than usual.
When conversations move quickly, some words are missed. When several people speak at the same time, following the discussion becomes difficult. Occasionally, there is a gentle smile and a nod — perhaps because he does not want to interrupt the flow of the conversation.
Grandpa smiles and nods along, but sometimes he misses parts of the conversation. He may quietly tell himself: “Perhaps this is just part of getting older.” “Maybe people are speaking more softly these days.”
This is a common situation in many families.
Hearing loss often happens gradually. Unlike sudden illness, it may not feel like a problem at first. Many older adults continue with their daily activities and do not realise how much more challenging communication has become.
Hearing is not only about recognising sounds. It is about staying connected — to family conversations, shared laughter, and the voices of people we love.
Family dinner or gathering – all talking together but uncle can’t hear properly and look stunned not clear with their conversation or engaging with them.
Hearing Loss: A Growing Health Concern Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting older adults. It often develops gradually over many years, making it easy to overlook.
People may still hear sounds around them but find it increasingly difficult to understand speech, especially in noisy environments such as restaurants, family gatherings, or social events.
Because the change occurs gradually, many people adapt without realising how much hearing they have lost. When left unaddressed, hearing difficulties may affect much more than communication.
The Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia In recent years, researchers have recognised that hearing loss increases the risk of cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, research suggests that the risk of dementia increases by approximately 16 percent for every 10-decibel worsening in hearing ability.
There has been one large-scale randomised trial, ACHIEVE, which investigated the effect of hearing intervention on reducing cognitive decline in older adults. Although no overall effect was observed in the total cohort, a substantial 48% reduction in cognitive decline was seen in a subgroup of participants who had higher baseline risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia.
This does not mean that everyone with hearing loss will develop dementia. Rather, it highlights the close link between hearing health and overall well-being. While more research is needed to determine whether treating hearing loss can reduce dementia risk, protecting hearing is increasingly recognised as an important part of healthy aging.
The Emotional Impact of Hearing Loss The effects of hearing loss are often invisible. Yet its emotional impact can be profound.
For some older adults, repeated difficulty following conversations can slowly lead to frustration and a feeling of being left out. Conversations that were once enjoyable may become exhausting. Family gatherings can feel overwhelming when multiple people speak at the same time.
Studies have also found an association between hearing impairment and depression.
Over time, hearing loss can affect confidence, independence, and overall quality of life. The issue is not simply that a person cannot hear. The deeper concern is that hearing loss may gradually reduce a person’s ability to participate fully in the relationships and activities that give life meaning.
Images by LohGuanLye Specialists Centre
Understanding Why Some People Hesitate to Use Hearing Aids Despite the potential benefits of treatment, in many Asian societies, hearing aid use remains less common than expected. Some people worry that wearing a hearing aid will make them appear old, frail, or dependent. There is also the issue of cost.
In addition, some individuals have had disappointing experiences with hearing aids in the past. Earlier devices may have amplified unwanted background noise, felt uncomfortable, or required frequent adjustments. As a result, they concluded that hearing aids were not helpful.
Perhaps most importantly, many people are unaware that untreated hearing loss may affect emotional well-being, social engagement, and cognitive health — not just hearing itself.
Hearing Aids Are Not a Sign of Weakness There is another way to think about hearing aids. We do not consider wearing spectacles a sign of weakness. Rather, we see them as a practical tool that helps people continue reading, driving, working, and enjoying life.
Hearing aids serve a similar purpose. Modern hearing aids are far more sophisticated than those available decades ago. They are smaller, more comfortable, and capable of adapting to different listening environments.
The goal is not merely to hear louder.
The goal is to remain connected — to conversations, relationships, and the world around us.
A Small Step Towards Healthy Aging As our population ages, preserving hearing health deserves greater attention.
Aging is a natural part of life. While some changes are unavoidable, losing connection with the people we love does not have to be one of them.
Sometimes, a simple hearing assessment can be the first step toward hearing not just sounds — but the voices, laughter, and conversations that make life rich and meaningful.
1 Liang Z, Li A, Xu Y, Qian X, Gao X. Hearing loss and dementia: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 2021;13:695117. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2021.695117.
2 Yu RC, Proctor D, Soni J, et al. Adult-onset hearing loss and incident cognitive impairment and dementia – a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Ageing Research Reviews. 2024;98:102346.
3 Lin FR, Pike JR, Albert MS, et al. Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (ACHIEVE): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet. 2023;402(10404):786–797. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01406-X.
4 Li CM, Zhang X, Hoffman HJ, Cotch MF, Themann CL, Wilson MR. Hearing impairment associated with depression in US adults, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2010. JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery. 2014;140(4):293–302.
5 Ciorba A, Bianchini C, Pelucchi S, Pastore A. The impact of hearing loss on the quality of life of elderly adults. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2012;7:159–163. doi:10.2147/CIA.S26059.
Dr. Sow Yih Liang
Consultant Ear, Nose, Throat, Head & Neck Surgeon
MBBS (UM), M. Med. (ORL-H&N) (UM), AM (Mal.)
Dr. Sow Yih Liang is a Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat (Otorhinolaryngology) Head and Neck Surgeon in LohGuanLye Specialists Centre. He enjoys sharing his medical knowledge with his fellow medical practitioners through organising or contributing as a speaker at workshops, symposiums or conference. Apart from engaging himself in numerous research and publication works, Dr. Sow is also actively involved in delivering oral and poster presentations. He was an adjunct lecturer for University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) from year 2016 to 2018. He also helped to train open system postgraduate students in Otorhinolaryngology, postgraduate students in Family Medicine Programme and medical student for elective attachment.
by Dr. Yeo Geok Ping – Consultant Nephrologist & Physician
When people hear the word “dialysis,” most imagine patients travelling to a dialysis centre several times a week to receive treatment using a machine. While this form of treatment, known as haemodialysis, is familiar to many, there is another effective option available for patients with kidney failure: peritoneal dialysis (PD).
What Do the Kidneys Do? The kidneys are the body’s natural filtration system. Every day, they work continuously to remove waste products, toxins, and excess fluid from the blood. They also help maintain the balance of important minerals and salts in the body, such as sodium and potassium.
When the kidneys stop working properly, harmful waste and fluid begin to build up in the body. This can cause symptoms such as swelling, tiredness, shortness of breath, nausea, and loss of appetite.
When kidney function becomes severely reduced, dialysis may be needed to help take over part of the kidneys’ function.
What Is Peritoneal Dialysis? Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment that helps clean the blood using the body’s own abdominal lining. Inside the abdomen is a thin lining called the peritoneum. This lining contains many tiny blood vessels and acts like a natural filter.
During peritoneal dialysis, a special cleansing fluid is placed into the abdomen through a soft tube called a catheter. As the fluid remains in the abdomen, waste products and excess fluid move from the blood vessels into the dialysis fluid through the peritoneum. After some time, the used fluid—which now contains waste and excess fluid—is drained out and replaced with fresh fluid. This cycle helps remove harmful substances from the body.
A simple way to imagine this is to think of the abdomen as a natural cleaning chamber, where unwanted waste is collected and removed.
There are two main methods of peritoneal dialysis. The first is Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), where patients manually change the dialysis fluid several times throughout the day. The second is Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD), which uses a small machine to perform the fluid exchanges automatically, usually while the patient sleeps at night. Both methods are effective. The choice between them depends on an individual’s medical condition, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
Benefits of Peritoneal Dialysis One major advantage of peritoneal dialysis is flexibility. Because treatment can be performed at home, patients often spend less time travelling to healthcare facilities. This allows many people to continue with daily routines such as working, studying, spending time with family, and travelling.
Images by LohGuanLye Specialists Centre
Peritoneal dialysis may also offer greater independence, as many patients are able to manage their treatment with proper training and support from healthcare professionals. Another benefit is that the dialysis process is more continuous and gentle, which may be better tolerated by some patients.
Is Peritoneal Dialysis Suitable for Everyone? Peritoneal dialysis may not be suitable for every patient. Factors such as medical condition, lifestyle, home environment, and personal preferences all play important roles in determining the most appropriate treatment. The best choice is one that aligns with both the patient’s medical needs and personal circumstances after discussion with their nephrologist.
Bringing Dialysis Home Kidney failure is a life-changing diagnosis, but patients today have more treatment options than ever before.
Peritoneal dialysis offers an effective home-based treatment that can provide flexibility, independence, and a good quality of life for suitable patients. With the right support and education, patients can choose a treatment approach that not only supports their health but also fits their lifestyle and daily needs.
“To serve society through healthcare is not just a career; it is a calling that demands commitment and heart.”
For Dato’ Lau Beng Long, President of Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG), healthcare was never simply a career choice. It was a calling — one that evolved into a four-decade journey of building institutions, shaping cultures, and contributing to the nation’s healthcare landscape.
Witnessing his parents’ struggle with illness, he understood from a young age just how deeply quality healthcare shapes lives. “That belief stayed with me and guided every career decision I made,” he reflects.
Dato’ Lau began with a degree in Biology — a foundation that gave him insight into disease, prevention and treatment. His career path would later span public service, for-profit healthcare, and not-for-profit institutions in Malaysia and Singapore, exposing him to diverse operating models and leadership philosophies.
Dato’ Lau sharing insights with stakeholders as he reviews a scale model of Sunway Healthcare Group’s developments — translating long-term vision into carefully planned healthcare infrastructure.
That breadth of experience proved critical when he joined Sunway Healthcare Group to plan and commission its first hospital, the flagship Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC), in 1997. Since then, he has played a central role in expanding SMC from 200 beds to five towers with 848 beds today, becoming Malaysia’s largest private hospital that has recently been named No.1 in Malaysia and ranked 138th globally, according to Newsweek World’s Best Hospitals 2026 rankings. Dato’ Lau is also the first Malaysian healthcare leader to be inducted into Newsweek’s exclusive CEO Circle, a recognition that celebrates 100 of the top healthcare CEOs globally.
Under Dato’ Lau’s leadership, SHG has evolved into an integrated healthcare network with comprehensive offerings, from quaternary and tertiary hospitals in Damansara, Cheras, Penang and Ipoh, to ambulatory and complementary care centres such as Sunway TCM Centre, Sunway Home Healthcare, Sunway Fertility Centre and Sunway Sanctuary, a senior living residence. Further expansions are in the pipeline, as SHG works towards having a network of ten hospitals and hence increasing its total bed count to over 3400 by 2032.
Dato’ Lau working closely with management and project teams to shape and guide Sunway Healthcare Group’s hospital expansions.
For Dato’ Lau, however, sustainable healthcare excellence is built on leadership, standards and trust. As SHG scales, his priority has been to ensure that the organisation’s mission, values and culture of clinical expectations remain consistent across every facility.
“Health professionals and leaders must strive to uphold the “soul” or spirit of a traditional hospital – with a focus on not just treating the body, but the whole person.”
Dato’ Lau addressing the audience with conviction, articulating Sunway Healthcare Group’s vision for excellence, trust and patient-centred care.
He believes clinicians must be supported by a strong ecosystem — one grounded in the adoption of latest medical diagnostic and treatment systems, clear clinical protocols, robust governance and a culture of integrity and accountability. His collaborative approach and foresight has enabled the Group to lead the way for medical innovation, automation and robotics.
“When you are responsible for patients’ safety and significant investments, trust and integrity become non-negotiable,” he says.
“Excellence in healthcare starts with getting these fundamentals right.”
A symbolic moment of unity as Dato’ Lau and the Sunway Healthcare Group leadership team mark a key milestone together.Dato’ Lau and its joint principal advisers, coordinators and underwriters at the signing of the underwriting agreement for the IPO of Sunway Healthcare Holdings Berhad, marking a key milestone ahead of its listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad.
Dato’ Lau is also deeply committed to mentoring leaders, recognising that the future of healthcare depends on capable, values-driven professionals and leaders.
“Healthcare must always be guided by purpose because every decision ultimately affects a life.”
(From left) AmBank group CEO Jamie Ling, Sunway Healthcare Holdings Bhd president Dato’ Lau Beng Long, Sunway group founder and chairman Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, Maybank group president and group CEO Datuk Seri Khairussaleh Ramli; and UBS MD and head of global banking SEA, Nicolo Magni.
“My personal value is to be passionate in whatever you pursue, and to have a sense of purpose beyond yourself,” he says. “Healthcare requires that level of commitment.”
Four decades on, Dato’ Lau views his journey not in terms of personal achievement, but contribution.
“I feel very blessed to have been able to serve through healthcare,” he reflects. “To build something meaningful, and to make a difference for patients, doctor and staff — that has always been my dream.”
Executive Director of Penang Institute Founding Editor of Penang Monthly Festival Director for George Town Literary Festival
“When is the hardest time to be positive? When you are in a personal crisis, of course. But that is also the time when you can learn things that are the most life-changing for you. So, don’t waste your crises, crises don’t come every day.”
My self-image is that of a writer. That had always been the case. More precisely, I love to learn, and then digest facts into exciting big pictures that I can then put into words. I realised, however, that truths come in layers and in different shades, and you have to peel, peel and peel, and view, view, view, to experience successive epiphanies.
I began working life in Penang as a reporter, and then a sub-editor, a giver of newspaper headings. That was Chapter 1 of my adult life.
Chapter 2 was when I left Malaysia for Sweden, where I worked as a restaurant janitor, floor sweeper, bus-boy and dish washer for a couple of years before entering Stockholm University. My deepest interests were in language philosophy, history, Chinese culture in various forms, and modern geopolitics including Asian post-colonial studies. Big pictures subjects. Meanwhile, I supported myself working three-day weekends at Ericsson Electronics, and raising a daughter.
“Life is simply the period between Birth and Death; it is not the opposite of Death. Birth and Death are bookends, precise points in time. Meaning is found in the space between them”
With Prof Wang Gungwu at Singapore’s National Library
Chapter 3 involved raising a second family—a son and another daughter—and moving to Singapore to work at the think tank which we now know as ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. I blossomed with this switch from academic lecturing to think tank work. I learned to think through writing. The more I wrote, the more I realised that A-Ha moments can be a frequent experience. Writing is the best way to weave together “the big picture”, about all things, really. That intense period made me an award-winning author. Doors opened even more, and in many directions. Biographies about leaders became my thing, alongside commentaries in regional newspapers. I helped to found the Penang Monthly in 2009, for which I have always written the editorial. That has been a fruitful column for me, along with my regular column in The Edge, “Picking on the Present”.
It is true that you make your own luck; but it takes a lot of hard work to get lucky. Singapore offered me much, and I was smart enough to make full use of it.
With Penang State EXCO Member Zairil Khor Johari, at E&O Hotel
In 2017, Chapter 4 began. I was now ready to return to Penang. By then, I must have written 20 books. There is so much left undone in Malaysia, so much to do, so much to be exasperated about. My return synced nicely with the Reformasi Movement. Undeniably, change is generational. What my generation couldn’t do, this new one was trying hard to do. And in that sense, they became my muse.
“The phenomenon of international trade has been costly to build, and we should now make full use of it to help humanity accept its diversity and recognise the need for peoples and governments to be tolerant, mutualistic and humble.”
Collage of book covers by Ooi Kee BengAt Guangzhou Forum with Prof Zheng Yongnian of Guangzhou Institute of the Greater Bay Area (GIG) and GIG researcher Ms He Yian
Running Penang Institute is the best job possible for a returning son of the island. I believe I have made some lasting impact—on Penang’s public discourse and its policymaking ecosystem, and on the young.
Chapter 5, The Epilogue, remains to be lived—and to be written about. I look forward to it.
“Authenticity in Thai cuisine has no shortcuts. Respect begins with the ingredients”
Chef Whan Srintip Ruangraigomen’s culinary journey is a masterclass in discipline, evolution, and the pursuit of authentic flavor. Her foundation was built at Suan Dusit University, Thailand’s premier culinary school, where she balanced her degree with a role as a Teacher Assistant, a precursor to her future as a leader.
In 2017, Whan joined the kitchen of the renowned Bo.lan. For two and a half years, she immersed herself in the rigors of Thai fine dining. It was here she learned the “no shortcuts” philosophy, mastering the art of crafting traditional Thai ingredients entirely from scratch. Seeking to broaden her technical horizon, she moved to Gaa in 2019. Immersed in a multicultural environment (60% international staff), she refined her European techniques and emerged as a confident communicator.
“I left David Thompson’s kitchen not just as a cook, but as a student of gastronomy ready to find my own direction.”
Whan’s perspective on Thai cuisine reached new heights at Aksorn, under the mentorship of David Thompson. She regards Thompson as her greatest influence, credited with teaching her the scientific precision and “heart” behind Thai gastronomy. Under his guidance, she moved beyond recipes to master the troubleshooting of complex flavour profiles.
Driven by a desire for career growth, Whan’s path led her to Chef Ton. Connected through Chef Nhat of Sood Penang, Whan recognised an opportunity to master the PR and management skills that define world-class restaurateurs.
In April 2025, Chef Whan took a bold leap, moving from Bangkok to Malaysia to become the Head Chef of as i am by chef ton, which officially opened in February 2026. Transitioning to a new country has been her greatest challenge yet. While she admits she wasn’t “born a leader,” she is proving her mettle by navigating cultural nuances and managing a diverse team with grace. Her mission is clear: to bring uncompromising, authentic Thai soul to the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
“I wasn’t born a leader, but I am becoming one through the challenges in as i am by chef ton“
by Dr. Doris Chow Sze Ying, Resident Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Sunway Medical Centre Penang
Images by Sunway Medical Centre Penang
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Malaysia. Early detection through regular screening, followed by precise, individualised therapy, is now the cornerstone of modern breast cancer management.
At Sunway Medical Centre Penang, our multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and specialists work together to provide personalised, holistic care. By combining expertise across medical treatment, emotional support, and rehabilitation, we ensure patients receive the right therapy at the right time while feeling supported every step of the way.
Personalised therapy has transformed breast cancer treatment by moving away from a “one-size-fits-all” approach to care tailored to each patient specifically. Genetic testing, molecular profiling, and advanced imaging are used to identify the unique characteristics of a tumour and choose treatments that target it most effectively. Targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy, when used appropriately, can improve outcomes and enhance quality of life. Advanced genomic testing also helps doctors avoid unnecessary treatments, making care safer, more precise, and better suited to each patient’s needs.
Innovations in imaging and radiotherapy have transformed how we diagnose and treat breast cancer. At Sunway Medical Centre Penang, the use of PET/CT scanning allows doctors to obtain detailed, three-dimensional images that reveal not only the location of cancer but also its activity level. This provides vital information for staging and treatment planning, ensuring that therapy is accurately targeted.
TomoTherapy – Radixact X9 takes radiotherapy to the next level with AI-assisted technology that boosts both precision and efficiency. The Varian TrueBeam system delivers radiation with remarkable precision and speed, targeting tumours accurately while sparing healthy tissue. It is also used for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), allowing doctors to treat small, complex tumours in the brain and body. These advanced systems allow us to treat cancers with extreme accuracy, making treatment faster, safer, and more comfortable for patients.
Breast cancer is a complex disease that requires more than just treatment—it demands expert care, early detection, and ongoing support. A dedicated breast cancer team ensures patients receive coordinated care under one roof, addressing not only the medical aspects of cancer but also the emotional, physical and psychological needs. With this, patients can look forward not just to surviving cancer, but to living fully, regaining strength, and thriving with confidence and hope for the future.
Century-old heritage brand Ghee Hiang has added a fresh chapter to its storied legacy. The iconic name, synonymous with traditional pastries and pure sesame oil since 1856, recently unveiled its Penang Series Cookies and a brand-new GH Cafe Corner at its Macalister Road outlet.
Local flavours are reimagined, to the delight of customers. The new cookie line features boldly inventive creations like Durian Cookies and Nasi Lemak with Anchovies Cookies. By blending familiar tastes with the brand’s time-honoured craftsmanship, this initiative is a playful yet respectful nod to Penang’s rich culinary identity.
The launch event, graced by guest of honour, YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), also marked the debut of the GH Cafe Corner—a cosy grab-and-go space where customers and visitors can enjoy freshly brewed coffee alongside warm, just-baked biscuits and pastries, enabling them to enjoy quality beverages while shopping for Ghee Hiang’s signature products. This simple but thoughtful addition turns a routine shopping trip into a sensory experience.
“We wanted to honour tradition while embracing new ideas,” said Executive Director, Dato’ Chng Huck Theng. “This is all about offering customers a more complete and enjoyable retail experience at Ghee Hiang,” he added.
