The Toush brand is Pensonic’s latest WiFi enabled smart IoT appliances series that can be remotely controlled using the single Toush App. Pensonic is the first local Malaysian electrical appliance brand to venture into smart IoT appliances with an App.
Toush signifies the art of experimental lifestyle in delightful ways where these intuitive appliances sense and respond to the user’s needs and commands through touchscreen devices that can be operated remotely with ease. Furthermore, Toush optimises resources and energy whilst saving cost. All Toush appliances are certified and approved by SIRIM, Energy Commission and MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission).
Developersand designers have to understand that the olden ways of just building four walls with basics are not applicable in this ‘New Normal’ era.”
Malaysia has had its fair share of key players in the property market, whom are either highly respected seniors or are next-in-line to succeed their parents’ empires. However, a new group of young and successful individuals have emerged and made a name for themselves. They may not be as well known and experienced as the former, but they are definitely a force to be reckoned with in the near future.
ZNEN Group Director Tan Wei Xin is among the emerging that has shown significant results in the Penang property scene. This small yet mighty property company led by Tan has propelled through the current COVID-19 crisis and even sold the Metropol development achieving 95% of secured sales. Metropol is a 30-storey development with 326 units serviced apartments and shops which is expected to be completed in 2021. Moreover, Tan has also started another project – Grains Residences, which is scheduled to be officially launched in 2021. Grains Residences will be the tallest building in Bukit Mertajam with an astonishing 45 storeys consisting of 401 units serviced apartments and shop lots. Remarkably, all shop units have already been booked.
During these few months, Tan has expanded his property development portfolio by investing in Hectarworld Group and eBox Group. “Collaborating with Hectarworld is an important strategy to create a customer and client centric platform where property developer, agents, buyers and investors can come together in an effective block chain synergy,” said Tan. He further added that joining eBox Group is another strategic move coinciding with today’s technology world. “Investing in PropTech or property technology does not only allow individuals and companies to conduct efficient research, buy, sell and manage real estates through data analysis, but this digital innovation also helps connect SMEs and start-ups to new potentials.”
Tan Wei Xin, Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow and CHT
Having a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a Master‘s Degree in Applied Finance from Australia, Tan applies modern concepts with an emphasis on creating a lifestyle instead of just constructing a building. His perspectives stem from studying at Monash University in Melbourne, which was also where he met his wife Yan Chen. Tan believes that by living in the world’s most liveable city, Melbourne, he has gained valuable insight on how Australians strike balance between work and life. “I am grateful that my parents sent me to Melbourne, but I felt on top of the world when Yan Chen agreed to come back to Malaysia with me,” Tan explained with a big smile on his face. They have now been married for six years and have two beautiful children.
Tan and Yan Chen always wanted to share their experiences and happiness back in Penang. “We want to create a contemporary yet artistic lifestyle feel once the residents enter the main gate. A place they can look forward coming back to after a long day. A place to rest, recharge and spend quality time with their loved ones. Not only in their apartments but also being able to enjoy the facilities, environment, and artworks around,” said this loving couple. When asked about the new expectations of consumers moving forward, the young entrepreneur answered: “Developers and designers have to understand that the olden ways of just building four walls with basics are not applicable in this ‘New Normal’ era.” Lastly, Tan stressed that “We need to make Penang the next world’s most liveable place.”
Be ambitious and have courage when chasing your dreams! It is not easy to strike a balance between chasing dreams and family, but I believe we should go all out and live life!”
Beautiful, Inspiring, Bold, and Ambitious are probably the four best words to describe Datin Yap Shin Siang or Shin, CEO of YYC. Kids commonly do not fancy following in their parents’ footsteps because they have spent so much time with their mums and dads while growing up and have their own dreams. On the contrary, Shin’s ultimate ambition since she was young was to take over her dad’s accounting firm. When asked why this was her biggest ambition, she laughed and said: “Dad told us that accounting is a very glamorous, respected, and high paid job. I later only found out that none of that is true.”
A graduate of Melbourne University, Shin spent 2 years in the Big Four before entering her dad’s accounting firm. “I felt like the Chinese character Mulan, who in the ancient times took the place of her father and went to war. Initially I was very excited to join the firm, but after some time I got bored.” Her dad told her that there was a Chinese saying that goes: “The first generation creates the business whilst the second generation defends it.” Shin started off strong, but it was short lived because the Chinese saying really affected her and she believed that she had to strongly defend the business.
Soon she realised that it was not her mindset that was the issue but rather working for someone and not owning the business. She decided to step up her game and started playing both defensive and offensive. This was not the only hurdle as good old thrifty dad was not all that flexible to changes. “There were many disagreements and I got very upset. I eventually became emotional and cried which made Dad give in,” she said, revealing her secret weapon. Her younger brother, Chau, joined the company immediately after his graduation. “I thought that we will be making changes smoothly together, but we ended up arguing a lot. Chau had a few side businesses, and we did not have a clear direction for the company. I was also going through post-natal depression after having my first child at that time,” said Shin.
2010 was the turning point for the company, Chau discovered a strategic business programme from abroad that increased YYC’s performance from 30% to 4000%. 2019 was yet another milestone for Shin and Chau as OCBC became a partner of YYC. Shin told EZ Malaysia: “OCBC invested in us because of our past achievements and they have faith in our dreams to become an international homegrown accounting firm.” Since then, YYC has been searching and investing in good accounting firms both locally and internationally.
Today, Shin is probably better known as the face of YYC and an inspiration to many young successful and emerging women entrepreneurs. “Be ambitious and have courage when chasing your dreams! It is not easy to strike a balance between chasing dreams and family, but I believe we should go all out and live life! I was afraid of public speaking before, but today I enjoy it as I can share my journey and advice to so many individuals in the business industry. Being a female entrepreneur does have its advantages as we sometimes stand out among the men,” Shin explained.
When it comes to what she thinks success is all about, her answers were very well defined. According to her…
Success is doing better every day and every time.
Success is being able to empower entrepreneurial success.
Success is positively impacting 100 million lives.
Success is being able to inspire everyone to overcome their odds, unleash their potential and find fulfilment in life.
When Shin was asked about her brother Chau, she acknowledged that they both did struggle initially but then managed to work brilliantly together by utilizing each other’s strengths. She said: “My brother is very good at mapping and strategizing whereas I am good at executing the strategies. It is a perfect business partnership.” Shin also expressed that she is very blessed to have a husband who support her unconditionally and two beautiful children, Megan and Cristian, This very busy lady makes it a point to exercise daily, love to read biographies of successful entrepreneurs especially on topics how they overcome challenges in life and watches Korean dramas to release stress if any.
Chef Nette has worked with a wide range of companies to introduce innovative local flavours to diverse audiences, not only Malaysians.
In the time-honoured tradition of apprenticeship, Annette Isaac, better known as ‘Chef Nette’, learned early at the kitchen tables of cherished Aunts whose culinary arts hail from across Malaysia and the world. While studying in England, she became an avid traveller, picking up flavours and developing recipes from Southampton to South America. Upon returning home, it wasn’t long before Chef Nette set up a restaurant that became famous for its classic specials, Ayam Masak Merah, Roast Beef, and even Lancashire Hot Pot.
After nearly a decade, Chef Nette has focused on being an entrepreneur and today, she is one of the country’s most sought after food stylists, providing culinary consultancy services in Recipe Development, Culinary Lessons, and Catering under the brand ‘Nette’s Nosh’.
Chef Nette creates new recipes and styling for international brands including Nestlé, Unilever, Quaker, Hellman’s, ABC Indonesia, Care Food (Asian Meals), MAS, and Air Asia, among other favourites. She has also travelled again, although this time as a professional chef, attending food exhibitions and often promoting Malaysian food in countries in Europe,America and Asia .With a fervent belief that cooking is a vital part of heritage, as important as art and music, Chef Nette has worked with a wide range of companies to introduce innovative local flavours to diverse audiences, not only Malaysians.
Chef Nette has an exclusive book series with publisher MPH, which will see her tastes, talents, and creativity become even better known.
CEO of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
“The crisis is real for a lot of businesses, but we’ve seen it as an opportunity where digital operations are the new norm, even for MATRADE.”
While he’s affectionately called “Mr Nice Guy” by some, Datuk Wan Latiff Wan Musa prefers to be recognised for his strong principals in honesty and integrity.
As CEO of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), he firmly believes in treating everyone equally, to give them a fair go. In addition, he constantly strives for transparency and accountability in order to create a successful organisational culture.
“I didn’t know that I’m ‘Mr Nice Guy,” he chuckles. “There could be a number of reasons for that, but when it comes to running this organisation, I follow the traditional Japanese management style which is to ensure that everything is planned carefully, implemented and followed through with comprehensive measured outcomes. This applies to the entire organisation because everyone must be on the same page with the same end-goal to achieve.”
Wan Latiff is likely referring to ‘Kaizen” – a Japanese philosophy that means operations to facilitate “change for the better” or “continuous improvement” that involves all employees.
He’s been heavily influenced by this practice after spending more than seven years working in Japan and quietly admits that he can speak some Japanese.
Wan Latiff’s appointment as CEO of Malaysia’s national trade promotion agency in January 2019 was a natural progression in his 36-year career in export, trade and tourism.
“I’ve always worked in these sectors from the time after I graduated to now. I started with Tourism Malaysia after graduating and stayed there for 13 years (that time it was a tourism development cooperation at that time). In my time there, I had the opportunity to serve abroad for more than five years. I joined Matrade 12 years ago and my last post before CEO was the deputy CEO.
“I won’t say I have a big job. Everyone who works for MATRADE has key responsibilities to meet the same goal- Help Malaysian businesses become and remain competitive on a global scale.”
Putting Malaysian companies on the global map
While many admire him for his top role in this agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), he carries with him overwhelming responsibilities that have little margin for error.
MATRADE is a fully integrated organisation, whereby it is the coordinating agency for all export activities in the nation undertaken by various ministries and agencies. With over 46 members operating in 37 countries, it’s no doubt a challenging appointment to ensure that the entire organisation stays aligned and clear to its mission.
“I won’t say I have a big job. Everyone who works for MATRADE has key responsibilities to meet the same goal – help Malaysian businesses become and remain competitive on a global scale. “
“Realistically, we can’t cover all bases so we collaborate closely with ministries from other countries who have funds to promote specific sectors that will feature imported goods (from Malaysia) into their country, whilst our network of officers promote our products worldwide,” explains Wan Latiff.
Getting to the top
Currently, Malaysia ranks as the 25th trading nation in the world out of 160 members in the World Trade Organisation. While that’s certainly something to be proud of, Wan Latiff says that Malaysia can further improve its position.
“98% of entities registered in Malaysia are SMEs, yet their export contribution is only 17-18%. The larger contributors (82%) are from MNCs and foreign investors. We want to assist SMEs to contribute more to exports and create more job opportunities, especially during and post Covid19 because this sector has been hit hard.
We are helping them revisit the need to export to sustain their business and to operate, then later to create jobs. We do this by working with other ministries and agencies who are responsible and critical for SME development. We hope SMEs will leverage on our provision to help them on their entire journey of their export value chain.
A pandemic that turned into an opportunity
While 2020 has been a turbulent and distressing year for many due to the coronavirus pandemic (Covid 19), Wan Latiff observes that technology companies are thriving from the event.
“The crisis is real for a lot of businesses, but we’ve seen it as an opportunity where digital operations are the new norm, even for MATRADE. We physically can’t bring Malaysian companies abroad so our online business matching activities have been key to continue our mission.
The agency’s programme, E-Biz Match (E-Business Matching) is like its trade matching services but for online platforms including webinars and business pitching for trade related enquiries and activities.
He remains optimistic for the rest of the year and 2021, despite exports falling by 20% when the Movement Control Order (MCO) was put in place in late March 2020. “COVID 19 has actually brought new opportunities to totally leverage digital platforms,” says Wan Latiff.
In celebration of not one, but two parties, Alvin Poh celebrated his 35th birthday in fashion and style where friends and associates were all in white. The first mysterious party was held at open sea where guests were ferried by boats to The Floating Island and treated with an amazing spread of fresh seafood. Party number two was on land in Penang’s latest fine dining restaurant – CaTCH by DAM. This birthday boy and CEO of InSync Group does not only know how to manage his clients’ private wealth, he is as good when it comes to partying.
While some housewives would probably stich up the left over pieces of cloth and make them into patch blankets, Viktor&Rolf selected some of the most luxurious fabric samples left in their archives all these years and patched them into beautiful couture pieces for the Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2020 encompassing an air of soft poetry and innocent romance. These creations were loosely inspired by their childhood memories of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s ‘Little House on the Prairie’ and Denise Holly Hobbie-Ulinskas’ eponymous ‘70’s illustration character.
By reusing their high-end couture fabric samples in this way, Viktor&Rolf create a surreal paradox that underlines the beauty of imperfection. This collection highlights the creative principle of conscious design.
The collection shows a series of voluminous, free-flowing dresses and capes, embellished with tiers, ruffles, and crochet galloons. Ranging from floor-length to calf to ultra-mini, several outfits are complemented with wide-brimmed, spontaneously shaped surreal hats. Elaborate glamorous makeup is juxtaposed with faux tattoos, proclaiming messages of love and happiness.
When it comes to the brand name Rolls-Royce, it is definitely all about majestic and making one feels on top of the world. So when this king of wheels introduced its Rolls-Royce limited quantity Cullinan 1:8 scale model, it is an amazing work of art in it’s own right with extraordinary workmanship and unrivalled finishing. Each demanding up to 450 hours of precision of work is painstakingly hand crafted from over 1,000 individual components, painted and polished by using the same paint used on a Rolls-Royce Motor Car making it indistinguishable from its big brother. Furthermore this model is USB powered and encompasses full opening and closing features, doors, luggage and engine compartment as well as remote operated LED lighting. This small and mighty Rolls-Royce Cullinan comes in Tungsten or Artic White.
“Correctly and practised honourably, feng shui can change the course of one’s life, avert disasters and pitfalls. When the yin and yang is in perfect harmony, then one can have the best of everything.”
Sporting his signature pencil beard, beret and scarf, David Xuan looks like a worldly French artist, but most people know behind that renaissance look is a highly intelligent, sensitive and intuitive artist, a master craftsman of Chinese geomancy or feng shui – the art of energy flow, orientation of designs and environment. A mind so attuned to the universe, he probably might have a special preview into the next dimension. Light-hearted and bubbly in personality he is intensely serious, analytical and astute when it comes to the realm of feng shui and metaphysics.
On the right side of 50, the world-renowned Xuan is based in Penang and has achieved recognition within corporate organisations and private clients. His disciples and students are in far-reaching countries like Russia, America, Australia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Singapore. Besides being an advisor to numerous companies, he has been invited to do consultative and investigative works in the geographical study of feng shui and to give talks in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan.
Interestingly Xuan started as a businessman but soon grew weary of the material world. Devoting his life to spirituality, he joined the monastery as a monk. Amidst deep meditation, oil-lighting and flower-bathing duties, Xuan heard a guiding voice. A few days later one feng shui master walked into his monastery. Xuan implored him to share his knowledge. Hence his professional journey into the science of feng shui and traditional Chinese metaphysics began in 1991.
The protégé dived into the study of the I-Ching Divination, Eight Trigrams, Eight Mansions, I-Symbol feng shui, San Yuan San He, Water Dragon, Xuan Kong Da Qua, Four Pillars of Destiny (Bazi), Zi Wei Dou Shu, Flying Stars, Eight Gates (Qi Men Dun Jia), Plum Blossom Oracle, Yin and Yang Yang feng shui, Meteor and Mountain Methods.
Constantly improving himself, Xuan incorporates modern technical devices in feng shui with science and logic. “Feng shui is not a religion but closely related to science and geography. It is a study on spatial arrangement, natural elements and energy flow. I’m always studying, researching and consulting with science professors and lecturers in universities about the diversion of chi flow on surfaces. Most of them fully agree with me. My techniques are compliant with science.”
Xuan’s mission is to share the authentic and organic knowledge of feng shui and Chinese metaphysics to create meaningful spaces within environments, improve professional and personal relationships, provide better health, lifestyle and happiness besides increasing wealth and success for other people.
Some say David Xuan is arrogant. His famous quote “If I cannot achieve a certain feng shui task, then most of my peers would not be able to accomplish it either” did not go down without criticism and smirks. “I’m not arrogant. For the last 20 years, most of my waking moments have been spent on compiling, studying and researching feng shui principles extensively. I scoured all the books in depth as well as laterally and I’ve gone through all the lineages of the art. My comprehensive system and approach can support a one-stop feng shui establishment. If I come across a stumbling block or problem, you can be sure that I’ll persevere to the ends of the universe to solve it. I never give up. If I can’t do it, then it simply cannot be done.”
Besides tenacity, being ethical is paramount to him. “My aim is to give all my clients effective and realistic audits. I do not hold anything back, not even with my students and disciples. I am open and I teach them everything, reveal every secret and weapon in my arsenal, in the hope that they will be better than me. I’d feel proud if they are.”
In this information and technology, Elon Musk-era, would feng shui ever be obsolete? Not according to Xuan. “Everyone and every living thing need feng shui. It is the basic building block of equilibrium and balance. The right feng shui can harness and propel you to unbridled success, boost your energy and life force. Everyone needs this supply, this awareness.”
Sadly, there is a dark side to feng shui. “Some people manipulate the principles of feng shui to do hocus pocus, to equate it with religion or to run scams. However, applied correctly and practised honourably, feng shui can change the course of one’s life, avert disasters and pitfalls. When the yin and yang is in perfect harmony, then one can have the best of everything.”
Success to Xuan has never been about materialism. “My ultimate goal is to see the world in peace, harmony and prosperity, to see a happy, healthy and better world.”
Chief executive officer of Asia Gemological Laboratory
by Billie Ooi-Ng Lean Gaik
“Focus single-mindedly on what you do best and your passion, then you can make a difference and stand out from the crowd.”
A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials. Polished and rather close to perfection, Dato’ CJ Eng is the inspiration behind the Asia Gemological Laboratory (AGL).
After graduating in accounting and finance from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Dato’ Eng spent the early years of his career in public accounting firms, developing accounting and financial expertise. Corporate management and business development came naturally to him. “CEOs who started their careers in accounting and finance tend to be successful and excellent leaders. I constantly engage in strategic planning of business, running a team and having commercial ownership of various products.” He is a firm believer of the Hedgehog Concept from the book Good to Great. “Focus single-mindedly on what you do best and your passion, then you can make a difference and stand out from the crowd.”
His dream team comprises the diplomatic ace turned corporate honcho Dato’ Zainuddin Yahya, pioneering genius and gemstone specialist Ng Lian Im and the fearless and multitalented chemical engineer Dato’ Billy Lai. Together with Dato’ Eng, the four of them have charted AGL’s course to the pinnacle of success in just three short years. “When I first met them, I knew that we share a deep passion for the earth’s beauty as well as an understanding for authentication and expertise in minerals and gemstones.”
AGL’s international group of professionally qualified and dedicated gemologists aims to make AGL the number one preferred gemological laboratory in Malaysia, providing comprehensive services like authentication and certification of gemstones, manufacturing and retailing, workshops and courses, and educational mining field trips. “We have the most sophisticated technology and equipment for gemstone identification, design and manufacturing.”
Future plans include establishing laboratories in mining countries like Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sierra Leone. “We are excited about these opportunities and we want to make Malaysia proud by being the Malaysian gemological laboratory providing assistance in the gemstones industry to these countries.”
Gemstones and jewelleries have always been a part of human society and history. Urbanisation has increased its demand.
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“Eighty percent of the gemstone market is dominated by diamonds. However, there is a promising growth in emeralds, rubies and sapphires. There will always be interest in precious gemstones. During a recent Sotheby online auction, the ‘Tutti Frutti’ bracelet by Cartier was sold for USD1.3 million as the most expensive jewel traded online.”
Gemstones are revered by many, for the appreciation in value or simply for its beauty or the pleasure it brings to the owner. “I still remember vividly the magical feeling when I first held an investment grade natural non-heat Royal Blue sapphire during my first mining trip in Sri Lanka. It was an incredible feeling of pure joy.”
For adrenalin, Dato’ Eng loves football, golf and high-altitude sports. He once hiked to Mt Everest Base Camp, with his own chefs and porters, and descended by helicopter.
