All posts by EZ Malaysia

THE LOW-FODMAP DIET

May 11, 2020 EZ Malaysia

by Dr Mecherl Lim

MD (MA) Naturopath (ND), Holistic Kinesiology

In 2006, researchers Dr Sue Shepherd & Professor Peter Gibson from Monash Uni, linked several highly fermentable but poorly absorbed short chain carbohydrates and polyols to symptoms associated with IBS, including wind & diarrhoea, as well as to the increased intestinal permeability associated with Crohn’s disease.

These fermentable aligo-di-and monosaccharides and polyols are now known collectively as FODMAPs. They comprise oligosaccharides (fructans and galactans), disaccharides (lactose), monosaccharides (fructose) and polyols, which is the technical word for sweetener. In the 2006 study, 74 per cent of patients with IBS and fructose/fructan diet such as the FODMAP diet.

HOW DOES THE LOW-FODMAP DIET WORK?

Research shows that FODMAPS in meals are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and increase the delivery of water to the colon-suggesting the catalyst for diarrhoea in some people. Breath test show that eating a low-FODMAP diet reduces hydrogen production (in both healthy volunteers and patients with IBS), linking the short chain carbohydrates with bloating, abdominal distension and pain and excessive flutulence.

Since the first study, research has consistently tied global restriction of FODMAPs (rather than restriction of individual components) with reduced symptoms of IBS. In a challenge trial (in which participants restricted fructose/fructans-containing foods and then restored the foods to the diet) showed a return of symptoms after the foods were reintroduced.

In those with Crohn’s disease, sweeteners such as sorbitol, maltitol and isomalt are absorbed, but the digestibility of the other nutrients in the foods is reduced because these polyols cause an osmotic load, meaning that more water remains in the intestine, leading to watery stool.

FODMAP group had reduced bloating, 87 per cent enjoyed less flatulence and 85 per cent experience a reduction in abdominal pain.

The researchers concluded that the low-FODMAP diet is more effective than standard dietary guidelines for symptom control of IBS.

FODMAPS AFFECT HEALTHY PEOPLE TOO

It’s interesting to note the research has also uncovered information about how FODMAPS are digested by healthy participants. We know, for example, that fructans (polymers of fructose found in asparagus, leeks, garlic, onions and onions and wheat) and galacto-oligosaccharides (lactose from cows milk) are always fermented by intestinal flora, and cause wind production and flatulence in healthy people too. The effects are merely worsened in those with hypersensitivity and motility disorders as found in IBS.

READY TO TRY IT

The low FOD-MAP diet eliminates sugars that can’t be fully digested and absorbed in the small intestine. When following this diet, journal ling is critical. Be sure to keep accurate records of what you eat, when and how your body responds.

After following the diet until all of your symptoms have disappeared, the goal is to reintroduce foods to determine whether they are a trigger for your symptoms. When doing so, add one food back at a time and wait 72 hours to determine that symptoms haven’t re-appeared before moving on to the next food.

This way of eating is not as restrictive as some other prescription diets, but if you are interested in following it, you are wise to get nutritional guidance from an expert so you are sure to get all of your health-supportive nutrients. You may have to use vitamin and mineral supplementation to be sure to meet nutrient requirements, particularly in the elimination and re-challenge phases.

Visit : http://www.drmecherlherbs.com

Email : drmecherherbs@gmail.com

FACEBOOK : drmecherlherbs for further enquiries.

EZ 58 – Mind Philosophy

Ancient Jade Fetching Millions

May 11, 2020 EZ Malaysia

Jade has been revered by the Chinese culture for centuries not only for its beauty and spiritual aspects, but more importantly because it resembles one’s status. Ancient jade carvings of mystical figures from the Han or Song dynasties are very popular among collectors and have been fetching very high prices in auction houses around the world.

**A RARE JADE CARVING OF A CHIMERA, BIXIE**
Han Dynasty or later
Auction House – Bonham

5 Apr 2016, 11:00 HKT
Hong Kong, Admiralty
**Sold for HK$ 21,960,000**
**(MYR 12,359,530) inc. premium**

**GREY AND BLACK JADE CARVING OF A CHIMERA, BIXIE**
Han Dynasty or later
Auction House – Bonham

5 Apr 2016, 11:00 HKT
Hong Kong, Admiralty
**Sold for HK$ 24, 760,000**
**(MYR 13,737,084) inc. premium**

**A RARE SMALL YELLOW JADE FIGURE OF A SEATED MYTHICAL BEAST**
SONG DYNASTY OR EARLIER
Auction House – Sotheby’s

J. J. Lally & Co., New York, 1993.
**Sold for EUR 4,207,500**
**(MYR 19,807,892) inc. premium**

**A GREY AND BLACK JADE CARVING OF A CHIMERA, BIXIE**
Han Dynasty or later
Auction House – Bonham

5 Apr 2016, 11:00 HKT
Hong Kong, Admiralty
**Sold for HK$ 24, 760,000**
**(MYR 13,737,084) inc. premium**

**A RARE PALE GREEN AND BROWN JADE CARVING OF AN ELEPHANT AND MAN**
Song Dynasty or later
Auction House – Bonham

5 Apr 2016, 11:00 HKT
Hong Kong, Admiralty
**Sold for HK$ 19,160,000**
**(MYR 10,783,634) inc. premium**

**AN IMPORTANT AND VERY RARE CELADON JADE RAM-FORM WATER POT WESTERN HAN DYNASTY (206 BC – 9 AD)**
WESTERN HAN DYNASTY
Auction House – Christie’s

30 Nov 2016 Christie’s Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall
**Price realised HK$ 19,860,000**
**(MYR 11,187,481) inc. premium**

EZ 58 – Medical

Breast Cancer & Breast Reconstructive Surgery

May 6, 2020 EZ Malaysia

By Dr Teoh Mei Shi (Consultant Breast, Endocrine & General Surgeon) & Dr Wong Thai Er (Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon)

Dr Teoh Mei Shi is a Breast, Endocrine and General Surgeon. Dr Wong Thai Er is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. Both are consultants at Loh Guan Lye Specialists Centre. As a team they work together to treat the cancer and help reconstruct the breast to give patients a more positive outlook in their recovery from cancer.

Over the last few decades, surgical treatment of breast cancer has undergone a paradigm shift from radical mastectomy that involves removal of whole breast and large portion of muscle underlying the breast tissue to breast conserving surgery and now oncoplastic breast reconstructive surgery. Concomitant advances in chemotherapy and radiotherapy have played major role in this shift.

Oncoplastic breast reconstructive surgery involves the oncological removal of breast cancer combined with reconstructive plastic surgery techniques to rebuild or reshape the breast for an aesthetically pleasing final outcome. The combined reconstructive surgery can be carried out immediately at the time of breast cancer surgery or as delayed procedure performed months or years later. The current practice of Breast Reconstruction results in single hospitalization saving time and cost with shorter time away from work. Moreover immediate breast reconstruction certainly helps them to regain confidence with positive outlook.

Multidisciplinary discussion between patient, oncologist, breast surgeon and reconstructive surgeon is pertinent to decide the best approach for each patient for appropriate oncological treatment for breast cancer followed by appropriate breast reconstruction.

Choice of Oncoplastic breast reconstructive surgery will depend on

• stage and subtypes of breast cancer

• breast size and volume

• adequate autologous tissue for reconstruction

• patient’s choice and expectation

• location of the breast tumor

• tumor response to neoadjuvant treatment

Types of oncoplastic breast surgery

• Breast conserving surgery with volume replacement and volume displacement techniques

• Nipple-sparing / Skin-sparing mastectomy with autogenous tissue reconstruction eg Back tissue / Tummy tissue

• Nipple-sparing / Skin-sparing mastectomy with Implant reconstruction

There are many options for breast reconstruction following surgery for breast tumour. As such, these options have to be discussed with the patients and the most appropriate option is then chosen and tailored for them. Many factors need to be taken into consideration during the discussion as these factors would affect not only the outcome of the reconstruction, but also the adjuvant therapies (radiotherapy and chemotherapy)

The options for reconstruction are:

• External prosthesis

• Silicone implant

• Fat injection

• Autogenous tissue flap reconstruction

External prostheses are made of foam-like material into well-designed breast-shaped prostheses, to be placed inside the inner wear. They are suitable for those who had undergone breast tumour surgery and do not want any reconstructive surgery at all.

Commonly used for breast augmentation, silicone implants, can be used for breast reconstruction in selected cases. They come in various sizes and shapes, to be inserted after breast surgery. It is suitable for those who will not require chemotherapy and radiotherapy as both these therapies can affect the outcome and enhance the complications and risks associated with silicone implants.

Fat injection involves harvesting fat from either the tummy or the thigh and injected into chest. This technique requires multiple sittings of harvesting and injection to achieve the desired size as some of the injected fat shrinks after each sitting, thus can significantly elevate cost with this technique. This technique is also suitable for those who will not require chemotherapy and radiotherapy as both these therapies can affect can affect fat cell survival and the outcome.

Autogenous tissue flap reconstruction is still the gold standard in breast reconstruction. It involves harvesting the patients’ own tissue together with the underlying muscle and blood supply and the flap is then repositioned into the chest. Tissues commonly harvested are usually from the tummy (TRAM flap) or the back (LD flap). As these tissues have their own good blood supply, they have been well documented to facilitate healing, making it more robust and reducing complications and risks associated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Hence this method is strongly advisable for those patients who had undergone or going for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For patients with advanced large breast tumour, this technique is also helpful for closure of chest wound and in preparation for chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Breast cancer patients are now enjoying a longer lifespan due to better understanding of tumour biology with more advanced treatment options. By removal of the breast tumour coupled with choice of breast reconstruction, we aspire the survivors not only will enjoy a longer and better quality of life, but also live with restored confidence and esteem in their ongoing and future endeavours.

EZ 57 – Breathing Space

A Screw In Creative Art

March 31, 2020 EZ Malaysia

It is usually a taboo for an artist to mix business in the past as most believe that artists should be ‘pure’ to create. However, when talking to Iven Lee, a renowned multidisciplinary illustration artist from Xiamen China, founder of Xiamen Yan Tan Orange Culture Creative Co. Ltd and Fearless Trend Art, his answer was that he is different from a normal artist, creator or businessman in general as he sees himself as an all rounder that blends art and business into his artistic journey. Creator of SummerMew, IVEN, SCREW and many more, this artist described himself as a typical Gemini. When it comes to work and creativity, it is not only about passion but also the persistence to meet the end goals.

Iven and partners started a design studio from scratch and began with just some small advertising jobs. The break came in early 2002 when he was selected to create SummerMew, the Xiamen Tourism Ambassador for BRICS and was later interviewed live by CCTV (China Central Television). He believed that his dad was proud and happy for him although the latter was very ill and passed away three days later. They were very close. Another milestone was the formation of Fearless Trend Art Exhibition In 2018 where he answered the calling to contribute back into the society for the creative art industry. “It was not an easy task and I funded the project myself as I believe there is a potential for this but only time can tell,” said the artist.

Iven is of the opinion that artists today are no longer just about creating but must be equipped with EQ, IQ and AQ (Art Quality). Unlike the old traditional one-direction artists, Iven believes that artists should behave like a tricycle and have three wheels where one represents EQ that is the study of society, second is about communication and last but not least, there should be a team involved business of creating value to one’s artwork. It is no surprise that Iven has very high expectations as he is benchmarking himself to his idols namely Murakami Takeshita, Andy Warhol and Jeff Khoons. His ideology is to bridge both Eastern and Western art from different perspectives including lifestyle, culture, business, etc. “Western art is usually more positive that involves continuity, whereas Eastern art is more about looking to the past and focusing on traditional culture,” he opined. He continued saying that Western creatives are more matured and the Eastern presentations are still very much in the development stage. He is a regular speaker in Tsinghua University and conferences including those organized by Alibaba and many more. He believes that creative art is very important in today’s hectic and intense world as the former can help balance and ease the tension between real life cruel expectations and the harmony within. Ivan advocates the up and coming generation to stay focus and stay original of what one has set out to achieve. “Don’t be too emotional and end up killing the enthusiasm!” he continued saying “Learn to respect both the consumer and the market. A Coke is a Coke, all Cokes are the same and as good.”

Lastly when asked about the future of creative art, Iven answered with confidence that the future of creative art looks promising as it is not only about trendy culture and art, it is also about patriotism. “It is a good sign when a country has its own cultural identity and spirit. This shows that the upcoming generation have achieved its very own branding and will no longer blindly follow big brands but quality brands that communicate in the same wavelengths”. Iven believes that with the current fast communication systems and platforms, creative art has already started its penetrations and influences into the society. It is inevitable that soon this industry will play a very important role in the sustainability and the future of the society and the world.

Beyond Boundaries, EZ 57 – Beyond Boundaries

Own The Sea

February 20, 2020 EZ Malaysia

From the very beginning in 1905, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf set out to make wristwatches that would carry the rich heritage that has bound Rolex and the world of sailing. Rolex naturally became associated with activities that shared its excellence, precision and team spirit. The brand formed its first alliance with the world of yachting in the late 1950s with the New York Yacht Club, founder of the America’s Cup and a creative influence on the sport of yachting and its rules.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master range was launched in 1992, with a first model designed specifically for intrepid navigators and professionnal race skippers. This year, Rolex is extending its Yacht-Master range with a new 42 mm model, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42. Yacht-Master sailing watches are recognisable thanks to their distinctive bidirectional rotatable bezel with a raised 60-minute graduation. The Yacht-Master 42 is fitted with a Cerachrom insert in matt black ceramic that perfectly complements its black lacquer dial. Created from 18 ct white gold, this new watch heralds the arrival of this precious metal on a Yacht-Master model. The light reflections on the case sides and lugs highlight the profile of the Oyster case.

Like all Rolex watches, the Yacht-Master 42 is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015 and is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The Yacht-Master 42 is fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet, which singularly combines the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the flexibility, comfort and aesthetics of an elastomer strap. For enhanced comfort, the inside of the Oysterflex bracelet is equipped with longitudinal cushions that stabilize the watch on the wrist.

Yachting is steeped in tradition, nurtures a spirit of fair play and thrives on a congenial atmosphere. And for six decades, Rolex has harnessed the passion for yachting and its popularity by establishing deep-rooted ties with influential yacht clubs across the globe.

EZ 57 – Breathing Space

Welcoming A New Year 2020

February 20, 2020 EZ Malaysia

Welcome the year 2020 with a celebration meal at Maple Palace

The flair that truly put Maple Palace on the world map of Asian delicacies are found in its ability to serve an intricate recipe using fish maw. A signature and traditional dish in Chinese cuisine, it warrants hyperbolic merits for its distinctive aromas known to have been passed on from generations ending with eastern dynasties centuries before. Its ingredients may still mystify the modern tasters of today.

*Fish Maw Soup with Crab Meat & Dry Scallop*

This mouth-watering dish wraps the most festive of sea delicacies, the abalone, matched with the buttery meat of the Grouper – are much tastier than the title suggests. The trick may well be the sauce, or gravy, which is prepared to dress this match made in heaven. Extracted from the essence of stewed abalones, the sauce blends fermented beans, fresh eastern condiments and sweet baby bakchoy converging and heightening its flavors just from steaming these beautiful ingredients together. If you are hungry, indulge it with a bowl of piping hot rice.

*Steamed Estuary Grouper with Fresh Abalone*

Rice cooked to perfection using claypots, fired up with intense heat from charcoal, are found to taste simply glorious. A method that continues to be many’s favorite, today, its supporting ingredient play an equally important role; the demands in its precision as a soulfully satisfying dish. Paired with juicy stewed mushrooms and sweetness from the Chinese sausages, it’s a heartening dish that stirs the soul for all things wistful and good.

Cover Story, EZ 57 – Cover Story

The Powers That Be

February 20, 2020 EZ Malaysia

Dato’ Mark Yeoh
Director of YTL Hotels and Resorts

Good hotels are everywhere. The edge is always customer service. You can have gold taps and diamond chandeliers. At the end, what matters in hospitality is always the service.

Scion of the formidable YTL empire, Dato’ Mark Yeoh is the youngest son of the late Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay, a billionaire and philanthropist who founded YTL Corporation. Executive director of YTL Hotels and Resorts, Dato’ Mark Yeoh is also part of YTL Power International’s mergers and acquisitions team involved in the acquisition of ElectraNet SA (Australia), Wessex Water Limited (UK), PT Jawa Power (Indonesia) and PowerSeraya Limited (Singapore).

Born in Klang, young Yeoh grew up in Kuala Selangor with his early education at Pasar Road School before attending Victoria Institution. Completing his A Levels at Brighton College UK, he went on to read law at King’s College London and passed the bar exams at Grace Inn. “I was the only son who was not gainfully employed at that time, therefore was summoned back to help the family. I started the hotel business without knowing a single thing.”

At his first ITB Berlin, the world’s largest tourism trade fair in 1988, Malaysia was unheard of and often confused with Malawi. Dato’ Yeoh took steps to place Malaysia on the map with the help of the Ministry of Tourism which launched many projects to promote Malaysia. Three decades and many welcoming slogans later, YTL Hotels and Malaysia finally established a respectable position on the world tourism barometer. “Competition is very tough now. Vietnam which never used to be a market is now an aggressive player. My first trip to Maldives, there were hardly any resorts, and I still remember the pillows made from coconut husks.”

There is a secret formula that holds YTL Hotels in good stead. “Our tagline ‘treasured moments, treasured places’ means that we are the purveyors of dreams and fantasies. We have every moment count. That’s the mantra we’ve been driving into our staff. Our hotels’ high occupancy rates reflect the popularity of our properties and our abilities to fulfil guests’ wishes.”

Hotel business is like fashion, there is no cookie cutter approach. You need to reinvest and reimage every seven years, to stay relevant and profitable.

For someone who started with not knowing a single thing in the hospitality industry, Dato’ Yeoh certainly has been put through the wringer. Yet he emerged an effective and revered leader and entrepreneur. “We call our staff stars. In most leadership structures the boss is the head of the pyramid. Ours is a reverse pyramid. I’m the most unimportant person in the company because I don’t see the customers. The moment my team wear the uniform when they start work, they are on parade. The show starts and they must smile, greet, be courteous. The challenge is to produce stars who understand our philosophies. That’s why we have the YTL International College of Hotel Management where we invest in training and hotel development programmes. Youth is the future of our business.”

With properties in Asia and UK, Dato’ Yeoh’s brand of management is holistic and immersive. “Working with partners like The Marriot and Hilton allows us to be more focussed, where we can dissect and segmentise our areas of expertise. The universal distribution system in the world is such that the big will get bigger so it’s good to have partnerships with these giants.”

Dato’ Yeoh’s superpowers in the hospitality realm are evident in some of his latest triumphs. One of them the Monkey Island Estate, a centuries-old retreat in Bray-on-Thames, Berkshire that nestles on an island in the River Thames; The Academy, London is a charming collection of five restored Georgian townhouses centrally located in London’s West End and finally the Higashiyama Niseko Village will be opening in December 2020, channelling unparalleled luxury to Japanese skiing in a hand-selected hideaway destination.

Captains & Legends, EZ 57 – Captains & Legends

Never Stop Learning

February 19, 2020 EZ Malaysia

Koong Wai Seng
CEO of Quill Group

“Change is like the wind and there’s no stopping it. Therefore, it’s imperative that we continuously evolve for the better.”

Humility is important for all of us, and more so for people who are successful and highly revered.

The belief that once you’ve achieved everything (or most things) you’ve strived for, you’ve lived and learned life. But that’s quite the opposite for Quill Group’s new Chief Executive Officer, Koong Wai Seng because he never stops learning and doesn’t limit himself to only what he’s good at.

“Regardless of your position or level in your company, I believe that you shouldn’t stick to what you know, rather, explore what you don’t know. If you only practice within your expertise, you’ll never expand your knowledge. Continue to learn, because the more you learn and immerse yourself in the areas outside of your abilities and skills, the more you’ll grow,” explained Koong.

Perhaps, that’s the “secret” to his success with an impressive accolade of more than 20 years of experience in a variety of industries including audit, ﬁnancial advisory, leisure, hospitality, healthcare, property development and property investment in a number of listed property development companies.

He is a member of the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA). Koong started his career at Arthur Andersen & Co before joining a public-listed property group for 13 years, where he served as chief financial officer and later as the group finance director. He was also the executive director of Sunway Group and Tropicana before assuming his position in Sunsuria in 2016 and moving to his most recent at Quill.

But he doesn’t boast about these C-Suite positions, rather, he would prefer to be known as a Change Leader because “Change is like the wind and there’s no stopping it. Therefore, it’s imperative that we continuously evolve for the better,” he said, adding that this is the core of his management philosophy.

According to Koong, part of growing and becoming a good leader is being curious, or in local layman’s term, a “busy body”.

“I make myself participate in various departmental meetings like marketing, finance, HR and logistics as it helps me to acquire knowledge of the company’s operations in its entirety.

Part of all this is also to be present and be part of your team regardless of their positions – talk to them, take them out for lunch or coffee and really get to know them. It builds meaningful relationships and trust.”

Koong made it all by merit and hard work as he was born in a low-income family where his mother would sell fruits by the roadside to support the family.

“I studied very hard and always set high standards for myself. I met my wife (then girlfriend) and we now have three boys,” he said.

Koong will be 62 in 10 years but he is not aiming to retire by then. In fact, he wants to be more involved with his work on a deeper level taking on a more philanthropic mission so that he can leave a legacy for his kids.

“For the new generation who want to be successful, it’s imperative that you associate yourself with high achievers because birds of a feather flock together – you will all lift each other up to reach your milestones sooner, so that you can achieve financial freedom earlier.”

Captains & Legends, EZ 57 – Captains & Legends

Aligning The Way of Life

February 18, 2020 EZ Malaysia

Dr Hayden Pooke
Chief Executive Officer of Tonic Asia Group

My own personal purpose is to be the vessel for transformation, that is the reason I get up in the mornings, to try and make a difference

There is a higher purpose in life and for chiropractor, Dr Hayden Pooke, it is to transform people’s lives and make a difference. Not one to letthe small things irritate him, he believes strongly in being the light that brings changes to people and in any situation. This was translated into his profession of helping his patients gain pain-free lives. “My own personal purpose is to be the vessel for transformation, that is the reason I get up in the mornings, to try and make a difference,” he said.

*Ascending Batu Caves Earlier this year with his niece, Alexandra*

Pooke and his wife, Dr Tamara Gien Pooke, came to Malaysia a decade ago when he was headhunted by Tonic Asia Group’s founder, Dato’ Dr Thomas Ong. Ong, who founded Tonic Asia Group in 1997, wanted Pooke to help him transform his clinics and expand throughout Malaysia. South African-born Pooke, had wanted to migrate to Australia when he came to Malaysia. He arrived here in 2009 and is now in the midst of applying for permanent residency here. “My wife and I love it here. There are a lot of opportunities especially to introduce chiropractic and integrative physical medicine in Malaysia,” he said.

The brand, TAGS for Tonic Asia Group, was developed after Pooke joined the company and in a few years, the group has expanded to include 11 centres and two hospitals in Malaysia, including East Malaysia. “It put chiropractic medicine on the map as a serious healthcare provider in Malaysia,” Pooke said. Soon, the TAGS clinics that started out as spine and joint specialist centres, integrated the centres to include physiotherapy. As Pooke puts it, chiropractic and physiotherapy services work hand-in-hand as one deals with the body’s alignment while the other on the core muscles.

The TAGS Spine and Joint Specialists Centres nationwide were proven to be successful with its focus on providing low-risk, healthier and non-invasive care for issues involving the joint and spine. Pooke said they meet their patients’ expectations 90 per cent of the time. “Seeing a chiropractor and being adjusted is not invasive and it facilitates and optimises movements for the patients,” he said. In many cases, he said patients find themselves pain-free after a few sessions at TAGS but stressed that treatment for each individual patient is different as it involves various factors that includes lifestyle, posture and diet.

“Treating Asians are different from caucasians as their physiology makeup are different.”

The recent popularity for chiropractic treatments mean that there is a future in this profession and the International Medical University Malaysia (IMU) is the only university in the country to offer a Chiropractic Bachelor’s Degree. Dr Tamara is a programme director for the degree in IMU and Pooke said this spells a bright future for the industry in Malaysia. He said chiropractic degrees offered by universities outside of Malaysia are focused on treating Westerners so most chiropractors learn how to treat Westerners and not Asians. “Treating Asians are different from caucasians as their physiology makeup are different,” he said. He said chiropractors who graduate from IMU will be trained to treat Malaysians and this will give them the advantage over foreign-trained chiropractors.

When he is not adjusting a patient’s alignment, Pooke is an avid wine collector with a growing collection at home. He also likes to spend his time in the kitchen whipping up creations to entertain his guests, family and friends. “I love to cook, I learnt to cook since I was six years old,” he said. He said his love for cooking has become something that he can use for business networking too where he brings business associates home and treats them to delicious home-cooked meals.

EZ 57 – People Culture

WHEN STARS Glitter

February 3, 2020 EZ Malaysia

EZ Australia was launched 5 years ago and it was the initial trust and support of the Melburnians that made this magazine where it is today. Hence we have decided to acknowledge the selected few Melburnians that have contributed and shaped this beautiful society as ‘Faces Of Melbourne’.

It was as if the universe conspired to make the CHT Gala Dinner 2019 one of the most celebrated events in Melbourne this season. Held at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, the event saw to the attendance of more than 300 socialites, entrepreneurs, tycoons and the well-heeled, in their finest attire. Designer evening wear, sequins, tuxedos were the order of the night, while some even spotted capes and lacey trains.

Master of ceremonies Ian Goldsmith started the glittering event by introducing the CEO of CHTNetwork Australia Ping Ch’ng who gave an inspiring speech. The audience was also held captive by brother and founder of CHTNetwork Ch’ng Huck Theng who concluded his speech with flair and panache, “Thank you, thank you, thank you, I am Ch’ng Huck Theng.”

The evening took on a high note with spell-binding performances by Voci Classiche opera singers Cosimo Ciccone and Rada Tochalna who delivered an unforgettable and moving repertoire that left the audience in awe. Reigning over the runway was the creative and talented international designer KL Ho who recently showcased his collection at the New York Fashion Week. In Melbourne his work is nothing short of spectacular.

*Winners of the Best Dressed Awards, Nicole Yap, Penny Sun, Nicole Pugsley, Christina Chia, Mazita, Nicole Chow & Ping*

Winners of the Best Dressed Awards, Nicole Yap, Penny Sun, Nicole Pugsley, Christina Chia, Mazita and Nicole Chow, paraded on the runway for all to admire and emulate their ensemble of the evening. Ripples of excitement floated through the glitterati when famous auctioneer Toni El-Helou from Biggin & Scott took the floor to auction off art masterpieces, dinners cooked by celebrity chefs, media and photography services from KMT Events and DLX Creative respectively.

Just when the guests thought things could not get anymore exciting, the latest issue of EZ Australia magazine was unveiled featuring Kim Lowman from Rothelowman Architects on the cover. This was followed by a rousing and boisterous raffle draw offering prizes like air tickets from Odyssey Travel, high tea and hotel accommodation from Sofitel, eight-course degustation meal from Silks at Crown, beautiful songket fabric from the Malaysian Consulate office, electrical goods from Buffalo, wines from Rochford Estate, Royal Selangor pewter, OMI dining vouchers, and beauty treatments from Secret De Beaute.

The exquisite menu for the night was specially designed by celebrity chef Jeffrey Tan (OAM) who paired beautiful wines with Sofitel’s delectable cuisine of salmon, duck, lamb, fine cheeses, pastries and desserts.

Finally, when the curtains closed, a great night was declared by all, with many exchanging contacts and promises to keep in touch, venturing into new social and business partnerships.