All posts by EZ Malaysia

Attitude & Style, EZ 55 - Attitude & Style

Penang Fashion Week 2019 Opening Gala

The 5th edition of the fashion week, which took place at Gurney Paragon Mall from 3rd to 5th May 2019, launched with a grand opening gala and had a large audience which included international celebrities, fashion designers, key opinion leaders in the fashion industry, social elites and members of the media.

Dancers from Euphoria Penang raised the curtain during the opening gala with their spectacular performance. It was then followed by a cameo from Christinna Kuan, the uprising fashion and beauty blogger. The 21-year-old presented her new cover song “Room” in front of approximately 300 invited guests. 

The main focus of the Penang Fashion Week 2019 was the collaboration between Gurney Paragon Mall and the ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase. Twelve reputable designers from ASEAN countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippine, Brunei, Myanmar and China who have accelerated the fashion dialogue in their respective countries showcased their masterpieces during the second day of the 

Penang Fashion Week. The 12 designers are:
• Hayden Ng   (Singapore) – HAYDEN
• Sylvia Lim & Jennifer Neo (Singapore) – TRIOLOGIE
• Natacha Van (Cambodia) – NATACHA VAN COLLECTION
• Lenny Agustin (Indonesia) – LENNY AGUSTIN
• Bandid Lasavong (Laos) – MEN Folder
• Micheal Ooi (Malaysia) – MOFactory
• Pitnapat Yotinratanachai (Thailand) – PITNAPAT
• Ho Thu Dang Thao (Vietnam) – TSAFARI
• Pat Santos (Philippines) – PAT  SANTOS COUTURE
• Fadzil Hadin (Brunei) – CHANTIQUE BRUNEI
• Zin Myat Myat Win (Myanmar) – ZIN
• Li Zhen (China) – The ZRSH 

Emerging designers form an essential part of the fashion industry, and they need to be supported and encouraged through a platform like Penang Fashion Week.

EZ 55 - People Culture

TikTok Travel comes to Penang!

TikTok, the world’s leading short video platform has announced its strategic partnership with Penang Global Tourism in a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony witnessed by Yang Berhormat Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang State EXCO of Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage. Penang Global Tourism is the first of Malaysia’s tourism boards to partner with TikTok in South East Asia.

The pilot programme in Malaysia for #TikTokTravel is an initiative that aims to inspire users to creatively capture and share their favourite travel moments. #TikTokTravel aims to become the go-to destination for social media fans’ various travel moments on mobile. 

In Penang, this partnership will begin with a series of online initiatives to promote the state’s splendour. These include online challenges, bespoke filters and stickers. The campaign kicks-off with Experience Penang 2020, a campaign by Penang Global Tourism that showcases every aspect of Penang’s amazing diversity.

As part of the campaign, users can also take part in TikTok’s latest online challenge, #ExperiencePenang. Users simply have to capture their best moments in Penang and tag the post with the hashtag “#ExperiencePenang”. 

EZ 56 - People Culture

50th Anniversary of the First Lunar Landing

George Clooney and NASA veterans joined OMEGA at Kennedy Space Center to pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing. The gathering of greats at Cape Canaveral in Florida brought actors and astronauts together to celebrate the world-changing Apollo 11 mission and to raise glass to the OMEGA Speedmaster: the first watch worn on the Moon.

After a day of discussions on a range of space-related subjects – including “Pushing at the Limits” and “The Moonwatch: Then and Now” – media and VIP guests enjoyed a “Golden Moments” dinner, attended by George Clooney, Amal Clooney, Charlie Duke and Thomas Stafford.

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The mood was light and the memories flowed freely as the astronauts shared compelling stories about the challenges they faced to ensure the Apollo project was a success. Though a huge star in his own right, OMEGA Ambassador George Clooney was clearly in awe of his boyhood heroes and made sure their extraordinary achievements were the prime focus of the event.

Also in attendance at both the daytime talks and “Golden Moments” celebratory dinner were Astronaut and artist Nicole Stott, NASA pilot and ISS commander Terry Virts, ESA astronaut and NASA veteran Jean-François Clervoy, and former NASA engineer and the man behind the Moonwatch, Jim Ragan. 

EZ 56 - People Culture

Faces of Penang Top 50 Below 50

Influential captains and upcoming leaders were honored during the launch of the EZ Malaysia Special Edition – Faces Of Penang at the Imperial Court Restaurant at The Top. Organised by CHTNetwork in collaboration with EZ Malaysia, this event was to present 50 influential Penangites from various industries below the age of 50 and have contributed to the society. 

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, a Guest Of Honor at the event praised the organiser for showcasing the beauty of Penang and its young talents to the world. Furthermore adding to his speech, he was confident that this project would be successful in reaching millions of readers through the print, digital and social media platforms of CHTNetwork. 

From left : Alvin Poh, Anne Lee, Boey Tze Nin, Dato’ Cher Chen Chiang, Ch’ng Huck Theng, Puan Sri Datuk Joanne Phor, Tan Sri Datuk Alex Ooi, YAB Chow Kon Yeow, YB Yeoh Soon Hin, Dato’ Seri Damien Chua, Datin Poon Lee Fah, Allen Tan 
From left : Eric Tiw, Cheryl Ng, Tan Boon Cheong, Esther Loh, YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Ch’ng Huck Theng, Jimmy Foo, Fifi Ch’ng, Dr. Lim Ban Keong, Chef Petr Feher, Chef Audee Cheah, Franco Tan
From left : Syed Aidid Syed Mohamad, Ravin Vello, Seah Kok Heng, Stephen Soon, Mei Tan, YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Ch’ng Huck Theng, (represent Nigel Law), Leon Lee, Kevin Wong, Katharine Joan Chua, June Goh, Joseph Goh
From left : Toh Bok Piew, Desmond Toh, Ann Lee, Vincent Chew, Waqar Saeed Bhatti, Wong Soon Ping, YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Ch’ng Huck Theng, Edwin Yeoh, Wilson Yeoh, William Koay, Tan Wei Xin, Tan Loy Sin

CHTNetwork president Ch’ng Huck Theng also cited the importance in branding and showcasing the bright and capable Faces Of Penang as an important step forward to connecting them to the world with the intention to further strengthen the economy through exploring business opportunities in both local and markets abroad.

Among those who attended the function include state executive councillor and PETACH chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, Director of Tourism Malaysia Penang Jonathan Bagang, Penang Port Commission chairman Jeffrey Chew and Malaysian Hotels Association (Penang Chapter) chairman Koo Boo Lim, Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekaran, Penang Tourist Guides Association president Chin Poh Chin, Ideal Property Group executive chairman Tan Sri Alex Ooi and executive director Puan Sri Joanne Phor. 

Beyond Boundaries, EZ 56 - Beyond Boundaries

Miura P400 from the 1969 film “The Italian Job”

Sant’Agata Bolognese, May 6, 2019 – A few years after the movie release of “The Italian Job”, it was revealed that the car used in the film was not the one destroyed during the on-screen accident. Since then, many made it a hunt to locate the opening-scene Miura. 50 years later, Lamborghini Polo Storico has finally certified the Miura P400, chassis #3586, as the original car used in the Paramount Pictures film in 1969.

The orange Miura P400 (technically “Arancio Miura”) with white/black leather interior has been the most pursued Miura in recent decades: it appears at the start of the film, driven by the actor Rossano Brazzi on the Great St Bernard Pass. In the movie the car was destroyed. In reality, Paramount also depicted an identical, crashed Miura. 

After almost 50 years, and having passed through the hands of different enthusiasts, both Italian and international, the P400 was bought in 2018 by the current Liechtenstein collector, Fritz Kaiser, who is also the Founder of “The Classic Car Trust”. 

Lamborghini Polo Storico, inaugurated in 2015, is Automobili Lamborghini’s department dedicated to preserving the heritage of the House of Sant’Agata Bolognese. Its activities include the restoration and certification of all Lamborghinis produced up to 2001, as well as the reconstruction of spare parts for classic Lamborghinis. 

Beyond Boundaries, EZ 56 - Beyond Boundaries

A Mission To Perpetuate Change

For the founder of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf, the world was like a living laboratory. He began to use it as a testing ground for his watches from the 1930s, sending them to the most extreme locations. As the 21st century unfolds, exploration for pure discovery has given way to exploration as a means to preserve the natural world. 

This year, Rolex launched a campaign titled Perpetual Planet. For now, it embraces three main pillars – an enhanced partnership with the National Geographic Society to study the impacts of climate change, Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue initiative to safeguard the oceans through a network of marine protected “Hope Spots”, and the Rolex Awards for Enterprise that recognize individuals with projects that advance knowledge and protect human well-being and the environment.

Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue initiative aims to safeguard the oceans from threats that range from pollution to destructive fishing.

Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue

Sylvia Earle, a Rolex Testimonee since 1982, has been a pioneer of ocean exploration for nearly 50 years. In 2010, Earle launched her Mission Blue initiative, inspiring communities and governments to shield marine life that is at risk from human pressures through Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) she calls Hope Spots. With the support of Rolex since 2014, the number of Hope Spots has increased from 50 to 112 over the past five years. Earle aims to protect 30 per cent of the world’s oceans by 2030. Currently, 8 per cent of the oceans are protected.

In Tunisia, 2016 Rolex Awards Laureate Sarah Toumi is trying to protect Farmland from the encroaching Sahara Desert

Rolex Awards for Enterprise

The Rolex Awards for Enterprise programme was launched in 1976, and has assisted over 140 individuals who have a new or ongoing project anywhere in the world – one deserving support for its capacity to improve lives or to protect the world’s natural and cultural heritage. Winners were awarded for spearheading innovative process in tackling plastic waste; saving human communities through wildlife food resources management; helping local communities to conserve endangered species, developing new innovations in neuroscience, and improving technology for malaria diagnosis.  

A member of the Perpetual Plant Extrene Expedition at Khumbu Icefall, Mount Everest

Rolex and National Geographic

A shared spirit of discovery drew Rolex and National Geographic together. In 1954, this involvement in exploration led Rolex naturally into a partnership with the National Geographic Society. This year, under the name Perpetual Planet Extreme Expeditions, Rolex and National Geographic are planning a five-year exploration of the planet’s most extreme environments starting with an expedition to Mount Everest with an aim to understand better the effects of climate change on the glaciers of the Hindu Kush-Himalaya that provide critical water resources to one billion people downstream. 

EZ 56 - Breathing Space

Exquisite Chinese Dining in Yue

Tucked away from the hustling and bustling city center of Hong Kong in the North Point lies a very special 1 Michelin Star restaurant located on the first floor of the Hong Kong City Hotel. ‘Yue’ meaning Cantonese in Chinese, is the name of this restaurant serving contemporary Cantonese cuisine. 

Its master chefs create unique delicacies that incorporate the fundamentals of traditional Chinese cooking. Yue Restaurant has been receiving the 1 Star Michelin Awards for many years consecutively, showing its persistence towards the spirit of maintaining its quality of food and customer satisfaction. Not only is Yue a Michelin Star restaurant, some of its dishes have also won various awards in the culinary industry presented by the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

 ‘Steamed Minced Pork with Foie Gras and Scallops’ 
(Gold with Distinction Award, 2015 Best of the Best Culinary Awards by Hong Kong Tourism Board – Minced Meat Dish Category)

This very clever dish is served with an impressive sizzling hot stone pot where the carefully selected ingredients each compliment another to achieve an ultimate taste. Fresh spring onions, salted egg, South Australian scallops, braised red wine foie gras and well minced pork crowned with a gastronomical sauce ball are all steamed to perfection. One would have to break the sauce ball to allow the sauce flow out from its mold. This dish is ready to be tasted once the sizzling sound is heard.

‘Gold Coast Starlight’ Shrimp dumpling, golden crispy taro dumpling and baked puff pastry
(Gold Award, 2011 Best of the Best Culinary Awards – Dim Sum Category)

Gold Coast Starlight is not one dish but a combination of three very uniquely crafted dim sum servings served on one plate. The shrimp dumpling comes in a bamboo steamer whereas the golden crispy taro dumpling is made with cheese and seafood sitting on a flower shaped cracker. Last is the baked puff pastry with egg custard that is moulded into the shape of a very cute little chicken. 

‘Seared Star Garoupa Fillet with Fish Maw on Egg White with Truffles Sauce’ 
(Gold with Distinction Award, 2010 Best of the Best Culinary Awards – Seafood Category)

This award-winning dish consist of many unique and vibrant colours, allowing diners to easily mistake this dish for a dessert at first glance. There are four layers to this dish. Sitting at the very top is a perfect combination of freshly cooked sea caught Garoupa and fish maw with a pinch of fine black truffles. Beneath this lay three striking layers of colours where the top orange layer is made from carrot, followed by a green layer from green vegetables and pure egg white as the cushioning.  

EZ 56 - Breathing Space

Finest Catch of The Day

Seek the indulgence and you shall find. For as old as time, the ocean has played an essential part in the survival of the human race. Roused by the evolution of taste from the Orient, seafood has always been fashionably favoured in the fine dining world found in classic Chinese recipes. At Maple Palace, we recognize the highly delicate flavour and the therapeutic potential of abalone for the body. Double-boiled with fish head and Cordyceps flower, this abalone-infused soup is a modern approach to pristine nourishment for the skin and soul.

Double-boiled Whole Yellow Melon Soup with Assorted Seafood

Let the oomph in the Double-boiled Whole Yellow Melon Soup complete your gourmet journey of the East. Infused with an array of fresh assorted seafood, the melon, simmered in slow gracious steam, provides an enlightening near-heavenly consciousness found only through delicate and refined exposure of century-long methods. Albeit its delicate and mild aroma the melon takes on center stage — setting the mood before the eyes — an ocular prerequisite to the feast before the taste sets in.  

Tomato Seafood Pumpkin Soup served in Stone Bowl

Wondering how tomato, pumpkin and seafood can be an absolute triumvirate made for goodness? Bask in ‘superfood’ wholeness with Maple Palace’s very own appetizing and fragrant infusion of the Tomato Seafood Pumpkin Soup served in stone bowl. Resist not the temptation for an oceanic feast right here at Maple Palace. 

EZ 56 - Breathing Space

FENDI & FENDI Casa present “Back Home”

by Cristina Celestino

In collaboration with world famous architect and interior designer, Cristina Celestino, FENDI is proud to present their latest project “Back Home”. This unique collection is a celebration towards FENDI’s iconic Pequin striped motif, logo-non-logo, which immediately evokes the brand’s heritage of elegance and sophistication with authentic discretion. 

The “Back Home” collection was showcased to the public at the new FENDI Casa Exhibition Space during the Salone Internazionale del Mobile 2019, also known as the Milan Furniture Fair, which too place on the 9th-14th April. A special installation will showcased FENDI’s latest pieces designed by Cristina Celestino for the Roman luxury house, produced by Luxury Living Group.




  • FENDI & FENDI Casa Back Home MatinÇe floor mirrors design by Cristina Celestino




  • FENDI & FENDI Casa Back Home MatinÇe wall mirrors design Cristina Celestino

Cristina Celestino has successfully reworked the Pequin with her strong style and delicate touch, creating a refined and creative range of statement pieces. Rooted in FENDI’s legendary sophisticated aesthetic, the “Back Home” collection shows an intriguing combination of materials, spanning from timeless and elegant marbles and onyxes, to fascinating metallic surfaces showing surprising tactile and colour effects.

Silvia Venturini Fendi, Men’s and Accessories Creative Director, has also designed an exclusive luggage set worked in the Pequin motif to complement the interior design collection. It is available both in the classic tobacco and black colour match, as well as in a new blue, beige and powder pink combination. 

EZ 56 - Mind Philosophy

London – Luxury Is Great Britain

Britain has developed a taste for luxury over the centuries and perfected the art of showcasing its elegant side to her visitors. Enjoy fashionable restaurants, shopping and culture, and hire historical castles and islands to stay and play at. Get a taste for the life lived by royalties. For your shopping spree, seek out the royal crest above shop doors to unlock the highest quality products favoured by none other than the Queen of England. 

The Attraction

The Shard

The best view of London can be seen from The Shard’s 72nd floor — The View from The Shard with unparalleled 360-degree view for up to 40 miles. The 95-storey skyscraper in Southwark is London’s new emblem. Besides its extraordinary and exquisite architectural design, The Shard houses many occupiers including the famous Shangri-la Hotel as well as retailers, restaurants, offices, education institution, medical and more. 

Opened in July 2012, The Shard’s designer Renzo Piano was inspired by the spires of London churches and the tall ships depicted by Venetian painter Canaletto. Visit The Shard website for more architectural designs that include the eight sloping glass facades’, the ‘shards’, the architectural shape and visual quality of the tower, the unique glass designed to reflect the lights in unpredictable ways and more.

The Shard is utterly impressive and certainly a vision of inspirations. Catch London’s iconic sights of the London Bridge, Tower Bridge, River Thames, The London Eye, The Cheesegrater, The Gherkin and many more from this amazing skyscraper.

The Shard
Address: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 844 499 7111
Website: http://www.the-shard.com
Business Hours: 10am – 10pm

Blenheim Palace

A World Heritage Site as designated by United Nations, Blenheim Palace was the gift by Queen Anne and a grateful nation to the first Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill and his wife, Sarah Churchill, for his great victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. It is also the only non-royal non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of a ‘palace’.

Worthy of a visit for its famed history and architecture, Blenheim Palace’s architecture was built in the English Baroque style by architect John Vanbrugh. Enrol for their Lights, Camera and Action tour and be enthralled by the amazing mass ornamentation through the rooms of The Great Hall, The Green and Red Drawing Rooms, The Saloon, The State Rooms, The Long Library and more. Baroque grandeur and bold colours trapezed throughout the palace, leaving one in awe of its majestic appearance.

Perhaps a reminiscent of a James Bond film Spectre may further entice one to visit Blenheim Palace if its history did not lure one’s attention. Filmed at its courtyard, the car chase scene in Spectre did ultimately boost Blenheim Palace to higher fame. There were certainly many more famous movies that were also filmed at this palace.

Expect to spend at least half a day here unless you’re a history junkie who pauses at every glorious space of the palace, then one may well take up a full day at Blenheim Palace. 

Blenheim Palace
Address: Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1PP, United Kingdom 
Contact: +44 1993 810530
Website: http://www.blenheimpalace.com