Celebrating more than a century of watchmaking history, OMEGA hosted a spectacular event at the OMEGA Museum in Bienne, Switzerland. Guests from all over the world gathered at this glamorous occasion to relive the brand’s key moments, including the story of how the brand got its name.President and CEO of OMEGA expressed his joy and pride on the success OMEGA has achieved across the years.
OMEGA also presented guests with the first glimpse of the two newest watchmaking creations, the De Ville Trésor 125th Anniversary Edition and an updated version of the famous 19-ligne Calibre. Crafted from 18K yellow gold with a burgundy leather strap, the De Ville Trésor 125th Anniversary Edition has a red enamel dial to match OMEGA’s iconic brand colour.
The INPenang International Awards recently celebrated its 4th edition honouring some of Penang’s bright and successful personalities and organizations in a sophisticated soirée held at The Banquet, The Top, an iconic entertainment tower boasting an indoor amusement park located right at the center of the hustle and bustle of George Town, Penang.
Endorsed by the Penang State Government, 19 awards were presented on the evening attended by over 400 local and foreign VIPs and dignitaries including Chief Minister of Penang and Guest of Honour for the evening, Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Agric Minister and YB Yeoh Soon Hin.
Themed ‘Vanity Fair’, the glamorous evening pays tribute to leaders who have achieved prodigious success in their careers and fields of expertise. Following CHTNetwork’s principle of “Where All Good Things in Life Meet…”, the event plays a huge significance creating business opportunities and advocating the competitive spirit among key players in Penang and its international counterparts.
The most prominent award of the evening – INPenang Lifetime Achievement Award – was presented to Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Lim Gait Tong, the Chairman and CEO of Farlim Group (M) Bhd a prominent figure known for his relentless fortitude who continues to contribute to Penang and Malaysia’s economic growth today.
Guests were entertained with serenading tunes from the popular musical show ‘Phantom of the Opera’ from the Penang Symphony Orchestra conducted by its Music Director Dato’ Woon Wen Kin. A hallmark of CHTNetwork includes a runway fashion show specially presented by The MOD House, Venessa Diamonds and Marque Deluxe. To end the night, a high energy dance performance titled ‘Echo Victory 2019’ was presented by Triple I Production House.
Penang Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Dato’ Woon Wen Kin
Runway Fashion Show presented by The MOD House
Luxury items auctioned for the evening include a painting by watercolourist Khoo Cheang Jin, handcrafted carpets by Nasim Carpet, a glamour photo shoot session with Michael Deeb, traditional cheong sums by The MOD House, a luxury bag by Marque Deluxe and jewelleries by Venessa Diamonds.
Auction – Nasim CarpetsAuction – Venessa Diamonds
Recipients of the InPenang National Awards include Dato’ Teoh Hai Hin (Hong Seng Group), Tan Sri Datuk Alex Ooi (Ideal Property Group), Dr Lee Kim Siea (The M Clinic), Anne Lee (Anovia Bridal), Tan Sri Datuk Seri Richard Koh (The Top), Sean Lau & Cheryl Ng (Wonderfood Museum), Cynthia Hwang (Sunshine Retail Group), Lim Ee Keong (David Xuan), Dato’ Woon Wen Kin (Penang Symphony Society), and Ong Thor Guan, Choon Jin Kooi, Koay Kai Bin (TG Ocean Health Food Industries).
Yeoh Soon Hin Chairman of PETACH presented 5 InPenang International Outstanding Achievers Awards. Recipients include Dato’ Maimunah Mohd Sharif, William Lye OAM S.C., Adrian Ng, Yeap Huey Huey and Dato’ Henry Goh.
The award show debuts the InPenang Emerging Entrepreneur Award dedicated to movers and shakers who have directly played a significant role in influencing their community and placing Penang at par with other growing cities regionally. And awarded 3 of its newest trophies to Tan Li Mei (Scoopoint), Derick Ooi (Global Story), and Jason Ong (Triple I Production House).
Sponsors for InPenang International Awards include Thai Airways International, RHB Premier, Cycle & Carriage, Schwarzkopf Professional, Red Box, Venessa Diamonds, Marque De Luxe, The MOD House, Nasim Carpets, Focal Concept, Anjeri, Malaysia SME, and Miura Group from Australia.
INPenang Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Lim Gait Tong
INPenang International Awards Winners
Best Tourism (Museum) Penang – Wonderfood Museum
Top Bridal Studio – Anovia Bridal
Best Musical Conductor – Maestro Dato’ Woon Wen Kin
Best Geomancy Sevice Industry – David Xuan
Best Automotive Manufacturing Industry – Hong Seng Group
Top Developer – Ideal Property Group
Best Household Brand Group – Sunshine Retail
Top Health Food Manufacturer Industries Sdn Bhd – TG Ocean Health Food
Best Plastic & Aesthetic – The M Clinic
Best Transformed Tourist Attraction – The Top, Penang
INPenang International Outstanding Achievers Awards Winners
“The cornerstone of RUMC being a successful medical school lies not only in the quality of the education it provides, but also in its students’ motivation in pursuing a career in medicine.”
RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (RUMC) is Malaysia’s first accredited private medical school, owned and established by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and University College Dublin (UCD), two world-renowned medical universities in Ireland.
As the demand for doctors continues to grow, there is a greater need to ensure that Medicine graduates are industry-ready. It goes without saying that the road to becoming a doctor is paved with ambition, discipline, and dedication from the get-go. And perhaps above all, it begins with the right drive and attitude that make RUMC’s students stand out from the rest.
RUMC is the first Irish Foreign University Branch Campus (FUBC) in Malaysia. This is where students begin their transnational journey in Dublin, Ireland and receive an Irish medical education as they undertake a high quality two-and-a-half year’s pre-clinical study at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and University College Dublin (UCD).
Upon completion, the students return to Penang, Malaysia for a two-and-a-half year’s clinical phase where they will receive on-site training as they interact with patients at Penang General Hospital, Seberang Jaya Hospital, and Taiping Hospital.
This means that RUMC doctors-in-training would have better access to patients, allowing them to focus and nurture their patient-care and medical skills to its full potential. Graduates are conferred a National University of Ireland (NUI) degree, a globally-recognised medical education qualification, and are industry-ready thanks to the immersive clinical years.
The cornerstone of RUMC being a successful medical school lies not only in the quality of the education it provides, but also in its students’ motivation in pursuing a career in medicine. Today, RUMC is amongst the top medical schools in the country in preparing students for Housemanship.
“As an elite FUBC, our staff works in an environment that drives forward the pursuit of knowledge and aims to impact society around us”, said Professor Stephen Doughty, President & CEO.
RUMC’s unique relationship with the Malaysian Ministry of Health allows exclusive use of the Penang General Hospital for the students’ clinical training. Students graduate as doctors, receiving an internationally recognised medical degree, namely the MB BCh BAO (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Obstetrics) followed by a two-year placement as House Officers.
“Today, RUMC is amongst the top medical schools in the country in preparing students for Housemanship.”
The University is recognised by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and Irish Medical Council (IMC) as graduating high performing doctors. Students are recognised for practice in the USA, Canada and others by the ECFMG and FAIRMER with the institution listed as an Irish medical school in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
In ensuring that its top-of-the-class standard is maintained, RUMC’s medical education is delivered by a faculty of experienced and highly qualified practitioners and academics, supported by a diverse executive team and staff.
Established as Penang Medical College (PMC) in 1996, RUMC was awarded University status by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) as a Foreign University Branch Campus in 2018, one of the highest levels for a foreign-owned institution in Malaysia.
“We want to see people working together to achieve a desired outcome. It’s not just tables and chairs where people work in isolation like you see in cafes. Scoopoint focuses on entrepreneurial minds to enable them to start and develop successful projects.”
Leaving a legacy is not something that many 30-something year olds think about, let alone are dedicated to invest their whole time in.
But Mei Tan is working on making her mark in Penang’s talent pool and at the same time, hoping to leave her legacy where others can follow.
The Founding CEO of Scoopoint Co-Working envisions multi generations to collaborate and work together in order to grow Penang’s talent pool and competitive advantage. These are big aspirations for this youth, hence setting up Scoopoint as a creative community of like-minded people to share ideas and collaborate on projects.
“We want to see people working together to achieve a desired outcome. It’s not just tables and chairs where people work in isolation like you see in cafes. Scoopoint focuses on entrepreneurial minds to enable them to start and develop successful projects. Think of it as a supportive community for budding start-ups and this is where they can come to grow their businesses and teams,” explains Mei Tan who refers to herself as a “Creativentreprenuer” – someone who is creative and also business-minded.
Scoopoint’s concept is only planting a small seed to her bigger plans that is to encourage more talent to stay in Penang. “I envision supporting and growing the system and creative entrepreneurship in Penang. We have the potential to venture internationally and make a name for ourselves and I hope to achieve this one day.”
Mei Tan is also the COO and creative director of Asia Green Group, one of Penang’s premier high-end property developers. One does wonder how the young lass has time for herself with multiple projects under her belt.
“My schedule is really busy, but I always spend some time with my family. I also enjoy traveling, outdoor sports and working out. Working out is time for myself where I can just focus and get a good sweat.”
Mei Tan has certainly come a long way as she admits that she was once shy and self-conscious about her appearance. Not too long ago, she was often teased and called “fat” which affected her self-esteem. But when she left to the US to work, it helped build her confidence and her passion for fitness and public speaking soon saw her metamorphosing into a confident and affable young lady.
Currently, she sees a gap between the older and younger generation in the business arena and workforce. She believes that both can learn from each other’s strengths.
“The millennials certainly appreciate their seniors and what they have done to shape Penang to what it’s become today through their hard work and persistence. But we always want to encourage all generations to be more open minded and think about how we can better work together to embrace new technology for businesses to thrive.
Group Managing Director of Rhone Ma Holdings Berhad
We want people to not only see how we’ve transformed the company, but how this transformation can benefitthem and the society as a whole in terms of their health and animal welfare including their lovely pets.
We often read about the success of thought leaders in property development, retail and the automotive industries. It is not common to hear about the growth and success of businesses in animal health products that have made an impact in their country of origin.
One such company in Malaysia is Rhone Ma Holdings Berhad, an end-to-end animal health solution provider in Malaysia and is headed by its Group managing director, Dr Lim Ban Keong, a former veterinarian in the livestock industry.
Under his leadership, the business has transformed from a local trading company into a Bursa Malaysia Main Board listed company in December 2016. Rhone Ma was established after a management buyout of the animal health division of Rhodia Malaysia in year 2000.
Lim, who holds a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine from from Universiti Putra Malaysia, is also a registered veterinary surgeon with the Malaysian Veterinary Council since 1997 and also a member of the Veterinary Association Malaysia since 1998.
Studying veterinary science may not give most students much insight into the world of business operations, But the Penang local already had a head start in his career as a technical sales executive at Pahang Pharmacy Sdn. Bhd. in 1997. One year later, he joined Rhodia Malaysia as a Techno-Commercial Executive in the animal health division where he was in charge of the product portfolio covering veterinary pharmaceutical and biological products. He joined Rhone Ma Malaysia in 2000 which acquired the animal health division of Rhodia Malaysia.
Lim was subsequently promoted to General Manager in 2010 and assumed the role of Managing Director in 2013. The journey has been anything but easy, but Lim, 46, is grateful for the experience and guidance given by all his mentors along the way, especially Dr Raymond Choo, his predecessor in Rhone Ma. “I also feel blessed to have role models supportive partners like Mr Foong Kam Weng and Dr Karen Yip, who are also founding members of Rhone Ma. In fact, they consented and supported my appointment as the general manager.”
Commemorating the launch of Bioeconomy Day 2018 with Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin and CEO of Bioeconomy Corporation Dr. Mohd Shuhaizam Mohd Zain
I wanted to take the opportunity to realise my transformation dream for dream of transforming the company.
“When I reflect on what I have been through, I felt like a newborn when I accepted the challenges because everything was new to me. But I wanted to take the opportunity to realise my transformation dream for dream of transforming the company,” said Lim who also credits Vistage Malaysia for their exemplary CEO coaching programmes.
Not surprisingly, one of Lim’s biggest milestones was when the company became public as it only took three months to happen since the date of application for IPO.
“As a public listed company, it is our responsibility to meet investors’ expectations. Though we have more complex obstacles to overcome, this is all part of business growth and corporate transformation,” explains Lim.
“Our IPO proceeds will is used to fund our development plan for the construction of a new GMP-Compliant Plant in Nilai and a warehouse with three storey offices in Klang.” says Lim. The Group has commenced the construction of the GMP-compliant plant with completion estimated to be in the end of 2019. The new warehouse in Kapar was completed towards the end of 2018 and is currently awaiting for the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) by the local authorities. Once fully operational, the warehouse is expected to increase storage space to cater to increasing storage needs for both animal health products and food ingredients.
“We also aim to expand our product range and introduce new pharmaceuticals and feed additives through our in-house R&D capabilities and finally, to expand regionally to broaden our international customer base.”
In addition to being the exclusive distributor of Boehringer Ingelheim’s companion animal product range in Malaysia, Lim also notched another achievement when he successfully signed on two big names in the animal health and nutrition industry to distribute their products in Malaysia, namely Ceva Sante Animale S.A. (Ceva) and Zoetis Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Zoetis). Ceva, on 1 January 2018, appointed Rhone Ma as the Exclusive Distributor of its swine-related products, while in April 2018, the company signed another Distributorship agreement with Zoetis Malaysia Sdn. Bhd, a subsidiary of Zoetis Inc., for its poultry related products.
Lim further pursued his dreams of transforming Rhone Ma, where in early 2018, the Company incorporated a new wholly-owned subsidiary,APSN Healthcare & Diagnostics Sdn. Bhd. (APSNH) in their effort to foray into the human healthcare segment. Under this new business segment, APSNH aims to provide test and diagnostics services for human healthcare, conduct R&D in biotechnology and distribution of human healthcare and related products. Although it is still in its infancy stage, Lim believes that the segment will grow due to its vast potential.
It’s not just the business that Lim wants to grow, but also enrich public perception on the animal health industry. “We want people to not only see how we’ve transformed the company, but how this transformation can benefitthem and the society as a whole in terms of their health and animal welfare including their lovely pets.”
Dr. Lim and his biker buddies at The Distinguished Gentleman’s ride
“Life is all about what you want to do, regardless of your background.”
The latest Couture Fashion Week in New York held a very important element – The MOD House by Malaysian designer KL Ho imprinted on the famous Manhattan runway. Featuring a stunning haute couture collection of Asian-inspired qipao, both shows at the Crowne Plaza Times Square and The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, were fully attended and well received by international fashion buyers, media, socialites and celebrities. The MOD (Malaysian Original Design) House received immediate enquiries and invitations to future couture fashion events in London, Paris and Dubai. With the assistance of Matrade Malaysia and Matrade New York, the label successfully penetrated the US market with its ready-to-wear collection as well.
Once an accountant, Ho jokes about venturing from dealing with ‘figures’ on spreadsheets to dressing beautiful feminine ‘figures’ in the glitzy and glamorous world of fashion.
The Seremban boy who studied accountancy and filmmaking started work with KPMG before taking a leap of faith into fashion retail and wholesale. He was soon bosom buddies with top Malaysian designers while the shopping malls were busy clamouring for him. From there on 11 MOD Houses were set up in major shopping centres in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
“Life is all about what you want to do, regardless of your background. I started my fashion journey without any formal education. Relied on my instincts, feelings and horse sense a long way before signing up for a fashion design course later on.”
While the name KL Ho and The MOD House label soared from local to international recognition, Ho believes that fashion must be practical too. “Currently I’m working on ready-to-wear office attires, available for online purchase and rental. Ladies will now be able to rent work dresses daily.This will ease dressing woes and benefit them economically.”
After 15 years in the industry, fashionistas are beginning to trust and revere his creations. Ho was in Melbourne recently to explore possibilities of working with Australian designers and fashion institutes like RMIT.
To me every designer has their personal touch and uniqueness.I don’t really know how to rank myself, but people are starting to recognise my creations especially in the marriage of the Eastern and Western cultures.
“I would love to help aspiring fashion designers, if possible. For newcomers, their biggest problem is to get manufacturers to produce for them.I have a platform where they can contribute their designs while I navigate production and contemplate marketing strategies for them.”
Wearing many hats with ease, this designer extraordinaire will continue to spin bespoke magic, create prêt-à-porter lines and be the commander of his fashion production house with great style and originality.
“We were overwhelmed with pride and joy when the ’Negaraku’ was played to the spectators at the World Pastry Cup and those watching live around the world. It truly showcased our spirit of Malaysia Boleh!” says Patrick Siau, Head Chef of Sunway University School of Hospitality.
While there are many firsts when it comes to Malaysians receiving international recognition, Malaysia’s very first win at the Coupe du Monde la Patisserie – World Pastry Cup 2019 held in Lyon, France has definitely taken the whole country by surprise when it comes to expertise in pastry.
When it comes to food, Malaysia continues to top as one of the few countries in the world with the most culturally diverse food options. In 2017, the world began to notice some of the most prevalent chef novices from Malaysia when Diana Chan, a Malaysian-born contestant won Masterchef Australia Season 9.
In January 2019, World Pastry Cup – a World Pastry Cup championship, an ‘Oscar’ equivalent for the pastry chefs of the world – played ‘Negaraku’, the Malaysia National Anthem for the very first time. The Malaysia National Pastry Team, led by Head Chef Patrick Siau from Sunway University School of Hospitality, has won first prize.
The team which include Tan Wei Loon, Corporate Pastry Chef and Loi Ming Ai, Executive Pastry Chef of the Academy of Pastry Arts Malaysia; and Otto Tay, Corporate Pastry Chef at Dobla Asia, has beaten 20 other teams from around the globe to become the world champion.
“I am absolutely delighted by this achievement by the Malaysia team led by our very own expert Chef Patrick Siau… We are all very proud of what he has achieved and of the glory he has brought to the nation,” says Professor Graeme Wilkinson, Vice-Chancellor of Sunway University.
In order to meet the judges’ top requirements, contesting team are required to creatively produce three chocolate desserts of Grand Cru Valrhona, three frozen desserts from the Ravifruit range, 15 identical desserts on plate and three artistic creations made of sugar, chocolate and an artistic piece carved out of hydric ice. With only 10 hours on the clock, the teams are also contested under a common theme of Nature, Flora and Fauna.
The APC, cited as the largest ‘live’ pastry competition in Asia is the most spectacular and highly accredited competition in its category and serves as the official pre-selection platform for the World Pastry Cup.
The winning team created a chocolate dessert named ‘La Nature’ inspired by the lotus leaf while the flavours of their frozen fruit dessert ‘La Papillon’ which featured a butterfly on a flower was inspired by Pierre Hermé’s Ispahan. For their plated dessert ‘La Floraison’, the team incorporated the pomelo, Ipoh’s famous fruit which was presented in a cup-form made of Granita.
Capturing the judges’ attention was the team’s artistic creation showcasing meticulously crafted monkeys dressed like Elvis with the King’s iconic pompadour made of isomalt sugar and chocolate.
The Malaysia team also received the Vase de Sevres prize, a prize donated by the President of the French Republic which is awarded to the country that scored the most points for the Tasting.
In the months prior to the competition, the School of Hospitality at Sunway University actively came together and organised several initiatives to help raise funds for the team’s trip to France.
Motorclassica, Australasia’s premier event for vintage, classic and exotic motoring enthusiasts, recently hosted over 24,000 visitors at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building.
More than 160 pristine, rare and desirable machines represented some of the best collections around Australia.
Now in its ninth year, Motorclassica brought together a collection of classic cars and motorcycles in the southern hemisphere, mixed with the newest supercars and sports cars from the world’s premium automotive manufacturers.
In 2018, Motorclassica will celebrate 90 years of the Australian Grand Prix with an exhibition of significant racers from down through the decades, including the very first winning car from 1928.
A stunning 1932 Alfa Romeo 6C Spider was named ‘Best in Show’ at the 2018 Australian International Concours d’Elegance at Motorclassica. Owned by Lawrence Southward, the spectacular Alfa 6C 1750 GS Spider was judged the ‘best of the best’ among the many class winners in the hotly-contested Concours Competition.
The world-heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building will also house a Motorclassica display of cars and motorcycles from the Art Deco era of design, from 1910 to 1940. Motorclassica kicked off its annual Tour Classica, which saw many of the key entrants’ parade through the Melbourne CBD.
The ultimate expression of the Maison’s Savoir-faire. Stones are paramount in Cartier’s design studios. Understanding them, recognising what makes them special and capturing their beauty to maximise their potential is the designer’s primary task. The creativity and expertise of Cartier have allowed it to develop its signature style, which has continued to evolve for some 170 years.
Launched in July 2018, the latest COLORATURA COLLECTION by Cartier celebrates virtuoso voices and their echo around the world in a sensorial exploration of colour. Driven by a universal curiosity, the Maison investigates creative diversity; uniting the four corners of the globe and blending the variety of vast continents alongside their local traditions.
The correlations between past and present, the connections between cultures and generations all viewed through the human values of celebration, sharing and joy. The diversity of the world offers a rich palette. Colours combine; horizons meet. Together they compose a dynamic score: the vibrant colours of India, the uncompromising contrasts of Asia and the Orient, the subtle palettes of Japan, and the staccato shades of Africa are united by a shared vision of style and a jubilant spirit.
The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
The notion of Superlative Chronometer, first formulated in the late 1950s, forms a centrepiece on the dials of all Oysters. The rate results achieved showed greater precision than the criteria for obtaining a mention. To mark these exceptional qualities, Rolex created the term of “Superlative Chronometer”. This precision is tested by Rolex using an exclusive methodology that simulates the conditions in which a watch is actually worn and is much more representative of real-life experience.
Each movement is submitted to COSC (the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) for its official certification, after 15 days and 15 nights of testing involving seven eliminating criteria in five static positions and at three temperatures. In 1914, a similar Rolex wristwatch was granted the first “Class A” precision certificate by the famous Kew Observatory in Great Britain, the highest authority in the world in terms of precision, and responsible for the certification of marine chronometers.
Rolex’s Superlative Chronometer certification reflects the pursuit of its goal by adopting the strictest chronometric precision criteria in the industry, criteria which are more representative of real-life wear. The brand can therefore offer its customers a superlative level of performance that pushes back the limits of mechanical watches and makes Rolex the benchmark of watchmaking excellence.
The INPenang International Awards recently celebrated its 4th edition honouring some of Penang’s bright and successful personalities and organizations in a sophisticated soirée held at The Banquet, The Top, an iconic entertainment tower boasting an indoor amusement park located right at the center of the hustle and bustle of George Town, Penang.
“The cornerstone of RUMC being a successful medical school lies not only in the quality of the education it provides, but also in its students’ motivation in pursuing a career in medicine.”
“Today, RUMC is amongst the top medical schools in the country in preparing students for Housemanship.”
Scoopoint’s concept is only planting a small seed to her bigger plans that is to encourage more talent to stay in Penang. “I envision supporting and growing the system and creative entrepreneurship in Penang. We have the potential to venture internationally and make a name for ourselves and I hope to achieve this one day.”
Dr. Lim Ban Keong 
The Seremban boy who studied accountancy and filmmaking started work with KPMG before taking a leap of faith into fashion retail and wholesale. He was soon bosom buddies with top Malaysian designers while the shopping malls were busy clamouring for him. From there on 11 MOD Houses were set up in major shopping centres in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
To me every designer has their personal touch and uniqueness.
“We were overwhelmed with pride and joy when the ’Negaraku’ was played to the spectators at the World Pastry Cup and those watching live around the world. It truly showcased our spirit of Malaysia Boleh!” says Patrick Siau, Head Chef of Sunway University School of Hospitality.
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