A city at the heart of Penang is celebrating its eighth year festival dedicated to its inauguration as a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Anthar Agni theater show from The Temple of Fine Arts, SingaporeThe Manganiyar Classroom a theater directed by Roysten Abel from India.
Endorsed by the Penang State Government, George Town Festival (GTF) is a month-long celebration of the arts, culture, heritage and community. It is growing into a major Asian Arts event, as quoted by International New York Times.
This year, GTF will run from 28 July to 3 September together with its satellite event Butterworth Fringe Festival (BFF) on 12 August and 13 August. Making a comeback for the third year, BFF is a two-day street festival consisting of local and international acts.
Executive director Joe Sidek, believes George Town is emerging as a crucible of an artsy and contemporary city, giving local artists a hub to nurture their talents, as well as providing them a global platform.
With more than 100 events, GTF transforms the city into a universal stage where different arts from traditional to contemporary, local to international converge. Through art, design, photography, film, music, dance and drama, GTF aspires to present the stories that make-up George Town’s identity today.
Many programmes, both local and imported will be announced in the following weeks.
There were 200 guests who turned up at the ‘Right Oil Great Health’ event. Organised by one of the world’s leading sesame oil company, this was the first time this proud heritage brand of over 160 years held its first event in Australia sharing with the public why it is important to use good quality sesame oil. “There are a lot of brands in the market but for the sake of a healthy family, one must choose wisely as sesame oil of inferior quality contains high stearic acid that will lead to cardiovascular disease,” said Ch’ng. Meanwhile, invited guest speaker Dr Mecherl Lim elaborated on the antioxidants, vitamin E and Omega that are vital for our youth and health. The night ended, with a high note when Melbourne’s popular restaurant, Wonton House Secret Kitchen, handshake on an Memorandum of Understanding pledging to use Ghee Hiang sesame oil in all their kitchens.
“Singing is my passion and age has nothing to do with it. I still love to be on stage and share my voice.”
When hard work bears result to a life-long pursuit for passionate things in life, Dato’ Elaine Kang has more than a few words of wisdom up her sleeve. This entrepreneur and artist has fought through 37 years being in the industry and through persistence survived longer than many other artists that have come and gone over the years. Her artistry has not only been the ‘soul’ of her existence but has truly been the backbone where her core values – humility, confidence and dignity – are challenged notably in the public eye as well as in self-reflection.
Dato’ Elaine Kang is a Malaysian songbird famous for her ballad and pop songs. Her singing career saw her being selected by ex-Prime Minister Tun Mahathir, together with Yusni Hamid and the cultural group to perform at his very first official visit to China.
On the question on how she had survived in the entertainment industry, her simplistic answers were eloquently charming and rang truth to her role as a public figure. “The Malaysian music industry is especially small for a Chinese artist. So, in order to achieve and maintain the standard of my work, I had to double up my efforts. I’ve never been ashamed to ask when in doubt and I am a perfectionist when it comes to work.”
Over the years, her life in the public eye has not only inspired many others but gained her fans that have truly supported her tenure. While she is giving back through charity concerts and writing an advice column in a Chinese newspaper, she demands absolute discipline and perfection no matter what circumstance and is especially so when she is performing live.
“There is no business like show business. When you are on stage, there is no NG [No Go/Cut], no ‘Take Two’. So, it can only go right or wrong.”
“There is no business like show business. When you are on stage, there is no NG [No Go/Cut], no ‘Take Two’. So, it can only go right or wrong. The profession that I have chosen to take up demands persistence and strength and without the support of my friends, family and fans, I would have been in a very different place.”
Having to compete with talents from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Japan, she finds that many Malaysian artists now faced with the challenge of having to produce an album with a small budget in comparison to other livelier markets in the region.
Dato’ Elaine Kang takes pride in the experiences she has gained through the years. She was involved in the process of producing concerts and felt that artists nowadays are deprived of such knowledge. “While they are able to sing and perform, some are also songwriters to their own music. The younger generation is extremely lucky in a sense that they have the labels and management company plan their schedule. Although this a blessing, many are not able to see the process from recording an album, promoting a concert to managing a press conference.”
“In order to be successful, you must be psychologically and emotionally strong-minded. No one can decide your future but yourself. In reality and in life, you will always face challenges, so strong-mindedness will push you forward. Loving yourself and having the confidence also helps.”
While she is still actively involved in live performances, Dato’ Elaine Kang is also a very much entrepreneur at heart. Over the last 8 years and alongside her passion for singing, she also owns a jewellery business. Self-taught, she designs mini masterpieces using diamonds, gems and colourful stones.
Datin Peggy Khoo (Executive Director of ARITA PLASTICS)
Joyce Lim (Director of ARITA PLASTICS)
“You must have passion in everything you do. In some ways, we are strict with her [Joyce] because she may eventually lead the company one day. However, she is still new to the business and we treat her like we would treat any freshies in our company. I’m glad that she is willing and seems to be a fast learner as well.” commented Datin Peggy Khoo.
“My parents wanted me to improve and the only way to do that is the freedom that they have willingly let me try and learn through assisting them in decision-making processes in the marketing and the management side of the company. Their willingness have opened many doors for me.” said Joyce
Whenever we hear of family members working together in a family-run business, there is almost an immediate bliss that transcends peace as well as orderliness not many can achieve. In our day-to-day grind to live a life as best as we could, relationships have been a constant challenge to many especially with family members in a family-run business.
The first instance of meeting these two women struck a cord that transcends an air of class and superiority. While one may prevail in wisdom and experience from being in the business for almost two decades the other strengthens in youth and energy. The mother and daughter story of Datin Peggy Khoo and Joyce Lim speaks not only of combined efforts but truly embracing a relationship that works both in their homes and also for a family-run business.
When Joyce graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University, Australia six years ago, there were already discussions revolving around her joining the family firm. Since then, she has led and represented the company in implementing the newest ISO system 9001 and 2015.
“I knew what I wanted when I first joined the company. In order to learn different functional parts within the company, I was allocated to different departments and started from the very beginning. The idea is that I would learn from every department especially in marketing involving purchasing, production planning, and quality management system (ISO),” said Joyce.
If there is one thing on how they define the success and longevity of the company, it is definitely through hard work as well as the passion for the industry. With over 30 years being in the manufacturing sector of the plastic industry, ARITA PLASTICS is one of the pioneers in producing extruded plastic sheets. The company has grown to become a major exporter and is an OEM partner and trader with more than 20 years of experience.
Datin Peggy Khoo started the manufacturing business in 1978 with her husband who also holds first-hand experience in running a company. This meant that Joyce is also on the receiving end of two successful entrepreneurs that has led a company for more than three decades.
“The advantages to being the daughter is enormous,” laughed Joyce. “Even at the initial stage of joining the firm, I felt that my voice was heard. I would probably not stand a chance to voice out my opinion if I’m not at a certain position in the company. They were open and that led me further to more opportunities; whether it is on socialising at networking events or taking the initiative to introduce me to their clients.”
The husband and wife company has expanded since 1978 and with over 70 staff on the payroll, it has been through its own challenges. They have no qualms in knowing that their children may leave the company one day and take each day as it comes.
“It is definitely a choice that they [the children] have made when they decided to join us. If they will ever leave one day, we are definitely open to exploring. We have staff and stake shareholders who have been with us for over 20 years, so, there are definitely a lot of talent to explore there,” said Datin Peggy Khoo.
These two ladies seem to have it in their strive; a two-way communication that is proven successful so far. On one hand, this relationship is an aspirations to the younger generation to go for the catch and be successful. On the other hand, we see the mother hand, nurturing at the same time plays a vital part in appropriate decision-making and well-devised processes for execution. Are there any betters ways for a mother and daughter relationship?
Professor Stephen Doughty, attended INPenang Awards 2017 to receive the INPenang Best Medical College/University Award
“I always had a desire for discovering new knowledge. My undergraduate degree included 2 years of research work and that led me to undertake my PhD in Oxford in computational chemistry and Computer-Aided Drug Design.”
When Professor Stephen Doughty moved to Malaysia with his wife and five boys all between the age of 1 and 10 about 12 years ago, it was the beginning of an exciting journey dedicated to the pursuit of helping establish a new learning institution and sharing of knowledge. Apart from taking up a new role as the Dean of Faculty of Science, then progressing up the ranks to being Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning) at the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus in Kuala Lumpur, it was also the start of a new life away from home – the UK, friends, and family. As with any move to a new country, this family of seven has set themselves up with a cross-border challenge – embracing the whole Malaysian experience from getting accustomed to the relentless tropical weather, learning its culture and language to tasting the variety of delectable cuisines Malaysia has to offer.
12 years later, Professor Doughty joined Penang Medical College (PMC) as its fourth president in September 2016. Stephen joined the School of Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham in 2001 having previously worked at the University of Bradford, UK. His research interests are focused on molecular modelling and computer-aided drug design with a particular interest in modelling proteins for rational drug design.
“I always had a desire for discovering new knowledge. My undergraduate degree included 2 years of research work (which isn’t normal!) and that led me to undertake my PhD in Oxford in computational chemistry and Computer-Aided Drug Design,” said Professor Doughty.
A strong believer in pushing back the boundaries of knowledge and undertaking new research to answer questions that have yet to be explored, Professor Doughty continues to actively research and publish new findings. “ this is what has kept me in academia and drives my desire to want to see PMC flourish as a university, where the whole community is engaged in the pursuit of acquiring and developing knowledge.”
“We want to establish ourselves as the place to come to for Penang’s human capital needs in supporting services like medical tourism.”
Professor Doughty has high expectations and sees great potential for PMC. Celebrating its 20th year as a medical institution in 2016, it is the beginning of a new chapter – not only is it affecting people who are connected to PMC but also its communities surrounding the institution. He believes that academic institutions must be contributing to society both globally in terms of expanding knowledge and also locally in terms of enhancing the lives of those communities in close proximity to PMC.
“I see it [PMC] growing in the next 10 years as we continue to develop new courses. We want to establish ourselves as the place to come to for Penang’s human capital needs in supporting services like medical tourism. The areas that we could move into are not only in providing doctors but also support and healthcare staff as well as area such as computer scientists for healthcare and research purposes.
Wholly owned by RCSI and UCD, PMC has been internationally recognised since 1996 and was rated by House Officer Performance in Malaysia 2009 – 2011, the Institute for Health Systems Research Malaysia, as among the top medical schools in preparing graduate doctors for their early careers. With plans to upgrade the college status to a university as the next step, it wishes to enhance students’ learning experience with plans to develop new courses as well as expand the physical infrastructure that now houses 500 students. Apart from keeping abreast with developments of lecturers and students, they are also placing importance in attracting the best quality staff and maintaining a good relationship with their partners.
The Penang Fashion Week 2017 at Gurney Paragon Mall ended at a high note with 27 runway shows featuring local fashion favourite Eric Choong and Bon Zainal, Illiza Ho (Taiwan), Richard Li (Hong Kong) and Mo Hom (Myanmar). Other international brands included Tanya Stevens AHNDE, La Martina and Kate Spade New York. Penang State EXCO for Tourism Development & Culture YB Danny Law Heng Kiang, Malaysian fashion icon Jimmy Choo, Hong Kong celebrity Grace Wong, international model Tuti were among the VIPs who attended this fashion feast with the theme ‘Colours of Spring & Summer’.
在葛尼百丽宫广场举行的2017年槟城时尚周在喝彩声中圆满落幕，而多达27项时装走秀包含国内外时尚界佼佼者如宗柏伸 (Eric Choong)、Bon Zainal、Illiza Ho（台湾），李国华（香港）与 Mo Hom（缅甸）等设计师的精心杰作。至于参与的国际品牌包括 Tanya Stevens AHNDE、La Martina 和纽约 Kate Spade。槟州旅游发展与文化委员会主席罗兴强行政议员、马来西亚时尚典范人物周仰杰、香港艺人王君馨，国际名模Tuti以及其他贵宾也出席这个主题为“春夏的颜色” 之时尚盛宴。
The Woo Hing Brothers Rolex Boutique in Penang, whose origin dates back to 1950s, remains a preferred and trusted choice amongst customers when it comes to purchasing the world-renowned brand’s luxurious and popular timepieces.
Located at the intersection of Campbell Street and Cintra Street in the heart of George Town, it continues to thrive under the dynamic leadership of the father and son team, Austen and Kevin Wong.
The present-day modern market is currently dominated by large retailers and online stores and such family businesses are a rarity. But they have been able to punch above their weight, going head to head with the bigger entities by building up customer loyalty with an ethical and sincere heart approach and treating each and every customer as a most important one.
“When it comes to buying and servicing a Rolex watch, we are privileged to be the first choice because customers know the level of service expected from us.”
“The world has become very connected, so information about watches and specifications are readily available online. People come to us more informed, and have a good idea of what they want.”
“Our role is to help them understand what they are buying, guide their choices and make those difficult decisions easier,” said the younger Wong, who worked as a human resources consultant in Melbourne until 2014, when he decided to join the family business.
Austen, who was delighted with his son’s decision to come on board, said, “After devoting so many years to this business, it’s fantastic knowing there’s someone in the family to carry it further.”
“It’s a new era of engaging with customers. While we frequently discuss on strategy and operations, he is the one who ultimately calls the shots now. The foundations have been laid for his gradual takeover.”
And it is an experience that Kevin finds highly satisfying. He added, “Having the privilege to participate in a family business such as this is rare. We both spend a lot of time at work finding ways to improve processes, and when certain opportunities appear we share ideas on how to make it work.”
Inside the newly renovated Woo Hing Rolex Boutique, visitors are enveloped in an atmosphere inspired by water and the sea. This evokes the essence of Rolex, which in 1926, invented the Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch.
A wall of illuminated laser-etched Aqua glass with a gently undulating wave motif provides a focal point, while the gold-effect Rolex crown, an iconic symbol of the brand, decorates the entrance, walls, and display cases. Adding further sophistication are the polished walnut wood cabinets, bronze detailing and Crema Marfil marble floor. It all comes together to create a customer experience that is as luxurious as the watches on display.
Kevin also points to their unparalleled watch expertise and after-sales service, cultivated over six decades of working with Rolex, as factors in their longevity.
As the official timepiece sponsor of the 2017 Malaysia International Film Festival, Jaeger-LeCoultre, the reference in Swiss fine watchmaking, offered its iconic Reverso watch with a commemorative engraving to the Best Film selected by the Jury of the Festival. The Reverso Grande Taille was awarded to “Singing in Graveyards” with the award accepted by Director/Producer Bradley Liew. On its case-back of the Reverso watch carried a personalised special lacquered engraving hand-crafted by Jaeger-LeCoultre artisans with the logo of the Malaysia Golden Global Awards. The brand has been the official partner of the various film festivals around the world, such as the Venice International Film Festival, Shanghai Film Festival and many other prominent festivals.
作为2017届马来西亚国际电影节的官方赞助商-瑞士精工制表品牌积家 (Jaeger-LeCoultre)，为了纪念电影节评审团的抉择，将特别版的 Reverso Grande Taille 系列翻转腕表授予 “Singing in Graveyards” 这部电影的导演兼制片人廖忠权 (Bradley Liew) 。而这腕表背面拥有积家工匠特殊手工雕刻马来西亚金环奖标志。积家一直是世界各地许多电影节的官方合作伙伴，如威尼斯国际电影节，上海电影节和无数闻名的盛会。
Derek Tsang (Zeng Guoxiang), awarded the prestigious IWC Outstanding Young Filmmaker of the Year Award
At the 2017 Beijing International Film Festival, IWC Schaffhausen hosted an exclusive “For the Love of Cinema” gala dinner to celebrate the achievements of young Chinese filmmakers. Among the celebrities and VIP guests attending the event at the Imperial Ancestral Temple in Beijing were IWC brand ambassadors Zhou Xun and 2017 Academy Award nominee Dev Patel – a focal point for the Swiss watchmaker’s commitment to the cinema in China. The event highlighted the contribution of young filmmakers to the country’s booming film industry and against the backdrop of a long-standing tradition of Chinese film. Chinese film director Derek Tsang (Zeng Guoxiang), who most recently directed the Chinese romantic drama “Soul Mate”, was awarded the prestigious IWC Outstanding Young Filmmaker of the Year Award.
BEIJING, CHINA – APRIL 18: At the 2017 Beijing International Film Festival, IWC Schaffhausen hosted an exclusive “For the Love of Cinema” gala dinner to celebrate the achievements of young Chinese filmmakers. Singer Janine Zhang put on the final performance of the evening. (Photo by Emmanuel Wong/IWC Schaffhausen via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Janine Zhang
BEIJING, CHINA – APRIL 18: Fashion Stylist Liz Uy attends IWC’s “For the Love of Cinema” Gala, held during the 2017 Beijing International Film Festival at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, just outside Beijing’s Forbidden City. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/IWC Schaffhausen via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Liz Uy
BEIJING, CHINA – APRIL 18: At the 2017 Beijing International Film Festival, IWC Schaffhausen hosted an exclusive “For the Love of Cinema” gala dinner to celebrate the achievements of young Chinese filmmakers. Actor Chen Bolin (R) and Actor Zhang Ruoyun (L) pictured. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/IWC Schaffhausen via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chen Bolin; Zhang Ruoyun
BEIJING, CHINA – APRIL 18: Actor and IWC Ambassador Dev Patel attends IWC’s “For the Love of Cinema” Gala, held during the 2017 Beijing International Film Festival at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, just outside Beijing’s Forbidden City. (Photo by Emmanuel Wong/IWC Schaffhausen via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dev Patel
在北京紫禁城外的太庙，出席活动的名人和VIP嘉宾有IWC品牌大使周迅，还有2017年奥斯卡奖的提名者 Dev Patel——也是这家瑞士制表商对中国电影承诺的焦点。盛会突显了年轻血液对中国蓬勃发展的电影产业之贡献，以及华语影坛长期坚守秉承的传统。年轻导演曾国祥由于执导好评如潮的“七月与安生”，获得年度最佳青年电影人大奖。
RM Sotheby’s 2017 auction is featuring one of the most influenctial pre-war racing cars – a historic Alfa Romeo Tipo B P3. As the first major European classic car event of the new year, Rétromobile week in February 2017 – held at the Place Vauban in Paris – will also host a number of high-profile classic car auctions. And you have guessed right, its highlight is a 1934 Alfa Romeo Tipo B P3.
The post-war, 1954 Osca MT4 1500, once a participant of the minacious Carrera Panamericana – has also gone under the hammer and was predicted to fall somewhere between €975,000- €1,175,000. This specific example boasted cutting-edge technology, being the first twin ignition 1500 to roll off the Bologna production line.
The P3 represented a shift in design emphasis for period Grand Prix cars, adopting the narrower ‘slipper’ bodystyle dispensing of the second seat for ride-in mechanics to shave weight. The open-wheeled racer claimed victory on home soil at Monza, followed by a brace of podium lock-outs at the French and German Gran Prixs during the 1931 season.
2017 年 RM Sotheby’s 集中火力的汽车拍卖会，其中一辆最具影响力的战前赛车 -历史悠久的阿尔法罗密欧 (Alfa Romeo) Tipo B P3 将是焦点之一。而作为新一年欧洲经典车型的首个主要活动，Rétromobile week 在巴黎沃邦广场 (Place Vauban) 举行，也具备一些高格调经典汽车拍卖。而且你猜对了，它的亮点是1934年阿尔法罗密欧 Tipo B P3。
直至战后，1954 Osca MT4 1500 曾经是墨西哥经典 Carrera Panamericana 比赛的无敌参加者，报价是在97万5000到117万5000欧元之间。这一特殊的例子展示了尖端技术，也是首个在博洛尼亚生产线上生产的第一个双点火装置1500。
配合2017年北京国际电影节，沙夫豪森IWC万国表举办了一场“时光传承•执爱电影”的晚宴，祝贺中国年轻电影制作人的成就。
EZ MALAYSIA.NEWS 