All posts by EZ Malaysia

Be In The Breast of Health

Dr Teoh Mei Shi

Consultant Breast, Endocrine & General Surgeon
MBBS (India), MS (USM), Fellowship Breast Oncoplastic & Endocrine Surgery (M’sia & Germany)


Screening Recommendation for Breast Cancer
(According to MOH Guidelines, 2nd edition, 2010)

  • Mammography may be performed biennially from 50-75 years of age
  • Women aged 40 – 49 years old should not be denied mammography screening if they desire to do so.
  • Screening for women at high risk for breast cancer should start from age 30 with both
    MRI and mammography
  • Breast ultrasound can be used as an adjunct to mammogram for breast cancer detection in women of all ages but is not recommended asa stand-alone breast cancer screening modality.

Breast Cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women worldwide. It affects women mainly in the middle-aged group (age 50-60) but the disease is also seen on the rise amongst the younger generation (age 30-40). In Malaysia, one in 15 Malaysian women have a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Breast cancer has also been detected in a 6-year-old girl in Malaysia, possibly one of the youngest in the world.

No one can avoid breast cancer but having an understanding on breast health can significantly make a difference to early detection of cancer. Being breast aware is one of the important aspects of preventing breast cancer. It involves knowing your breast cancer risk factors, understanding the genetic risk for breast cancer, going for screening mammography and being proactive when new changes are detected. For women, performing monthly breast self-examination (BSE) encourages you to know your breasts and how they change during your menstrual cycle and throughout the different stages of your life. Being knowledgeable and going for screening mammogram as recommended can help prevent or result in early detection of cancer.

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Breast Cancer Myths Debunked

Myth:  Wearing underwire bra increases the risk of breast cancer

Fact: Wearing underwire or tight bras does not impact the lymphatic system nor does it cause accumulation of toxins resulting in breast cancer. However, it’s best to wear a properly fitted bra to avoid discomfort.

Myth: Men cannot get breast cancer

Fact: Although women are at a much higher risk, men still do have a lower risk for breast cancer. Therefore they usually present in the later stage. As such, all chest wall lumps around the nipple should be investigated.

Myth: Breast cancer tumor markers are effective as a screening test to detect cancer activity

Fact: The breast cancer tumour markers are not sensitive enough to detect early stage breast cancer. The tumor markers are usually used by the doctors to monitor the progress of the disease during treatment.

Myth : Breast biopsy can cause the cancer cells to spread

Fact: Breast biopsies are important part of the triple assessment in breast lump investigation. They do not cause the cancer to spread.

Myth: Most breast lumps are cancerous.

Fact: Fear not, about 80% of breast lumps are NOT cancerous. The physiological development of breast changes over the course of a woman’s lifetime. Many of these breast changes are normal and are caused by hormones. Nevertheless, it is recommended that all lumps should be properly investigated by a health care professional.

Myth: Breast cancer is preventable.

Reality: Unfortunately, No. Although we can identify possible risk factors (family history or inherited gene mutations), a significant percentage of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors and the disease can occur unexpectedly. It is strongly advisable to make positive lifestyle changes to further lower your risk of getting breast cancer.

Risk Factors For Breast Cancer

  • Female: being a woman is one of the strongest risk factors
  • Age: risk of developing breast cancer significantly increases as women age but it also can happen at any age.
  • Increase estrogen exposure: seen in early menache, late menopause, women on oral contraceptive pills and hormonal replacement therapy.
  • Personal history: those with previous history of breast cancer requires surveillance follow up to detect recurrence.
  • Genetic & Hereditary breast cancer: family members diagnosed with breast cancer, especially before age 35, family members diagnosed with ovarian cancer at any age, male breast cancer in the family, family members with bilateral breast and ovarian cancer and presence of BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes.
  • Dense Breast: Having dense breast makes it more difficult to detect cancer by mammogram alone therefore it requires additional screening methods like ultrasound or MRI.
  • Breastfeeding & Pregnancy: Being pregnant and breastfeeding long term reduces the estrogen exposure to the breast tissue therefore could lower the risk of breast cancer.
  • Lifestyle: leading a positive and healthy lifestyle will benefit your breast health and improve your overall well-being.

Leading A Healthy Lifestyle

  • Diet:  Good nutrition and healthy eating habits are important part of a healthy lifestyle. Eat more fruits and vegetables, reduce sugar intake, avoid processed and preserved food. Drink plenty of clean water (at least 2L/day), avoid caffeine and canned drinks.
  • Sleep: Consistent sleep is critical for a healthy life. Have at least 6- 8 hours of restful sleep at night. Sleep early, as your body will start to detoxify and repair between 10pm and 2am.
  • Eliminate stress: Stress has a significant negative impact on our body’s immune system, which lowers our resistance to getting sick. Learning how to manage stress by mind-body relaxation is an important component to a better living.
  • Exercise: Physical activity provides immediate stress relief. Just a simple 10-20mins of brisk walking can help you break a sweat, improve your sleep and give you more energy. At least, try to exercise 3 times a week for 30 minutes.
  • Spirituality: Change your mind-set and live your life with positive affirmations that will attract healing energy thus leading you to an overall happier and healthier lifestyle.

Health & Pillow

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Dr Chew Heng Hai

A General Practitioner to say the least. He has just gone beyond treating patients in an everyday life to becoming a medical device inventor and researcher to increase the well-being of patients. To date, he has five patented medical devices and is the winner of multiple local and international invention awards including the Malaysian Champion and world top five in Clean Tech Open 2010. Dr Chew is also a regular speaker at international conferences, universities and medical colleges around the world.


“Sleep is one of the most important factors determining our general health. Lack of quality sleep over a prolong duration will contribute to various health problems.”

There are multiple factors influencing quality of sleep. These include work stress, coffee intake, medication, pillow, mattress and bed.

Among all these, pillow probably is the most important factor among all. It is associated with a wide range of medical problems including headache, neck pain, snoring and asthma.

Conventional pillow is made from cotton or cotton-like synthetic material. These pillows have maximum height at the center, so while in use it supports the head most and cause forward flexion of the neck and airway narrowing that contribute to snoring. Compare to a scenario in medical practices: a patient’s neck is maintained in an extended position that supports the back of the neck to achieve maximum airway opening common for patient in coma or under general anesthesia.

Depending on severity of airway narrowing during sleep, a person may suffer from snoring or even obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring is sound produced when breathing air forced through narrow airway. Sleep apnea refers to situation when breathing temporarily pauses during sleep.

Both of these situation restrict airflow and result in decrease oxygen supply to the affected person. As oxygen is an essential component to staying healthy, compromised oxygen supply would contribute to various medical problems ranging from hormone disturbance, depression, high blood pressure, stroke and sudden death in sleep. The problem happens more among obese people and incidences increase as age progress.

In side-sleeping positions when pillow support is too low or too high, there will be nonalignment of the spine which can cause pain for the shoulder, head and neck.

With improper selection of a pillow, a person can have negative health impact as early as the following day. If a person do not have a quality sleep, his or her blood pressure would be relatively higher than the days of a quality sleep. And if the problem is uncorrected, high blood pressure is a common problem that can gradually lead to more serious health risk in the future.

So an ideal pillow should be contoured and firm to provide the support needed. In back-sleeping position, the neck should be supported more than the head for optimum airway opening. In side position the support should be firm and high enough to maintain healthy alignment of the spine. At the same time it should be made from material soft enough for a comfortable sleep.

Latex foam meet the criteria as it can be molded to a desirable shape. Rubber latex possesses a natural anti-fungus and antibacterial properties. With the latest technology, the protein content a potential allergen-is removed makes the pillow hypoallergenic.

In short, a proper pillow selection plays an important role in our health. It deserves due attention in prevention and management of chronic health issues.

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睡眠对我们的健康来说至关重要,长期缺乏优质的睡眠将对自身的健康带来各种影响。

其中可能来自于工作压力、饮用过量的咖啡因、服食相关的药物、枕头、床单或床褥等因素。

而人一天有近三分之一的时间躺在枕头上,拥有一个质量好的枕头不但可以让你睡得舒适,缓解颈椎疼痛也可以改善睡眠。相反的,像是在市面上所看到的棉质枕头,因为过高的的容易导致打鼾,而不洁的枕头更容易引起哮喘等疾病。

市面上较为普通的棉质枕头大多数会重点支撑头部,躺下去頭很容易向後仰, 脖子和頭部自然的曲度發生,使喉部肌肉過度緊張,從而加重打鼾的程度。临床实验证实,昏迷中的病人颈部会被支撑而保持延伸的姿势,好让病人能呼吸顺畅。

当空气通过气道不畅或者气道内软组织或肌肉发生振动时,便会出现打鼾。当人呼吸时,下垂组织会使气道变得狭窄,并发生振动或颤动,便会发出打鼾声。不合理的枕頭,會造成大腦缺血,引發腦損傷,同時血壓升高、心率加快,使得心臟缺血、 缺氧,並加重疾病甚至誘發死亡。总而言之,過高和過低的枕頭都會對頸椎產生不良影響。

一个优质的枕头将拥有紧贴人体轮廓以及提供最佳的支撑力的功能,确保人体脊椎和颈部在任何睡眠姿势中维持正确位置以便防止呼吸道肿胀。除此之外,选择拥有一定弹性的枕头更可以加强舒适感同时也提供恰到好处的支撑力。

而乳胶棉具备了这些特质。除此之外,它的结构更能够抑制细菌及尘螨生长,适合敏感肌肤者使用。除此之外,它的结构更能够抑制细菌及尘螨生长,适合敏感肌肤者使用。

总而言之,选择一个适合自己的优质枕头是不容小看的,为了自身的健康着想自然应该精挑细选,寻找适合自己的好枕头!

An Intricate Parcel of Goodness 五味缠结的精华包裹

Asian traditional cooking is one of the world’s longest living history passed on, barely in written form, but significant to the people surrounding its existence. Over generations, Asian culinary skills remain the highlight and a boasting element of the community in the Eastern culture. From hosting guests in your home to celebrating a special event, food, prepared with much care and complexity represent the respect and the level of importance for those who savour them. One such delicacy that continues to be a favourite among many is the rice with assorted meat served in lotus leave recipe. Normally served hot directly from the kitchen’s steamers, this intricate packet is typically wrapped in softened lotus leave filled with rice, chestnuts, meat, sausage, yam and beans. Discover Maple Palace’s own interpretation of this southern China dish.

Right in the heart of the business district of George Town, Maple Palace is Penang’s prime exponent of the alluringly exquisite and mouth-watering Chinese cuisine. Maple Palace is distinct in its approach to traditional Asian cooking and set the bar high amongst its peers to serve its own interpretation with an avant-garde approach.

亚洲传统烹饪是世界上历史最悠久的继承之一,几乎未有任何书面形式,却以人为本环绕传颂它的存在。随着代代相继,亚洲烹饪技能依旧是以东方社区文化元素突出重点。从家庭的节日庆贺招待宾客,无论是食品、准备方式的复杂性皆代表尊重品尝对象的口味水平。其中以米饭与各式肉类作为馅料,并以荷叶包裹的美食最受人喜爱。通常从厨房蒸锅热腾腾上菜,软韧的荷叶包裹盛装着香味扑鼻的糯米、板栗、肉、腊肠,芋头和豆类。请尽情体验美宝阁独特呈现这个中式南方菜肴。

位于乔治市的核心商务区,美宝阁是槟城首屈一指的中餐厅,呈献令人垂涎欲滴,精致诱人的中式餐点。美宝阁在传统烹饪的基础上勇于创新,设置高于同业的门槛,赋予更具前瞻性的美食诠释。

The Flying Goose

The Flying Goose

Hong Kong is famous for its delicious Cantonese crispy roast pork, duck and goose. The most iconic and award-winning restaurant in Hong Kong that serves the world’s best roast goose is none other than Yung Kee restaurant. Strategically located in the Central of the CBD, this restaurant has a humble beginning as a ‘Dai Pai Dong’ (a name for a street foodstall) in 1942. Today, Yung Kee is managed by second generation Ronald Kam and his two children Carrel and Yvonne. This last remaining charcoal-grilled oven in town is not only famous for its flying roast goose but also other dishes including its roast chicken and the suckling pig popular among locals and tourists. According to Yvonne who comes from an accounting background, it is important to ensure an authentic way of roasting and cooking; by selecting the finest goose and choosing the very best ingredients. This is not only to preserve the good name of Yung Kee but also to ensure that the heritage brand of Hong Kong is protected.

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飞天的烧鹅
香港粤菜中以脆皮烧猪、鸭和鹅等美食见称,其中标志性和屡获殊荣的“镛记酒家”,除了供应全世界最香脆的烧鹅餐厅,也是香港烧鹅界的鼻祖。座落在中央商务区的这家餐厅自1942年以“大排档”(街道食摊)的方式起家,目前镛记由第二代Ronald Kam和他的孩子Carrel和Yvonne接棒掌管。而祖传的炭火烧烤方式不仅是造就了飞天烧鹅,其中如烧鸡和乳猪也拥有一致口碑。具备财务会计资历的Yvonne表示,确保纯正的烧烤和烹饪方式,遴选最佳的鹅和原材料,不仅是捍卫镛记的名声,也是保护香港品牌文化遗产。

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The InterContinental Grand Stanford 海景嘉福洲际酒店

The InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong is strategically located between Kowloon and Hong Kong city centres. Perfectly nestled in the ‘quiet’ gully slightly away from the hustle and bustle of this metropolis, this hotel is located only minutes away from some of Hong Kong’s popular tourist destinations such as Hong Kong Science Museum, Tsim Sha Tsui Shopping District and Promenade and MTR. Moreover, breathtaking view of Victoria Harbour from the hotel room and friendly staffs are just reminders why you should prolong your stay. The captain responsible for leading this 5-star luxurious hotel is none other than hotelier heavyweight Alexander Wassermann. He has managed respected and international hotels around the world including brands such as Hilton, Kempinski, Movenpick and InterContinental.

Alexander was indeed an interesting and most certainly an informative man. This General Manager was fascinated with 5-star hotels and their impeccable services since he was a kid and eventually came face-to-face with having to decide a career path. His three choices were between being a priest, a chef and a rock star. He thought that being a priest was not a suitable choice as he still preferred girlfriend(s); cooking was a bit too difficult and being a rock star was a tad too ambitious. Consequently, Alexander decided that joining the hotel industry was the best option which led him to starting an apprenticeship in 1992 and joining the Intercontinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong as Hotel Manager in 2007 before spending some time in China, and returning as the General Manager in Intercontinental Grand Stanford in 2014. Today Hong Kong is home for this ‘Intercontinental Boy’ as he believes that he is in the premier league of hospitality.

Although there are plenty of dining choices in Hong Kong, InterContinental Grand Standford takes a notch up by offering Halal meals to guests and diners upon requests. Hoi King Heen, one of the restaurants at the hotel, is recognised as one of Hong Kong’s finest Chinese restaurant in town. Awarded ONE MICHELIN STAR by the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau in 2011, this restaurant boasts not only authentic Chinese dishes but also its celebrity chef Leung Fai Hung for his skilled craftmenship. Customers who had dined at the restaurant has only described meals fit for the Emperor.

EZ highly recommend the ‘Braised Beef Brisket Stuffed in Pear’, ‘Fried Prawns with Wasabi and Sesame Sauce’ and ‘Braised Winter Melon Balls stuffed with Black Olives Mustard’. To finish off the perfect meal, try its refreshing selection of desserts of either ‘Almond Cream with Egg White’ or ‘Chilled Hawthorn Rolls’. If there is a choice to experiencing one 5-star hotel in Hong Kong, let it be InterContinental Grand Standford, a choice for comfort, service, class and fine dining.

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海景嘉福洲际酒店位于九龙城和市区之间,闹中取静,完美的稍微隔开都市的喧嚣,距离一些热门旅游胜地如香港科学馆、尖沙咀购物区,海滨长廊和地铁只有几分钟的路程。此外,一览维多利亚港海景的客房和亲善员工,都起了很大留客的作用。而负责带领这家五星级豪华酒店的“队长”就是Alexander Wassermann,这名成功在世界各地国际酒店品牌如希尔顿、凯宾斯基、莫凡彼和洲际创下佳绩的领导者。

Alexander言谈举止除了令人感到有趣,也带有深刻信息。这名酒店经理对于五星级酒店无可挑剔服务很是着迷,但他长大后面对职业决定时,其中的3个选择是神父、厨师或摇滚明星。过后他认为,神父并不合适,他还是喜欢女朋友;而烹饪是有点太难,摇滚明星也太过雄心勃勃。因此,综合所有条件,他觉得酒店行业是最好的选择,1992年作为学徒生加入酒店行业后,除了在中国驻扎了段时间,2007年和2014年前后再度返回任职海景嘉福洲际酒店经理。今天,香港是这名“洲际男孩”的家园,他觉得自己是身处酒店业的英国足球超级联赛。

纵然香港的餐饮选择多多,海景嘉福洲际酒店的高级餐厅-海景軒,也是香港公认最佳中餐厅之一,获得2011年香港澳门米其林指南的“米其林一星”,不仅拥有正宗的中国菜和清真食品,中餐行政总厨梁辉雄更是展现卓越的厨艺,在此用餐的食客可享受帝王规格的菜肴。

EZ最为推荐“水晶牛肋肉”,“鸳鸯虾球”和“榄菜玉珠”,而要以完美的一餐作为谢幕,可以尝试新鲜甜点“蛋白杏仁露”或“泮塘山楂卷”。如果你想在香港体验五星级的酒店和服务,海景嘉福洲际酒店是最佳选择,可以同时获得舒适、服务和美食馈赠。

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Connecting Captains Capturing Contemporaries Hong Kong 捕捉现代典雅掠影香港

Talk to anyone that has visited Hong Kong before and most will tell you with confidence how one should go about visiting the island. Not to mention, there are plenty of information on the world wide web providing visitors with comprehensive to-do lists and how to go around doing it. In an attempt to bring readers beyond the normal and expected route, we have chosen a few interesting spot for those who would prefer a touch a elegance, class and style.

The Art of Collecting

Hong Kong has a long history of playing the middle man between East and West, hence making this a treasure island for collectors of arts and antiques especially Chinese artefacts. These highly sought-after items continue to see auction houses around the world hammering new record prices every now and then. Hollywood Road and its surrounding areas have historically been the hunting ground for many of such unique pieces  and continue to be a popular area for new discoveries. A note of caution to those who may have stumbled across a good art deal, which more than likely be forged or copied artwork professionally crafted to look just like the real deal. Be prepared to make a purchase with the absolute knowledge of the artwork and mindful that you can always go away and do a little research before coming back with an offer.

Pearl Lam Galleries in Pedder Building nearby is a respected art gallery that plays a vital role in promoting Chinese and Asian contemporary art. This unique gallery is committed to encouraging cross cultural exchange and stimulating international dialogues. A few other art galleries are also located in the same building. Another interesting art gallery to visit is none other than the Opera Gallery on Wyndham Street. With a headquarter based in Paris, this well-established international chain of galleries, is one of the leading dealers in modern and contemporary art.

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只要提到去香港,许多人会老马识途般给你扎堆的吃喝玩乐建议,更别提网络上巨细靡遗的旅游攻略。为了试图带给读者超越预期的路线,我们选择趣味的另一面:展现香港优雅、高贵和时尚的风貌。

藏品的艺术
长久以来,香港在东方与西方之间一直扮演着中间人的角色,从而成就它作为艺术和古董收藏家的金银岛,尤其是中国经典文物。从以前到现在,这些受到高度追捧的文物不断在世界各地拍卖行锤击出全新或创纪录的价格。而作为古董古玩的最大狩猎场-荷李活道及周边区域是随时能淘到宝的热点地方。不过,要注意就算发现心仪的艺术品,也可能是专业制作的赝品,只是看起来惟妙惟肖的仿真品。如果做好购买的准备,除了具备对艺术品的绝对知识,其实可以考虑先离开走一圈,过后再回来报价交易。

驻扎毕打行的 “艺术门画廊- Pearl Lam Galleries”是相当受推崇的艺术画廊,它在促进中国和亚洲当代艺术起着关键作用。这家独特的画廊致力于跨文化交流与倡导国际对话,而一些艺术画廊也设在同一大楼,其中最吸引人的是云咸街的“Opera Gallery”,这个总部设在巴黎,颇具规模的国际连锁画廊,是现代与当代艺术的主要经销商之一。

 

The Heirloom 传家之宝

The Heirloom is a mesmerising and sophisticated contemporary piece that blends the impeccable Baba Nyonya style with delightful design. Thousands of lustrous and quality coloured stones with intriguing matrix including Rubies, Emerald, Alexandrite, Multi-coloured Sapphire, Diamonds, Spinel and Tourmaline were meticulously handpicked just to create an exquisite piece reminiscence of the Baba Nyonya era.

Only the finest quality and rarest stones were used for The Heirloom as it was set with precision and put together with intricate craftsmanship. This exquisite piece of jewellery represents one of the finest composition of stones that includes 226 pieces of diamonds (an equivalent of 1carat), 222 pieces of compelling coloured stones and 40g of gold. These stones were mixed to enhance its visual texture and light reflections.

Shaped like a key, The Heirloom represents elegance, prosperity and eternity while bringing meaning to inheritance and family roots. It exudes the true spirit of the Baba Nyonya culture through its intricate design and colours. It can serve as an inheritance for a family that can be passed on from generation to generation.

The Heirloom is a brainchild from the Founding President of One East Museum as a way to showcase the significance of the Baba Nyonya or the Straits Chinese Peranakan culture. This is a culture that harks back to the rich and notable Baba Nyonya families from the golden era where Chinese immigrants adopted local customs with a decidedly Western influences in their traditions and ways of living. It is also a specially designed piece to celebrate the success story of The North Banquet 2016 – The Hosts & The VIPs, the first red carpet gala dinner in Butterworth.

《传家之宝Heirloom》吊坠深具独特魅力,堪称是现代精致艺术品,尤其是结合有传统娘惹优美文化设计,再精挑细选出数百颗完美的红宝石、蓝宝石、祖母绿宝石、 亚历山大变石、蓝宝石、钻石等珍贵天然彩宝中嵌入在这件艺术品上,从颜色搭配、设计原型、细节构造, 都充分展现娘惹文化深厚的底蕴,完美的设计,让传家之宝毫无暇疵感。

只有最好品质珍贵宝石才会嵌入在传家之宝吊坠上,由于是手工打造,每个细节都要百分百精确度。这件原创又完美的珠宝艺术品包含有226颗钻石,相等于一克拉,222颗多彩宝石及40克金属。宝石加强吊坠的质感及视觉性,还有光耀度。

传家之宝的形状如门匙,每一处细节都是精益求精,同时也蕴意一代传一代的含义, 更代表站高雅、繁盛及永恒。吊坠就有如在述说着一个家族的事迹,也流露出娘惹后裔在文化传承的真谛。传家之宝象征和气生辉,代代相传的理念, 潺潺不绝的流传下去。
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传家之宝的概念出自马来西亚一东博物馆创办人,从传统娘惹文化风格出发,并提供创作概念原型。在南洋昌盛的时代,一般的娘惹巴巴都来自名门望族。 并有传承习俗的观念,独有的历史文化,让娘惹巴巴 被记载在历史中。传家之宝也为2016北马鸿宴划下一个圆满成功的记录。

A Celebration of World Literature, Discourse and Culture @ GTLF 2016 世界文学,研讨与文化庆典汇集

For the sixth year running, Penang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will celebrate the George Town Literary Festival (GTLF) – one of the most beloved and respected literary festivals in the region. With its charming colonial architecture, vibrant multicultural community and intangible living heritage, the heritage site of George Town will welcome visitors from around Malaysia and the world for a three-day celebration of poetry, prose and spoken word from 25 to 27 November.

Helmed by Festival Director, Bernice Chauly, the three-day festival will see panel discussions, readings, spoken word performances, dance and film screenings around the festival’s theme; “Hiraeth”, a Welsh word which means “the longing for a homeland that is no longer there”. The theme captures a universal unrest and longing for a better world in a reality that sees mass displacement of people, gross violations of human rights and growing chasm caused by the proliferation of crippling neoliberalism and regressive ideologies.

The festival’s stellar line-up of world literary giants and respected social commentators including, Stefan Hertmans (Belgium), Adriaan van Dis (Netherlands), Olga Martynova (Germany), AC Grayling and James Scudamore (UK), Ayu Utami (Indonesia), Tishani Doshi and Mahesh Dattani (India), Tash Aw, Zainah Anwar, Dain Said, Dina Zaman and Karim Raslan (Malaysia), and many more.

GTLF 2016 is free and open to public, with the exception of the writing workshops. For more information on GTLF 2016, visit georgetownlitfest.com or email: info@georgetownlitfest.com.

乔治市文学庆典 (GTLF) 迈入第六年,这也是槟城作为联合国教科文组织世界文化遗产区域,备受推崇的文学盛会之一。具备殖民时期的迷人建筑风情,活力的多元文化社区和无形的活古迹,乔治市将欢迎来自马来西亚和各国的游客,从11月25日至27日,为期3天的庆祝活动包括世界诗歌,散文和朗诵。

由艺术节总监伯尼斯 Bernice Chauly 主导为期3天的节目编排,将会有小组讨论、阅读、朗读表演,舞蹈和电影放映,并环绕着盛会的主题:“Hiraeth”,这句威尔士语的含义为:向往着回不去甚至不存在的故土家园。这项主题的灵感捕捉是源于目视群众流离失所、人权受到严重侵犯与不断增长的鸿沟,这是新自由主义泛滥与意识形态倒退所造成。

盛会也网罗了世界文学巨匠和受尊崇时事评论家包括:Stefan Hertmans (比利时),Adriaan van Dis (荷兰),Olga Martynova (德国),
AC Grayling 与 James Scudamore (英国),Ayu Utami (印尼),Tishani Doshi 和 Mahesh Dattani (印度),Tash Aw、Zainah Anwar、Dain Said,Dina Zaman 与 Karim Raslan (马来西亚 ) 等。


2016年GTLF是免费向公众开放,写作工作坊除外。有关获取
2016年GTLF的更多信息,请浏览georgetownlitfest.com或
电邮:info@georgetownlitfest.com。

Setting Trends, Influencing Style 创造风格, 引领风尚

Raymond Choon

Creative Director & Owner/ Founder of Hairco


Setting trends and influencing style are the reasons Raymond Choon is currently one of Malaysia’s top hairstylists. Raymond only came in contact with hairdressing or hairstyling when he first stepped into London, a place commonly known as the hair heaven of the world. It was the place where Raymond experienced an epiphany of capturing the essence of hair and fashion in all moods and possibilities. Young and innovative, he explored uncharted beauty and unconventional experiments with the challenge of narrowing the gap between brands, products, people and expectations. Before returning to Malaysia, Raymond made another stop at Shanghai where he believed the importance of understanding what was desired is not only in the west but also in the east.

Today, Raymond is a successful hairstylist who owns a boutique hair salon at the Gardens Mall. Hair Corner offers customers a contemporary environment where celebrety treatment is the core of its hairstyling services.

身为马来西亚顶级发型设计师的Raymond Choon,凭借多年来不停地创造风格,引领风尚而在本地发型界享有崇高地位。Raymond与发型设计的初次邂逅地点,正是在国际发型界的中心舞台 – 伦敦,他在伦敦这段日子汲取了许多与发型和服装相关的专业知识,同时培养出广阔的眼光和视野。才华横溢而又勇于创新的他,屡屡挑战高难度,致力将品牌,产品,人们以及期望的隔阂予以消融。在返回马来西亚之前,Raymond曾经在上海停留了一段时间观察学习,因为对他而言同时掌握东、西方精髓知识才真正称得上透彻了解。

今天,Raymond已经在吉隆坡Gardens Mall拥有个人发廊 – Hair Corner。发廊内部设计洋溢着浓郁的当代经典氛围,为每一位踏入发廊的顾客提供如同名人般的顶级发型设计服务。

Going Against The Norm of Condominium Development

In the modern world today, high-rise residential is a norm. Thanks to rapid development and land scarcity, the phenomenon is especially apparent in a city like Penang, Malaysia where high-rises are perceived to be more sustainable in terms of the number of households it is able to harbour under one roof. This emerging trend results in the mushrooming supplies of high-rise residences as well as demand for it.

Amid the Heart of Penang, Middleton is silently sprouting on the land of Minden Heights’ township. Dubbed Bungalows and Semi-Ds in the sky, Middleton is one of the latest projects by BSG Property, the property development division of the renowned Boon Siew Group. During an interview with Mr Chong Hock Aun, the Head of Sales & Marketing of BSG Property stated that Penang, as one of the regions with the most rapid economical growth in Malaysia, has gone through major urbanisation in the past decade and enjoyed much recognition from all over the world with its touristic attractions and its uniqueness as an island paradise. This has gotten Penang’s real estate market into a very competitive position where all property developers are outdoing each other with innovative ideas in the homes they build.

BreathingSpace_BSG-2.jpgBreathingSpace_BSG-3.jpgMinden Heights, The Affluent Neighbourhood

As the name suggests, Middleton is indeed situated right at the center of the Penang Island. It is located at one of the most prestigious neighbourhood in Penang – Minden Heights. Apart from the easy access to and from all parts of town and amenities, Minden Heights retains the seclusion and serenity as a distinguished neighbourhood on Penang Island. Middleton provides the perks of living in an urban city minus the hustle and bustle of the urban lifestyle.

“With such a competitive market in Penang,
BSG Property is taking its development standards into a new height by designing Middleton to be not only aesthetically pleasant but also going against the norm of condominium developments. This is what makes this project stand out from other choices found around Penang Island where we will build units with Bungalow and Semi-D concept in the sky within Middleton.”
Mr Chong Hock Aun
Business Development Manager • Head of Sales & Marketing

Beneath the veil, Middleton houses 220 units of residences in total. Going against the stereotype of high-rise residential, there will only be 5 units per storey. Residents are able to enjoy absolute peace and solitude in their private pad as well as the facilities offered at Middleton.

Each unit is designed with a 1,409sqft layout that provides enough space to hold family gatherings as well as personal space to a private retreat for each family member. Residents will be amazed at the spaciousness Middleton could offer. Furthermore, each unit is furnished with quality finishes such as solid timber flooring for all bedrooms.

A home is a place where one rejuvenates and revitalises the soul for a new day. It is also a place where memories are created. Thus, it is important that we make the right choice that gives us the perfect home. Distinguished neighbourhood, avant-garde architecture, quality finishing and a spacious home in the sky – Middleton offers you the perfect home that elevates life, mind and soul.