All posts by EZ Malaysia

156th Emirates Melbourne Cup 马背上追风逐电

The Melbourne Cup Carnival, one of the biggest sporting events in Australia, saw one of the country’s largest tourism successes. Spanning over four sunny days, it attracted over 318,854 local, regional and international attendees who flocked to enjoy the racing, fashion, entertainment and hospitality of the world’s most vibrant racing event.

DSC_0055- copy.jpgThe 156th Emirates Melbourne Cup came to an exciting finish with the narrow victory by Almandin cementing Lloyd Williams’ place in the rich history of the race.

The thrills continued on Crown Oaks Day, with 120-1 chance Lasqueti Spirit providing a huge upset, while on the opening day of the Carnival, James Cummings became the fourth trainer of the Cummings dynasty to win the AAMI Victoria Derby when Prized Icon took the honours in the classic for three-year-olds.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival came to a close with Saturday’s Emirates Stakes Day. A strong crowd of 70,351 witnessed Stephen Baster ride the Leon and Troy Corstens-trained Awesome Rock to take out the $2 million feature race of the day.

Malaguerra, for trainer Peter Gelagotis and jockey Ben Melham, claimed the sprinting battle, winning the $1million Darley Classic.

The Carnival saw over 511 horses compete in 37 races with more than $18 million in prize money. The organiser has also made the effort to reach out to new audiences via a live stream by Channel 7 on Twitter that saw the hashtag #MelbourneCup trend number one worldwide. Live coverage of the Emirates Melbourne Cup reached 2.96 million viewers around the country, while PLUS7 Live delivered 575,000 streams.

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Kerrin McEvoy won his second Melbourne Cup riding Almandin to victory

The Birdcage Enclosure played host to international and local celebrities including Elsa Pataky, Curtis Stone and Gina Rinehart at Emirates; Scott Eastwood at Sensis; Maria Menounos at Mumm; Bec Hewitt and Ashleigh Brewer at Lavazza; and Jennifer Hawkins and Kris Smith at Myer, while nine-time Olympic gold medallist and special guest of Crown, Usain Bolt, thrilled racegoers when he presented the Crown Oaks trophy to winning connections on Thursday.

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Dami Imm performing
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Australia’s Next Top Model, Host and Founder of Cozi and Jbronze, Jennifer Hawkins

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墨尔本杯赛马嘉年华除了是澳大利亚旅游业强劲推动力,也是最大型体育赛事之一;横跨阳光灿烂的4天,吸引逾31万8854名来自当地、区域和国际的参加者涌入享受这项集赛马、时尚,娱乐和热情于一身的年度动感盛典。

第156届阿联酋墨尔本杯的亮点是由名驹Almandin最终赢得胜利,这也是具备丰富阅历的著名马主Lloyd Williams再次取得辉煌成就。

另外,持续精彩刺激的皇冠橡树日,Lasqueti Spirit结果以120-1的赔率大爆冷门。而在嘉年华开幕日James Cummings作为Cummings朝代的第四名练马师赢得AAMI维多利亚达比日经典3岁组的荣誉大奖。

墨尔本杯赛马嘉年华终于在周六举行的阿联酋赌注日落下帷幕,共7万351观众见证Stephen Baster骑着练马师Leon与Troy Corstens精心训练的赛马 Awesome Rock,赢取了200万澳元的奖金。

至于练马师Peter Gelagotis和骑师Ben Melham携同名驹Malaguerra,冲刺战役赢得达利经典赛的100万澳元奖金。

这项盛会在37场比赛中共有511匹赛马参赛,奖金超过1800万澳元。组织单位也通过社交网络Twitter的Channel7进行实况转播,而带有#MelbourneCup的主题标签也高居全球范围热度的榜首。阿联酋墨尔本杯现场直播覆盖全国共290万观众,而PLUS7Live提供57万5000分流平台。

The Birdcage区域依旧迎来国际和当地明星名人,包括代表阿联酋的ElsaPataky, Curtis Stone和Gina Rinehart ; Sensis的Scott Eastwood Mumm的Maria Menounos ; Lavazza的Bec Hewitt和Ashleigh Brewer ; 还有Myer的Jennifer Hawkins与Kris Smith,而9次田径赛跑奥运金牌得主兼特别嘉宾Usain Bolt为皇冠橡树赛主持颁奖。

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NORTH BANQUET Golden Era : 2016 金世纪 : 北马鸿宴

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The Hosts

13 Influential Captains from different industries ranging from manufacturing to hospitality were honoured as The Hosts of the Night. This one-of-its-kind Red Carpet Gala Dinner provided them with an evening of extensive networking to develop new customer prospects, reward their key clients and friends with a VIP experience and connect with the most influential personalities.

The North Banquet 2016 – The Hosts & The VIPs is the first Red Carpet Gala Dinner in Butterworth organised by CHTNetwork in collaboration with Ichi Media with the objective to identify influential personalities as hosts and provide a platform for these hosts to invite their VIPs. This prestigious event in Butterworth further promotes various business industries such as tourism, manufacturing and hospitality to strengthen the economy and business opportunities both locally and abroad.

盛宴主人
13位横跨制造业至服务业的产业领袖获邀担任“The Hosts of the Night”盛宴主人。这项别具意义的红毯盛宴赋予这些来自不同领域的产业领袖一个更全面的社交平台,促进商业人际网络,以至邂逅潜在顾客群,以及趁此良机回馈答谢主要客户与商业伙伴。

2016年北马鸿宴–是由CHTNetwork联合Ichi Media于槟城北海举办的首个名人红毯盛宴,主要目的是为了将当地名流商贾云集一堂,建立起广阔的商业人脉网络平台。除此以外,透过这项在北海举办的盛宴,还能促进各领域发展,包括观光业,制造业和服务业,加强海内外商业市场契机。


The VIPs

Over 300 invited guests who came to the event have dressed to impress. Men and women came adorned with lavish and glittery dresses and suits with a touch of gold. The event was held at Sunway Carnival Convention Centre with great support from fellow sponsors:- Rado, Shiseido Professional, Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur, Sunway Hotel, Royals Blue and Airmas Group. Other supporting sponsors included GST Group, Gartien, Starbucks, Redbox Karaoke, One East Museum, Passionis and DCOVA. Dato’ Alvin Lim, the Executive Chairman of Arita Plastics was the Guest of Honour of the Night.

出席嘉宾
超过300位嘉宾受邀出席盛宴。只见现场一片衣香髻影,众嘉宾还特别呼应大会服饰主题,于全身装扮行头上点缀以一抹黄金元素。这项汇集北海各产业精英领袖的盛宴,于Sunway Carnival Convention Centre华丽登场,此外,还荣获多个世界顶级品牌的鼎力支持,大会主赞助单位包括:Rado,Shiseido Professional,Lamborghini吉隆坡,Sunway Hotel,Royals Blue与Airmas集团。其他赞助单位尚有GST集团,小田佳园,Starbucks,Redbox Karaoke,One East Museum,Passionis与DCOVA。是晚担任大会主理嘉宾的是Arita Plastics行政主席Alvin Lim。


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The Surprise

Dato’ Cher Chen Chiang and Richard Rivalee were delighted with a surprise birthday celebration when cakes and premium gifts were presented to them accompanied by a birthday song from the floor.

意外惊喜
是晚还上演了一段惊喜小插曲–只见宴会进行至中段时,忽然一曲生日歌缓缓响起,伴随着生日蛋糕与生日礼物奉上,原来这是大会特别为拿督徐正强与 Richard Rivalee 所准备的一场生日惊喜庆祝,为整场华丽宴会平添一股温馨感。


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The Cuisine

Petr Feher, a European-born Celebrity Chef with over 20 years of culinary experience who is also the Executive Chef at Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok and the Fine Food Consultant of GST Group, has designed delicate and sumptuous appetisers for the gala dinner.

飨宴美食
PetrFeher是一位拥有20余年经验的欧裔明星主厨,他目前担任Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok行政主厨一职,以及GST集团的高级饮食顾问,今特别为红毯盛宴精心设计了与场合匹配的精致开胃菜。


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The Show

The event featured a spectacular Hair & Fashion Show (Theme: Evolution of the 60s) in collaboration with Shiseido Professional, Signature Hair Expert and renowned fashion designer Richard Rivalee. It showcased the vogue and elegant vintage 1960s hairstyle with stunning and dramatic impression achieved through huge smooth high and low bun techniques.

精彩T台秀
除了挑逗味蕾的精致美食以外,是晚还精心呈献了一场由发型界先锋Shiseido Professional与时装设计师RichardRivalee携手打造的发型与服装秀(主题:60年代的精彩演变)。这场看头十足的T台秀将黄金60年代独具一格的优雅韵味,透过崭新创意的手法,呈现出强烈的视觉震撼效果。


NB.pngThe Book

A unique coffee table book featuring both sponsors and the hosts was unveiled on the night to commemorate this important event. It was distributed to guests to achieve maximum exposure for the sponsors and hosts.

典藏书册
精心编辑制作的典藏书册,以特别篇幅介绍了赞助单位与盛宴主人,以纪念这场别具意义的华丽鸿宴。这本设计精美的书册分赠于所有出席宾客,从而让赞助单位与盛宴主人获得最高程度的曝光率。


nb2The Best Dressed

Many have dressed to impress on the night but only four ladies and one gentleman were chosen for their elegant evening gowns and charismatic formal suit. General Manager of Shiseido Professional, Samantha Vong presented the Best Dressed momentos to the beautiful Datin’ Peggy Lim, Dr Maggie Fong, Grace Chiam, Datin’ Karen Ng and the handsome Leon Hulme.

最佳穿著奖
盛装出席的嘉宾共聚一堂,唯只有四位女士和一位男士被评选为“大会最佳穿著奖”得主。最后由ShiseidoProfessional总经理SamanthaVong为这五位得奖者:DatinPeggyLim,Dr.Maggie Fong,GraceChiam,DatinKarenNg和Leon Hulme颁发奖项。


nb3The Auction

A significant part of the night was the fun and excitement of the bidding game where portion of the proceeds of sold items were given to charity as part of the contribution of the event. The highlight of the night was the auction of a specially designed jewellery piece “The Heirloom” by Royals Blue to celebrate the success story of The North Banquet. The exquisite piece, adorned with 448 coloured stones and diamonds, was sold at RM47,000 to Mr and Mrs Khor Chin Leng.

A Rado HyperChrome Automatic Chronograph Match Point – a limited edition of tennis-inspired plasma high-tech ceramic watch with only 999 pieces available in the whole world; an elegant luxury evening gown from renowned fashion designer Richard Rivalee; and a unique edition of One East Museum’s Founder Ch’ng Huck Theng’s Relationship bronze sculpture were also auctioned.


慈善拍卖
进入盛宴的压轴好戏慈善拍卖环节,众多拍卖品中尤以RoyalsBlue精心设计的珠宝作品“The Heirloom”最备受瞩目,这件镶嵌上448颗彩宝与钻石的珠宝臻品,最后由许振龙伉俪以RM47,000得标。是晚所有拍卖善款全数捐献于本地公益团体。

此外,RadoHyperChromeAutomatic Chronograph Match Point – 创作灵感源自网球的Rado全球限量999枚等离子高科技陶瓷腕表,出自著名时装设计师Richard Rivalee之手的奢华晚礼服,以及One East Museum创办人庄学腾先生所创作的“Relationship”铜像也一并公开拍卖。

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Professor Stephen Doughty Announced as New President & CEO for Penang Medical College (PMC)

Professor Stephen Doughty, President & CEO of PMC (middle), flanked by Vice President (Academic Affairs) and Registrar, Professor Kevin B. Nolan (right) and Professor Dr Rashid Khan bin Md Jagar Din, Head of Department of Public Health, Deputy Dean of Postgraduate Affairs & International Relations, Director of RCSI Health Research and UCD Public Health (International) Programmes at PMC


Professor Stephen Doughty joins Penang Medical College (PMC) as its fourth president and CEO. He comes to us from the position of Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning) at the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a post he has held since 2010.

“It is a privilege and an honour to be able to take over the leadership of PMC at this exciting time in its history with 20 years of strong and steady growth which have built PMC a solid reputation within Malaysia and beyond. I am excited at the opportunity to drive PMC forwards in the next chapter of its development and I look forward to working with PMC’s talented staff and students in that challenge.”

After a recent welcome lunch, Prof Stephen expressed his delight to be taking on the role of President and CEO at this exciting time, building on the excellent foundation laid by Prof Amir together with colleagues.

Professor Doughty takes over from Professor Amir Khir who has been with PMC since its early days.

Prof Stephen joined the School of Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham in 2001 having previously worked at the University of Bradford, UK. He obtained a first-class degree in Chemistry from the University of Essex and a DPhil in Chemistry from Oxford University, UK. His research interests are focussed on molecular modelling and computer-aided drug design with a particular interest in modelling membrane-bound proteins for rational drug design.

In 2005, Prof Stephen moved to the University of Nottingham’s Malaysia Campus (UNMC) to establish their School of Pharmacy. He became the Dean of the Faculty of Health & Biological Sciences at UNMC, later renamed to the Faculty of Science, UNMC. He introduced the first ever UK accredited pharmacy programme delivered in part overseas and as founding Dean grew the Faculty of Science to a strong six schools. Since 2005 he has sat on the Management Board at UNMC and has chaired the Campus Teaching Committee since 2007. In 2008 Stephen was awarded a Lord Dearing Award for Teaching and Learning. Stephen has had extensive experience helping to guide the strategic direction of UNMC and specifically to drive new teaching and learning initiatives in order to keep pace with developments in learning technologies and student expectations. He has had extensive experience of institutional quality assurance both in the UK and Malaysia, being an institutional auditor for both the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Professor Hannah McGee, Chair of the Board of Penang Medical College and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, RCSI commented:

“On behalf of UCD and RCSI, we are delighted to welcome Professor Stephen Doughty as our new president & CEO to PMC. His expertise in the international higher education arena, in Malaysia and beyond, is very impressive and particularly opportune as we celebrate 20 years of success for PMC – and plan the stepping stones for success over the next 20 years. Professor Doughty will have the enthusiastic support of staff in PMC, alongside staff and senior administration in UCD and RCSI to support him in this new role”.

Penang Medical College is owned by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and University College Dublin (UCD). Students spend the first half of their medical training in Dublin and return to Penang to complete their medical training and receive a National University of Ireland medical degree. Together with postgraduate courses in Health Research and Public Health (International), PMC has almost 1,500 PMC medical graduates now working throughout Malaysia.

As PMC celebrates its 20th year anniversary this year, a series of events have been planned leading up to a final gala event to be held with UCD & RCSI here inPenang on the 4th of December 2016, Sunday. In commemorating achievements of the PMC community across the world, all alumni are requested to update their details for invitations via Facebook at /pmcpenang or the official PMC website.

Realising Dreams & Building Confidence

Choi Hang Seok, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon


Founded in 1998 & helmed by its founder Dr. Joo Kwon, JK Plastic Surgery Center has grown to be one of the renowned & leading plastic surgery centres in Gangnam, South Korea.

Centring their values in improving their patients’ lives, JK Plastic Surgery Center seeks not only to improve their patients’ aesthetic features, but also the quality of life, personal confidence & overall well-being of every patient that walks through their door. Boasting their “Zero Accident” track record, the plastic surgery centre’s “Safety is non-Negotiable” policy has proven to be the commitment of every surgeon & staff in the centre.

Choosing a career in this field is no easy task but for Dr Choi Hang Seok, one of the surgeons in JK Plastic, he has breezed through it while creating a name for himself as one of the top plastic surgeons in the centre.

This Korean plastic surgeon has always wanted to be a plastic surgeon due to his fascination with the transformations performed by surgeons in this field. “It is very interesting to see how part of the skin from one body part can be used to heal another damaged body part. I find it almost miraculous and beyond any of my imagination,” he said.

He may not have liked to study much but the fascination with the miracle of plastic surgery spurred him on and today, he is one of the longest serving plastic surgeons in JK Plastic. “It is after joining JK that I develop a strong and firm vision to help people with my skills,” he said. Dr Choi became a certified surgeon in 1995 and has been with JK for 14 years.

Though the surgeon is 48 years old, his appearance was one that was unlined and smooth, in which he admitted was due to some of the treatments that he tried on himself. “I try most of the treatments on myself so that I will know the complications and side effects and be able to advise my clients appropriately,” he said.

This plastic surgery centre, which was the first medical institution to receive certification to accept foreign patients back in 2009, is the best in the medical tourism field in Korea. Dr Choi said they have been awarded the best medical institution for four years in a row. The centre sees more than 5,000 patients from all over the world each year and it currently has eight plastic surgeons including Dr Choi.

JK Plastic is also the first and only medical centre approved to use stem cell treatment and it is also the only hospital to use stem cell treatment for cosmetic use. “We are the only one to have developed a skill to use stem cell for cosmetic surgery and the first try was on a burn scar,” he said.

Under the banner of “New Face New Dream”, JK Plastic’s charity program was launched with the mission to better the lives of the deserving, underprivileged patients from around the world.

With most of the programme recipients being victims of domestic violence & poverty, the programme seeks not just to restore the victim’s appearance, but also to ensure the overall mental health & well-being of the victims.

One of the more well known patients under JK Plastic’s “New Face New Dream” programme is Penangite Tan Hui Linn whose face and upper torso was badly burnt during an acid attack in 2009. Tan underwent numerous treatments under Dr Choi and has now regained her confidence and a new face. The spunky girl is not only grateful to JK Plastic and Dr Choi but is also strongly touched by their personal and warm approach towards her. “They don’t treat me like a patient. They were so warm, nice and friendly that I felt like they are family and Dr Choi treats me like a sister,” she spoke of her experience with them. Her treatment is far from over as Dr Choi said she still needs to go back for more treatments.

As for now, Dr Choi is happy to continue building confidence in his customers with his skills so that he can establish schools for underprivileged children in poverty-stricken countries.

“It is very interesting to see how part of a skin from one part can be used to heal another part that was damaged. I find it almost miraculous and almost beyond my imagination.”

Under the banner of “New Face New Dream”, JK Plastic’s charity program was launched with the mission to better the lives of the deserving, underprivileged patients from around the world.

With most of the programme recipients being victims of domestic violence & poverty, the programme seeks not just to restore the victim’s appearance, but also to ensure the overall mental health & well-being of the victims.

One of the more well known patients under JK Plastic’s “New Face New Dream” programme is Penangite Tan Hui Linn whose face and upper torso was badly burnt during an acid attack in 2009. Tan underwent numerous treatments under Dr Choi and has now regained her confidence and a new face. The spunky girl is not only grateful to JK Plastic and Dr Choi but is also strongly touched by their personal and warm approach towards her. “They don’t treat me like a patient. They were so warm, nice and friendly that I felt like they are family and Dr Choi treats me like a sister,” she spoke of her experience with them. Her treatment is far from over as Dr Choi said she still needs to go back for more treatments.

“We are the only one to have developed a skill to use stem cell for cosmetic surgery and the first try was on a burn scar.”

As for now, Dr Choi is happy to continue building confidence in his customers with his skills so that he can establish schools for underprivileged children in poverty-stricken countries. “It is a dream that I hope to be achieved soon. I may even hire Hui Linn, my ‘sister’, as a teacher in one of the schools,” he said with a laugh.


Contact us for consultation appointment & more information

+6 04-210 1188   •  jkplastic.com/en/  •  http://www.facebook.com/jk.malaysia/

87E, Leandros Lane, 10250, Georgetown, Penang, 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。