Creating headlines and hairlines since her early days as the founder of lifestyle salon group – A Cut Above, Datin Dr Winnie Loo is never one to rest on her laurels but instead pushes her boundaries to do more than just cutting and styling hair.
For more than three decades, her name has been synonymous within the local hair & beauty industry since opening A Cut Above in 1979. Her achievements are most commendable, scaling the heights of fame and success in a field which has been predominantly dominated by men.
Datin Winnie’s skill and professionalism transformed her business and the hair styling industry landscape in Malaysia into what it is today and has rightfully earned all manner of prestigious awards, local and international alike.
Her decision to join the Branding Association during Dato Lewre Lew’s term and eventually selected into the Executive Committee team was nothing short of excitement. Thus when an opportunity of being nominated for Deputy President during Datuk Eric Chong’s term came about, Datin Winnie took up the challenge and the commitment continued.
Datin Winnie, most recently appointed president of the Branding Association of Malaysia, is the first lady to helm the association since its inception in July 2000. “It is indeed an honour and humbling for me to be nominated by Datuk Eric and Dato Lewre to continue their legacy to lead a team of enterprising Council members for the term 2021-2023. Even though it is challenging as the Covid situation has yet to subside, I am certain that Teamwork Makes the Dream Work.”
“As I strongly believe that yesterday was history and tomorrow is a mystery, I always focus on the present together with the team to achieve extraordinary projects together. Never self-doubt, do not give up so easily to achieve the impossible and may the force be with us to achieve the impossible,” she added.
YB Yeoh Soon Hin Penang State Exco For Tourism And Creative Economy (PETACE) Represented YAB Chow Kon Yeow Chief Minister of Penang speech on stage
Chng Huck Theng Founder & President, CHTNetwork
It was a wonderful afternoon of camaraderie and networking for all guests amidst the recent Chinese New Year festivities at the launch of the much-anticipated Penang Power 100 coffee table book by YB Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang state executive councillor for tourism and creative economy (PETACE), who represented YAB Chow Kon Yeow, chief minister of Penang.
Held at The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel, Penang, the event saw a turnout of about 100 invited guests, comprising influential leaders, business-owners and dynamic entrepreneurs from the various industries.
A project initiated by founder and president of CHTNetwork, Mr Chng Huck Theng, this exclusive industry coffee table book is endorsed by the Penang State Government and supported by influential leaders of industries, personalities and organisations. Featuring brand stories of organisations from the industries which drive and support Penang’s economy, it also celebrates the Penang people for their resilience, achievements and contribution to continue to bring progress to the state in a concerted effort.
In his speech, read by YB Yeoh, chief minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow, extended his congratulations for the timely production of this 159-page hardcover to recognise the resilience of the personalities and organisations featured, and to commemorate Penang’s 50 years of industrialisation.” “I have every confidence that our existing electrical and electronics industry, supported by the services sector will ensure that Penang continues to move ahead in becoming a greater economic powerhouse whilst remaining steadfast in achieving our Penang 2030 vision of a family-focused green and smart state that inspires the nation,” he added.
Representatives of the featured establishments also received their certificates of acknowledgement and appreciation from YB Yeoh Soon Hin, and YB Dato’ Haji Abdul Halim Haji Hussain, Penang state executive councillor for trade, industry & entrepreneurial development.
Also present at the event were Dato’ Lee Teong Li (director of Amphenol TCS (M) Sdn Bhd, who is also the chairman, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, Penang Branch (FMM Penang), Dato Syed Mohamad bin Syed Murtaza, (group executive chairman, Master-Pack Berhad), Dato’ Seri Jong East Full (principal/director, East Design Architect Sdn Bhd), Dato’ Seri Goh Eng Hoe (founder, IRM Industries Sdn Bhd), En Roslan Omar (head of Setia SPICE Convention Centre), Ms Chris Ooi, (chief executive officer, Everbest Soya Bean Products Sdn Bhd), Dato’ Goh Teng Whoo (chief operating officer, Ideal Property Group), Mr K L Bock (senior vice president, Western Digital), Mr Tony Goh (general manager, The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel, Penang), Dato’ Seri Lim Cheah Chooi (chief executive officer, Unimech Group Bhd) and Mr Wong Kee Wei (managing director, Safetywear Group) and Major Leena Lee (Founder, Wellpoint Corporate Group), amongst others.
The Penang Power 100 is not only available as a hard-cover publication, but also in various digital and social media platforms where its presence will remain entrenched for many years to come, immortalise the beauty of Penang and the powers that had propelled the state to become what it is today.
The INPenang International Awards 2021 presented biennially by CHTNetwork to recognise ‘Outstanding Penang People & Organisations’ is acknowledged as Penang’s most prestigious red carpet gala event. This edition which marks the fifth installation of the award presentation, saw a turnout of about 300 notable who’s who of Penang and Malaysia. Guest of Honour Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Dato Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi bin Haji Abdul Razak, the Governor of Penang and YB Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy representing YAB Chow Kon Yeow, the Chief Minister of Penang were among the dignitaries who graced this award night.
Back from Australia for a study break, Heidi Lim who serenaded the guests with two beautiful and soulful songs was the opening act to this glamorous evening, followed by a short video presentation of INPenang International Awards past years’ events. In his welcoming address, Founding President Chng Huck Theng wished all 17 INPenang International Award recipients continued success and hope that they will also use these blessed opportunities to contribute to the Penang community and YB Yeoh, in congratulating the winners, looked forward to the collaboration from all to realise the Penang 2030 Vision.
The Winners
Heading the honours list was Dato Seri Chew Weng Khak, Founder and Group Executive Chairman of Pensonic Holdings Berhad, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award followed by four respected personalities – Dato Seri (Dr) Syed Hussain Aljunid, Dato Dr Nick Ng, Dr Lim Ban Keong and Ng Kee Guan, winning the INPenang Outstanding Achievers Awards.
For the first time in the awards history, two out of the nine INPenang National Achievers Awards were bestowed onto two very special teams of frontliners, which are the Penang Police Force for Law Enforcement and the Penang Health Department for the Medical sector for their relentless effort and exceptional services during the Covid-19 pandemic. The other seven recipients honoured were Aida Lim Abdullah, Don Hoe, Ranndy Goh, CTG Group, Ee-Jia Enterprise (M) Sdn Bhd, Hectarworld Realty Sdn Bhd and The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel, Penang. June Goh, Low Chin Siang and Tan Wei Xin were presented with the INPenang Emerging Entrepreneur Award Winners.
Highlights of the evening also included a performance by Carinne Lee, who mesmerised the audience with her renditions of popular Malay and Chinese numbers, a fashion showcase featuring INPenang Award Fashion Designer Ranndy Goh’s latest 2021 creations and the Best Dressed Award presented by Ping Chng, CEO of CHTNetwork Australia to five fashionistas who came dressed to impress. The evening ended on a high note where guests raised their hands and opened their hearts to support the Silent Auction with proceeds benefitting charity organisations. This tradition has always been an integral aspect of CHTNetwork’s charity drive initiatives as Chng believes in giving back to the society. Three art pieces among the other items auctioned raised RM28,000 which will be channelled to the Yayasan Amal TYT. Two of the art pieces donated were Chng’s own creations.
Amongst the other distinguished guests present were Chief Police of Penang Datuk Mohd Shuhaily, President and Group CEO of Affin Bank Bhd Datuk Wan Razly, Tan Sri Richard Koh, Tan Sri Tan Khoon Hai and Private Client Director of Louis XIII, Cheryl Xie McCallum.
When it comes to names like Gordon Ramsay in the culinary world, it all has to do with class, elegance, character and attitude. A British chef born in 1966, Gordon Ramsay founded his own Gordon Ramsay Restaurants in 1997 and has been awarded 16 Michelin stars overall where he currently holds seven. Besides the restaurants, there are three Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill in London’s Mayfair, Chelsea and Park Walk.
Sunway Resort Kuala Lumpur announced that the first Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill outside the United Kingdom is set to open its doors within its premise in 2022. The highly anticipated restaurant will be offering signature dishes and all-day dining selections ranging from classic British to South East Asian-styled favourites.
Sunway Group said the new partnership with Gordon Ramsay Restaurants is part of Sunway’s strategic vision to introduce world-class dining to Sunway City — which comprises three hotels, a theme park, retail mall, healthcare, residential spaces, and three universities. Sunway Design chief principal designer, Nelson Yong said that this new restaurant will be the perfect blend of Gordon Ramsay’s British heritage with the new look of Sunway Resort where guests will be mesmerised by their senses and create culinary journeys with a lasting impression.
Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill is located on the Lobby Level, Sunway Resort, Sunway City, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
The KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific was delighted to host its first physical event since the first quarter of 2021 in Penang. Jointly organised with the Wawasan Open University and MICCI Penang, the Penang Future Forward Summit took place on 25 October 2021 to provide a platform for the various captains of industry and civil societies to formulate successful strategies, capitalise on technological change and shape a more resilient, sustainable and competitive future for the state.
The joint welcoming speeches were delivered by Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, President, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific; Mr Michel Van Crombrugge, Chairman, MICCI Penang; and Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Chairman, Board of Governors, Wawasan Open University.
The Governor of Penang, TYT Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi bin Haji Abdul Razak delivered the Opening Address. In his speech, the Governor highlighted that Penang can expect a faster economic recovery if the authorities can effectively contain the Covid-19 Pandemic and sustaining economic growth would remain a challenge for the remainder of the year right up to early 2022. The global demand for electronics and electrical products, the entry of several Fortune 500 companies into the Batu Kawan Industrial Park as well as the introduction of the Penang Transport Master Plan were among the contributing factors that would accelerate the state’s economic recovery.
Dato’ Dr. Vaseehar Hassan, Vice Chairman, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific presenting a memento to YB Dato’ Hj Abdul Halim Hussain, Penang State EXCO for Trade, Industry and Entrepreneurial Development after the Closing Address.Left to Right: Dato’ Seri Koe Peng Kang, Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer, S P Setia Group; Mr. Max Say, Chief Partnership Officer, KSI; Dato’ Dr. Vaseehar Hassan, Vice Chairman, KSI; Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, President, KSI; Ms. Christina Tee, President, MICCI; and Dato’ Wei Chuan Beng, Senior Executive Director, KSI.Left to Right: Mr. Michel Van Crombrugge, Chairman, MICCI Penang; Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Chairman, Board of Governors, Wawasan Open University; TYT Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi bin Haji Abdul Razak, The Governor of Penang; Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, President, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific; and YB Dato’ Hj Abdul Halim Hussain, Penang State EXCO for Trade, Industry and Entrepreneurial Development.
“Promoting Business, Cultural & Digital Economy Cooperation and Diplomacy”
Resulting from the Global Pandemic and focusing on global recovery, the importance of global partnership, global leadership and global cooperation is imperative. Technology has also become a game changer and a key driver of the global economy – digital technology and innovations, green technology, health technology and agrotechnology will enhance global growth.
The 2021 summit held in Penang recognised these strategic trends of global geopolitical and geoeconomics forces and the power of global partnerships in this new global era. Senior officials, business leaders and experts at the Global Chinese Economic and Technology Summit discussed the need for nations to develop both physical and digital infrastructure and to invest more on renewable energy in line with global climate commitments.
Various experts, business leaders, policy makers and civil society members spoke at the event which was held physically and virtually.
The Lifetime Achievement Awardees celebrating the ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Adviser to KSI, Prof Dato Seri Dr Mike Chan, KSI’s Deputy Chairman, Tan Sri Majid Khan; KSI’s President & GCET Organising Chairman, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh; Governor of Penang, TYT Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak; GCET Founder & Patron, Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew; and YB Chong Eng, Penang State EXCO for Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs, KSI Director, Dato Dr Jessie Tang and KSI Senior Executive Director, Dato Wei Chuan Beng.TYT Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, Governor of Penang delivering the Keynote Address at the 2021 Global Chinese Economic & Technology Summit.KSI’s Senior Executive Director, Dato’ Wei Chuan Beng presenting a memento to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato’ Seri Saifuddin Abdullah at the end of the launching ceremony. Looking on is Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, Founder and Patron of the Global Chinese Economic & Technology Summit.Tan Sri Majid Khan, KSI’s Deputy Chairman presenting a memento to the Governor of Penang, TYT Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak whilst KSI’s President, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh look on.
What do we do when there are problems? Typically the easiest way is to blame others or find excuses to recuse oneself from taking the heat. Clearly these are bad and ineffective strategies as problems still exist after. It is common in human nature to deploy its defense mechanisms when meeting with harm, be it physical or psychological. A rather good and effective way is to acknowledge the matters head on and to solve them as soon as possible. Stay positive, trace back and find the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of the problems. Like it or not, like my father always say, “You can feel sad and cry, but the problem will still be there. So best find ways to solve it and get on with your life”.
It is undeniable that these 3 years have been filled with both domestic and international issues. The unprecedented COVID-19 medical crisis has taken millions of lives and created havoc around the world and its domino effect is still very much felt by businesses all over the world. Not counting world issues like Donald Trump while being the president of United States probably did more harm than good when entering into a trade war with China whilst creating the biggest split amongst Americans and accusing the Democrats of stealing the election. The ‘invasion’ of his supporters into Capital Hill was adding salt to the wounds of American democracy. Joe Biden later won the elections but approval ratings continue sliding to record low after a year. The UK has successfully left the European Union but prime minister Boris Johnson is struggling to fight off a vote of no confidence due to a Christmas party, flouting the country’s Covid-19 strict restrictions. Putin’s flexing Russia’s sovereignty to the Western world by unleashing its military forces into Ukraine. This will undoubtedly remind some to think twice when provoking others thinking that the West or NATO will have one’s back. Sad to say that Ukraine has been deserted by the so-called alliance that only provided moral and weapon support when the bombing started. Taiwan now has to rethink seriously about its attitude with China.
Back home in Malaysia, COVID-19 numbers has been a roller coaster, first two vaccination rates have been commendable but many are skeptical about taking the third booster shots. Three prime ministers in a short period of time, three state elections and probably more to come, a big shortage of workers and the politicians are still finger-pointing and finding faults to make their ‘enemies’ look bad. Again sad to say that most politicians we voted into office ended up paying more attention to themselves and giving tonnes of excuses blaming the others when matters turn sour. Not to mention we have politicians misquoting ‘Spanish Fly’ instead of Spanish Flu, advising women to talk like Doraemon for household happiness, telling the world that Orang Utans kill humans and we have lions in Malaysia. But the encore definitely goes to convicted criminals still roaming free waving to folks like celebrities.
The saying of ‘Malaysia Boleh (Malaysia Can) is really Boleh’.
In short, the world is full of problems and we are all in this together whether one likes it or not. One can always waste time ‘bitching’ over the issues or solve them. What if it cannot be solved? … then give yourself a pat on your back and say “I have tried my very BEST!” then move one. It is a fact that life is never smooth and easy but if you look on the bright side, you are still ALIVE to solve the PROBLEMS!
After two years of toned down, limited capacity events, the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre saw the return of a full force red carpet glamour display of high fashion and beautiful celebrities. Hardly any masks was in sight and the social distancing rule was very much relaxed. This year the celebrities and movie stars came in their best fashion outfits that did not disappoint the critics and the cameras. There were sparkles aplenty, creative silhouettes, classic black, bright and bold colours and amazing jaw-dropping necklines. The stars will push their limits in every edition with the intention to stand out and make statements be it political, their personal projects or relationships in their personal styles. However, it was not surprising when some stars chose to shine on Ukraine but the golden moment of the evening definitely belonged to Will Smith who walked up the stage and smacked Chris Rock on the face when the latter made a joke about his wife, Jada Pickett-Smith and then picking up the Best Actor award for his role in “King Richard” a few moments after.
Zendaya wore a Valentino match of white quarter shirt with a gorgeous silver sequined floor-length skirt.Nicole Kidman’s Giorgio Armani Prive pale blue strapless peplum gown brought back the nostalgia of Old Hollywood style.Kodi Smit-McPhee looks stylish in a baby blue Bottega Veneta tuxedo.Power couple Will Smith wore a Dolce & Gabbana black mohair wool tuxedo jacket and vest while Jada Pinkett-Smith looked fabulous in her Jean-Paul Gaultier’s emerald green taffeta gown complete with dramatic ruffles.Kristen Stewart in her Chanel black tuxedo short suit and white silk shirt.Penelope Cruz was a picture of poise on the red carpet in this incredible Chanel backless gown with pockets.Ariana DeBose looked absolutely gorgeous in a red pantsuit by Valentino.Best Actress winner Jessica Chastain shines in a glittery gold and lavender Gucci gown with a sweet ruffled trim.Andrew Garfield in Saint Laurent.Timothée Chalamet in Louis Vuitton.Simu Liu challenges those ladies in red with his red Versace suit.
Peranakan Chinese and Baba-Nyonya are terms used for the descendants of late 15th and 16th-century Chinese immigrants to the Malay-Indonesian archipelago of Nusantara during the Colonial era.
Members of this community in Malaysia identify themselves as ‘Nyonya-Baba’ or ‘Baba-Nyonya’. Nyonya is the term for the females and Baba for males. It applies especially to the ethnic Chinese populations of the British Straits Settlements of Malaya and the Dutch-controlled island of Java and other locations, who adopted partially or in full Malay-Indonesian customs to become partially assimilated into the local communities.
While the term Peranakan is most commonly used among the ethnic Chinese for those of Chinese descent also known as Straits Chinese (土生華人; named after the Straits Settlements), it may also be applied to the Baba-Yaya community in Phuket and other provinces of southern Thailand.
Is there a difference between the Chinese and the Baba Nyonya of the Straits Settlement during the good old days? Definitely it is undeniable that the lifestyles have some distinctive variations. The obvious were the food, customs, kinship, attire and language. The Nyonya believed that to keep a man’s heart at home was to have excellent culinary skills – to cook good, delicious food making sure that the husband is full and happy. Hence this is one of the reasons why Nyonya food until today is still so popular. Due to the fact that the Baba Nyonya have resided along the Straits Settlement for a long time, the way they dressed and conversed were highly influenced by the Malay culture. However, the common belief is that somewhere along the ancestry line is that the great grandmothers or the great, great grandmothers were of Malay origin but was found to be unsubstantiated as research by interviewing offsprings of Baba Nyonya families did not show any Malay blood line. Even by arguing the fact that some of the Chinese men who stayed on with Princess Hang Li Po during the late 15th century and marrying local women, thus creating the Baba Nyonya’s connection is over stretching history especially when only after four centuries were the Baba Nyonya and its historical lifestyles documented. The common misinterpretation until today that the Chinese in Malaysia are called ‘Malay People’ or ‘马来人‘ by Chinese living in China and Hong Kong may be the answer that the Chinese men who migrated from China then married a ‘Malay Girl’ from Malaya which in fact is referring to a local Chinese girl.
Baba Nyonya Wedding Photo, 1920 images courtesy of pinterest.com/hi_hi_mun
Further to comparing the similarities and differences between the Chinese and Baba Nyonya, it is rather peculiar that scholars have yet to find any Baba Nyonya association that was formed during the late 19th century. Unlike the Chinese, where many associations were established for those who came from the same regions in China, spoke the same dialects, have the same surnames, or worked in the same trades, etc. it is also found that some prominent Babas were members and contributed to these Chinese associations. The reason why the Baba Nyonya did not have their own association that time inclined some to opine that they actually considered themselves part of the Chinese community but living differently from the traditional Chinese culture.
by Aida Lim Abdullah, Managing Director/Founder, Corporate Streets Sdn. Bhd.
The tourism industry is recognised as one of the major sources of economic growth for Malaysia and most of the world; and in this regard, Islamic or Muslim-friendly tourism is seen as an emerging niche market globally. This is due to many Muslim majority countries or markets are now seen as fast-emerging economies with a growing middle class with the thirst for travel.
The term “Islamic tourism” started to emerge in 2000 during the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, whereby the concept of increasing tourism within Islamic countries will help to generate income and enhance the development of the said countries.
According to a report from Dinar Standard and Crescent Rating (2012), the Muslim tourists’ expenditure growth rate is expected to be at 4.79% per year on average from the year 2012 until 2020. This statistic is higher than the global expected average growth rate of 3.8% during the same period.
Based on an OIC report, on the Muslim Travellers’ demand side, about 75% are for leisure, about 10% for business, 10% for religious activities and maybe another 5% for medical tourism. In Islam, travelling or any actions should be based on necessity and/or other benefits. These make Islamic tourism unique by upholding the Islamic value during the travel activities without abandoning the needs to enjoy and savour the pleasures of travel to foreign places.
What are the basic requirements?
On the supply side, generally we note that there have been no consistent guidelines to cater for the 6 main faith-related needs, which are; (i) Halal food, (ii) Salaah (prayers) facilities, (iii) convenient water usage with clean, friendly toilets, (iv) Ramadan services and facilities, (v) facilities ensuring no Non-Halal Activities and (vi) recreational facilities with privacy provided.
The emergence of Islamic tourism concept in the global tourism business requires the industry to have good understanding on the practices of Sharia compliance as well as catering to cultural needs to Muslim travellers. This is a prerequisite for high value experiences for the Muslim tourists. Shariah compliance is recommended to be expanded to related tourism businesses and facilities, such as places of attractions, airports, visitor information centres and related events. The service and product providers in the tourism ecosystem requires different skill sets and knowledge to assemble related tourism components to fulfil the Muslim tourists’ requirements in order to meet the needs of the Muslim tourist.
More effort and support are needed to understand and market the Islamic Tourism for the Muslim Tourist, especially the essential knowledge and skill sets which will help to promote tourists’ satisfaction and encourage good word-of-mouth sharing and repeat visits.
What Is Malaysia’s Ranking in Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI)?
Malaysia is one of the main destinations for Muslim visitors from around the world. It has been recognised as the No. 1 ranked destination on the GMTI (2015). In 2013, Malaysia was also in the top 10 of the world’s ranking in overall visitor arrivals. Muslim visitor arrivals constitute around 25% of the total arrivals. A key and unique strength of our Malaysian success in Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT) is the commitment of the Malaysian Tourism Ministry and the industry support for Muslim-friendly tourism.
In early 2009, Malaysia identified that the Muslim market as a priority growth market. This has led to the creation of the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC). Malaysia’s success story is that there is a government-led commitment to activate the whole industry to make MFT a priority market. Hence, Malaysia is fast becoming the best destination for Muslim visitors in the world with supporting facilities and services aligning to capture this segment.
Amongst the states within Malaysia, Penang has been ranked the third best island in the world and the first in Asia in terms of favourite place to retire in (2021). In a list published by Travel Awaits, the Pearl of the Orient is noted for its multi-culturalism, great culinary scene and connectivity to other countries in the region. As such, leveraging on Malaysia’s commitment in Muslim Tourism and Penang’s natural strength as a well-known tourist’s destination, it has real potential to become a star Muslim Tourism destination.
As such, there is a need for continuous and concerted good effort to promote the country’s tourism industry and encourage the value chain in the tourism sector to capture a bigger market share, be it inbound or outbound travelling. In the wake of the new normal where things need to be operated under new SOPs, Malaysians in general are hopeful that the MFT activities will be revived and strengthened further!
EZ MALAYSIA.NEWS 