Category Archives: Captains & Legends

An in-depth personality profile of the elites and leaders across various industries from all over the world

Captains & Legends, EZ 46 - Captains & Legends, EZ 61 (2)

Creating Pathways For Young Artists 年轻艺术家的指南针

April 7, 2017 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Bayu Utomo Radjikin

Director of HOM Art Trans

“For me, I want to nurture young artists so that 10 years from now, we will have many more good artists to showcase impressive art works”

With a long list of solo and group exhibitions, locally and internationally, in his belt and multiple awards, Bayu Utomo Radjikin is no stranger in the art industry. The Sabahan, who has a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, is particularly well known for his solo exhibition featuring mainly skulls in his paintings two years ago called “Ada Apa Dengan Tengkorak”.

“There is a future yet for the art industry here and I am sure that one day, our artists will be able to bring this industry up to finally catch up with our neighbouring countries.”

After a break of two years, when he worked on his latest masterpieces, Bayu Utomo launched a solo of his abstract works in “Gejolak” this year at G13 Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. “It is more of an abstract form that is fluid and different from my more figurative works like Tengkorak,” he said about his latest work. He also plans to work on more abstract forms in his future pieces.

“I want to do something that’s different from my previous styles and I enjoyed doing this so I am looking forward to creating more abstract pieces like in Gejolak,” he shared. Gejolak is Bayu’s interpretation of the feelings and emotions that swirled endlessly within humans. He said the strokes represented the strength and weakness along with the imbalances of feelings inside humans. Gejolak is his 10th solo exhibition since he launched his very first solo in 1996 at the National Art Gallery.

Other than his own work, the 46-year-old is intent on helping budding artists to succeed in an industry that is wrought with challenges. Bayu is the director of HOM Art Trans, an independent art space dedicated towards cultivating young and new artists. The organisation has three main programmes, The Residency, The Art Fund and The Art Award, to nurture, help and promote young talented Malaysian artists.

“There is a future yet for the art industry here and I am sure that one day, our artists will be able to bring this industry up to finally catch up with our neighbouring countries.”

“It is important to nurture these young artists by providing them with the means and space, otherwise it is difficult for them to flourish,” he said. He said these young artists are really talented, including those who graduated with fine art degrees. However, there were no avenue for them to flourish and succeed so many would easily give up. He recently organised group exhibitions for the young artists in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

“Of course, all these exhibitions mean that we also needed a supportive audience to keep them motivated but unfortunately, we don’t get a lot of people who understands,” he said. The art industry in Malaysia is still growing and it will take time for the audience to really appreciate fine art like paintings and sculptures.

Bayu has been in the art industry for over 25 years and he believed that though the art industry is still growing, it is heading in the right direction. “We are still lagging behind compared to Indonesia and Manila,” he said. Art is still considered unimportant and not a priority for most people. It is not something corporations will support and many still assumed that exhibitions can only be held by those who have the money to do so.

“For me, I wanted to nurture young artists so that 10 years from now, we will have many more good artists to showcase impressive art works,” he said. With great masterpieces, he believed it will lead to progress for the art industry in Malaysia. He is also nurturing one of his children who has shown an interest in drawing.

“There is a future yet for the art industry here and I am sure that one day, our artists will be able to bring this industry up to finally catch up with our neighbouring countries,” he said. Bayu is now working on his next project, more abstract art works, and has plans to hold another solo exhibition in the near future.

在成功举办了国内外一系列个人和集体展览会，创造无数艺术话题和荣获许多奖项，Bayu Utomo Radjikin 绝对是艺术行业并不陌生的名字。这名拥有美术学士学位的沙巴人，两年前以别具一格的骷髅颅骨主题：“Ada Apa Dengan Tengkorak”的个人展览而知名。

而历经两年休息后重整旗鼓，Bayu Utomo推出了最新杰作，拥有抽象意识的“波动（Gejolak）”，今年在吉隆坡的G13 Gallery 正式展出。“这是抽象的表述形式，相当流动性，不同于我象征性质的作品，如Tengkorak。”他谈到最新工作，计划在未来的创作中以更抽象形式展现。

“对我来说，培育年轻艺术家，10年后我们将有更多优秀艺术家呈现印象深刻的艺术作品。”

“我想做一些跳脱以往的风格，我喜欢这种感觉，所以期待着创作更多抽象作品如Gejolak。”他分享。Gejolak是他对人类内在无休止的思绪和情感的诠释。他说，笔画线条代表了力量和虚弱，也显示人类潜在不平衡的情感。“Gejolak”是他的第十次个人展览，1996年他在国家艺术画廊推出首次个人展览会。

除了本身的创作工作外，这名46岁的艺术工作者还打算协助新人闯荡这个挑战性的领域。他也是 HOM Art Trans 的总监，这是一个独立的艺术空间，致力于培养年轻和新兴艺术家。该组织具备三大主要构成：住宿、艺术基金和奖项，并以培育，帮助和推动年轻的马来西亚才能艺术家。

“重点是培养这些年轻艺术家，为他们提供举措和空间，否则他们很难蓬勃发展。”他说，这些年轻艺术家才华和悟性都很强，包括美术科系毕业生。然而，由于历经毫无成就的艰难局面，许多人半途放弃。他最近也为槟城和吉隆坡的年轻艺术家们举办了集体展览。

“当然，开设展览会意味着需要观众的支持，以保持他们的积极性，但遗憾的是，没有得到太多了解与回响。”他说，马来西亚的艺术产业仍在增长，让观众可以真正鉴赏美术画作和雕塑需要一点时间。

踏入艺术领域25年，他觉得纵然艺术产业在朝着正确的方向前进增长。“我们仍然落后于印尼和马尼拉。”他说。艺术依旧被认为是附属品，并非多数人的主要选项。企业机构不轻易支持，很多人还是认定举办展览会是有钱人的玩意儿。

“对我来说，培育年轻艺术家，10年后我们将有更多优秀艺术家呈现印象深刻的艺术作品。”而有了出色的创作，他相信这将引领马来西亚艺术产业的步伐，目前他家里有一个对绘画有浓厚兴趣的孩子，他正积极培养。

他说，艺术行业拥有灿烂的未来，有一天我国的艺术家的发展将最终赶上邻国。Bayu进行下一个计划：创作更抽象性质的作品，并在不久举办另外个人展览会。

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Transforming Heritage into Evocative Spaces 古迹的惊艳变身

January 18, 2017 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Christopher Ong

Penang’s Heritage Hotelier, Collector and Entrepreneur

“I was trying to get out of corporate life and the idea was always to retire in Asia.”

Ever since George Town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Zone in 2008 in a joint listing with Malacca, the inner city has seen gradual changes over the years as gentrification takes place. Rows of heritage buildings were saved from collapsed and beautifully restored. Slowly, George Town began to see urban regeneration with vacant buildings filling up and the city becoming alive again.

One of the few who led these notable transformations is banker-turned-hotelier Christopher Ong. The illustrious banker came back to Penang and successfully turned previously derelict heritage houses into boutique hotels that retained all of its heritage features and yet boast of clean, contemporary lines.

Wanting to escape the trap of the banking industry after many years climbing the corporate ladder in Australia, Ong made a decision to retire somewhere in Asia by the age of 40. So, in 2002, he sold off an investment property in Australia and used the funds to move to Sri Lanka as his choice spot for retirement.

“I was trying to get out of corporate life and the idea was always to retire in Asia,” he said. He chose Sri Lanka after he did a fund manager analysis comparing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the place before making a decision.

Ong did not immediately find a property he liked in Sri Lanka but after searching for a while, he stumbled across the mansion in Galle Fort. It was perfect for what he had in mind so he bought it and spent 2003 restoring the mansion that had foundations dating back over three centuries.

The Galle Fort Hotel officially opened its doors with 13 rooms in November 2004. The building survived the devastating effects of the tsunami later that year and eventually became a makeshift hospital following the disaster.

A few years later, due to his father’s passing, Ong came back to Penang to fulfill his filial duty to his widowed mother. It was then that he brought his genius in restoring heritage buildings to his homeland. Back in Penang, he began a series of restoration projects that won him accolades and a reputation for having the Midas touch when it comes to boutique hotels.

The projects under his belt in Penang are Clove Hall, Noordin Mews, Muntri Mews, Seven Terraces, Muntri Grove, Muntri Residences and most recently, Jawi Peranakan Mansion. Clove Hall, Noordin Mews and Jawi Peranakan Mansion are located outside of the heritage zone and except for Jawi Peranakan, the projects were subsequently sold off. Ong had also subsequently sold off Galle Fort Hotel. Now, all of his existing hotels are parked under his new brand, George Town Heritage and Hotels (GTHH).

Ong termed his work in restoring these heritage buildings in Penang as his way of setting a trend for adaptive reuse of buildings like these that were previously in derelict conditions. He also bought a pre-war house across the road from his great grandparents’ former residence which he restored and turned into his home. “I wanted to lead the way in restoring these old houses and live here so I attempted to get more people to move back into George Town,” he said.

He believes that living in the heritage city is not a mere romantic notion but that the inner city is a liveable, convenient space if only people gave it a chance. “Aside from parking issues, everything is nearby. We can go to the market and have convenience stores nearby, cafes, restaurants and hawker food all within walking distances,” he said.

While he does not oppose foreigners buying some of the heritage buildings and restoring these buildings rather than leaving it empty and going to rot, he felt that some of the local owners have a duty to keep the inner city vibrant, especially the clan associations, locally known as ‘kongsi’. Today, many of the heritage buildings within the city still belongs to the numerous clan associations in George Town.

“I wanted to lead the way in restoring these old houses and live here so I attempted to get more people to move back into George Town.”

“Why aren’t these clan associations renting out their premises to their members at affordable rates? These clan associations are supposed to be non-profit so what are the reasons for them to increase their rental rates that locals could not afford it?” he asked. He also hoped the local authorities would consider introducing incentives to owners to restore their heritage buildings instead of burying them in bureaucracy. He lamented over the immense red tape that most home owners to go through while applying for restoration permits.

“Instead of incentives, what we now have are dis-incentives when it comes to restoration of these pre-war houses,” he said. He also hoped the local authorities will look into infrastructure and cleanliness issues within the city such as increasing electricity capacities for the inner city, getting rid of the rat problem and a more efficient waste disposal system. “I really feel that we could get people to move back into George Town as we do not want it to be filled with just hotels, cafes and restaurants, we need local communities living here to keep the local economy within the city going,” he said.

Today, Ong continues to lives in his house in Muntri Street and is working on expanding Muntri Residences by taking up leases for more buildings along the row. Muntri Residences are whole heritage buildings that are divided into several private living spaces that families can rent as a whole for events and long stays. Alternatively, individuals and couples can also rent each compartmentalised spaces within the houses.

“我试图摆脱繁忙企业生活，而且退隐的地点早确定在亚洲。”

2008年，槟城乔治市与马六甲同时被列入联合国教科文组织世界古迹保护名册。接踵而来的几年，市区内已逐渐产生变化，一排排古迹建筑物从坍塌或废墟中获得美丽修复重生，乔治市也一点点的恢复活络，空置荒芜建筑物再次回归人气。

而其中引领这项巨大改造工程的操盘手包含了从银行家转向酒店行业的王礼强（Christopher Ong）。这名杰出的银行家回到槟城，并成功将遭遗弃的古迹房屋变为精品酒店，除了保留所有古迹印记，尚增添简洁现代感的线条。

自告别银行业，王礼强多年来驻扎澳大利亚进行企业投资，并且决定40岁时在亚洲某个幽静地方退休养息。在2002年，他抛售了澳大利亚的产业，选择将资金投到斯里兰卡作为养老地点。

“我试图摆脱繁忙企业生活，而且退隐的地点早确定在亚洲。”他瞄准斯里兰卡后，作为一名基金经理的本能，进行任何决定前会比对目标的优势、弱点，机会和威胁。

当时他并没有立即寻觅到中意的斯里兰卡房产，但在搜寻一段时间，偶然发现加勒堡（Galle Fort）古老豪宅，这个已历经3个世纪的古宅大院，正是他心目中的完美目标，立即买下并在2003年展开修复工程。

2004年11月，拥有13间套房的加勒堡酒店正式开业，并且过后在毁灭性的海啸中幸存下来，而酒店在灾后成为临时医院。

几年后，为了父亲奔丧而回到槟城，王礼强也履行对丧偶母亲的孝心。另外，他在家乡的古迹建筑物上发挥所长，开展一系列的修复项目，结果除了赢得点石成金的赞誉，也把古迹精品酒店概念极致化。

他在槟城开发改造的房产包括Clove Hall，Noordin Mews， Muntri Mews，Seven Terraces，Muntri Grove，Muntri Residences及最近的Jawi Peranakan Mansion。而其中Clove Hall，Noordin Mews和Jawi Peranakan Mansion是位于古迹区外。目前除了Jawi Peranakan，所有发展项目均宣告售罄。他随后卖掉加勒堡酒店，目前把酒店项目都聚焦在新品牌 – 乔治市古迹和酒店（GTHH）。

而他修复槟城古迹建筑物的契机，只为了掀起废弃状况古建筑翻新再利用的趋势。他还从曾祖父母前住宅附近买了战前房屋，完整修复后变成他的家居。“我想带头恢复这些老房子，生活在这里，并想让更多人返回乔治市居住。”

他认为，在古迹城市生活并非一项浪漫的概念，但只要给予机会，市区也可以是宜居便利空间。“撇开停车问题，一切近在眼前，我们可以去市场，附近有便利店、咖啡馆，餐馆和小贩熟食都在步行距离内。”

对于外国资金购置和修复古迹建筑物他表示不反对，但希望不造成满目疮痍。他觉得一些地方业主有责任保持市区活力，特别是宗祠与宗亲会，当地称为“kongsi”的组织。今天，许多乔治市市区内古迹建筑物仍然是许多宗亲会名下产业。

“为何这些宗亲会以不可能承受的高租金向成员出租房产？宗亲会组织应该是非营利的，那么提高租金造成本地人无法负担的原因是什么？”他还希望地方当局考虑激励业主修复古迹建筑，而不是将它们埋在官僚作风中。他对于纵横交错的红色封条感到哀叹，这是大多数业主申请修复建筑物时的经历。

“排除激励，我们目前其实已抑制一些战前房屋的修复措施。”他也希望当局进一步提升市区内的基设和卫生问题，例如完善城区的电力系统，摆脱鼠患和设置有效的废物处理。“我们要让人们回流乔治市，壮大居民社区，而并非仅是酒店、咖啡馆和餐馆的聚集地段，这也是为了加强市区的经济动脉。”
今天，王礼强继续生活在南华医院街的房子，并正在扩充经营Muntri Residences，租用更多的沿排建筑物。作为一栋完整的古迹建筑物，Muntri Residences分为数个私人生活空间版块，家庭可租用作为活动空间和长期住宿。或者，个人与伴侣也可租用房屋内的每个隔间。

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The Living Passion of One Man 一个人的生活的热情

January 18, 2017 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Dato’ Pang Yun Tiam

Founder and Managing Director of Chiptronics

“We wanted to save some money hiring performers for our annual events and decided to perform with friends and family. Little did we know, the reaction from the audience was explosive and we haven’t looked back since. Unexpectedly, it became a more family-oriented show promoting family values.”

There goes this story about a humble beginning and success story involving love, passion for music and thirst for learning. Dato’ Pang Yun Tiam founder and managing director of Chiptronics is a man of many passions. His love for playing the harmonica and electric saxophone and performing with his immediate family members have recently touched the hearts of audiences and fast becoming a favourite among the Chinese community. EZ discovers the modest man behind Chiptronics, a Penang-based and one of Malaysia’s largest equipment, tools and machinery suppliers for the electronics manufacturing sector, mass transit and defense sector.

As the story goes according to an infamous Chinese saying – ‘behind every successful man there stands a woman’ – rings truth in the story of Dato’ Pang. Just a slight tweak to this saying replacing ‘woman’ with ‘family’, this troupe of a singular family cell reminds us all of the importance of core family values that is at the verge of disappearing in this fast-moving and digital age.

Dato’ Pang has started a relationship with his harmonica in his early twenties that took him years before performing at his first concert. Revealing his passion for this instrument has not only helped inspire the musician skill in him but also brought his family closer together. His love for arts and culture meant that there is more to appreciating music. His daughters bore the fruit of his love for dance when they were sent to China to learn the Hakka cultural dance only to return with immediate requests to perform at private, charity and government events. They have also garnered support from friends, which led to more requests from charity and cultural events.

“The Harmonica is my first instrument.”

Dato’ Pang credits his wife’s dedication in managing rehearsal times and music education for their children and ultimately became the core person that brings the family together. It’s not the easiest job to manage a seven-people household of musicians. Nevertheless, each child has wonderfully picked up their own instrument of choice with the ultimate objective of creating a sound group.

While Dato’ Pang’s passion has always been the harmonica and electric saxophone; Pang Yi Yun, her eldest daughter plays the percussion [shaker, chimes and claves]; Pang Yi Sha the second daughter and wife Datin Fan Mei Hoong on the keyboards; and Pang Yi Chuen the third daughter on the drums. While they were forming the band they came to identify the vital role of a bassist which saw Pang Yi Jia, Dato’s youngest daughter step up to the challenge. Pang Tze Yuan the youngest son shares his role with Yi Yun on the percussion department specialising in the Conga and Bongo. While these are their main instruments now, the children had the opportunity in earlier years to learn traditional Chinese instruments in their earlier years: Yi Sha on the Guzheng; Yi Chuen on the Guzheng and Liuqin; and Yi Jia on the Yangqin.

This pure dedication and love for music play a huge part in them influencing each other to be better at their own individual instrument. Nevertheless, what was previously an individual and personal interest to play songs on a harmonica has motivated the whole family to go into music.

‘Behind every successful man there stands a woman.’ – rings true in the story of Dato’ Pang

The family’s performance has attracted the attention of The Malaysia Book of Records and was awarded for organising the ‘Most Number of Family Members Performing for a Charity Event (Band)’ at the 2nd edition of the annual celebration of the Malaysian Artist Society in November 2016.

A father and an avid golfer, Dato’ Pang holds various positions in various non-profit societies and associations in Penang such as the Northern Region President of Malaysian Artist Society; Advisory Committee of Taiwan Hakka Affairs council; Deputy President of Penang Hainan Friendship Association; Advisor of ASEAN Ambassador; and President of both Penang Hakka Association and World Pang Clan Business Forum just to name a few.

With a successful business that churns over RM20 million a year in revenue, Dato Pang has come a long way since the very beginning of his career. Originally from Malacca, he completed his Diploma in Electrical and Electronics at Institute Technology Jaya (ITJ) and pursued a career in consulting on project basis for Ramada Hotel (Malacca) and Park Royal (Penang).

During the economic downturn in the late 1980s, Dato’ Pang humbly took up a sales position with UNIPAC and National Semiconductor (NS) before founding Chiptronics in 1989. Over the years, the business has won the trust and confidence of many leading manufacturers and scored successful distribution and partnership deals. Headquarted in Penang, Chiptronics has over 40 staffs with offices in Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Singapore.

“其实想节约社团年度活动的演出经费，决定与家人一起上台表演。可是，结果获得观众爆炸性回应，我们再没有回头路。出乎意料地，这成就了以家庭天伦为导向，促进美好价值观的体现。”

这是一个从谦卑开始，饱含炽热爱情、音乐和渴望学习的成功故事。捷力科技（Chiptronics）的创始人兼董事经理拿督彭永添是充满激情因子的人。无论是演奏口琴、电子萨士风以及与家人散发热情的表演皆触动观众的心灵，并成为华人社区的热议话题。EZ也探索了这名经营马来西亚槟城最大型电子制造业，且是公共交通和国防领域大型设备，机械器具供应商之一的成功企业家背后故事。

一句不朽的格言：每个成功男人背后的女人。这是彭永添的真实写照，但轻微调整，这个说法从“女人”取代为“家庭”，这个美好的家庭表演剧团提醒我们核心家庭价值观的重要性，是这个快速数据化时代消磨殆尽的元素。

当年20几岁的他，音乐启蒙从一把口琴开始，花了多年反复练习才在第一场音乐会上亮相表演。口琴不仅启发他的音乐才能，也让他与家人关系更紧密；虽然对于艺术和文化他也喜爱，但最爱始终是音乐。彭永添的女儿们得到他热爱音乐艺术基因的传递，远赴中国学习客家文化舞蹈，只有在私人，慈善和政府活动发出热切邀请，才会登上舞台演出。由于获得观众朋友支持，慈善和文化活动的邀约接连不断。

“我拥有的第一件乐器是口琴。”

彭永添全心信赖妻子，她除了操心孩子们的排练管理和音乐教育，也是把家庭强力凝聚关键人物，而管理家里7名音乐家并非简单任务。然而，每个孩子都奇妙地决定自己的音乐选择，最终目标是创建一个完整的音乐组合。

纵然彭永添一直钟爱的只有口琴和电子萨士风，但长女彭依韵却热爱敲击乐器（沙铃，钟琴和响棒），次女依莎和妻子拿汀范美凤擅长键盘，三女依珺爵士鼓等。当他们组成乐队，确定低音吉他手的关键角色，因此最小的女儿依佳也加入挑战；儿子彭池源与姐姐依韵分担敲击乐部分并加入了手鼓。即使目前这些都是孩子们主修的乐器，但孩子们在早年也学习传统华乐：依莎学了古筝，依珺是古筝和柳琴；至于依佳则是杨琴。

这种纯粹的奉献和对音乐的热爱，也让他们相互影响和牵动发挥，造就他们本身独自乐器上的造诣修为。然而，这也是个人努力用口琴演奏歌曲的契机促使带动了整个家庭。

“每个成功的男人背后有一个女人”

精彩的家庭表演成功引起了“马来西亚记录大全”的注意，在2016年11月马来西亚华人演艺人公会举行的年度庆典中，被授予“组织最多直属家庭成员参与义演活动”荣誉奖。
身为一名父亲和狂热的高尔夫球手，彭永添担任槟城区各种非营利社团和协会职务，如马来西亚华人演艺人公会北马区分会会长；台湾客家事务委员会顾问理事；槟城海南友好协会副会长；东盟大使顾问，槟城客家公会和世彭商务论坛的主席等，仅举例数项。

运作全年营收逾2000万令吉的企业公司，自从业以来，他也走过漫长艰辛路。出生于马六甲，他在Institute Technology Jaya（ITJ）完成电气和电子学位，过后在马六甲Ramada和槟城Park Royal酒店的基设项目计划担任咨询工作。

上世纪80年代末经济衰退期间，创立捷力科技之前，彭永添在1989年曾与UNIPAC和美国国家半导体公司（NS）合作销售。多年来，公司赢得了许多领先制造商的信任，圆满完成分销和合作交易。捷力科技总部位于槟城，拥有40多名员工，在吉隆坡，柔佛和新加坡设有办事处。

Captains & Legends, EZ 44 - captain

Regal Relocator 传递的王者

October 20, 2016 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Leon Hulme
Managing Director of Crown Worldwide Group, Malaysia

“The services in our industry are becoming increasing commoditised but of course our service is not a commodity,at Crown we aim to offer our customers an experience.”

As the managing director of Crown Malaysia, Leon Hulme is at the helm of one of the largest mobility & information management chains in the world. An evolved and culturally sophisticated individual, Hulme oversees Crown Malaysia’s comprehensive portfolios like domestic and international relocation, secure storage and information management facilities, destination settling-in, immigration services, employee and family support.

Never a tourist but always the traveller in Asia, and now a resident in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Hulme originally joined Crown Malaysia in 1999. He held a variety of roles in several Crown offices in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and most recently Thailand, where he served as Country Manager before being promoted to his current position.

Hulme hails from an industrial Birmingham, the second largest city in the UK, and claims that he never studied. “I never cared much for school. I was working at 13 and dropped out of school at 16 to go into full time employment. At that time I was holding down three or four jobs.” During his last year in school, his school career officer told him this, “If you don’t end up unemployed and you manage to get a job, let’s say, in a factory, then you would have done very well.” Unfazed Hulme sat there and thought to himself, “I bet my career ends up being more successful than yours.”

Born in Australia, Hulme left the continent down under for Great Britain when he was four. “Both my parents are English.” Not from a moneyed background, Hulme considers himself lucky to have good parents with upright principles. “There wasn’t a lot of money in the house but my parents were determined not to live off the government, though we would have been more comfortable claiming social security than working in relatively low paid jobs.”

Sound work ethics were instilled in young Hulme. “I believed in hard work, I believed in proving myself and then things would come as a result of that. My parents used to say to me – ‘Nobody wants to give a job or work with somebody that they don’t like’. So if I could get on with people, work hard, be flexible, prove myself, then the opportunities would present itself. I think if you’re street smart, have good work ethics, common sense, the ability to communicate and get on with people are fundamentals that can take you a long way.”

Speaking on mentors, Hulme has this to impart, “Over the years I have met many people who have inspired me. I am always willing to listen and surround myself with people who inspire me. Jim Thompson, my chairman is one such person.

Jim is serious about work, a great communicator and I really admire his drive for quality, these traits you see in many of Crown’s staff and the Country Managers I have had as bosses over the years. It is important to Jim and his employee’s that Crown is recognised as the Rolls Royce in this industry.”

“I would like to be able to look back and think that, I had a positive impact on my colleagues and that I might have in some ways helped them surpass even their own expectations.”

Rather than immediate short term financial gains, Crown is more focussed on long term quality services, meaningful partnership with its clients and our contribution to our local communities. “Our organisation is filled with tremendous people with great experience. Some of them have been with us and in this industry for more than 35 years and can offer a wealth of information and knowledge to our clientele. The people I work with in Malaysia are absolutely incredible. We have known each other for so long that when I came back instead of shaking hands, as a new MD might normally do, we hugged” says the happy expatriate.

Hulme forecasts a bright future for Crown Malaysia. “This industry will continue to flourish. The world is so small. People are constantly moving. It is a mobile workforce with a lot of assignees moving around the world. I have seen a lot of changes in 16 years where we have gone from HR-driven decision making to procurement-driven decision making these days. Though we are not selling a commodity, our services have become much commoditised, with price as an increasingly key factor. Of course it is not a commodity because at Crown we deliver an experience. If someone is relocating overseas with their family, we make sure they arrive at their destination comfortable and focused and not distracted by anything, in order for them to perform in their new assignment immediately. We are not a commodity trading on the cheapest price, more of a mature quality service that supports you as you embark on the next chapter in your corporate and family life.

To cater to the fine art business, Crown Malaysia is the first to set up an art vault with premium security protocols, climate-control and fire suppression features. “We have a healthy fine art business and are moving quite a lot of works of high value. The art vault looks like something you might store gold bullions that only James Bond might attempt to break in,” Hulme shares and chuckles.

Outside work, the Englishman in him plays football, and does a bit of cycling. He beams as he speaks of his family. “My wife Akiyo is Japanese and I am very lucky that she is willing to give up her career as a successful production manager for a television commercial company in Japan to follow me gallivanting around the world. Akiyo is a very strong woman and adaptable to move with me to Korea, Thailand and now Malaysia. We are really a team. She manages everything that could potentially get in the way of me focussing on my work. My son Noah is six years old. He speaks English, Japanese and Thai as he was born and raised in Thailand.”

As a worldly corporate warrior, Hulme would like to be able to look back and think that, “I had a positive impact on my colleagues and the people who worked with me, and that I might have, perhaps, in some ways, helped them surpass their own expectations.”

就任嘉柏国际集团马来西亚董事经理，Leon Hulme 掌握了世界上最大的流动和电子信息管理。作为进化和尖端文化个体，他监督着集团马来西亚区域的综合国内外搬迁传送、安全存储和信息管理设施、目的地处理、移民安居服务，职工管理和家庭支援等业务运转。

他在1999年加入嘉柏集团马来西亚，现居住在吉隆坡，从来不是一名旅客，但总是在亚洲旅行。他分别在香港、日本、韩国及最近的泰国担任各种各样的角色，在现任职位之前，任职驻外经理。

来自英国第二大工业城市伯明翰，他声称从未注重读书。“我从不关心学业。我13岁开始工作，16岁就辍学进入全职就业。”当他最后一年在学校，学校的就业咨询人员告诉他，如果最终没失业，他是能得到工作，比如在工厂就业，肯定能做得很好。Leon 当时回答：“我想我以后的工作肯定比你还成功。”

出生在澳大利亚，由于父母是英国人，Leon在4岁时就定居英国。虽然不是富裕的背景，但他认为父母传递了良好的正直原则。“我们家里没太多钱，但是我父母决心不依靠政府，尽管获得社会保障相对微薄工作收入来的更简单舒服。”

这种职业道德灌输予年轻的他，Leon相信努力工作和证明自己，然后好事就会上门。父母曾经说过：没人愿意提供工作或者和他们不喜欢的人一起工作。如果能与人相处，努力而灵活的工作来肯定自己，机会将显现。他认为靠着街头智慧、职业道德、常识与沟通能力，并且懂得与人相处，就是让人可以走得更远的不二法门。

“这些年来遇到许多激励我的人，我愿意倾听并且让周围的人鞭策着我。我们的创始人兼主席Jim Thompson就是这样一个人。Jim认真工作，是非常伟大的沟通者，我钦服于他的驱动能量，而类似特征造就集团的壮大，尤其是我多年来遇上的许多精英员工和驻外经理。Jim和所有员工都是让嘉柏集团成为此行业领域“劳斯莱斯”的缔造者。”

“我们的服务业趋势越来越商品化，当然嘉柏集团的服务不是如此，我们目标是为嘉柏客户提供一种体验。”

嘉柏集团的企业宗旨非看重眼前的短期财务收益，而是注重提供长期优质服务，以更有意义的形式与客户合作，并且贡献当地社区。

“我们的组织由强大兼富有经验的人们组成，其中一些人在这行业已超过35年，可轻易提供大量的知识和资讯予客户们。我们在马来西亚工作团队的人们都是了不起的人物，而长时间的聚集，我们已不再握手，作为新董事经理,我与他们拥抱。”这名快乐的外籍人这么说。

他预测着集团在马来西亚的灿烂前景。“这个行业将继续蓬勃发展，因为世界是如此之小，人们不断移动，世界上有许多迁移的劳动力与流动的委托人。我亲眼目睹这16年来的巨大变化，我们已经从人力资源驱动转为采购驱动决策。虽然我们并非在卖商品，但服务已转为非常商品化，价格是关键因素。当然这不是真正的商品，因为嘉柏是提供经验，如果有人与家人迁移到国外，我们将确保他们到达目的地的舒适度，不被任何事情所干扰，可以更专注并快速执行新工作。我们并非廉价的商品交易，而是以更成熟的优质服务支援你的公司事务和家庭生活。而为了迎合艺术品业务，嘉柏马来西亚首次设立艺术品库与更优质的安全协议，温度环境控制和消防灭火功能。

“我们有一个健全的艺术品业务体系，并传送许多高价值的艺术品，而坚固的保险库房完全可以储存黄金，估计只有007占士邦可以试图破门。”

“我让同事们可产生正确积极的方式和想法，而且我会以某种方式帮助他们，甚至超过原订的期望。”

工作外的闲暇时间，这名英国人爱好踢足球和骑单车。他微笑地叙述家庭。“我的妻子Akiyo是日本人，我很幸运，作为一名成功的电视广告公司制作经理，她愿意放弃在日本的事业，跟着我全世界到处走。Akiyo是一个非常坚强的女人，可以适应和我搬迁到韩国、泰国和马来西亚，我们是一个团队，她管理一切琐碎事务，让我可以集中工作。我的6岁儿子Noah，他擅长说英语,日语和泰语，因为他在泰国出生和长大。”

作为身经百战的企业战士，Leon回顾与希望积极影响他的同事或一起工作的人。“我可能或也许在某种程度上，协助他们超越自己的期望。”

Captains & Legends, EZ 44 - captain

Taking The Hospitality Industry to Another Level 升华酒店业新概念

October 20, 2016 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Dato’ Eric Lim

Managing Director and CEO of Cititel Hotel Management

The hospitality industry is a challenging one that can be susceptible to external factors as well as local factors but after 44 years in this industry, Dato’ Eric Lim Hock Kheng has got the ups and downs pat to be able to face any challenges without any qualms.

Dato’ Lim first became involved in the hospitality industry in the tours and travel sector in early 1971. What first piqued his interest for the travel industry was the few times he helped visitors around the island when he was younger. “I used to drive my father to work and after that, I have his car at my disposal so I could drive around and when I saw visitors looking at maps and confused, I stopped to help them, I even gave them lifts,” he said.

The interest to help visitors grew into a lifelong passion that lasted over four decades and there is no sign of him regretting going into this industry. Dato’ Lim joined Shangri-La International in Penang in 1979 and for the next 18 years, was instrumental in the development of the Shangri-La group of hotels in Penang.

“I have been in the hospitality industry right from the start and till today, the passion is still there,” he shared. On top of leading CHM as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Lim has also served in various other capacities that included the formation of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, Penang chapter in 2001. He has also served in various trade bodies such as the IMT-GT Tourism Sectorial, Pacific Area Travel Association, Penang Hoteliers Association, Penang Tourist Centre and State Tourism Council and one of the founding members of Upper Penang Road Society.

He was last based in Shangri-La International in Bali, Indonesia before moving back to Penang to spearhead the Cititel brand name in 1996. Since then, Cititel Hotel Management Sdn Bhd has grown in leaps and bounds with over 3,800 rooms under its portfolio of hotel brands that included Cititel, Cititel Express, MiCasa and St Giles.

Taking a leaf from the highly successful St Giles London and Heathrow and The Tuscany and The Court, New York, Cititel Hotel Management (CHM) imported the group’s UK St Giles Brand to Asia by introducing a 512-room St Giles Makati in Philippines in mid-2010. It also rebranded The Boulevard and The Gardens Hotel & Residences as St Giles Hotel. Just recently, St Giles The Wembley was opened in George Town, adding another 415-room to the island state.

Prior to this, CHM introduced its second brand, Cititel Express, to fit into a different market segment. This is a value-based budget accommodation, complete with functional and basic amenities, with a “Smart, Clean and Simple” concept. There are now Cititel Express in Kota Kinabalu, Ipoh and most recently, Penang.

CHM also expanded its reach into the extended-stay segment with its two serviced residences that included the MiCasa All Suite Hotel in Kuala Lumpur City Centre.

“This means we have more options to offer,” Dato’ Lim says of the additional rooms. The hotelier may have been in the industry for many years but he does not become complacent. He continues to watch the market trends like a hawk and is always a step ahead in anticipation of what’s next.

“We’ve been through several cycles in our industry and it is very vulnerable to all sorts of developments, from politics to economy to diseases,” he said. One has to always be alert to market demands and changes to be able to incorporate marketing intelligence into the hotels’ strategy.

Another important factor to remaining strong in the industry is to always encourage and train up a workforce that is as passionate about the industry as he is. It is no easy task with fewer young employees having a passion for such a demanding industry but Dato’ Lim is not one to give up easily.

“I will continue to encourage and motivate our personnel to keep the passion alive and the professionalism intact because our human resource is an important component of the industry.”

Looking forward, Dato’ Lim said CHM will continue to seek opportunities in key Asian cities to build up its portfolio of hotels especially in the three and four star categories. “We are always looking towards adding more rooms and hotels in and outside of Malaysia,” he said.

以障碍赛来形容酒店行业可谓非常贴切，充斥未知与布满荆棘，极易受到外界因素侵袭和影响。但对于鏖战酒店领域44年，历经行业高低潮的拿督林福庆来说，应对挑战已是毫无疑虑，驾轻就熟。

1971年初，林福庆开始踏足酒店旅游业。而激发他加入行业是源自槟岛年轻热情时代的经历。“我载送父亲上班后，就开着他的车子到处逛，当目睹困惑的游客们看着地图,我常主动停车协助，甚至让他们搭顺风车。”

这个简单纯粹的兴趣却成了维持40年的激情所在，并且无怨无悔。他在1979年加入香格里拉国际集团，往后18年间落力推动着香格里拉酒店在槟城的业务。

他说，从开始到现在，对行业的热爱丝毫不减。作为带领CHM的董事经理兼首席执行员,林福庆展现多样领导魅力,包括2001年成立马来西亚酒店协会槟城分会。他也参与各种贸易旅游组织如印马泰成長三角旅游部、太平洋区域旅游协会、槟城酒店业者协会，槟城旅游中心和槟州旅游委员会，也是槟榔路上环协会的创始成员之一。

1996年，林福庆回到槟城担任龙城酒店(Cititel Hotel)的品牌推广先锋，在这之前，他驻扎于印尼巴厘岛的香格里拉国际集团。此后，龙城酒店管理有限公司(Cititel Hotel Management Sdn Bhd)飞速增长，逾3800间客房的酒店连锁品牌，其中包括龙城酒店、龙城快捷酒店(Cititel Express)米卡萨酒店(MiCasa)和圣吉尔斯酒店(St Giles)。

而取经于伦敦、希思罗，托斯卡纳与纽约圣吉尔斯酒店的成功模式，龙城酒店管理(CHM)也积极“进口”英国的圣吉尔斯(St Giles)品牌到亚洲，首先在2010年中旬引入一家拥有512间客房的圣吉尔斯酒店在菲律宾的马卡迪(Makati)，接着采取品牌更名，将The Boulevard、The Gardens和Residences等酒店转为圣吉尔斯酒店。而拥有415间客房的圣吉尔斯温布利(St Giles The Wembley)最近在槟城乔治市盛大开业。

此前，CHM推出了第二个品牌-龙城快捷酒店，作为抢滩市场的策略。这项廉价预算的住宿，包含完整功能和基设，推广“精明、干净和简单”的概念。目前龙城快捷酒店分布在哥打京那巴鲁,怡保和槟城。

CHM也延伸扩展2项酒店式长居住宅，其中也包括吉隆坡市中心的米卡萨酒店(MiCasa All Suite Hotel)。

“这意味着我们有更多的选择。”虽然这名酒店业宿将身经百战，但他并不自满，犹如鹰隼般观察市场趋势，然后迈步命中目标。

“我们是不断历经各种周期的行业,脆弱而容易受到多方面状况的影响,从发展、政治，经济乃至疾病。他们必须始终警惕市场需求和变化，才能够将营销情报融入酒店策略”

另外，关键因素是这个领域总是鼓励与培训员工，尤其和他一样热爱行业者。这并非易事,具备类似热情的年轻员工占了少数，但林福庆绝非轻言放弃的人。“我将继续激励我们的人员，维持活力激情和完美专业，人力资源是行业最轴心的组成部分。”

至于展望未来,林福庆认为CHM将继续在亚洲主要城市寻找机会，建立符合投资组合的酒店，特别是3-4星级类别。他对EZ表示，他们期待在马来西亚内外增设更多酒店和客房。

Captains & Legends, EZ 43, EZ 43, EZ 61 (2)

ICHI MEDIA Discovering Luxury 毅际媒体极致奢华

August 11, 2016 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Oo Lean Hooi
Partner Business Development Director of Ichi Media

20 years of experience in the media industry prompted Oo Lean Hooi to combine editorial with marketing, whereby he managed to secure the profitability while expanding his network to include various experts and professionals from different industries. This is also the best strategy for the traditional media to keep up-to-date and stay competitive with the social media.

He joined Ichi Media believing that media should not be conservative but innovative and dare to change, only then it will better develop the business and expose the company to a wide variety of opportunities. He is tremendously passionate about the growth and expansion of the media, thereby devoting much time and effort to ensure its success. In fact, he always desires for transformation and breakthrough, constantly craving to create the extraordinary. Take for instance, when he led a Chinese magazine team on an Australian tourism project, he broke the rules and presented it bilingually. Needless to say, the feedback was indeed overwhelming.

Ichi Media promotes the fabulous and luxuries in life, while being the frontier of branding and creating competitive platform for the best. With diversified strategies, Ichi Media also promotes cross-platform branding where publishing, digital and business networking come in one to achieve optimum results.

On 30th July 2016, Ichi Media will collaborate with CHTNetwork to organise the first Red Carpet Gala Dinner in Butterworth, “The North Banquet 2016 – The Host and The VIPs” at Sunway Carnival Convention Centre, established to identify the influential personalities as hosts and provide them a platform to invite their VIPs and express their gratitude to them. Meanwhile, it will also be an evening of extensive networking and business opportunities. Besides a renowned Celebrity Chef from Thailand, the momentous occasion will also feature jewellery presentation, hairstyling show and charity auction.

In the near future, Ichi Media is going to publish exclusive magazines. Projecting for next year, Ichi Media plans to work on different projects including Expo, workshops, art exhibitions and more while contributing to the growth of local tourism and economy.

投身媒体业20年经验，练就了余联辉擅长将编务与行销搭配走在同一条路上，利益不减，还认识更多不同领域专业人士，这个做法是目前纸媒面对广告大幅度锐减，社交网络大受欢迎，最好的进攻策略。

加入毅际媒体，因为他认为媒体业不该墨守成规，跨大步的改变才能为公司带来更多的业绩，并开拓不同的市场。由于他相当热爱媒体的生活，将工作与兴趣结合，让他有更充裕的时间来进行策划及有效进行。他时常都会突发奇想，总是希望可以做出不一样的东西。之前在以华文为媒介语的杂志工作时，他就打破传统格式，用中英撰写方式为澳洲旅游局制作旅游手册，并得到很好的回响。

毅际媒体的成立，是为传播生活中的一切美好与奢华，走在品牌的顶尖，打造华丽的竞争平台。他与伙伴们将致力将品牌营销多元化，并跨平台打造不同凡响的品牌气势，提供出版、网络及商业交流於一体的便利，让客户建立品牌口碑事半功倍，也有更效果。

今年7月30日，毅际媒体将与CHTNetwork合作於北海双威会展中心举办一场前所未的地毯式北马鸿宴 The North Banquet – The Host and VIPs ,目的就是让客户们有机会成为主人家，设宴感谢他们的贵重顾客外，同时还可籍此机会认识其他商场上有机会合作的人士。这场盛宴不只有星级厨师，还有珠宝、发秀及拍卖会。

未来，毅际媒体会出版独家限有的品牌杂志外，明年会举办展览会、工作营、艺术展览等等，在为国家推动旅游发展同时，并刺激经济成长。

Captains & Legends, EZ 43, EZ 43, EZ 61 (2)

Generating Value, Creating Wealth through Property 以房产创造价值，缔造财富

August 11, 2016 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Dato’ Sri Dr Vincent Tiew
Managing Director of Andaman Property Group

The property industry may be a competitive field but in its short 11 years in the market, the Andaman Property Group has racked up numerous prestigious awards and is on its way to achieve RM5 billion in development value. Right at the helm is Managing Director, Dato’ Sri Dr Vincent Tiew, who has led the group to achieve its phenomenal growth in the past 7 years.

Andaman Property may not be a public-listed company but in the past 11 years, it had racked up accumulated sales of RM3 billion. This is an achievement that astounded many in the industry, including public-listed developers. “We are heading towards RM5 billion before 2020 and that year will be our 15th year anniversary,” Tiew said.

The energetic 40-year-old himself has a string of awards that included the Young Entrepreneur Award 2015 by The Malaysian Australian Alumni Award, the Entrepreneur Par Excellence 2016 and Corporate Champion of The Year 2015 by McMillan Woods Global Awards, Creative Young Entrepreneur Award 2015 by Junior Chamber International Malaysia and Young Property Leader of The Year 2015 and Property Entrepreneur of The Year 2015 and Outstanding Philanthropic Individual of the Year 2014 amongst many others.

Andaman Property primarily has developments in five areas; Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. The uniqueness of this developer is that it strongly believes in its “Generating Value, Creating Wealth” philosophy where it sells its property at lower than market value and create wealth for its buyers. “We adopt Rober Kiyosaki’s style and we also advocate Warren Buffet whose philosophy is value in investing,” he said. The developer is confident that it could give value and create wealth for those who invests in its properties.

The developer is able to keep its prices low because of its minimal gearing as it does not take up bank loans to finance its projects. This means it is already different from other developers as it does not have to contend with loan interests. “Our mindset is different, we have minimal gearing and we believe in smooth sails for every project we undertake from smooth construction to completion and we sell it fast because we have below market price strategy. We want clear cut profit, we want clear cut savings, and we want clear cut value for money for the buyers,” Tiew said.

As for profit, Tiew said their expectations of a return for each project is not very high. “We don’t force ourselves to get at least 20% return, we are just as happy with 12% profit and this is how we manage to maintain our prices low unlike a majority of developers, especially the public listed ones, who had to aim for higher profit because they have loans to pay up and had to answer to their minority shareholders,” he said. “We optimise, we don’t maximise,” he added.

That is not all, the Andaman Property adopts a blue ocean strategy, making it the market leader in places that were previously not in high demand. Using this strategy, they are able to keep the land cost low and generate high return on investment. “We go to places most developers are yet to explore because we have no pressure in choosing and that made us very selective when we embark on a project,” he said.

Sometimes, the developer may only launch two projects per year and this is because they do not rush into deals, do not fight with other developers to grab for land and they pick the land bank that is cheaper and not high in demand. “Our Andaman strategy is just in time, JIT, so when we sign up to buy, within 12 months we will launch the project,” he said.

Another secret to the group’s success also partially lays with its almost 100 hardworking staff whom the company rewarded with bonuses, incentives, profit sharing and annual trips that averaged between 12 to 60 months per employee. “No other developer can give more than 12 months each year like what we’ve been doing in the past three years and each year, we have a minimum of three company trips for all staff, even the office boy, our receptionist and tea lady,” he said.

It is no wonder that Andaman Property garnered the Best Employer of the year 2015 and Most Promising Award 2014 by SOBA, STAR Outstanding Business Award. “This is because our motto is to work hard, play hard so when I start to build the company back in 2010, I built a new culture structure to reward the staffs that the shareholders agreed to,” he said.

Andaman, with an annual sales turnover of RM500 million, is also known as the Guaranteed Return Rental leader in the market and is now undertaking a new business model in project management. It takes up project management contracts from other developers and land owners on top of penetrating new market segments and continuing with new land development projects.

Next up is the property management project it had undertaken for the developer and landowner of Arc Ampang Ukay. Covering some 80 acres of land, the project will feature quality residential and commercial offerings. “We also hope to be public listed one day,” he said.

纵然房地产行业是竞争激烈的行业，但在十一年来，安达集团(Andaman Group) 除了业务战绩喜人，荣誉与奖项不断，并将在未来力求实现50亿令吉的开发价值。而安达的董事经理-拿督斯里张孙通博士更是在这7年来披荆斩棘，带领集团业绩迈向高增长。

即使非上市公司，但安达集团十一年累计销售额30亿令吉，这个数字震惊业界，即使是比对上市发展商的成就也有过之无不及。他们在2020年之前，也即是集团庆15周年之际将朝着50亿令吉目标迈进。

这名40岁精力充沛的企业家个人也获奖无数，包括马澳杰出校友奖颁发的“年轻企业家奖”，由McMillan Woods Global大奖颁发的“2016年度卓越企业家奖”，“2015年度企业冠军奖”，由马来西亚国际青年商会颁发的“2015年创意青年企业家奖”，还有“2015年度年轻产业领袖”，“年度产业企业家奖”和“2014年度杰出个人慈善奖”等等。

安达集团有5个主要的发展地区：霹雳、森美兰、柔佛，吉隆坡和雪兰莪州。该集团的独特性在于坚信贯彻 “创造价值，缔造财富”的理念，并且主张以比市价低的方式销售房产，为购买者创造财富。

“我们采用《穷爸爸、富爸爸》作者Robert Toru Kiyosaki的观点，我们也主张Warren Buffet理念，鼓励价值投资。”而作为发展商，他们有信心为投资产业的人们提供赚钱机会。

而发展商能维持低廉房价，也必须保持较低的负债率，不会向银行大量贷款支持发展计划。这也意味着，他们在贷款利息方面的抗衡点与其他发展商不同。“我们的心态不一样，负债率比较低，在开往每一个计划项目，从建设顺利到承接完成，很快就销售一空，因为我们有低于市场价格的策略。除了明确的利润和节约，希望为购房者的钱找到明确价值投资。”

他们对每个项目计划回报的期待度并不是很高。“我们不强求至少要拿到20%的回报率，即使只有12%的利润一样快乐，这是我们保持价格的管理方式，而其他多数的发展商，尤其是上市公司，都是瞄准更高的利润，因为他们必须支付贷款，还要应对股东。而我们是优化，但不最大化。”他补充说。

安达集团还采用蓝海战略，开创无人争抢的市场空间，超越竞争意识。除了策略性保持土地成本低，然后产生较高的投资回报。“我们去的地方都是大部分发展商尚未探索到的，使我们开发项目计划时没有面对选择的压力。”

发展商有时每年可能只推出2个项目，因他们不急于交易，而且不与其他发展商抢地，安达选择的土地储备较为便宜，需求不高。“我们的战略是及时，JIT（准时制），所以在签署购买12个月内，我们将推出发展项目。”

至于集团成功的秘诀也因拥有近100名努力工作的员工，他们平均规定利润分红，每年旅游福利，员工将获得12至60个月丰厚奖励金。“没有其他发展商发给员工12个月以上的奖金，过去3年，我们都一直实行，最少有3次公司旅游奖励给予所有员工，包括杂务，接待员和茶水工。”

这也是安达集团为何取得 “2015年最佳雇主奖”和“2014年最有前景奖” ，由星报杰出商业大奖颁发。他们的座右铭是要努力工作，潜心玩乐，所以当他在2010年成立公司后，建设新的公司文化结构，征得股东同意奖励员工。

安达集团的年营业额为5亿令吉，也被称为市场上租赁回报保证的领导者，承接着项目管理的新商业模式，从其他发展商和土地所有者项目管理合同上渗透到新细节市场，并持续新的土地发展计划。

紧接着产业管理计划，作为发展商和土地所有者接手掌管Arc Ampang Ukay项目，这个占地约80亩的土地，将发展建设高质量住宅和商业产品。“我们也希望有公开上市的一天。”他说。

Captains & Legends, EZ 42, EZ 42, EZ 61 (2)

BUILDING CONFIDENCE THROUGH BEAUTY 整形搭建自信

March 23, 2016 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Dr Lee Kim Siea李金城医生

Consultant Plastic & Aesthetic Surgeon
of Carl Corrynton Medical Center (CCMC)

Enhancing natural beauty 增强自然之美

The world of cosmetic surgery is often misconstrued as one that is the unnecessary pursuit of the rich and famous but the truth is that this branch of medicine is equally important for the average person and the less fortunate. EZ had a chat with leading cosmetic surgeon Dr Lee Kim Siea on his profession and the beauty of it.

The ability to turn something that is physically flawed into something flawless and beautiful is a talent not everyone can boast of but this is exactly what Dr Lee Kim Siea does almost on a daily basis. The consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon may have been in this medical field for over two decades but he is still very much committed to working his magic for patients craving aesthetic changes.

“I chose to go into this field because the ability to correct deformities and deficiencies fascinates me,” Dr Lee, who has his own practice at the Carl Corrynton Medical Centre, said. The Carl Corrynton Medical Centre is a centre of excellence for cosmetic surgery, anti-aging and regenerative medicine. For Dr Lee, cosmetic surgery is all about helping patients by correcting their deformities/deficiencies and maintaining beauty for self-confidence, it is about enhancing natural beauty and not about total dramatic change.

“I want to correct deformities in patients so that they have a reasonable appearance to lead a more normal life in society,” he said.

Looking at the successful 55 year-old surgeon today, one would not have imagined that he came from humble beginnings. He was born the sixth child out of nine siblings in a poor family in Subang New Village, near Kuala Lumpur.

His chosen career path was not something he had dreamt of when young as it seemed to be an unreachable goal at that time. Amidst the poor background, Dr Lee worked hard at school, taking on holiday jobs. He obtained good grades. That opened doors for him to pursue medicine at the prestigious medical school in University of Malaya. His exceptional results also led to much needed study grants.

At medical school, Dr Lee was exposed to various fields of medicine and he developed an interest in surgery. He had initially chosen to be an orthopaedic surgeon when he was shown how a defect was reconstructed with microsurgery during a Clinical Cases Conference but later changed his mind to pursue plastic surgery. “I want to correct deformities in patients so that they have a reasonable appearance to lead a more normal life in society,” he said. He also likes the idea of giving his patients their self-confidence back by making them look good.

The initial interest in correcting gross deformities progressed to include correcting deficiencies, refining features and shape to enhance what nature has given, as in his tag line – Enhancing Natural Beauty.

“Cosmetic surgery is not just about physical appearances but it is also very much about giving our patients dignity and confidence to feel good about themselves by making them look good,” Dr Lee said. Dr Lee graduated in 1986 and worked in various hospitals before he obtained his surgical fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in October 1992.

He worked as a general surgeon and started training for plastic surgery in the United Kingdom in 1992. He went on to spend four years in the UK and by 1996, he was given the Postgraduate Diploma in Plastic Surgery by the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

Dr Lee started his current practice at Carl Corrynton Medical Centre in June 2013 and after almost three years, the centre is now one of the leading centres for cosmetic surgery, anti-aging and regenerative medicine. Prior to that, he had worked in various government hospitals before moving to Penang to work in Loh Guan Lye Specialists Centre. He was with Loh Guan Lye Specialists Centre for 15 years before striking out on his own at Carl Corrynton.

Nowadays, Dr Lee performs surgeries for both local and foreign patients, working his magic to make them look better and younger. Some of the more popular procedures he performs include eyelid surgery, BTA and Filler, fat grafts, facelifts, nose enhancement, laser-based procedures and also various body contouring procedures including breast enhancement. He finds it satisfying that after each procedure, his patients would come back happier and more confident. “It is very heartening to have patients coming back to me to tell me how much younger and better they look and feel after I treated them,” he said.

He may be at the top of his field now but Dr Lee is not one to rest on his laurels as he makes a point to attend courses to educate himself and keep himself updated in his field. He regularly attends medical conferences and due to his experience and expertise, he is often also one of the invited speakers in such conferences.

Looking forward, Dr Lee hopes to continue building up his cosmetic/aesthetic practice to be a plastic surgeon of distinction and living up to his tag line ‘Enhancing Natural Beauty’.

“I want my patients to look good at any age.” he said.

To find out more kindly contact us at enquiries@carlcorrynton.com or +604 8275 118, or visit our website http://www.carlcorrynton.com

整形手术常被误解为富人与名人之间的“非必要追求”，但事实是，整形治疗对于一般人来说是同等重要，尤其是那些不幸人士-EZ也对此追访整容外科权威的李金城医生。

让物理缺陷变成完美无瑕，这种才能并非每个人都具备，但这却是李金城医生几乎日常的基础。这名整形美容外科领域的权威虽然已有逾20年的相关经验，但无法消磨他对于医疗技术的精益求精和为患者打造美丽的渴望。

“选择进入这一领域，因为挽救和矫正畸形患者的技能吸引着我。”作为Carl Corrynton Medical Centre（康丽医院）的创始人之一，李金城也是这家集卓越整形美容手术、抗老化和再生医学中心的专科顾问。对他来说，整形手术是通过矫正畸形部位，协助患者保持美丽的自信。

这名55岁成功的外科医生，令人无法想象他出身于吉隆坡的一贫困家庭，也是9个兄弟姐妹中的老六。尽管在物质缺乏的背景下，他奋力拼搏念书，并考上马来亚大学医学院，而优异成绩也使他获得助学金持续深造。

他选择的职业道路是年轻时的梦想，似乎也是遥不可及的目标，可是在MCE中获得好成绩，这也为他打开了一扇走向医学的大门。

当李金城开始接触医学各个领域，他最初选择的是骨科矫形外科，也曾在临床案例发布会上展示缺陷以显微重建技术，但后来改变主意，转战整形外科手术。 “我希望纠正畸形患者的状况，让他们有合适的外观，过正常的社会生活。”而他对于重塑患者的自信心最为关注，尤其透过让他们觉得自傲的外观。从矫正严重畸形的最初兴趣，到发展为矫正缺陷，细化功能和外形，这所有的晋级提升，皆因他的个人追求：加强自然之美。

“整形手术不仅是容貌的改变，也是给予患者的尊严和信心，使他们看起来自我感觉良好。”李金城于1986年毕业后在各医院就业，过后在1992年10月获得英国爱丁堡皇家外科学院奖学金。

他曾作为一名普通外科医生，在1992至1996的4年间赴英国学校主修整形外科，最后取得英国皇家学院整形外科硕士文凭。

2013年6月开始，李医生开创康丽医院近3年来，该医院目前是整形手术，抗老化和再生医学的主要中心之一。之前，他曾在不同的政府公立医院服务，过后转到槟城卢源来专科医院任职长达15年，直至后来自己创立康丽医院。

如今，李医生严格执行对本地和外地患者的整形手术，犹如魔术，使患者看起来更年轻悦目。整形手术包括双眼皮，BTA除皱和填料手术，脂肪移植，鼻部调整，拉皮，激光整容程序，还有各种塑身整形，包括丰胸，也是较受欢迎的手术。

他觉得最满足的是完成每一道工序后，他的患者们在返回时显得更快乐与自信，而且非常令人振奋的是患者会说经过手术后，他们比之前看起来年轻漂亮多了。

在整形领域中，李金城可能已经是顶级专家，但他却未因此固步自封，时刻参加课程充实自己，并且随时接触新资讯。另外，他也定期参加医学会议，作为特邀解说和发言人，分享自己的经验与心得。

展望未来，李医生希望继续建设马来西亚的康丽医院，成为该地区领先的整形美容中心，最重要的是他的倡议：加强自然之美，“我想让患者们在每个年龄层都一样美丽动人”。

欲知详情，请电邮至 (enquiries@carlcorrynton.com) 或浏览官方网站 (www.carlcorrynton.com)

Captains & Legends, EZ 42, EZ 42, EZ 61 (2)

TOUR DE FORCE OF MALAYSIAN TOURISM 马来西亚旅游业的精心杰作

March 23, 2016 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Dato’ Mirza Mohammad Taiyab

Director General of Tourism Malaysia

Dato’ Mirza Mohammad Taiyab is a driving force behind the country’s rapidly growing tourism industry today, and it all stemmed from a youthful penchant for visiting new places, seeing amazing sights and experiencing different cultures.

The current Director General of Tourism Malaysia has spent most of his professional career promoting the Malaysia brand and enticing people all over the world to visit this vibrant multi-cultural nation. It was a path chosen long ago.

Growing up in the small town of Bagan Serai in Perak’s northern Kerian district, he was a member of the scout movement and would often go for camping trips and cycling excursions. His parents also frequently travelled around the country, and took him along.

“I developed an interest for travelling and nature, and that gave me an idea of what kind of profession I would choose after finishing school. I wanted something to do with travel,” he recalls.

Upon completion of his Senior Cambridge, he pursued his tertiary studies at UiTM, earning a Diploma in Tourism Administration, followed by a Degree then Masters in Business Administration.

He started off with a short stint as a contract manager of a motor trading company, before joining the then Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) in 1982 as an assistant director in its develoment and project management division.

Mirza then served as Director of the corporation’s Frankfurt office in Germany, overseeing promotional activities in Europe, followed by a similar posting as director of the Tokyo office in Japan. After 14 years in these posts, he was elevated to Director of the International Promotion Division.

He became Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia in 2004, and finally Director General in 2006. In all, he has served under 7 Tourism Ministers, and seen a paradigm shift in global travel and hospitality trends.

“When I started, the industry was very Euro-centric, and most tourists came from Europe or Australia. Back then, China, India or ASEAN countries weren’t regarded as a major source of tourism.”

“Things have since changed, and tourism today is very regional, with ASEAN now the focus. And Malaysia, being centrally located, gets a lot of interest from Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand and also China. “

“The brand is everything. We have added value to the name by adding ‘Truly Asia’ 15 years ago, to tell the world they can find a little sample of the continent, in Malaysia – a place where diverse peoples practice their own cultures and lifestyles, all living together in harmony and building the country.”

The country on track to achieve its target of 36 million tourists by 2020 under the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Programme, and hopes to generate RM168billion in revenue, more than double the current figure.

“When it comes to value of services, from hotels to shopping and food and beverage, Malaysia is one of the most attractive places in the world for that,” Mirza notes.

With tourism being an industry that deals with good times, his ascent through the ranks at Tourism Malaysia has been memorable. In particular, he fondly remembers the Visit Malaysia years in 1990, 1994, 2007 and 2014.

But there has also been frustration, like when tragedies happen. All it takes is one untoward incident, often beyond their control, to dissuade people from visiting.

“In 2014 for example, we were geared up to achieve a target of 28 million visitors. But then there were air tragedies, massive flooding, and security incidents. When these happen, you have to double your efforts to overcome it as quickly as possible,” adds Mirza.

He is confident the industry will continue to grow. The country is on track to achieve its target of 36 million tourists by 2020 under the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Programme, and hopes to generate RM168billion in revenue, more than double the current figure.

While he has never thought of quitting tourism and doing other things, he would like to share his knowledge and experience with the younger generations so they can also venture into the industry better prepared to face its challenges in the years to come.

“The young who wish to go into the tourism industry needs to know there is a lot of backend and behind the scenes work going on. One must be ready to operate from the back, before finally enjoying the fruits of being in front.“

“Every holiday period or festive season, one needs to sacrifice their own holidays, to ensure visitors enjoy theirs. Your holiday will have to come later, perhaps when you retire!” quips the father of three, who has been married for 22 years.

“Tourism is an industry of the future, and one of the fastest growing in the world. In years to come, technology, economy and security advancements will bring the world closer, and lead to more people travelling.”

“And that will help bridge peoples. For by appreciating and understanding each other’s cultures, and working together towards a common goal, we can all build society and make the world a better place to live.”

说拿督Mirza Mohammad Taiyab是马来西亚旅游业飞跃发展的原动力一点也不为过，而这一切仅是源于一名爱好四处游览，感受迷人景点与体验不同文化的年轻的心。

这名马来西亚旅游局的现任总监绝大部分重心都在促进推动马来西亚旅游品牌，让全世界的人们能到访这个充满活力的多元文化国家，这是一条其所选择的悠远道路。

在霹雳州北部Kerian区的 Bagan Serai 小镇长大，他是童子军活跃的一员，经常参与露营旅行和骑单车游览，而双亲更是带着他走遍世界许多国家。

“我深陷旅行和大自然，学校毕业后也给予我清晰的发展路向，我想要参与和旅行有关的事务。”完成剑桥高级会考后，他在玛拉工艺大学继续高等教育，获取旅游管理文凭，而接着就是工商管理硕士学位。

1982年，他作为发展和计划管理部助理总监就职于旅游发展机构（TDC）。在这之前，他在一家汽车贸易公司履行短期合约经理的工作。

Mirza当时被委派任职德国公司的法兰克福办事处主管，负责欧洲的策略推广，随后也担任日本东京办事处主管。历经14年的职业生涯，他被提升为国际宣传推广部总监。

随后，2004年升任马来西亚旅游局副总监，最后2006年再晋级总监，他已在7届旅游部长属下服务，并目睹全球旅游和酒店趋势的转变。

“从我开始的那时期，业内人士还是以欧洲游客为中心，大多数游客来自欧洲或澳大利亚，当时，中国，印度和东盟国家并没有被视为旅游业的主要来源。”

如今局势已经转变，现在的旅游业是多元区域，东盟国家目前是工作重点，而马来西亚位于中心点，得到来自新加坡、文莱，印尼，泰国和中国游客的关注。

“品牌就是一切，15年前我们通过主题”真实亚洲”告诉全世界，他们可以找到个好范本，在马来西亚，不同民族可以保留本身文化和生活方式的地方，并且和睦相处，建设国家。”

他说，谈到旅游服务价值，从酒店到购物与餐饮，马来西亚是世界上为最吸引人的地方之一。

旅游业是与好时光挂钩的行业，马来西亚旅游业的排名上升情况令人难忘。他特别怀念1990年，1994年，2007年与2014年的马来西亚旅游年。可是，当发生一些未知的灾祸或悲剧时，也容易造成挫折，这些状况往往阻挡了游客到访。

以2014年为例，他们作好万全准备，以实现2800万到访人次的目标。随着发生空气霾害，大规模的洪水天灾和治安事故，都让一切付诸流水。他说，当出现这些状况，只能尽快加倍努力去克服。
他相信这个行业持续增长，到了2020年实现3600万游客到访目标，而在旅游转型计划下，希望有1680亿令吉的总收益，超过目前的两倍。

而他从未想过抽离旅游行业或转行，非常愿意与年轻一代分享知识和经验，使他们也能在迈入这个行业更充分准备面对未来几年的挑战。

“那些踏入旅游行业的年轻一代需要更了解幕后工作与后台操作的策划准备，在享受成果之前，必须打好幕后基础。”

这名已历经22年婚姻生活，拥有3名孩子的父亲说，每到节假日期间，他们需要牺牲自己的休息时间，确保游客拥有美好的旅程，因此他估计休闲的日子可能要等到退休那一天。

“旅游是未来前进的产业，也是全世界不断增长的领域。在未来几年，技术，经济和治安的进步将缩短世界的距离，让更多人出行。”

他认为，这将有助于连接人们，通过欣赏与了解彼此的文化，朝着共同目标一起努力，构建和谐社会，让世界变得更美好。

Captains & Legends, EZ 41, EZ 61 (2), Vol 41

Staged for Stardom 璀璨盛开

January 26, 2016 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Joanne Yew
Malaysian Artiste

Locally produced blockbuster “The Journey” released in 2014, whilst having reeled in positive reviews for her lead role as Ah Bee, marks Joanne Yew’s debut into film. The icing to the cake was the eye-opening discovery that blood is indeed thicker than water. Taking on the part taught her plenty on a personal level as well as helped her become more appreciative of her family and the bond shared with those whom she knows care deeply about her.

PICTURE PERFECT

Thanks to the vast exposure gained in conjunction with the aforementioned milestone, she feels exceedingly humbled by the privilege to have starred in a production that went onto to put her on the map. As she prepares for her next project, Yew has set aside some time to pursue a season of leisurely travel with loved ones. Although the opportunity for respite in now within reach, her career is every bit a demanding undertaking.

Naturally, the tremendous success she currently enjoys wasn’t built overnight. Equipped with the determination to attain perfection with every career-inspired endeavour, each take on set regardless of length of shoot, is executed with absolute finesse to the point of faultlessness. On top of being a meticulous doer, Yew relishes acting roles that are the complete opposite of her personality; a good challenge easily gets her motor running.

Funny business

Unsurprisingly, new experiences inspire her, creating room for self-improvement. As much as this is true, Yew’s next desired feat to tackle is venturing into the comedic aspect of television. As easy as the genre might appear, it entails the personification of precise body language and subtle emotions to elevate a character and scene. Clearly it isn’t for everyone, considering the rigorous technique and skill level involved in flawless embodiment.

Believing she has what it takes, the actress intends to expand her portfolio to include comedy. In addition, fascinated by her brave yet elegant style, Yew aspires to someday work with TV giant Jun Ji Hyun, and won’t rest until the dream is realised. Seeing that The Journey has been by far her biggest accomplishment, many doors have since opened, enabling her to explore new territories and un-turn stones previously foreign.

Journeying beyond

Incidentally, her latest movie dubbed ATM added the avenue to rub shoulders with the entertainment industry’s elite of Hong Kong, many of whom she’d had wanted to work with. Although she hasn’t given it much thought, she is open to the idea of taking to Hong Kong should the opportunity arise. However, being a Chinese who is fluent Korean, she is certainly looking to expand her presence into the said Eastern market.

Being a multi-tasking talent is no easy feat—especially since she is both an actress and a model. Juggling the two different yet similar careers comes down to meticulous time management and absolute camera-readiness. Yet, she favours the former over the latter. “I prefer acting as I find playing someone’s life more enticing. It isn’t easy to adapt to a character in an audience-worthy manner, so acting is a very interesting process,” Yew tells Essenze.

“Off the set, Yew takes pleasure in relaxing at home; it is why her abode is a sanctuary that celebrates her favourite music as well as need for sensually-pleasing aromatics and uninterrupted bliss for the ultimate encounter with tranquility.”

Limelight worthy

Despite her widespread success and the glamour associated with her line of work, the film star confesses that had she not ventured into the aforementioned arenas, she would have delved into sales and marketing with a focus on skincare. As to why, she says servicing a client in need and offering helpful advice on good product choices are an appealing proposition. But for the time being, she’s set on taking her acting to even greater heights.

For her, being a public figure literally means having to be in the spotlight all the time, which itself poses its own challenges. In fact, the hardest part she notes is, having to introspectively determine ways to better herself in every aspect of her job and self. The perpetual scrutiny is something she is always mindful of; one misstep and it could signify the end of the road. Therefore, her commitment to positivism helps her maintain a healthy attitude and outlook.

BUILT FOR COMFORT

Off the set, Yew takes pleasure in relaxing at home; it is why her abode is a sanctuary that celebrates her favourite music as well as need for sensually-pleasing aromatics and uninterrupted bliss for the ultimate encounter with tranquility. Busy or not, nothing takes priority over her family; they’re the reward which matters to her the most. Finally, as she is an avid fan of property development, a personal aim is to develop her personal concept of the perfect dwelling place.

2014年上映的马来西亚温馨国产电影“一路有你”，尤凤音演出的“阿美”这个角色引来各方瞩目。在历经五味俱全的探索之旅后，终于发现血浓于水的事实，这段珍贵旅程提升了尤凤音的个人思考层面，更珍惜自己的家庭，懂得与关心她的人分享点滴。

完美影像
在这部堪称她的个人里程碑电影后，尤凤音获得更显著的注目，对此她感到荣幸。下一个计划，除了悠闲旅行与家人相聚，即使现在机会不断，但她对于职业生涯带有苛刻的承诺。

目前成功并非一夜促成，她拥有决心与启发，努力达到完美。而与荧幕上形象反差的是：尤凤音现实中是一丝不苟的人，但挑战与性格完全相反的的角色，会激起她堪称千层浪般的斗志。

全新经历也成就自我提升与创造了空间。她渴望下一次能够参与喜剧或者情景电视制作，类似题材需要精确的身体语言和微妙情感，相当考验应变能力与讲究演技水平。

为了扩大演绎范围，她也希望接拍更多作品包括喜剧。韩国电视剧女王全智贤勇敢而优雅的格调是钦慕所在，期待有天能与后者一起工作，在实现这个梦想之前不会轻易言休。从“一路有你”看到她至今的最好成就，往后她也将探索新领域或海外的邀约挑战。

超越路程
她最新电影“提款机”与香港的资深演员如夏雨、鲍起静等同台共演，虽然她未有提供想法和意见，但保持开放心态，等待机会闪现。作为一名华人，她曾在韩国大学修学，说得流利的韩语，她希望在东方市场可以逐渐扩大知名度。

除了是一名演员，她同时也是模特。在两个不同的时期，工作共同点是细致时间管理和绝对专业的镜头感。然而，她倾向于前者。“我更喜欢演戏，因为“渗透”别人的生活更好玩诱人。演出让观众印象深刻的角色不容易，是有趣的过程。”

聚光灯下
尽管目前的成功与表演的魅力脱不了关系，但如果没从事影视行业，她会选择深入钻研护肤品营销。她说，为客户提供服务和有用的建议，让他们选择适用的产品会带来满足感。可是，暂时目前，她会把重心放在提高演技水平。

作为公众人物，就必须意识时刻处在聚光灯下，这也构成本身挑战。事实上，关于最困难的部分，她指出，勿忘初心，发掘和确定自己更好的一面，尤其是自我审查，因为一失足，意味着这条路已经到头，因此，保持健康的态度和外观是必须的。

建立舒适
在家的时刻是最放松的，她的住家是一个圣地，聆听着自己喜欢的音乐，个人时光拥有不间断的幸福感。忙碌或不忙，没有什么比她的家庭更重要。由于还热衷参与房产业务，个人目标是推展她的个人完美居所概念。

Oo Lean Hooi Partner Business Development Director of Ichi Media

Dato’ Sri Dr Vincent Tiew Managing Director of Andaman Property Group

Oo Lean Hooi
Partner Business Development Director of Ichi Media

Dato’ Sri Dr Vincent Tiew
Managing Director of Andaman Property Group