Category Archives: Vol 36

Raising The Bar On Urban Living

Eupe Corporation Berhad, one of northern Malaysia’s leading property developers, is heading to Kuala Lumpur and has set its sights on revolutionizing the style of contemporary living in the country’s capital.

Text and Images Courtesy of EUPE

Eupe, recognized as one of Malaysia’s Top Property Developers (2013) as well as Malaysia’s Township Developer of the Year (2014) has its first two major residential projects in Kuala Lumpur lined up for construction in the not too distant future. Both The Weave in Cheras and Novum at South Bangsar will be defined by iconic architectural designs and a new, all-inclusive approach to urban lifestyles.

According to Managing Director, Dato’ Beh Huck Lee, the company has been realising the lifestyle dreams of thousands of Malaysians since it started operations in 1986. “Over that time we have built more than 20,000 homes and in the process become one of the largest and most respected developers in northern Malaysia,” he says. “We strive to provide innovative living solutions that are anchored in the enduring values that have shaped our history and legacy. Our core value is trust.”

As a trusted property developer, Eupe aims to provide high-quality, distinctive yet affordable residential living that will benefit not only homebuyers and investors, but the community in the long term.

WEAVING A NEW CONCEPT OF LIVING
In line with these values, the 40-storey The Weave project is designed to be entirely ‘people focused’ with four key factors in mind.

Design for Family
Design for Community
Design for Convenience
Design for Security

“All The Weave’s facilities and functions have been planned to help make its residents’ daily life more convenient, comfortable, secure and pleasurable,” Dato’ Beh affirms. “We haven’t just tried to match or compete with other developments. Instead we’ve put in a lot of thinking to create a complete package that is focused on the needs of residents, as well as facilities they may not think they might need but will want.”

“What we wanted to achieve with the design is for residents to know Eupe has put in a lot of effort into thinking and conceptualising a complete and comfortable lifestyle experience for them. The end result is an all-inclusive concept that weaves together family life, community togetherness, lifestyle facilities that cater for every need, as well as security and convenience for a new level of urban living.”
NEW AGE LIVING TODAY
Eupe’s development in South Bangsar, Novum which means ‘new innovation’ in Latin summarises perfectly what the project represents. That is because it has been conceptualised and designed around three ‘news’.

The first is ‘New Bangsar’. Novum’s iconic architectural design and the latest in contemporary facilities and conveniences will define this exciting new precinct for years to come.

The second, ‘New Lifestyle’ offers novel facilities such as open green spaces, common areas as well as mood-scapes to cater for every lifestyle need. The mood-scapes consist of tranquil spaces for quiet moments to shared spaces that residents can enjoy with each other, to active spaces for all their fitness and wellbeing needs.

The third is the ‘New Digital Life’ which brings the best in digital lifestyle with a wide range of digital facilities as well as new levels of high-speed connectedness and convenience.

Located in one of the most strategic areas in the capital for leisure and work opportunities, residents at Novum will be close to major highways and amenities, as well as being accessible to popular neighbourhoods and the best in shopping and entertainment.

“Novum embodies the best in new thinking, innovative design and meticulous planning that differentiates our developments from others,” says Dato’ Beh. “It offers residents and future generations a progressive, iconic home and stylish, contemporary lifestyle whilst defining the identity of South Bangsar as a new and highly liveable location within one of Malaysia’s most desirable city areas.’

Eupe’s initial projects in Kuala Lumpur reflect an ongoing focus and commitment to excellence and innovation that has seen the company become a trailblazer in property development in its home state of Kedah. The Somerset development in Sungai Petani, Kedah’s main population centre, underlines just why the company continues to break new ground in premium living in northern Malaysia.

Comprising a limited number of spacious homes The Somerset offers contemporary and airy indoor spaces that spill onto outdoor terraces, as well as extensive roof gardens that are the highlight of each unit. It’s also the first project in the region with an impressive price tag of over RM1 million per unit.

The development, which is now moving into its second stage, is situated on a hill just outside Eupe’s Cinta Sayang Resort and its 200 acres of golf and recreational areas.

Cutting into the hill has been minimized to maintain the original contours of the land and to maximize Somerset’s sustainability credentials.

“The concept is one of openness, where the areas merge seamlessly into one another so as to increase flexibility of space usage,” explains Eupe’s Corporate Manager, Marketing and Design, Datin Michelle Gan. “The flow of spaces, like the flow of chi, has been emphasized in the design for comfort and practicality.

‘Light and air are the key elements with high ceilings and extensive use of glass to maximise natural lighting and ventilation,” she continues. “We also call the development ‘Head of the Dragon’ because of the natural contours that allow the homes to perch above the world. This not only gives Somerset a distinctive enclave feeling but also naturally enhances the security of the precinct.”

Stage One of the project was launched late 2013 and take-up has been strong. Registrations for Stage Two of the project are now open. “The strong response shows home buyers in the region want a distinctive type of premium housing which merges community living with safe, secure natural surrounds,” says Ms Gan. “The whole concept is based on effortless livability with an emphasis on difference.”

For further information on The Weave, Novum and Somerset projects, please visit http://www.eupe.com.my where you can sign up to receive Eupe’s digital magazine, Property Trust.
FOR SALES ENQUIRES ON:

The Weave, please contact Danniel Tan
on (+6) 012-423 6662
Novum, please contact Steven Tham
on (+6) 016-971 0174
The Somerset please contact
(+6) 04-441 4888 or
by email sales@eupe.com.my

Escape to the desert

Experience the majestic Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort with a stay at their exclusive Royal Pavilion Villas located in a secluded setting of the United Arab Emirates desert.

Images courtesy of Minor Hotel Group

Set against the dramatic landscape of The Empty Quarter – the world’s largest stretch of uninterrupted sand desert, the exclusive collection of Royal Pavilion Villas is the epitome of Arabian elegance. The unique retreat located just one kilometre from Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is ideal for guests seeking a truly bespoke getaway and seclusion.

The Royal Pavilion Villas by Qasr Al Sarab comprise ten fully self-contained pool villas complete with swimming pool, outdoor rainforest showers, sunbathing cabana, terrace dining and lawn areas as well as the main Pavilion which houses Porte Cochere, a welcome Lounge, The Dining Room, The Lounge, The Terrace, The Workout Room, The Spa and an impressive outdoor area.

Evening cocktails are served daily at the guests’ choice of either The Lounge or The Terrace, both offering spectacular views of the changing colours of the desert sands. With the twinkling lights of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort emerging at dusk, the experience is nothing short of fairytale grandeur.

Signature touches include exclusive transport (private limousine or helicopter transfers) from Abu Dhabi or Dubai Airport to the resort, a traditional UAE falcon experience upon arrival, traditional Arabic tea tasting and Arabic inspired Afternoon Tea set, followed by a personal escort to their Royal Pavilion Villa where they will be pampered with a relaxing foot ritual to start their experience in lavish style.

For more information go to http://www.royalpavilionvillas.com

CUSTOMISED CUISINE

Let your tastebuds dictate with Maple Palace’s personalised dining experience

Award-winning Maple Palace Restaurant is widely acclaimed as one of the best places to dine and been seen in. Taking palatial dining a step further, Maple Palace recently introduced its made-to-order experience where dishes are cooked to suit individual tastes and preferences even allowing for patrons to order off the menu.

As its name suggests, Maple Palace restaurant specialises in a wide-range of Cantonese and Szechuan dishes made from the freshest and finest ingredients. Giving tradition a little artisan twist, the elaborate dishes are prepared with unique interpretations that pay homage to many different Asian cooking methods.

The restaurant was recently honoured at the inaugural “Pinnacle International Excellence (PIE) Award 2014” where proprietor-cum-chef, Tan Loy Sin, walked away with the Emerging Class trophy for Fine Dining (Chinese).“The main specialty of Maple Palace is the good food and beautiful environment,” explains Loy emphasising that his restaurant continually strives to provide the best to its customers.

Loy, along with his team of kitchen mavericks, relentlessly work to design a completely new menu every six months. This enables diners to experience a completely new culinary adventure each time they visit the restaurant. The latest addition to their dining menu includes succulent pieces of Honey BBQ Pork and Braised Sea Cucumber & Goose Web in Garden Greens plus a selection of western fusion dishes such as Stir Fried Australia Scallops with Asparagus & XO Sauce and Stir-fried Venison with Dragon Fruit. The blending of both old and new, east and west make for an unforgettable dining experience.

Just as much thought and effort that goes into maintaining the menu and the dining room, equal emphasis is placed on ensuring the quality of the food that leaves the kitchen. Maple Palace is famous for its commitment to purity of the food. No MSG is used in the preparation of the food nor is the freshness of the ingredients used ever compromised.

It is no wonder that the restaurant attracts the upper echelons of society for various dining events. Catering to an elite clientele, the restaurant which has a seating capacity of 320 persons has become a much sought-after venue for society weddings, milestone celebrations as well as the regular family gatherings.

Cocktail Craft BY CHIVAS

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury Scotch whisky, celebrated the craftsmanship at the heart of bartending with the launch of its first-ever global cocktail competition, The Chivas Masters. 

Images courtesy of image.net

The Chivas Masters sees the iconic brand highlight its rich heritage by challenging the world’s best mixologists to create classic cocktails from four of the great cocktail eras – the Classic Age (1880-1920), the Post War Boom (1945-1965), the Disco Years (1975-1990) and the present modern Age of Revivalism.

The exclusive competition culminated in a two-day grand final held at The Nomad, New York on 15 July, was judged by a distinguished panel of leading bartenders, past and present, from New York’s bar scene.  Amongst them was Agostino ‘Ago’ Perrone of London’s prestigious Connaught Bar. A previous winner of the World’s Best Bartender award at “Tales of the Cocktail”, Ago not only served as judge but was also invited to create an exclusive cocktail for

the event.

Contestants were assessed on their knowledge of each era’s cocktail heritage, their creativity and ability to bring the story behind their serves to life, as well as the name, appearance and quality of their cocktail creations.

American bartender, Masahiro Urushido emerged winner over 12 other international competitors, receiving the distinction as Chivas Regal’s first ever Chivas Master with his creation ‘The New Pal’ cocktail.

Shori – Synergizing culture and craftsmanship

Leading pewter brand Royal Selangor joins creative forces with 300-year old Japanese lacquer-ware experts Zohiko to produce exclusive sculptures featuring the legendary koi.

Crafted in pewter and lacquered with the age-old Maki-e technique, the Shori collection pays homage to the Japanese legend of a determined koi who turned into a dragon. The old myth recounts the attempts by a school of koi swimming against the flow of a waterfall to reach the top. Only one would succeed, pleasing the Gods and as a reward was turned into a magnificent dragon.

First cultivated in Japan, the koi or nishikigoi are one of the most elegant and graceful ornamental fish species that come in a variety of colours – each with its own significance. The limited edition sculptures feature three variations of the koi—Go, Miyabi and Irodori —a deep bronze symbolizing strength, gold exuding elegance and a multi-coloured koi to represent beauty.

Cast in fine Royal Selangor pewter, each piece is painstakingly hand-worked and polished by skilled artisans, breathing life into the elements that surround the fish. The completed pewter work is then flown to Kyoto where Zohiko’s craftsmen add the finishing touch of lacquer sprinkled with gold and silver dust, followed by more layers of lacquer. The pieces are then carefully polished to reveal the intricate design.

The Shori sculptures come complete in a box that also functions as a display case. Carefully assembled, the back and base panels are specially lacquered with the Mine kumo nuri technique pioneered by Zohiko to produce a mesmerizing blue on black effect and used for the first time in this collection.

The Shori collection can be viewed at selected Royal Selangor retail stores. The collection is limited to 88 sets worldwide and is only available upon order.

For more details visit shori.royalselangor.com

PICTURES to Pills

Japanese multinational photography and imaging company Fujifilm develops drug to fight Ebola

World-renowned Japanese photography and imaging company Fujifilm, made headlines when they announced their latest discovery in August this year. Many would have expected it to be the unveiling of their latest high-tech camera or photography equipment but on the contrary, the discovery was a new drug, Favipiravir, to aid in combating the deadly Ebola virus.

Toyama Chemicals, a subsidiary company of Fujifilm, is credited with making this discovery. Takao Aoki, a Fujifilm representative stated that since Ebola and influenza viruses are similar, theoretically the same effects could be expected on Ebola. The Japanese government has approved the drug to be used against Ebola but the efficacy of the drug is yet to be tested on either monkeys or humans. Favipiravir is currently in clinical test in United States with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discussion on its usage on Ebola patients is still on going.

One might wonder on the reasons for Fujifilm to venture into a totally different field but the flexibility of the highly reputable Japanese company is set to benefit them in a number of ways. It is only a matter of time before Fujifilm starts to milk profits from its diversification. Since the announcement, their shares went up to 8.83% and with the majority of the Japanese population aged 50 and above, the pharmaceutical sector is expected to see continued growth.

Instead of competing within one’s market, Fujifilm took the more challenging route of developing new products and businesses. Mr Shigetaka Komori, CEO of Fujifilm commented on their expansion, saying, “We have more pockets and drawers in our company”. Fujifilm’s diversified business now carries a range of products from different markets such as anti aging cream, medicine, dietary supplies, cosmetics, radiography film and equipment as well as mammography appliances.

Many other multinationals have also started to be proactive by expanding into different markets. Sony, which is often associated with electronic goods have begun to cater to the demands of medical science with their new cell analysis device used in cancer and stem cell research. Similarly, Panasonic, one of the largest Japanese electronic producers, has also tried its hand at medical machinery with its brainchild, a robot called HOSPI. That transports medicine from one place to another within the hospital. Taking this a step further, Japanese multinational and engineering company, Toshiba opened their own hospital in central Tokyo equipped with its own brand of machinery and equipments.

SOLD OUT LITTLE PRINCESS A BIG HIT AT ‘FOUL’ EXHIBITION

It was another record-breaking evening at PINKGUY as the limited 8 pieces ‘Little Princess’ sculpture by Ch’ng Huck Theng, sold out during the opening night. 

Every parent knows the bittersweet emotion that is part and parcel of raising children and it is no different with artist Ch’ng Huck Theng whose Little Princess sculpture, a personal tribute to his own daughter, struck a sentimental chord with guests and was sold out within hours at the opening soiree.

The successful opening was officiated by Dato’ Mahadzir Lokman the Chairman of the National Visual Arts Development Board and attended by a select guest list of art collectors, experts and friends.

The bronze figure depicting a child-woman standing erect with an almost regal demeanor marks the artist’s own journey of fatherhood from the birth of his little princess to watching her grow up into a confident and independent young lady. No doubt it is a journey that many of the attending guests could relate with, making them eager to own a work of art that best epitomizes this personal emotion.

The event which took place at PINKGUY Gallery on Saturday, 23rd August 2014 was the first solo bronze exhibition by Ch’ng Huck Theng. Presenting 15 bronze works which were displayed over the water feature which graces the lobby of Marc Residences, “FOUL” introduced a new perspective to the concept of identity in which the question of race, religion, nationality and ethnicity is deliberately left out.

Those attending the event were also privileged to witness the unveiling of Ch’ng’s latest work ‘Princess Liberty’ in which the bronze figure of a woman riding a horse raises the question of whether there is freedom in anonymity. Other pieces that were bought that evening include ‘Anak Malaysia’ a set of three figures representing the three main races of Malaysia, and ‘Checkmate’, the artist’s interpretation of a chess board.

Tracing the legacy of batik sarong

Batik is one of the most popular of Malaysian crafts, yet so much can still be discovered about its history and development. Adline A. Ghani shares about a unique research project spearheaded by none other than Raja Datin Paduka Fuziah Raja Tun Uda, fondly known as Mak Engku, a woman who has dedicated her life to the development and promotion of Malaysian arts and crafts. 

Images Courtesy of the Batik Terengganu research team

Throughout her illustrious career, which began in the 1960s, Raja Fuziah has held several esteemed titles, including the first Director General of the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (MHDC), President of the World Craft Council (WCC) Asia Pacific Region (which she currently serves as a board member) and Deputy Director General of the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture in Istanbul (IRCICA).

Though she must have been busy raising a family, while breaking new ground and blazing trails for women in the industry, Raja Fuziah also took the time to organise and curate many exhibitions, publish numerous essays and lend her support and expertise to the local and international arts and crafts community. It came as no surprise, therefore, that she was chosen to receive the prestigious National Art Award 2008 for the Promotion of the Arts (Individual Category) by the Malaysian government.

Having published her book Batik Malaysia Design and Innovation 1960s – 1990s two years ago, Raja Fuziah is not quite ready to rest on her laurels. Instead, she has set out to delve further into Malaysian batik with her latest endeavour, Batik Sarong Terengganu – A Research Project.

The Project

The Batik Sarong Terengganu research project aims to compile and provide a comprehensive database on the batik sarong of Terengganu. It will chart the history and origins of batik sarong, how it was made and traded, as well as who were involved in developing the industry, how they were involved and what is happening to the batik sarong industry today.

The culmination of this project will be marked by the publication of a book entitled Batik Sarong Malaysia: Heritage of Today for Tomorrow, authored by Raja Fuziah, which is meant to serve as a reference for future generations of art researchers and enthusiasts.

Due to the scale of the project, Raja Fuziah is assisted by Erna Dyanty Mad Daluis, who has worked in the art industry for more than a decade. Erna, who also holds a Master’s In Art Management, serves the project as a coordinator and assistant researcher. In addition, she has helped the project tap into the power of social media, using platforms such as Facebook, Tumblr and YouTube to spread the word and raise the funds necessary for them to embark on research and documentation, as well as publish their findings.

The full cost required for the project is RM100,00.00, which will also be utilised to develop a batik archive, support their innovation and creative platform programme, as well as organise an exhibition and educational programmes.

The aim, as always, is to bring attention to the urgency of preserving Malaysian batik sarong. The exhibition and hands-on workshops, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, are planned for December 2014. With enough funds, it would be possible for the team to transfer the knowledge into a digital format and have it available online for everyone around the world.

The Innovation and Creative Platform

With the knowledge and insight gained through this research project, Raja Fuziah envisions the establishment of the Innovative and Creative Platform, which seeks to merge the skills of traditional batik craftsmen and young Malaysian designers.  This merger is hoped to promote the transfer and sharing of knowledge between these two skills sets, in an effort to preserve our cultural heritage and the Easy Coast’s cottage industry.

The product of this merger will be materialised in limited-edition batik sarongs, which will also be turned into items like pouches and bags. As such, the Batik Sarong Terengganu Research Project is collaborating with local creative brand timitimitonga, also known as TiMi. Created by young Malaysian talent, Fariza Azlina Isahak, TiMi produces beautifully-handcrafted batik totes made out of limited-edition batik prints.

As Raja Fuziah and Erna embark on their batik adventure, they urge fellow Malaysians, cultural heritage advocates and anyone who has a love for art to join them in preserving something now for our future. As Erna eloquently states, “Everyone can be part of an innovative and creative project that serves to preserve a national cultural heritage.”

TIES THAT BIND THROUGH ART

More than 250 art lovers and collectors attended the official opening of the second edition of “ARTS KL – Melbourne”. The event which was officiated by Malaysian-born Melbourne City Councillor Ken Ong and MATRADE Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Wong Lai Sum took place at the newly opened gallery, SpACE @ Collins, 278 Collins Street on 6th October.

In an effort to widen the base of exports, MATRADE is now also focusing on the promotion of soft exports, which includes design and arts as a means of boosting trade between the two countries.

During her opening speech, Wong said it was heartening to witness a thriving art scene in Malaysia and it was encouraging to see Malaysian art appreciated overseas. “The exposure of our art last year has resulted in widespread awareness, generating greater demand for works by contemporary artists from Malaysia,” she said. “Many of our artists have been invited to take part in international art exhibitions and art auctions.”

Joe Perri, President of the Australia Malaysia Business Council Victoria also noted that art and culture were equally important contributors to economic wellbeing. “It is definitely an export opportunity and a contributor to Malaysian GDP and overseas bilateral trade success.”

Featuring works by the late Ho Khay Beng and Khaw Sia, Fendy Zakri, Haffendi Anuar, Hasanul Isyraf Idris, Ismail Awi, Khairul Arshad, Lim Anuar, Raja Norzlipah Raja Ahmad, Rozana Mohamed, Yeoh Choo Kuan, Zaim Durulaman, photographer Layzhoz Yeap and 11-year-old Delwin Cheah the artworks were carefully selected based on market suitability. As part of MATRADE’s “business with a heart” initiative, the exhibition also carried the works of the handicap which received good response.

Asian contemporary artist Ch’ng Huck Theng who resumed his curatorial duties for the second year running pointed out the importance of the public being able to relate to the art by understanding its origins rather than merely admiring techniques and finished pieces.

Regenerative medicines offer new lifeline for many

By Shane Fonseca
M-Tech Chiropractic (RSA)

With the average life expectancy climbing ever higher due to advancements in medical technology, it has become increasingly important to move into a preventative health paradigm, especially with regards to the musculoskeletal system of the human body. 

Advancements in the field of cosmetic surgery have proverbially opened a Pandora’s Box for all those capable of enjoying the benefits. However, these external enhancements cannot replace the long term damage of tired spinal joints, osteoarthritic knees, untreated idiopathic scoliosis, and the “silent killer” – pinched nerves resulting from Spinal Disc Degeneration.

Slipped Disc and Inter-Vertebral Disc degeneration is one of the most common causes of back pain today, affecting more than 30 percent of adults over the age of 20 years. Unfortunately, its prevalence is further increased exponentially with advancing age. It is currently the single largest reason (65 percent of sick cases) besides the common cold resulting in absenteeism and loss of productivity at the work place.

This epidemic is dramatically affecting the quality of lives by ruthlessly condemning its sufferers to either severe pain or surgery. However surgery is still a poorly developed treatment protocol, with more than 40 percent of patients having an unsatisfactory outcome for primary disc surgery, with more than 75 percent of those patients suffering from recurrent back pain within a year of the surgery itself.

At present, the primary non-surgical treatment protocol for disc bulges and spinal nerve pathology is Spinal Decompression Therapy. With a success rate of over 83 percent, it is fast proving to be the treatment of choice for both patients and doctors alike. Spinal Decompression Therapy is a computerized, machine based protocol designed to unload the tired, bulging dehydrated lower back and neck discs by cycling through distraction and relaxation phases. This allows for the accurate repositioning of the discs, while creating a negative pressure within the disc material. This facilitates the resorption and hydration of any bulging disc material, restoring disc health and reducing the associated nerve compression causing relentless back, leg or arm pain.

Children, like adults, also have degenerative health concerns. Over 67 percent of our children are affected with Idiopathic Scoliosis a manageable but devastating condition. It is the most common spinal deformity confronting orthopedic surgeons today with Asia currently having the highest incidence of idiopathic scoliosis in the world. Described as ‘progressively relentless, deadly at its end result’, early detection and treatment is critical. A Dynamic Scoliosis Bracing System offers the first and only Dynamic Corrective Brace for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis in the world. Together with physiotherapy it provides an 89 percent efficacy rate.

Other medical advancements in joint-muscle healthcare include Cold Laser for accelerated regenerative repair, Extra Corporeal Shockwave Therapy to break down scar tissue and remodel living bone, and Whole Body Vibration Therapy for advanced acceleration, balance and strength training.

If you think aches and pains are part of growing old and is something you just have to “ live with it”, THINK AGAIN! You deserve a life that is free of pain, a life that is full of vigour. At TAGS, our team is here to help you get well and most importantly, stay well.