Category Archives: Mind Philosophy

Shining the spotlight on the creative realm of the sublimely artistic and bringing the latest and breaking news from the art world

EZ 53 - Mind Philosophy, EZ 61 (2), Mind Philosophy

Bayan-Ölgii Mongolia 大漠煙光

March 5, 2019 EZ Malaysia

For thousands of years, nomadic tribes in Mongolia faced countless armed conflicts with their surrounding countries including the majority Han Chinese in China mainland.

A young Kazakh lady.jpg — 曾经沧海难为水，除却巫山不是云
*A young Kazakh lady with her hunting eagle. The Kazakhs have preserved this hunting tradition for more than two thousand years*

The boundless Mongolian steppe became the most important frontier defence of the Han Chinese Government. During the Tang and Song Dynasty, more than a thousand years ago, many government officials in the frontier were literature scholars capable of creating great everlasting poems. In their long countless days in the steppe, these Chinese scholars wrote many timeless poems that have had long lasting effects on Chinese literature and also Chinese-Japanese ink wash paintings. The famous Wang Wei (699–759) of Tang dynasty is one of them who wrote poems that described the Mongolian land : “A smoke hangs straight on the desert vast and the sun sits round on the endless river.

While travelling on the ancient exotic route of Mongolia, one should bring along a book of Tang-Song poems. “Boundless sky is so blue, the wilderness seems boundless too. Rippling through the pastures, north winds blow; the grass bends low, cattle and sheep to show.” The poem itself is a collection of light and shadow, a true photography album.

单于北望拂云堆，杀马登坛祭几回
*Portrait of a Kazakh nomad*

数千年来，蒙古各地的游牧民族和周边国家有过无数次的武装冲突，漠北一望无际的茫茫草原，也成了历来汉族王朝的边防要务。

唐宋时期，当时被发配到北方大漠的汉族官吏，有为数不少才华洋溢的文人。漠北万里风霜，有绮丽雄壮的风景，草原山丘光暗错落，显隐交杂，在文人笔下更显得气势磅礡。

悠悠岁月里，多愁善感的文人在大漠草原写下了许多流传千古的诗词，后世称之「边塞诗」。信手拈来，如唐代王维（692年-761年）的《使至塞上》「大漠孤烟直，长河落日圆」；李白（701年-762年）《关山月》「明月出天山，苍茫云海间」；鲜卑族的民歌「天苍苍，野茫茫。风吹草低见牛羊」；乃至近代的毛泽东的诗词《沁园春》「北国风光，千里冰封，万里雪飘」。千余年来诗人的边塞吟咏都是别致醉人大漠摄影集。

游走漠北时记得带上一册唐宋诗集，一边走一边读，犹如赴一趟与唐宋诗人分享视觉和心灵的享宴。

Kazakh horseman.jpg — 草枯鹰眼疾，雪尽马蹄轻
*Kazakh horseman in Altai Mountain of Western Mongolia*

EZ 53 - Mind Philosophy, EZ 61 (2), Mind Philosophy

Opening Of The Albukhary Foundation Gallery of The Islamic World At The British Museum

March 5, 2019 EZ Malaysia

by Adline Abdul Ghani

177A2989 — Opening ceremony of Albukhary foundation Gallery of the Islamic world at the Great Court, The British Museum.

177A3107 — Guests admiring the priceless artifacts displayed in the Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World following the gallery’s launching ceremony.

693A0192 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, being guided through the gallery by Venetia Porter, Assistant Keeper (Curator), Islamic and contemporary Middle East of the British Museum.

For the past forty years, the Albukhary Foundation has committed itself to the areas of education, social welfare and religion, with the intent of bridging further understanding between cultures and faiths. On the cultural front, its key role has been reflected in its initiation and ceaseless support of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) in Kuala Lumpur, now the largest museum in the Asia Pacific. Its initiatives on arts and culture, now continues with the establishment of the Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World at the British Museum.

Opening its doors to the public on 18th October 2018, The Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World is a major re-display of the British Museum’s world-class Islamic collection. As a comprehensive presentation of the Islamic world through art and material culture, it will underscore global connections across a vast region of the world from West Africa to Southeast Asia and reflect links between the ancient and medieval, as well as the modern worlds.

The British Museum’s collection of Islamic material uniquely represents the finest artworks alongside objects of daily life, such as modern games and musical instruments. The collection includes archaeology, decorative arts, arts of the book, shadow puppets, textiles and contemporary art. The creation of the Albukhary Foundation Gallery provides an extraordinary opportunity to display these objects in new ways that showcase the people and cultures of the Islamic world, as well as the ideas, technologies and interactions that inspired their visual culture.

Designed by Stirling Prize-winning architects Stanton Williams and in close collaboration with the British Museum, the new gallery has been created by opening up and significantly refurbishing two historic, 19th-century spaces on the first floor of the Museum. Adjacent to recently renovated European galleries, these spaces have been closed to visitors for several years.

The displays are enhanced by an engaging new programme of digital media that comprises a series of introductory films focussing on topics such as architectural decoration, ceramic technology, arts of the book and music. An accompanying website will allow for further research and exploration of the collections on display. The visitor will have the opportunity to engage directly with objects at a dedicated handling desk managed by the Museum’s volunteer programme.

The new gallery also accommodates a permanent presence for light-sensitive objects such as works on paper and textiles, which will be regularly changed. These will include stunning 14th century illustrated pages from one of the most celebrated oral traditions, the Persian epic Shahnama (Book of Kings) which will be shown alongside monumental folios of the 16th-century Indian Mughal emperor Akbar’s Hamzanama (Adventures of Hamza). Overseeing the gallery will be the curatorial team, which consists of Venetia Porter, Ladan Akbarnia, Fahmida Suleman, Zeina Klink-Hoppe, Amandine Mérat and William Greenwood.

Hartwig Fisher, Director of the British Museum, said, “The galleries and permanent displays of the British Museum’s collection show us the interconnectedness of our shared cultures. The Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World allows us to display this world-class collection to tell a more universal story of Islam in a global context. I am grateful to the Albukhary Foundation and the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia for supporting this important new gallery.”

Meanwhile, Syed Mohamad Albukhary, Director of the Islamic Art Museum Malaysia, said, “After years of preparation, it is enormously gratifying to see the Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World open to the public. This gallery will certainly form an educational space and will contribute in strengthening the visitors’ experience and in their understanding of the Islamic civilisation”.

EZ 53 - Mind Philosophy, EZ 61 (2)

The Big Business of Forging in Art and Antique

March 5, 2019 EZ Malaysia

When auction houses are hammering away incredible prices on arts and antiques, it is normal that galleries would take advantage of the situation and tag items with a higher price. Hence, making owners with the knowledge of the product demand high or sometimes unreasonable premiums. Eventually, this circle will lead to a spike of fakes, imitations and forgeries. In modern technology today, news travels at high speed through the internet and social media world. It is not difficult for owners, collectors, sellers and even criminals to know what is of high demand in the current market. News like an 18th century Chinese vase found in a shoebox in an attic in France that sold for USD 19 million caused a big commotion among collectors, motivating them to embark on a hunt for such pieces hoping to have the same luck.

In a simple economical and business environment, demand dictates supply. What if the demand for genuine pieces are high but there is not enough supply? Ultimately, this will require an alternate source of supply to satisfy the market. Imitations or replicas of old pieces are thus produced and sold as new pieces for those who only seek nice affordable pieces for decoration purposes. However, unethical dealers would produce fakes and pass them off as genuine pieces with an intention to cheat the buyer. In short, replicas are legal, but if one tries to pass off a new piece as an antique it is considered a criminal offense.

The business of fake antique pieces is actually one of the fastest growing businesses in the world. In 2014, a report by Switzerland’s Fine Art Expert Institute (FAEI) stated that at least half of the artwork being circulated in the market is fake. Al Jazeera reported in 2015 the fact that buyers from China spent more than USD 5.5 billion on Chinese art and antiques in 2014, yet Sotheby’s Asian art expert, Nicolas Chow, said that: “Virtually 99.9% of what you see in the art world is wrong.” This alone poses as a rather alarming issue. Stories of collectors having porcelain makers in Jingdezhen use their genuine antique pieces as reference to duplicate high quality copies which they then place in smaller auction houses in America or Europe ‘claiming provenance’ is also a shock to hear. Some of the most recent cases in 2018 include incidents such as when the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent was found exhibiting 26 fake works by Kazimir Malevich and Wassily Kandinsky and the Telegraph’s report on how there was only one genuine work of Amedeo Modigliani among a collection of 21 fake paintings that were on exhibition at Genoa’s Palazzo Ducale.

chinese-vase (1) — An 18th century Chinese vase found in a shoebox in an attic in France sold for 16.2 million euros (£14.3 million) at auction in Paris

The fake market is now so common across the world that there is actually a museum exhibiting fakes. The Museum of Art Fakes in Vienna that opened in 2005 invited some of the master art forgers to exhibit their creations. Among them were German artist, Edgar Mrugalla, a self taught expert in copying works of Rembrandt, Picasso and Renoir. He has painted more than 3500 pieces by the time he was 65, jailed and eventually released to work for authorities to help uncover dubious artworks. On the other side of the continent, there is a famous art village called Dafen in China that produced an estimate 60% of the world’s oil paintings a few years back. People that worked in the studios and galleries were like art processors with jobs of ‘xeroxing’ famous works of artists no matter dead or alive as long as there were people in demand of the art piece. However, the Chinese government eventually intervened because cheap fakes were no longer viable in the rapid rising cost and e-commerce environment and original works were encouraged. This has however forced many art forgers to take higher risks to forge more expensive pieces in order to survive.

Although authorities around the world are clamping down on syndicates and master forgers in the art field, one must understand that to do so it is extremely difficult due to the efficiency of high tech scanners and printing machines these days. The similarity of the fake piece to the original piece is so precise that some experts hesitate on the originality of the piece and would play safe by commenting things like: “… to my best knowledge but the final decision still lies with the purchaser.” Every involved party is trying their best to keep a distance from such situations to prevent the possibility of being sued for negligence.

All in all, the business of forgery is a multi billion business in the world today. If one does not have the proper knowledge, financial means and fears being cheated on, it is highly advisable to stay away from becoming a collector.

EZ 52 - Mind Philosophy, EZ 61 (2)

Crystal Endeavor 水晶奋进号

October 3, 2018 EZ Malaysia

The largest and most spacious purpose-built Polar Class ship

全球最大艘的探险游艇

Set to debut in 2020, Crystal Endeavor will be the largest and most spacious purpose-built Polar Class ship featuring Crystal’s celebrated service and hospitality, all-suite (100 suites only), butler-serviced accommodations, and unmatched choices for bold adventure in the world’s most remote destinations.

预定在2020年正式下水服役的水晶奋进号将是全球最大艘的探险游艇，同时具备水晶邮轮的服务特质丶全套房设计（仅100间套房）丶提供管家服务，以及具备极地探险的能力。

Crystal-Endeavor_Fitness-Center — Fitness Center

The dining experience on board is a highlight on this luxury expedition yacht from Crystal Cruises. Specialty restaurants will include Prego, which serves traditional Italian fare, and will also host Crystal’s signature “Vintage Room” winemaker dinners; and Umi Uma, which serves signature sushi and specialties from Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

Additionally, the yacht features elegant main dining venue, Waterside; the Asian-inspired Silk Kitchen & Bar, located in the two-story solarium during the evenings; and the European-inspired Bistro Café, which will offer full service breakfast and lunch. It is a go-to spot for freshly brewed espresso and teas.

水晶邮轮对餐饮的讲究也是水晶奋进号的特色之一，特色餐馆中还包括有帕戈意大利餐厅丶水晶招牌的复古餐厅葡萄酒晚宴，以及日本名厨松久幸信规划的 Umi Uma 亚洲餐厅所提供的特色寿司。

同时，游艇中的主餐厅是奢华极致的 Waterside 餐厅，而这两层高落地窗的空间，在傍晚则是丝路亚洲餐厅；至于早餐及午餐则是在欧式咖啡厅享用，同时不缺顶级咖啡与茶任君选择。

Crystal Endeavor’s PC6 designation will enable her to operate in summer and autumn through medium first-year ice. The ship features the latest technological advancements, including offshore dynamic positioning capabilities, offering both comfort and safety while exploring the icy waters in the Polar Regions as well as exotic locations across the globe.

拥有 PC6 破冰等级的水晶奋进号可在夏秋两季应付极地当年中冰。游艇具备最现近的设施及装备，这包括海上动力定位能力，以确保在极地川行时的安全。

EZ 52 - Mind Philosophy, EZ 61 (2)

10 Expensive Cars Hammered in 2018 2018高价拍卖的10款名车

October 3, 2018 EZ Malaysia

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO

RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2018 made automobile sales record when a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, chassis 3413 was hammered for a cool $48,405,000. This result is not only the most expensive Italian built car ever but also the most expensive car in the world. Lualdi-Gabardine was the man behind the wheel to six overall victories and another five class wins in the 1962 Italian championship.

1958 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France Berlinetta

1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Speciale

Another two Ferrari that made it to the list of most expensive cars sold in 2018 are the 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Speciale, chassis 06437, sold for $8,085,000 at the Gooding Scottsdale 2018 sale and 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France Berlinetta, chassis 0905 GT, sold for $6,600,000 as the second highest result at the Gooding Pebble Beach 2018 sale.

1963 Aston Martin DP215 Grand Touring Competition Prototype

Two Aston Martin made it to the top 10 most expensive car sold in public auction 2018. The 1963 Aston Martin DP215 Grand Touring Competition Prototype, chassis DP215, sold for $21,455,000 at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2018 auction.

1961 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato ‘2 VEV’

Whereas 1961 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato ‘2 VEV’ was let go for $13,315,899 at the Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed sale. DP215 was the first car to break the 300 km/h barrier the DP4GT Zagato was one of only 19 cars produced and one of only four built to lightweight specification for racing purposes.

Ford GT40 Mk II

Just a little less that $10,000,000, bidders witnessed the 1966 Ford GT 40 Mk II, chassis P/1016 went for $9,795,000 at the the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2018 sale. This Impressive number 5 was one of three Ford GT40s to have crossed the finish line at the 1966 Le Mans 24hr race completing 348 laps.

1935 Duesenberg SSJ

A 1935 Duesenberg SSJ not only made it to the top of American most expensive car list when it was sold for $22,000,000 at the Gooding Pebble Beach Auction this year but it also set a new record for the most expensive pre-war car ever sold at public auction. Only two Duesenberg SSJ cars were ever built with the record-setting car originally delivered to Gary Cooper and the second one to Clark Gable.

1958 Porsche 550A Spyder Works Racer

Many believe that there are only a few 550A Spyders left in the market. Car collectors will pay a lot of attention to owning one especially with the provenance of the 1958 Porsche 550A Spyder, chassis 0145, that began its racing life in the 1958 season, including taking part in the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. In short, this Porsche achieved the top result at the Bonhams Scottsdale 2018 sale commanding $5,170,000.

1955 Maserati A6GCS/53 Spyder

Last but not least is one of only three spiders built by Frua, the 1955 Maserati A6GCS/53 Spyder that was sold for $5,170,000 at the Gooding Pebble Beach 2018 auction. A popular model during the 1960s and won Best in Class 2010 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

1932 Alfa-Romeo Tipo B Grand Prix Monoposto

When the Monoposto Alfa Romeo made its first appearance, at Monza in 1932, it not only set new standards of aesthetics in racing car design, it also created something of a legend in Grand Prix history. Richard-Shuttleworth won the 1935 Donington Grand Prix – the first full-distance grand prix race in this 1932 Alfa-Romeo Tipo B Grand Prix Monoposto. This Heritage sports car was sold at the Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed sale 2018 for $6,067,210.

EZ 52 - Mind Philosophy, EZ 61 (2)

An Invitation For Learning : International Museum Day

October 3, 2018 EZ Malaysia

by Adline Abdul Ghani

Museums play a crucial role in their local communities, particularly in their cultural landscape and their natural environment.

And to celebrate the importance of museums, each year a special event is organised in museums throughout the world – International Museum Day.

4. Students painting with coffee and learning about coffee culture of the Islamic world. — Students painting with coffee and learning about coffee culture of the Islamic world.

According to the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the objective of International Museum Day is to raise awareness of the fact that, “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.”

The event is held on and around 18 May each year, with each year seeing a larger global participation than before. In 2017, for example, International Museum Day garnered record-breaking participation, with more than 36,000 museums hosting events in some 157 countries and territories.

This year’s theme, ‘Hyperconnected museums: New approaches, new publics,’ is truly apt, as it is impossible to understand the role of museums without taking into account all the connections they make. Thanks to technology, museums can now reach way beyond their core audience and find new publics when approaching their collections in a different way: it can be the digitalisation of their collections, adding multimedia elements to the exhibition or something as simple as a hashtag that allows visitors to share their experience in social media. However, not all these new connections are due to technology. As museums strive to maintain their relevance in society, they shift their attention to the local community and the diverse groups that make it up.

5. Wariscan, a prototype smartphone app with a Virtual Kiswah and Virtual Reality Holy Kaabah. — Wariscan, a prototype smartphone app with a Virtual Kiswah and Virtual Reality Holy Kaabah.

6. Children mesmerised by a storytelling session held at the IAMM Children's Library. — Children mesmerised by a storytelling session held at the IAMM Children’s Library.

This year, as in the years prior, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia organised an array of activities specially for International Museum Day. However, the IAMM decided to organise the event on 18 July 2018, as May was reserved for observing the month of Ramadan. IAMM certainly made a real connection with hundreds of visitors that day, which included over 600 students from schools around the Klang Valley.

In order to cater to its young visitors, the IAMM staff set up booths, which offered various hands-on activities. This included a batik-making booth, where visitors had the chance to try their hand at hand-drawn batik, as well as add their personal designs to a large batik piece.

At the Conservator Booth, people of all ages tried the Digging the Past Activity, where they could pretend to excavate precious artifacts. And at the Curator Booth, visitors had a different taste of coffee culture by trying their hand at painting with coffee! Other highlights included a calligraphy demonstration by Persatuan Seni Khat Kebangsaan and Wariscan, a prototype smartphone app with a Virtual Kiswah and Virtual Reality Holy Kaabah.

Overall, it was a splendid day of learning for all IAMM visitors. Many of the young patrons left with a new regard for museums as an exciting place to learn and experience new things. And for the museum, it was an excellent opportunity to engage with the public and strengthen connections with them.

EZ 51 – Mind Philosophy, EZ 61 (2)

Pottinger The Heart of Hong Kong 石板街酒店，香港中环之魂

July 26, 2018 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Don’t judge the book by its cover is exactly what many will agree when it comes to Pottinger Hong Kong. Situated right in Central, this is not a 5 star boutique hotel that one will expect until walking through the main door into a small but beautifully designed lobby and being received by very polite and welcoming staff with big smiles. Unlike some of the big brands with massive rooms and tall buildings, Pottinger Hong Kong houses only 68 luxury rooms with an award winning Italian restaurant Gradini Ristorante E Bar Italiano serving not only fine Italian cuisine but also a popular afternoon tea for those who desire elegance with a touch of creativity.

许多人在谈到香港时会相当认同“不要以封面来判断一本书好坏”这个原理。因此，但看到这家酒店坐落在喧嚣市中心，外表看起来并非一家“既定模式”的五星级精品酒店，直到你穿过大门进入一个小巧精致的酒店大堂，受到彬彬有礼、服务周到的酒店员工热情接待。区别于一些大品牌酒店的豪华大套房和高楼大厦，香港中环石板街酒店 – The Pottinger Hong Kong 只有 68 间豪华客房，还设有一家获奖无数的意大利餐厅 Gradini Ristorante E Bar Italiano，不仅提供意式美食，也打造优雅舒适的下午茶餐点环境。

Unlike others, Pottinger Hong Kong is perfectly located in between Hong Kong’s heritage and modern vicinities. Pottinger Street nearby itself is a prime example of the island’s rich and varied past. Named after the first Governor, Henry Pottinger, this boutique hotel is the hotel where East meets West and Heritage meets Modernity. Any visitor whose ultimate visit is to experience the true spirit and energy of Hong Kong, then Pottinger Hong Kong is definitely the hotel for you.

最与众不同的是，这家酒店在当地的传统与现代风格之间有着完美融合的定位。而酒店位于的砵甸乍街 (Pottinger Street) 或称石板街，本身就是香港岛上具备丰富多彩历史的典型地带。这家精品酒店以香港第一任总督 Henry Pottinger 的名字命名，是东西方交融、传统与现代交汇的酒店。如果香港之行最终目的是体验香港真正的精神和活力，那么香港中环石板街酒店绝对是不二选择。

A stroll down the road for early morning Dim Sum in Lian Xiang Lou where food is served in push carts while service is still with old style attitude are what old Hong Kong living cultureis all about. After breakfast, just around the corner, one can find street stalls selling varieties from Donald Trump’s masks, tourist products to fresh juice aligning the steps luring visitors to spend a few bucks. Walking a few hundred steps up and one will wander onto the first road Hong Kong built in 1844 – Hollywood Road, a place that is famous for its antique dealers, curio merchants and art galleries. If it is already time for lunch, then look for any Michelin star or guide or Hong Kong typical local down to earth coffee shop style will definitely be an experience. From the top, tourists may travel back down by taking the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world, while exploring the boutique shops around. Usually by this time, the day would be hot if not raining. This is a good time to make an effort to connect with old friends or associates and the best place to meet and chit chat is non other than having a much needed relaxing hi tea in Pottinger Hong Kong. A sip of fine wine and tasting the little unique classy bites with good friends around is a perfect lifestyle that money cannot buy.

你可以悠闲漫步到莲香楼，品尝到清晨新鲜出炉的点心，这里的服务保持着旧时代风格的人工手推车供应餐点，也是老香港的生活文化。早餐后，走到拐角处，可以看到街边的小摊在售卖各种商品，从美国总统特朗普的面具、旅游产品，再到新鲜果汁，布满整条台阶，都在想办法吸引游客掏钱买东西。而再往前走几百米，你就会走到香港1844年建成的第一条街道——荷里活道。这里以古董商、小古玩贩商和画廊而闻名，如果到了午饭时间，那推荐去米其林星级餐厅或香港典型的地道茶餐厅觅食。从顶部开始，游客可以搭乘全世界最长的户外有盖自动扶梯，同时探索周边的精品商店。香港的气候在这种时段，如果不下雨，白天体感将会很炎热。这是一个与老朋友或伙伴联系聚餐的好时机，碰头地点就是赶上中环石板街酒店的精致下午茶。喝点好酒，和身边的好朋友品尝一下独特的美味佳肴，是用钱也买不到的完美生活方式。

After tea, a quick shut eye, a good bath and getting ready, Hong Kong nightlife is yet another adventure one should not miss. One of Hong Kong’s most popular heritage restaurant is just 5 minutes walk from the hotel. Yung Kee is famous for its finger licking good roast goose and fine Chinese culinary dishes. Dinner probably will finish around 9.30pm or 10pm. Don’t be surprised to see a lot of people walking up and down Lan Kwai Fong when you walk out the restaurant because the night is still young and this is when the party begins. Lan Kwai Fong is the place to be when it comes to dining, drinking, socializing and loud music. People there are usually very friendly. Don’t worry about getting drunk and not being able to go back to the hotel as it is only 5 minutes away by foot. After a long day, rooms in Pottinger Hong Kong are considered above average in size and very good in terms of feel and comfort.

在下午茶结束后，洗个舒服的热水澡，准备好迎接香港的夜生活，这是不容错过的探索经历。前往镛记吃点他家著名的点心，烧鹅和中餐，而午餐通常会在晚上9点半或10点结束。当你走出餐厅时，如果看到人潮聚集在兰桂坊，不用惊讶，因为夜晚还很长，派对才刚开始。兰桂坊是用餐、喝酒，社交和音乐狂欢的地方。这里的人们亲切和善，而且不要担心喝醉了无法返回酒店，因为步行距离只需5分钟。经过漫长疲惫的一天后，回到中环石板街酒店客房休息，整体空间和舒适度上可说相当令人满意，处于高尚水平。

For the remaining days in Hong Kong, Central station is just 5 minutes away conveniently connecting almost all tourist and popular destinations including Disneyland and Airport Express. In short, Pottinger Hong Kong is the hotel one should seriously consider if convenience, class and lifestyle experience are what one is looks for when visiting Hong Kong.

在香港闲逛的日子里，酒店距离中环站仅有5分钟，几乎连接所有游客最爱的热门景点，包括迪斯尼乐园和机场快线。总之，香港中环石板街酒店对于旅游香港的人们来说，无论从方便舒适性、高端体验感受的考量上是绝佳选择。

EZ 51 – Mind Philosophy, EZ 61 (2), Mind Philosophy

Viewing Treasures 珍品共赏

July 26, 2018 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

The Straits Chinese Antique Auction’s Special VIP Preview by MNP Auctioneers saw many Peranakan antique collectors and enthusiasts gathered at the Seri Negara, Carcosa Seri Negara, the iconic national heritage site of Malaysia. The event was sponsored by Asian Heritage Museum Sdn Bhd. Renown artist cum collector Ch’ng Huck Theng was invited to share about his collection ideology and he also donated his book ‘The Surviving Pieces’ for sale where all proceed goes to charity. Furthermore MNP Auctioneers presented RM10,000 donation to the social tenant of Carcosa Seri Negara, Asean Heritage Museum to support their effort to build a regional peace museum.

由 MNP Auctioneers 所举办的海峡华人古董拍卖特殊 VIP 预展上，许多侨生或土生华人（Peranakan）古董的收藏家和爱好者聚集在马来西亚国家文化遗产之一的 Carcosa Seri Negara，该活动由亚洲文物遗产博物馆有限公司赞助。著名艺术家兼收藏家庄学腾除了受邀分享收藏理念，他也捐出本身的著作《The Surviving Pieces》，书籍的销售收入作为慈善用途。此外，MNP Auctioneers 还向 Carcosa Seri Negara社会承租方的亚洲文物遗产博物馆捐献了 1 万令吉，以支持他们建设区域和平博物馆的努力。

EZ 51 – Mind Philosophy, EZ 61 (2)

IMPerfect Creation in MOCA@Loewen, Singapore 美丽与丑陋创作新加坡特展

July 26, 2018 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Sculptor Chng Huck Theng achieved another milestone in his art career when invited for his first solo exhibition entitled ‘IMPerfect Creation’ in Singapore at MOCA (Museum Of Contemporary Art) @ Loewen. Guest of Honour for the official opening of IMPerfect Creation was H.E. High Commissioner to Singapore Dato Zulkifli Adnan. Dato Zulkifli in his speech praised the hard work the artist had put into creating ‘ugly’ pieces that are beautiful if one actually took the time to understand the concept of … ’if one cannot see ugly, one cannot see beauty’.

CEO of MOCA@Loewen further added that this is the first time the institution hosted a top Malaysian sculptor and he believed that the artist would do well as he was not only a creator but also a thinker. 16 very interesting bronze sculptures that captured a lot of interest and attention. The event was attended by art lovers, collectors and friends.

雕塑艺术家庄学腾受邀在新加坡 MoCA@Loewen-当代艺术博物馆举行个人特展“美丽与丑陋创作 – IMPerfect Creation”，这是他艺术生涯的又一个里程碑。而驻新加坡高级专员拿督 Zulkifli Adnan 阁下担任开幕嘉宾，他在开幕演讲中高度赞扬这位艺术家在创作时所付出的心血，他认为，如果真正花点时间理解“丑陋”的概念，会发现美丽，但如看不到丑陋，那么同样看不到美丽。MoCA@Loewen 的首席执行官进一步补充说，这是该机构首次举办马来西亚顶级雕塑家的作品展，他相信艺术家本身的实力，因为他不仅是一个创作者，而且是一个思想者。16件精彩创意的展出青铜雕塑作品吸引了许多目光和关注。艺术爱好者、收藏家和朋友们皆出席观赏这项展出。

EZ 50 – Mind Philosophy

KHAO YAI – NATURE AND ELEGANT IS A PERFECT MATCH 考艾山城贵气逼人

June 14, 2018 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Khao Yai, Thailand is another hidden gem yet to be discovered by foreign visitors where nature and elegance is a perfect match. Due to its highland geographical advantage, there is never a lack of greenery and fresh air. Furthermore, the creative Thais had erected many beautiful structures that blend well with the surrounding natural backdrop. Hence, the locals have named this mountainous terrain “The Western land of Thailand”.

A very popular destination for the local elites as a weekend getaway or rejuvenation hub, Khao Yai promises plenty of fresh air with a touch of elegance, and atmospheric dining establishments serving interesting fusion options making her an absolute destination for first class travellers.

泰国的考艾山城是个让大自然也显贵气的度假胜地，由于居高临下，这里从不缺新鲜空气及绿意，而且还是个未被外国游客纷至沓来的好地方。加上泰国人以他们的创意，在这里建了不少零违和的西方建筑，也因此被当地人喻为「泰国的西方乐土」。

考艾一直是泰国的精英群体充电的好地方，许多人会在周末到这里来个小休，体验大自然与高端市场的完美结合，而且用餐环境够好，还有不少Fusion料理，鱼与熊掌兼得。

Midwinter Green
There is a famous European castle in Khao Yai that was solely built as a restaurant. It was known as The Smoke House when it was first established in early 2011. In 2014, it was rebranded as Midwinter Green by the new owner. The main building, set against a gorgeous backyard, comprises of five black-shingled peaks with a lighthouse next to it.

在考艾有座城堡非常有名，因为这是一家餐馆。在 2011 年建成开业时是 The Smoke House，但后来在 2014 年转手后就改成 Midwinter Green，而城堡的魅力依旧不减。城堡是由5座圆石筑成的大楼构成，在旁还建有一座灯塔，而后方则有一个美得没朋友的后院。

Primo café @ Primo Piazza
Primo Piazza is a miniature version of a 500-year old ancient town in Tuscany, Italy. One can feel an almost authentic Italian vibe in the air while exploring the area. Don’t miss out that slice of cake along with a cup of coffee for a true Italian experience.
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Primo Piazza 是参照意大利托斯卡纳 500 岁老城而建的「袖珍」版老城，所以这里连空气都弥漫着「意味」，而在这样欧式的地方，当然不能错过喝杯咖啡吃片蛋糕的闲情。