2cents Magazine Issue 29 July – Aug 2021

JULY 2021 - AUG 2021 ISSUE 29 2cents.my 2cents.my 2cents.my 2cents_my

The principles to keep love alive WE BET YOU’D WANT TO SPLURGE ON THESE PRODUCTS

THE ULTIMATE PROTECTION FOR WOMEN

WE HAVE NARROWED DOWN THE BEST BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT ARE ABSOLUTELY WORTH THE SPLURGE. YOU WON’T EVEN REGRET IT.

AS A WOMAN, I PERSONALLY AM PARANOID WHEN IT COMES TO MY SAFETY.

GRAB-AND-GO IF YOU’RE SEARCHING FOR A QUICK AND EASY MEAL THAT’S ALSO HEALTHY AND CAN HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT, OVERNIGHT OATS ARE THE WAY TO GO.

LOCAL DELIGHT BECOMES A HIT IN AMSTERDAM

IT ALL STARTED AS A HOBBY — COOKING AND EATING WITH FRIENDS — PENANG-BORN SOLEHAN-MANGER RAMLI WHO SETTLED IN RUMPT, NETHERLANDS AFTER MARRYING HER HUSBAND, A DUTCH LOCAL HAS NOW TURNED INTO AN ONLINE BUSINESS SINCE 2017.

ISSUE 29 JULY-AUG 21

22

6

26

38

32

46

68

78

ISSUE 29

3

2CENTS.MY

42

6 22 26 32 38 42 46 54

How Do You Keep Your Love From Fading?

- Find your inner yogi with style - Timberland’s new project is a collaboration with Aimé Leon Dore featuring the iconic 3-eye lug handsewn

- #HolyGrail: You should all look into these six must-have beauty products - Quick tips on how to choose the best Vitamin C products and how to store them - Calling all Friends fans: Revolution x Friends is back with another makeup collection

Simple ways to efficiently save water and energy at home

- This brand does not only empowers women but also helps to keep them safe - What’s it like being in quarantine with Ismail Izzani

62 74 78 82 84 86 92

Believe it or not, this local short film was shot using a Vivo Smartphone

ISSUE 29

4

2CENTS.MY

- 6 simple overnight oats recipes to grab & go - Dinner can be made quickly and easily with these 6 noodle recipes - Ramadan 2021: Whip up some classic Raya dishes with a twist

AUTO Everything you need to know about the unveiling of this latest sedan — Volvo S90 Recharge T8

HEALTH #CucukMYAZ: Everything you need to know during your AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination day

GRAMMY-WINNER Daya

MOVIE A must read & watch: 7 favourite books to tv series adaptations of all time

NEWTRENDS

WELCOME

2C ENTS FAMILY

MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM Dear readers, We’ve been out of commission for a bit owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we’re back with our new issue for July-August.

I hope you’re all doing well and maintaining a positive attitude. It seems like we were just celebrating New Year’s yesterday, and now we’re in July, reaching the halfway mark of the year, which makes it feel a little overwhelming — like where did the time go?

JACCQUELN LEE

NICHOLAS NG

jacc@ brandzoom360.com

nicholas@ brandzoom360.com

Without a doubt, we had no idea that this unforeseen global pandemic would have such a devastating impact on our lives. We have to think about stability, keeping fit and healthy, trying to do whatever we can with our side hustles and, of course, mental health and relationships. On p.6, we tackle how couples might get overly comfortable with one another, especially if they have been together for a long period. However, most of us didn’t notice it until we were placed under lockdown and forced to spend every minute and hour of the day together. Find out how you may rekindle the romance and attempt to express gratitude for each other rather than taking each other for granted. Be sure to check that out.

MARKETING MANAGER

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

vincent@ brandzoom360.com

lucas@ brandzoom360.com

We recently had the opportunity of chatting with another business that is taking societal concerns into their own hands, particularly when it comes to women’s safety - Pocket Angel offers a safety gadget meant to help in individual defence. Absolutely inspirational.

Anyways, we hope you all stay safe and healthy during this pandemic period.

MARKETING DIRECTOR

VINCENT KEK

SALES DIRECTOR

LUCAS CHUA

NIKI SIK

AMANDA CHOOI

ADVERTISING SPECIALIST

INTERN MARKETING

niki@ brandzoom360.com

amanda@ brandzoom360.com

Lots of love and we shall see you again in the next issue.

Sincerely, GRACE SUNDRAM

SENIOR WRITER PUBLISHED BY : BRANDZOOM360SOLUTION 18 Jalan SS1/6, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

ANSON GOH

SENIOR WRITER

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

grace@ brandzoom360.com

anson@ brandzoom360.com

How Do You Keep Your Love From Fading?

PICTURES BY JONATHAN BORBA, TIRAYA ADAM, SANDRA SEITAMAA, SCOTT BROOME When you’ve been in a relationship for many years, there’s a certain point in both of your lives where it will feel like this whole bond between them feels like you’re doing it out of habit and not out of love. At times certain things might seem more of a routine and you might have difficulties trying to maintain that excitement. You would be split between wanting to stay and work things out and wanting to walk away from it all but I’m telling you, it’s not that easy. If there’s a possibility that the two of you would be able to work it out, then you should.

Some might say time is irrelevant; what counts is how you feel about each other. But what if you think you’re losing interest in your partner when in fact you’re not? What if you pulled the plug too soon, when you shouldn’t have done it in the first place? Do you think you can actually live with that decision?

Sure, there are plenty of fishes in the sea, but you never know what can happen. What if the person you’re supposed to be with is already in your life? Do you think you’ll be able to live with the idea that you let the relationship end over something petty?

‘Cause believe me, I know how that feels, and it’s a shitty feeling. I regret it deeply and god forbid, it’s a feeling I never want to experience again.

I’m not saying that every couple goes through this situation but if you have experienced it like I did, then you’re not alone. In fact, it’s actually normal.

You can’t even fathom the danger of comparing your relation to others and that’s one of the biggest mistakes people make. Because at the end of the day, this is your relationship and only you would know what can and cannot work for the two of you.

So with that said, how can you actually keep your love alive?

ISSUE 29

6

2CENTS.MY

ISSUE 29

7

2CENTS.MY

DATE NIGHTS ARE MORE IMPORTANT FOR YOUR RELATIONSHIP THAN YOU ACTUALLY THINK

Instead of ignoring or postponing date nights, trust me you’ll actually be glad you went out together. When’s the last time the two of you dressed up and went on dates to impress your partner? When’s the last time the two of you flirted? Think.

Key to sustaining a happy and healthy relationship is all about the effort, managing the unexpected, and the element of surprise. As time passes, we tend to forget about those date nights and instead settle for a night of watching a show together. Repeat after me, it is not the same! That’s a habit, that’s something the two of you do together to spend time. That’s expected.

Instead of a typical wine and dine, why don’t you try something different instead? Take up painting lessons or have a Masterchef cook-off (since we are in a pandemic, after all). The sky’s the limit; what matters is that you both put in a bit extra effort in advance to make each other happy and surprised.

ISSUE 29

8

2CENTS.MY

DON’T GET TOO COMFORTABLE, STEP OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Stop depending on things that you already know. Try something different.

Not only is it vital for your bond but it works best for both your sanity and personal growth. Stop getting too comfortable by living on cruise mode, the whole way. Take up risks and do something together that you have never done before. Things will start looking a lot better when you actually try.

ISSUE 29

10

2CENTS.MY

ISSUE 25

11

2CENTS.MY

CREATE CLEAR COMMUNICATION

We all expect that our partners would be able to comprehend us without saying anything since they know us better than anybody else. The fact is that you will never be able to read someone’s mind, no matter how well you know them.

Many difficulties that had been stacking up may be resolved if there was a safe area for talking and sharing them.

ISSUE 29

12

2CENTS.MY

ISSUE 25

13

2CENTS.MY

As a result, the likelihood of unsolved conflicts, passive hostility, and overall relationship discontent will be reduced. Furthermore, you may convey your desires to your partner (whether they are for dates, gifts, activities, intimacy, or anything else) so that they may take steps to make those desires a reality. In exchange, you should do the same.

ISSUE 29

14

2CENTS.MY

IT’S THE SMALL THINGS THAT MATTER Our lives are made up of insignificant events and actions. You might do simple things on a regular basis to feel closer and more connected to your mate to rekindle that love and admiration in your relationship. Avoid using your phones when conversing with one another and instead maintain eye contact. When you have the opportunity, kiss and hug each other. Relationships benefit greatly from physical contact.

ISSUE 29

16

2CENTS.MY

Gratitude and appreciation for your partner’s efforts should be expressed. Learn to communicate in their love language so you can make them feel really appreciated.

Always keep in mind that, though love is an emotion that comes to us unexpectedly, it is one that requires time and effort to preserve. Take the initiative to rekindle the “flame,” and your spouse will follow. The collaborative effort will foster the transformation in your relationship that you both require.

ISSUE 29

18

2CENTS.MY

This global pandemic can certainly take a toll on your relationships but if your bond with each other is strong, nothing else matters. So stay in love and stay safe.

ISSUE 29

20

2CENTS.MY

ISSUE 28

21

2CENTS.MY

FASHION

FIND YOUR

INNER YOGI WITH STYLE Yoga teacher, jazz singer and actress Atilia enterprise, Batik Boutique. The collaboration centred boutique features a collection of your inner yogi and remember to breathe

Haron launches an exclusive collection with social between the Hippie Hub founder and the artisanyoga mats and batik accessories to help you find even in the continued CMCO.

Atilia’s late pet - a regal Betta Splenden a ‘beautiful warrior’ and she hopes the the mat. Beyond this, the bold splashes invite a sense of strength to those that

fish - dances across the entire collection signifying print will inspire others to be their best self on of black, red and gold paint the entire line to don the collection.

“I chose this design and these strong colours not just for the people that will use these involved in designing them,” says Atilia.

for the collection because they hold such power; products but also for the artisans that were

In the season of sanitisers and start bringing your own mat home workouts. Enter the Atilia Ruby - a yogi-approved eco mat a suede finish. Each rubber mat of traction against your hands slippery downward dogs.

hygiene headaches, it’s a good time to to the studio and to get in the swing of x Batik Boutique yoga mats in Onyx and made of non-toxic, natural rubber with is equipped with grip and offers plenty and feet so you can bid farewell to those

The icing on the gluten-free purchase a yoga mat will win yoga lessons with Atilia herself. quick.

cake is that the first 20 yogis to a month’s worth of Yoga-tta get them

ISSUE 29

22

2CENTS.MY

FASHION

The Atilia x BB collection also features a hand-painted batik kimono in Onyx - a stunning statement piece for your wardrobe to dress up even the most basic of outfits. We find this kimono especially handy when we’re half asleep and trying to make it out the door for those 7 AM classes or off to meet a friend for coffee.

Is any post-2020 look really complete without a face mask?

We think not. The Atilia x Batik Boutique collection also includes two reusable, 3 layer, WHO-approved face masks in the betta fish warrior motifs. Each face mask also comes in a biodegradable, 100% corn starch bag to store your mask in between uses. Protect yourself while protecting the planet.

Here’s something the yogis won’t tell you: a good headband is all you need to add a bit of style to your sun salute. The collection’s 100% silk headbands are your new (eco-dyed) best friend. Both headbands provide just the pop of colour you need to jazz up your yoga practice or lounge around the house.

Self-care is all the rage nowadays, and it’s proven painting makes you happier. We incorporate the betta fish design to help you relax and unleash your inner artist with this DIY batik painting kit. The kit comes with everything you need to get painting; all you require is a glass of water for your brushes and a lazy afternoon. You can also make your painting session a mindful one - Batik Boutique has a guide on how you can use your batik kit therapeutically.

The final piece in the collection is the Breathe canvas pouch lined with 100% cotton Malaysian batik. In a time of uncertainty, Atilia hopes to remind you to breathe as you carry your everyday essentials on the go with this zippered pouch. The pouch can be worn as a wristlet as well and is a positive message to remember throughout your day.

The Atilia x Batik Boutique collaboration is not just another yoga collection - every item purchased from this collection directly impacts the artisans who made it. Each product tells a story: hand-painted by local batik artisans and sewn by women from marginalised communities in Malaysia. A meaningful story behind local handmade pieces that will last you a lifetime.

Shop the collection online and in-store at Batik Boutique. And as Atilia reminds us, “be happy and kind”.

ISSUE 29

23

2CENTS.MY

FASHION

TIMBERLAND’S NEW PROJECT IS A COLLABORATION WITH AIMÉ LEON DORE FEATURING THE ICONIC 3-EYE LUG HANDSEWN Featuring the iconic 3-Eye Lug Handsewn, Aimé Leon Dore and Timberland have collaborated on a special project which is the first instalment of Aimé Leon Dore's Spring/Summer 2021 collection. Showcasing one of Timberland's highest craftsmanship with a powerful design by Aimé Leon Dore — we got to say this is one project that all Timberland fans would be psyched for.

ISSUE 29

24

2CENTS.MY

FASHION

It comprises three colour alternatives including the barn, black iris and medium brown.

The global outdoor lifestyle brand first brought its 3-Eye Lug Handsewn to the public eye back in 1978. Perfect for some rugged performance for the outdoor, this never-before-seen style is all about that rugged boot lug outsole with a premium hand-sewn leather boat shoe upper. That said, Timberland has created an entirely new category of footwear that is forever loved by many today.

Now that Timberland aims for a greener future, the majority of the brand's boat shoes are made with Better Leather sourced from tanneries audited and rated silver or gold by the Leather Working Group. That said, the ALD/ Timberland 3-Eye-Lug is made with premium leather uppers with handsewn construction, 360-degree functional rawhide lacing system, leather lining, rubber lug outsole and a co-branded EVA-blend foam footbed.

A2Q4P (MEDIUM BROWN)

A2Q4E (BLACK IRIS)

The collection will be exclusively available at Timberland® Sunway Pyramid.

A2Q35 (BARN)

MEN’S ALD / TIMBERLAND 3-EYE LUG • Better Leather from a tannery rated Silver for its water, energy, and waste management practices • Traditional handsewn construction • 360 functional rawhide lacing system • Leather lining • Rubber lug outsole for durability • Footbed of EVA-blend foam for high-rebound cushioning

Suggested Retail Price: MYR739 ISSUE 29

25

2CENTS.MY

#HOLYGRAIL: YOU SHOULD ALL LOOK INTO THESE SIX MUSTHAVE BEAUTY PRODUCTS We have narrowed down the best beauty products that are absolutely worth the splurge. You won’t even regret it.

Clarins UV PLUS [5P] Anti-Pollution SPF 50 - PA +++ A high-tech, invisible screen formulated with revolutionary 5P Defence technology that helps to lock out skin-damaging UVA/ UVB rays and 5 types of pollutants encountered in everyday life - atmospheric, indoor, photo-pollution (a combination of pollution and UV Rays), blue light, and pollen. Clarins UV PLUS [5P] Anti-Pollution new innovation: Organic Mango Leaf Extract which is rich in antioxidant molecules helps activate the NRF2 to stimulate skin’s self-defence mechanism to protect skin against UV rays, environmental aggressors, and pollution. With this new innovation, the skin’s self-defence power is enhanced by 64%.

SK-II PITERA Essence SK-II introduces its signature and most awarded best-seller PITERA Essence in new limited edition designs. Inspired by the unique style of girls in Tokyo, the NEW PITERA Essence Limited Edition is dressed in traditional Japanese Kimonos with bold and vivid colours of the season, representing hope and encouragement in this time of new beginnings. With more than 90% PITERA, Facial Treatment Essence is loved by millions of women around the world for its transformative power to Crystal Clear Skin.

ISSUE 29

26

2CENTS.MY

BEAUTY

Calvin Klein’s Eternity Giving us a major dose of 90s nostalgia, Calvin Klein’s latest Eternity fragrance for men and women is everything we ever asked for. The Eternity Eau Fresh for Her is infused with floral and fruity notes as well as a blend of jasmine, gardenia, rose and peony.

Meanwhile, Eternity Cologne for Him offers a fresh and masculine scent with notes of ginger, bourbon geranium, cardamom, and more.

Wishful Bright Skin Care Kit Huda started WISHFUL, a cruelty-free skincare line that has a clean, minimalist philosophy that is results-focused to grant all your skincare wishes. Consisting of the Yo Glow, Honey Balm and the Get Even Face Oil, this Bright Skin Care Kit will certainly help you sweep away dead skin cells and impurities.

Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum Packed with an ultra-concentrated mix of 11 peptides, it aids in the delivery of plump, bouncy skin while also addressing a dull, uneven complexion. It contains water-boosting ingredients like snow mushroom extract, sodium hyaluronate, and sodium PCA to replenish hydration levels, as well as antioxidant-rich, non-fragrant plant oils and vitamins like tocotrienols, squalane, green tea seed oil, and Marula oil soothes the skin while providing a light layer of moisture.

Artistry Skin Nutrition Artistry Skin Nutrition is powered by cutting-edge skin science and plant-based phytonutrients, which contains clean ingredients from Nutrilite, the world’s leading vitamin and plant-based dietary supplement brand, as well as a star ingredient, White Chia Seed, which is 100% traceable from seed to skin.

ISSUE 29

27

2CENTS.MY

BEAUTY

QUICK TIPS ON HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST VITAMIN C PRODUCTS AND HOW TO STORE THEM Pictures by Anna, Carmen CiaoWen, JW靖汶, Nabel Goo & Shazlina Gomez

We’ve written a variety of articles about Vitamin C, so here’s a summary of how we can select Vitamin C products and store them properly on a daily basis.

OX I DAT I O N So before you make a purchase, make sure you’re picky when it comes to choosing the right Vitamin C beauty brands.

The reason for this is that most of these products oxidize quickly and aren’t very stable. If you’re unsure, look at your past purchases; if the product has faded to a yellow-ish colour or white, it isn’t a good and stable product.

PAC KAG I N G When it comes to beginners, there are just too many products and it can seem overwhelming at first. However, one of the most useful ways to tell whether a product is decent and will not oxidize rapidly is if it comes in a tube with a tapered nozzle or a dark bottle with a pump. One of the reasons we think it’s a good choice is that the risk of Vitamin C being oxidized is relatively low.

POWDER FORM Aside from regular liquid Vitamin C products, you can also consider searching for products that come in powder form. It may not be the first choice of most beauty lovers, but we can assure you that it is more stable than the former.

The disadvantage of this is that you may have to blend your own doses. It is entirely up to you if you use normal water, oils, moisturizer, or essence though. But if you get confused and it doesn’t turn on right, then it’s best to start with a liquid one.

ISSUE 29

28

2CENTS.MY

BEAUTY

Also, if you decide to use the powder form, make sure to do a quick test run on your hand before applying it to your face. Just to see if it causes any reactions according to your skin’s sensitivity.

STORING IT IN A BEAUTY FRIDGE Last but not least, when it comes to storing Vitamin C products, most of us would be negligent. The manner in which it is stored often plays an important role in preventing it from oxidizing rapidly. Always keep these Vitamin C products in a beauty fridge (if you have one) or on a dark shelf where light cannot penetrate. As a result, it would deter or safeguard the product that has been already opened.

With that said, one of the Vitamin C products available on the market is the Melano CC Vitamin C Essence. It is the most simple addition to your skincare routine that will help you battle dark spots, lighten acne scars, minimize big pores, and even out your skin tone.

Those interested can get it at any pharmacies nationwide and it retails at RM59.00.

ISSUE 29

29

2CENTS.MY

BEAUTY

Over the course of 10 seasons, we followed the daily lives of six friends: Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Ross, Joey and Phoebe each with their own endearing personalities. And ever since its first broadcast, we can never get enough of them till today.

So here is some good news for Friends and makeup lovers, Revolution Beauty is back with another collection that would feature new eye shadow palettes, face masks, setting sprays and more. For the unfamiliar, this British cosmetics label is adored by many for its affordable cruelty-free, vegan and modern-day products. With the Friends collection blowing up, they decided it’s best to come with a third one and we got to say that is the best collection yet.

Revolution x Friends Forever Flawless I’ll Be There For You Eyeshadow Palette Featuring 18 shades that are more vibrant with popping pastel shades and golden bronze shimmers, this is one palette that should be used before your girls night out. This palette is encased in exclusive Friends door frame packaging which will have you feeling like you are on the real set.

ISSUE 29

30

2CENTS.MY

BEAUTY

Revolution x Friends Joey/Chandler/Ross Eyeshadow Palette During the first round of the collection, the three palettes were themed around the girls and so this time, it is focused on our favourite three guys, Joey, Chandler and Ross. Each palette comes in nine different shades and has a more cardboard-feel packaging compared to the former.

Joey’s palette has much more bright, bold shades whereas Chandler’s one is packed with pastels and Ross is all about going for a more nude makeup look.

Revolution x Friends Mini Setting Spray After you’re done with your look, the most important step to finish it off is with a setting spray. It comes in three representing our favourite girls: Rachel, Monica and Phoebe. The cute mini setting spray contains Hyaluronic and Vitamin C with a citrus scent to make your skin feel refreshed.

Revolution x Friends Sheet Mask Who knew that the brand would come up with our very own Friends mask? So in case you want to get the glow from Rachel, you should try out this new collection.

Rachel Hyaluronic Sheet Mask Monica Niacinamide Sheet Mask Phoebe Pineapple Sheet Mask Chandler Pink Clay Sheet Mask Ross Tea Tree Sheet Mask Joey Salicylic Sheet Mask

Accessories Now for the accessories, there’s the cosmetic bag, signature lobster mirror and their very own blending sponge to even out that foundation perfectly on your skin.

You can shop at Revolution Beauty.

ISSUE 29

31

2CENTS.MY

M’SIAN OLYMPICS SWIMMER, WELSON SIM STEALS NETIZENS HEARTS

LET’S GET TO KNOW HIM A LITTLE BIT MORE As everyone gathered to watch the opening ceremony of the world’s largest sports event, all competing athletes from their respective countries were dressed up and wearing face masks in compliance with the COVID-19 SOPs.

ISSUE 29

32

2CENTS.MY

Malaysian national swimmer, Welson Sim is making waves and turning heads at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 as the Chinese netizens caught a glimpse of Sim and began trending on Chinese social media platform Weibo as they gushed over his good looks.

ISSUE 29

33

2CENTS.MY

The 24-year-old Kuching native participated in the men’s 400m and 200m freestyle categories and came in sixth and seventh place.

That said, let’s get to know the ‘Malaysian Flying Fish Prince’ a little bit more, shall we?

ISSUE 29

34

2CENTS.MY

The national athlete told The Star that just because you have asthma doesn’t mean you can’t live an active life or compete at the top level of sports. “I am the living proof,” he says.

As he came from a humble background, he never knew he would have had the opportunity to compete in competitions and travelled to more than 20 countries meeting new friends of different cultures.

ISSUE 29

35

2CENTS.MY

It was reported that he became Malaysia’s fastest man in the pool and has become a regular in all the national record-breaking feats from 2013 to 2014. He now holds the national records for the 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, 400m freestyle, and 800m freestyle, as well as more than ten Southeast Asian Games medals, including three golds in the 200m freestyle and 400m freestyle.

With several medals and titles under his belt, his ultimate ambition, like every other athlete, was to compete in the Olympics.

Sim was the first Malaysian male swimmer to qualify for the Olympic Games in two events–the 200m and 400m freestyle–at the age of 19 in Rio 2016.

ISSUE 29

36

2CENTS.MY

FEATURE STORY

Now for the second time around, he is now competing in Tokyo 2020 after qualifying for the 200m and 400m freestyle event.

When he isn’t competing, the freestyle athlete likes to go on hikes, surf, and play badminton.

He also appears to be a biker, as seen by his Instagram feed.

ISSUE 29

37

2CENTS.MY

SAMSUNG GALAXY A52

THUMBS UP

Available in four different colours: Awesome Violet, Awesome Blue, Awesome Black, and Awesome White, it’s perfect for users to choose their preference that goes with their personal style.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SAMSUNG GALAXY A ‘BUDGET’ SERIES PHONE — THE GALAXY A52

As for the Smart Tag, this newest iteration comes with a plastic matte finish with a hole on the top so users can use a string and what not to loop it through. For colours, it is available in Black and Oatmeal so far in Malaysia.

There was no doubt that last year’s Samsung’s Galaxy A51 was one of the best-selling phones in the world. To take on the competition, Samsung rolled out a replacement with significant improvements. But, with that said, let’s see how these latest upgrades stack up against its predecessor.

Features 3.5

In terms of camera quality, the phone features a quad camera with 64MP high-resolution that can also turn your 4K videos into 8MP photos. However, personally, I do find the camera a little grainy and do show some noise for my liking especially when taking photos for Instagram Stories.

Another hit or miss for me is the macro sensor and it all depends on how bright of an environment you are in. So for instance, if you’re in a restaurant trying to take really good photos of your food — that would certainly be a huge miss.

Oh on top of that, Samsung has also launched its latest product — the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag that is made for those who usually lose their phone or keys during the day.

Design

Nevertheless, the nice touch of adding the OIS feature certainly helps when it comes to removing any jitter.

4

Nowadays, most brands try to attract their users with appealing and flamboyant designs. Hence why this time, Samsung goes above and beyond to give its loyal users something special by giving them an inexpensive device with “designer finishings”.

Aside from that, the phone comes with all of its usual modes like the Single Take, AR Doodle, Portrait and the new addition of ‘Fun Mode’ which gives its users a variety of Snapchat filters to choose from the camera app.

Nonetheless, the Galaxy A52 has a nice design and, considering its polycarbonate structure, it feels well built and relatively premium. Though it’s completely unavoidable when it comes to grease and grime on the phone screen, the rear of the phone doesn’t collect a lot of smudges and fingerprints so that’s a +1, at least.

Furthermore, one of the simplest features of the SmartTag is that you can pair it with your phone via the SmartThings app and just like that, you can keep track of your belongings within 130 yards. But just keep in mind, that if you’re not a Samsung Galaxy user, you won’t be able to use the device.

Furthermore, it feels perfect to hold the phone as the overall casing comes with a better grip.

Performance

Then, there’s the Super AMOLED screen which is a rather good 6.5-inch making the total dimensions of the device manageable to use. I believe the screen size is just right in terms of offering immersive entertainment to its users especially with its Super AMOLED screen that comes with an FHD resolution and a refresh rate of 90Hz.

In terms of camera quality, the phone features a quad camera with 64MP high-resolution that can also turn your 4K videos into 8MP photos. However, personally, I do find the camera a little grainy and do show some noise for my liking especially when taking photos for Instagram Stories.

Another hit or miss for me is the macro sensor and it all depends on how bright of an environment you are in. So

ISSUE 29

4

38

2CENTS.MY

DEEP SCAN

for instance, if you’re in a restaurant trying to take really good photos of your food — that would certainly be a huge miss.

For a budget phone, it’s pretty impressive that the Galaxy A52 stands out with impeccable features and an IP67 rating.

Nevertheless, the nice touch of adding the OIS feature certainly helps when it comes to removing any jitter.

The phone retails at RM1,499 while the 5G variant is RM1,899 whilst the SmartTag is RM99.

Aside from that, the phone comes with all of its usual modes like the Single Take, AR Doodle, Portrait and the new addition of ‘Fun Mode’ which gives its users a variety of Snapchat filters to choose from the camera app.

Conclusion Those who plan to get a second phone or are trying to gift someone a smartphone could actually go for this Samsung variant as it does come with amazing features. Plus, the price point should already get you hooked by now. No doubt, it is a good starter phone for anyone, if you’d ask me.

Furthermore, one of the simplest features of the SmartTag is that you can pair it with your phone via the SmartThings app and just like that, you can keep track of your belongings within 130 yards. But just keep in mind, that if you’re not a Samsung Galaxy user, you won’t be able to use the device.

And the SmartTag? Well, it’s simply an easy way to locate your things from far away. With just three simple steps: Tag It, Find It and Simply Smart — you can now find any of your lost items.

Value 5

ISSUE 29

39

2CENTS.MY

DEEP SCAN

THUMBS UP

With a display that is huge and extremely clear, it seems pretty wonderful to stream movies and binge-watch your favourite series on a daily basis. Also, with no punch- hole or drop-down notches, this phone has pretty much been added to the list of my must-have gadgets.

T H E L E N OVO L E G I O N P H O N E D U E L I S N OT J U S T FOR GAMERS, IT’S FOR E V E R YO N E

INTRODUCING THE LENOVO LEGION PHONE DUEL, WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TEST OUT LENOVO’S PUSH INTO THE 5G MOBILE GAMING MARKET. IT IS ONE DEVICE THAT IS MADE FOR ALL USERS, WHETHER YOU’RE A GAMER OR NOT.

Featuring a wide range of audio with a 3D stereo feeling, and great clarity from the speakers, the phone is paired with great synchronization of vibrations from different parts of the phone that enhances the experience.

However, I find the best experience is pairing the phone with noise-cancelling headphones, to get full clarity while gaming or watching videos.

Features

As we take a look at the box, it’s clear that the design elements of the PC gaming world have been brought over into the mobile scene. The stylish RGB lights on the back is a trademark feature in the gaming industry. The charging port requires an international adapter which some may put down as a minor inconvenience.

However, holding the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel for the first time feels solid. A phone that has the proper weight to feel like a gaming phone.

Design

4.8

As for the cameras, those who are into the 20 MP front camera would be pretty amused with this unusual but creative version of the pop-up camera found on the side of the device. It’s clear why the camera was designed that way (for gamers to stream their content), but with its ability to capture HD 1080p footage whilst being able to record a 4K video at 30FPS, it seems like a pretty solid phone for amateur vloggers to have.

One downfall of the selfie camera for me would be the AI Beautification setting that can’t be removed or tempered down at least for a bit. However, the 64MP rear camera is great for taking low light pictures and videos.

Performance 5

4.9

Now when it comes to design, most people would just look externally. The lighted up “Y” icon on the back with RGB lighting effects seems great. But to truly appreciate the design of a phone, we have to take into consideration the internal design of the phone that impacts the everyday user without them realizing it. Heat reduction methods used involve placing the batteries off to the side and the processor in the middle, managing to reduce the feeling of the phone ever overheating.

The 6.59-inch Full HD (2340 x 1080) AMOLED display brings clarity to a whole new level, with a refresh rate of 144Hz. There are never any issues with the phone lagging or any hardware display problems. The Lenovo Legion Phone Duel brings the best in performance via 12GB RAM and storage options of up to 512GB, the smoothness of the phone is apparent from booting and maintains itself throughout.

The dual charging ports on the bottom and left of the phone make it easier to handle while being charged as well. It may be a big (9.9mm) and heavy (239g) device, but I guess this is the kind of phone you would need if you want to watch Netflix in HD or play your favourite mobile game with no lag.

To charge the phone, the box comes with a charging ‘brick’ that allows you to use your phone endlessly without any worry. Sporting a battery capacity of 5000mAh with two USB Type C ports, I can assure you that your phone can go from 0 to a hundred thanks to its 65W Turbo Fast Charging.

ISSUE 29

40

2CENTS.MY

DEEP SCAN

Value 4.8

The Lenovo Legion Phone Duel may set you back from RM3,399 but it brings the highest performance ratings available in the mobile market. If you love streaming content online, this would be your go-to phone, but it also appeals to the many of us that love to watch Netflix or movies online with great clarity while still being mobile ourselves.

Verdict The Lenovo Legion Phone is available in two colours: Vengeance Red, Blazing Blue. Whether you’re a serial binger, gamer or starting to learn the ropes on how to be a vlogger, this device is made for you and is perfect for everyday use.

SPECIFICATIONS: DISPLAY: 6.65-INCH FULL HD (2340 X 1080) AMOLED DISPLAY WITH 144HZ REFRESH RATE BATTERIES: 2X 2500MAH PACK A TOTAL OF 5000MAH, 24-HOURS USAGE | 7-HOURS INTERMITTENT GAMEPLAY. CHARGING: 2X 90W TURBO POWER CHARGING CABLES, GO FROM 0-100% POWER IN 30 MINUTES. 5G: QUALCOMM SNAPDRAGON 865 PLUS ENABLES 5G VIA THE QUALCOMM SNAPDRAGON X55 5G MODEM-RF SYSTEM. RAM: 12GB WITH THE OPTION TO UPGRADE TO 16 GB STORAGE: 128GB | 256GB | 512GB

CONTACT:

LENOVO EXCLUSIVE STORE @ DIGITAL MALL PETALING JAYA, DIGITAL MALL, 1.02, 1ST FLOOR, NO 2, JALAN 14/20, SEKSYEN 14, 46100 PETALING JAYA, SELANGOR, 016-207 0386.

ISSUE 29

41

2CENTS.MY

Garmin Venu 2 and Venu 2S

Price: RM1,799.00 Website: www.lazada.com.my/ Garmin encourages more to explore the Venu 2 to a greater extent. Equipped with more than 25 built-in sports applications, users can access enhanced strength training profiles and muscle map graphics brought to life on the smartwatches’ bright AMOLED display. The Venu 2 series invites its users to experience enhanced battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode on the Venu 2 and 10 days on Venu 2S.

Galaxy XCover 5

Price: From RM1,496.00 Website: www.samsung.com/my This rugged yet sophisticated device is designed to handle demanding jobs while meeting the needs of an increasingly mobile workforce. Engineered for the field and factory, the Galaxy XCover 5 combines durability with comfort for a product that is sleek and easy-to-hold, yet sturdy enough to withstand tough work environments.

vivo V21 5G Exclusive Edition

Price: RM1,599.00 Website: www.shop.vivo.com/my The vivo V21 5G Exclusive Edition not only offers to lead 5G technology and sophisticated style, but also a remarkable front view super night vision capability—a leading feature in the industry. With the front and rear OIS+EIS anti-shake video editing function and various smart home features, V21 5G Exclusive Edition has become one of the most costeffective and cost worthy cell phones in the era of 5G. ISSUE 29

42

2CENTS.MY

GADGET GALORE

Sony BRAVIA XR A90J

Price: RM17,999.00 Website: www.sony.com.my Powered by the Cognitive Processor XR, it understands how humans see and hear, providing a revolutionary experience that completely immerses viewers in their favourite content. It also features the XR Motion Clarity technology that controls moving images precisely to minimise blur so that pictures remain true with less loss in brightness during high-speed scenes.

HONOR VIEW20

Price: Starts from RM1,999 Website: Ground Floor of Highstreet @ One Utama Shopping Centre.

HONOR View20’s rear camera is the first to be powered by the SONY IMX586 48MP sensor, with a 1/2-inch large CMOS, and equivalent 1.6μm pixels in Quad Bayer array. The sensor, boosted by the Kirin 980 chipset, supports new 48MP AI Ultra Clarity mode to produce photos with unmatched detail and clarity. The Kirin 980’s dual-NPU processes the photo using an advanced AI algorithm – the quality of the photo is assessed, details in dark areas are optimized, and colors are adjusted to appear more vivid.

Redmi Note 10 5G

Price: RM799.00 Website: www.lazada.com.my/ Sporting the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G chipset, Redmi Note 10 5G is ready to challenge the boundaries of gaming performance. Its 7nm processing technology and integrated modem offer higher performance with lower power consumption so users can enjoy prolonged use of their device without worrying about power drain. With support for 5G dual SIM, Redmi Note 10 5G is a productivity beast.

JBL CHARGE 3

Acer ASPIRE E 15

Price: RM899 Website: Lazada

Price: RM2,659 Website: Acer outlets or authorized dealers

This full-featured waterproof portable speaker with high-capacity Aspire E Series laptops are great choices for everyday users, with lots battery to charge your devices goes a long way. Wirelessly connect of appealing options and an attractive design that exceed expectations. up to 3 smartphones or tablets to the speaker and take turns With many enhanced components, color choices, and a textured metallic playing powerful stereo sound. It even has a built-in rechargeable finish, the Aspire E makes everyday better. With added enhancements, Li-ion battery supports up to 20 hours of playtime and charges you get an even richer media experience. Acer TrueHarmony™ delivers smartphones and tablets via USB. Plus, no more worrying about rain richer, more lifelike audio, while Acer ExaColor™ produces consistent Price: From RM4,599.00 Website: www.lazada.com.my/ or spills; you can even submerge in water. colour accuracy and Skype-certified components provide uninterrupted audio and video.

The Surface Laptop 4 comes with a vibrant 13.5” or 15” touchscreen display, alongside a large trackpad with gesture

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

support, and its industry-leading typing experience. Users can also choose from Alcantara or metal finishes in black and platinum.

ISSUE 29

43

2CENTS.MY

GADGET GALORE

Asus Zenfone 8

Price: From RM2,699.00 Website: www.asus.com/my The Zenfone 8 manages to fit an outstanding performance in to a small, easy-to-carry device, combining an effortless operation with ideal pocketability. Featuring the newest Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 888 5G Mobile Platform, an ultraclear 120 Hz AMOLED display, a long-lasting 4000 mAh battery, and a pro-grade camera system with Sony sensors.

Mi TV Q1

Price: RM7,999.00 Website: www.lazada.com.my/ It comes with an elegant and minimalistic design with a sleek supporting blade, Mi TV Q1 75” offers a true-to-life cinematic experience with its 4K UHD resolution display and quantum dot technology. Mi TV Q1 75” is a step above the rest with its 4K QLED display panel that accommodates 100% NTSC colour range with 1.07 billion colour variations and 1,024 different colour shades.

Apple iMac 24-inch

Price: From RM5,599.00 Website: apple.com/my Apple introduced an all-new iMac powered by Apple’s M1 chip. In terms of design, it is remarkably thin — 11.5 millimetres to be precise — and comes in a variety of vivid colours to suit the user’s preferences: red, purple, black, yellow, silver, blue, and green.

ISSUE 29

44

2CENTS.MY

GADGET GALORE

Alienware x15

Price: RM11,499.00 Website: www.dell.com/en-my A new purposeful design and several industry-first innovations to deliver best-in-class thermals with excellent display quality. Featuring a standard 15.6-inch display and an Intel Core i7-11800H processor, the laptop also comes with a Full HD 165Hz panel, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, 16GB DDR4-3200 RAM, 512GB SSD.

HONOR VIEW20

Price: Starts from RM1,999 Website: Ground Floor of Highstreet @ One Utama Shopping Centre.

HONOR View20’s rear camera is the first to be powered by the SONY IMX586 48MP sensor, with a 1/2-inch large CMOS, and equivalent 1.6μm pixels in Quad Bayer array. The sensor, boosted by the Kirin 980 chipset, supports new 48MP AI Ultra Clarity mode to produce photos with unmatched detail and clarity. The Kirin 980’s dual-NPU processes the photo using an advanced AI algorithm – the quality of the photo is assessed, details in dark areas are optimized, and colors are adjusted to appear more vivid.

Garmin Forerunner 55(R)

Price: RM960.00 Website: www.lazada.com.my/ This easy-to-use GPS smartwatch is designed for fitness enthusiasts of all and diversified skill levels to track their stats and achieve personal fitness goals. Take your training to the next level with advanced running features. Featuring PacePro, it helps runners tailor their efforts to a selected course or distance with a finish time estimator to allow athletes to select a run distance and view their estimated finish.

JBL CHARGE 3

Acer ASPIRE E 15

Price: RM899 Website: Lazada

Price: RM2,659 Website: Acer outlets or authorized dealers

This full-featured waterproof portable speaker with high-capacity Aspire E Series laptops are great choices for everyday users, with lots battery to charge your devices goes a long way. Wirelessly connect of appealing options and an attractive design that exceed expectations. up to 3 smartphones or tablets to the speaker and take turns With many enhanced components, color choices, and a textured metallic playing powerful stereo sound. It even has a built-in rechargeable finish, the Aspire E makes everyday better. With added enhancements, Li-ion battery supports up to 20 hours of playtime and charges you get an even richer media experience. Acer TrueHarmony™ delivers smartphones and tablets via USB. Plus, no more worrying about rain richer, more lifelike audio, while Acer ExaColor™ produces consistent or spills; you can even submerge in water. Price: RM1,099.00 Website: colourwww.sony.com.my accuracy and Skype-certified components provide uninterrupted audio and video.noise cancellation and now supports HighThe newly designed Integrated Processor V1 provides even better

Sony WF-1000XM4

Resolution Audio Wireless. Highlighting a much more superior call quality and smart listening thanks to features like Speak-to-Chat. Users can now enjoy an impressive 8-hour battery life 1 with Noise Cancellation activated.

ISSUE 29

45

2CENTS.MY

PASSIONATE

THIS BRAND DOES NOT ONLY EMPOWERS WOMEN BUT ALSO HELPS TO KEEP THEM SAFE Words by Grace Sundram

Immediately locking car doors upon entering, ensuring that purses are never visible on passenger seats, maintaining a firm hold on bags while walking, and avoiding poorly lit places are just a few of the numerous measures women must take.

Women must constantly be on high alert when they leave the house, and this is especially true at night.

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) data confirm an alarming increase in the number of reported sexual harassment incidents, which has more than quadrupled in the last decade.

According to reports, more than a third of Malaysian women, or 36%, have experienced sexual harassment at some time in their lives.

In comparison to other safety devices, such as pepper spray, which is illegal in some countries and is considered dangerous and even lethal if used improperly, the Pocket Angel is a safety device designed to aid in individual defence by drawing attention to the situation and thus increasing the chances of receiving help in dangerous situations. It is always better to have some form of defence than none.

The Pocket Angel is the first of its type to be made accessible in the country, with a sleek appearance and a battery life of up to three years. Pocket Angels are now available in five distinct colours: pink, black, aqua, yellow, and white.

We had the chance to interview the team behind this amazing product so let’s get to it.

ISSUE 29

46

2CENTS.MY

PASSIONATE

ISSUE 29

47

2CENTS.MY

PASSIONATE

What inspired you to launch Pocket Angel?

Pocket Angel is a brainchild under the RPG portfolio. We created this product after seeing a continuous rise in the cases of harm and violence towards women, despite there have been many notable movements (#MeToo) in recent years to make this world a safer place for women.

A few of our female colleagues also shared their personal experiences on their close calls in stalking and assaults while they are on their way home at night. Being a woman, alone and unprepared – the combination of these three things is what we always call the recipe for danger.

The female safety issues, or just safety issues in general in Malaysia, have been around for many years and there is still fear lingering around us whenever we are out and about. We cannot change the part of being a woman and being alone, but we definitely can be prepared. That was how the idea of Pocket Angel started, and we hope to create a strong impact on society with this tiny yet mighty device.

How long has Pocket Angel been around? And how did you come up with the name?

Pocket Angel started in November 2020 and as of today, we are 9 months old!

Its name was inspired by the compact and lightweight design that can be easily fit into our pockets, and at the same time, its ability to give the user the additional sense of security wherever they are, just like our guardian angels.

How do you think Pocket Angel can keep women protected in our time?

It’s true that women can feel so unsafe and vulnerable whenever they are out alone, or even in groups. Pocket Angel is definitely a helpful device that can make them feel safer, as it helps to alert the surrounding when they encounter danger.

Pocket Angel’s bright flashing light and loud sound is meant to attract the attention of passersby/surroundings in the event of an emergency. The last thing that an attacker wants is attention. And with Pocket Angel, it does exactly what an attacker would be afraid of – draw attention.

Pocket Angel is also easy to activate, just pull the pin, the alarm will go off – we understand that at times of emergency we would usually be panicking and the last thing we want is to struggle to activate this safety alarm.

ISSUE 29

48

2CENTS.MY

PASSIONATE

ISSUE 29

49

2CENTS.MY

PASSIONATE

What is the price range?

Pocket Angel started in November 2020 and as of today, we are 9 months old!

Its name was inspired by the compact and lightweight design that can be easily fit into our pockets, and at the same time, its ability to give the user the additional sense of security wherever they are, just like our guardian angels.

How do you think your product stands out from the competition?

Our product is the first personal safety alarm in Malaysia. Comes in quirky, and vibrant colours, it is lightweight, compact, easily attachable on your bags or jeans and not forgetting to mention it is also safe to use, compared to a pepper spray.

What kind of marketing and advertising initiatives has worked for you? What haven’t?

During International Women’s Day this year, we launched a major women’s campaign in collaboration with the Women’s Aid Organisation, titled #ChooseToSpeakUp with Pocket Angel, which aimed to encourage Malaysian women to speak up against sexual harassment issues. The campaign was a huge success as we have received a great response from our followers on social media. We have even received some real and personal heartfelt stories from women who shared their sexual harassment personal experiences with us – it really broke our hearts reading it. We have since connected them to the right channels to seek professional help.

We have also successfully raised a total of RM 5,000 to the Women’s Aid Organization through this initiative.

This is only the beginning of the many great things that we are going to achieve with Pocket Angel.

ISSUE 29

50

2CENTS.MY

Since starting the business, have you learned anything particularly helpful or advantageous?

Know who your audience is and what their needs are so that your product or service can enhance their living quality. We always want to help our customers to live the best life possible, by keeping them safe especially in a country like Malaysia where crime rates are constantly on the rise – hence, Pocket Angel was created!

If you would have to describe your product in three words, what would it be?

Compact, lightweight and LOUD! (Pocket Angel is small but definitely mighty!)

Malaysia’s sexual harassment cases have been on the rise ever since 2013, what are your thoughts about this?

It is very alarming to us that these cases have been increasing and that the actions are taken to curb this phenomenon has been more prevalent only in the past few years. It’s even more so concerning that this is also happening even in schools, case in point, the recent case of a teacher making rape jokes to students in school. This is disconcerting as schools are meant to be a safe place where conducive learning should occur, yet such a thing had happened.

It is known that some victims of sexual assault are afraid to come out and tell their stories in fear of being punished by the public eye. How can we change this and encourage women to speak up and have the women community support one another?

Change often starts with ourselves. We believe in a community that is supportive of one another, that allows a safe space to speak often begins with each and every one of us. Once we begin to do that, women are less fearful to speak up about these difficult topics as they know that they are not alone, that help and support are near.

We should also be more attentive to our friends and family if they are acting differently, that could be a sign that they are suffering quietly. Do a quick check-in with them, it would help to open up easier and lead to speaking up on their struggles. As an outsider, we are definitely in a clearer mind space to help and guide them to seek help from the right channels.

PASSIONATE

Where can potential customers find your products? Where is Pocket Angel located?

Our products are available on our website at https://shoppocketangel.com/. Alternatively, we are also on Shopee and Lazada https://shopee.com.my/pocketangelmalaysia & https://www.lazada.com.my/shop/pocket-angelofficial-malaysia/ Do you have any new products that you’re working on at the moment?

We believe that Pocket Angel still has plenty of room to explore & improve based on different customers’ needs! In fact, we have new skins that will be launching soon so be sure to stay tuned!

How does the device work in terms of activating and deactivating it?

It’s simple! Pocket Angel boasts its simplicity of usage, which makes it suitable to be used for people of all ages – including the elderly! Just pull the pin to activate and close it to deactivate.

In the long run, what is the vision for Pocket Angel?

Definitely, Pocket Angel hopes to provide everyone with a sense of security with this device, but more importantly, we want to continue to be the brand that advocates for women empowerment and rights in Malaysia, giving Malaysian females a voice to speak!

We hope to further work with the local female organizations such as the Women’s Aid Organization and AWAM for more initiatives as such. In fact, in this upcoming month, we will be working with the Women’s Aid Organization once again!

What do you think about the local brands and why is it important for us to support them?

We believe that local brands deserve every inch of our support, especially being a locally-owned brand ourselves.

This gives an opportunity for the local talents to shine, showcasing a variety of hidden talents that we Malaysians should proudly represent even on the international stage!

What advice would you give to those who have a passion to start up their own business?

Be willing to fail, innovate and adapt. With starting a business, failure is definitely expected. Learn from your mistakes, make them profitable. That we think is the secret recipe of success.

What makes you excited when you get to work? Do you have a mantra or life quote that you go by?

Be willing to fail, innovate and adapt. With starting a business, failure is definitely expected. Learn from your mistakes, make them profitable. That we think is the secret recipe of success.

ISSUE 29

52

2CENTS.MY

PASSIONATE

ISSUE 29

53

2CENTS.MY

If you want to be Welson Sim’s girlfriend, you might need to have these traits

M

alaysian Flying Prince, Welson Sim has made headlines and has been trending all over social media especially on China’s social media platform, Weibo. After melting every girl’s heart, all of you single ladies should know that he is actually single and waiting to find the right one.

In an interview, he shared about his relationship status and what kind of girl he actually is looking for.

Let’s get to it.

ISSUE 29

54

2CENTS.MY

FEATURE STORY

Durian lover like him This trait definitely shows how Malaysian is he. Welson enjoys the King of Fruits and he would like his future girlfriend to enjoy it too. It would make him uncomfortable if his partner doesn’t enjoy the fruit as much as he does.

ISSUE 29

55

2CENTS.MY

Eye candy Being attracted to someone who is pleasing to the eye is a no doubter as most of us are also the same. His girlfriend has to have a good sense of appearance which will be appealing to him.

ISSUE 29

56

2CENTS.MY

FEATURE STORY

Chubby is a plus point Whether you’re an eye candy or not, Welson Sim digs women with curves. Well, hearing that has already made him a little more attractive than he already is because not all men are into curves.

ISSUE 29

57

2CENTS.MY

Enjoys meat The Malaysian Flying Prince enjoys eating meat just like how he enjoys eating durian. As a national athlete, he needs the protein plus he is a huge foodie so finding a partner who has a similar taste in food is important as well.

That said, age doesn’t matter as long as she has these four main traits. He also did mention that he’s girlfriend doesn’t necessarily needs to be an athlete like him too.

ISSUE 29

58

2CENTS.MY

FEATURE STORY

So what do you think? Do you fit the criteria? Are you ready?

ISSUE 29

59

2CENTS.MY

6 SIMPLE OVERNIGHT OATS RECIPES TO GRAB & GO If you’re searching for a quick and easy meal that’s also healthy and can help you lose weight, overnight oats are the way to go.

Overnight oats are not prepared like oatmeal, which is prepared in boiling water on the stove or in the microwave. They’re just rolled oats that have been soaked in liquid overnight in the refrigerator.

Is there anything better than a breakfast that prepares itself while you sleep? Where do we go to register?

Because you’ll be using pre-cooked rolled oats, soaking them in a liquid overnight is adequate to soften them to the same texture as cooking.

We’ve included a list of our favourite healthy overnight oatmeal recipes below. These nutritious overnight oats recipes will help you meal plan a filling breakfast.

ISSUE 29

60

2CENTS.MY

DROOL WORTHY

CHOCOLATE PROTEIN OVERNIGHT OATS

BANANA NUTELLA

Ingredients

Ingredients

- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you prefer) - 1 cup rolled (old fashioned) oats - 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder* - 1/4 cup plain protein powder* - 1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup - 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract*

- ½ banana sliced - 1 tablespoon Nutella - 1 tablespoon hazelnuts crushed - 1 tablespoon chocolate chips Instructions

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients into a large glass container and mix until combined.

1. Mix all ingredients together in a small jar or split between two jars to keep the two servings s eparate. Stir well to mix ingredients and dissolve chunks.

2. Cover the glass container with a lid or plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. Toppings can be added the night before or immediately before serving.

2. Place jar(s) in the refrigerator overnight or for 2 hours at the very minimum (overnight is preferred).

3. Uncover and enjoy from the glass container the next day. Thin with a little more milk or water, if desired.

3. Remove from the refrigerator before eating and stir well.

4. Either eat directly from the jar(s) or place in a bowl. Eat within 24 hours of mixing for best results.

Notes: *If you use chocolate protein powder, skip the cocoa powder but add vanilla. If you use vanilla protein powder, skip the vanilla. *Can be eaten cold or microwaved to eat warm.

Microwave time will vary based on the power level of the microwave but watch carefully since oats can boil and overrun the container easily.

HEALTHY STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE OVERNIGHT OATS Ingredients - 1/3 cup plain Greek yoghurt - 1/2 cup (heaping) rolled oats - 2/3 cup unsweetened milk of choice - 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax meal - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of salt - 0–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries - 3 tablespoons softened cream cheese - Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon Instructions 1. Whisk together all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Spoon into a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

2. Close and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight before eating.

DROOL WORTHY

BLUEBERRY OVERNIGHT OATS Ingredients - 1/3 cup plain Greek yoghurt - 1/2 cup (heaping) rolled oats - 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (see notes) - 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax meal - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of salt - 0–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup Instructions 1. Whisk together all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Spoon into a pint or half-litre jar with a tight-fitting lid.

2. Close and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, before eating.

Notes: If you go the frozen route, you will want to back off on the added milk just a touch—by about a tablespoon— since the fruit will release some liquid as it defrosts.

BROWNIE BATTER OVERNIGHT OATS Ingredients - Basic overnight oats base - 2 tablespoons cocoa powder - 1 tablespoon sweetener of choice (granulated) - 1 tablespoon healthy Nutella - Crumbled up healthy brownies or chocolate muffins Instructions 1. In a bowl, jar, or small portable container, add your oats, milk and salt, and mix well.

2. Choose your flavour, and add those specific ingredients. Mix it together and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 2 hours.

3. Remove from the fridge and if desired, add more milk and extra toppings.

Notes: Nutritional values will depend on which overnight oats flavour you choose, and what add-ins or mix-ins you use.

Overnight Oats must be stored in the fridge at all times. Do not freeze it.

To ensure these are 100% vegan and gluten-free, always use gluten-free oats and dairy-free milk (almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, or nut milk blends).

ISSUE 29

62

2CENTS.MY

DROOL WORTHY

PEANUT BUTTER OVERNIGHT OATS Ingredients - /2 cup unsweetened plain almond milk (or sub other dairy-free milk, such as coconut, soy, or hemp!)

- 3/4 Tbsp chia seeds - 2 Tbsp natural salted peanut butter or almond butter (creamy or crunchy // or sub other nut or seed butter) - 1 Tbsp maple syrup (or sub coconut sugar, organic brown sugar, or stevia to taste) - 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats (rolled oats are best, vs. steel-cut or quick-cooking) TOPPINGS optional - Sliced banana, strawberries, or raspberries - Flaxseed meal or additional chia seed - Granola Instructions 1. To a mason jar or small bowl with a lid, add almond milk, chia seeds, peanut butter, and maple syrup (or other sweeteners) and stir with a spoon to combine. The peanut butter doesn’t need to be completely mixed with the almond milk (doing so leaves swirls of peanut butter to enjoy the next day).

2. Add oats and stir a few more times. Then press down with a spoon to ensure all oats have been moistened and are immersed in almond milk.

3. Cover securely with a lid or seal and set in the refrigerator overnight (or for at least 6 hours) to set/soak.

4. The next day, open and enjoy as is or garnish with desired toppings.

OPTIONAL: You can also heat your oats in the microwave for 45-60 seconds (just ensure there’s enough room at the top of your jar to allow for expansion and prevent overflow), or transfer oats to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through. Add more liquid as needed if oats get too thick/dry.

5. Overnight oats will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, though best within the first 12-24 hours in our experience.

Not freezer friendly.

ISSUE 29

63

2CENTS.MY

DROOL WORTHY

DINNER CAN BE MADE QUICKLY AND EASILY WITH THESE 6 NOODLE RECIPES

ISSUE 29

These six noodle dishes will satisfy your cravings. They’re quite simple to prepare, and you can use any sort of noodle you have on hand instead of going to a specialist store. If spaghetti is your thing, you can use spaghetti noodles for everything! Why make dinner any more difficult than it needs to be?

64

2CENTS.MY

DROOL WORTHY

ASIAN GARLIC NOODLES INGREDIENTS: - 8 ounces spaghetti - 12 ounces medium shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 2 zucchinis, diced - 1 carrot, grated - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

BEEF NOODLE STIRY FRY

FOR THE SAUCE - 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce - 3 cloves, garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed - 1 tablespoon sambal oelek (ground fresh chile paste), or more, to taste* - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger - 1 teaspoon sesame oil

INGREDIENTS: - 2 (7-ounce) refrigerated udon noodles, seasoning sauce packets discarded* - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 8 ounces beef top sirloin filet, thinly sliced across the grain - 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced - 6 ounces broccoli florets - 2 carrots, diced

DIRECTIONS: 1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, sambal oelek, oyster sauce, ginger and sesame oil; set aside.

FOR THE SAUCE - 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce - 3 tablespoons oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger - 2 cloves garlic, pressed - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.

3. Heat olive oil in a large over Ourskillet Food Log medium-high heat. Add shrimp and 2 tablespoons soy sauce mixture, and cook, stirring occasionally, until pink, about 2-3 minutes; set aside.

DIRECTIONS: 1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, red pepper flake and ground black pepper; set aside.

2. In a large pot of boiling water, cook udon noodles according to package instructions; drain well. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, flipping once, until browned, about 3-4 minutes; set aside.

3. Stir in mushrooms, broccoli and carrots to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in udon noodles, beef and soy sauce mixture until well combined, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Serve immediately.

NOTES: *Udon is Japanese-style thick wheat noodles and can be found in the refrigerated aisle of your local grocery store.

ISSUE 29

65

2CENTS.MY

4. Stir in mushrooms, bell pepper, zucchinis and carrot to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in spaghetti, shrimp and remaining soy sauce mixture until well combined, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro, if desired.

NOTES: *Sriracha can be substituted

DROOL WORTHY

KIMCHI RAMEN INGREDIENTS:

CHICKEN STIR FRY NOODLES INGREDIENTS: - 6 oz. (170 g) skinless and boneless chicken thigh or leg meat, cut into small pieces - 10 oz. (300 g) fresh egg noodles - 3 tablespoons cooking oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup shredded cabbage - 1/4 cup shredded carrot - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 2 tablespoons water MARINADE: - 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon oyster sauce - 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine - 3 dashes white pepper - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 5 shiitake mushrooms (thinly sliced) - ½ cup cabbage kimchi (chopped) - ¼ cup kimchi juice - 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock - 2 teaspoons Korean red pepper powder (gochugaru) - ¼ teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 package instant noodles - 1 scallion (julienned) DIRECTIONS: 1. In a medium pot, add the vegetable oil and the mushrooms.

Stir-fry for 3 minutes. Add the kimchi and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.

2. Add the kimchi juice, stock, Korean red pepper powder, sugar, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, open up your package of instant noodles. Discard the flavour packet, and boil the noodles according to the package instructions. Transfer the cooked noodles to a bowl. Pour your broth over the noodles, and serve with scallions on top.

GARNISHING: - Sesame seeds - Scallion, sliced diagonally DIRECTIONS: 1. Rinse the fresh egg noodles with cold water, drain the excess water and set them aside.

2. In a small mixing bowl, marinate the chicken with all the seasonings in the Marinade, for 15 minutes.

3. Heat up a wok with 1 tablespoon of the cooking oil. When the wok is heated, add the chicken into the wok and pan-fry the chicken until slightly charred and blackened on both sides. Remove the chicken from the wok and into a bowl. Set aside.

4. Clean the wok and heat it up with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil.

Add in the minced garlic and stir-fry until light brown or aromatic. Add the shredded cabbage and carrot into the wok and do a few quick stirs. Stir in the noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water. Continue to stir fry until the noodles are well blended with the seasonings and completely cooked through. Dish out and transfer into two serving bowls. Top the chicken noodles with the chicken (and its juice), garnish with the sesame seeds and scallion.

5. Serve immediately.

ISSUE 29

66

2CENTS.MY

NOTES: If you prefer, you can also boil the noodles directly in the pot of broth.

DROOL WORTHY

SINGAPORE NOODLES INGREDIENTS:

MAMAK MEE INGREDIENTS: NOODLE DISH

- 6 oz. (170 g) rice sticks, rice vermicelli - 4 oz. (115 g) boneless and skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips - ½ teaspoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons oil - 2 cloves garlic minced - 4 oz. (115 g) onion (1/2) GORENG - 2 oz. (56 g) red bell pepper - 6 oz. (170 g) shelled and deveined shrimp - 2 eggs, lightly beaten 2. In a large bowl, mix all the sauce - 6 oz. (170 g) bean sprout ingredients until well combined and - 3 stalks scallion, cut into two-inch lengths set aside until ready to use.

- 2 servings of fresh yellow noodles - 1 small potato - 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped - 4 ounces plant-based “egg” (optional) - 1/2 cup mung bean sprout - 1/4 cup pan-fried tofu slices - 1/4 cup chopped choy sum (YuChoy) - oil for cooking FOR THE SAUCE - 2 tablespoons ketchup - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sambal oelek or homemade sambal - 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (thin) or use ½ tablespoon if using thick dark soy sauce - 1 tablespoon Malaysian curry powder - 3 teaspoons sugar - 1/2 cup water DIRECTIONS: 1. Prepare the potato: Wash and scrub the potato with a brush to remove dirt. Fill a tall pot with water (big enough to fit the potato) and place the potato in. Cover the pot with a lid and cook the potato (skin on) until it’s fork-tender, about 30 minutes. Drain out the water and once it’s cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and cut it into cubes.

3. Quick Tip for fresh yellow noodles: Normally fresh yellow noodles are oiled. I like to rinse it in cold water to loosen up the threads and remove part of the oil. Or you can quickly blanch it in hot water and drain it before use.

FOR THE SAUCE - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 2 tablespoons curry powder - 1 ½ tablespoon soy sauce - ½ tablespoon sugar - ¾ cup water

DIRECTIONS: 4. Heat a wok with 1 tablespoon of oil, then saute garlic until aromatic.

1. Soak the rice sticks (rice vermicelli) in warm Add in the YuChoy and noodles, water, for about 20-30 minutes, or until they then toss to combine. become soft. Strain in a colander.

5. Push the ingredients to the side, 2. Coat the chicken with cornstarch. Set aside. add a drizzle of oil (if needed) and Mix all the ingredients for the sauce in a small pour in the plant-based ‘egg’. Let bowl. Set aside. the ‘egg’ cook a little to set then bring the noodles to cover the ‘egg’.

3. Heat the oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add the garlic, onion, bell peppers and 6. Add in the cooked potato cubes, stir fry until aromatic. Add the chicken and tofu, and slowly add in the sauces. shrimp, stir-fry until they change colour. Add Using a wok spatula or tongs, stirthe rice sticks, stir to combine well with all fry while tossing all the ingredients the ingredients, for 1 minute. Use the spatula together until well-combined. A to push the noodles to one side of the wok or quick tip: Try not to stir too hard or skillet. Add the eggs and let cook for about it will break up the noodles into tiny 1 minute or until the bottom sets. Fold the threads. noodles over the eggs, add the bean sprouts, Sauce and scallions. Stir continuously until 7. Finally, fold in the mung bean everything is well combined. sprouts and cook for another minute or so. If you prefer a 4. Turn off the heat and serve the noodles softer mung bean sprouts texture, immediately. increase the cooking time. Taste test and season to your preference.

8. Garnish with shredded green lettuce, chilli slices, fried shallots, and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

ISSUE 29

67

2CENTS.MY

DROOL WORTHY

AFTER A FEW DAYS OF #CUCUKMYAZ, COMPLETE ALL OF YOUR DOSES WITH THESE “VAXXED” COCKTAILS

It seems like an eternity since we all went out for a drink with some pals at the bar. The good ol’ days — going home a little tipsy, playing drinking games, blasting loud music — sigh, those were the days.

If the boredom is killing you quicker than the pandemic lockdown then we think you would like this solution.

Apparently, these vaccines have been formulated with “proven efficacy to battle and annihilate any pandemicinduced lockdown boredom and sobriety”.

Backdoor Bodega, known as an “Overpriced Pin Shop” since 2016, provides over 40 different types of cocktails for free with any purchase of their lapel pins.

The Bar Awards named the speakeasy one of Penang’s finest cocktail bars, and it is now selling three vaccinethemed bottled drinks for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Each bottle has a 100ml dosage, which is sufficient for two “on-the-rocks” rounds.

Each bottle costs RM38, or you can purchase all three for RM100. During the lockdown, Backdoor Bodega is presently offering free delivery to anywhere in Malaysia.

ISSUE 29

68

2CENTS.MY

DROOL WORTHY

PFIZERMEISTER

It contains Jägermeister, bourbon, hazelnut, Guinness Stout reduction, and Angostura Bitters.

ISSUE 29

69

2CENTS.MY

DROOL WORTHY

SINOSOUR

This Sinosour cocktail contains Baijiu, Bacardi Carta Blanca, sour plum, peach, lager reduction, and citric solution.

ISSUE 29

70

2CENTS.MY

DROOL WORTHY

EXTRAGINECA

Contains Tanqueray London Dry Gin, along with Pimm’s, Luxardo Maraschino, dry vermouth, English Breakfast Tea, and Regan’s Orange Bitters.

Since it’s only available for pre-order, do allow at least seven days for preparation and shipping since the cocktails are produced in limited quantities, per batch.

ISSUE 29

71

2CENTS.MY

AUTO

Everything you need to know about the unveiling of this latest sedan —

Volvo S90 Recharge T8 The redesigned Volvo S90 model is finally available in the Malaysian market, boasting a new exterior as well as interior finishing that complements the most advanced safety and technology features. Looks-wise, the S90 Recharge T8’s facelift bolsters drivers to be the change when it comes to luxurious comfort, safety and sustainability.

As the newly updated premium 4-door, 5-seat flagship sedan, it is built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The S90 Recharge T8 is powered by Volvo’s Drive-E powertrain and comes with a T8 Twin Engine and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery capable of generating 407 horsepower and 640Nm of torque.

This new Volvo model combines a four-cylinder engine with a powerful electric motor that emits less CO2 to provide a powerful, performance-filled drive. This powertrain is considered to be used in all Volvo models built on the SPA, which underpins the latest 90 and 60 series launches.

Pronounced elegance

Sporty tail lamps

The S90 Recharge T8 is very similar to the XC90 in that it possesses Volvo Cars’ rich legacy through the distinct elegance of Volvo’s design language.

This combination of sleek design and stylistic influences provides a luxury appearance that is emphasized by Volvo’s core aesthetic features, such as the “Thor Hammer” LED headlight design, vertical chrome grille with the Volvo Iron Mark, and bold and elegant use of the Volvo spread mark on the rear.

As for the tail lamps on the Volvo S90 Recharge T8, it also has been redesigned to resemble those of the newly introduced Volvo S60 T8 R-Design, combining the premium image with a touch of sportiness.

ISSUE 29

72

2CENTS.MY

AUTO

An amazing interior To further enhance its overall appearance and feel of the car, Volvo incorporated a Scandinavian theme into the cabin of the car. The addition of vertical air blades on each side of the Sensus user interface as well as perforated front seats and sunroof certainly raises the bar on elegant aesthetics.

ISSUE 29

73

2CENTS.MY

AUTO

Impeccable entertainment system

Exemplary safety features

The Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Sensus panel keeps the driver linked with intuitive technology and personalized functionality, with two front USB outlets that support both Apple Carplay and Android Auto for varied connectivity.

Additionally, the S90 Recharge T8 also comes with a variety of standard Volvo safety features, starting with a chassis made out of boron steel for added body strength. This comes in combination with Volvo’s Intellisafe system, which equips the S90 Recharge T8 with the latest safety technology developed by Volvo, such as the Blind Spot Information Systems (BLIS), City Safety, Cross Traffic Alert, Front and Rear Warning and Mitigation Support, Lane Keeping Aid, Pilot Assist, a 180km/h speed cap and many more.

Then there’s also the 9-inch portrait touch screen that provides the driver much convenient access to a complete range of safety measures as well as in-car entertainment applications for an immersive media and audio experience.

Featuring an upgraded Bowers & Wilkins sound system, it is said to consist of 19 speakers with an output of 1,400W to provide true high-end, in-car audio performance. The signature Tweeter-on-Top speaker is seamlessly integrated into the design contours of the S90 Recharge T8 and sits just above the dashboard.

There are also several speaker updates, such as the new double-dome aluminium tweeters and the new generation mid-range speaker cones in Continuum™ composite, resulting in a more refined, pure and natural sound production.

Combined with the unique feature of different room modes such as the Concert Hall Mode, which is modelled after the exact acoustic qualities of the famous Gothenburg Concert Hall, and also a Jazz Club Mode, drivers and passengers will be instantly transported to the seats of a Swedish theatre or a classy jazz club.

Price and availability Customers will have the option to choose from among five distinct colours: Bright Silver, Crystal White Pearl, Onyx Black, Platinum Grey and Thunder Grey.

Priced at RM358,888, the S90 Recharge T8 is now at RM339,315 after sales tax exemption (on-theroad, without insurance) and will be available for viewing at all authorised Volvo dealers nationwide starting today. Additionally, the T5 variant, now priced at RM328,888 (before sales tax exemption), will be available from June 2021 onwards. The sales tax exempted pricing is subject to a later announcement.

At the same time, it is also available for online booking through Volvo Car Malaysia’s website as a safer alternative and in adherence to the government’s standard operating procedures (SOPs).

ISSUE 29

74

2CENTS.MY

ISSUE 29

75

2CENTS.MY

HEALTH

Ever since we got to register for the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccinations, many have been posting up photos of them on social media featuring the hashtag #CucukMYAZ. It’s great that most Malaysians are now educated on this particular vaccine and are taking the chance to go ahead with it.

Anyways, since the second rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine, we’d like to keep our readers prepared so here’s a guide on what to expect during your appointment and the aftercare.

ISSUE 29

76

2CENTS.MY

#CUCUKMYAZ: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW DURING YOUR ASTRAZENECA COVID-19 VACCINATION DAY

HEALTH

ON THE DAY OF YOUR VACCINATION APPOINTMENT Do make sure that you’re well prepared with all the necessities which include your IC and your mobile phone with your registered MySejahtera app. Don’t forget to double-mask since you’ll be surrounded by a crowd as well as bring your own pen along to sign the consent form that would be given to you upon your arrival.

For those that are travelling interdistrict or interstate to get to your assigned PPV, when passing a police roadblock, you’d just have to show your appointment details via the MySejahtera app and you’ll be good to go.

Apart from that, try to avoid wearing long-sleeve tees, sweaters, or any piece of clothing that is hard-to-roll. Since you will be taking a jab on your upper arm, it’s best to come with sleeveless or short-sleeved tees for easy convenience.

So this wouldn’t be like regular blood tests where you’d be required to fast, however, ensure that you have eaten a wellbalanced meal before appointment to prevent feeling weak after.

You’ll need to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your vaccination appointment, so arrange your transportation to the specified PPV ahead of time, taking into account: the traffic, the time you’ll need to park your car or the wait time for your Grab ride.

Avoid arriving too early to avoid crowds.

ONCE YOU’RE AT THE PPV When you have reached the vaccination centre, do scan your temperature as well as checking-in your location through the MySejahtera app. Some might get overwhelmed with the crowd however, don’t worry ‘cause there will be plenty of signage and on-ground staff to guide you throughout the whole process.

So first things first, proceed to the registration counter, where you will need to provide your IC to the person in charge in order to register, and then scan the QR code on your MySejahtera app to confirm your attendance.

Following that, you will be sent to a consultation counter where a doctor will explain all you need to know about the AstraZeneca vaccine. If you have any questions regarding the vaccine, the doctors there will help clarify your doubts as well. Once everything is settled, you will then have to fill out the consent form and send it to a waiting room to wait for your turn.

ISSUE 29

77

2CENTS.MY

HEALTH

YOU’VE GOTTEN YOUR FIRST DOSE OF VACCINATION...SO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? If you are working and need to be in the office, it’s best to take the day off in order to rest in case you experience any of the side effects. The most prevalent ones include body soreness and injection site discomfort. Apart from that, many have also experienced fevers, fatigue, lack of appetite, headaches, cold sweats, or chills ranging from later in the day to a day or two later. Since the side effects may vary, some people may not feel anything at all.

THE WAITING ROOM IS WHERE YOU WILL SIGN YOUR CONSENT FORM.

But do keep in mind that even with the side effects, it just means that your body’s immune system is actually responding to the vaccine. So in a way, it’s a good sign.

Now that you are ready for the first dose of the vaccine, you can proceed to your counter and the nurse will verify your details before giving you the jab. Then you will scan the QR code given via the MySejahtera app to confirm your first dose of vaccine.

You can take Panadol Actifast, Soluble, and Extra to help relieve the pain however these over-the-counter medications are not advised for patients with high blood pressure since it contains added sodium and caffeine which may elevate blood pressure.

When that’s over, you will be directed to an observation room where you will have to wait for around 15 minutes to check if there are any side effects within that time. Then if everything goes well, the on-ground staff will give you further instructions on how to self-monitor yourself and to keep an eye on your MySejahtera app for your next appointment.

ISSUE 29

Well, there you have it! A quick step by step guide to help you get prepared.

Stay safe and keep flaunting, #CucukMYAZ.

78

2CENTS.MY

HEALTH

Want your products or services FEATURED and REVIEWED? We provide only honest feedbacks from real people.

Contact us at marketing@brandzoom360.com now!

ISSUE 29

79

2CENTS.MY

GRAMMY-WINNER

Daya RELEASES A NEW EP, ‘THE DIFFERENCE’

Twenty-two-year-old musician, songwriter, LGBTQIA+ rights advocate and GRAMMY award-winner Daya has released her stunning new EP The Difference. The 6 track EP includes her hit song “Bad Girl” and new single “Montana”.

“The Difference EP is a collection of small-time capsules of the past year – fleeting moments of regret, desire, loneliness, and sadness while spending more time with myself than I ever have before at home during quarantine,” says Daya. “Since it’s my first body of work released since my debut album 5 years ago, I wanted to make sure it captured the versatility in how my sound has evolved and how I’ve grown as a person and writer with it.

Songs like ‘Tokyo Drifting,’ ‘First Time,’ and ‘The Difference’ talk about nuances in my relationship and, in ‘Tokyo’s case, the various extremities of my mental state while left to my own devices, while ‘Montana’ and ‘Bad Girl’ are more straightforward love songs. Each one feels like an unpolished part of me, digging at the rawest bits of my core, and it’s by far the most vulnerable body of work I’ve released. It feels freeing to finally have it out into the world, I’m so proud and excited to see how it connects.”

ISSUE 29

80

2CENTS.MY

MUSIC Still, Look Pretty, opening for the likes of Carly Rae Jepsen and MARINA, and selling out dates on her own headlining national tour. After taking time out to recharge and rediscover herself as an artist, Daya now returns with the latest and boldest chapter in an already phenomenal career that lets listeners in on her inner life more fully than ever before.

Daya – a.k.a. the moniker of Grace Tandon, in a nod to her Indian heritage as Daya is the Hindi translation of her first name – releases The Difference via AWAL/Sandlot & Kasher Records just in time for June Pride Month.

The EP features her chart-topping single “Bad Girl,” which is the first song where Daya has addressed her queerness directly in her lyrics.

“I want to do whatever I can to normalize queer relationships and queer stories, and help lesser-known queer artists get more visibility in the mainstream,” says Daya, who has performed at countless Pride events, and works with GLAAD and the Trevor Project. “When I came out I was lucky enough to have really supportive family and friends around me, and now I want to help move the needle for anyone who maybe doesn’t have it as easy as I did.

In recent years, Daya has turned heads with singles like “Insomnia” (a 2019 release that’s amassed more than 200 million streams on Spotify) and landed placements in film and television with her songs “Forward Motion” (featured in Amazon Studios’ Late Night) and “Keeping It in the Dark” (a cut from 13 Reasons Why’s season 3 soundtrack).

When Daya emerged at the age of 16 with her double-platinum debut single “Hide Away,” the Pennsylvaniabred multi-instrumentalist has achieved such triumphs as winning a Grammy Award,” earning gold certification for her debut album Sit

ISSUE 29

81

2CENTS.MY

Daya also lent her soulful vocals to songs from Gryffin, Illenium, RL Grime, NOTD, and Shallou, in addition to winning the Best Dance Recording prize at the 2017 Grammys for her performance on the worldwide charttopping smash “Don’t Let Me Down.”

With over 2 billion streams across her catalogue and the rising success of “Bad Girl,” Daya proves she is an unstoppable artist to watch. Stay tuned for more from her soon.

The Difference Tracklist 1. First Time 2. Bad Girl 3. Tokyo Drifting 4. The Difference 5. Montana 6. Bad Girl (JVKE Remix)

MOVIE

Paskal actor, Hairul Azreen makes his directorial debut with his new film

Ada Hantu

Nothing screams horror than watching a local film with a haunting mystery. Those who enjoy horror films and are waiting for a good local horror film can tune in to Disney+ Hotstar and catch Ada Hantu that premiered last Friday.

The film is filled with eerie thrills as it follows Aliff (Zahiril Adzim), a budding content creator and sceptic of all things supernatural, who challenges his friends to spend a night in an old, abandoned house rumoured to have once been owned by a Japanese general who brutally tortured and murdered everyone around him – to prove that ghosts don’t exist.

As the night progresses and Aliff loses sight of his companions, he learns that the home is not what he expected.

Ada Hantu stars Shiqin Kamal as Bariah, Hairul Azreen as Talha, Elvina Chua as Sasha, and Nafiez Zaidi as Jimmy.

Hairul Azreen’s debut film as a director, Ada Hantu, comes with its own set of obstacles, as he explains.

“Directing a movie is a big responsibility and one that isn’t easy to take on. Regardless, I was excited to work on Ada Hantu and was grateful to have been given the chance.”

“When he (Hairul) directs or has comments to make, he’s mindful about the directions that he gives and as actors, that was very encouraging for us,” said Shiqin Kamal.

ISSUE 29

82

2CENTS.MY

MOVIE

Hairul Azreen was also extremely clear about what he desired, according to the other cast members. He knew what his actors were capable of, which made for a comfortable filming experience.

On top of that, Hairul expressed gratitude to producer Adrian Teh for believing in him and providing him with the opportunity to direct.

Ada Hantu is currently available exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar, as part of the platform’s multi-year collaborations with prominent Malaysian studios, including Act 2 Pictures, to promote the local film community.

Viewers can enjoy the film along with other global and Malaysian titles on Disney+ Hotstar by subscribing to the service directly at DisneyPlusHotstar.my or via the Disney+ Hotstar app on Android and iOS devices, for RM54.90 for three months.

ISSUE 29

83

2CENTS.MY

ENTERTAINMENT

Theall-new all-newFly FlyFM FM The with local comedian,

Withlocal localcomedian, comedian, With

DouglasLim Limand andIliIli Douglas

on the breakfast show on the breakfast show From today onwards, our popular Malaysian comedian, Douglas Lim will be making your morning a whole lot funnier as he joins Ili on the Fly FM‘s breakfast show.

Apart from his comedian side, he is now going to make Malaysians laugh like crazy in the morning with Ili on the radio every weekday morning from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Douglas is not only a well-known comedian but also an actor and television host. He first rose to fame when he acted in the comedy series Kopitiam alongside Joanna Bessey, Tan Jin Chor and Lina Teoh.

In addition, the all-new Fly FM is bringing back the radio legends such as Natalie Kniese from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ryan Matjeraie from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Juanita from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Later on in his career, he was part of another comedy series, Spanar Jaya X and have also starred in several musicals including Supermokh, Cuci, Ola Bola and more.

ISSUE 29

84

2CENTS.MY

2Cents News Publish daily

Free reading

100% fresh from the oven You deserve only the freshest

Automotive Investment

Beauty Lifestyle

Fashion Food Health Hobby Movie Music Property Tech Travel

Visit us 85 www.2cents.my ISSUE 29

2CENTS.MY

NEWTRENDS

Spice up things in the bedroom with this new “curry flavoured condom Longing for a hot intimate session? Well, say no more as you can now bring the spice into your bedroom.

ONE Condoms ― the company known for adding Malaysian flavours such as Rendang, Durian, Teh Tarik and Nasi Lemak into their condoms is bringing the heat with their newly launched Perisa Kari (curry-flavoured) condoms.

According to one of their posts, ONE Condoms described their latest addition as a combination of both savoury and sweet spices such as cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, clove, black pepper, ginger, and red chilli.

The introduction of flavoured condoms is also in line with their mission of creating conversations on sexual health.

…not only makes your tummy growl, it’ll also make your partner prowl

The ONE Perisa Kari condoms are the fifth edition of its Malaysian series first introduced in 2016 and will only be available for a brief period. Taking to their Instagram, the prominent condom company teased the release of their new flavour last week.

“If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that we as Malaysians are proud of our food (bring it on Singapore).”

“ONE is proud to champion open conversations about sexual health creatively, and our mission is for people to feel as comfortable talking about condoms as you were to talk about food.”

ONE’s post has garnered over 300 likes with comments from social media users joking about the new flavour.

“Oh dear, that’s going to be one spicy ride,” commented user Bordeauxwitch90.

ISSUE 29

“Omg, will this burn my skin? I’m worried that my partner would think it was a side dish sausage and bite it,” user Tommykjy commented.

The ONE ‘Super Sensitive’ Perisa Kari condoms come in their own distinctive packaging and will be given out for free with any purchase of ONE’s products from now to August 31.

The condoms will only be given free with purchases through their official store on Shopee and Lazada and through purchases at any myNews, Watsons and Guardian outlets.

86

2CENTS.MY

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

NEWTRENDS

LIFESTYLE UNPLUGGED

1. We are so excited to find out more about the nine “worlds” of the all new Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park

2. Fans can interact with the Running Man cast via TikTok for their 11th anniversary, this Sep 5

Resorts World Genting has revealed further details of the adventures that await visitors at Southeast Asia’s most anticipated theme park, featuring nine movie and adventure-inspired ‘worlds’, soaring at 6,000 feet above sea level.

Running Mans, rejoice — as the annual “Running Man” fan-meeting is almost here. The team recently announced via social media that the “Running Man 2021 Online Fan Meeting” would be held on September 5 on TikTok.

Read More....

Read More....

WHY YOU SHOULD SIGN UP: YOU GET TO STAY IN-TREND GET THE LATEST NEWS OF THE WEEK JOIN OUR CONTESTS, AND WIN COOL PRIZES CHECK OUT THE LATEST REVIEWS SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? SIGN-UP TO OUR BI-WEEKLY NEWSLETTER FOR ALL THESE FREE BENEFITS.

3. #Throwback: The hit series, Stranger Things was premiered 5 years ago When you’re in the Upside Down, time seems to fly by. Last week on the 15th of July 2021 marked the fifth anniversary of the town of Hawkins being revealed to viewers for the first time. Here’s a lovely little Stranger Things flashback to mark the occasion.

Read More....

NEWTRENDS

Get your favourite Crispy Chicken Skin snack from

now to October 11 There’s no denying that this greasy, sodium-filled fried chicken skin is a nutritional monstrosity. Nonetheless, something about KFC’s fried chicken skin appeals to the people. Something about it entices the critics, despite the snack’s obvious toxicity, which may be only second to the pandemic.

The deep-fried snack, which packs an incredible amount of crunch and flavour with every mouthful, may not impress your personal trainer, but it may be worth all the extra high knees.

After being freshly hand-breaded and fried to crispy perfection, the Original Chicken Skin is delicately coated in KFC’s secret mix of 11 herbs and spices.

Because our neighbouring nations were the first to launch the Crispy Chicken Skin in 2019, we are craving for it so much and definitely suffered from major FOMO. HAHA how dramatic.

For the first time, we can finally try out KFC’s Crispy Chicken Skin in Malaysia. For RM7.99, you will receive a loaded potato bowl and a drink with the Snek Jimat Kombo with Chicken Skin if you use the promo code SNEKTIME. However, it will only be accessible every day from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. from now until October 11.

Here’s how you can enjoy the offer:

Make sure to grab it while it lasts!

1. Open the KFC App and choose your delivery/self-collection location.

2. Tap the ‘%’ icon to see the “Bucketful of Deals.”

3. Enter the promotional code SNEKTIME. Choose any time between 2 and 5 p.m. as your delivery/self-collection time.

PS. Don’t forget to look out for our taste test soon.

ISSUE 29

Pictures by Ben Deen & KFC Malaysia

88

2CENTS.MY

NEWTRENDS

Celebrate the patriotic month with these delish M’sian twist dessert & drink What are Malaysians best known for? Apart from being kind, generous and patriotic, we are also a people who love food, be it local, international or fusion. This Merdeka, celebrate our National Day with some great flavours from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CB&TL) and the chance to demonstrate our generous nature once more by supporting homegrown business Saffron & Serai that puts people and the planet first.

This August is the perfect time to pause and reflect on all the things we love about Malaysia. On the heels of the Olympics and the passionate displays of national pride, everyone is welcome to celebrate everything that makes Malaysia such a beautiful nation.

The brand has grown with the nation for 24 years, and have supported many local organisations, from the Malaysian Nature Society to the Malaysian Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Association. This month, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf take this opportunity to inject a little sweetness into our lives and lift our spirits as a nation by inviting us to support Saffron & Serai, a local brand that merges Malaysian crafts with contemporary style.

difference for small businesses, so we can all continue to stay strong, in solidarity with fellow Malaysians.

Inject some style into your kitchen by using the beautiful and reusable batik beeswax wrap from Saffron & Serai in place of disposable plastic wrap. It looks so much better and you’ll want to keep them for years to come! This brand takes pride in its Malaysian identity by presenting traditional crafts in sustainable and contemporary solutions to reduce waste while supporting local artisans and marginalised communities.

From 26 August, for a limited time, their Batik Beeswax wraps (M, L and XL sizes, from RM65-RM75), are available online at www.coffeebean. com.my and at selected CB&TL

outlets across Malaysia* – you can even take away a bagel, muffin or scone using these lovely wraps. For fans across Malaysia, simply visit their website, www.saffronandserai. com, to check out their wraps and more eco-friendly home inspirations.

Finally, as we fly our beloved Jalur Gemilang this Merdeka, don’t miss the celebratory flavours of The Warisan (RM12.95 per slice, RM50 for petite and RM129.30 for a whole cake), a scrumptious combination of gula melaka, cendol bits and rich red beans combined in a yummy cake, and the refreshing Butterfly Pea Lemonade Cold Brew Tea (RM13.55RM15.05) as a sweet or sparkling beverage that’s as pretty to look at as it is delicious.

Lastly, don’t miss these great bundle promotions – check out CB&TL’s Instagram for full terms and conditions.

- Chill Bundle: Get Two Chill Beverages for only RM25, from 17-27 August 2021 - Merdeka & Malaysia Day Bundle 1: Get Three (3) 12oz The Original Ice Blended® beverages for RM31, from 28 Aug – 19 September 2021 - Merdeka & Malaysia Day Bundle 2: Get One (1) Selected 12oz Cold Brew Beverage and One (1) Spicy Bagel

Their efforts to reduce waste and encourage a more sustainable lifestyle lies very close to our hearts, and hope for all Malaysians to support every effort towards reducing their carbon footprint in small, everyday steps. Remember, a simple gesture makes all the

ISSUE 29

89

2CENTS.MY

NEWTRENDS

Popular Filipino fast-food joint, will have at least 100 outlets in M’sia in the coming years Jollibee Foods Corporation, a fast food restaurant from the Philippines, has returned to the Malaysian market with the launch of its first location in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, in December. Jollibee had already launched a location in Malaysia in the 1990s, but it was forced to close owing to the 1997 financial crisis.

Following the overwhelming response at the Kota Kinabalu branch, it is reported that the fast-food joint has plans to open 100 outlets throughout Malaysia within the coming 10 years. There will be around 50 branches in Sabah and Sarawak while the rest will be throughout Peninsular Malaysia.

ISSUE 29

90

2CENTS.MY

The aim to expand the number of branches in Malaysia is also part of the company’s attempts to be named as one of the world’s top five fast-food joints. Currently, Jollibee is placed 11th on the list.

This renowned Filipino fast-food restaurant is well-known for its menu of American-inspired dishes as well as casual Filipino fare.

Jollibee fans love their juicy traditional fried chicken, the Yumburger, their house hamburger that has been a favourite of Jollibee consumers since the beginning, and Jolly Spaghetti, a distinctive sweet Filipino-style spaghetti (dubbed “the meatiest, cheesiest spaghetti”!).

As a half-Filipino, I can recall how all of these dishes tasted when I was in my motherland and it was the BOMB! But to cater to the local crowd, the Jollibee outlets in Malaysia would be Halal-certified.

ISSUE 29

91

2CENTS.MY

TRONSMART ONYX ACE The Onyx Ace can last up to 5 hours on a single charge to 24 hours with a charging case. Perfect for those gym enthusiasts, it features IPX5 sweatproof that is against all splashes and rain. The best part of it all, it is able to activate voice access and is compatible with all devices. You can get Siri or Google Assistant with just a tap.

Price: RM109.00 Website: www.wowshop.com.my

L’ORÉAL PARIS INFALLIBLE 24H FRESH WEAR FOUNDATION IN A POWDER The weightless texture of Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder provides complete coverage and a natural, matte finish that keeps you looking fresh for hours. The product is light and airy, leaving skin feeling refreshed for up to 24 hours. This powder evens skin tone without transferring, thanks to its blurring effect and all-day matte finish. It’s waterresistant, heat-resistant, and sweat-proof. There are 14 different shades to choose from.

Price: RM74.50 Website: www.watsons.com.my

XIAOMI MI TV STICK Comes in a small size, the Mi TV Stick can help brighten the environment and is highly portable. Not just that you can also control your TV as it also embeds with the latest version of Chromecast. Forget about cables, just plug the stick into the TV and it will instantly switch into a smart TV. Price: RM159.00 Website: www.shopee.com

ISSUE 29

92

2CENTS.MY

MAKEUP REVOLUTION GLOW LIQUID LAVA HIGHLIGHTER Are you prepared for the ultimate makeover? The Revolution Glow Liquid Lava is here to help you achieve glowing skin!

A sparkling face and body highlighter with a delectably warm tropical scent. It’s like summer in a bottle, the highlighter comes in two shades: Champagne Sippin’ & Bronze Digger.

Price: RM74.92 Website: www.asos.com

SUDIO ETT This active noise cancelling earbuds creates a seamless transition from music to phone calls without any hassle.

Compatible with both Android and iOS, the ETT is made to face all kinds of conditions. Plus making it simpler than ever, it even comes with wireless charging and can last up to 30hours of playing.

Price: RM699.00 Website: www.machines.com.my

ISLE OF PARADISE SELF-TANNING DROPS Prepare to meet your match: these multi-tasking, colour-correcting tanning drops will give you complete control over your radiance. Coconut, chia seed, and avocado oils are ultra-hydrating and are suitable to be used on both the face and the body. It’s compatible with oils, serums, moisturisers, and even foundation. It’s simple to get your paradise glow: the more you drop, the brighter you’ll appear.

Price: RM110.50 Website: www.lookfantastic.com.sg

ISSUE 29

94

2CENTS.MY

KLIPSCH T5 II TRUE WIRELESS SPORT MCLAREN EDITION As the McLaren F1 team’s official headphone partner, the T5 II is a huge competitor to the latest Airpods Pro. One of the key features of these headphones is that it comes with 24 hours of battery life and transparency mode. The sleek design features the iconic Papaya Orange and fibre accents that resemble the actual McLaren cars.

Price: RM1,199.00 Website: www.zalora.com.my

FIRES AT MIDNIGHT Nothing beats games that are story-based and with this new interactive narrative game, you get to pick your own journey and experience. This Malaysian indie game developer, Persona Theory Games tackles the matter of mental health and suicide in Fires at Midnight.

Price: RM44.10 Website: www.store.steampowered.com

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK LASH SENSATIONAL SKY HIGH MASCARA From any aspect, the lash effect is sky-high. Lash Sensational Sky High mascara gives you a lot of volumes and limitless length. From root to tip, the exclusive Flex Tower mascara brush bends to volumize and prolong every single lash.

Long, thick, and lightweight lashes with a waterproof mascara product filled with bamboo extract and fibres that don’t flake or smear. Available in Very Black and Blackest Black.

Price: RM80.00 Website: www.beautyvaultmy.com

ISSUE 29

95

2CENTS.MY

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP SHINE LOUD HIGH SHINE LIP COLOR This is NYX’s first ultra-pigmented high-shine lip colour, featuring a 16-hour wear time and no transfer. This vegan formula is lightweight and comfortable on the lips, delivering one swipe of bold colour with an ultra-glassy, nonsticky gloss finish. Simply combine the high-pigment base coat, which is enriched with lip-loving oils, with the ultrareflective, non-sticky top coat for the most intense shine you’ve ever seen. You may kiss, drink, hair flip, and even wear it under your mask without it budging, bleeding, or fading.

Price: RM86.49 Website: www.caretobeauty.com/my

MENTHOLATUM TONE MY LIP Tone My Lip, a new lip balm from Mentholatum, is a colour correcting lip balm with moisturising components that will give your lips the moisture they need while also giving them a more natural shine. With four different shades: Blossom Pink, Bright Up Red, Yellow Pink and Green Clear — it is perfect for all kinds of lips. From pale and dull lips to lips with too much redness, there’s definitely one just for you.

Price: RM19.90 Website: www.watsons.com.my

AIS KEPAL MATTE BULLET LIPSTICK IN PLUM NUDE Warung Matte Bullet Lipsticks is a fresh new addition to NITA’s award-winning Warung Liquid Lipstick range.

Hypoallergenic creamy textures promise to moisturise your lips while providing a matte finish. This collection contains all of your favourite colours.

Tip: Swipe the applicator over your natural lip line for an additional pop of colour.

Price: RM46 Website: www.nitacosmetics.com ISSUE 29

96

2CENTS.MY