AUGUST2015
campusplus.com.my
CONTENTS
FEATURES
30
BEAUTY BUZZ
K-Pops of colour
The hallyu wave splashes over Korean beauty products too!
54
46
WIRED UP
PLUG INTO THE FUTURE OF TECH
Where all the latest gadgets reside
60
career chat
STYLING HAIR WITH FLAIR
This multi-talented hairstylist’s customers leave with a stylish cut and a big grin
64
WANDERLUST
Escape to Exotic Koh Samui
Part II of our idyllic island escapade
60
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CAMPUS PLUS
COVER STORY
THE DAWN OF THE SUPERHUMAN
Is transhumanism the next step in human evolution? Can we become superhuman? Is eternal life possible? Is all that cool or what?
AUGUST2015
campusplus.com.my
CONTENTS
68
72 FEATURES
66
REGULARS
ARTS & CULTURE UNSUNG HEROES OF INDEPENDENCE
A salute and tribute to the patriots of our nation’s independence
68
FOOD DIRECTORY A HEAVENLY BREW
Perfectly roasted and brewed coffee. What are you waiting for?
72
ANIME WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HUMAN
The merger of mankind and technology at its most entertaining and thought-provoking extreme
74
DIY/LIFEHACKS GRATER JEWEL CONTROL IS YOURS!
Your knick knacks and jewellery all sorted on a homemade grater. You’re welcome
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CAMPUS PLUS
NEWS ......................................... 08 FASHION BUZZ ......................... 24 CAMPUS COUTURE...................... 28 BEAUTY Q&A ............................. 32 BEAUTY CASE............................. 33 GUYS STUFF .............................. 34 MUSIC......................................... 38 K-POP ........................................ 42 WELLNESS ................................. 51 MOVIES ....................................... 58 DREAM CARS ............................. 62 BOOKSHELF ................................ 76
SIGHTS & INSIGHTS FROM THE EDITOR
takenote
FROM THE EDITOR
EDITORIAL
THE TEAM Mac Sivanesan
Publisher
MAC@CAMPUSPLUS.com.MY
Sub-Editor
Sonny Leong
Writers
Ivy Chin
sonny@campusplus.com.my
ivy@campusplus.com.my
Grace Chan
grace@campusplus.com.my
Rachel Fong rachel@campusplus.com.my
Editorial
General
CREATIVE
NEWSDESK@CAMPUSPLUS.com.MY
Art Director
Suzanne Chuah
Junior Graphic Designer
Ahmad Faidhi
Visual & DI
Kamil Haziq
CORPORATE
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Corporate Communications
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Events Manager
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AUGUST 2015
Do You Want To Live Forever?
T
he speed and exponential advances in science and technology have seen many things that were restricted to the world of science fiction fast become science fact. Handheld wireless devices, personal jetpacks and space travel – these are but some of the things that are a reality in the here and now.
And it is not limited to just external things and devices. There are advances in many branches of science that envelop the human condition too. We’re talking specifically about transhumanism – a philosophy and movement that harness said science and technology to enhance human beings’ intellectual, psychological and physical capabilities. From bionically enhancing our physical bodies (it’s possible to become your favourite superhero!) to curing all manner of illness and disease, the possibilities of transhumanism are limitless, so much so that the prospect of overcoming death itself has become the ultimate goal. Read all about it in our Cover Story, pages 46-49. In case you can’t get enough of that, do check out our Anime section on pages 72-73 for our top picks of transhumanism-inspired anime. As Malaysia will be celebrating its Independence Day at the end of the month, get cultured and be inspired by the sacrifices made by the unsung heroes of our nation (Arts & Culture, pages 6667); and get a load of what makes us uniquely Malaysian in our “Culture Syok” feature on page 44 and 45. Other goodies we have in store for you include a feature on up-and-coming band The Backseat Affair (Unplugged, pages 40-41); an inspiring and creative take on hairstyling with Alex Lim (Career Chat, pages 60-61); the second part of our unforgettable island escapade to Koh Samui (Wanderlust, pages 64-65); and heavenly yet “effortless” coffee at Sprezzatura Coffee (Food Directory, pages 68-69). Before we see you again next month, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all Selamat Hari Merdeka!
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CUTE CUBE Philips BT1300
CUTENESS REDEFINED Your music listening experience has just gotten a style and performance boost with Philips’ BT1300 wireless portable speaker. Encased within a colourful silicon layer, this ultra-compact speaker lets you make a stylish statement on both your music and your fashion sense.
GOES WHERE YOU GO Take your fave tunes with you everywhere, and blast them to your heart’s content. The BT1300 is fantastically light at 120 grams and its small, designer cube dimensions make it fit like a glove to your hand. Or, you can carry it around using Philips’ cool by-packed finely knitted fabric strip. Totally your choice.
SOUNDS GREAT ANYWHERE This nifty musical cube is designed for grab and go – it sports a built-in rechargeable battery that’s pretty quick to charge up for hours of enjoyment. Plug it in to charge it, then grab it and off you go, with plenty of fun to come.
AS EASY AS PIE To use, that is. Just wirelessly stream your music, video or game sounds from any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, tablet or laptop. There’s a builtin microphone too, letting the BT1300 double as a speaker phone for all your important hands-free phone calls.
SMALL CUBE, BIG SOUND Don’t let its pint-size fool you – the BT1300 is HUGE on sound. Courtesy of its built-in anti-clipping function, you can play loud, distortion free music that still keep its high quality, even when the battery is low. So, in this case, small size doesn’t mean small sound.
Also available in these colours:
For more information, please visit www.philips.com.my GIBSON INNOVATIONS MALAYSIA SDN. BHD. 100.2.051 Block J, 129 Offices, Jaya One, No.72A Jalan Universiti, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. Customer Care 1 800 880 180
campusnews
THE LATEST FROM YOUR CAMPUS
AUGUST 2015
SPOTLIGHT
Cashless Campus Concept at KDU Both KDU’s university college campus at Utropolis Glenmarie and its college campus at Damansara Jaya are now enjoying a cashless campus concept. The introduction and rollout of this project is the result of the collaboration between KDU University College and the RHB Banking Group. As a result, the Easy Smart Student Debit Card was introduced, providing KDU students an alternative to cash, cheques and credit cards. The unique smart debit card for students is also the first and only debit card in Malaysia that allows its users to save as they spend. With this system in place, KDU is currently 80% cashless. This is great news for both its students and staff as they no longer have to worry about not having sufficient cash on hand. Not only does the cashless concept cover only the merchants and retailers at both campuses, but is applicable to KDU’s Admissions & Bursary, Library and its training restaurants as well. According to its Vice Chancellor, Professor Khong Yoon Loong, the Easy Smart Student Debit Card would be a very handy tool for students and their parents, especially when it comes to tuition fees. “Parents no longer have to
make a trip to KDU or worry about their children carrying too much cash, when it comes to settling the tuition fees for the semester,” Professor Khong said. This collaboration between both parties
under the Academic Initiative Partnership will see them committing to a mutually-beneficial exchange and sharing of knowledge and resources between academia and industry.
The One Academy hosts exclusive Masterclass Seminar by one of the World’s Top Executive Creative Directors Ranked eighth out of the Top 10 Executive Creative Directors in the world in the latest Directory Big Won Ranking early this year, and the only Asian executive creative director to make the Top 10, South Korean Thomas Kim recently organised an exclusive Masterclass and Workshop Series in The One Academy. A strong believer in the practice of eco-system driven communications, Thomas said, “Digital media is not just about technology and media. It’s about ecology. It is nothing more unless it is used for the good of the world.” To demonstrate his point, various videos from Cheil Worldwide’s projects or other campaigns he truly loved were shown during the Masterclass to open the minds of the students to the ideas and possibilities of what constitutes a viral video. Through the videos, the students learnt the key things that make up a viral video; which are fun elements and value-sharing elements that a video has. He opines that traditional media is no longer as effective as digital media because it’s important to let the consumers experience the brand itself. Therefore, it is vital for digital marketers to concentrate on enhancing life share and not market share in order to raise the public’s awareness and to make a point. As a conclusion, Thomas left these wise words to his audience, “To be more creative, you need to see more, experience more, read more and observe more. There is no short cut to being great. You must have great insight, knowledge, information and experience. Nourish your mind and experience it.”
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campusnews
THE LATEST FROM YOUR CAMPUS
AUGUST 2015
‘Electron’ Won The World’s First Windows 10 Game Jam in Malaysia
Three Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR University College) Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) in Interactive Software Technology students, Chew Yu Szen, Teoh Tze Chian and Lim Chow Siang emerged as the Malaysian champions in the world’s first Windows 10 Game Jam. The competition ran simultaneously in 18 other countries on 16th and 17th May, and saw contestants competing to create Windows 10 ready games and apps within 24 hours. Also, there were 13 teams competing in the games category in Malaysia. The aim of the Windows 10 Game Jam is to provide a platform for students to learn about Microsoft’s operating system and to gain a deeper understanding of its application. The winning team created a game called ‘Electron’, where the player is required to control two electrons simultaneously to complete a challenge course. It may sound easy, but the electrons move in different directions to test the player’s hand-eye coordination and his/her multitasking ability. According to the winners, TAR University College as well as their mentor, Andrew Tan have prepared them well for the competition. “The many subjects that we have learnt have built a solid foundation and the knowledge acquired gives us the fundamentals to excel in this competition,” they concluded. TAR University College’s President Datuk Dr Tan Chik Heok is proud of the students’ achievement in this competition as it shows the quality of TAR University College education. “They have demonstrated their technical strength as well as creative thinking, which are the potent ingredients for success not only in competition, but in their future career paths,” he added.
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Calling All Young Malaysians to Join ASEAN Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed has urged young Malaysians to play a central role in the growth and development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The participation of young Malaysians will allow them to unite and to cooperate with their counterparts in other member nations to raise the profile and influence of the fast-growing region. The inaugural MY ASEAN Internship programme was introduced during a three-day workshop organised by Talent Corporation Malaysia (TalentCorp) at the Lanai Kijang, Kuala Lumpur recently. The internship programme will place top students from Malaysia and other ASEAN nations in leading companies for three months to enable them to experience the living and working style in another ASEAN country. “Be ambassadors for the ASEAN region, recognising that to be competitive in today’s globalised economy, you need to embrace an international mind-set and think beyond the borders of your country,” YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa advised the MY ASEAN interns. As part of the MY ASEAN Internship programme, Malaysian students have been placed with companies in Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia, with other destinations still to come. A large number of companies are involved in the MY ASEAN Internship programme, which includes AirAsia, Axiata, BDO, CIMB, Digi, GE, Maybank, Nestle, Sime Darby, Sunway Group and many more. The Minister also added, “Young Malaysians have a central role to play in this, and I look forward to seeing more of them and their counterparts working and thriving together in a bigger, stronger, inclusive ASEAN.”
campusnews
THE LATEST FROM YOUR CAMPUS
AUGUST 2015
SPOTLIGHT
Sunway University to Have New ICT Curriculum IBM Malaysia and Sunway University have collaborated to embed IBM technologies into its ICT curriculum. The collaboration will better equip its undergraduates with the vital skills required in new technology areas such as big data analytics, cyber security and mobile application development. In addition, Sunway University’s Faculty of Science & Technology will leverage on IBM’s Academic Initiative resources that comprise training materials, curriculum guides, software and hardware to improve the current teaching contents. According to Sunway University’s
Vice-Chancellor Professor Graeme Wilkinson, the rapid pace of technological advancement has recreated several job roles and rewritten the old job scopes. “We aspire to equip our undergraduates with skill-sets that combine technology developments in analytics, cloud computing, mobile applications and data security with the spirit of entrepreneurship and an understanding of future opportunities,” he said. In line with the collaboration, Sunway University will introduce three new undergraduate degree courses next month. The subjects that are scheduled to be
taught are web analytics, data mining, social media analytics, Big Data Analytics (BDA), visual analytics, networking, mobile security, mobile application development and entrepreneurship. IBM Malaysia’s Managing Director Paul Moung said, “Taking advantage of the transformational opportunity presented by analytics and network security has become a key priority for organisations around the globe. IBM is dedicated to partnering with academic institutions and providing students with the skills needed to make an impact.”
Despark’s Aircraft Maintenance Technology Programme Takes Flight
(From left) Donald McAlister, International Affairs Manager of Institute of Technology, Carlow, Ireland and Dato’ Alfred Pung, Director of Despark College
Hands on: The Aircraft Maintenance Technology Diploma programme at Despark College is made up of workshop practices, classroom and training sessions
Despark College recently launched its first Aircraft Maintenance Technology Programme. The MQA certified, two-and-a-half year long diploma course is offered in partnership with the world’s leading aerospace education institution, the Institute of Technology Carlow in Ireland (IT Carlow) and is recognised by the European Aviation Safety (EASA) license. The programme is a timely one as Malaysia’s aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) sector is experiencing massive growth. Major airlines across the world, and particularly in the region are placing substantial orders for new aircrafts to meet the expansion of air travel. The spill over effect of this is the expansion of aircraft engine maintenance capabilities of the region’s MRO service providers, thus increasing the demand for skilled aviation workers. Despark College Director, Dato’ Alfred Pung explains, “With the MRO sector growing so rapidly, the country could face a shortage of aircraft engineers and technicians in the next five years. Career opportunities in the MRO sector are bright and promising. Despark College is working closely with industry partners and has started talking to young people with mechanical aptitude to get them excited about careers in aviation maintenance.” For more information on this programme, visit www.desparkcollege.edu.my. Interested students can also send in their name and address via SMS or Whatsapp to 012-364 1882. 12
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Acne, Be Gone! Say goodbye to those miserable days and nights where you discovered unsightly acne on your face, right before an important date. With miacare’s Acne Patch, the solution to acne is simple: all you’ve got to do is just patch it up! High Invisibility Whether you plan to apply makeup on your face or not, the acne patch (along with the acne) will not be visible when applied. You’ll feel like you have worn nothing over the affected area of the skin, leaving you looking flawless and awesome. Just remember to clean the acne area as well as your hands before applying the miacare patch.
High Absorption Not only will it hide your acne, but it absorbs the acne pus and prevents bacteria contamination from infecting the acne wound. All thanks to the hydrocolloid ingredient that the acne patch has – it acts as an protective layer to heal the acne faster
Perfect Fit Just enjoy your day! You don’t have to worry about the acne patch at all. It will stick to your skin the whole day if you don’t try to tear it off.
Available in
,
,
and Independent Pharmacy
campusnews
THE LATEST FROM YOUR CAMPUS
AUGUST 2015
SPOTLIGHT
Dubai-Bound UTAR Graduates to Work for Huawei UTAR graduates Koh Fang Han, Lim Kai Huei and Lee Jia Jun are riding high in life despite being just fresh out of university, because they are among the 18 selected from 84 interview candidates who have been handpicked by Huawei United Arab Emirates (UAE) to work in Dubai. They are the first batch to start this promising chapter of their careers in Dubai, and have likely shot straight to the top of the most highearning UTAR graduates list with a plum monthly salary of Emirati Dirham (AED) 12,000 (approx. RM12,262). Petrol-chemical engineering graduate Kai Huei had this to say of the opportunity, “I’m really excited. This is an opportunity for me to look forward to a change in life in a foreign country and in a completely different environment. I am happy to say that UTAR really is my choice.” Fang Han, a civil engineering graduate and Jia Jun, an IT Communication and Networking graduate have expressed equal excitement at the chance. Following this, subsequent batches of selected graduates from UTAR will be dispatched to other Huawei offices in Kuwait and Bahrain.
Four Students Represent Malaysia at Hitachi Dialogue
Four Malaysian students were recently bestowed the honour of representing the country at the 13th Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative (HYLI), which took place from 27 to 30 July 2015. The event gave prominent regional opinion leaders from private, public and academic sectors a platform to convene and discuss regional transportation issues, as well as engage in dialogue with said student participants. This year’s theme was ‘ASEAN Perspectives on the Social and Environmental Challenges of Designing and Implementing Public Transportation Systems’. As part of their representation, the four students collaborated on ideas that addressed the issues, before presenting them to the leaders. The lucky selected students were Cho Mah Vin of Universiti Malaya, Wan Mohammad Aflah bin Mohammad Zubir of Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Dzafran Adris bin Azmir and Thilageswaran a/l Vijayan of Sunway University. They were cherry-picked following a rigorous application and evaluation process, and successfully made it through after they displayed strong leadership qualities and a keen interest in regional and global affairs.
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lifestylenews
THE LATEST FOR YOUR WORLD
AUGUST 2015
Test Your BREAKOUT Skills
Ladies and gentlemen, BREAKOUT has opened its second outlet in NuSentral to thrill and exhilarate escape game enthusiasts and the public with seven brand new themes and storylines. Various art and science movements as well as famous historic chronicles inspired the themes of this new outlet. According to BREAKOUT’s Head of Creative and Operations Johnny Ong, they have been passionate in creating original stories and themes for players to engage in whole new adventures. What’s more, these adventures are suitable for everyone. “Players can expect new storylines with interesting concepts and new innovations with a little bit of RPG (role-playing game),” he said. Channel the inner Star Trekker in you in ‘Terraform’, where your crew are torn between leaving months of research in Mars or a possible human extinction on Earth. Or bring light back to the world while immersing yourself in the darker days in ‘The Testament of Tesla’. If you’re up for an adventure quest, the ‘Dreadnought’ has bountiful mysteries awaiting you, or be part of the Nuevo Union to play your part in salvaging the arts in ‘The War for Rembrandt’. If those aren’t enough for you, then perhaps you would like to indulge in some mischief in ‘Materia Medica’ to find the secret ingredient of a well-known physician’s potent medicine. Fans of magic and mystery are not left out too, as ‘The Secret of Hocus’ and the old heirloom riddle in ‘Perpetual’ will leave you coming back for more. BREAKOUT’s Head of Public Relations and Marketing Leo Ka Wai added, “You are getting yourself into surreal real-life escape experience set in a realistic way and ready to blow your mind!”
SPOTLIGHT
Veet Crowns Malaysia’s Next Big Model Veet is already a household name with its depilatory products that give your skin that hair-free, smooth as silk touch, and with their recent Mega Model Search 2015, they may soon be known as a churner of modelling talent too. The nationwide search first started in March 2015, and was open to all girls between the ages of 18 to 26. As Reckitt Benckiser Malaysia & Singapore Marketing Director Matias Caride put it, “We want to provide young girls in Malaysia a never-before-seen platform where they can express their confidence and potentially be the next big name in Malaysia’s modelling industry.” The reception was immediately overwhelming, as over 800 hopefuls put their name into the ring, which was then whittled down to 10 outstanding finalists. The public was also given the opportunity to vote for their favourite contestants online. Once the girls were picked, they were transported to a two-day workshop and makeover session with the Amber Chia Academy, which put them under the experienced eye of Amber Chia herself. On the day of the Grand Finale, the top 10 put their newly acquired skills to good use as they sought to impress the judges, which was made up of Matias Caride, Veet Malaysia & Singapore Marketing Manager Karin Chan, Veet ambassador and popular artiste Izara Aishah, catwalk guru of Amber Chia Academy Benjamin Toong, and of course, top model Amber Chia herself. In the end, it was 24-year-old medical student Rowena Lau who went home with the grand title and lucrative prizes, which include a magazine feature with Amber Chia and Izara Aishah and RM10,000 in cash.
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lifestylenews
THE LATEST FOR YOUR WORLD
AUGUST 2015
SPOTLIGHT
Magical Home Hairstyling Tools It’s no secret that all of us wish for perfect hair every day. However, the perfect hairstyle requires frequent styling that can hurt our hair and nobody wants that to happen. To make your dream hairstyle happen – minus the pain – Philips has specially developed the new KeraShine range of hairstyling tools. Infused with Keratin and ions, the goodness that hair needs, the Philips KeraShine range includes a heated styling brush, a straightener and a dryer. Keratin is one of the strongest proteins that our hair needs as it gives it its supple, flexible texture and healthy gloss. It is able to protect our hair from any kind of weather. Bringing hair care and hairstyling together, the Philips KeraShine range will help you create professional-looking hairstyles from your home, every day. By using the range of products, your hair will no longer need to suffer from unnecessary stress to achieve that killer style, whether it’s the natural, wavy, curly or straight look. Philips Malaysia Country Manager and General Manager Muhammad Ali Jaleel said, “Every woman hopes for a good hair day every day as how they look affects how they feel about themselves.” Go on and achieve the hairstyle that you have been dreaming of, in a healthy and beautiful way with these magical tools. They are available at the Philips Brand Store at Publika Shopping Gallery and all major electrical and departmental stores. For more information, visit www.blipmy.com.
Sunsilk Creates Country’s First and Biggest Selfie Movie Selfie is a trend that has taken the world by storm and has changed the way we photograph ourselves. On Instagram itself, there are about 279 million posts hashtagged #selfie. Riding on the selfie wave, Sunsilk has created its first ever and biggest selfie movie in Malaysia that centres around the theme of ‘Selfie Ready Hair, Anytime, Anywhere’. The Sunsilk Selfie Movie stars around 500 Malaysians that includes famous bloggers like Daphne Charice, Fyna and Jessica Chaw. But the highlight of the movie is the fact that Sunsilk called on a large amount of girls to participate in this fun and cheerful movement for wonderful selfie-ready hair. And it was a huge success! More than a thousand pictures were sent in as girls shared their gorgeous selfie moments that showed off their beautiful hair and confidence. Sunsilk has always wanted to motivate one’s confidence and self-expression. Thus, the Sunsilk Selfie Movie serves as a platform to encourage girls to let their confidence, creativity and personalities shine with their perfect-looking hair. To that end, the Sunsilk Smooth & Manageable hair care range is specially formulated to help in achieving not only perfect-looking hair, but healthy and confidence-inspiring ones. You can watch the Sunsilk Selfie Movie on Sunsilk Malaysia’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/SunsilkMY and Facebook page, www. facebook.com/SunsilkMalaysia. For more fun and exciting updates, follow Sunsilk Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter (@SunsilkMsia) and Instagram (@SunsilkMY).
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lifestylenews
THE LATEST FOR YOUR WORLD
AUGUST 2015
Guardian Opens Gateway to Greece with New Body Care Range Not everyone has the time for a full-on spa treatment, much less a trip to the Mediterranean beaches of Greece, but with Guardian’s new bath and body care range, you can do both at the same time. Inspired and derived from the beauty secrets of the local women, the range allows consumers to indulge in their beauty practice, and come away with rejuvenated, glowing skin. Enjoy full spa-like pampering with the Shower Cream, Body Scrub, Body Lotion, Body Butter and Hand Cream. As for the variants, they come in three scents named Rose Water, Grape Seed Oil and Mimosa Water. If moisturised, fair skin is what you yearn for, opt for Rose Water. The Grape Seed Oil works to combat ageing in your skin. On the other hand, Mimosa Water contains a lot of antioxidants and soothes skin at the same time. All of these were unveiled to great fanfare during the Mediterranean-themed launch party, which had attendees dressed in colours of blue and white to reflect the beach-y atmosphere. Games which revolved around the products and their traits were played to educate those present about them, and photo booths decked out in backgrounds of various sceneries in Europe were present to give everyone there a ‘trip’ around the continent. At the same time, the ‘Greece Getaway’ contest was announced, where purchases of products from the new range could translate into a potential trip to Greece.
Turning Up The Love with Revlon With the release of its all-new Ultra HD Lipsticks and Lip Lacquer, Revlon aims to bring back that butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling of falling in love. The lip products are formulated to give your lips brighter, bolder and more intense colours in one swipe, which reflects the heightened emotions you experience when you’re in romantic love. The increased colour payoff is the result of a revolutionary and patent-pending waxfree gel technology, which also eliminates the heavy, sticky layer that plagues many a lipstick or lip lacquer. The Ultra HD Lipstick is a cinch to wear during the daytime, regardless of the occasion, as it gives your lips a matte look and comes in eight highdefinition shades. For a lip look that’s more shimmery and party-ready, you can transition with the Ultra HD Lip Lacquer, which has plenty of shine and a lightweight feel, so you never feel bogged down by your makeup during the night. You can apply it as a thin layer for a sheer, tinted appearance, or build up the intensity with added layers. Complementing the pretty colours are their floral and gem-inspired names, such as HD Orchid and HD Pink Ruby. Launched recently at TGV Cinema’s LUXE hall, those present had the chance to be the first in Malaysia to experience the vivid colours of the Lipsticks and Lip Lacquers. They were also given a tongue-in-cheek celebrity treatment via a photo opportunity that mimicked that of a Hollywood red carpet. The Ultra HD collection is now available at major pharmacies and retail outlets nationwide for RM35.90 each.
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lifestylenews
THE LATEST FOR YOUR WORLD
AUGUST 2015
SPOTLIGHT
Hello Kitty is Coming to Town! Attention Hello Kitty lovers! Are you ready for an invasion like no other? Hailing all the way from Hong Kong, the popular classic character will be gracing Viva Home Expo (Kuala Lumpur) from 19 December 2015 to 19 January 2016. Touted as an exclusive Hello Kitty carnival-themed event, HELLO KITTY GO AROUND!! IN MALAYSIA aims to serve as a platform for fans from all walks of life to gather, celebrate and create remarkable memories with Hello Kitty and her Sanrio friends. From unique artworks of Hello Kitty, creative workshops, exclusive Hello Kitty merchandise and gifts, special performances, meet and greet sessions with Hello Kitty to countless photo opportunities with the lovely kitty, the fair is divided into different zones that are designed to invoke a sense of nostalgia and family bonding through interactive activities. In addition, fans will also get to check out the first ever Kitty Garage which will feature a one-of-a-kind Hello Kitty automobile on display. Admission fees for the carnival is priced RM45 on weekdays and RM65 for the weekends. Excited yet? To find out more, log on to www.hellokittygoaround.com.my for the latest updates and ticket promotions.
Living Life Through TR60’s Lens From bloggers to reality TV actresses, selfies have become much more than a way to capture your face. To accommodate this lifestyle trend, CASIO has swooped in with the selfie-ready camera TR60. Designed in the glamorous, feminine colours of Silky White, Pink, Light Violet and Green, this is a device that’s as capable of taking photos as it looks. There are a few defining features that make it an ideal selfie lifestyle companion. One of them is its newly developed lens with upgraded optic qualities, which allows it to capture clearer photos. As there’s no telling what lighting you may get wherever you go, the TR60 knows to fill the gap with its 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor and a high brightness LED that ensures your photos look well lit. Plus, the camera has a built-in Make Up Mode which lets you toggle the fairness and smoothness levels of your skin, so your selfies will never look anything short of flawless. To make things even easier, it comes with the EXILIM Auto Transfer feature which allows you to pair your smartphone with it to upload photos seamlessly and quickly, so long as it is Bluetooth-enabled and has the ‘EXILIM Connect’ app installed on it. With the onetwo punch power of these features, putting your best face forward on Instagram or Facebook gets a lot more effortless with the CASIO EXILIM TR60.
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fashionbuzz by rachel fong
PLUS-SIZE FASHION
AUGUST 2015
tra x E e h T g in Go
Mile Inch P
lus-sized fashion. It’s a term that used to be regarded with plenty of confusion and even disdain. These days, with more plus-sized models coming to the fore and working the runway just as well as ‘conventional’ supermodels, the fog has cleared somewhat, and women of all shapes and sizes are starting to feel more comfortable in their own skin. At the very least, they feel bolder in voicing out their demands for more inclusive fashion and accurate representation in mainstream media. Definitions of plus-sized clothing vary according to magazines and modern fashion norms. For example, PLUS Model magazine identifies it as (US) sizes 12-24. If you fall within this range, chances are you will find more flattering sartorial options for you in a plus-size clothing store. Best part is, a steadily increasing number of fashion labels now cater to your fabulous body, so you can look good while keeping up with the trends. Here are some pieces that will light up your wardrobe:
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1. Dorothy Perkins Black Lace Kimono > RM76 > Available on my.dorothyperkins.com or at selected Dorothy Perkins outlets nationwide 2. Dorothy Perkins Palm Leaf Printed Trousers > RM96 > Available on my.dorothyperkins.com or at selected Dorothy Perkins outlets nationwide 3. Flow Long Keyhole Sleeve Dress > RM68.70 > Available on www.flowclothing.com or at Flow outlets nationwide 4. Flow Sleeveless Maxi Empire Dress > RM107.60 > Available on www.flowclothing. com or at Flow outlets nationwide 5. H&M+ Jersey Dress > RM79.90 > Available at selected H&M outlets nationwide 6. H&M+ Jersey T-Shirt > RM59.90 > Available at selected H&M outlets nationwide 7. Mis Claire Gladys Lace Mermaid Skirt > RM76.50 > Available on www.zalora.com.my 8. Violeta by Mango Scarf Print Jumpsuit > RM69 > Available on shop.mango.com/MY or at selected Mango outlets nationwide 9. Violeta by Mango Zip Pocket Slim Fit Trousers > RM79 > Available on shop.mango. com/MY or at selected Mango outlets nationwide
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fashionbuzz by rachel fong
PLUS-SIZE STYLE TIPS
AUGUST 2015
Larger and
Loving It I
t’s hard to love the skin you’re in when most photo shoots and magazines seem to perpetuate the idea that only one body type is ideal, but we’re here to tell you that ain’t the truth. As clichéd as it sounds, every type of body is beautiful, whether it’s skinny, athletic, curvy or even disabled. What matters at the end of the day, is how good you feel about yourself, and the stunning confidence that emanates as a result. We know it isn’t a process that happens overnight, but there are ways to speed up the process, such as...looking good! When you dress your body up right and find a hot chick staring back at you in the mirror, it’s nearly impossible to stay down about yourself. So, here’s a few
You could also mask your abdomen with highwaist bottoms.
3. Pop with Colour Speaking of highlighting favourite body parts, the same effect can also be achieved by wearing singular pops of colour on the areas of interest. For example, you can draw attention to your legs by wearing a pair of brightly coloured pants or skirt, while keeping the rest of your outfit in a neutral shade such as black or dark blue. If it’s your décolletage or collarbone that you dig, don a colourful statement necklace. As a bonus, limiting the bright colour to one aspect of your
6. The Fine Prints When choosing clothes with patterns, designs that are smaller and sparser tend to look more flattering. The reason for this is that they give off an illusion of a more slender, shapelier build. For instance, big polka dots tend to make your proportions look unbalanced. The secret lies in the contrast: small prints balance out a larger figure, which in turn pulls a look together to make you look more elegant. However, it is ultimately up to you to decide which prints work best for you. If it’s loud, neon floral prints you want, then that’s what you should wear, because confidence is always your best accessory.
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ensemble makes it look effortlessly chic.
style tips to kick start that positive body image!
4. Pay Attention to what lies beneath 1. Love Your Curves And dress like you mean it! It’s common to mask your larger dimensions by draping it with loose fitting clothing, but more often than not it backfires. The remedy? Show the world what you’ve got in body skimming garments instead. The right clothes should cling to your waist and hips, and not hug them so tightly you look like you might burst out of them with the slightest movement. With a good fit, the best parts of your body will be accentuated, giving you a more flattering silhouette overall.
It’s not just clothes that need to fit better; your underwear needs to be the right size too. Nasty consequences of wearing ill fitting undergarments include: muffin tops, back fat and unseemly VPL (visible-panty-line). With faux pas like these, even the most stylish of outfits couldn’t be salvaged. The right underwear should give your body a lift, and tuck in excess skin, so that your silhouette looks seamless and shapely with clothes on. You should ensure your undergarments are comfortable as well, because who wants to fidget in and pull at them all day when the outfit is this hot?
2. Highlight and Conceal And we’re not talking makeup, but fashion. You are in complete control of how you want to look, and similarly, you can choose to play up parts of yourself that you like and hide the parts that you’re still working on. If you think your arms are your strongest feature, be bold and go for tank tops or strapless blouses. If you’re less comfortable with parts like your torso, however, you can get the best of both worlds by wearing those same tops at lengths extending beyond your stomach. | CAMPUS PLUS 26 26 | CAMPUS PLUS
5. Custom Made Chic As great as it is that more boutiques and mainstream labels are expanding their designs to include plus sized women, the range is still nowhere near that for women with smaller builds. Hence, the need for customised clothing. If you have a great concept for a dress or jacket in mind, bring it to a trusted tailor with your measurements and make it come true! It will cost more, but the quality and impeccable fit will ensure you get more wear out of it to justify the price.
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SELFIE
IS CASIO! CASIO EX-ZR3500
Cameras take the best photos, and smartphones offer the best accessibility. Imagine what one could do then, with a camera that offers the best of both worlds? Here’s how the CASIO Exilim ZR3500 can bridge the gap: WHITE
Instagram-Ready, Always Bad selfies are a thing of the past with the ZR3500, thanks to the convenience of the Make-up Plus mode. It allows users to choose their preferred brightness of skin tone and smoothness level of skin before snapping a selfie!
Upping Your Selfie Game YELLOW
PINK
Constantly Connected Once you’ve taken a great selfie, the next thing to do is to update your Instagram right away, but what happens when you’re not connected to a laptop? The new technology of BEIGE ‘AutoTransfer’ in the ZR3500 takes the guesswork out of uploading photos to your phone by letting you do so quickly and easily via Bluetooth Smart Technology. As long as your smartphone has the EXILIM Connect application installed, your camera will always be connected to it. All you need to do is press the camera shutter button - and the camera doesn’t even need to be on - and the image of your choice will automatically be uploaded to your smartphone. Your fabulous selfie is now ready to be shared with the world instantly!
By having the Front-Shutter Button and 1/1.7 inch back illuminated CMOS Sensor with an aperture of F2.8, the selfie maniac in you gets to explore more angles for selfies without worrying about a low light situation.
Authorised Distributor:
2, 2nd Floor, Jalan Segambut, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: +603 4043 3111 Email: enq.dsc@marco-groups.com Fb: Casio Exilim Malaysia
Fax: +603 4041 9315
campuscouture
Spotlight on KLMU
AUGUST 2015
In Tune, In Style D
uring the last showcase for their course, the fashion design students â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and now graduates â&#x20AC;&#x201C; of Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University (KLMU) had the chance to flex their creative muscles to the max to create a collection that comprised three garments. With the theme being music, each one of the designers had to materialise a collection that was as musical as it was fashionable. Here, we take an in-depth look at the collections, as well as the inspirations and the creative souls behind them.
Hip hop and Reggae by Fatin Farhana
Favourite designer: Vivienne Westwood Interests: Fashion design and styling Currently employed as: Freelance fashion designer Inspiration for collection: Intrigued by the contrast between the tough sensibilities of hip hop and the chilled out vibes of reggae, Fatin decided to take the best of both worlds and meld them into her designs. The end result is a collection with a layered, loose silhouette that pays homage to hip hop fashion, and printed colourful smokes on the fabric that are a nod to reggae style.
Musica Arabia by Muhammad Aizat Adzha bin Zulkifli Favourite designers: Jean Paul Gaultier and Gareth Pugh Interests: Fashion illustration, fashion design and figure sketching Currently employed as: Fashion designer for family business Inspiration for collection: For Musica Arabia, Aizat looked to traditional Arabian music that is usually played during ceremonies. In order to create something fresh, he incorporated burqas with the element of fall/winter into his designs, and used a monochromatic palette to give it an air of exclusivity and chic. The fabrics used were a blend of tweed and synthetic materials such as neoprene.
Biker Culture by Mas Rina binti Ali Munir Favourite designers: Donna Karan and Elie Saab Interests: Fashion illustration and textiles Currently employed as: Assistant Fashion Designer at Adila Long Inspiration for collection: Mas Rinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspiration of heavy metal music and biker culture is immediately evident through the leather, studs, spikes and zips that adorn the designs. The overall result is a collection that looks sophisticated and wearable, with an undeniable rebellious edge.
Punk Rock by Ismaliyah binti Tubagus Favourite designer: Alexander McQueen Favourite designer label: Balmain and Givenchy Interests: Fashion illustration and fashion styling & fashion communication Currently employed as: Fashion designer and stylist at ZAWARA Inspiration for collection: An ode to her personal tastes in fashion and music, Ismaliyahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection is grunge-inspired in its unwavering devotion to black. At the same time, it has the element of surprise in its incorporation of pink, which Ismaliyah says is also her favourite colour (other than black of course). She aspired to create garments that are modern and sleek, while still embracing a punk rock spirit.
beautybuzz by rachel fong
innovative korean beauty products
AUGUST 2015
s p o P Kof Colour G
rowing up, our introduction to makeup probably came by way of our older sisters or mothers’ Clinique, L’Oreal or Maybelline collections. Today, your vanity tables are more likely to be occupied by a new breed of cosmetics, hailing from none other than South Korea. The hallyu wave has taken over many aspects of modern culture, from music to fashion - whether you like it or not - and makeup is no exception. Many want to know how South Korean women get their dewy skin and just-kissed lips, and the not so well-kept secret is this: innovative beauty products. Here, technology drives not only electronics, but makeup, and these are just a few of the most cutting-edge ones that you can buy right now:
3 Concept Eyes Lip Pigment > RM57 Ever tested a lipstick on your hand and bought it, only to apply it on your lips later and discover it wasn’t really the colour you wanted? 3CE, a hot favourite among beauty enthusiasts around the globe, offers a solution in its mixable Lip Pigment range. While it may seem limited in its six basic colours, you can actually mix two colour creams together to create a stunning new shade, resulting in a myriad of colourful hues. Furthermore, the colours are highly pigmented and creamy, going on like a weightless second layer to your lips. For precise application, it’s best to squeeze a pinch of the pigment onto your hand, and swipe it on your lips using a lip brush. Even better still, you can mix it with eye shadow powder to transform it into an eye shadow cream, or with foundation to turn it into a cream blush. Useful if you want to amass a makeup collection without digging too deep into your pockets. Available at Stylenanda, Luxola and FH Club
3 Concept Eyes Nail Lacquer Neon) > RM20 With the speed at which 3CE is dominating the world of makeup, it would’ve been impossible to just include one product from them on this list. We are currently mad for the brand’s Nail Lacquer (Neon) range, which comes in five colours and actually glows in the dark! With its ability to shine as brightly on the dance floor as it does in the afternoon sun, these nail polishes can even keep you from getting lost in a sea of people, should you get separated from the gang. Apart from being a bold statement, these lacquers also have excellent adhesive power, so your fresh manicure stays that way for a longer time. For a look with impact, pair these with an eye shadow or lipstick in the same colour family. Available at Stylenanda, Pinkismycolour and Joonah
Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask > RM49 Much like The Body Shop, Innisfree’s products are derived from the best of what nature has to offer, except in their case it comes from the wonders-laden island of Jeju. This mask’s main component is stiff lava from the Jeju volcano – post explosion – which clears deeply clogged pores and restores purity to your skin. Aside from that, it also gets rid of excessive sebum, and the results can be seen with just one application of the mask. With things like sebum and clogged pores out of the way, your complexion will appear brighter, and your makeup will also go on better. For best effect, use a toner first to remove any residue on your face such as makeup. Once that’s done, apply the mask generously all over your face, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Leave it on for 15 minutes, and wash off with lukewarm water afterwards. It is recommended for use once or twice weekly. Available in Sunway Pyramid and at www.innisfreeworld.com
TonyMoly Timeless Ferment Snail Eye Mask > RM19.90 Who knew there’d come a day when you’d willingly slather snail slime on your face, and under your eyes no less? With its high concentration of Golden Tea Fermented Snail Secretion Filtrate, this hydrogel eye mask creates a strong moisture barrier for your eyes, leaving them vitalised and elastic. With consistent use over time, the skin around your eyes will look silky and feel smoother. It also provides care for rough, damaged skin, and restores moisture and radiance to your eye area. The mucus is specially harvested from 5-month-old snails, and made of the highest quality. To use, first wash your face, then remove the film behind the patches to adhere them to the part underneath your eyes. Adjust the patches so that the narrow part of it is positioned on where the crow’s feet usually are, then let it settle for 30-40 minutes to allow the essence to fully penetrate. Upon removal of the patches, tap your skin gently. It can be used once or twice a week. Available at TonyMoly outlets nationwide
Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control > RM150 Large pores that produce excessive amounts of oil are the bane of pretty much any girl living in a country with warm temperatures. With this sponge-form BB cream, however, you can have semimatte, flawless looking skin on the go. The BB cream is secreted through 800,000 fine pores built into the sponge, which are then transferred onto the puff when you press them against each other. As a result, you avoid the dreaded caked-on look, and end up with a silky finish that resembles a secondary layer of skin. Concealing an uneven complexion is not all that this BB Cushion is capable of. On the contrary, it packs quite a punch with its ability to brighten, soothe, moisturise and protect from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Additionally, it comes in four diverse shades to match a wider range of Asian skin tones. Available at all Laneige boutiques and counters nationwide
VDL Tint Bar Triple Shot > RM69 The gradient lip look, which blends concealer into lipstick for a just-bitten effect, has taken South Korea (and by extension the rest of the world) by storm, so much so that there is now a lip tint that does all the work for you in just one swipe. This lip tint is designed to combine and blend three colours of varying shades onto your lips, so when you glide it sideways it looks like your lips are gradually fading from dark to light. It comes in three variants, namely Triple Pink, Triple Red and Triple Peach. The shades are divided into main, sub and base, with the base being the one that is closest to your original lip colour. As a bonus, it doubles as a lip balm, thanks to the Royal Jelly Extract that it is infused with, to promote skin cell renewal and anti-ageing. Available on Hermo and Lazada
beautyq&a by ivy chin
DON’T GET WORKED UP, JUST SHILLS
AUGUST 2015
Shrink Your Gut By
Patching it Up! T
he creation of fit patches is something that I’ve always dreamt of as it would greatly help in flattening my belly effortlessly. Ironically it also makes me feel sceptical towards its efficacy because it doesn’t require me to do anything. There are just too many fit patches out there, making me indecisive on getting the “right” one for myself. Fortunately, SHILLS Fit Patch has given me an opportunity to clear all my doubts away.
Why SHILLS Fit Patch, you ask? Unlike other fit patches that we have seen in the market, SHILLS Fit Patch only has five patches in a box, which obviously wouldn’t be able to last for a month. However, I think this is great for those who plan to try it out first before seriously devoting yourselves to a particular fit patch. What i really love about the SHILLS Fit Patch, is that it’s thoughtfully made with 32
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thin and breathable fabric, making it extremely comfortable, especially when you feel the heat that it gives you. Moreover, I didn’t need to worry about it suddenly falling off by itself as it has a really strong adhesion that allows you to move freely. So you don’t have to worry about the patch restricting your movements. If you’re thinking about the stickiness and humidity that might arise from the fit patch, fear not. I assure you that you will feel tremendously comfortable with it – there’s no humid or sticky feeling at all. Additionally, what makes it amazing is besides tightening the stomach area, it also soothes, nourishes and moisturises the skin! I have been using it while sleeping too because the heat can last for six to eight hours, which is the standard amount of sleep that one requires at night. For best results, it is recommended to be used two to three times per week. Although it actually doesn’t require me to do anything else, I maintained a healthy diet together with some exercises to boost results whilst using the fit patch. And after a week, I can honestly say that I feel my belly has shrunk! As for all my outfits that I have not felt confident enough to wear after gaining some weight recently, I’m sure I’ll be able to fit into them again soon if I keep this up! I hope SHILLS Fit Patch will work for you too. Get them at RM79 at all SHILLS Beauty Concept Stores and SaSa outlets nationwide. Let’s burn all the belly fat away!
AUGUST’S BEAUTY PICKS
AUGUST 2015
beautycase compiled by rachel fong
Elianto Xtra Lasting Eyeliner Pen RM49.90 One gripe most women have with their eyeliners is that it doesn’t stand the test of time. However, the Xtra Lasting Eyeliner Pen might just pass it with flying colours. Formulated in Japan and made in Korea, its high quality is evident in the polymer film that holds the eyeliner to your lids for a good 12 hours. It also makes precise eye lining a cinch with the smooth gliding applicator and sharp nib. Equally easy is the removal of the eyeliner, which can be done with just warm water. Available at all Elianto stores
Hair Pro by Watsons Heat Active From RM39.90-RM42.90 As gorgeous as your hair looks after a blow dry, straightening or perming session, the damage done to your strands is undeniable. Watsons’ Hair Pro brand has a solution for this, called the Heat Active range. Its magic comes from the Heat Active Technology that is infused with NanoRepairTM-EL. When heat is released from the styling devices to your hair, it reacts with said technology to repair and rejuvenate your locks instead. The end result? Glossy and elastic hair even with repeated blowouts and perming. Available at all Watsons stores
AUGUST 2015
SHILLS Mandelic Acid Skin Renew Daily Defence (DD) Cream SPF50 RM79 You’re probably already familiar with BB and CC Cream, and now it’s time to get acquainted with their new cousin, the DD Cream. If your skin has been looking dull and dry lately, the DD Cream not only rectifies all that, but conceals flaws and controls oiliness too. Its defining ingredient is Mandelic Acid, which is effective in banishing acne and promoting skin renewal. So, it’s a makeup product that not only beautifies, but repairs. It works best when applied on a freshly cleansed face. Available at all Shills Beauty Concept Stores and selected SaSa outlets
Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control RM150 Getting ready no longer has to be a time-consuming routine when you integrate this innovative makeup base into your collection. Designed to target nasty looking large pores, your skin will look flawless and more importantly pore-free in 2.5 seconds, with a few pats of the sponge. As it is made with Laneige’s Pore Control Care, it also works to remove poison and waste around your pores, hence helping to reduce blemishes with long term use. You can kiss goodbye to sun damage too as it comes with SPF 50+. Available at all Laneige boutiques and beauty counters
Guardian Les Tentations Méditerranéennes Bath & Body Care Range From RM10.90-RM19.90 Guardian has now released a brand new bath and body care range that takes things to the next level with products inspired by the beauty secrets of the Mediterranean people. Dermatologically tested and proven, it comes in three different variants, namely Rose Water (skin lightening and moisturising), Grape Seed Oil (anti-ageing and skin renewal) and Mimosa Water (soothing and moisturising). Within each variant are five products that provide the full skin pampering experience: Shower Cream, Body Scrub, Body Butter, Hand Cream and Body Lotion. Available at all Guardian stores
guysstuff
Statement Tees
by rachel fong
AUGUST 2015
For When You Wanna Keep It Real Urban Tee I’m Not Lazy T-Shirt RM37.10 Available on zalora.com.my and selected Urban Tee outlets
, d u o L t I y Sa d u o r P t I Say e it, get a ts to verbalis gu e th ve ha t be don’t said, but just ind you, it can’ needs to be t on it. And m at en th em at ge ful, st sa ct a es pa m hing im shirt with f you have a ld have somet ggests, it’s a Tou su sh e it m e, na m yo its As to its na ent that u statement tee. with a statem t tee to live up e en on t em ge at st to a e r ce. Fo rrassing it it’s advisabl just any senten ine how emba Do take note: ag y. Im . sa nd to ta g rs in ur t, unde life-affirm , yet eludes yo the very leas humorous or deep message y lieve in, or at gl be in , ok by em lo e se u a liv s make yo personally a shirt that ha s just going to u step out in t it means? It’ ha w u could be if yo yo k as s g when friend understandin when we mar. Trust us r. se am gr po d r: ea be rh em ai irt like an ed to rem ep out in a sh r thing you ne back if you st ur yo e nd Here’s anothe th hi re be su iggers and make get lots of sn e humiliation th lf u se say you will yo ur If yo ly sound. sense, so save is grammatical ld or that makes no w e is th of Engl h re showing to a good grasp ith w sentence you’ nd ie fr a g your all means strin is in) along to can’t tell, by ’s statement irt sh e out th k ec ge ch langua e basics, (or whatever covered all th ve u’ yo at sp th drobe eak t. Now next mall visi make your war ill w at th es te atement these eight st . er a little loud
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For When The Stress Gets Too Much Terra Nova Saturday T-Shirt RM21 Available at selected Terra Nova outlets
For When You Wanna Let Your Crew Know What You’re All About Urban Tee Hustle Loyalty Respect T-Shirt RM37.10 Available on zalora.com.my and selected Urban Tee outlets
For When Friday Night Is Just Around the Corner Burton Menswear Party Till You Drop T-Shirt RM47 Available at burton.co.uk and selected Burton Menswear outlets nationwide
For When Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Feeling Pumped to Work Out Nike As That Swoosh Life Tee RM119 Available at zalora.com.my and selected Nike outlets nationwide
For When You Wanna Drop a Vacation Hint on Your Friends Burton Menswear Palm Graphic Printed T-Shirt RM41
For When You Pass The Finals with Flying Colours (guess what this shirt says) H.E. By Mango Message Cotton T-Shirt RM44
Available at burton.co.uk and selected Burton Menswear outlets nationwide
Available at shop.mango.com/ MY/men and selected H.E. by Mango outlets nationwide
For When You Really Need to Chill Zara Short Sleeved T-Shirt RM44.90 Available on zara.com/my and selected Zara outlets nationwide
guysstuff by rachel fong
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MEMORABLE CELEBRITY STATEMENT TEES
AUGUST 2015
k c u r t s r a t S T
Tees
he clothes off a star’s back always make for a hot topic, whether they show up to a red carpet event or just when the aforementioned star runs out to the grocery shop. One of the types of celebrity-approved clothing that gets the media, and by extension us, even more hyped up, is statement tees. Just like us, celebrities wear the statement tees when they want to send out a message – but not too aggressively. Besides, if a picture is worth a thousand words, can you imagine how much a picture of actual words is worth? We know, it’s mind blowing! In all seriousness though, statement tees shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Sometimes the star in question wears it to deliver an actual life-changing, or world-changing message, but eight times out of 10 it’s either worn as a sneaky middle finger to the intrusive paparazzi, or just to inject a bit of personality and humour into their carefully constructed public persona. Check out some of the more memorable statement tees to adorn the male celebs of today.
1. A.J. McLean
4. Robert Sheehan
You might know him by his vocal stylings for a little band called Backstreet Boys, but who knew he had such a sense of humour to him too? While A.J. is happily married, he clearly couldn’t resist a shirt with a frisky joke. We like the cute riff on the sport of fox hunting, and the service he has done for men around the world who can’t express their adoration for Ms Fox quite so eloquently.
We know him best as Nathan from ‘Misfits’ or as Simon in ‘The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones’, and apparently the man behind them is just as distinctive as the characters he plays. This peace-loving message is simple and gets the point across, with the additional bonus of looking stylish and classic.
2. Jack Black
5. Rupert Grint
While it looks an awful lot like the shirt he wears in the movie poster for ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ behind him, upon closer inspection we see that it actually features a clever play on the famous line from M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘The Sixth Sense’. The original quote is the unsettling “I see dead people”, which Jack obviously reworked to suit the theme of his then-new movie. Hopefully no actual dwarves’ feelings were hurt in the process.
Any Potterhead knows how close the cast are with each other off-screen, so it comes as no surprise that they would wear their adoration on their sleeve, or in this case, shirt. Tom Felton and Rupert Grint may play bitter foes on the big screen, but thankfully that animosity doesn’t translate into real life, as Rupert makes his feelings for Tom crystal clear on this simple white tee.
3. Max George
6. Russell Brand
Aside from being the unofficial front man of The Wanted, Max is known for being one of the biggest troublemakers in the band as well. Suffice to say, this shirt is one of the tamest things he has had to say or do. Nonetheless, it’s a cute nod to his lighthearted persona, and judging by the looks of his stubble here he was well on his way to making that ’stache happen.
The comedian is never one to hold back from the most brutally honest of opinions, or most perverted of jokes. This tank top he sports is almost certainly a subtle yet not-so-subtle message to the haters out there who have chastised him for his no-holds-barred personality. Then again, it does contain lyrics from Radiohead’s song ‘Nude’ from ‘In Rainbows’, so it could just be a way of showcasing his musical taste.
7. Tom Hiddleston The Brit doesn’t post pictures very often, at least not nowadays with three movies and one miniseries in the pipeline. So you can bet that when he does, fangirl frenzy erupts. Worn in support of Elle’s inaugural all-feminist special annual issue, Tom immediately caused women, girls and guys everywhere to fall in love with him all over again with his unabashed stance on equal rights for women.
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CLEAR WOMEN with Nutrium 10
Say farewell to aggravating white flakes hiding in between your hair or at the tip of your shoulder as CLEAR is here to help! Formulated with Nutrium 10, a unique and powerful blend of deeply nourishing nutrients, CLEAR’s patented technology system significantly improves scalp condition by restoring its defensive barrier. In order to suit everyone’s needs, CLEAR has formulated different solutions that specifically address hair challenges. You can now choose from Complete Soft Care, Ice Cool Menthol, Extra Strength, Anti Hair Fall and Dry Scalp & Itch Control. This new CLEAR range is available at all pharmacies, hypermarket and retail outlets nationwide. For more details, visit www.clearparis.my Price: NA.
selection of New Products
AUGUST 2015
offtheshelf
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Poolside Paradise
FABER-CASTELL True Gel Pen
What makes a good pen? Amazingly smooth? Check. Fade and water resistant? Check. High colour intensity? Check. FABERCASTELL’s True Gel Pen range has everything that a good pen is supposed to have. But what makes them great is they are made with pigmented ink, which is suitable for any important legal documents. They are available in 0.5 and 0.7mm with three different ink colours, which are red, blue and black. Available now, at all leading bookstores and stationary outlets, at a RRP of RM1.80.
Dive into summer with these six limited edition shades of Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel. These fresh colours capture the bright hues of summer for up to 14 days. There’s Pink-A-Colada, Life’s A Peach, Morning, Sunshine! Dive Bar, Rum Punch and Swimsical. Simply apply the colour of your choice, followed by a top coat to make your nails shine. The polish is cured by natural light, so a UV or LED lamp is not needed. Available now at Guardian, Watsons, HK SaSa, Caring or Parkson at a recommended selling price of RM37.90 each. For more details, visit https://www.facebook. com/SallyHansenMalaysia or http://www.sallyhansen.com/
Cadbury Dairy Milk Marvellous Creations
How would it feel to have a party in your mouth? Experience it for real with Cadbury Dairy Milk Marvellous Creations. This new chocolate range is generously filled with a combination of unexpected flavours and textures that will surely surprise your taste buds with every bite. Two irresistible variants – Jelly Popping Candy and Peanut Toffee Cookie are available at a recommended price of RM8.90 (160g) and RM2.90 (40g) respectively. For more details, visit www.facebook.com/CadburyMalaysia
Keds Champion Fruit
To complete your warm weather outfit, Keds has introduced a ‘fruity’ new footwear range, the Champion Fruit. Botanical prints laced with whimsy and vibrant shades form the idea behind the collection; the better to boost your summer appeal. Three different designs are available – light aqua with pineapple, light coral with watermelon and off-white with orange. Get them now at selected Stadium, Studio R and Royal Sporting House outlets at RM199. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/keds
music
ALBUM RELEASES AND REVIEWS
AUGUST 2015
REVIEWS
CURRENCY OF MAN MELODY GARDOT
After sustaining severe injuries in an accident in 2003, Melody Gardot was encouraged to use music to rehabilitate her brain and to improve speech ability. Ever since then, Gardot began to explore jazz and blues to develop a connection between her struggles and her passion in music to her listeners. This Grammy-nominated American musician from Philadelphia’s last album was three years ago, and the
BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK EVERCLEAR
The five member American alternative rock band is back with their latest album, Black Is The New Black. There are a number of excellent rock bands from the 90s who are still making music and touring, and Everclear is one of them. If you don’t remember them from back then, you’ll surely never forget them after listening to this album. Their distinctive style and unique sound is unforgettable.
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self-proclaimed “citizen of the world” has finally released her fourth 10-track album, Currency of Man. The album opens with the unique and socially conscious ‘It Gonna Come’, which features her smoky vocals with a groovy bass line. ‘Same To You’ is a vibrant track with metallic horns, spooky instruments and a collection of backing vocalists to support the chorus. It’s a track specially dedicated to ‘cruel’ lovers and Gardot assures them that they will get what they deserve. ‘Once I was Loved’ is an ethereally beautiful raw ending that emphasises Gardot’s vocal capability. We also love the message that it brings, which is to remind us of better days and positive tomorrows. Currency of Man is a strong and thought provoking album replete with important lessons in life that are worth listening to.
The opening track, ‘Sugar Noise’ is a catchy and energetic track that’s somewhat different from what we would usually expect from them. You can hear the band making some changes, while staying true to their rock ’n roll background. ‘Complacent’ is probably our favourite song, as it has a unique and refreshing tone to it. If you prefer to listen to something that’s similar to their earlier work, then listen to ‘This Is Your Death Song’, which boasts of the trademark Everclear style. If you’re up for something different, then listen to ‘Van Gogh Sun’, which is also one of our favourite tunes. It’s a very special song from them as it begins as a ballad and peaks with some badass beats. So for all of you 90s kids and fans of pure rock and roll, this is the album for you. Everclear still has what it takes to be the world’s best and most memorable alternative rock band.
1000 EP BEN KHAN
If you asked us who the most exciting artist to breakout in 2015 is, then our answer would be Ben Khan. 2014 was a big year for him as his four-track debut EP, 1992 received critical acclaim. He lets the music speak for itself by combining impressive and colourful genres, including funk, R&B, electro with his flawless voice. Naturally, we were excited when this 22-year-old talent released his brand new EP, 1000.
How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful FLORENCE + THE MACHINE Can you believe it’s been four years since Florence + The Machine’s last release? Time flies, and here we are able to listen to this six-member English indie rock band again. Lead vocalist, Florence Welch possesses a haunting, lovely, clean, moving and powerful voice that will connect you with her stories. ‘What Kind of Man’ is an interesting track in this album. Not only does the
The album kicks off with ‘1000’, an energetic and upbeat track that will absolutely capture your attention. The repetitive beat, Khan’s effortless falsetto, keyboard synth and bluesy electric guitar creates a funky atmosphere that makes you want to keep replaying it. ‘Zenith’ is the most lyrical track in the album and puts the spotlight on Khan’s smooth and deep vocals. But what makes this song standout is the gospellike clapping bridge, clean electronics and guitars. The contrast that they make is simply amazing. It’s evident the huge success of 1992 had motivated and encouraged Khan to refine his sound and music. And this may be his best work yet. After listening to 1000, we are highly interested to follow his journey. We’re quaking with excitement to see what he has in store for us in the future.
music blend perfectly with the lyrics, the track surprises us with its acapella solo singing that progresses into explosive rock overtones. When the rock elements kick in, it infuses the track with a new life, turning this song from good to great. We fell in love with the title track, ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ because of its diverse melody that is gorgeously coherent. We admired the instrumental accompaniment as it supports the entire track wonderfully. The strongest track in the album has definitely got to be ‘Delilah’. It opens with Welch singing call-and-response with herself, then suddenly it evolves into a 70s pop punk song. As usual, Florence + The Machine’s albums are always a pleasure to listen to, but this album has once again exceeded our expectations. It is a brilliant and fabulous album from them.
GET A LOAD OF ALL THAT CASH
AUGUST 2015
Cash Cash Lures Us into Surrendering
“I love the current electronic dance music (EDM) scene as it is very positive, collaborative, forward thinking, supportive. Those are the words for EDM. The feedback from audiences is what’s keeping all the artists really motivated.” Your single, ‘Surrender’ has received a lot of airplay. Since that is like one of your biggest hits right now, tell us about the creative process behind it. That one was really cool. The thing that I like the most about it is the meaning behind the song. When you hear the word “surrender”, most people think of something negative, something bad, like giving up, losing a war or throwing in the towel. But this song shows it in a completely different way. Whether it’s about your lover or something you’ve been fighting for, it shows you that sometimes surrendering will set you free. You’re set free and you’re just at peace with yourself. So that’s what the song is about. What’s your definition of success? That’s a good question. It is just the fact that we get to do this every day for a living and I think that is probably what success is. I mean, by liking what you’re doing. Also, I think writing songs that we enjoy and having everyone and our fans enjoy it, having some of the respect from our peers, and just having people who enjoy our work, I think that’s definitely a success for us. Not having a boss is another success for us too because we are co-workers, we are our own boss. We make the music we want to make, we don’t answer to anybody. Plus, we don’t wake up fearing getting fired. That’s success. What is the most challenging part about producing your own music? For us, it’s the technical side. Sometimes that stuff takes up a lot of time and emotions when it doesn’t really have to. But the cool thing is that we’re a group of three, so when my brother Alex gets frustrated with something, I kind of try to ease him. Or if Alex and I are acting funny, then Sam does the easing. So we are lucky to have each other. In your music, what inspires you the most? The shows. It’s because it means a lot to see crowds of people listening to and singing back your music and that always reminds you of your purpose, like why you’re doing this. It makes us want to keep making songs that we and others love. For students who are eager to get into the EDM scene, what advice would you give them? Definitely try to innovate. Don’t try to copy. It’s okay if you are being influenced by other stuff. But you really need to find your own sound to standout because it’s tough, there are a lot of musicians and producers out there, there’s a lot of competition. Try to write your own song, and maybe try to learn some instruments, like the piano and try to focus on the actual musical side of it. And then study the lyrics to understand why and how this song can be a hit song or what’s not so great about it. (Interview courtesy of Warner Music Malaysia)
music
unplugged by grace chan
An Affair Of The Musical Kind
August 2015
Rhythm and Muse:
Get Personal Some people say, “Do not judge a book by its cover” but when it comes to music bands, we beg to differ. Here is our two cents: don’t let a band’s bizarre name fool you, because we think the more random the name, the cooler the band is. And that is the case for our funky featured band this month, “The Backseat Affair”. What initially appeared to be a far-fetched dream finally saw the light of day when a group of friends decided to join an open mic together and ended up working the music scene as a new band. “As clichéd as it sounds, we really had no prior planning in forming a band, it just sort of happened out of the blue,” said lead vocalist Annabel. Although newcomers to the industry, the band has been taking the local music scene by storm. This four-piece band has Annabel as the lead vocalist, Irwin on lead guitars, Haris on drum duties and Darren as the shaker-man (slash occasional bassist). They carry a groove that perfectly complements each other. At this point, if you are still trying to figure out the meaning behind the band’s name, you can stop wondering. According to the members, “The Backseat Affair” is pretty selfexplanatory and the name IS supposed to say it all. “We’re quite sure that everyone knows what it means and we’ll leave it to you guys to figure out the rest,” said Haris with a wink.
Music Conversation Remarkably, the band has been able to carve their way forward beyond a promising start. Just earlier this year, the band managed to wow the judges of Superstar Me (a local talent competition in association with Asia’s Got Talent) and ended up bagging the overall champion’s title. Garnering a series of positive comments from the panel of judges, “The Backseat Affair” has certainly established themselves as a talented and versatile band.
Live Gigs The most memorable milestone to date is when the band scored the opportunity to open for Penang’s “Superstar Me” talent competition. While the entire experience of touring across the state was a first on every band member’s
journal, it had the significant effect of strengthening the bond amongst them. “The fact that we were getting around there on our own really was a remarkable experience. We were on a whole different territory,” added Darren. And of course, we have to highlight their truly humbling experience of performing in front of a strong panel of judges (by strong we mean prominent music industry figures like Ning Baizura and SONY Music marketing director, Aziana Ali) during the abovementioned competition. The band had also previously performed at various open mic platforms and in venues such as Merdekarya, The Bee, AfterWerk and Sunway Pyramid. And if the crowd and fan reception is anything to go by, their unique rendition of various songs (think classic hits to Ariana Grande!) have been well received thus far. The band ‘pinky’ promised to us that they’ll continue to churn out new covers of songs as regularly as possible.
Music Platform In case you’re wondering where you could feast your ears on this gem, expect to spot them around local open mic arenas such as The Bee and Merdekarya. Better still, head on over to their Facebook page at facebook.com/thebackseataffair and Instagram at thebackseaffair to stalk (no, follow) their upcoming shows. Trust us, this jewel is certainly one that you wouldn’t want to miss out live!
Down the Road with Music The band are going the acoustic pop direction, while striving to project their unique palette of creativity as they build their image as an accomplished band. Ultimately, this ensemble of talents hope to dominate the local music charts and be recognised nationwide. “We long for the day where we can step on stage without having to introduce ourselves. Now, how cool is that?!” chimed Annabel with a grin. They also have plans for their very own originals and we have to say, we simply can’t wait for it!
C+: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for supporting you this far? The Backseat Affair (TBA): Our families and friends, of course! They’ve been nothing less than supportive of us. They are our main source of inspiration and motivation. C+: If you guys could perform with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why? Annabel: It would definitely be Sam Smith. He has, hands down, one of the most genuinely unique voices, ever. I strive to be like him in terms of originality, so it would be an honour to share the stage with him. Haris: Blink 182. They’ve influenced the way I play the drums and I hear they play really bad*** gigs. Irwin: Seeing as we’re an acoustic band, I would say Jason Mraz. He’s been a prominent musical influence on me from a young age. Darren: I would love to perform with Coldplay, The Script, Ed Sheeran, and Muse all together on the same stage! Despite their different genres, I believe if they actually collaborate with each other, it would be the perfect music session. C+: Describe your music in three or four words. TBA: Authentically Versatile Acoustic Music. C+: Advice for people who want to take their passion in music one step further? TBA: Do not be afraid in taking risks. There will always be a risk in whatever you do, but what matters is whether or not it is a risk worth taking, and that’s up to YOU to decide. C+: What song is the most fun to do live? TBA: We think it is our rendition of ‘Love Me Harder’ by Ariana Grande. We managed to fuse our own distinct style into it, which we believe is a factor that will always get the crowd going.
MAY 2015 | CAMPUS PLUS |
41
k-pop
by ivy chin
How True Is This?
August 2015
REVIEWS
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27
I’m Good
Kim Sung Kyu
Elsie
As the leader and main vocalist of the Korean boy band, Infinite, Kim made his debut as a solo artist three years ago. And earlier this year, he made a joke that caught people’s attention, saying he would leave his current company, Woolim Entertainment if they didn’t give him a chance to release his second solo album. We don’t know the full story behind that, but now he’s back with 27. Let’s listen to what he has to offer in this five-track album. ‘The Answer’ is a beautiful mid-tempo love ballad accompanied with Kim’s soulful vocals and elegant piano. We love the intensity of emotion as well as the passion of love in this song. Next up is ‘Alive’, a song where you can feel Kim’s emotions in trying to fight against his own nature. It’s a rather nice song as Kim’s voice is layered above the piano and the powerful drum beats pump the song up. Up for a straightforward pop song? Listen to ‘Kontrol’ then, Kim’s smooth and silky voice together with the track’s gorgeous melody will surely make you fall in love with it. ‘Reply’ is a feel good acoustic ballad that made us imagine two lovers talking to each other while holding hands. Overall, this is a great album that makes Kim’s talents shine. Looking forward to his future releases!
The main vocalist and rapper of the Korean girl group T-ara, Hahm Eunjung has just released her four-track solo debut album, I’m Good. And she’s taken on a new stage name, Elsie. In actual fact, she is the third member T-ara, and this is her debut solo effort. Does she have what it takes to be a good solo singer? We shall find out soon enough. ‘Rain Tears’ is a song where you can listen to Elsie’s sweet and lovely voice. Besides her honeyed voice, the accompanying guitars in the song are amazing too as it makes the entire track come off sounding ethereal and romantic. While for ‘Love Effect’, though it’s a little bit repetitive, we can’t stop ourselves from loving the uplifting and catchy beats in the song. It just makes you want to dance and sing along with it. If we were to compare between the solo versions of ‘I’m Good’ with the other version where she teamed up with singer-songwriter K.Will, we would definitely give her solo version two thumbs up. We love the way she carries the whole song by herself. Overall, it’s a rather enjoyable debut album that is worth listening to. Grab this album now and judge for yourself if she has what it takes to be a solo artist.
THE LATEST IN KOREAN POP MUSIC
k-pop
August 2015
f(x)’s Sulli to Leave
K-POP CHART
Group?
I
f rumours are to be believed, then the word on the street is that f(x)’s Sulli is leaving the group to concentrate on her acting career. However, SM Entertainment has immediately responded to the situation and issued a statement denying the alleged departure. An SM Entertainment representative said, “There is nothing that has been decided. We will make a decision on Sulli’s future group activities after careful consideration.” “We are flustered that such articles have come out when nothing has been concretely decided on regarding Sulli. We are also currently picturing a comeback in the latter half of the year for f(x), but no details have been decided yet on that either,” another representative said. The speculation on Sulli leaving the popular group has been building for quite some time now, ever since she withdrew from group activities a few months ago for personal reasons. It has also been said
that Sulli is requesting to have a break from promotional activities after publicising her relationship with Dynamic Duo’s Choiza last year. Sulli began her acting career in Korean television dramas as early as 2005 and has appeared in several prominent dramas and movies, such as “To The Beautiful You”, “The Pirates” and “Fashion King”. SM Entertainment is yet to release an official statement regarding this matter, but we understand that Sulli remains under contract with the company. If Sulli is no longer a part of f(x), the remaining members, Krystal, Victoria, Luna and Amber will be preparing for their comeback without her.
1
SHAKE IT
2
HEART ATTACK
3
BANG BANG BANG
4
AH-AH
5
UM OH AH YEAH
6
SHOULDN’T HAVE
7
LOVE ME RIGHT
8
MY HOUSE
9
DOPE
10
SISTAR | SHAKE IT
AOA | HEART ATTACK
BIGBANG | A
TEEN TOP | NATURAL BORN TEEN TOP
MAMAMOO | PINK FUNKY
BAEK AYEON | SHOULDN’T HAVE
EXO | LOVE ME RIGHT THE 2ND ALBUM REPACKAGE
2PM | NO.5
BTS | THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT IN LIFE PT.1
COOL NIGHT SLEEPY & SONG JIEUN | COOL NIGHT
WEEK OF 22 JUNE 2015
Odd
In Love
Shinee
Kara
Five-member boy group Shinee has finally released their fifth Korean language studio album, Odd. It has been said that it’s an album where the boys are experimenting with both old and new sounds and presents a more mature side to them. And judging from their work in this album, it seems that they really have something up their sleeves. The album opens with ‘Odd Eye’, a beautiful song accompanied with dramatic electronic drum beats, violins and synthesisers that draws you into Shinee’s world of falsettos and joyfulness that’s filled with bright colours. Next, ‘View’ is a pleasant surprise. It starts off as a ballad, but ends up exploding with catchy and radio-friendly electro-house and techno beats! It is a track that’s different from what we used to hear from Shinee too, making it refreshing and fun. Looking for more fun music from them? Then listen to ‘Romance’. It’s an absolutely fun and irresistible track with a wide variety of sounds. In general, this album is very solid, fresh and fun. Shinee has managed to achieve a more mature sound and we love all the songs here. We would go on to say this is one of their best albums yet. Go get it and listen to it now, if you haven’t already done so.
Are you ready to fall in love again with this four-member pop girl group? Although Nichole Jung and Kang Jiyoung left the group last year, the remaining members together with new addition, Heo Youngji proved to the world through their mini-album, Day & Night that Kara remains as one of the most powerful girl groups today. So naturally, we were excited to listen to their seventh Korean mini album, In Love to see what’s new. The album kicks off with ‘Starlight’, immediately capturing our attention with its gentle opening before the loud horns and drumbeats blast in and infuse the track with kinetic energy. The contrast and transition took us by surprise, but in a good and enjoyable way. We then found Kara’s best ballad track of the album in ‘In Those Days’. It is truly a beautifully soft and delicate song, thanks to the striking pianos and bells that accompanied their smooth vocals well. When we first listened to ‘Peek-A-Boo’, we thought that it was a video game theme song. It’s just tremendously uplifting, energetic and fun. We came off this song feeling good with smiles on our faces. In short, we fell in love with In Love. This is an album that you shouldn’t miss and trust us, you’ll hit the replay button continuously.
SOURCE: MNET.COM
CAMPUS PLUS |
43
feature
a dose of malaysian-isms
by stephen kheng
Culture Syok AUGUST 2015
“Syok” - Malaysian lingo denoting enjoyment or good feelings
F
or foreign students living and studying for the first time in Malaysia, break the cycle of mingling around only with fellow students of the same nationality. Instead, breakout of your comfort zone and get to know (and embrace) the local people and culture. Get over your culture shock. We Malaysians are generally a friendly lot… most of the time. But there’s an unmistakably quirky side to us as well. You’ll learn that the following are some of the things that make us, us. Have fun reading it; hopefully it will help you understand how things work here in our fine country. So let us transform your culture shock into culture syok!
Everyone is a Boss… In Malaysia, the title of ‘boss’ does not only refer to a person in authority or an owner of a business. We call everyone ‘boss’, from our parents (“Yes, boss!”), security guards to the mamak shop guy. Heck, we even call the garbage collector ‘boss’ if we need something from them. It gets people’s attention, plus it’s polite and respectful. Really.
…And a Bro Yes Boss
‘What’s up bro?’ ‘How was your day bro?’ ‘Where to eat today, bro?’ These lines pepper every text message. Every male friend and acquaintance is your bro here. So if you’re a guy, you have instant membership into the bro-hood by just addressing the other guy ‘bro’. Welcome to the club, bro.
How was your day bro?
Hand Power Mealtime Foodfies Used to be when food arrived on the table, we raise and fold our fingers together and give thanks before diving into the food. Nowadays, we raise our smartphones up and start taking numerous pictures of the food (from various angles) before eating is allowed to start. It is considered bad form if you start eating before the snapping is done.
Get your way, every time, with the power of your hand. Just raise your hand slightly above your head, open-palmed (picture). This hand gesture is used for, let’s see… greeting anyone and everyone, waving goodbye, stopping traffic, getting the waiter’s attention, ordering food, settling the bill after a meal, getting security guards to open boom gates for you, signalling your apologies, the list goes on.
On The way bro!!
OTW and Traffic Jams OTW stands for ‘On The Way’, which is the second most overused excuse employed when one is late for something. The number one is ‘I’m stuck in a traffic jam lah’. Late for an appointment with your pals? No problem, just text or tell them that you’re ON THE WAY. Overslept and late for an interview appointment? Don’t sweat it; just tell your potential employer that there’s a massive jam, I’m on the way. Add ‘Got accident, boss’ for dramatic effect (even if you took the LRT instead of driving on the road).
Protect Your Turf As in the space in front of you in a queue. Malaysians are notorious queue-jumpers, constantly eyeing and seizing any free space available. Whether it’s in a cinema ticket line, fast food counter queue or behind the wheel on the road, we’ll jump in front of the other poor sucker at the slightest opportunity. Blame this on our shortcut culture.
Get Ready Your Exit Strategy Public transport in Malaysia, such as buses, commuter trains and the LRT, is a hassle to ride. Packed tighter than a can of sardines, heaven help you if you’re stuck at the back of one, and your stop is just around the corner. So anticipate your exit, squeeze and squirm your way through the throngs of people at least two stops beforehand, or risk missing your stop and having to exit at the next station. Same principle applies when you’re in lifts. Malaysians aren’t in the habit of letting people step out of lifts before going in. No, it’s our style to barge in once the doors open, to hell with whoever’s trying to get out. God help you if you’re way in the back of a packed lift. So prepare your exit in advance if you don’t want to be in cramped spaces any longer than intended.
Malaysian Time This one’s tricky as punctuality is not in our vocabulary. If you are making an appointment with a local, say for instance for a meet up at 11am, do make provision of at least an additional 30 minutes for the other party to arrive. This means you should reasonably expect the local person to arrive for the appointment at 11.30am. Hence, in this example, 11am in Malaysian Time means 11.30am. Now, depending on who you ask, opinions differ on how much additional time should be allocated. Some serial Malaysian Timers consistently arrive late by an hour or more for every appointment or event. You can spot them – like those students who quietly sneak into the lecture hall when the lecture is already at the halfway point. Some Malaysians are proud of this though, as they like to make an entrance.
EX TI
Thinking Ahead When it comes to food, Malaysians love it. There’s such a vast variety of local delicacies that it’s a shame we’re only endowed with one stomach. That which we cannot eat now, we think about incessantly. Food is always on a Malaysian’s mind and a popular conversation topic; we are always talking about this or that food, this or that new café, the best this or best that. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise if we’re talking about what to eat for lunch and dinner, and where to eat them, during our breakfast. When it comes to food, Malaysians are highly efficient. We plan ahead. Liked our little Malaysian-ism list? Stay tuned for more in future issues!
coverstory
by the editorial team
The Rebirth Of Mankind
AUGUST 2015
“Your mind is software. Program it. Your body is a shell. Change it. Death is a disease. Cure it. Extinction is approaching. Fight it.” Sounds like a line from a Star Trek scene? Close enough. Join us as we take a look at the philosophy of transhumanism and its idea of superhuman transformation!
S
medicine, are some of the technologies tagged under the big umbrella of transhumanism. Although technically correct, such a definition of transhumanism is limiting and touches just the tip of the iceberg. If it isn’t just about cloning and robots, what then is transhumanism really all about? We intend to break it down for you, and with some pop culture references thrown in, we hope you’ll get the gist of it.
Rise of the Superheroes? From the demigods of Greek mythology to the superheroes of the 21st century (think Iron Man or Spiderman), we’ve been intrigued by the idea of human enhancement for quite a while now. At the core of the transhumanist movement is an unshakeable faith in the inevitable technological progress of humanity to reach true social and political equality. Also deemed as an international cultural and intellectual movement, it strives towards the goal of transforming the human condition
of the
o you can eat anything and not gain a pound. Or race up a flight of stairs on a dare without losing your breath. Good, because that’s not how things will be in a few decades. In time, as your body ages, you’d be creaking up the stairs and gasping for air, and the calories from a can of soda will undoubtedly go straight to your bulging belly. Indeed, nobody likes ageing. You get tired, you start to lose your thick and lustrous hair, you get forgetful and chances are, you’d be struggling to keep up with the never ending stream of gizmos and gadgets. While most of us surrender to the natural course of ageing, a group of folks – known as transhumanists – have stood up to defy the process. This determined group of scientists, philosophers and theorists have been working towards the point where technological advances will ultimately free us from all biological constraints. Nanotech, organ transplants, genetic engineering, prosthetics, cognitive and mood enhancing drugs, cloning and anti-ageing
by developing and producing technologies that serve the noble purpose of enhancing human intellectual, physical and psychological capabilities. Many transhumanists are convinced that ultimately they will be able to defeat even death itself! Sounds complicated? Then let’s put this in the context of fictional superheroes. Which superheroes would be the best representatives of being transhuman? Firstly, there are two ways one could significantly overcome the limits of biology; through external but integrated technology or by directly altering one’s biology. Iron Man and Spiderman aptly represent the two sides of the transhuman coin. Peter Parker’s DNA is modified at a fundamental level by a spider’s DNA. It gives him super human or transhuman strength, agility, and even a sixthsense, and it’s all from his altered biology at the cellular level. While we think Spiderman is a great example of biological transhumanity, we’re of the opinion that Iron Man most closely illustrates technological transhumanity. Tony Stark is impossibly intelligent and wealthy and what’s more, he is quite literally at one with his technology.
Inside his singular piece of hardware, Tony combines every tool at his disposal into an embodied technology. The armour suit and his artificial heart are powered by the same device. Through his union with technology, Tony in his Iron Man suit mirrors how technology can work in harmony with biology to improve and protect the vulnerable human body.
The Future is Now Sounds a little too far fetched? Well, not exactly. It’s already happening!
Fountain of Youth In the bible of transhumanism, the first and foremost improvement of the human condition is super longevity or immortality. Lord Voldemort tried to achieve it through Horcruxes. Tranhumanists use a different path to super longevity and that is through cryonics. Just as Austin Powers and Dr Evil froze themselves to be resuscitated later, transhumanists believe that advances in science and technology would enable us to do the same. The idea is to cryogenically freeze a human being stricken down with an incurable disease, with the intent to revive said human being in the future when medical technology becomes available to restore him/ her to good health. Already, hundreds of people have placed their faith in this emerging technology that they have chosen to freeze their bodies upon death. Only time will tell if they’ll ever be revived.
Super Wellbeing The second item on the transhumanist agenda is the achievement of a state of super wellbeing. Obviously, no one in his right mind would want to live an infinite life surrounded by pain and suffering. This is where pharmaceuticals and advances in biotechnology come in to potentially solve this conundrum. Transhumanists look up to the idea of genetic manipulation (a.k.a. gene therapy or RNA interference) as a viable approach to enable the birth of a new generation who will inherit only the best traits from their parents, subsequently doing away with
the suffering (be it depression, obesity or any other ailments) that comes with inheriting “undesirable” genes. Some transhumanists even advocate for the recalibration of pleasure centres, specifically utilising pharmaceuticals to remove any traces of negative emotions from life.
Super Intelligence The human mind possesses a considerably high level of intelligence. However, transhumanists believe that we should not be limited by the capabilities of the human mind. Why not build machines that are super intelligent, far surpassing the best human brains in every capacity from wisdom to social skills? This is already a reality. After all, IBM’s artificially intelligent computer system, Watson did consistently outperform its human opponents on the quiz show, “Jeopardy”. Throw in a few social skills and you’ve got yourself a super intelligent being. That’s pretty cool, so long as it doesn’t develop an evil self-awareness and starts terminating the entire human race ala Skynet.
Augmented Reality For decades, we’ve been inching closer to augmented reality technologies to enhance the physical world and turn it into a computing interface. While virtual reality puts users inside a closed and fully immersed virtual world, augmented reality puts virtual things into the user’s real world. With the coming of Microsoft’s HoloLens and the Google-backed Magic Leap, cries of “shut up and take my money” are already heard from all corners of the Internet. Both highly anticipated devices have the potential to transform how we go about daily life. It could be seamlessly integrated into everyday tasks, from communicating, working, information visualising to gaming – pretty much anything you can come up with! Your smartphone, the desktop (even the desk itself) will soon be replaced.
Extreme Human Enhancements Yay or Nay?
:
Inevitably, the concept of transhumanisn has slowly but steadily kneaded its way into the fabric of society. From features in mainstream media, international conferences to Hollywood blockbuster movies, the promise and perils of radical enhancement seems to be weighing on our collective minds. But the big question is: Do we want to be transhuman? And is immortality something people should want? Certainly, the debate on transhumanism would not be well rounded without some spirited discussions from college students. Here are their mindprovoking thoughts! Ali, a 21-year-old psychology student is certain that she wouldn’t want to preserve anyone using transhumanism as she is not an advocate of the movement. She does, however, support the ideology of technogaianism (an environmentalist stance of active support for the research, development and use of emerging and future technologies to help restore Earth’s environment). Believing that transhumanism will only bring up more social issues in the long run such as overpopulation, and severely inhibiting the evolutionary cycle, Ali is unable to see herself living forever through transhumanism, as she perceives dying as an inevitable and natural stage of life. “Living a perfect and immortal life would seem rather uninteresting to me,” she states. Anne, a 21-year-old Business student enthuses, “If transhumanism is a technology that is available to most or all people, and you’re asking me who is the first person I would choose to accept transhumanism, then it would be US President Barack Obama.” As for whether she’d want to go through with transhumanism herself, Anne says it depends once again on whether the technology is available to the masses. “If it is, then yes, because I want to live forever with all my friends and family. I would lead a quality life and do lots of travelling. But if I am the
only one who can live forever, I don’t want to. Who wants to see their friends die?” she adds thoughtfully. Now, what do the lads have to say? For Shawn, he sees it as a viable option only if there is a possibility to preserve the nature of our freewill. “No matter how far we travel down the path of evolution, the element of freewill should remain intact. It’s that one thing that makes us human!” he explains. On the other hand, Kong Zhao Zhen expressed his desire to preserve his beloved parents. A family man at heart, the 20-year-old A-level student believes the perks of transhumanism would enable his parents to witness all his ups and downs in life. “If we are talking about the idea of immortality, please count me in! I could only imagine the infinite joy of playing my favourite game in virtual reality or owning my very own robotic cat like Doraemon,” said Kong with a grin.
Use It For The Good of Mankind Undoubtedly, transhumanism is an eccentric view of the world. And when it is used as a means to an end, the transhumanist mindset can justifiably be seen as dangerous. The implications from the exponential growth of technological advances may present many moral issues that humanity have not thought of yet and may not be able to handle when it does happen. Without the right restraint and values, the (mis) use of artificial intelligence could potentially lead to the doom of all. All it takes is one minor slip and we might not even be around to regret it. AUGUST 2015 | CAMPUS PLUS |
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two is better than one
AUGUST 2015
wellness by ivy chin
m a e T A e Th of Food
Avocado + Tomatoes = Reduce fl Inflammation & Better Absorption
S
ome food just work better as a team and are meant to be consumed together. With the right combo, you’ll not only enjoy a healthy and nutritious meal more, but with the added goodness of vitamins and minerals too. We tend to think about the nutrients of certain foods in isolation and neglect the mix and match effects that they bring to us for maximum health benefits. The combos are actually greater than the sum of the individual parts. If this is a mathematical equation, then the answer for one plus one wouldn’t be two, but three instead. Let’s try out these five power-food combinations that you can easily find in your own kitchen and prove that when it comes to food combos, one plus one can easily equal three.
Tomatoes + Broccoli = Fight Against Prostate Cancer These foods are each filled with cancerfighting compounds. According to University of Illinois’ Food Science and Human Nutrition Professor John Erdman, Ph.D., this combination outperforms other diets in slowing down the growth of cancer tumours. Hence, try your best to consume them at least three times per week to chase cancer away.
Do you know that your body can’t absorb carotenoid nutrients, found in red, orange and yellow produce like tomatoes, without a little fat? Have you been eating tomatoes wrongly? But fear not, avocadoes help in giving you the healthy fats that you need to absorb more carotenoids. Carotenoids are important to prevent cancer, inflammatory diseases and age-related illnesses. It can also provide extra protection for your vision and immune system. Reap the benefits of this awesome twosome now!
Fish + Wine = Enhance Heart Health Bananas + Yoghurt = Minus Tummy Troubles If you have been experiencing gastric, try adding some bananas to your bowl of yogurt or maybe blend them together. Most yoghurts contain nutritious probiotic bacteria that strengthen and keep our immune and digestive systems strong. However, the bacteria needs inulin, a non-digestible carbohydrate produced by bananas to thrive. Therefore, in order to help the good bacteria fight off stomach aches, remember to take your yummy yoghurt with banana.
Green Tea + Lemon Juice = Greater Antioxidant Absorption Drinking green tea with lemon juice not only makes your taste buds happy, but yields great health benefits. Based on a study in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, lemon juice helps increase the body’s capability to absorb and increase the amount of the tea’s antioxidants (known as catechins) by up to six times! In other words, it aids in lowering the incidences of cancer, cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol more effectively. Start drinking green tea with lemon juice now to gather as much heroic disease-fighting catechins as possible!
Having some wine with a satisfying piece of fish may increase your body’s omega-3 fatty-acid absorption. As stated by a 2008 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women who drink a glass of wine and men who drink two glasses of wine a day had higher blood levels of the omega-3 fatty-acids found in fish. However, the same results weren’t found for beer or spirits. With the adequate amount of wine and fish, the omega-3 fatty-acids that they provide can enhance cardiovascular benefits and protect against depression, diabetes, mental decline and stroke. Combining whole, natural foods regularly and correctly enhances health benefits. It’s the key to great health and a happy life. Start these combos today to make a difference! CAMPUS PLUS |
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wiredup
plug into the future of tech
AUGUST 2015
QNAP TS-251C This baby is a high-performance storage solution for home users looking for a powerful network-attached storage (NAS) device to backup their data and synchronise files as well as to meet their remote access and home entertainment needs. It is great for creating a personal cloud and for streaming your multimedia library via DLNA, AirPlay, Chromecast and Plex. Powered by the intuitive QTS operating system, you can now access, synchronise and manage files between your computer, tablets and mobile devices with ease. www.qnap.com
Casio EXILIM EX-TR60 Slim and sleek selfie-taking machine, that’s what we’d say of the EXILIM EXTR60 from Casio. This new model comes with a Selfie Art function that adds a dash of artistic effects to images already made beautiful via its popular Make-Up Plus Technology, a cool tech which reproduces the smoothness and naturalness of skin. There’s a Selfie Pad thrown in too, making it easy to operate functions such as Selfie Art settings, zoom and shutter from the menu. Its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Smart functionality conveniently allows users to automatically send the camera’s captured images to your smartphone with just a press of the shutter button, making for easy sharing of said images on social networking sites. www.facebook.com/CasioExilimMalaysia
Razer Mamba The gold standard in lag-free wireless gaming mouse has just gone platinum with the new Razer Mamba. Designed with the revolutionary Adjustable Click Force Technology a.k.a. the world’s most precise gaming mouse sensor, this mouse allows gamers to freely adjust the level of click force needed to activate both the left and right mouse buttons. Now, you can adjust for distinct clicks for use in high accuracy actions such as sniping to lighter presses for rapid fire action. Then, you have the world’s most precise 5G laser sensor too; capable of tracking up to 16,000 DPI and track lift-off cut-off distance to 0.1 mm, effectively reducing on-screen jitter. Those moving headshot kills have never been easier to accomplish. www.razerzone.com/gaming-mice/razer-mamba
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PenDrive Rapid X Keep assignments, movie and music files, photos and all your important documents safe and secure with the latest SSD SATA III drive from PenDrive. Called the Rapid X, this external storage promises fast and reliable performance, boasting read speeds of up to 550 MB/s and write speeds of up to 530 MB/s. Reliability is touted to be 2M hours, and what’s more, it is shockproof, x-ray proof and temperature proof too. Three storage sizes are available – 120GB, 240GB and 480GB, and it comes with a three-year limited warranty. www.pendrive.com.my
Philips A5PRO If it’s good enough for international DJs and industry pros, then it should be more than good for you. The A5-PRO headphones from Philips is engineered in close collaboration with 5-time World’s Best DJ winner, Armin van Buuren. What this means is you’re assured of source-accurate sound reproduction from its 50 mm neodymium drivers engineered for handling 3500mW of power, and unbeatable sound isolation – perfect for use in loud and noisy environments. Long music sessions are not a worry, because the A5-PRO handles it well with comfy and ergonomically designed ear cushions. The ear-shells can be swivelled 90 degrees for easy DJ monitoring duties too. www.philips.com.my
Motorola Focus66 This nifty and sleek looking surveillance camera does it all. From having a 62° wide field of view to infrared night vision and two-way communication, it’s a CIA operative’s dream come true. The powerful infrared night vision feature is impressive as it allows video or photo capture in low-light conditions. And with the two-way communication function, you can either receive audio or talk through it, wherever you are. HD-quality video and footage can easily be streamed and viewed from the device too, all thanks to its Wi-Fi connectivity. Plus, it’s wall mountable and easy to set up too. www.myalcom.com
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53
wiredup by stephen kheng
Philips ActionFit SHQ4300
AUGUST 2015
GOLD
AUGUST 2015
Unrestricted Workout Buddy
AUGUST 2015
Philips ActionFit SHQ4300
Can’t separate your music from your workout? Get the best of both with the ActionFit series of headphones from Philips. Design The Philips ActionFit SHQ4300 headphones is a neckband-style design made with a supple spring-wire within that’s designed to be wrapped around the back of your head, giving you unrestricted freedom of movement. Externally, the neckband is covered in elastic rubber and ends in curved rubberised earhooks that attaches to the insert earphones. The headphone’s cable protrudes from the left earhook and it is sufficiently long enough at 1.2m. It comes with a cable clip and the cable’s connector is gold-plated. But the clincher is the material used – the cable is Kevlar reinforced, so the durability box is checked.
Functionality & Performance We found the headphones to be really comfortable and functional, because the neckband’s design and construction allows it to be flexible and autoadjusts to your head for an ideal fit. So you get a perfectly snug fit, and at an ultra-lightweight 11.4g, we hardly noticed the headphones were on while doing some exercise routines at the gym. 54
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Then, we took the headphones with us on a jog. The cable clip that we talked about earlier really came in handy; the cable was securely fastened to the workout attire and any unwanted cable flapping was negated. Because of the snug fit of both the neckband and earphones, there was no vibration from the pavement pounding and the headphones stayed on for the entire duration of the run. We were also very happy with the materials that the ActionFit headphones were made of – materials which are certified to the IPX4/7 waterproof standard. This translates to us having no excuse for not working out, regardless of the weather. The headphones are sweat and moisture proof, so they are rain resistant. And that’s a nice touch, especially at the end of any workout and we were mighty pleased with how clean the headphones stayed. For such small in-ear headphones, sound performance is above average. The bass is surprisingly deep and rich, and the sound isolation was superb. We blasted our favourite
workout tunes on it and trust us, we got motivated to push like never before.
Conclusion If you’re a workout beast and you need your music to push and motivate you to ever higher standards, then this is the perfect headphones for you. Featherweight, flexible, comfortable, sweat and moisture proof, durable, high performance sound, unrestricted movements – all this makes the Philips Actionfit SHQ4300 a highly recommended workout companion.
Specifications • 5 – 24kHz frequency response • 16 Ohm impedance • 8.6mm neodymium drivers
Accessories • Storage pouch • Cable clip • 3 ear tip sizes
CASIO EXILIM ZR3500
AUGUST 2015
wiredup by ivy chin
Gorgeous Camera,
Gorgeous Selfies CASIO EXILIM ZR3500
Are you looking for a camera that can give you beautiful selfies every time, all the time? That allows you to share your pictures to all your social networks or to your friends and family as soon as possible? If that’s the case, the CASIO EXILIM ZR3500 is an excellent option. Read on to find out more. Features Taking beautiful selfies couldn’t be easier with the CASIO EXILIM ZR3500 as it offers a Tilt-type LCD that opens 180 degrees and spots a Front Shutter feature. Besides enabling the user to take a picture from any position comfortably, the Motion Shutter is another feature that we liked as it takes selfies to a whole new level. With just a wave of the hand, the camera will take a picture by itself automatically after a three second countdown. The camera looks sleek and compact and fits nicely into our hands. It’s pretty light too, weighing in at approximately 248 grams. However, if you have shaky hands which often cause the pictures that you take to end up blurry, we’re happy to report that the camera’s fiveaxis image stabilisation technology effectively negates this effect, so captured images end up sharp and crisp. But what elevates this camera from good to great is its Make-up Plus and Make-up BKT features. The Make-up Plus automatically
brightens skin tones and smoothens subjects’ complexions and can detect up to 10 faces at a go. Every selfie shot (and group selfies) that we took came out gorgeous. The camera managed to beautify everyone in the shot! As for Makeup BKT, it’s similar to the Make-up Plus, but it can capture three images with different “Skin Tone” make-up effects in one shutter release, so that you can choose the image that captures your best expression.
Connectivity The best thing after taking images and selfies that you love is to share it with everyone as fast as possible. However, it is also important to maintain the quality of the images. CASIO came up with its EXILIM Auto Transfer feature to address this. The Bluetooth Smart technology, which combines Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy provides two different modes of convenience. You can either pair the camera with your smartphone, via the EXILIM Connect app, to let each captured image be transferred to your smartphone automatically
GOLD
AUGUST 2015
after every shutter release; or manually transfer the images that you want. After that, the uploading of the images to the social network of choice was pretty fast and fuss-free. AUGUST 2015
Conclusion We had tons of fun playing with the CASIO EXILIM ZR3500. The many innovative beautifying functions that it comes with definitely elevates it to being the king of selfie taking. Image quality and definition is excellent as well. Also adding to the allure of this camera is its thoughtful design in the form of a flexible Tilt-type LCD screen and its fast and easy-to-use connectivity and picture transfer via the EXILIM Auto Transfer feature.
Specifications • 12.1 megapixels • 12x optical zoom • 3.0 inch Super Clear LCD • Full HD Movie • 1/1.7-inch high-speed CMOS
CAMPUS PLUS |
55
wiredup by grace chan
GOLD
Nakamichi My Pawā Plus
AUGUST 2015
AUGUST 2015
AUGUST 2015
Melodic Powertube Nakamichi My Pawã Plus
If you love taking your music on the road but dislike the idea of paying a premium tag for a portable speaker, the Nakamichi My Pawā Plus might just be your solution. The Nakamichi My Pawā Plus boasts sleek curves, a chic black and metallic grey finish, as well as a lightweight frame. Its eyecatching aesthetic is rivalled only by its ultra-portability and functionality that fulfils the diverse needs of all types of active individuals – from sports enthusiasts to music lovers on the go. Design The Nakamichi My Pawā Plus is a sleek matte rectangular speaker that is small enough to fit in your palm yet strong enough to withstand quite a bit of tough love. Dedicated for accessibility, you can lay down the speaker horizontally or stand it up vertically. On its topside are some universal buttons – play/ pause/track skipping, alongside the volume and power keys – that allow you to seamlessly control playback. Just beside the control keys rest a three-LED array for monitoring battery level.
Features/Connectivity The speaker sports a frequency range of 100hz20Khz, and is technically a stereo speaker with two 52mm loudspeaker full-range drivers and a 2x5-watt amplifier that provides about six hours of playback from a single charge. Keeping it simple, the speaker’s input lies at the back of the speaker where you’ll find a charge port and a 3.5mm auxiliary input. More than just an immersive music experience, it’s called Pawā 56
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(pronounced as power) for a reason: it packs a USB port (on the right side of the speaker) that allows you to utilise the speaker’s builtin 4,000 mAh lithium battery to juice up your other gadgets. For added convenience, Nakamichi bundled in a powerful built-in microphone for hands-free phone calls.
Performance In terms of sound quality, the speaker offers a step up in performance – pumping out relatively accurate treble and deep bass for its size. This mean the speaker churns out great sound quality and clarity across the full range of sound. Nonetheless, to appreciate the full dynamic range of your music, the volume needs to be pumped up close to its maximum and we have to say the speaker does sound bigger than it is with no noticeable distortion.
Conclusion At its fairly reasonable RM279 price point, the Nakamichi My Pawā comes as close
to conquering the physical limitations of portable speakers as we’ve encountered. Punching above its weight, the speaker delivers the kind of full sound you’d expect from a speaker twice its size. The only strike against it is the volume button that performs double-duty as playback controls, making it slightly inconvenient to perform subtle volume adjustments. In this case, if only a slight change in volume is needed, you can adjust the volume control on your device instead. That’s a minor flaw but if you can live with it, the speaker is an enthusiastic recommendation.
Specifications •
2x5 RMS Rated Output Power
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Frequency Response: 100Hz – 20KHz
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Connectivity: 3.5mm auxiliary, USB output, Micro USB input
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DC 5V, lithium battery 4,000 mAh
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Colours available: Grey/Black and White/Grey
Huawei MediaPad T1 7.0
AUGUST 2015
wiredup by ivy chin
GOLD
AUGUST 2015
AUGUST 2015
A Slim & Beautiful
Phablet Is Here Huawei MediaPad T1 7.0
If you wish to own a modern budget tablet that can cover all your needs, then you might want to have a look at Huawei’s MediaPad T1 7.0. This device warrants being in your shortlist because it’s not just any ordinary tablet, but can be used as a smartphone as well. Design Looks-wise, the T1 7.0 is almost exactly the same as the Huawei MediaPad T1 10.0, only with smaller dimensions. This seveninch device weighs 278 grams and looks ordinary at a glance, but its silver back cover and the curvilinear round edges give it a sense of stylishness. It’s pretty lightweight and the device can be comfortably held and operated with one hand. The power button, volume rocker, microSIM and microSD card slots are situated on the right edge of the device. A micro-USB connector is placed at the bottom of the phone while the 3.5mm audio jack is at the top of the phone. In addition, 2MP front and rear cameras are provided.
Battery Life What makes this device amazing is its longlasting 4100 mAh battery that provides over 300 hours of standby time. We played games and unabashedly opened all sorts of apps on it, and we’re impressed that the phablet lasted
for more than nine hours. However, what drains the device’s battery life is when more than 15 apps are opened at the same time. In order to prolong the battery life, we recommend making it a habit to close the apps that you’ve finished using or have no use for instead of just leaving them to run in the background. Alternatively, just engage the power saving mode provided. We loved the power saving options that Huawei has provided – you can choose from ultra power, smart power and normal power to help you manage and prolong the device’s battery life.
Performance Although it doesn’t support LTE, we were still able to receive high quality voice calls with 3G and Wi-Fi connections. Callers’ voices can be heard clearly and at a decent volume too. The screen is covered with an oleophobic coating, which makes swiping and sliding your fingers over the display as smooth as silk. Further complementing this feature is an effective anti-reflective coating that cuts down
on screen glare. So if you’re the type who loves to play games on handheld devices, then you would love the vibrant colours and contrasts that the T1 delivers. After all, what’s more fun than playing your favourite games on a vividly beautiful and responsive display?
Conclusion The Huawei MediaPad T1 7.0 is a pretty decent entry-level budget phablet and offers good value for money. Plus, it is user-friendly and shouldn’t take up too much of your valuable (study) time to master.
Specifications •
191.8mm (height) x 107mm (width) x 8.5mm (depth)
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278 grams (including the battery)
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7-inch ONCELL touch-sensitive screen
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Runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat/ Huawei Emotion UI 3.0
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2 megapixels front and rear camera
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1 GB RAM
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movies
THE LATEST CINEMA FLICKS
AUGUST 2015
PREVIEWS
SINISTER 2
THE MAZE RUNNER : SCORCH TRIALS
Starring: Shannyn Sossamon, James Ransone, Jade Kleins, Lucas Jade Zumann, Laila Haley, Nick King, Tate Ellington
Starring: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Ki Hong Lee, Rosa Salazar, Jacob Lofland, Giancarlo Esposito, Aidan Gillen, Barry Pepper, Lili Taylor, Patricia Clarkson
RELEASE: 20 august 2015
RELEASE: 17 SEPTEMBER 2015
Sequel to the 2012 cult hit, Sinister 2 centres on a young and protective mother who moves into a rural house with her nine year old twin sons this time around. Little does the family know that the house is marked for death as the evil spirit of Bughuul continues to convince one of the children to kill his own family and record it. More and more weird and terrifying things are starting to happen around the house. Will they be able to escape from the Bughuul?
After Thomas (O’Brien) and the remaining Gladers escaped from The Maze in the first Maze Runner movie, they embark on a search for clues about the mysterious and powerful organisation known as WCKD. Their journey takes them to the Scorch, a deserted landscape filled with incredible obstacles. Teaming up with resistance fighters, the Gladers take on WCKD’s massively superior forces and expose its shocking plans for all of them.
INSIDE OUT
INITIAL D LEGEND 2 : RACER
Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Kaitlyn Dias, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, Richard Kind
Starring: Mamoru Miyano, Yuichi Nakamura, Daisuke Ono, Hiroaki Hirata
RELEASE: 20 AUGUST 2015
RELEASE: 10 SEPTEMBER 2015
Everyone has their own inside voices. But have you ever wondered how and why you feel these kinds of emotions? Aren’t you curious about it? Well, this movie takes a tour with Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust and Anger to see how they can influence Riley’s (Dias) actions and memories. Don’t be surprised that your little mind might be controlled by a control console and monitored by these five emotions! Watch the movie to see how they hilariously interact with each other to create some wonderful memories for Riley.
This movie is the second part of a movie trilogy that retells the story from the original “Initial D” manga. It continues the saga of Takumi Fujiwara (Miyano), an ordinary high school student who has been trained by his father indirectly to become the fastest driver of Mountain Akina. After Fujiwara successfully defeated Keisuke Takahashi (Nakamura) in the first movie, more battles that test his drifting skills await him in this instalment.
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Get yours by
GSC mobile app OR visit www.gsc.com.my
careerchat by rachel fong
A
ALEX LIM: FOUNDER OF LA’ MODE COIFFURE
AUGUST 2015
man who makes your crowning glory live up to its nickname, Alex Lim is a name revered in the local hairstyling industry. His brainchild, La’ Mode Coiffure is one of the first, and biggest fashion salons to have ever been established in Kuala Lumpur, and has even spawned an academy offering courses in not only hairstyling, but makeup and modelling as well. Apart from being an entrepreneur and artist, Alex is also a consummate performer as he constantly puts on showcases where - get this - he dances and sings while cutting hair! It is a unique talent that has put him, and by extension the La’ Mode Coiffure brand on the map, and Campus Plus had the opportunity to speak to him about his career, motivations and humble beginnings.
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C+: Hi Alex! Thanks for taking time out to talk to us today. Do tell us, how did you get started in the business of styling hair, and performing whilst doing so? A: At first, I was a model. I also used to choreograph shows at a younger age, over 30 years ago. At the time, dancers were not in demand, as were models. Because of that, I decided to take up a skill, and I chose to do hair. With my background of various talents, it has helped me in my hairdressing career, and built up my branding. After all, branding becomes more solid when you add additional talents to your performance, which in turn gives you an edge over others. I dance, sing and even perform acrobatics. Other stylists may only do hair shows, but with additional things like these, it tends to look livelier.
C+: Was there a moment, or major reason that motivated you to pursue hairstyling wholeheartedly? A: At the beginning, it was because I liked to see beautiful people (laughs). After getting involved in hairstyling, I realised it doesn’t just beautify people, but helps in their careers and realising their dreams as well. When I started teaching hairstyling, I discovered I was bringing a group of young people up in the world not just by giving them knowledge, but giving them a platform to gain exposure and grow their confidence too. When you see one person after another opt for hairdressing as a career, it’s a feeling and experience that money can’t buy. C+: What were the steps you took to establish La’ Mode Coiffure? A: I started with just a tiny salon. In the earlier stages I had worked for other people to get exposure, experience, and knowledge on how to run a hair salon. Managing one is not easy, so I started out small, with only a few staff, and after awhile business picked up. Then, I began exploring new branch options in Malacca, Klang and Ipoh. When I stepped into Mid Valley, I realised that there’s no point in opening so many, because we are not machines, but just a pair of hands applying our skills. After opening this salon, I thought that I might as well devote more of my passion and skills to one area, where my regulars would come to me, instead of doing all the travelling myself. In the end, I slowly closed down the smaller branches, and now I have just this one and another branch at the North Court of Mid Valley Megamall, which is a full academy. C+: With all the new hair salons coming up, how do you continue to reinvent yourself to stay ahead of the competition? A: I always say, don’t stop. Once you stop, it gives others a chance to come in and take your spot. I know there are a few others now who are
also performing hair shows with dancing, and when people ask me if I’m worried, I tell them I’m not because I never stop. I have kept on changing; from dancing to singing to acrobatic performances. When the others start to sing, they are just learning to sing whereas I’m already on to the next. It’s difficult for me to stop because I love performing, and there’s no age limit. As long as you’re still fit, you can do it. You don’t age and tire as quickly when you’re alert and active. C+: What do you think aspiring hairstylists should know when they go into business? A: One of the things you must keep in mind is your clientele. They are the ones who inspire you, and if they come back it’s a good sign because it obviously means they like you. After attaining your steady client base, the next important thing is to love your own staff. These are the people who create awareness of you and the salon, earn money for you, and solidify your branding. You have to learn how to balance the two to keep a business going. C+: If you had to give three tips to aspiring hairstylists, what would they be? A: When you’re an up and coming stylist, try to learn more from your elders and the young. The elders have strong basics, and the younger stylists have creativity, so learning from both will give you the best of both worlds. Secondly, be humble. You must know where you stand, and charge and treat your customers accordingly. Get involved in more shows, learn more from others, and see more performances, and you will achieve greatness. Thirdly, have a good attitude. This is achieved by adding up personality and punctuality. There are some people I’ve employed who make regulars wait for them, when it should be the other way around. The line of service is difficult as you need to bear with different types of characters and expectations, so you have to have passion and the right manners. AUGUST 2015 | CAMPUS PLUS |
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dreamcars
FERRARI 488 GTB
AUGUST 2015
Turbocharged Stallion What’s flashy red, turbo-charged and super-fast? Why, the latest Ferrari, of course.
Y
ou’d be forgiven for mistaking the latest Ferrari 488 GTB for the brilliant and iconic Ferrari 458 Italia. We had to do a double take too, because at a glance, there’s not much separating them in the looks department, save for the gaping wide side air vents and scooped hood in the newer Ferrari. Still, the successor to the 458 is indeed a sight to behold. Gorgeous external lines aside, the major change that matters the most with the 488 GTB is the increased power. Yes, there’s major grunt in this mid-engine V8, courtesy of twin turbos enhancing the evolved F154 aluminium engine of its predecessor, the 458 Italia. Though displacement has shrunk to 3.9L compared to the old 458’s 4.5L, horsepower has risen to 661 versus the 562 horses of the 458. The redline is capped at 8000 rpm, and the engine produces 561 lb.-ft. of torque at 3000 rpm. Being a turbo engine and all, the wait for boost is present, but it’s so short and smoothed over that it’s barely noticeable. But is the trademark Ferrari engine wail still present? As turbos are natural silencers, the sound of the 488 was one of Ferrari’s
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most difficult challenges. The engineers tinkered around by tuning the intake and exhaust runners as well as shrinking the other mufflers until they achieve the magical wail of a flat-plane-crank V8. They almost succeeded, but the new 488 is noticeably dialled down in terms of the sound, not quite having the raw, feral scream of the 458. Helping the car to stay glued to the road are a plethora of cutting-edge Italian design and engineering innovations such as the adaptive magnetic suspension, variable torque management, E-diff and steering, active aero and brakes. Speaking of brakes, stupendous stopping power is provided by huge front and rear carbon-ceramic discs taken from the LaFerrari. The Ferrari 488 GTB has recently debuted on our shores and is priced from RM1.07 million.
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wanderlust by rachel fong
The Thai Getaway
AUGUST 2015
Escape to Exotic
Koh Samui
Continuing the second part of our island escapade. In our July issue, we took you through our wander(ful) journey in Koh Samui, touching on the resort that we stayed in, snorkelling in the pristine waters of Koh Nang Yuan, and journaling our thoughts on the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food scene. Read on to discover the other awesome on-land adventures that we had on the idyllic island paradise.
Getting Cultured via the Big Buddha Temple With a name like that, one already knows what the highlight of Big Buddha Temple is. Home to a golden, 12 metre statue of Buddha, it is said to be the first landmark that tourists see upon arrival by airplane, and such is its massiveness that it can be seen from a few kilometres away. It is open to visitors all day, although one is encouraged to come in the early hours of the day so as to witness offerings by the locals to the temple and the ritual of chanting by the monks. Just be sure to dress conservatively as a sign of respect for the sacred site.
Island Exploration via Jungle Safari Tours If exotic Asian sights are what you seek, sign up for the half-day-long Jungle Safari Tour. For just 1700 baht (approx. RM185), you can experience a whole lot such as elephant trekking, talent showcases by crocodiles and monkeys, and even see the famous Mummified Monk that is perfectly preserved within the Wat Khunaram temple.
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Adventuring via the 4-Wheel Drive Jeep Jungle Tour For something a little more adrenaline-filled, you can veer off the beaten track and sign up to be taken on a ride through the deep jungles in a four-wheel drive (4WD). Along the way, you get to experience views unseen by the average Koh Samui tourist, such as untainted rivers, majestic waterfalls and hidden valleys. Make sure you do not miss out on the Secret Buddha Garden too, which is a tucked away collection of statues constructed by an old fruit farmer in 1976, accessible only via 4WD. By the end of the literal rough-and-tumble, you find yourself on a magnificent viewpoint, which also happens to be the highest in Koh Samui. The package includes lunch, which you will get to savour in an isolated restaurant on top of the mountain.
Unwind at the Let’s Relax Spa
Shopping at Walking Street
With all that action, one needs a spot of rejuvenation at a nice spa, and that is exactly what we had at the Let’s Relax Spa. A stone’s throw away from Chaweng Beach, it resides within a minimally decorated house which imbues you with a sense of calm the moment you step in. We were able to try the Thai massage with Herbal Compress, which is most effective for calming sore muscles and increasing blood circulation while toning the skin. You will also experience firsthand the Thai brand of hospitality, thanks to the warm and friendly staff. One session is priced at 1,100 baht (approx. RM119).
Can’t do without retail therapy? If so, the Walking Street at Fisherman Village is a must. It’s like a beach version of Malaysia’s pasar malam (night bazaar) and the stalls are open every night. By car, it is 20 minutes away, and you can find plenty of stuff to bring home like T-shirts, handbags, leather goods and souvenirs for the family, all at good (and most importantly, negotiable) prices. Here, you can also feast on a wide range of local culinary delights, and trust us, we had our fill of the tasty street food! All too soon, our splendid island escapade came to a glorious and relaxing end. Our verdict: Koh Samui is definitely a must-go holiday destination. We’d like to end on a high note by basking in the sweet memories of our trip and by saying a big thank you to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Bangkok Airways for the wonderful experience. AUGUST 2015 | CAMPUS PLUS |
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arts&culture by grace chan
The UNSPOKEN warriorS
AUGUST 2015
Unsung Heroes of Independence
O
n the account of our 58th Independence Day, we’d like to highlight all the forgotten freedom fighters who once bravely fought for Malaya’s independence from the British colonialists. Lengthy texts from our history books aside, these are the brave men who laid down their lives for the freedom that we enjoy today. While we’re all familiar with the iconic cheers of “Merdeka” echoed by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra (our father of independence, yo!), there are however, four unsung heroes whose immense contributions to the nation ought to be commemorated as well.
Pak Sako
Ishak Haji Muhammad or better known as Pak Sako was an outstanding writer during the 1930s and 1950s. A hardcore nationalist from Pahang, his involvement began way before independence and continued thereafter. He fought for the idea of unification under “Melayu Raya” where Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei are united collectively (and for that, he was jailed twice!). Pak Sako’s true calling hit him when he resigned his position as a British civil servant in order to direct his attention to nationalist literature and politics. Over the years, Pak Sako produced many novels, short stories, essays and memoirs. Fun fact: The National Library of Malaysia currently has more than 1000 copies of his literary work. Two of his most well-known works are “Puteri Gunung Tahan” and “Anak Mat Lela Gila”, which aptly reflect his views and aspirations as a patriot and writer. They are satire novels aimed as critiques towards the British administration. Throughout his work, Pak Sako always strived to place importance on Malay culture.
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Ibrahim Mahmood
First up, we are pretty sure that the name Ibrahim Mahmood will not ring a bell to most Malaysians today. A Penangite, this underrated hero was born in 1908, and in his adult life worked as a prominent editor for several local dailies and magazines as well as wrote several books from “Turkidan Kamal Ataturk” to “Wartawan” (the first book on journalism written in the Malay language). In the world of journalism, Ibrahim was the founder and first editor of both “Pinang Shimbun” and “Warta Negara” (the first and most popular Jawi script daily to ever be published in Malaya). On top of that, Ibrahim was also an eminent figure in the realm of linguistics, mainly through his contribution in formulating the Malay vocabulary. Our man not only played his part as a journalist and politician, who fought against the proposed Malayan Union, but was also the backbone in the formation of UMNO. Perhaps more importantly, he was responsible in drafting the Proclamation of Independence that was declared by Tunku Abdul Rahman on 31st August 1957. His work is truly the embodiment of the saying, “The pen is mightier than the sword”.
Tan Sri Datuk Senu Abdul Rahman Also hailing from a northern state, Tan Sri Datuk Senu Abdul Rahman initially was a teacher at a top grade Malay school. Shortly when Kedah was ceded to Thailand, he managed to secure employment as the Personal Assistant to the Superintendent for Education. The superintendent, a man destined to have tremendous influence on Senu was none other than Tunku Abdul Rahman (pic). Along with other progressive figures, he formed a drama group in Alor Setar, churning out propaganda plays aimed at building up the youth of the state to be politically and nationalistically conscious. Believing that education is the only way to change the fortune and fate of his people, he decided to seek further education overseas. He managed to secure a job working on a ship and eventually found himself at the port of Los Angeles. Without knowing a single word of English, he toiled daily working as a dishwasher by day and English student by night (now, tell me who has the guts to stay in Paris without knowing a single French word?). Upon successfully completing his English course, he was accepted to pursue a degree in political science at UCLA (University of California in Los Angeles). In 1955, he returned to his family in Jitra after seven years dedicated to the pursuit of education – and to champion the cause of his people and his still-colonised country. Along with Ibrahim Mahmood, he was also jointly responsible in drafting the Proclamation of
Independence. Suffice to say, Senu played a prominent role in pre- and post-Merdeka, rising to become Minister of Information as well as Malaysia’s first Ambassador to Indonesia and Germany after that.
Lieutenant Adnan bin Saidi
final attack which ultimately resulted in their deaths, the fiery fighting spirit of Adnan and his men remained unshaken to their very last breath. In his passing, Adnan’s undying valour exemplified his strong belief in the saying: “Biar putih tulang, jangan putih mata” (loosely translated to mean “it is better to die fighting than to live crying in regret till the eyes become blind”). Despite their heroic deeds, all of them remain largely forgotten as Malaya’s heroes. They are the true heroes whose ideals and lives were centred on the greater good of our nation. In the spirit of Independence Day, let’s not forget the vast contributions and sacrifices of these great men who had tirelessly and selflessly served the country.Preserve their legacy by continuing to weave their dreams of a free, inclusive and empowered Malaysia into a tangible reality.
A Selangor native, Adnan is known for his remarkable bravery against the Japanese troops during the Battle of Singapore in 1942. At the mere age of 27, Adnan was brutally killed by Japanese soldiers for his fierce resistance and refusal to surrender. Leading a 42-strong platoon in an epic battle for “Pasir Panjang” (also known as Battle of Opium Hill), Adnan’s innate qualities of patriotism, courage and incisiveness fuelled his troop’s fighting spirit to its highest fervour. Despite being outnumbered and undersupplied, they fought to the very end against the persistent and heightened assault of the Japanese, even taking up hand-to-hand combat with the enemy when their ammunition ran out. Even in the face of the fierce Japanese
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fooddirectory
H
AUGUST 2015
r e B w y l n e v a e
han just delicious coffee. Coffee beans are meti culously uch more t m s ’ t i e, carefully roasted, and the result is truly artisa g e n i e f b e f r nal Co befo say). as the Italians inest ura , a f r t u t e a a h rezz zz mt r Sp o o r ( f less t r o
At Sp r select e ed and e ff
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by grace chan
effortless coffee delight
A
midst the towering skyscrapers and offices, lies a Zen spot that is home to bags of freshly-roasted coffee beans, go juices and sweet treats. A relatively fresh addition to Damansara’s rapidly blooming coffee repertoire, Sprezzatura Coffee is as much a coffee roaster and supplier as it is a café. Located in Phileo Damansara, the establishment was initially intended to be a coffee roaster. Nonetheless, as founders Mirwan Badri and Tengku Zharif got the ball rolling, it hit them that they could very well turn it into a café as well – and so they did! The ethos behind everything at Sprezzatura is to consistently achieve a better roasting profile in order to bring out the finest flavours. And in doing so, this cosy establishment has managed to positively impact the local coffee roaster community as well as elevate its customers’ and coffee lovers’ experience. First up, we were served a sunny cup of Harney & Sons’ Paris Black Tea and suffice to say, it has everything you could want in a tea. Fragrant and robust, the tea brews up nice and dark, reasonably full-bodied and strong without being aggressive or bitter. A fruity black tea with vanilla and caramel flavours along with a hint of lemony bergamot, this luxurious beverage is priced at RM7.40, and it’s bound to surprise and delight you with its rich layers of tastes.
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For caffeine addicts who are seeking a different experience, ask the barista for their specialised drip coffee (shhh… it’s an off-menu order), or try one of their famous Aeropress. The drinks portion of the menu is extensive and to the point – Espresso, Long Black, Piccolo, Flat White, Latte, Mocha and Affogato (priced between RM10.60 to RM13.80). Our favourite is their classic Cappuccino that was presented with a beautiful latte art and its rich flavours certainly didn’t disappoint. Tagged reasonably at RM10.60, its foamy and creamy texture is achieved through the perfect blend of fragrant coffee aroma accented by overtones of silky milk. It helps that Sprezzatura Coffee roasts its own coffee, which means that they are able to offer a wide array of interesting single origins at their optimum brew date, and with roast profiles which are appropriate to the brew style. That’s not something you get every day, anywhere.
Specialised Drip Coffee
Now, for the food! Badri’s passion doesn’t stop at coffee; the kitchen at Sprezzatura Coffee is well equipped and pumps out some awesome food. The café offers uncomplicated and fresh homemade bites from cakes, toasts, sandwiches to an oriental touch of Japanese Chicken Curry (prepared by Badri’s wife who is a native Japanese). Yes, you can expect a truly authentic Japanese lunch meal here as well. At Badri’s recommendation, we tried their good old-fashioned banana cake (RM6.90 per slice) and needless to say, we were blown away by its moist and dense texture. In fact, their Home Made Banana Cakes are deemed as one of their biggest hits. On offer are many other mouthwatering desserts in every variety imaginable, including Almond Florentin Sable and Oatmeal Cookies. A delectable piece of cookie is priced at RM4.20, while the Oreo Cheese Cake and Brownie with Chocolate Ganache are all ready to pleasure your taste buds at RM9.50 per slice. At Sprezzatura Coffee, quality coffee will always remain at the core, and trust us when we say that it is nicely paired to a menu of delectable bites. If you happen to be passing through Phileo Damansara, Sprezzatura Coffee is worth a visit.
Almond Florentin Sable
Banana Cake
Oatmeal Cookie
Operating Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am -5pm Sat- Sun: Closed Address: 116, Block E, Phileo Damansara 1, Petaling Jaya For more information, visit: www.sprezzaturacoffee.com Harney & Sons’ Paris Black Tea
Cappuccino
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campustalk
Tales of Homesickness
AUGUST 2015
What Do You Miss Most About Home? For those of you who are living or studying outstation right now, chances are you miss one or two things about home. Now can you imagine what it’d feel like if you went to stay in a whole new country where the culture and people differ greatly from yours? For this month of patriotism, we decided to look at the idea of home a little differently and asked foreign students enrolled in Limkokwing University what they missed most about theirs.
One of the things I miss most is the wider variety of food. But in all seriousness, I miss my brothers the most. I’m the oldest of four boys, and I talk to them every single day, letting them know how I am and what I’m up to.
I miss chilling with my mum back home. Nothing compares to a mother’s love.
Christopher Luther Allen, 23
Garry Derbedrossian, 19
From United States of America studying Foundation in Communication
From Armenia studying Digital Film and Television
Homemade food is what I miss the most! I usually pack a lot of it to cure my homesickness as I can never get tired of it.
Beshbarmak, Kazy Sour Cream and Tvorog! I am drooling at the thought of my favourite Kazakh dishes! I miss having these delicacies back home.
Elina Gets, 21
Alina Zhuyenbayeva, 19
From Russia studying Graphic Design
FRom Kazakhstan studying Broadcasting and Journalism
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anime by ivy chin
Generation Next
August 2015
transhumanism e the top three would be cided to featur de e w , w umanism how the orld on ansh tr on on y ginati or st ima r and because they with our cove d your thoughts ed any of them ch pan at ex w In conjunction y ill w ad re ee you’ve al cture the new that we guarant these anime pi be surprised if t w n’ ho ld e themed anime se ou s w t’ e le W t, kicks in. t if you haven’ when transhumanism ith transhumanist theme. Bu w e anim are the classic ology. kind and techn man of on evoluti
What does it mean to be human? Ghost in the Shell
In the year 2029, the world is interconnected by a vast electronic network that pervades every aspect of life. Public Security Section 9 is a group of enhanced cops whose consciousness are implanted into cybernetic bodies to grant them superhuman abilities. They seem physically invincible to the common citizen. However, this brings with it a new vulnerability in the form of brain-hacking. Adding to the problem is the emergence of a mysterious hacker known as the “Puppet Master”, who’s hell-bent on disrupting the world order. Naturally, Section 9 is assigned to investigate and to capture the “Puppet Master”. As the pursuit ensues, the protagonists will encounter many confusing questions, most
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pertinent of all the question of what it means to be a human. After watching this classic, it made us wonder too, what is the line, if any, which separates human and machine.
Psycho Pass
If you have been following this section, you’d know of Psycho Pass and have watched it by now. But if you haven’t yet, this two-season anime (and a two-hour movie) is beyond classic and a highly recommended watch. It shouldn’t be a surprise when it’s written by Urobuchi Gen, well known for his dark style and tragic plot twists. We just can’t help ourselves from being amazed by his work again. The story is set in the year 2113, and it’s a world where you’re judged by “Sibyl System” from the moment you are born. It’s a system where your mental state, “Hue”, personality and chances of committing crimes are being observed and quantified by a statistic known as “PsychoPass”. The “Sibyl System” is an unquestionable and absolutely accurate system that defends the city’s safety and security. In the case your “Hue” exceeds a certain amount, you’ll be judged by “Dominators” – high-tech guns that only fire at the guilty. But things go wrong when there are criminals who have fallen outside of Sibyl’s judgement and the seeds of doubt towards the system arise within protagonist Inspector Tsunemori Akanem. Is the Sibyl System just, or does it have sinister motives?
Neon Genesis Evangelion
This is a rather old anime as it was released back in 1995, but don’t ignore it just based on its art style or graphics. The amazing storyline is going to be the main reason that will make you stay and watch this anime in its entirety. The story kicks off in 2015 (thankfully, today we don’t have to face this kind of crisis in reality) with the appearance and invasion of the Angels, an unknown amount of enormous, tremendously powerful alien war machines. First emerging in Tokyo, their purpose is simple – to annihilate mankind. In order to protect and prevent mankind from extinction, a special paramilitary force called NERV was formed. NERV’s special weapon comes in the form of gigantic and extremely powerful Evangelion bio-machines, specially constructed to do battle with the Angels. However, the Evangelion can only be piloted by a handful of 14-year-old teenagers and their nervous systems need to be synchronised into the machine. Aren’t you curious about the ‘creation’ of an Evangelion? And why can it only be piloted by these select 14-year-olds? Watch it to find out!
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lifehacks/diy
Keep tour blings untangled!
by grace chan
AUGUST 2015
l o r t n o C l e w e J r e t Gra
is Yours!
S
pring-cleaning time and you find that your knick-knacks and an army of trinkets are lying around, all over the place. We understand that organising your earrings can be a long and tedious task, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll frequently bury your head in the sand and convince yourself that your dresser looks fine! Although compact in size, earrings can easily get tangled up with your collection of necklaces and bracelets. Yes, we understand the pain! Well, it’s time to get organised and give your messy space the makeover that it deserves. This month, we bring you an easy-peasy personalised earring stand project to help you on this. Be it dangly ornaments, studs or hoops, you can now banish clutter and get beautifully organised with only a few items that add up to less than RM10 (hey, real incentive!). So, round up your graters and let’s go!
What’s Needed: • Spray paint of your choice • Cheese grater (preferably the vintage kind) • Four hardware hooks (gold or silver, your call!) • Four large wooden beads (large enough to fit through the hook) • Hot glue gun • Gorilla glue • Sandpaper
Let’s Get Started a
b
c
First off, using sandpaper, sand down the grates on the cheese grater to eliminate sharp edges.
Spray paint the grater in the colour of your choice (we picked gold since we wanted dazzling!). Do it repeatedly and make sure to spray the grater in even coats until the metal of the grater doesn’t show through.
To achieve a chic look, we sprayed the hooks matt black (optional).
e
d
f
Repeat with the remaining three hooks by sliding the wooden beads through the hooks.
g
You’re half way there! Now, allow the grater box to air dry completely.
Meanwhile, lock the beads down by applying some glue to the hooks so that the beads will not slide off the leg stands.
Next, with a hot glue gun, attach the hooks inside the bottom corners of the grater. One hook for each corner.
i
h
Allow the glue to dry completely for a sturdy finish.
Dress it up with the funkiest jewellery.
Tips 1. You can also create substitute hooks by using spoons to emulate the style of a “50s” style diner. 2. Or create alternate leg stands by curling the ends of 12-gauge wire into curly-cues. 3. Embellish the handle with small plastic toys, like a baby elephant or a kitty.
Now, you’ll have the luxury of reaching out to all your jewellery at just a glance. Organised and convenience factors aside, we promise this light DIY will immediately glam up your room too!
bookshelf
reads and releases
AUGUST 2015
Resistance Is Futile AUTHOR: Jenny T. Colgan
A Malaysian Restaurant in London
Extraordinary Means AUTHOR: Robyn Schneider
AUTHOR: tunku halim
Mystery is at the heart of this story that centres on highranking mathematician Connie and her new partner, the peculiar Luke Beith. Connie is nowhere near average herself, what with her status as the only female in her maledominated field and jenny t. colgan her flaming red hair. However, things take a turn for the bizarre when she attempts to decode a sequence with Luke. One by one, they eliminate almost every single possibility. It’s nothing like they have ever seen before, but they are adamant that it is trying to lead them to something... something that only Luke knows.
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Fans of the horror genre have probably devoured the author’s bestselling ‘Horror Stories’ over and over again, and he is now back at it with a haunting new novel of love and healing. It all begins with Kenny Leong, a university student opening up tunku halim a new restaurant in London with his two brothers. His Irish friend, Trevor works for him as a waiter. Things start out glum, as the restaurant’s business can’t seem to pick up. That is, until the junior chef Faizah cooks up a new mysterious dish. From that moment on, everything changes.
Fans of John Green’s ‘The Fault In Our Stars’ will find a new read to sink their teeth into with this. Aged only seventeen, Lane is sent to Latham House, a sanatorium for teenagers suffering from terminal tuberculosis. This is where he meets Sadie. She is robyn schneider someone he knows from a long time ago, but she has changed. At the school, she is fearless and magnetic, and Lane is helplessly drawn to her. As they grow closer, trouble arises as Latham House doesn’t necessarily tolerate secrets, and the illness begins to rear its ugly head.
Announcement Mr & Ms Casio Selfie Contest
AUGUST 2015
events
Mr Casio, Vincent Ngu and Ms Casio, Yuki Chan
Rewards Inventive
s r e k a t e i f Sel T
Casio he winners of the Mr and Ms Out d! contest have been announce over ad of all the contestants spre es, puses who submitted their selfi cam five ctive attra the only ten were plucked to win watches for -G Baby and ock G-Sh of s prize Two winners males and females respectively. campuses, were selected from each of the le student. consisting one male and one fema ents were In order to win the prizes, stud EXILIM TR 50 given the selfie-friendly CASIO tive selfies camera to take the most crea CASIO logothey could think of, against a
, they had to laden backdrop. Following that app on their download the EXILIM Connect selfie there. smartphones to transfer their then posted Upon successful uploading, they profiles their selfies on their Facebook 5 r201 to put with the hashtag #casiounitou or Ms Casio! themselves in the running for Mr there, The rewarding of prizes didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop the of ers though. Out of the top 10 winn g istin cons selfie contest, two more winners, n, agai ent of one male and one female stud ients of the recip be to ed pick ially spec were 5. Along with ultimate Mr and Ms Casio for 201 watches, Mr their snazzy G-Shock and Baby-G o, Yuki Chan, Casio, Vincent Ngu and Ms Casi era EXILIM managed to bag the selfie cam ring they will ZR 1500 themselves, thus ensu y. always have great selfies at the read
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events
What’s New & Different about Acer
AUGUST 2015
Join The Acer Roadshow ! n u F e v i s s a M r o f
F
un, fun, fun and awesome Acer products have been invading campuses around the Klang Valley since June and will continue on to many more campuses until September via the Acer roadshow. A ‘T-Shirt Design Contest’ was held and the winner will walk home with a brand new Aspire Switch 10 E worth RM1,399. Besides the grand prize, seven other winners stand a chance to walk away with an Iconia Tab 8 W worth RM529, Liquid Z220 worth RM299 or RM100 cash prizes. All you have to do is design an Acer t-shirt as creatively as
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possible by describing what Acer is to you either in hand drawing or digital format before 9 October 2015. If designing tees are not your cup of tea, then show off your incredible typing speed via the “Typing of the Dead” game and stand a chance to win exclusive Acer premium worth up to RM40. Or, take a chance on the “15 seconds to Show Off” game and wow us with your creative talent(s). The most creative solo or group act will stand a chance to take home the Acer Iconia Tab 8 W, provided that they have the most ‘likes’ on Acer Malaysia’s Facebook page! And for all you selfie and wefie fans out there, take as many crazy pictures as you want at the Acer roadshow because they will be printing out all of them. Just don’t forget to hashtag all your friends at #whynotacer and make it go
viral on social media! The Acer roadshow is a great chance for students to purchase selected Acer products at discounted prices. Also, it’s a platform for Acer to showcase their latest products and to allow students to try them out. Stay tuned for more updates on where the Acer Roadshow will be going next.
r u o y e l ood d , d a e Go ah y!!! a w a boredom
HUMOUR
Q: Can a kangaroo jump higher than the Empire State Building? A: Of course. The Empire State Building canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t jump.
A man got hit in the head with a can of Coke, but he was alright because it was a soft drink.
If the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, then lefties are the only ones in their right mind.
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GP Battery Marketing (M) Sdn. Bhd.
(417236-W)
Hotline: 603-5569 3499 Email: gpbmm@gpbatteries.com.sg FEB 2015 | CAMPUS PLUS |
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