Going Places August 2019

AUGUST 2019

Taipei: Where Modern Meets Traditional

MY Guide To Putrajaya, Malaysia ■ Discover Small Town Charm In Sarawak’s Siniawan ■ Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s Mark Raine Bids Adieu ■ Zoe Rai Trades Tie For Chef’s Uniform

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August 2019

Contents EXPLORE | Wonderful Contrast 34

123RF

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Taipei is a futuristic metropolis built on ancient foundations

Navigator GP ON THE WEB

6

Our exclusive digital content

FROM THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF 8 MY GUIDE 28

Putrajaya, Malaysia

EDITOR’S NOTE

10

MAIL ROOM

12

TRAVEL CONCIERGE SEE

13

TRAVEL CONCIERGE DINE

17

TRAVEL CONCIERGE STAY

21

TRAVEL CONCIERGE ART

25

Upcoming events for your calendar

What’s new in the world of dining

Hospitality news and options

Follow us:

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facebook.com/goingplacesmagazine

@goingplacesmagazine

What to see in the art world

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CONTENTS

CHEF’S CUT | Zoe Rai 50

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Ex-central banker finds comfort in cooking

EXPLORE | Small-Town Gem 40 Switch from the norm in Siniawan, Sarawak

GIZMOS + GADGETS 61

PHOTOBOOK Regatta Lepa 46

Cool gadgets in focus this month

An annual celebration of Sabah’s Bajau Laut community

Features EXPLORE | Langit Collective

53

WARISAN | Martabat Keris

56

THE CURE

60

ENTERTAINMENT

79

SEEN + HEARD

88

Malaysian non-profit sells gourmet rice to support indigenous communities Merungkai misteri di sebalik senjata tradisional masyarakat Melayu di Malaysia Lotions, potions, spas, and more

Your in-flight entertainment guide

Events in Malaysia and around the world

IN PROFILE Mark Raine 30

Leaving a legacy of success

Inside Malaysia Airlines NEWS

65

FLEET

68

ENRICH QUICK GUIDE

70

SAFETY & SERVICE INFO

71

WHERE WE FLY

72

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GP ON THE WEB

Go online for more stories

goingplacesmagazine.com | 6 | June 2018

PEXEL

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Historical Capitals In Southeast Asia Southeast Asia is home to many ancient capitals that were once cradles of civilisation. Some of these have survived the centuries in the form of relics, artefacts and well-preserved buildings; others lie in partial ruins that add to their mystery and mystique. Take a step back in time and explore the rich and varied history of these old cities.

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PEXEL

Surf our website for exciting travel and lifestyle ideas, reviews of the best hotels, dining establishments and much, much more.

TOURISM DUBAI

The in-flight magazine of Malaysia Airlines is available at your digital doorstep.

Food Tours In Dubai With plenty of lanes serving up a myriad of tantalising Arabic, Asian and Western cuisines, Dubai’s streets are great for food lovers. From the bustling boulevards of La Mer and Last Exit to 2nd December Street and Sheikh Zayed Road, there’s a walking food tour to please every visitor. Eat your way through some of the city’s favourite neighbourhoods, many located in the most stunning and historical areas.

Sustainable Eco-Tours As more people become aware of the importance of sustainability and taking care of the environment, there has been a rise in eco-conscious travellers who are looking for an experience beyond the usual touristy attractions. Check out our list of eco-tours you can go on to show your support for the sustainable movement.

18/07/2019 11:31 AM

FROM THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

I am delighted to announce the launch of MHholidays, our new online booking service that allows you to combine exclusive flight and hotel package deals in Malaysia and in more than 50 destinations abroad, including firm favourites like London, Tokyo, Phuket and Melbourne. MHholidays was initiated to provide you with the best of our extensive worldwide network, giving up to 80 percent savings on hotels through our trusted partners. Here at Malaysia Airlines, we believe in diversity and inclusivity. When creating MHholidays, we sourced more than 5,000 diverse hotel partners to ensure there are suitable and comfortable choices for all our guests. You can filter by budget, rating or area preferences, and we will generate bespoke recommendations for you. From economical family stays to five-star luxuries – there is something for everyone. In addition to these exclusive deals, booking through MHholidays also credits your Enrich account with more airmiles, so your next holiday is never too far off the horizon.

goingplacesmagazine.com | 8 | August 2019

As you may have heard, Malaysians love food. When a guest enters our home, the first question we ask is not “how are you?” but “have you eaten?” Staying true to our home roots, Malaysia Airlines has introduced the Best of Malaysia culinary series, a set of continuously evolving heritage dishes that include local specialities such as Hainanese roasted chicken rice, nasi kerabu and the delectable chee cheong fun. You can enjoy these dishes 30,000 feet in the air. And if you happen to be passing through our Golden Lounge, do take the opportunity to check out the Laksa Bar – a special corner dedicated to the seminal Malaysian dish, with different varieties from different states. We bring four of the most popular versions of laksa to you, so make sure you save space for a second round!

Capt Izham Ismail

Group Chief Executive Officer Malaysia Airlines Berhad

Dear Guests, Welcome onboard.

Malaysia is well-known for its bright and exotic environment. With a daily dose of sunshine, it often feels like summer all year long. However, this year’s summer months bring even more joy and excitement as we celebrate the festivities of Eid al-Adha, one of the most important events in the Islamic calendar, known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, and Merdeka, our Independence Day on 31 August. If you are around Kuala Lumpur on that day, be sure to check out the Merdeka Day Parade at the federal government’s administrative capital, Putrajaya – an annual showcase filled with a march-past, cultural performances, military demonstrations and colourful floats. In celebration of this special day, we have refurnished our planes with new pillows and comforters with abstract songket patterns – a nod to traditional Malaysian art, but with a modern twist.

malaysiaairlines.com

plus.google.com/+MalaysiaAirlines

twitter.com/MAS

s.weibo.com/weibo/malaysiaairlines

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Finally, Malaysia and Singapore share many commercial and cultural ties. We share people, languages and a bridging highway between our two countries that is nearly always flowing with traffic! I am pleased to announce that this natural partnership has extended to our national airlines. Earlier in July, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore Airlines to explore a wide-ranging strategic cooperation to build on our existing code-share agreement between Malaysia and Singapore. For the first time, we are including all five airlines under both Groups, including lowercost options such as Scoot and the turbo-prop service by Firefly. With this agreement, in addition to our collaboration with Japan Airlines (JAL), we hope to enhance our customer proposition by providing you with greater global connectivity and more service offerings across the Asia Pacific region.

Thank you for choosing Malaysia Airlines. Please sit back, relax and enjoy your Malaysian “home away from home”. ■

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tvs.youku.com/malaysiaairlines

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EDITOR’S NOTE

has its own personality, and Siniawan is no different. Our senior writer Eris Choo spent a few days there recently and has the story on pages 40-44.

Still in Sarawak, four friends are helping to market heirloom rice grown by the Lun Bawang community in the rural area of Lawas to earn extra income as well as to ensure the preservation and sustainability of their agricultural practice. The rice, a highly nutritious variety known for its exceptional flavour, aroma and colour, is hand-planted for the families’ own consumption.

But often, there is excess. When the four, who were working on infrastructure projects in rural parts of Sabah and Sarawak, found out that the unused “really good rice” they were eating was being fed to livestock, they couldn’t resist doing something about it. And so, the Langit Collective was formed. Writer Tan Lee Kuen tells this inspiring story of wanting to do good on pages 53-55. goingplacesmagazine.com | 10 | August 2019

Julie Goh Editor

There’s nothing quite like the charm of small towns, and thankfully, we have them in spades in Malaysia. On days when the challenges of big city life appear daunting, it’s delightful to be able to walk down quiet streets filled with quaint familyowned stores, where the proprietors know each of their customers by his or her first name.

I grew up in Segamat, a small town in Johor. Until about 13 years ago, my mother and late father still lived there, and it was lovely having a kampung (hometown) to return to during the festive holidays. One can always get a table at the local coffeeshop, where the wantan noodles still cost RM4 a plate, and there is hardly any need to jostle for a space at the supermarket carpark. I rarely visit now as my family members are no longer there.

I can picture the scene in Siniawan, a 30-minute drive from Sarawak’s state capital, Kuching. Its main thoroughfare, a narrow street flanked by wooden shophouses, comes alive on weekend evenings, when the night market runs from Fridays to Sundays. It’s an excuse for many of the town’s 10,000 residents, who are likely to know one another, to come together. One of the best things about small towns is that each

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Speaking of positive creations, there are many ways to go about this. Some raise funds for the underprivileged. Some, like Langit Collective, empower those with limited means, while others train themselves to create opportunities for the disadvantaged later. One such person in the latter category is Zoe Rai. The owner of Zoe Bangsar, an Asian fusion restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, swapped his suit and tie for a chef’s uniform in hopes of setting up a community-based cooking programme for people lacking opportunities in the next few years. My story on how he became a chef is on pages 50-52.

Then, there is the altruistic cause of Seven Wunders, a mission to cycle to the seven modern wonders of the world to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer, which we featured in our April 2018 issue. The fundraiser David Wu left Malaysia in August 2017 and recently completed his mission, raising the Malaysian flag at the final wonder, the Great Wall of China, on 7 July. He is expected to be back in Malaysia at the end of this month. To him, I wish Selamat Pulang Ke Tanahair.

These stories of liberation – if I could take liberty with Rai, Wu and Langit Collective’s quests – coincide with Malaysia’s 62nd year of independence from the British on 31 August. To my fellow Malaysians, Selamat Menyambut Hari Kemerdekaan. ■

AUGUST 2019

Taipei: Where Modern Meets Traditional

MY Guide To Putrajaya, Malaysia ■ Discover Small Town Charm In Sarawak’s Siniawan ■ Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s Mark Raine Bids Adieu ■ Zoe Rai Trades Tie For Chef Uniform

On The Cover Taipei is an architectural masterpiece that blends the old and the new perfectly.

Story on pages 34-37.

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THE MAIL ROOM

Letter of the Month Tissue in hand and blanket covering my head, I was silently weeping amidst the chattering people in the plane. My heart broke into a million pieces again as I recalled the sad scene at the airport. I was a student and I had just finished my semester break. Somehow during the holiday, my family and I had gotten closer and it was extra difficult for me to say goodbye. But it was time for me to head back to the U.K. I quickly wiped my tears and decided to go to the toilet to blow my nose. As I stood waiting for the sign to indicate it was vacant, a steward who was passing by suddenly stopped. "Are you okay?" he asked gently. I told him that I was sad as I had to leave my family again. We talked for a bit and he cracked a few jokes to lighten the mood before it was my turn to enter the loo. When I came back, to my surprise, a box of tissues with a packet of sweets had been placed on my tray. There was also a note that said "Hope this will cheer you up! :)" It’s been years since that happened, but I still remember that incident like it was just yesterday. A kind gesture goes a long way, and I’m glad MAS has that instilled in their service.

FREIDA YUSOF Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

goingplacesmagazine.com | 12 | August 2019

I flew with Malaysia Airlines to Osaka, Japan for a leisure trip a few months back. It was quite a wonderful experience with MAS. I was impressed with the leg room, great in-flight entertainment with some current movies, and the in-flight meals were awesome with ice cream served on board! I still miss the vanilla ice cream! Moreover, I didn't need to worry about baggage weight when I packed! Thirty kilograms is more than enough for a guy like me! All these unfortunately is something that low-cost airlines are not able to offer.

Good job, Malaysia Airlines. Will see you again really soon!

EDWYN KIM Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Malaysia Airlines has always been a part of my sweet, unforgettable memories. When I was a child, I dreamed of flying like everyone else. I knew that the only way to make that dream come true was by studying hard so that I would get the chance to study abroad. At last, at the age of 20, a big milestone in my life: I flew with Malaysia Airlines to Adelaide, Australia to pursue my degree. I still remember how patient the stewards and stewardesses were with me while showing me even the simplest of tasks like how to buckle and unbuckle the seat belt, and also in keeping us calm when there was turbulence. Now that I am a professional, I fly almost every month. Still, I get chills of pride every time I see the Malaysia Airlines logo. Even now, with the growing number of other airlines, I cannot leave you. Thank you, Malaysia Airlines.

ROZIMAH BINTI ABDUL LATIF Terengganu, Malaysia

Malaysia Airlines is my national airline. I am proud of you, even though over the years, there has been so much talk about the airline. During the month of April, I flew to three destinations – KL/Miri/KL, KL/PG/KL and KL/Guangzhou/KL. I experienced the warm hospitality of the cabin crew, and the SMILES that welcome you once you’re onboard the plane make you feel so welcomed. The spirit of Malaysia Boleh, Kita Boleh and Sama-Sama Kita Boleh will move us forward to building a happy and healthy Malaysia, thus a successful and prosperous Malaysia Airlines. I sincerely wish the best for you. Well done and thank you to all the cabin crew and keep up the good work.

LAI KWOOI HUA Selangor, Malaysia

Each month, Going Places will select a Letter of the Month and the winner will receive a gift. For August, the winning letter will receive 2D1N stay in a Premier Garden room at Miri Marriott Resort & Spa, inclusive of buffet breakfast for two worth RM350.00 nett.

Going Places welcomes your comment. Letters may be edited for clarity and brevity and are published in the language in which they are written. Please include your full name, contact number and location when writing to us at mhmedia@spafax.com.

going places SPAFAX MALAYSIA BUSINESS DIRECTOR SUE LOKE sue.loke@spafax.com EDITORIAL EDITOR JULIE GOH julie.goh@spafax.com SENIOR WRITER ERIS CHOO eris.choo@spafax.com

ART DIRECTOR EURIC LIEW euric.liew@spafax.com

WRITER NOEL FOO noel.foo@spafax.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER NURFARAHIN KAMARUDIN nurfarahin.kamarudin@spafax.com

CONTRIBUTORS ADLINA AZHARUDDIN, RUBINI KAMAL, BERNIE LIM, PY CHEONG, SHAMSUL KHAN @ K K LARKHAN MOHD, GEORGINA YATES, JOHN LIM, VENETIA DE SILVA

ADVERTISING & MEDIA SALES SENIOR SALES MANAGER SHIRLEY CHIN shirley.chin@spafax.com

SALES MANAGER EMMY AIZA emmy.aiza@spafax.com

SALES MANAGER VANNES CHING vannes.ching@spafax.com

SALES MANAGER KHAIRUL ADZMAN khairul.adzman@spafax.com

SPAFAX CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER NIALL MCBAIN CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER/ CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER SIMON OGDEN

MANAGING DIRECTOR, ASIA PACIFIC JEAN-MARC THOMAS

SPAFAX MIDDLE EAST JELLE DE MEY Jelle.DeMey@spafax.com SPAFAX EUROPE TULLIA VITTURI tullia.vitturi@spafax.com

SPAFAX USA MARY RAE ESPOSITO maryrae.esposito@spafax.com SPAFAX CANADA TRACY MILLER tracy.miller@bookmarkcontent.com

SPAFAX UK STEVE O’CONNOR Steve.OConnor@spafax.com SPAFAX ASIA-PACIFIC AGNES LAW agnes.law@spafax.com

SPAFAX SOUTH AMERICA FRANCISCO AZOCAR francisco.azocar@bookmarkcontent.com

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They are not responsible or liable in any way for the contents in any of the advertisements, articles, photographs or illustrations contained in this publication. Editorial inquiries and inquiries concerning advertising and circulation should be addressed to Spafax Networks.

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Travel Concierge

goingplacesmagazine.com | 13 | August 2019

The inside track on the best accommodations, dining options and calendar of events from Malaysia and around the world.

Rock The Stage The 2003 comedy flick School of Rock has made its way into musical theatre with School Of Rock – The Musical. Wannabe rock star Dewey Finn is forced to earn a side income as a teacher at a prestigious prep school, but being the rebel that he is, he decides to transform his strait-laced students into pint-sized rock stars and lead them to conquer the Battle of the Bands, all while avoiding his strict peers among the teaching staff and overbearing parents. With a new score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and book by Julian Fellowes, the Auckland musical stars talented Australian performers Brent Hill and Amy Lehpamer, together with a rotating cast of 24 children in an electrifying two-and-a-half-hour show.

When: 3 – 29 September | Where: The Civic, Auckland, New Zealand aucklandlive.co.nz/show/school-of-rock-the-musical

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STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON, NBC UNIVERSAL

goingplacesmagazine.com | 14 | August 2019

BLACK PANTHER, DISNEY

SHUTTERSTOCK, TOM NICHOLSON

TRAVEL CONCIERGE | SEE

Outdoor Screenings Settle into a comfortable beanbag, a movie director’s chair or a picnic blanket under the summer night sky and watch modern film classics on London’s largest outdoor screen as Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House returns. Catch the U.K. premieres of Spanish drama film Pain and Glory and reggae documentary Inna De Yard, along with a list of older and recent favourites each night, from Marvel superhero flick Black Panther to sci-fi action classic The Matrix, critically acclaimed biographical drama Straight Outta Compton, award-winning horror flick Get Out and Quentin Tarantino classic Reservoir Dogs. Enjoy live DJ music at the venue and tuck into a tantalising array of street food, snacks and drinks sold at the event.

Fun Run Having attracted its biggest crowd yet with over 15,000 runners participating last year, the Great Eastern Live Great Run is back this year. Take part in the signature 12-kilometre run or the fivekilometre Triple Fun Run, which brings runners through its Bubble Zone, Colour Zone and Water Zone. Stay for the fun as the postevent carnival starts when the sun goes down. Families will love the giant inflatables and carnival games that they can play at the event.

Hungry runners will be spoiled for choice with a wide array of food stalls to patronise. Commemorate every special moment with family and friends by taking photos at the event’s most Instagrammable hotspots, such as the giant snow globe and tunnel of fairy lights.

When: 8 – 21 August Where: Somerset House, Central London, England, U.K.

When: 17 August Where: Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

somersethouse.org.uk

livegreatrun.com

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Events+Happenings

goingplacesmagazine.com | 15 | August 2019

For more calendar listings, visit goingplacesmagazine.com

Tengku Irfan

Rich Melodies The Dewan Filharmonik Petronas hosts elegant classical pieces by two talented Malaysian musicians this month. On 17 and 18 August, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) Youth Brand Ambassador, pianist Tengku Irfan, will dazzle audiences with Ravel’s Piano Concerto and two of Schumann’s works, together with the MPO under the direction of conductor Jun Märkl. Märkl and the orchestra return the following weekend for French Portraits with Malaysian harpist Tan Keng Hong, featuring five pieces by some of the most prominent French classical composers in history – Fauré, Pierné, Ravel and Debussy. Both concerts begin at 8.30 pm on Saturdays and at 3.00 pm on Sundays.

Chequered Flag Feel the adrenaline as some of the fastest cars in the world race through the streets of Singapore with the return of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. While the world’s best drivers push their skills to the limit on the circuit, ticket-holders can enjoy the rest of what the event offers, including exclusive hospitality zones, fine dining experiences and international music acts such as Swedish House Mafia, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse, Fatboy Slim, Toots and the Maytals, as well as Hans Zimmer. There are two new experiences this year for those who want the best VIP treatment – The Cube, an elevated viewing deck near the concert stage serving drinks and canapés, and Upper Deck, an exclusive upper level zone offering the best view of the race track, fine cuisine and a list of extra, specially curated activities.

When: 17 – 18 and 24 – 25 August Where: Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur

When: 20 – 22 September Where: Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore

mpo.com.my

singaporegp.sg

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TRAVEL CONCIERGE | DINE

goingplacesmagazine.com | 17 | August 2019

Restaurant Openings, News+Reviews

Chef Rishi Naleendra and Head Chef Jay Teo

SINGAPORE

What Cheek Those saddened by the closure of the Michelin-starred Cheek by Jowl in Singapore can now head to Cheek Bistro on Boon Tat Street. Here, diners can savour what Chef Rishi Naleendra and his wife Manuela Toniolo have done in this modern Australian restaurant. While its previous incarnation focused on prix fixe menus, Bistro combines a casual dining atmosphere with bold and playful dishes that come in small to large sharing plates. Start your meal with the signature waffle with a choice of chicken liver parfait or whipped ricotta with date jam and pickled mustard, followed by light servings of creamy burrata with heirloom tomatoes. Then move on to meatier selections like smoked duck breast with braised endive and carrot; Iberico chops with apple, black cabbage and white turnip; or T-bone or rib-eye steaks. Don’t skip out on the Goat’s Cheese Parfait, served with dehydrated white chocolate and frozen strawberry crumbs, before calling it a day. cheekbistro.com

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TRAVEL CONCIERGE | DINE

goingplacesmagazine.com | 18 | August 2019

MALAYSIA

Covetous Caviar

AUSTRALIA

The Cheesier, The Better

The craze for caviar may have been started by the Russian Tsars, but you don’t have to travel far for a taste of it, as Malaysian brand T’lur Caviar proves. Started in December last year, T'lur Caviar produces caviar from scratch, starting from its farm in Tanjung Malim in Perak state, where sturgeons are harvested for their eggs, cleaned and cooked with Himalayan salt. There are two types of caviar offered: the Amur and the Siberia, with the former having a cleaner, delicate flavour, while the Siberia has a stronger flavour. Another plus point of buying from T’lur is freshness: made without preservatives, each batch has a softer, more natural texture.

Cheese lovers will have a field day at Mould, a two-day cheese festival taking place at Melbourne’s Meat Market on 16-17 August.

Presented by Revel in collaboration with Nick Haddow of Bruny Island Cheese Co., the festival will bring 15 of the best artisan producers from across the country for a day of cheese, wine, masterclasses and more.

Besides having unlimited tastings of the best Australian cheeses – over 60 types will be available – local cheesemongers will also serve up dishes paired with a wide range of wines, whisky, sake, beer and cider. All are available to purchase at the bar.

t-lur.com

mouldcheesefestival.com/portfolio/melbourne-2019

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Restaurant Openings, News+Reviews

goingplacesmagazine.com | 19 | August 2019

For more dining options, visit goingplacesmagazine.com

MALAYSIA

An Itch For Snitch

MALAYSIA

The next time you’re hankering for a hearty meal, hit up Snitch By The Thieves. Located in The Gardens Mall in Kuala Lumpur, the restaurant is headed by the founders of Breakfast Thieves, one of the city’s go-to spots for an Aussie-style brunch. While they’ve retained their love for brekkie favourites like French Toast, Bircher muesli, fry-ups and baked eggs, the menu also features Asian favourites like curry laksa, char kuey teow, mee jawa and black pepper beef udon. Also included is a selection of burgers and pastas for hungry diners: The pick of the lot is The Yakuza, a chilli cheeseburger made with wagyu beef, complete with gherkins, chilli con carne, cheese and onion rings. The Kaprao-nara is another interesting choice: the Thai rendition of pasta carbonara, made with Thai basil, minced chicken, citrus parmesan cream, chilli and onsen egg, makes for a creamy dish with a spicy kick. If you’re dropping in late in the evening, head to its neighbouring sports bar, After Dark Social Club, which comes with beer pong and private karaoke rooms where you can party the night away.

Looking for a less guilty indulgence? Head out to Sweet Escape, an ice cream parlour in Kuala Lumpur’s Taman Tun Dr Ismail. Launched

by Malaysian ice cream brand Inside Scoop, here is where you’ll find lower-calorie ice creams and sorbets that are made with lower levels of unrefined sugar and blue agave syrup, or are completely sugar-free, making them suitable for diabetic and keto-dieters. A lot of work has gone into making these flavours as rich and tasty as their regular versions, so you’re not missing out by opting for these low-sugar versions. Try a scoop of staple flavours like dark chocolate, vanilla, cempedak, or strawberry and basil for starters. If you’re after a flavour that’s unique to this store, dig into the genmai (roasted rice), kefir, avocado or chrysanthemum ice creams. Vegans are also welcome here. Sweet Escape’s sorbets are vegan-friendly, as are their ice-cream cones.

snitchgroup.com

facebook.com/sweetescapemy

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Sweet Indulgence

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TRAVEL CONCIERGE | STAY

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Hospitality News+Reviews

MALAYSIA

Tropical Hideaway Nestled beneath a verdant canopy of century-old rain trees, the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa is a five-star hotel in Batu Ferringi, Penang that exudes an elegant, distinctly Malaysian identity. The resort’s 304 spacious guest rooms and suites, furnished in traditional Minangkabau style, offer breath-taking views of the sea, the gardens and the grounds. For a more exclusive stay, opt for the Rasa Wing, with a private verandah and garden in the deluxe rooms, and a balcony with private soaking tub for selected rooms and suites. Rasa Wing guests also get complimentary high tea and pre-dinner drinks, and exclusive access to an adult-only swimming pool for greater privacy. There is no shortage of recreational facilities for all guests to enjoy, from the well-equipped gym to the pitch-and-putt golf course, floodlit tennis courts, spa treatments to rejuvenate the body and mind, beach sports and more. Enjoy the best dining experiences the resort can offer at all-day dining Spice Market CafÊ, classy European cuisine at Ferringi Grill, the trendy FIP Lounge as well as the al fresco Pinang Restaurant & Bar. shangri-la.com/penang/rasasayangresort

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TRAVEL CONCIERGE | STAY

TOMOOKI KENGAKU

goingplacesmagazine.com | 22 | August 2019

JAPAN

Not Your Usual Hotel Stay BnA Alter Museum in Kyoto is a one-of-a-kind hotel where guests can literally spend a night at a museum – an art museum, that is. The hotel’s 31 guest rooms are permanent contemporary art exhibitions that guests can stay in, each bearing unique designs and concepts, from functional minimalist designs to interactive electronic installations, bright and colourful murals, and even dark and abstract pieces. Art permeates every space of this building, including the 30-metre vertical staircase gallery, SCG. Guests opting to dine in can spend time in the café and lounge or enjoy deep conversations over drinks in ‘untitled’, the bar. Also on the property is the Museum Shop, which sells a selection of curated artwork, rare art books, magazines and other finely selected oddities. In addition to having environmentally sustainable practices, the group’s BnA Revenue Share System donates a percentage of room bookings to the 15 Japanese artists who created the permanent exhibitions, allowing guests to support the local art industry.

Have a luxurious and romantic retreat in Central Vietnam at Banyan Tree Lăng Cô. Part of the Laguna Lăng Cô integrated resort complex, Banyan Tree Lăng Cô offers luxurious villas that all come with individual private pools, many of which overlook the azure sea.

Couples will love the option to have a ‘floating breakfast’ in their own private pool while watching the sunrise. Each of the resort’s restaurants offer unique experiences: beachfront seafood and Mediterranean dining at Azura, Thai cuisine with hilltop sea views at Saffron, authentic Vietnamese cuisine at The Water Court and cocktails and snacks at Thu Quan. Engage in a plethora of activities from golf to water sports, boat excursions, exploring the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites and visiting Bach Ma National Park.

bnaaltermuseum.com

banyantree.com/en/vietnam/lang-co

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VIETNAM

Intimate Retreat

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Hospitality News+Reviews

goingplacesmagazine.com | 23 | August 2019

For more accommodation options, visit goingplacesmagazine.com

SINGAPORE CHINA

Riverside Opulence

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s famed standards of hospitality have now come to Beijing. Overlooking the Forbidden City, Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing Beijing has 73 spacious guest rooms and suites, sporting a contemporary design with accents of traditional Chinese elements. Priding itself on dining excellence, the hotel offers two restaurants and a rooftop bar, all with direct access to a beautiful garden terrace. The more relaxed CafÊ Zi offers pan-Asian dishes and lunchtime dim sum, while Mandarin Grill + Bar serves classic meat and seafood dishes in a fine dining setting. Enjoy an evening cocktail and upbeat soundtracks at MO Bar, or lounge in The Library with light snacks and a cup of tea. Unwind with a range of curated beauty and wellness treatments at The Spa, or get in some exercise at the gym or in the 25-metre indoor lap pool.

Overlooking the Singapore River, Grand Copthorne Waterfront is an award-winning five-star hotel that serves both business travellers and holidaymakers alike. The hotel has 550 luxurious and contemporary guest rooms fitted with modern amenities and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Guests will be met with friendly service by both the human and autonomous staff; the hotel has robots working in the front of house and for cooking breakfast. Savour good Italian cuisine at Grissini Italian Grill Restaurant, international fare at Food Capital Interactive Buffet and tapas with drinks at Tempo Cocktail Bar. Take a relaxing dip in the swimming pool or jacuzzi or work up a sweat on the tennis court or in the fitness suite. With 33 versatile function rooms, Grand Copthorne Waterfront is an ideal venue for hosting a variety of events. Travellers should not pass up the opportunity to explore Robertson Quay and Tiong Bahru Market during their stay and make use of the hotel shuttle bus to reach the rest of the city.

mandarinoriental.com/beijing/wangfujing

grandcopthorne.com.sg

Legendary Hospitality

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DO

TRAVEL CONCIERGE | ART

TOM ROSS

TOBIAS TITZ

TIM CARRAFA

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Exhibitions, News+Reviews

Modern Traditions Melbourne Winter Masterpieces at the NGV International continues with The Transient Landscape, a new body of work from multidisciplinary Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang. The show is presented in conjunction with Terracota Warriors: Guardians of Immortality, a historical exhibition of artefacts from the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (221-207BC). He uses the Qin dynasty as a source of inspiration and The Transient Landscape explores ancient Chinese history, culture and design. Perhaps one of the most awesome pieces in the show is Transience II (Peony), a gigantic 31-metre drawing of the life cycle of a peony made with gunpowder on silk. “Cai Guo-Qiang is one of the most exciting contemporary artists working today,” says Tony Ellwood AM, Director of the National Gallery of Victoria. “Cai’s practice draws parallels between ancient and contemporary Chinese culture, through the use of Chinese inventions like gunpowder, porcelain, silk and paper, exploring the notion that tradition and history can inform contemporary art.”

When: Until 13 October | Where: NGV International, 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, Victoria 3006, Australia ngv.vic.gov.au

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INSTALLATION VIEW, FRANK BOWLING AT TATE BRITAIN (31 MAY - 26 AUGUST 2019). TATE PHOTOGRAPHY, MATT GREENWOOD

ANIDA YOEU ALI AND WEI-LING GALLERY

goingplacesmagazine.com | 26 | August 2019

FRANK BOWLING AT TATE BRITAIN WITH HIS WORK IONA MIRIAM'S CHRISTMAS VISIT TO & FROM BRIGHTON, TATE PHOTOGRAPHY 2019 MATT GREENWOOD.JPG

TRAVEL CONCIERGE | ART

A Bug’s Life

Brush Strokes Of A Genius

It’s your last chance to catch internationally acclaimed KhmerAmerican artist Anida Yoeu Ali’s show The Buddhist Bug: A Creation Mythology at the Wei-Ling Contemporary in Kuala Lumpur. The multidisciplinary exhibition combines live performance, photography, installations and video to explore her personal experience of spiritual and cultural displacement, being a Muslim Khmer woman born in Cambodia, which predominantly follows the Buddhist faith, and raised in the U.S. The series sees her perform as a bug on a journey through various landscapes, and as it travels, the viewer sees it adapt to its surroundings, attempting to connect with people it meets. “The project is a culmination of thematic interests in hybridity, transcendence, and otherness,” Ali explains, with the bug representing an in-between being that is constantly searching for home.

The Tate Britain presents a huge retrospective of painter Frank Bowling’s impressive 60-year career. Bowling, who was born in Guyana (then British Guiana) in 1934, moved to London in his late teens to study painting at the Royal College of Art, alongside the likes of David Hockney and R.B. Kitaj. After graduating from the RCA with a silver medal, Bowling’s career blossomed, and he became known for his experimental style, which saw him push the boundaries of what is possible with paint and a brush. Now, at the age of 85, Bowling continues to paint every day and experiment with materials and techniques. The Tate Britain offers the public a unique chance to view Bowling’s creative output from the 1960s right through to the present day. The show features many of his most iconic works, including his ‘map paintings’, ‘sculptural’ and ‘poured paintings’. It’s a breathtaking show that has got to be seen to be believed.

When: Until 18 August Where: Wei-Ling Contemporary, RT01, Sixth Floor, The Gardens Mall, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

When: Until 26 August Where: Tate Britain, Millbank, Westminster, London SW1P 4RG, United Kingdom

weiling-gallery.com

tate.org.uk

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Cut Scenes

Modern Visions

Silver Lake Drive is Alex Prager’s second solo exhibition at the prestigious photography museum, Foam, in Amsterdam. The award-winning American photographer and filmmaker came to photography later in life, after visiting a photography exhibition by William Eggleston: “I was looking for my outlet,” explains Prager.

“When I saw the Eggleston show, I felt the physical and emotional reaction to his work.” Since that moment, Prager invested all her time in photography, and is now especially known for her large-scale, staged, street style photography of vibrant scenes featuring a host of characters. Silver Lake Drive is exemplary of her arresting style, which is full of colour and vivid human emotion. It also features a series of behind-the-scenes images, in which the viewer gets to see Alex at work as she sets up various ‘staged scenes’.

The Ikon Gallery in Birmingham, England presents The Areodrome, an exhibition dedicated to the late Michael Stanley, a former curator at the gallery and an influential person behind the scenes in British art. The show’s themes are inspired by Rex Warner’s dystopian war-time novel The Areodrome, which made a huge impression on a host of Warner’s peers, including Orwell and Burgess, as well as Stanley. Warner’s tale follows a young man who is faced with two bleak futures: an animalistic one at home with loved ones whom he has become uncertain of, and the other as an airman, completely detached from the world. An array of artists, many of whom worked with Stanley and knew him personally, explore themes presented in the novel in a modern context, presenting chilling and detached visions of modern life.

When: Until 4 September Where: Foam Fotografiemuseum, Keizersgracht 609, Amsterdam, Netherlands

When: Until 8 September Where: Ikon Gallery, 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2HS, United Kingdom

foam.org

ikon-gallery.org

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EXHIBITION SILVER LAKE DRIVE BY ALEX PRAGER IN FOAM, 2019 © FOAM / IMAGE COURTESY OF CHRISTIAN VAN DER KOOY

BOYD & EVANS, OCOTILLO WELLS AIRFIELD CA, 2016. DYE SUBLIMATION PRINT ON FABRIC COURTESY THE ARTISTS.

CROWD #1 (STAN DOUGLAS), FROM THE SERIES LONG WEEK-END, 2010 © ALEX PRAGER. COURTESY ALEX PRAGER STUDIO AND LEHMANN MAUPIN, NEW YORK, HONG KONG AND SEOUL.

ALEKSANDRA MIR, PLANE LANDING, 2003. COLLAGE. COURTESY THE ARTIST.

RITA FROM THE SERIES WEEK-END, 2009 © ALEX PRAGER. COURTESY ALEX PRAGER STUDIO AND LEHMANN MAUPIN, NEW YORK, HONG KONG AND SEOUL.

Exhibitions, News+Reviews

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MY GUIDE | Putrajaya, Malaysia

Smart City

From an administrative centre with architectural masterpieces to a vibrant neighbourhood of cultural and recreational activities, Putrajaya promises a spectrum of experiences only a smart city could provide.

Words Husna Kassim | Illustration Maggie Li | Art Direction Euric Liew

“I would like to think that a century from now, people would know they are in Putrajaya because of the uniqueness of the city architecturally.”

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These are the words of Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad when he first unveiled Putrajaya, his brainchild and the country’s federal administrative centre, in 1999. Today, Putrajaya is a beautiful city, where 37 percent of the land comprises parks and open spaces with man-made wetlands and lakes.

Urban Spectacle Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah is the main thoroughfare in Putrajaya. Known as the world’s largest roundabout at 3.5 kilometres, it is named after the 11th King of Malaysia.

Located on a hill within the roundabout is Istana Melawati, the second royal palace of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, also known as the Supreme Head or the King of Malaysia.

Opposite the palace is the 93-hectare tropical botanical garden, Taman Botani, where more than 700 species of plants from over 90 countries vie for space along with cycling trails. Entrance to the park is free. Within the garden is the Moroccan Pavilion, a replica of a palace in Marrakesh in Morocco and a popular spot for pre-wedding photography. With its Islamic calligraphy and intricate carvings, it reportedly took 80 artisans from Morocco more than eight months to build the Pavilion as a cultural exchange between the two countries.

If you drive farther along the roundabout and take a slip road,

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you would arrive at Dataran Putra. The majestic greendomed Perdana Putra, the Prime Minister’s Office, is located at the edge of the area. A few minutes’ walk away is the iconic Putra Mosque, which takes inspiration from Middle Eastern, Malay and indigenous architectural aspects in its design. Its pink dome is made with rose-coloured granite and the prayer hall can accommodate 15,000 worshipers.

The mosque sits on the edge of

the scenic Putrajaya Lake and would make a charming picture postcard at sunset.

The nearby Putrajaya Boulevard links Perdana Putra to other government buildings and is distinctive in its design modelled after the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

This boulevard measures 100 metres wide and four kilometres long and links five core precincts and passes through four squares, including the majestic Palace

of Justice and the three-tiered Iranian-inspired Putra Bridge.

The 435-metre concrete bridge with four minaret-type piers and observation decks overlooks the Putrajaya Lake.

Fun & Festivities Festivals in Putrajaya are a celebration of diversity. The Festival of Light and Motion Putrajaya (LAMPU), one of the biggest events in Putrajaya, held annually at the end of the year,

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showcases concerts by local artists and a New Year countdown traditionally attended by the Prime Minister. The event’s crowd-puller is the Projection Mapping show, where the façade of the grand Palace of Justice is transformed into a colossal background for the display of lively multimedia effects.

Entrance is free and it is advisable to bring a portable chair. The Royal Floria Putrajaya is Malaysia’s annual flower and garden festival.

The theme this year is Orchid & Bonsai and will be held from 30 August till 8 September. Last year, the festival featured 61 garden lots with 43 international participants from 23 countries.

Putrajaya Lake Cruise is a top tourist attraction, for good reason. You get the perfect opportunity to take photos of the many bridges you pass cruising down the lake. But for thrill seekers, flyboarding, hovering and dolphin dives at the Marina Putrajaya in Precinct 5 come highly recommended.

The Putrajaya Water Sports Complex in Precinct 6 is probably the best place for those who love the active lifestyle. This complex has been used to host local and international sports events.

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Alternatively, you can rent a boat and choose from different activities at the lake such as wakeboarding, water skiing and banana boating.

Putrajaya Wetlands Park is the first man-made freshwater wetland in the tropics and a sanctuary for marshland wildlife and water birds. Grab your binoculars and go birdwatching here in the Wetlands, recognised

by UNESCO as an eco-hydrology demonstration site. Skyrides Festivals Park, located on the edge of the Perdana Lake, in Precinct 2, offers the thrilling experience of hot air balloon rides.

With plenty of greens and beautiful lakes, dedicated cycle paths and fresh, clean air, Putrajaya is a haven for cyclists and joggers. There are plenty of places to stop for a picnic, too. You can bring your own bicycles or rent one from Taman Botani. There are also walking tours in Putrajaya, organised by various companies.

There is also the Putrajaya Night Tour and the Symphony Walk, which consist of waterfront walks.

If you prefer not to work up a sweat, book a tour with Planet Scooters. They offer two and threehour programmes that are the perfect way for families to tour the city together.

Something For The Tummy There are plenty of restaurants and fast food outlets in Alamanda Mall, but locals prefer Dataran Putra. If there is one thing in Malaysia you can count on, it’s hawker food. At Selera Putra Food Court at Dataran Putra, visitors will find a varied spread, from Indian curries, Middle Eastern kebabs and American fast food to the quintessential Malaysian dessert, durian cendol. ■ About the writer Husna Kassim has an MSc in Analytical Chemistry with 32 years in research and development work, 20 of which were in oil and gas. She is retired, loves writing and travels widely. storiesfromtheeast.com.

Getting Around: TAXI

GRAB

BY BUS There are five types of bus services operating from Putrajaya Sentral in Precinct 7. NadiPutra Bus, a commuter bus service, offers the most comprehensive bus routes coverage within the city.

BY TRAIN The KLIA Transit train service from KL Sentral station to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport stops at Putrajaya.

It takes about 20 minutes.

BY TAXI Taxis are plentiful; alternatively, use ridehailing service Grab to get around.

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IN PROFILE | Mark Raine

Leaving

On A Hıgh

Mark Raine leaves a successful legacy – not just for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia but for the Malaysian luxury car segment – to take on new challenges in one of the automaker’s top five markets in the world, Korea.

Interview Julie Goh | Photography courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia

goingplacesmagazine.com | 30 | August 2019

Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from?

I was born in Berlin in Germany, but I grew up in South Africa. My mother is German and my dad is from the U.K. I have been with Mercedes-Benz since 2002.

Before Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, where were you?

I started with Mercedes-Benz. I was lucky to receive a scholarship from Mercedes-Benz for my studies. I joined the company upon my graduation. My first job was in sales in Stuttgart.

After that, I moved to Dubai to be in charge of sales and product management for the Middle East region for three and a half years. I was recalled to Stuttgart to become the global executive assistant to one of the senior board members of Mercedes-Benz, and for the last four and a half years, I have been in Malaysia.

And how have the four and a half years been?

It has been fantastic. Personally, I have grown and learnt a lot in Malaysia. Privately, it has been wonderful. My family loves it here and my son was born in Malaysia. Professionally, it has been a fantastic journey, especially looking at the transformation of the (Mercedes-Benz) brand in the last four and a half years. It has been an exceptional journey for the brand as we have made a real impact. I have always said, I probably give a lot of the impulses but it is the team that has done a fantastic job.

What is crucially important – and this is also my philosophy – is to always integrate the stakeholders. Obviously, the core stakeholder is the customer but our dealers and agencies,

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the government and our media and creative partners, are also important. Our dealers play a huge part because they are our face to the customer. Aligning our strategy with theirs is absolutely essential and important in making the brand a success because they question us critically. But in the end, we align and we execute together and that’s probably our success factor.

Your positivity is obviously very infectious, and I think it has also rubbed off on Mercedes-Benz Malaysia because we’ve seen a tremendous jump in the ownership of the cars since you took up this position.

How do you determine what sells in Malaysia? What has been the company’s strategy that has propelled it to the top of the premium car segment?

What I did when I came here was for the first couple of months, I did a detailed analysis of the situation to see where the potentials were, where we need to become better, where our strengths and our businesses were, and I created a strategic roadmap for Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia. The roadmap exists till this day, but we enhance and revise it on a quarterly basis.

This means we discuss it internally and with the dealers. We integrate everybody’s views, and finally, we inform everyone what the direction is, and that has been very successful for us.

Is that how you determine what sells in Malaysia?

Our market analysis is based on various pillars. On one hand, the product portfolio, on the other, the brand perception or the image, utilising the strengths of the brand, including

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Mark Raine | IN PROFILE

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IN PROFILE | Mark Raine

Mercedes-Benz has always been synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, but in my view that wasn’t enough. It needed to be more than that.

Our task was to rejuvenate the brand without pushing away our loyal customers, and finding that balance is obviously a challenge. communication, activations and engagement.

The third one is what I call best customer experience, and that includes our dealer network, all our touchpoints, the digitalisation of the brand, the customer journey and obviously, the sales aspect of it.

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The product portfolio was fairly thin when I arrived in Malaysia in 2014. In 2014, we sold 6,932 cars. In 2015, we sold 10,845 cars, out of which 27 were SUVs because we didn’t actually offer this in the market. In 2016, we sold 1,800 SUVs, and last year, we sold 2,600 SUVs out of a total of more than 13,000 cars. So, that has been essential in terms of our growth story.

I think the key decisive moment, to a certain degree, was the decision I took to dissect the portfolio into four product segments, which is compact cars, limousines, SUVs and the dream cars, because that allowed us to curate the tonality according to the individual product groups and the target customer segment.

Mercedes-Benz has always been synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, but in my view that wasn’t enough. It needed to be more than that. Our task was to rejuvenate the brand without pushing away our loyal customers, and finding that balance is obviously a challenge.

The tonality for our compact cars is more progressive, edgy and youthful, and this is reflected in the activities that we do. If you compare that to what we do with the SUVs, which is about pursuing an active lifestyle, this again differentiates what we do in the limousine segment; for instance, if you look at the launch of the S-Class family in August last year, it was very grand and exclusive. That has to be my favourite launch because it was the most challenging. The expectation towards what we do for our S-Class is so high because that’s our pinnacle of luxury (cars). Changing that perception to make the Mercedes-Benz brand more progressive and more desirable while retaining its luxury and exclusivity was a huge task.

There has been a number of new launches in recent years that have really appealed to millennials. Was the intention to capture a younger generation of buyers?

Yes, on the one hand, but also the customer mindset is changing. Nowadays, if you’re

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in your 40s and 50s, you don’t want to be considered as old. Most people in that age bracket still live a very active lifestyle. I have many friends who are in their 40s and 50s who go running and cycling with me. But if I look at my grandparents’ time, if you are 50, you are, not stone age, but you are old! There is also that “young at heart” factor. I mean, we capture a lot of young customers, but we also needed to make the brand more edgy and youthful in order to appeal to the older generation. I don’t like any segmentation by ethnicity, gender or age. For me, it’s the mindset, the attitude and the lifestyle that determine the perfect match (car) for the person.

1

Is this going to be the company’s strategy in the next 2-3 years?

What we always try to be is agile and flexible, never be dogmatic because the environment we live in is so fast-moving and changing. You always need to be at the forefront of future development, for instance, the introduction of the GLC coupé as locally produced cars. The Malaysian market has come from a traditional three-box limousine sedan market. It has progressed a lot in that a lot of SUVs are being driven, and I think the next big thing is the crossover segment. It’s a combination of the usability of the SUV with something which is more design oriented, more visually appealing like a coupé.

Having a lot of new cars to launch is very important, but the investment into the aftersales facilities and into the dealer network to provide the promise of first-class service is also very important. We have invested a lot into training and into our people to ensure that we have the human capital to deliver on that promise. Also, our sister company, Mercedes-Benz Financial, has looked at new ways and means in terms of financing and our leasing products. Driving, developing, exploring,

2 3

1. The electric or EQ cars 2 & 4. The dream cars 3. The GLC 300 Coupé and GLE 450 SUVs

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Mark Raine | IN PROFILE

and to a certain degree, disrupting the market are all very important to ensure the agility of our strategy. This is something that I hope I have instilled into, not just Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, but also our dealer network to really break the boundaries, and I hope they continue doing that.

So your next challenge is the Korean market. The auto industry there is significantly more competitive. Are you up for it?

I’m very excited because Korea is one of the top five markets in the world for Mercedes-Benz after China, the U.S. and Germany, so it’s a huge task and it’s a great privilege to have.

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How do you feel about leaving Malaysia?

When I came in 2014, I found a market which may not be as progressive, and that was the window of opportunity for us to come in with a new conviction to turn things around. But in the last 2-3 years, our competitors and the entire market have observed what we have done, and they have been adapting and trying out new things. I feel that one of the legacies that I am leaving behind is the impact I have made on the market in terms of changing the speed in which auto manufacturers have gone about doing their business. This disruption to the market is very good because at the end of the day, it’s the customers who are benefitting from it. I’ve launched more than 50 cars in Malaysia. For me, that is a strategy in itself – to always be relevant, to always be on top of people’s minds.

I may be launching the Maybach or the GLA and you may not be interested in them, but that’s irrelevant. The brand recall will stay with you and you will perceive Mercedes-Benz to be the most relevant in the automotive industry. ■

1. YOUR FAVOURITE MALAYSIAN FOOD. Chinese noodles, and green lobster in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

2. MAMAK OR KOPITIAM? Kopitiam.

3. YOUR FAVOURITE KOPITIAM FOOD. Noodles and dim sum.

4. SPICY OR NON-SPICY? Non-spicy.

5. TEH TARIK OR KOPI “O”?

Kopi “O”.

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Mark Raine answers our rapid-fire questions.

6. YOUR FAVOURITE WORD TO USE. Gung-ho.

7. YOUR FAVOURITE MALAYSIAN STATE FOR A HOLIDAY. Penang.

8. YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO CHILL OUT IN KUALA LUMPUR. In the morning, Huckleberry in Damansara Heights. In the afternoon, somewhere in Bangsar. In the evening, exploring the many restaurants in Bangsar, Sri Hartamas or Taman Tun Dr Ismail.

9. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT? My sports, Mercedes-Benz cars, my favourite football club VfB Stuttgart, and hanging out with friends and family.

10. IF YOU WERE NOT IN SALES AND MARKETING, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? I would love to be a professional football player, but unfortunately, I don’t have the talent for that. I’ve also always wanted to be an investment banker, just to see if I can be good enough to, not manipulate, but steer the markets.

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EXPLORE

Towering

Glory

pei

A futuristic metropolis built on ancient foundations, Taipei is where tradition and modernity collide.

Words Sarah Gillespie | Photography 123rf

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Taipei, Taiwan

Slicing up through the swirling mist, the luminous tower of the Taipei 101 Financial Centre is the first sight that greets visitors to Taipei. Its tiers are modelled on a bamboo cane – a fitting homage to a city that’s a manic fusion of old and new, where the parks are filled with the elderly practising tai chi and students dancing to Mandopop. There are wasp-yellow taxis whizzing past Taoist temples and city lights are punctuated by columns of steam rising from street food stalls. Filled with cartoonish kawaii and anime stores, it also guards a wealth of Chinese artefacts. This is the mesmerising glory of Taipei.

the rites of Taoism and Buddhism, while a single temple can honour deities from multiple faiths.

Taipei is crammed with holy sites, but Bao’an may be its most spectacular. Built in 1760, this folk temple gleams with fresh paint due to a 2002 UNESCO award-winning renovation. The shrine of real-life medical doctor Baosheng Dadi is flanked by stone dragon columns, while the winged roofs yield more intricately carved details with each look. The best time to visit is near sunset, when the paper lanterns glow and the air is laced with incense pressed between the palms of devotees, who bow to the idols before leaving through the customary left door.

Grand Traditions

Taiwan owes its diversity to its colonial history, which saw periods of rule by the Netherlands, Japan, and – more recently – China. In 1949, at

Taiwan lacks one dominant religion. Instead, Confucian values provide a moral backdrop to

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the close of the Chinese Civil War, defeated ruler Chiang Kai-shek fled to Taipei with a wealth of national treasures. These relics are now housed in the National Palace Museum, a collection of over 600,000 artefacts encompassing ceramics, calligraphy and art. Rotating painting exhibitions honour the great Chinese masters, and there is a comprehensive display of jade carvings. Selfie stick-waving tour groups crowd in during the day, so try to catch the quieter late openings on Friday and Saturday evenings.

After his death in 1975, the enormous Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Square was built, comprising the Memorial Hall, National Concert Hall and National Theatre. All three are constructed in an audacious Chinese neo-classical style, with tiered roofs and fluted tiles. The dazzling white walls

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EXPLORE | Taipei, Taiwan

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of the Memorial Hall house an imposing bronze statue of Chiang, while a slick changing of the guard takes place every hour.

Where Man Meets Nature While there are many Asian cities set among natural wonders, perhaps only Taipei can claim its own to be accessible by metro. Alight at Xiangshan Station for Elephant Mountain, whose leafy trunk cuts right through Xinyi financial district. It’s a short but challenging climb to the top. The air is loaded with humidity as well as hundreds of swirling butterflies. For the dedicated, there are longer hiking trails that snake off into the jungle, looping back to the city after several kilometres. The mountain’s famous viewpoints become crowded at sunset, when locals scramble up to see the fading light gleaming on the mirrored walls of Taipei 101.

At the other end of the line is Beitou (alight at Xinbeitou), a natural hot springs area that became a sprawling resort town under Japanese rule. The Beitou Museum – once the colonial Kazan Hotel – is a wonderful introduction to the area’s history. Many of the upstairs rooms have been preserved in their original state, and there is a folk-art exhibition downstairs. Walk back along the seething river to the Thermal Valley,

Malaysia Airlines operates seven times weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Taipei, Taiwan (TPE).

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1. The Bao'an temple is arguably Taipei's most spectacular 2. The Xinyi shopping district is known as the Manhattan of Taipei 3. The Maokong Gondola climbs 300 metres over the Tamsui River Basin 4. The Beitou Hot Spring Museum was built in 1913 and entrance is free 5. Taipei 101 was the world's tallest building until 2010 when the Burj Khalifa in Dubai was completed 6. Pearl milk tea or bubble tea

where the wind whips sulphurous steam into a roiling mass. Lately, the geothermal might of the springs has been harnessed in glitzy spa hotels, where each room has its own private onsen.

Change at Da’an for the Maokong Gondola, a glass-floored cable car that ascends 300 metres over the Tamsui River Basin, finishing in Maokong Village. Noisy street food vendors greet you on your way out of the station but quickly thin out into a network of winding trails, stitching together tea plantations and cabbage patches. In one of the region’s many teahouses, you can try the floral Oolong for which Taiwan is famous for and aptly named Oriental Beauty.

Bright Lights, Big City Taipei’s famous liberalism allows its people to honour their traditional roots while looking towards a technology-driven future. This is most evident in ultramodern Xinyi, Taipei’s financial powerhouse and home to Taipei 101. At 508 metres tall, Taipei 101 is a breath-taking feat of

engineering – the pressure-controlled lift zooms passengers up 89 floors in just 40 seconds. Once there, you can see the damper, a 660-tonne suspended steel sphere that steadies the building during earthquakes and high winds.

Attached to Taipei 101 is the ATT4FUN shopping mall, selling everything from luxury brands to wooden handicrafts. There’s a store dedicated to Japanese animation giant Studio Ghibli; kids wait in line to have their photo taken on the grinning Cat-Bus, and there’s a life-sized, snoring Totoro of My Neighbour Totoro fame.

Hanlin Tea Room, on the top floor, claims to have invented bubble tea – its black-and-white

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Xinyi is a distillation of Taipei’s wonderful contradictions. Under aloof, shimmering skyscrapers, the Taiwanese soldier on – extending their hospitality to all they meet, making delicious food wrapped in layers of colonial history, and risking themselves in chaotic traffic to buy candles and sweets, to make offerings to the gods. ■

gourmet “panda” tea is a sugary delight, but whether it stands up against the thousands of other tea vendors is a matter of great debate among the Taiwanese.

A more rustic style of tea is available at Linjiang Night Market, a gloriously messy anomaly in polished Xinyi. A medley of delicious smells – and some less so – Taipei’s night markets have their own vernacular. There’s the familiar bao buns and beef noodle soup, but also ricepork sausage – think of a garlicky hot dog, but with a “bun” made from compacted sticky rice.

There’s stinky tofu, and oyster omelettes, and ice-cream rolls comprising neat balls of taro, coconut and pineapple ice cream, sprinkled with peanut and coriander and wrapped up like a gift. Watching the food being made is just as delightful as tasting it, and vendors greet visitors like long-lost friends.

About the writer Sarah Gillespie is a freelance writer who travelled from Taipei to Kaohsiung for over one month, drinking at least 50 bubble teas during that time. She is based in Fife, Scotland.

goingplacesmagazine.com | 37 | August 2019

4

Tips to make your travel around Taipei easier: n The official language of Taiwan is

Mandarin Chinese, but English is widely spoken.

6

n Visit in spring or autumn to

avoid the busy summer and Lunar New Year, when most businesses are closed. n Taiwan’s metro system (MRT)

connects most major sights; bicycle rental scheme YouBike is also a convenient way to get around. n The pre-paid Taipei Easycard can

SARAH GILLESPIE

be used on public transport and at most convenience stores and supermarkets.

_Aug 2019_Explore Taipei.indd 37

n Pick up a local SIM card to avoid

roaming charges – data here is fast and cheap.

18/07/2019 11:47 AM

Special Feature

TRX–Asia’s New

Business Address Developments in the last decade have put Asia in a prime position to drive global economic growth for years to come. Forecasts by the Asian Development Bank predict that Malaysia is among the top high growth Asian economies that will lead Asia to account for more than 45 percent of global GDP by 20501. The international business community, too, has shown confidence in Malaysia,

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ranking it 18th for ease of conducting business2, 9th in financial market development3 and 19th for competitiveness worldwide4.

In recognising the nation’s potential, the Malaysian government has been investing in infrastructure that will support a knowledgebased, high-value economy moving forward.

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Today, Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic city, and the addition of a dedicated financial district will only take the nation’s economic growth to new heights.

To realise the government’s objective of transforming Malaysia into a major hub for global finance and commerce in Southeast Asia, the idea of Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Malaysia’s first international financial district, was conceived.

TRX aims to help transform Kuala Lumpur into a prominent Asian financial hub like Singapore and Hong Kong; a sustainable financial centre that will attract foreign investment to stimulate wealth creation and economic prosperity. The 70-acre financial district in the heart of the bustling capital promises to be a haven for foreign investment and home to some of the world’s biggest businesses, cultivating a modern and dynamic financial ecosystem.

The nucleus of TRX, Exchange 106 is being developed by the Mulia Group and is set to be the tallest tower in Southeast Asia.

_Aug 2019_TRX Advertorial03-ok.indd 51

Sporting world-class business facilities, communications infrastructure and cuttingedge security, the imposing skyscraper will be a welcome addition to the breathtaking Kuala Lumpur skyline.

“Our blueprint is to complement other iconic towers in Malaysia, giving a fresher and contemporary look. The signature tower will fulfil TRX’s potential in developing the city as Malaysia’s international financial district,” said Dato’ W.H. Lai, Chief Executive Director of Mulia Property Development Sdn Bhd. But TRX is more than just a financial hub.

Australian property and infrastructure group Lendlease is working in partnership with TRX City Sdn Bhd to design the district’s lifestyle quarter, The Exchange TRX, which will feature recreational green spaces, residences, luxury business and leisure hotels, as well as a vibrant retail mall.

“We want it to be sustainable in the longterm because we are not just building a shopping centre. The idea is for it to become a major public place where the community can come and play,” said Lendlease Managing Director and Country Head (Malaysia), Stuart Mendel.

Global giants such as HSBC and Prudential as well as local leaders like Affin Bank have already committed to establishing regional offices in TRX, and they will soon be accompanied by other prominent and renowned companies.

These companies are facilitated by the Government’s support in the form of attractive incentives for investors and companies looking to move their business operations to the new district.

“We are ahead of the schedule and we will be moving part of our businesses (to TRX) by the end of 2020,” said HSBC Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Milne.

“This is a prime location and having an office here will definitely reinforce our branding and position in the market,” said Affin Bank Berhad Group Chief Executive Officer, Kamarul Ariffin Mohd Jamil.

The smart and sustainably-designed TRX will be further complemented by excellent connectivity via highways and public transportation, making TRX one of the bestconnected business districts in Asia. ■

1

Asia 2050: Realizing The Asian Century, Asian Development Bank

2

Doing Business 2016, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank

3

The Global Competitiveness Report 2015-2016, World Economic Forum

4

2016 IMD World Competitiveness Scoreboard, IMD World Competitiveness Center

18/07/2019 10:55 AM

EXPLORE

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Siniawan, Sarawak

Old World

Charm The small Malaysian town of Siniawan turns from sleepy hollow by day to vibrant enclave by night.

Words Eris Choo | Photography Kelvin Chan

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EXPLORE | Siniawan, Sarawak

KUCHING Siniawan

Driving into Siniawan during the day, one might think they’ve stumbled across a ghost town. Tucked along the banks of the Sarawak River, the narrow main street is devoid of traffic, while its two rows of wooden shophouses are mostly shuttered, save for a general store or two.

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Weekend evenings, however, are a different story. In recent years, the Siniawan night market, which runs from Fridays to Sundays, has become one of the top attractions for tourists in Sarawak’s state capital, Kuching, a 30-minute drive away.

The best time to come is just as the sun sets, as you’ll be able to see the main street coming to life. Shutters are unblocked, stalls are set up and shops open for business for the night. Decorative red lanterns bob overhead, reflecting the town’s Hakka Chinese heritage, while vendors peddle delicious street food.

Some of the must-tries include the pitcher plant stuffed with steamed glutinous rice, a traditional Bidayuh delicacy, as well as kompiah – mini burger-like buns stuffed with meat and various fillings. There is also Halal food sold by Muslim traders. Diners can savour their food in an openair setting, flanked by the town’s unique-looking buildings.

1 1. The lively atmosphere at the Siniawan Night Market on weekend evenings

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2.–6. The night market has stalls selling Chinese, Malay and Bidayuh food; a must-try at the night market is pitcher plant stuffed with glutinous rice

Early Days While tourists may come in droves now, it wasn’t that long ago that the town was on the verge of being abandoned – but for the staunch efforts of the local community.

Once a bustling trade town, Siniawan traces its beginnings back to the 1840s. Encouraged by growing trade and the gold rush in nearby Bau, Hakka Chinese traders fleeing Dutch mistreatment in Sambas (now West Kalimantan) settled in Siniawan.

Back when roads and infrastructure were scarce, the river was the heart of trade in Sarawak, and Siniawan quickly grew to become a prosperous trade settlement. Its strategic location meant that boats travelling from Kuching to Bau stopped frequently to refuel and trade in town. At its peak, the settlement had over 300 Chinese traders.

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By the late 1850s, however, new taxation laws implemented by British adventurer and ‘White Rajah’ James Brooke, who ruled Sarawak at the time, caused unrest among the gold miners of Bau. Led by their leader Liu Shan Bang, 600 miners launched an attack on Brooke’s mansion in Kuching, intent on taking his life.

Brooke escaped, and his nephew Charles Brooke led an Iban force to quell the rebellion.

Battles were fought in and around Bau and near Siniawan. Local legend has it that the places Buso and Bau (Malay for ‘smelly’ and ‘smell’, respectively) were so named due to the stench of rotting corpses. Fearing they would be caught up in the fighting, the Siniawan Chinese fled back to Sambas, and the town lay empty for many years.

In the 1870s, a new wave of Hakka Chinese from China came to Siniawan and rebuilt the town.

The wooden shophouses that visitors see today date back to the 1910s. Unlike the colonial SinoPortuguese shophouses of Peninsular Malaysia, the architecture in Siniawan features tall, rectangular windows and vertical wood-panelled construction. They also sport rustic, unpainted facades, lending to its ‘cowboy town’ vibe. The architectural style is said to be Javanese.

“The ruling Brooke family enjoyed good relations with the British government in Singapore. It was easier and cheaper for the townsfolk to

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get Javanese carpenters from Indonesia for the buildings,” says Dylan Lai, a fifth-generation Siniawan resident and chairman of the local youth committee. He adds that in its heyday, the town had its own casino, opium den, hotels and entertainment outlets. Artefacts from this bustling time are still being fished out from the river, especially in the form of old coins.

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Ironically, Siniawan’s eventual decline came from progress – the building of infrastructure. After the formation of Malaysia in 1963, and as land transportation networks improved, people relied less on the river. “Back then, people still used the main road to go through Siniawan. The opening of new roads and bridges at Batu Kitang and Batu Kawa shortened travel time from Kuching, but completely bypassed our little town, and businesses suffered,” Lai explains.

some old buildings, the committee decided to open a night market on weekend evenings to serve hawker food and drinks, and create an inviting atmosphere with buskers and bands.

The rest, as they say, is history.

goingplacesmagazine.com | 43 | Jaly 2019

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Hope For The Future Besides the night market, the town regularly hosts cultural events and festivals. In 2016, the town organised its inaugural Pesta Siniawan, a food and heritage festival with a country music theme. The event was an unexpected success and has become an annual fixture, with the latest edition attracting over 18,000 visitors.

The next festival is set to be held over the first weekend of October this year.

Being so close to the riverbank, flooding was also commonplace. In 2004, massive flooding saw waters rising to the first floor of the shophouses, devastating much of the old town.

As a result, most villagers moved their homes to higher ground.

“Our aim is to make Siniawan a hub for tourism, by integrating the entire experience with other tourism offerings as part of a comprehensive package,” says Serumbu assemblyman Miro Simuh, whose constituency includes Siniawan.

Promoting tourism in the area is something close to his heart, as he grew up in neighbouring Kampung Kandis Lama, and has fond memories of visiting the town in his younger days.

In 2009, the Siniawan Heritage Conservation Committee was formed in hopes of rekindling the town’s fortunes and to prevent its legacy from being lost to time. Aside from restoring

“One thing that makes Siniawan unique is the harmonious relationship between the different races living here. The town’s population is mostly Chinese, but the villages surrounding

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EXPLORE | Siniawan, Sarawak

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7. Shui Yue Gong temple is dedicated to the goddess Guanyin goingplacesmagazine.com | 44 | August 2019

8. Traditional shophouses in Siniawan date back to the 1910s 9. Traditional Bidayuh and Hakka Chinese cuisine at The Bikalan

it are mainly Malay and Bidayuh, and there is much intermingling between the different groups,” he explains.

A USD2.4 million (RM10 million) waterfront project is currently in the works, and is expected to be completed by 2021. Miro hopes to introduce unique tourism offerings, such as a river cruise from Kuching and boat rentals for fishing. “We believe that with these plans in place, it can attract people, especially locals who have left for big cities, to return and do business in Siniawan,” he enthuses.

One such example is The Bikalan, a pub-cumbistro located in the heart of the main street.

Run by husband-and-wife team Andy and Grace Newland, the cosy establishment opened late last year and prides itself in authentic Bidayuh food, with dishes such as Dayak Terung Asam Belacan, Young Tapioca Leaf Belacan, Pansuh Chicken and Cangkuk Manis with Egg. “I first visited Siniawan in 2010 and just fell in love with the place – the people, the culture, everything,” says Andy, who is originally from Britain and spent eight years in Kuala Lumpur as a regional sales manager. After tying the knot with Grace, who is Bidayuh and has family near Siniawan, the pair decided to build a house and retire there.

Malaysia Airlines operates 57 times weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kuching (KCH), Sarawak. From KCH, it takes 30 minutes to Siniawan by car.

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9

The opportunity to purchase a dilapidated shop turned into a project to create a bar and café where people can gather, relax and enjoy the tranquil environment. The Bikalan is now a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike.

Being the first non-Chinese shop in town, The Bikalan represents a new generation of businesses that are emerging as a direct result of the town’s revival plans. “We are touched by the hospitality of the people who have welcomed us with open arms, and we believe there is much potential for greatness here,” he adds.

Day Tripping While most visitors go to Siniawan for the night market and its charming, rustic atmosphere, the area is not short of places to visit during the day. Just a few steps away from the main street is Shui Yue Gong, a Chinese temple dedicated to the goddess Guanyin.

Despite being over 100 years old (a Qing Dynasty signage dated 1886 hangs over one of its entrances), the temple is well-preserved and boasts beautiful traditional architecture, with an orange tiled roof, colourful dragon carvings and a vibrant pink facade. While not large or grand by modern standards, the temple holds special significance among the locals, who come to pray and congregate on major festivals such as Chap Goh Mei (the 15th day of the Lunar New Year), when an annual grand procession takes place.

Another interesting place to visit is the Siniawan Buddhist Village, a sprawling complex that includes a temple, prayer hall, souvenir shop and landscaped grounds. Enjoy a quiet stroll through avenues lined with statues of Buddhist deities, small streams and ponds, before taking a rest underneath one of the gazebos. The complex’s nine-storey pagoda is easily one of the tallest structures in the area, and visitors who make their way to the top will be rewarded with scenic views of the emerald green hills surrounding the temple. ■

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PHOTOBOOK

goingplacesmagazine.com | 44 | March 2019 Malaysia Airlines operates 66 times weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI), Sabah. Semporna is nine hours by car from Kota Kinabalu

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Regatta Lepa, Semporna, Sabah

An annual state event paying homage to the lepa, a traditional singlemast sailing boat of the Bajau of Semporna, the Regatta Lepa attracts thousands of visitors to Sabah each year.

Rainbow

Colours

Photography courtesy of Tourism Malaysia

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PHOTOBOOK | Regatta Lepa, Semporna, Sabah

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The boats dot the Celebes Sea as they compete for the title of Most Beautiful Lepa

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Held in April, the festival showcases the customs and traditions of the Bajau Laut (sea gypsies) The Lepa Beauty Pageant, traditional sports and games and fireworks displays are all part of the festivities

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goingplacesmagazine.com | 47 | March 2019

Regatta Lepa, Semporna, Sabah | PHOTOBOOK

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goingplacesmagazine.com | 50 | August 2019

Trading Places In a career switch that’s part hopeful and part inspired by the need to help others, Chef Zoe Rai mines early food memories and improvisation for success.

Words Julie Goh | Photography SooPhye

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18/07/2019 10:32 AM

Zoe Rai | CHEF’S CUT

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2

When Zoe Rai found himself standing at a crossroads in his life five years ago, he took the big leap of faith most of us can only envy – trading a successful bank regulator’s career to pursue a passion that would eventually allow him to help others less fortunate than himself.

For more than a decade, Rai worked in Malaysia’s central bank in a position that gave him a lot of exposure and opportunities, including travelling around the world. But a series of bad personal relationships had him examining himself. “I went through a very difficult stage in my life. I was very unhappy, and then one day, it hit me that it wasn’t the other person; it was me.” With that striking realisation, Rai took time off work and literally headed for the hills. “I lived in the mountains of Chiang Rai (in Thailand) for three months, teaching English to the locals. It really gave me a different perspective in life,” he said.

When the stint ended and he returned to work, Rai found he could no longer continue at the bank. He was still unhappy. “I had been with Bank Negara for 14 years. It was a great career and I was very blessed. But I realised I needed to do something that was more me. Doing something that you’re good at and doing something that you love are two different things.”

In January 2014, Rai left the bank for good and enrolled himself in a culinary arts programme at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Adelaide, Australia. There, he learned to master basic and advanced techniques of cooking for six months, and underwent practical training for another six in one of Australia’s most celebrated restaurants, Quay, and in Nahm in Bangkok.

Training in the two restaurants opened a lot of doors for Rai, who then “staged” for five years in both Australia and Thailand, often in two restaurants at any given time. “I had no salary during this time, so I was very fortunate to have had the support of friends and family.

_Aug 2019_Chef's Cut03.indd 51

My friend JP helped me the most. He helped with my tuition fees and living expenses.”

Rai finally returned home two years ago and is now a chef in a restaurant he set up in the affluent neighbourhood of Bangsar in Kuala Lumpur. Zoe Bangsar is located on the first floor of a row of shophouses with hip cafés, Western restaurants and local coffee shops. It helps to keep the cost low as rent is cheaper, said Rai, though he is aware the restaurant may miss out on foot traffic.

His menu is diverse, from Asian to Western, crafted from an amalgamation of the dishes he grew up with and those he has cooked in restaurants where he trained. You’ll find mains from khao soi, a coconut curry-based noodle dish from northern Thailand, to Baby Octopus and Prawn Bisque Tagliatelle and Lamb Ragu Paccheri. “My mom was a great cook. When we were growing up at home, I’d have Punjabi food for lunch. Then at dinner, we’d have Western or Chinese,” said Rai, who is of mixed Sikh-Nyonya Chinese parentage. Describing the menu as comfort food, he has adapted the recipes to suit his style of cooking and the ingredients he can find from the local markets.

1. Zoe Bangsar is warm and welcoming and has a homely feel 2. – 3. Rai's flavourful anchovy pasta (recipe on the next page)

goingplacesmagazine.com | 51 | August 2019

3

When Zoe Bangsar first started, Rai had only three items on the menu, partly to keep costs low but also due to a lack of floor and kitchen staff. In the first few weeks of operations – Zoe Bangsar opened in January this year – friends and acquaintances, even central bankers, helped out by becoming wait staff and cashiers.

“In the last six months, staffing has been the greatest challenge. On the opening night, I had no waiters, no cooks and no dishwashers. That was why I kept my menu small. I was cooking alone for 40 people,” said Rai, who lost 10 kilogrammes in the first two weeks of opening.

To overcome this, the restaurant serves only five days a week and Rai chooses dishes that have synergies, where he is able to use the same ingredients across a few dishes. “My prices are quite low for what I’m serving. For example, I use imported Australian striploin and not Indian

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CHEF’S CUT | Zoe Rai

I went through a very difficult stage in my life. I was very unhappy, and then one day, it hit me that it wasn’t the other person; it was me. buffalo meat. Others are easily charging twice as much as what I’m charging for the same kind of meal,” he said.

goingplacesmagazine.com | 52 | August 2019

“I’m very humbled and surprised that I’ve received the kind of attention that I have so soon and from so many people. I am really thankful for it.” The positive reviews have brought in more customers, allowing Rai to pay his staff above market rates in order to retain them. “I treat them with respect and I try to teach them as much as I can. I genuinely care about their well-being.” The restaurant, which can accommodate 55 people in a single seating, now has six full-time staff.

Rai knows in this digital age, the business is constantly under scrutiny, and while he tries to take negative reviews in his stride, it does affect morale. “We put our hearts and souls into this place. We come in early and work long hours.

When we get unsubstantiated comments, it does hurt. There is no such thing as the perfect dish. I try to do the dish better today than yesterday.”

He has, on occasion, improvised his dishes to incorporate customers’ feedback. “When the comments are valid, I take steps to improve it immediately,” he said. Rai believes that if one can be successful in the restaurant business in Malaysia, he or she can make it anywhere in the world. “Because here, we have to compete with the mamak shops, hawkers and kopitiams.

Consumers here have so many options, whereas overseas, they only have restaurants, cafés or food trucks. There is nothing in between.”

Rai plans to stay in the business for the next few years, but he has no intention of starting a food empire. The 49-year-old had considered becoming a chef 12 years ago so he could give back to the community. He considered teaching English, but that would take a long time for someone who doesn’t have the ability to master the language, and he lacked the technical skills that most charity organisations were looking for.

“I looked at the areas in which I could do charity work full-time, but I had to be practical too. I still have to have a job. Then I thought about cooking. I could learn how to become a chef, and

_Aug 2019_Chef's Cut03.indd 52

Cook Like A Chef

Rai shares his recipe for Anchovy Pasta.

Ingredients n 250g pasta of your choice n 5 anchovy fillets (50g cans in olive oil) n 1 tsp minced garlic n 1 tsp minced onions n ½ tsp minced red chillies (without seeds) n 1 tbs butter n 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil n 1 tbs white wine vinegar (or any vinegar

of your choice) n Pinch of fennel seeds

3. Bring the water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the recommended time on the packaging.

4. As the pasta is cooking, sauté garlic,

onions, chillies, anchovies, butter and olive oil in a saucepan until all the anchovies have dissolved.

n ¼ cup pasta water (or fish stock) n 1 tsp chopped fresh Italian parsley

5. Add fennel seeds and vinegar.

n 1 tsp chopped fresh mint leaves n Salt and pepper to taste

6. Add pasta water or fish stock.

Method 1. Fill and boil a pot of water three times the amount of the pasta.

2. Add some salt for taste.

7. Add cooked pasta, and continue sautéing until all the sauce sticks to the pasta.

SA LT

To know if you have put enough, the water should taste of the sea.

with that knowledge, transfer it to someone who has no background in cooking but needs a job.

It’s a skill that can be learned quite fast even without a common language.”

Rai hopes to establish a cooking school in three years for those who lack the opportunity to be trained professionally, but he hasn’t quite figured

8. Season to taste and garnish with parsley and mint leaves.

out its shape and form. “I want to impart the knowledge and teach the skills for sure. But for now, I have to find a way to pay everyone back because this place was built 110 percent with the help of family and friends. Without them, I’d be nowhere. This restaurant would not have existed. It’s proof that no matter what you do in life, you can’t do it alone.” ■

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Langit Collective | EXPLORE

Bowl Langit Collective sells gourmet rice while supporting indigenous communities and sustainable agriculture.

Words Tan Lee Kuen Photography courtesy of Langit Collective

goingplacesmagazine.com | 53 | August 2019

Rice

Rice has always been a staple for Melisa Lim and her friends, but it wasn't until they tasted the heirloom rice on a group field trip to the Long Semadoh Valley in Sarawak that they understood how utterly delicious, varied and special this humble grain can be.

Heirloom rice comprises special varieties of rice that have been handed down through generations, renowned for their exceptional flavour, aroma and colour, while also being highly nutritious. "We were eating really good rice five times a day. It felt like a privilege, having all this amazing rice," said Lim. So when Lim and her friends, Chen Le Leng, Chan Zi Xiang and Chia Yong Ling, discovered that the farmers at the Lun Bawang community were feeding their excess rice to their livestock, they were appalled at the waste. At the same time, a lightbulb went off.

The four were colleagues in another non-profit based in Malaysia, working on infrastructure projects in the rural parts of Sabah and Sarawak. They were solving the immediate problems of the indigenous communities that they met, such as access to clean water and

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EXPLORE | Langit Collective

electricity, but wanted to work on projects that had a long-term impact. "We realised that the core of the problem here is poverty and in order to break that cycle, the only way is to find a sustainable solution through economic empowerment," said Lim. The answer would come in the heirloom rice that they were savouring at each meal. The farmers were growing the rice, just a handful out of the 300 varieties of heirloom rice found in Sarawak, primarily for their own consumption.

Owing to the high cost of transporting the rice from their remote location to the local markets (a four-hour off-road drive away), nullifying whatever income they made from sales, the farmers often chose to feed the excess rice to their livestock.

goingplacesmagazine.com | 54 | August 2019

This inspired the four to form Langit Collective, a social enterprise that collects, packages, sells and promotes heirloom rice produced by the Lun Bawang community from the rural area of Lawas, Sarawak.

Langit offers three categories of rice – white, red and black, as well as Job's Tears, a native grain being grown in the villages. With their luscious colours and subtle flavours of earth and flora, this is not the polished rice that we are familiar

with. The black Keladi rice, which turns into a lovely mauve purple when cooked, has a slight pandanus flavour. When Langit distributes samples to top chefs in Kuala Lumpur, they often enthuse about the distinct flavours. Fans and supporters share their food photos using the rice on Langit's Instagram page.

Langit Collective's beginnings were largely fuelled by a need to do good as none of its members had a business or agricultural background – between them, they had an actuary, a producer, a chiropractor and a designer. The foursome wanted to be more than just a non-profit organisation relying on donations, so they knew they had to get savvy as social entrepreneurs. As a first and crucial step, they applied for and got accepted into the MaGIC accelerated programme for social enterprises in Malaysia, a four-month course that covered every topic from ideation all the way to the final product.

"At the beginning, it was a real struggle for us, to make things happen and to think about profitability. The programme gave us a framework in which to work on," said Chen. They started their operations from scratch, establishing supply chains, arranging transportation and applying for licenses.

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By making it economically viable for the farmers to continue farming, this helps to preserve the heirloom rice – the seeds face extinction if they are not planted.

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1. The founders of Langit Creative – (from left) Chia, Chan, Lim and Chen 2. Long Semadoh Valley in Sarawak 3. Rice is still planted and harvested by hand 4. Heirloom rice has luscious colours and subtle flavours of earth and flora 5. Rice burger – a healthier option

The farming here is still traditional; the rice is planted and harvested as it has been for generations, by hand. Water buffaloes are used to fertilise the fields and clear the land in between seasons. Langit hopes to take the farming methods one step further by encouraging more sustainable practices so that the farmers will go chemical-free and have better knowledge at managing their land. As more farmers want to come on board, Langit sets the condition that it would only work with those who use very little, or no, chemicals, which spurs the farmers to rethink their practices.

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During the planting and harvest seasons, in January and August respectively, the four stay with the Lun Bawang community and do their share of field work. They've taken to calling Zi, the actuary, the apprentice farmer.

To complement its plans, Langit Collective runs five-day experience tours to the Lawas Highlands during these seasons to allow curious guests a glimpse of rural farming and the natural beauty of the Long Semadoh Valley, a hidden corner of northern Sarawak.

Three years on and the collective now works with three communities in the valley with 40 farmers onboard from the initial three farmers – Uncle Liun, Auntie Ribed and Uncle Rumie, who are now the collective's model farmers and spokespeople at the communities. Langit procures rice from the farmers twice a year, each time around seven tonnes, which is around 10 percent of the excess rice. The farmers are paid more than twice what they would get in the local markets and purchasing is done right at their doorsteps. The farmers would get RM3.40 for a kilogramme of white rice at the market; Langit would buy it at RM7.40 per kilogramme.

By making it economically viable for the farmers to continue farming, this helps to preserve the

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goingplacesmagazine.com | 55 | August 2019

heirloom rice – the seeds face extinction if they are not planted. Langit also hopes that the success of the project will encourage the young to come back to the villages to pursue farming.

The project doesn't just stop with rice. There are many small-time farmers in these rural areas producing amazing food, much of which we never see in supermarkets. Currently, Langit also buys and sells organic black pepper from a young Bidayuh farmer and ginger from two Dusun women in Sabah.

"Everyone is farming something, but it's not going far enough nor is it bringing them income," said Lim. "These are very simple solutions that we can think of, but it is already showing significant improvement in their livelihoods and in their opportunities. We hope that one day, this Langit model can be adapted or adopted by other communities. There is so much work to be done on the ground." ■

Langit Collective products are available to buy online at langit.com.my for shipping within Malaysia, and in select shops in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

18/07/2019 10:45 AM

goingplacesmagazine.com | 56 | August 2019

Martabat

Sebilah Keris Merungkai misteri di sebalik senjata tradisional masyarakat Melayu di Malaysia.

Teks Rachael Lum | Terjemahan Yeo Li Shian | Foto LokaLocal

Mythical Metal. Uncover the mystery behind Malaysia’s traditional weapon.

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18/07/2019 10:37 AM

Keris | WARISAN

Kehadiran kami disambut oleh Abdul Aziz Abdul Jamil atau lebih mesra dipanggil Pak Mazin yang membawa kami ke bengkelnya. Di sinilah, timbunan kayu, besi dan sedikit serpihan kayu dilihat bersepah-sepah di atas lantai. Di tengahtengah bengkel pula kelihatan sebuah relau dan andas lama.

Pak Mazin yang merupakan generasi keempat penggiat seni pertukangan keris dalam keluarganya dan mula meminati bidang ini sejak berusia 10 tahun. “Datuk dan bapa saya mewarisi kemahiran ini daripada moyang kami.

Saya pula mula mempelajarinya ketika berada di bangku sekolah lagi sekitar tahun 1960an. Semasa berusia 16 tahun, saya dah boleh membuat aneka benda. Misalnya, pisau mata lebar, parang dan juga keris,” ujarnya.

Kehalusan hasil pertukangan keris Pak Mazin cukup terkenal sehingga sering menjadi pilihan kerabat diraja dan pihak istana termasuk Yang di-Pertuan Agung.

As Kuala Kangsar’s royal palace, mosque, museum and well-preserved buildings tower over us, entering Bukit Chandan feels like a journey into a fantasy world. As we drive down a trail to Kampung Padang Changkat, we can tell from the cacophony of metal clanging and machinery at work that this is it. We are at the home of Perak’s famous keris master.

Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Jamil, better known as Pak Mazin, leads us into his workshop. There are stacks of metal pieces and wooden planks, along with bits of shavings strewn across the floor. The centrepiece is an old furnace and an anvil.

Pak Mazin, who is the fourth generation in his family to practise this craft, shares that he took an interest in blacksmithing at the age of 10. “This was passed down from my ancestors, to my grandfather, then my father. I started in the sixties. At that time, I was still in school.

When I was 16, I could make other things, from cleavers and machetes to keris.”

He is so well-known for his keris craftsmanship that Pak Mazin has been commissioned to make the dagger for members of royalty, including the King.

Forged In Fire & Magic As he explains the keris-making process, it becomes evident that there is more to the dagger than just a weapon. The blade must be forged with seven metals beginning with the Arabic letter pa – paku, pahar (pedestal

goingplacesmagazine.com | 57 | August 2019

Destinasi Bukit Chandan yang ingin ditujui itu bagaikan satu perjalanan ke alam fantasi. Pemandangan Istana Kuala Kangsar, masjid, muzium dan beberapa menara yang masih elok menemani kami di sepanjang perjalanan ini. Setibanya kami di sebuah lorong menghala ke Kampung Padang Changkat, bunyi-bunyi bising yang kuat mulai kedengaran.

Bunyi kedengkang dan mesin beroperasi yang nyaring adalah petanda bahawa kami telah tiba di destinasinya – kediaman pembuat keris terkemuka di Perak.

Kehalusan hasil pertukangan keris Pak Mazin cukup terkenal sehingga sering menjadi pilihan kerabat diraja Pak Mazin is well-known for his keris craftsmanship, even among members of royalty

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18/07/2019 10:37 AM

WARISAN | Keris

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tray), payung (umbrella), puting (tip of any blade), pisau (knife), pagar (fence), pencebak (shovel). Each carries symbolic meanings such as protection, invulnerability and unity.

The design of the keris is crafted to mirror the personality of its owner, using different patterns and a number of curves.

1 – 3. Pelbagai jenis corak dan lengkok juga digunakan sebagai ukiran dan rekaan keris bagi menggambarkan personality pemiliknya The design of the keris is crafted to mirror the personality of its owner, using different patterns and a number of curves

Gabungan Bahan dan Rekaan Sambil mendengar penerangan beliau tentang proses pembuatan keris, saya sedar keris bukan sekadar sebuah senjata semata-mata. Bilahnya perlu dihasilkan daripada campuran tujuh jenis logam dengan sebutan bahasa Arab yang berbunyi ‘pa’ – paku, pahar, payung, puting pisau, pagar dan pencebak. Setiap satunya merupakan simbol keselamatan, kekukuhan dan perpaduan. Pelbagai jenis corak dan lengkok juga digunakan sebagai ukiran dan rekaan keris bagi menggambarkan personaliti pemiliknya.

Maka, tidak hairanlah keris juga dipercayai memiliki kuasa sakti. Kehebatan kuasa sakti keris turut dipopularkan melalui kisah legenda terkemuka, Taming Sari. Menurut cerita masyarakat Melayu popular, keris Taming Sari yang dipercayai memiliki kuasa misteri itu akhirnya jatuh ke tangan Hang Tuah dalam satu pertarungan sengit. Kini, keris masih disimpan rapi sebagai sejenis khazanah pusaka, azimat, lambang status mahupun aksesori khas untuk majlis-majlis rasmi.

Proses penghasilan aloi untuk membuat keris agak rumit. Sebelum proses pembakaran di dalam relau dilakukan, semua bahan logam perlu diikat bersama terlebih dahulu.

Seterusnya, proses menukul dan melipat aloi perlu dilakukan berulang kali sekurang-

_Aug 2019_Warisan.indd 58

kurangnya 21 kali bagi mengukuhkan ketahanan keris. Mengikut tradisi, bilah keris yang siap perlu dikilatkan dengan jus limau kasturi. Selain keris, Pak Mazin turut menghasilkan sarung dan hulu sebagai pelengkap senjata warisan tersebut.

Lambang Identiti Negara Suatu ketika dahulu, Kuala Kangsar pernah mempunyai sekurang-kurangnya 30 orang pembuat keris sekitar tahun 1960-an. Namun, bilangan tersebut kian berkurangan secara mendadak. Dek ancaman kepupusan seni kraftangan pusaka ini, Pak Mazin kini nekad untuk mempertahankan kesinambungan seni warisan ini. Malah, legasi seni pembuatan keris tradisional kini diwarisi oleh anak lelakinya.

Selain itu, pelbagai bengkel khusus turut diadakan bagi meningkatkan kesedaran orang ramai tentang mitos dan selok-belok pembuatan keris.

It is no wonder the keris is often believed to possess magical powers, be it good or bad. One popular folktale that comes to mind is Taming Sari, the famous keris in Malay folklore said to possess supernatural abilities owned by legendary warrior Hang Tuah. Today, many people still keep the dagger as a sanctified heirloom, talisman, status symbol, or accessory for official ceremonies.

Making the alloy is no easy task. Pak Mazin first ties the pieces together and heats it in the furnace. He then hammers it, folds it, and repeats the process at least 21 times to create a stronger blade. The blade is then polished with lime juice, as is tradition. Pak Mazin also carves the wooden hilt and sheath to complete the keris.

A National Identity Kuala Kangsar once had at least 30 keris makers back in the 1960s, but the number has dwindled significantly. It is a dying craft – this much Pak Mazin knows – but he is determined to protect it. His son has inherited the legacy of crafting this traditional weapon. He also opens his doors to guests who want to learn about the myths and secrets of his trade in his workshop.

Pendek kata, keris merupakan sebahagian daripada lambang identiti negara. Harapannya ringkas: “Moga generasi muda mengetahui inilah warisan kita. Tidak lengkap penampilan baju Melayu dan tengkolok tanpa keris, bagaikan terkurang sesuatu.” ■

After all, he explains, the keris is part of our national identity. His hope is simple: “To remind generations to come that this is our heritage. If someone wears the baju Melayu (traditional attire), and wears the tengkolok (traditional headdress) but does not have a keris, it is like something is missing.” ■

Untuk maklumat lanjut dan kelas terkini bersama Pak Mazin, layari laman LokaLocal. loka.fun/traditional-keris

For more information or demonstrations, book a session with Pak Mazin on LokaLocal. loka.fun/traditional-keris

18/07/2019 10:37 AM

Special Feature

Form Meets Function Charles Berkeley bags have been an English tradition over the years. The range of leather goods and accessories they have skilfully crafted uses only the finest cowhide leather and custom fabrics. The leather used is often specially treated with a unique finish that is exceptionally durable and practical.

Its latest Marca collection of leather bags are made from supple, high-quality leather for a vintage look that ages well over time.

The many classic styles are lightweight, functional and perfect in any occasion for today’s chic trendsetters.

Suitable for the stylish business traveller, the Marca briefcase exudes a minimalist vibe with multiple zippered compartments inside its chequered interior. Fitted with a magnetic buckle, this classy briefcase is large enough to carry documents and a tablet.

Ladies will love the versatility that the eye-catching Marca tote bag offers. The leather is soft to the touch and the bag is spacious enough to fit a laptop, tablet and other personal belongings. Sturdy straps allow for heavier loads while strap buckles can be adjusted to a comfortable length.

The Marca backpack revolves around the twin notion of practicality and comfort. Secured with a magnetic buckle, this backpack has many utilitarian compartments, including a zippered pocket at the front for added security. It is the quintessential daily bag of choice for the modern urban explorer.

For days when you want to travel light, opt for the Marca messenger.

As a sophisticated companion during a casual weekend outing, it features a magnetic buckle closure and a gorgeous chequered print interior. Plus, it is easy to organise your purse, smartphones, keys and other small personal items within its cosy confines.

The Charles Berkeley Marca collection is available at Leather Avenue stores nationwide.

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18/07/2019 11:31 AM

THE CURE

Inspiring Health+Wellness

Travel Glow Say goodbye to the effects of weather change on your skin with Sothys Essential Ampoules. The concentrated serums, which give an ‘after-facial’ glow and great-looking skin whether in cold or hot climates, come in four variants to cater to different skin types. Now available in travel size, the Essential Ampoules On-The-Go trendy collectible travel compendium comes with 14 1.5-ml easy-to-use resealable ampoules in a striking clutch. sothys.com.my

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Moisturising Protection Shield yourself from UV rays and prevent dark spots and dullness with Sekkisei White UV Gel and Milk.

It contains coix seed, a herb used in Chinese medicine known for its potent skincare effects and for being packed with antioxidants. Both gel and milk are lightweight with a non-sticky feel yet provide strong moisturising effects that penetrate deep into the skin. kose.com.my

Rejuvenating Stay Go home from your next holiday well-rested and stressfree after a stay at the ultra-luxury resort One&Only in Desaru Coast in Malaysia. Partnering with health, wellness and beauty expert Chenot, the beach resort is offering guests holistic and state-of-the-art wellness programmes based on in-depth scientific research, promoting wellness, successful ageing and optimal health. Guests can expect bespoke programmes based on science featuring tailored nutritional menus, fitness schedules, targeted spa treatments, stress-relieving activities, cosmetic beautification and more. oneandonlyresorts.com

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Glow, Plump or Purify Give up the search for the perfect solution to combat modern-day skin stressors with Biotherm’s Aqua Super Concentrate gels. Formulated to tackle dryness, dullness and clear breakouts, this clever trio of moisturisers – Aqua Bounce, Aqua Glow and Aqua Pure – instantly plumps, restores the glow and purifies skin.

Infused with the healing force of Biotherm’s exclusive Life Plankton, each Aqua Super Concentrate gel has specific actions powered by special ingredients and innovative technology to deliver the perfect equation to transform problem skin. biotherm.com

19/07/2019 12:16 PM

GIZMOS+GADGETS

Our Pick Of Gadgets To Have For more gadget selections, visit goingplacesmagazine.com

hp.com

Loud & Clear Razer has recently announced a new addition to its line of gaming headsets.

Weighing 250g, the Kraken X is claimed to be the lightest gaming headset in the market. It features virtual 7.1 surround sound and a convenient channel for glasses built into the ear cushions. razer.com

Colour Up Your Life Xiaomi’s Mi Band has been given a sleek update. The fitness tracker sports a 0.96-inch display screen that is not only 40 percent larger than the last version but also coloured and customisable. It can register heartbeat 24 hours a day and analyse sleep quality, Plus, it has a battery life of up to 20 days.

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That Luxe Touch HP’s new Spectre Folio is a premium 2-in-1 with the ability to switch between a standard clamshell laptop and a tablet-style device. It comes wrapped in actual leather, which not only offers a distinct and tactile feel but is also aesthetically luxurious.

mi.com

Perfect Fit The U19e is HTC’s latest smartphone. This mid-range model is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chipset, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and 6-inch display. It has two cameras: a 12MP f/1.8 + 20MP f/2.6 telephoto combo at the back, and a 24MP f/2.0 + 2MP iris scanner combo in front. htc.com

_Aug 2019_Gizmos+Gadgets.indd 61

18/07/2019 11:29 AM

FASHION+ACCESSORIES

goingplacesmagazine.com | 62 | August 2019

A Girl’s Best Friends

Go Green

Victoire De Castellane, creative director of high jewellery at Dior, recently designed a collection of necklaces, pendant earrings, rings and bracelets playing on colour. They come finished with some of the most famous precious stones – diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and more. dior.com

New from Tumi is the Spruce Green assortment of lifestyle carries. They comprise a backpack, sling bag and a carry-on. The neutral shade is beautifully complemented by a pop of orange interior lining, allowing users to seamlessly locate and organise their belongings. tumi.my

Modern Groove

Smells Like Adventure

Polaroid’s new eyewear collection pays tribute to the 1990s. The designs reinterpret well-loved silhouettes with a contemporary touch in petite and super-lightweight metal or plastic shapes. Offered in a wide range of lively colours, each one brings a dash of attitude.

The Montblanc Explorer is a fragrance made for intrepid explorers. This masculine scent brings together ingredients from around the globe – a top note of Sicilian bergamot and heart of Haitian vetiver, grounded by a base of patchouli that hails from Indonesia.

polaroideyewear.com

montblanc.com

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18/07/2019 11:25 AM

The Globetrotter’s Styling Guide

Palette Of Essences With its Les Classiques De HJ collection of 50 fragrances, Henry Jacques celebrates the art of French high perfumery. The nuances make for a perfect match between customers and the ideal they seek day after day. Each one is beautifully set off by the sleek lines of a glittering crystal bottle. parfums-henry-jacques.com

In Good Time goingplacesmagazine.com | 63 | August 2019

With a distinctive geometric-cut shape, Fendi’s Selleria Man is both elegant and sporty. The watch features an interchangeable strap system that offers different looks with a simple twist of a clasp. Its Swiss-made automatic movement is revealed through a sapphire crystal case opening on the back. fendi.com

A Future Classic Salvatore Ferragamo presents the new Boxyz – a bag designed to answer the needs of modern women. It sports a unique-toeach-bag lock and key, two capacious compartments (one zippered for security, one open for convenience) and a cool trapezoid shape. ferragamo.com

Dazzling Interplay In Magnitude, the new high jewellery collection by Cartier, materials collide in a marriage of precious gems and ornamental hard stones. Side by side, they converse in a dialogue that flits between opacity and transparency, as well as with shimmering contrasts. cartier.com

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18/07/2019 11:25 AM

_GP July 2019_Palm Oil.pdf

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68 Our Fleet Of Aircraft 70 Enrich Quick Facts & Guide

71 Safety & Service Information 72 Our Network & Those Of Our oneworld Partners

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Inside Malaysia Airlines

65 News & Updates

Hospitality From The Heart Malaysia Airlines’ recent ‘MH Fund My Balik Kampung’ social media campaign turned into a heartwarming story for the ages.

Malaysians around the world sent in their stories and encouraged friends to vote for them, in hopes of being sent home for the Eid holiday by the airline. Fahdli Jamaluddin’s submission won the hearts of voters, and he was chosen as the winner. The original plan was to surprise his family in his hometown of Alor Setar, Kedah. However, Fadhli got into a motorcycle accident on the day the winner was announced, leaving him with a fractured leg. Despite the unfortunate incident, Malaysia Airlines insisted on reuniting the family for Eid, and Fahdli was able to fulfil his wish of surprising his family members and spending time with them in his hometown. The video can be viewed on Malaysia Airlines’ Facebook page.

Strategic Partnership Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines (SIA) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to significantly step up cooperative ties. Under the terms of the MoU, the two airlines will explore a wide-ranging partnership in various areas, including an expansion of codeshare flights beyond Singapore-Malaysia routes and enhancements on their frequent flyer programmes. Other potential cooperative efforts could involve cargo, maintenance, repair and overhaul services. A formal agreement will be finalised in the coming months and will also include SIA subsidiaries SilkAir and Scoot, as well as Firefly, MAB’s sister airline.

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18/07/2019 11:53 AM

INSIDE MALAYSIA AIRLINES

Tapping Into The Halal Market MAB Kargo is now certified to handle halal shipments under its Halal Logistics service, after receiving the Malaysian halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia (JAKIM). The certification, which makes exporting products to Muslim markets much easier, was issued after a stringent process conducted jointly with JAKIM to meet strict requirements of maintaining halal integrity. Additional facilities were also added to cater to the needs of maintaining segregation between halal and non-halal shipments. goingplacesmagazine.com | 66 | August 2019

Feedback_Form_GoingPlaces_FA.pdf

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Festive Celebration There was a festive mood in the air as the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) held a rumah terbuka or Eid ‘open house’ session for its staff in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Themed ‘Warna Warni Aidilfitri’, the event was attended by 500 guests, comprising MAG employees, representatives from travel and trade industries, as well as state and federal government agencies. Also present were MASwings Chief Executive Officer Aminuddin Zakaria and senior management from MASwings and MAG. The fun and lively affair saw numerous in-house talents performing on stage, and there were engaging games to entertain guests, alongside mouthwatering dishes such as roast lamb, satay and ice-cream potong for dessert.

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Star Power Malaysia Airlines recently flew a production team from Hong Kong’s TVB Jade to shoot an episode for the channel’s new travelogue show called A Chef and a Gentleman in Malaysia. The airline is proud to be part of the filming process, to showcase and promote Malaysian Hospitality to a Hong Kong audience. Hosted by Hong Kong celebrity Lai Lok Yi, the show features guest celebrities preparing cuisines based on local ingredients in different destinations. The show is running on Hong Kong’s TVB Jade Channel every Monday to Friday at 10.30 pm.

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18/07/2019 11:53 AM

Maswings

FLEET

ATR 7

B777-200

ATR 72-500

A380-800

Firefly

Maswings A350-900

A380-800 No. of aircraft 6 | Passenger Seating 494 Length 72.72 m | Wingspan 79.75 m | Height 24.09 m B777-200 Max. Cruising Speed 1,102 km/h

No. of aircraft 6 | Passenger Seating 286 Length 66.80 m | Wingspan 64.75 m | HeightATR 17.0572-500 m Max. Cruising Speed 944 km/h

A330-200

Vikin

A330-300 No. of aircraft 15 | Passenger Seating 283 A380-800 B777-200 Length 63.66 m | Wingspan 60.30 m | Height 16.79 m Max. Cruising Speed 980 km/h

A330-200

A330-300

ATR 72-500

No. of aircraft 6ATR | Passenger 72-500 Seating 287 Length 58.82 m | Wingspan 60.30 m | Height 17.39 m Max. Cruising Speed 880 km/h

MasK

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Viking DHC-6 Maswings ______________

______________

______________ ______________

______________

______________

______________

B737-800

A330-300

______________

A350-900_RR_MALAYSIA_AIRLINES

Scale 1/200 Date : 23/08/17

No. of aircraft 48 | Passenger Seating 160-166 Length 39.5 m | Wingspan 38.50 m | Height 12.50 m Max. Cruising Speed 857 km/h

MasKargo

Firefly

A330

Viking DHC-6

ATR 72-500

B777-200

B737-800

A330-300

ATR 72-500

MasKargo

A380-800

ATR 72-500

A330-200F

Firefly No. of aircraft 12 | Passenger Seating 72 Firefly Length 27.05 m | Wingspan 27.17 m | Height 7.65 m Max. Cruising Speed 510 km/h

No. of aircraft 3 | Maximum Cargo Capacity 65 (70) tonnes Length 45 m | Wingspan 60.30 m | Height 16.88 m Length 27.05 m | Wingspan 27.17 m | Height 7.65 m Max. Cruising Speed 1,021 km/h

A330 200f

B747

Maswings

B737-800 ATR 72-500

A330 200f

ATR 72-500

Maswings 72-500 A330-300ATR

Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400

No. of aircraft 10 | Passenger Seating 68 Length 27.05 m | Wingspan 27.17 m | Height 7.65 m Max. Cruising Speed 510 km/h

No. of aircraft 6 | Passenger Seating 19 Length 15.77 m | Wingspan 19.80 m | Height 5.94MasKargo m Max. Cruising Speed 337 km/h

ATR 72-500

B747 400f ATR 72-500

_aug 2019_MH Fleet.indd 68

B747 400f

ATR 72-500

B777-200 Maswings

B737-800

Viking DHC-6

Viking DHC-6 *Wi-Fi service is available on-board with MHConnect.

A330 200f

18/07/2019 3:10 PM

Benefits at a glance

Additional Takaful Benefits

Emergency evacuation & repatriation benefit - up to unlimited coverage

Emergency medical expenses benefit up to RM1,000,000

Flight delay, cancellation & curtailment benefit up to trip value

Shariah compliant

Luggage damage, lost or delay benefit up to RM7,500

7-day money back guarantee

24-Hour medical & travel assistance

Badal Hajj & Ihsarr Benefits

GP_MHinsure_Aug.indd 1

10/07/2019 17:12

SAFETY + SERVICE INFO

CABIN LUGGAGE HANDLING Passenger and crew safety onboard our flights is our highest priority. In compliance with the airline’s policy and in observing Occupational, Safety and Health Regulations requirements, cabin crew are no longer required to stow passengers’ hand luggages into the overhead stowage compartment. This is to minimise occupational hazard and ergonomic risks faced by cabin crew in the aircraft. Cabin crew on duty will, however, assist passengers travelling with infants, young passengers travelling alone, the elderly, and passengers with reduced mobility. Passengers who are fit and in good health must carry, stow and secure their own hand luggages on board. Hand luggage exceeding the 7kg weight limit is required to be checked in before boarding.

PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PED) For safety reasons and in line with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia guidelines, mobile phones and all PEDs must be switched off once the aircraft has moved out of bay/gate for departure. Whilst cruising, devices placed in flight mode may be used. The devices must again be switched off during the approach for landing until the aircraft is parked at the terminal building. Devices transmitting strong signals must remain switched off throughout the flight, until disembarkation.

The Captain may prohibit the use of devices that can interfere with the aircraft’s system.

LITHIUM BATTERIES Lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries for portable electronic devices (PEDs), including medical devices must not exceed 2g for lithium metal batteries and 100Wh for lithium ion batteries. All spare batteries, including lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries, for PEDs must be carried in passengers’ carry-on baggage only. These batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits. For PEDs containing non-spillable batteries, they must be 12V or less or 100Wh or less. A maximum of two spare batteries may be carried. These batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.

NO-SMOKING POLICY Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, is prohibited on all flights.

ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES Electronic cigarettes must be carried on one’s person or in carry-on baggage only. Recharging of the device inflight is not permitted.

COMFORT & CARE Personal care, baby paraphernalia and first aid treatment are available upon request.

ZERO TOLERANCE OF ABUSE We value courteousness. Any form of threat, verbal abuse or violence towards our staff will be taken seriously. We are committed to supporting anyone who has been the victim of an assault.

_Aug 2019_MH Safety Guide.indd 71

BAGGAGE FOR TRANSIT PASSENGERS We recommend that transit passengers in KLIA reconfirm their final baggage destination at the Transfer Desk to ensure they are identified and loaded accordingly. Just show your baggage identification tag to the Transfer Desk officer.

IN ADDITION TO AIRPORT CHECK-IN, HERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS:

ENTERTAINMENT Movies, TV and Music On-Demand are available on selected flights.

ONBOARD CONNECTION Laptop power points are fitted on Business Suite and Business Class seats.

WEB: Check in online at malaysiaairlines.com. Print out the boarding pass yourself.

USB CHARGING Available on selected aircraft type (A350-900 and A330-200).

FOOD & BEVERAGE All food served is halal. Special meals can be prepared with 24-hour notice. First and Business Class guests may use Chef-on-Call services to book meals 24 hours prior to departure on selected flights. Alcoholic drinks are available on flights over three hours to passengers above the age of 21.

Our cabin crew reserve the right to decline serving and selling alcohol to any passenger who appears intoxicated. Consumption of personal alcoholic drinks is prohibited.

FRESH & FROZEN SEAFOOD Fresh and frozen seafood are strictly not permitted in check-in baggage. They may be accepted in cabin baggage, subject to the destination’s quarantine regulations. They must be properly packed and meet the cabin baggage weight and size requirements.

A maximum of 2.5 kg of dry ice per passenger is permissible if dry ice is used to carry these items. We reserve the right to refuse carriage if the items are not properly packed.

WEB-TO-MOBILE: Check in online. Your boarding pass will be sent to your mobile phone.

Mobile boarding pass can be scanned at airport security and at the boarding gate.

MHMOBILE: Download and log onto flymas.mobi on your mobile phone and you will be sent a mobile boarding pass via SMS or email.

FASTCHECK SELFSERVICE KIOSK: Check in and print your boarding pass at these kiosks at the airport.

goingplacesmagazine.com | 71 | August 2019

ON-TIME PERFORMANCE Our check-in counters close 60 minutes before departure. Please allow at least 45 minutes for immigration and security clearance. Boarding gate will close 20 minutes prior to departure and late passengers will not be accepted.

PEANUT & NUT ALLERGIES Meals containing peanuts or tree nuts may be served throughout the aircraft. We cannot accommodate requests for peanut/nut-free zones in the aircraft. In addition, we cannot prevent other passengers from bringing peanuts or other tree nuts on board. We strongly encourage those with allergies to take the necessary medical precautions before flying, including travelling with medications such as EpiPens in their hand luggage.

WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE Wheelchair requests must be made through the Global Customer Contact Centre and/or Ticket Office and/or Malaysia Airlines appointed travel agents at least 48 hours prior to departure. Contact the call centre at 1-300-88-3000 for more information.

UNACCOMPANIED MINOR (UMNR) POLICY We provide assistance for children aged five to 15 years old travelling alone, with 24-hour advance request.

CITY CENTRE COUNTER CHECK-IN: Available at KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur and in Hong Kong.

EXCLUSIVE CHECK-IN: Enrich Platinum/Gold members and Business Suite/Business Class passengers can check in at the premium front-end check-in lounge, or via telephone, arriving 30 minutes before take-off if you do not have check-in baggage.

*Terms & conditions apply to the above, which is correct at the time of printing. Visit malaysiaairlines.com for more information.

18/07/2019 11:39 AM

OUR NETWORK / MALAYSIA

D

Kudat

Kudat

Langkawi Langkawi

Kota Bharu Kota Bharu

Alor SetarAlor Setar

Penang

Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu Labuan

Penang Kuala Terenggganu Kuala Terenggganu Ipoh

Limbang

Sandakan Sandakan

Labuan

Lawas Limbang

Lawas

Lahad Datu Lahad Datu

Ipoh Miri

Miri Marudi

Mulu Marudi

Mulu Ba’kelalan Ba’kelalan

Long SeridanLongBario Seridan Kuantan Kuantan KLIA

Bintulu

KLIA

(Kuala Lumpur)(Kuala Lumpur)

Mukah

Subang Subang

(Kuala Lumpur)(Kuala Lumpur)

Sibu Tanjung Manis Tanjung Manis

Bintulu

Semporna Semporna Tawau

Tawau

Bario

Long Akah Long AkahLong Lellang Long Lellang Long Banga Long Banga

Mukah

Sibu

Kuching Kuching Johor Bahru Johor Bahru

LEGEND

MASwings flights operated by Royal Brunei

Greenwich Meridian

Greenwich Meridian

oneworld destinations

CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PRINT / DESTINATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. LOG ON TO MALAYSIAAIRLINES.COM OR ONEWORLD.COM FOR THE RESPECTIVE ROUTE/DESTINATION MAPS

_Aug 2019_MH Routemap.indd 72

18/07/2019 11:40 AM

ASIA + OCEANIA

Nizhnevartovsk Nizhnevartovsk Magadan Magadan Novosibirsk Novosibirsk

Omsk Omsk

Krasnoyarsk Krasnoyarsk

Bratsk Bratsk

Abakan Abakan PavlodarPavlodar

Irkutsk Irkutsk

Gorno-Altaysk Gorno-Altaysk

Semey Semey

Sea Sea of of Okhotsk Okhotsk

Okha Okha

Chita Chita

Ulan-Ude Ulan-Ude

Petropavlovsk Petropavlovsk

Blagoveschensk Blagoveschensk Khabarovsk Khabarovsk

Ust-Kamenogorsk Ust-Kamenogorsk

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Taraz

Urumqi Urumqi

Taraz Almaty Almaty Bishkek Bishkek

Osh Dushanbe Dushanbe

BeijingBeijing

Osh

Dalian Dalian Yamagata Yamagata Seoul Seoul Komatsu Komatsu Izumo Izumo Busan Busan Qingdao Qingdao TokyoTokyo Zhengzhou Zhengzhou Hiroshima Hiroshima OsakaOsaka Xi’an Xi’an FukuokaFukuoka Tokushima Tokushima Jeju Jeju Nanjing Nanjing NagasakiNagasaki Kochi Kochi Shanghai Shanghai ChengduChengdu MiyazakiMiyazaki Wuhan Wuhan Hangzhou Hangzhou Kagoshima Kagoshima Ningbo Ningbo Chongqing Chongqing Changsha Changsha Wenzhou Wenzhou

Kulob Kulob Islamabad Islamabad PeshawarPeshawar Faisalabad Faisalabad AmritsarAmritsar Multan Multan New Delhi New DelhiKathmandu Kathmandu Karachi Karachi Ahmedabad Ahmedabad

KunmingKunming

Kolkata Kolkata

Hyderabad Hyderabad

BayBay of of Bengal Bengal

NORTH NORTH PACIFIC PACIFIC OCEAN OCEAN

HaikouHaikou Sanya Sanya Da NangDa Nang

AngelesAngeles South South China China Philippine Philippine SeaSeaManilaManila SeaSea

Siem Reap Siem Reap Bangkok Bangkok PhnomPhnom Penh Penh

Andaman Andaman SeaSea

Kozhikode Kozhikode Tiruchchirappalli Tiruchchirappalli Kochi Kochi Trincomalee Trincomalee Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram

Ho ChiHo Minh ChiCity Minh City

Guam Guam

Cebu Cebu

PhuketPhuket Krabi Krabi

Colombo Colombo Hambantota HambantotaBandaBanda Aceh Aceh

MedanMedan Male

Guilin Guilin

Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Yangon Yangon

Goa Bengaluru Bengaluru Chennai Chennai

East East China China SeaSea Fuzhou Fuzhou OkinawaOkinawa TaipeiTaipei

Xiamen Xiamen Guangzhou Guangzhou Kaohsiung Kaohsiung Hong Kong Hong Kong Hanoi Hanoi

DhakaDhaka

Nagpur Nagpur

Goa

AomoriAomoriMisawaMisawa SeaSea of of Akita AkitaHanamaki Hanamaki Japan Japan Niigata Niigata

Tianjin Tianjin

Mumbai Mumbai

Asahikawa Asahikawa Memanbetsu Memanbetsu ObihiroObihiro KushiroKushiro

Vladivostok Vladivostok

TashkentTashkent

Male

Koror Koror

Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu Bandar Bandar Seri Begawan Seri Begawan Tarakan Tarakan Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur Singapore Singapore

EQUATOR

Surabaya Surabaya Jakarta Jakarta

Arafura Arafura SeaSea

Bali Bali

INDIAN INDIAN OCEAN OCEAN

Horn Island Horn Island

Timor Timor SeaSea BroomeBroome Port Hedland Port Hedland KarrathaKarratha ExmouthExmouth Paraburdoo Paraburdoo Newman Newman

Geraldton Geraldton Perth Perth

Kalgoorlie Kalgoorlie

Darwin Darwin

Port Moresby Port Moresby

Weipa Weipa

Cairns Cairns

Coral Coral Sea Sea

Townsville Townsville Mount Mount Isa IsaCloncurry Cloncurry Hamilton Hamilton Island Island MackayMackay Moranbah Moranbah Alice Springs Alice Springs Longreach Rockhampton Rockhampton Longreach Gladstone Gladstone BlackallBlackallEmeraldEmerald Ayers Rock Ayers Rock HerveyHervey Bay Bay Charleville Charleville Roma Roma Brisbane Moree Moree Brisbane

New Caledonia New Caledonia

Armidale Armidale Coffs Harbour Coffs Harbour Tamworth Tamworth Lord Howe LordIsland Howe Island Port Macquarie Port Macquarie Dubbo Dubbo Newcastle Newcastle WhyallaWhyalla MilduraMildura Wagga Wagga Wagga Sydney Sydney Port Lincoln Port Lincoln Adelaide AdelaideAlbury Albury Canberra Canberra Melbourne Melbourne Devonport DevonportLaunceston Launceston

Tasman Tasman Sea Sea

Auckland Auckland

Wellington Wellington

HobartHobart Queenstown Queenstown

GMT +5

GMT +6

GMT +7

GMT +8

GMT +9

GMT +10

GMT +11

GMT +12

A member of

_Aug 2019_MH Routemap.indd 73

18/07/2019 11:40 AM

AMERICAS + CANADA

Vancouver Seattle Portland

Gulf of Alaska

Milwaukee

St Louis

Phoenix

Dallas San Angelo San Antonio Brownsville Mazatlán

San José del Cabo Mexico City

Gulf of Alaska

Ixtapa

Tallahassee

Corpus Christi

Tampa Sarasota

Gulf of Mexico

Puebla

Belize City

Philadelphia Salisbury-Ocean City

Hudson Bay

Ponta Delg

NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

Bermuda

Charleston Jacksonville

Sargasso Sea

West Palm Beach

Montego Bay

Port-au- Santo Prince Domingo

Kingston

San Pedro Sula

Guatemala City San Salvador

Liberia

San Juan

Caribbean Sea

San Jose

Tobago

Santa Marta

San Andrés Island

Caracas Port of Spain

Panama City

PACIFIC OCEAN Honolulu

Martha's Vineyard Nantucket

Nassau Key West Miami George Town Havana Varadero Providenciales Cancún Cap-Haïtien Santiago Grand Cayman Merida

Managua

Lihue

Halifax

Portland

Watertown Boston New York

Raleigh-Durham Charlotte New Bern Myrtle Beach Atlanta Savannah

New Orleans Houston

Montreal

Buffalo

Pittsburgh Washington Winston-Salem

Nashville

San Diego

Toronto Grand Rapids

Chicago

Las Vegas

Monterey Ontario Santa Barbara Palm Springs Los Angeles

Ottawa

Traverse City

Hayden Denver Aspen Colorado Springs Montrose Vail

Reno

Sacramento San Francisco

Québec

Marquette

Yopal Cali

Bogotá Boa Vista

Baltra Island

Kahului

San Cristóbal Island

Kailua Kona

Guayaquil Talara

Tumbes

Chiclayo

Sargasso Sea

Macapá

Gulf of Mexico

EQUATOR

São Luís

Fortaleza Natal João Pessoa

Teresina

Cajamarca

Trujillo Puerto Maldonado

Maceió Aracaju

Caribbean Sea

Salvador Porto Seguro

Santa Cruz

Tacna

Calama

S AT O

Rio de Janeiro

Asuncion

Antofagasta

São Paulo

Copiapó Easter Island

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

Chilean Sea

Comodoro Rivadavia

La Serena Santiago

San Juan Mendoza

Porto Alegre Rio Grande

Rosario Buenos Aires

Concepción Valdivia Puerto Montt

Punta Del Este

Neuquén Bahía Blanca

Osorno

San Carlos Bariloche

Castro

LEGEND

Scotia Sea

Balmaceda El Calafate

oneworld destinations

Río Gallegos

MH flights operated by Emirates

GMT -8

GMT -7

Punta Arenas

GMT -6

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

Chilean Sea Ushuaia

GMT -5

CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PRINT / DESTINATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. LOG ON TO MALAYSIAAIRLINES.COM OR ONEWORLD.COM FOR THE RESPECTIVE ROUTE/DESTINATION MAPS

_Aug 2019_MH Routemap.indd 74

Mount Pleasant

GMT -4

GMT -3

GMT -2

Scotia Sea 18/07/2019 11:40 AM

North Sea Inverness Aberdeen

Glasgow

Newcastle

Belfast Shannon

Leeds

Mariehamn

Oslo

Aalborg Billund

Westerland Amsterdam

Turku

Visby

Gothenburg

Helsinki

St Petersburg

Tallinn Tartu Riga

Aarhus Gdansk Hamburg

Kazan

EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST + AFRICA Pavlodar

Moscow

Vilnius

Kaliningrad

Novosibirsk

Omsk

Nizhny Novgorod

Samara

Kras

Abakan Gorno-Altaysk

Warsaw Berlin Semey Rotterdam Leipzig Kiev London Brussels Dusseldorf Ust-Kamenogorsk Prague Guernsey Frankfurt Jersey Ivalo Luxembourg Vienna Quimper Paris Basel Budapest Zurich Ljubljana Chisinau Kittila Astrakhan Geneva Simferopol Zagreb Bordeaux Milan Urumqi Venice Pula Chambery Kemi Kuusamo Belgrade Bucharest Almaty Taraz Genoa Varna Toulouse Bishkek Sochi Dubrovnik Rimini Marseille Leon Sofia Pisa Burgas Calvi Batumi Kajaani Tivat Tashkent Reykjavik Valladolid Tbilisi Barcelona Porto Bari Tirana Kavala Rome Olbia Osh Jyvaskyla Yerevan Ankara Brindisi Baku Madrid Volos Mytilini Cagliari Dushanbe Palma De Lisbon Preveza Helsinki Mallorca Palermo Athens Oslo Mariehamn Catania Erbil St Petersburg Turku Almeria Antalya Thira Kalamata Kulob Stockholm Tallinn Oran Algiers Tunis Malta Tangier Yekaterinburg Larnaca Karpathos Chania Sulaymaniyah Tehran Gothenburg Visby Tartu Inverness Melilla Paphos Beirut Aalborg Baghdad Islamabad Casablanca Aberdeen Riga Nizhny Novgorod Peshawar Aarhus Glasgow Billund Tel Aviv Amman Kazan Marrakech Al Najaf Gdansk Alexandria Newcastle Faisalabad Amritsar Moscow Vilnius Belfast Copenhagen Agadir Westerland Kaliningrad Leeds Shiraz Samara HamburgCairo Amsterdam Multan Shannon Shárm el-Sheikh New Delhi Warsaw Kathmandu Berlin Birmingham Gassim Hurghada Rotterdam Leipzig Dammam Cork Kiev London Brussels Dusseldorf Luxor Karachi Madinah Prague Guernsey Luxembourg Riyadh Dhaka Frankfurt Marsa Alam Jersey Ahmedabad Abu Dhabi Vienna Munich Quimper Kolkata Paris Basel Nagpur Budapest Jeddah Chisinau Zurich Ljubljana Taif Astrakhan Geneva Simferopol Zagreb Bordeaux Lyon Milan Abha Bucharest Mumbai Venice Pula Belgrade Chambery Hyderabad Varna Sochi Genoa Toulouse Dubrovnik Rimini Black Sea Caspian Sofia Leon Salalah Batumi Pisa Asmara Marseille Nice Burgas Urgench Tivat Khartoum Valladolid Goa Calvi Tbilisi Sea Porto Barcelona Kavala Tirana Rome Bari Bengaluru Yerevan Ankara Olbia Chennai Brindisi Baku Madrid Volos Mytilini Ashgabat Palma De Lisbon Preveza Djibouti Cagliari Kozhikode Mallorca Palermo Athens Tiruchchirappalli Almeria Erbil Catania Kochi Antalya Thira Ponta Delgada (Azores) Kalamata Oran Tunis Malta Algiers Larnaca Trincomalee Tangier Thiruvananthapuram Abuja Karpathos Chania Mashhad Sulaymaniyah Tehran Addis Ababa Melilla Colombo Beirut Mediterranean Sea Paphos Hambantota Casablanca Baghdad Banda A Lagos Accra Tel Aviv Amman Malabo Marrakech Al Najaf Alexandria Agadir Shiraz Kuwait Male Cairo Entebbe Shárm el-Sheikh Gassim Dammam Hurghada Nairobi Luxor Dubai Madinah Bahrain Kigali Riyadh Kilimanjaro Marsa Alam Muscat Abu Dhabi Zanzibar Jeddah Taif Dar Es Salaam

Celtic Sea

Cork

Birmingham

Norwegian Sea

Caspian Sea

Black Sea

North Sea

Ponta Delgada (Azores)

Mediterranean Sea

NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN Dakar

Celtic Sea

Bay of Bengal

Anda Se

Gulf of Guinea

Luanda

Abha Asmara

Khartoum

Dakar

Salalah

Djibouti

Livingstone Abuja

SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

Lagos Accra Windhoek

Harare

Victoria Falls

Arabian Sea

Addis Ababa

INDIA OCEA

Malabo

Maputo

Entebbe

Johannesburg

EQUATOR

Gulf of Guinea Cape Town

Nairobi Kigali

Durban

Kilimanjaro Dar Es Salaam

Port Elizabeth Luanda

Zanzibar

INDIAN OCEAN

Lusaka

GMT -2

GMT -1

Victoria Falls

Harare Mauritius

Windhoek Maputo

GREENWICH MERIDIAN

Greenwich Meridian

SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

Livingstone

Johannesburg Durban Cape Town

GMT 0

GMT +1

Port Elizabeth

GMT +2

GMT +3

GMT +4

_Aug 2019_MH Routemap.indd 75

wich Meridian

A member of

18/07/2019 11:40 AM

Enjoy one status on 13 airlines.

Fly with the brighter alliance.

Welcome to oneworld®, an alliance of 13 world-leading airlines committed to providing the highest level of service and connecting you to over 1,100 destinations around the world. It’s the smartest way to travel and make your connections to more than 160 countries worldwide.

Enrich Silver oneworld Ruby

Enrich Gold oneworld Sapphire

Enrich Platinum oneworld Emerald

Earn and redeem Enrich Miles on all oneworld member airlines Earn Tier points on all eligible oneworld flights Access to Business Class priority check-in Access to preferred or pre-reserved seating Priority on waitlists and when on standby Access to Business Class lounges Priority boarding

When you are eligible for priority boarding on any oneworld member airline, you have it on all member airlines. It’s one of the many benefits available to you as an Enrich Gold or Platinum member, no matter which cabin you’re flying.

Learn more about how you can travel bright at oneworld.com.

ow-TB MH-EN DPS Ad options 06-09 AW.indd 4

Extra baggage allowance Priority baggage handling Access to First Class priority check-in Access to First Class lounges Fast track at security lanes NOTICE: Access to preferred or pre-reserved seating is subject to the policy of the individual oneworld member airline operating the flight. First and business class check-in desks and lounges are not available at all airports. Fast track is not available at all airports. Priority baggage handling is not available on flights operated by British Airways.

Extra baggage allowance benefits differ for Sapphire and Emerald level members. oneworld benefits are available only to passengers on scheduled flights that are both marketed and operated by a oneworld member airline (marketed means that there must be a oneworld member airline’s flight number on your ticket). American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LATAM Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines, SriLankan Airlines and oneworld are trademarks of their respective companies. LATAM Airlines (Paraguay) is currently not a part of oneworld. Some limitations and exceptions may apply. For more information, visit www.oneworld.com/benefits. Fiji Airways is a oneworld connect partner which provides select alliance benefits to oneworld members. For more information, visit www.oneworld.com/oneworld-connect.

29/05/2019 12:41

Enjoy one status on 13 airlines.

Fly with the brighter alliance.

Welcome to oneworld®, an alliance of 13 world-leading airlines committed to providing the highest level of service and connecting you to over 1,100 destinations around the world. It’s the smartest way to travel and make your connections to more than 160 countries worldwide.

Enrich Silver oneworld Ruby

Enrich Gold oneworld Sapphire

Enrich Platinum oneworld Emerald

Earn and redeem Enrich Miles on all oneworld member airlines Earn Tier points on all eligible oneworld flights Access to Business Class priority check-in Access to preferred or pre-reserved seating Priority on waitlists and when on standby Access to Business Class lounges Priority boarding

When you are eligible for priority boarding on any oneworld member airline, you have it on all member airlines. It’s one of the many benefits available to you as an Enrich Gold or Platinum member, no matter which cabin you’re flying.

Learn more about how you can travel bright at oneworld.com.

ow-TB MH-EN DPS Ad options 06-09 AW.indd 4

Extra baggage allowance Priority baggage handling Access to First Class priority check-in Access to First Class lounges Fast track at security lanes NOTICE: Access to preferred or pre-reserved seating is subject to the policy of the individual oneworld member airline operating the flight. First and business class check-in desks and lounges are not available at all airports. Fast track is not available at all airports. Priority baggage handling is not available on flights operated by British Airways.

Extra baggage allowance benefits differ for Sapphire and Emerald level members. oneworld benefits are available only to passengers on scheduled flights that are both marketed and operated by a oneworld member airline (marketed means that there must be a oneworld member airline’s flight number on your ticket). American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LATAM Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines, SriLankan Airlines and oneworld are trademarks of their respective companies. LATAM Airlines (Paraguay) is currently not a part of oneworld. Some limitations and exceptions may apply. For more information, visit www.oneworld.com/benefits. Fiji Airways is a oneworld connect partner which provides select alliance benefits to oneworld members. For more information, visit www.oneworld.com/oneworld-connect.

29/05/2019 12:41

Entertainment

HANDSET INSTRUCTIONS

GETTING STARTED

80 FILM REVIEWS 81 NEW THIS MONTH 82 MOVIES 84 TV SHOWS 86 AUDIO/RADIO 87 ARTIST OF THE MONTH

For passengers with a seatback personal screen, please refer to the following instructions for use of the remote control. 擁有個人屏幕的乘客請參照以下圖像和說明來使用您的遙控器。 個人スクリーンをお持ちのお客様はお手元のハンドセットを下の画像と合わせてから続けてお読みください。

Business Suite & Business Class A380

Economy Class A380

Business Suite A350-900 1

11 1 13 2

4

1

13 1

1

5 12

9

5 17

4

14

16

1

5 6 7

15

4

11

17

17

4

13

1 9

11

4 17 7

14

*For Economy Class passengers, access to in-flight entertainment and service functions is via the seatback touch screen monitor.

1

Control Paddle*

1

控制板*

1

上下左右ボタン*

2

Window Display

2

顯示視窗

2

ウィンドウ表示

Mode

3

模式

3

モード

閱讀燈 ON/OFF

4

読書用ライトON/OFF

頻道 UP/DOWN

5

チャンネルUP/DOWN

6

音声ボリュームUP/DOWN

7

明るさUP/DOWN

8

乗務員呼び出し/取消

9

選択/スタート*

10

入力*

11

12

3

Reading Light ON/OFF

4

5

Channel UP/DOWN

5

6

Volume UP/DOWN

6

7

Brightness UP/DOWN

7

8

Button Disabled

9

Select/Start*

10

Enter*

11

Audio/Video Controls To Rewind, Play/Pause, Forward and Stop for Audio/Video

4

12

Back Button To go to previous screen

13

Screen ON/OFF Button To switch the Interactive screen ON/OFF

14

Home Button Shortcut to go to Main Menu

15

QWERTY Keyboard - B738/A333

16

Magnetic Card Reader

17

Cabin Crew Assistance

*Not on the Inseat System

音量 UP/DOWN 亮度 UP/DOWN

8

呼叫乘務員/取消

9

選擇/開始*

10

確認*

11

12

13

13

14

14

15

15

16

16

17

フライトアテンダントアシスタンス

17

机舱服务员协助

AVENGERS: ENDGAME © 2019 WALT DISNEY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

goingplacesmagazine.com | 78 | August 2019

7

6

6

14

17 6 4

9

All passengers A333 & B737-800

13

5 17

Business Class A332

13

2

9 6

6

13

14

Business Class & Extra Legroom Seats A350-900

AVENGERS: ENDGAME © 2019 WALT DISNEY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Entertainment

80 FILM REVIEWS 81 NEW THIS MONTH 82 MOVIES 84 TV SHOWS 86 AUDIO/RADIO 87 ARTIST OF THE MONTH

_Aug 2019_GPE.indd 79

18/07/2019 11:41 AM

FILM REVIEWS

WANT HELP WITH WHAT TO WATCH THIS MONTH? FILMMAKER AND DIRECTOR KAM RASLAN MAKES THE CASE FOR THESE MOVIES.

TOLKIEN

goingplacesmagazine.com | 80 | August 2019

Have you ever wondered where authors find their inspiration? How did the Oxford professor J.R.R. Tolkien create the legends of Middle Earth with its Hobbits, elves, men, Orcs, walking trees, dragons, Sauron, Mount Doom and so much more? How did an orphaned English boy with a German name grow up to create the entire fantasy genre with his epic book The Lord of the Rings that has inspired generations of nerdy teenagers, rock bands like Led Zeppelin, and Peter Jackson who made the hugely successful movie adaptations? If you’ve ever wondered where authors find their inspiration, then Tolkien holds the answer. It is through the experiences of tragedy, friendship, a quest for knowledge, love and war. You know, regular everyday stuff.

Tolkien is a rare film these days. It is thoughtful, intelligent, understatedly moving and visually beautiful. And, incredibly, it’s about an author who was born in 1892.

Orphaned at an early age, Tolkien became suddenly poor and was torn away from the English countryside idyll that remained an inspiration throughout his life. But thanks to his beautiful mind, he found his way to a good school where he forged a fellowship with three friends who were determined to change the world. You could call it their quest. Then the First World War intervenes, and it is in the blood-filled trenches that Tolkien meets the Orc-like enemy armed with flame-throwers like dragons. But throughout his life on the knife-edge of poverty, through school, at Oxford and at war, he never could forget his quietly burning love for fellow foster-child Edith.

Obviously, Tolkien is a movie, so it contracts, compresses and fictionalises, but the essence is believable and moving, and Nicholas Hoult is excellent as the young author. I really enjoyed Tolkien. I hope you do too.

_Aug 2019_GPE.indd 80

SHAZAM! The greatest superhero war is the one being waged between Marvel and DC. DC movies have made a mere USD3 billion (RM12.4 billion) worldwide, but it is finally finding its mojo.

Unlike the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the DC Extended Universe has made some missteps over the years. The mood of 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was far too dark, completely forgetting the original appeal that movies inspired by comic books should be fun. Instead, we were suddenly shown that the wholesome Superman is so powerful that he can destroy us all, and that Batman wants to kill him. I mean, what?! DC movies were becoming humourless, violent, way too male and way too dark.

Wonder Woman has successfully introduced a female dimension (it even feels like Marvel has been playing catch-up with Captain Marvel) but it’s really with Aquaman and now with Shazam! that DC has decided that comic book movies can be fun, even silly.

Shazam! is about troubled foster-child Billy Batson trying to find and always rejecting a home and a family. Oh, and he becomes a superhero with an adult’s body along the way. Shazam! succeeds because it doesn’t labour to overly explain the bizarre new dimension in which Batson finds himself; it just happens because of sheer desperation and now he has to find out what it means for him. Eventually he has to save the world, but first, he’s just a kid. So, what does he do with his newfound powers? With his hands that shoot lightning, he goes busking for pocket money. Shazam! is fun.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME Since 2008’s Iron Man, there have been 22 movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) that have made a combined gross of over USD20 billion (RM83 billion) at the global box office. To put that figure in perspective, it’s not even nearly the GDP of Wakanda. But that’s not including toys and merchandise (from which the Star Wars franchise had already made USD30 billion [RM124 billion] by 2012), and product endorsements. Avengers: Endgame looks set to be the most successful Marvel movie yet – at over USD2 billion (RM8 billion) – possibly beating Avatar to become the most successful movie of all time, and it brings to an end MCU’s third phase (sort of, there’s still a Spider-Man movie to come).

With Avengers: Endgame, we tie up storylines that have been bubbling away since Captain America: Civil War (2016) and beyond, we see characters die (oops, spoiler alert) and we witness an epic rematch with the most powerful evil villain in cinema history: Thanos.

In fact, so much is brought to a head in this movie that I wouldn’t have been surprised if Luke Skywalker turned up.

The MCU is a dazzling achievement. Never before has it been attempted to make movies that satisfy individually and also play their part in telling a much wider multi-movie story arc. Time will tell if they can successfully continue these cycles or if Avengers: Endgame will become remembered as the highpoint. It’s an amazing end, and it might be an amazing new beginning.

Tolkien, Shazam! and Avengers: Endgame are playing onboard. Check your in-flight entertainment system for channel information.

18/07/2019 11:41 AM

NEW THIS MONTH

AVENGERS: ENDGAME

SHAZAM!

TOLKIEN

ROBERT DOWNEY JR., CHRIS EVANS, CHRIS HEMSWORTH, SCARLETT JOHANSSON PG / 143 mins / Fantasy, Sci-Fi / E, E+

ZACHARY LEVI, MARK STRONG, ASHER ANGEL, JACK DYLAN GRAZER, DJIMON HOUNSOU PG-13 / / 132 mins / Action, Adventure / E, J, K, E+

NICHOLAS HOULT, LILY COLLINS, COLM MEANEY PG-13 / / 111 mins/ Drama / E, E+

After half of life is wiped out by Thanos, the remaining Avengers must work together to reverse the damage and restore the universe to what it once was, including bringing back their friends. They journey back in time to retrieve the Infinity Stones, leading to a final showdown with Thanos in the biggest battle the Avengers have ever faced.

Billy Batson is an abandoned 14-year-old in search of his real parents. Moving from one foster family to another, he is branded a nuisance until he meets the powerful wizard Shazam and takes up his mantle. Shazam bestows upon Billy the gift to become an adult superhero but not without a price – to help the wizard defeat a deadly archnemesis, Dr Thaddeus Sivana.

BEST OF MALAYSIA

CHINESE

HINDI

BUKIT KEPONG

朝花夕拾•芳華絕代 /

अं ध ा धु न /ANDHADHUN

DEAREST ANITA

SUHAINA YAHYA, JAMALIAH ARSHAD, HUSSEIN ABU HASSAN PG-13 / / 110 mins / Drama, History / E+

Directed by Jins Shamsuddin, starring himself, this movie is based on the true story of the hard-fought battle between the police force and the local community against the Communists in Bukit Kepong, Johor in 1950. The incident peaked during the dawn attack on 18 officers at the local police station by members of the Malayan Communist Party on 23 February.

In the wake of her passing, fans of the late Hong Kong Cantopop icon Anita Mui strive to salvage and return her collection of gifts and souvenirs to their original senders before they are sent to the landfill. As the items find their way back to the fans, the movie recounts the memories and nostalgia of her friends and supporters.

RATINGS:

Akash is a pianist who pretends to be visually impaired for welfare benefits and as an experiment to help with his piano playing.

When he unwittingly becomes a witness in the murder of a former actor, he is torn about lodging a police report for an incident he technically did not witness.

His world careens into a series of shocking twists as he tries to evade the murderer.

Ram and Janaki are high school sweethearts from the batch of 1996 who meet at a school reunion 22 years later. Ram is now a travel photographer while Janaki is settled in Singapore.

Sparks are still present as the two recall the past that laid the foundation for their love story, and talk about their present lives as events unfold at the reunion.

R Restricted. Not suitable for audiences under 17 years of age.

NR Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

PG P arental guidance recommended. Some content may not

Contains scenes or language that may be disturbing or be suitable for children. offensive. Viewer discretion is advised.

G-13 Parental guidance strongly recommended. Some content P

Programmes with Malaysian content. may be inappropriate for children under 13 years of age.

_Aug 2019_GPE.indd 81

௯௬ / 96

VIJAY SETHUPATHI, TRISHA KRISHNAN, VARSHA BOLLAMMA PG-13 / / 158 mins / Drama, Romance / E+

15 Suitable for audiences aged 15 years and above.

TAMIL

AYUSHMANN KHURRANA, TABU, RADHIKA APTE PG-13 / / 139 mins / Comedy, Thriller / E+

YUKI FONG, ELVINA KONG, SONIJA KWOK PG-13 / / 86 mins / Biography, Drama / C, E+

G / U General audience. Suitable for all ages.

This movie explores the formative years of the renowned author Tolkien's life as he finds friendship, courage and inspiration from a group of fellow writers and artists at school. Their brotherhood strengthens as they grow up and experience love and loss together until the outbreak of World War One. It is these experiences that inspired him to write his famous Middle-earth books.

Award-winning movies/programmes.

goingplacesmagazine.com | 81 | August 2019

HOLLYWOOD

LANGUAGES: A Arabic / C Cantonese / D Danish / E English / ES Spanish / F French / G German / H Hindi / I Italian / IN Indonesian / J Japanese / K Korean / M Mandarin / ML Malay / T Tamil / TA Tagalog

SUBTITLES: A+ Arabic / C+ Chinese / E+ English / J+ Japanese / M+ Malay

18/07/2019 11:41 AM

MOVIES

FAVOURITES

LATEST

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR PG-13 / / 149 mins / Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi / E GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY PG-13 / / 121 mins / Action, Adventure, Comedy / E GIFTED PG-13 / /101 mins / Drama / E, J, K, C+ New AVENGERS: ENDGAME ROBERT DOWNEY JR., CHRIS EVANS, MARK RUFFALO, CHRIS HEMSWORTH PG / 143 mins / Fantasy, Sci-fi / E, E+

ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL (2019) ROSA SALAZAR, CHRISTOPH WALTZ, JENNIFER CONNELLY PG-13 / / 122 mins / Action, Adventure, Romance / E

NANCY DREW AND THE HIDDEN STAIRCASE SOPHIA LILLIS, SAM TRAMMELL, LINDA LAVIN PG / 89 mins / Drama. Mystery / E

THE HATE YOU GIVE AMANDLA STENBERG, REGINA HALL, RUSSELL HORNSBY, ALGEE SMITH, LAMAR JOHNSON, ISSA RAE, K. J. APA PG-13 / / 133 mins / Drama, Thriller / E, E+

THE KID WHO WOULD BE KING LOUIS ASHBOURNE SERKIS, DENISE GOUGH, DEAN CHAUMOO PG / 120 mins / Action, Adventure, Family / E, E+

goingplacesmagazine.com | 82 | August 2019

New SHAZAM! ZACHARY LEVI, MARK STRONG, ASHER ANGEL, JACK DYLAN GRAZER, DJIMON HOUSOU PG-13 / / 132 mins / Action, Adventure / E, J, K, E+

PENGUINS ED HELMS G / 76 mins / Documentary / E

HEAD FULL OF HONEY NICK NOLTE, MATT DILLON, EMILY MORTIMER PG-13 / / 128 mins / Drama / E, E+

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD EDDIE REDMAYNE, KATHERINE WATERSTON, DAN FOGLER, ALISON SUDOL, EZRA MILLER, ZOË KRAVITZ, CALLUM TURNER PG-13 / 134 mins / Fantasy, Adventure, Family / E, J, K, E+

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM PG-13 / / 133 mins / Adventure, Family, Fantasy / E, J, K AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON PG-13 / / 141 mins / Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi / E KONG: SKULL ISLAND PG-13 / / 118 mins / Action, Adventure, Fantasy / E, J, K GOING IN STYLE PG-13 / / 96 mins / Comedy / E, J, K For the complete list of Favourites, please refer to your in-flight entertainment system.

AWARD-WINNING MOVIES

New BREAKTHROUGH TOPHER GRACE, JOSH LUCAS, CHRISSY METZ PG / 116 mins / Drama / E, E+

DUMBO COLIN FARRELL, MICHAEL KEATON, DANNY DEVITO PG / 112 mins / Fantasy, Adventure / E, E+

AQUAMAN JASON MOMOA, AMBER HEARD, WILLEM DAFOE, DOLPH LUNDGREN, NICOLE KIDMAN PG-13 / / 143 mins / Action, Adventure, Fantasy / E, J, K

New TOLKIEN NICHOLAS HOULT, LILY COLLINS, COLM MEANEY PG-13 / 111 mins / Drama, Biography / E, E+

THE AFTERMATH KEIRA KNIGHTLEY, ALEXANDER SKARSGÅRD, JASON CLARKE, FIONN O'SHEA, KATE PHILLIPS, MARTIN COMPSTON R / / 108 mins / Drama, Romance / E

ISN'T IT ROMANTIC REBEL WILSON, LIAM HEMSWORTH, ADAM DEVINE, PRIYANKA CHOPRA, BETTY GILPIN, BRANDON SCOTT JONES, TOM ELLIS PG-13 / / 88 mins / Romantic, Comedy / E, J, K, E+

New THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA LINDA CARDELLINI, RAYMOND CRUZ, PATRICIA VELASQUEZ R / / 93 mins / Horror / E, J, K, E+

_Aug 2019_GPE.indd 82

THE LEGO 2: THE SECOND PART CHRIS PRATT, ELIZABETH BANKS, TIFFANY HADDISH, WILL ARNETT, STEPHANIE BEATRIZ, CHARLIE DAY, NICK OFFERMAN PG / 107 mins / Family / E, J, K

THE MATRIX KEANU REEVES, LAURENCE FISHBURNE, CARRIE-ANNE MOSS R / / 136 mins / Action, Sci-Fi / E, J

HE NAMED ME MALALA MALALA YOUSAFZAI, ZIAUDDIN YOUSAFZAI, TOOR PEKAI YOUSAFZAI PG-13 / / 87 mins / Documentary / E

THE MULE BRADLEY COOPER, CLINT EASTWOOD, LAURENCE FISHBURNE R / / 116 mins / Crime, Drama, Thriller / E, J, K

ARGO BEN AFFLECK, BRYAN CRANSTON, JOHN GOODMAN R / / 116 mins / Drama, Thriller / E, J, K, C+

SPEED KEANU REEVES, DENNIS HOPPER, SANDRA BULLOCK R / / 87 mins / Action, Adventure, Crime / E

CREED II MICHAEL B. JORDAN, SYLVESTER STALLONE, TESSA THOMPSON PG-13 / / 130 mins / Drama, Sports / E, J, K, E+

FROZEN KRISTEN BELL, IDINA MENZEL, JONATHAN GROFF PG / 102 mins / Animation, Adventure, Comedy / E, C+

A STAR IS BORN BRADLEY COOPER, LADY GAGA, ANDREW SILVERSTEIN R / / 135 mins / Drama, Music, Romance / E, J, K, E+

THE LION KING MATTHEW BRODERICK, JEREMY IRONS, JAMES EARL JONES G / 78 mins / Animation, Adventure, Drama / E, C+

PANDAS KRISTEN BELL, WEN LEI BI G / 43 mins / Documentary / E

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION TIM ROBBINS, MORGAN FREEMAN, BOB GUNTON R / / 142 mins / Crime, Drama / E, J, K

THE MARTIAN MATT DAMON, JESSICA CHASTAIN PG-13 / / 141 mins / Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi / E

For the complete list of award-winning movies, please refer to your in-flight entertainment system.

18/07/2019 11:42 AM

MOVIES

MALAYSIAN

CHINESE

JAPANESE

TAMIL

HINDI

BUKIT KEPONG SUHAINA YAHYA, HUSSEIN ABU HASSAN PG-13 / / 110 mins / Drama, History / E+

朝花夕拾•芳華絕代 / DEAREST ANITA MYOLIE WU, SONIJA KWOK, YUKI FONG, ELVINA KONG PG-13 / / 86 mins / Biography, Drama / C, E+

翔んで埼玉 / FLY ME TO

கோலமாவ ு கோக ிலா / KOLAMAVU KOKILA NAYANTHARA, SARANYA PONVANNAN, SARAVANAN PG-13 / / 140 mins / Comedy, Crime, Drama / E+

अं ध ा धु न / ANDHADHUN

AYUSHMANN KHURRANA, TABU, RADHIKA APTE PG-13 / / 139 mins / Comedy, Thriller / E+

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH BRENDAN FRASER, JOSH HUTCHERSON, ANITA BRIEM PG / 93 mins / Action, Adventure, Family / E, J

KL SPECIAL FORCE FATTAH AMIN, ROSYAM NOR PG-13 / / 106 mins / Action / E+

玉建煌崇大件事 / MAKE

半世界 / ANOTHER

௯௬ / 96 VIJAY SETHUPATHI, TRISHA KRISHNAN, VARSHA BOLLAMMA PG-13 / / 158 mins / Drama, Romance / E+

लै ल ा म ज नू / LAILA MAJNU AVINASH TIWARY, TRIPTI DIMRI, SUMIT KAUL, PG-13 / / 140 mins / Drama, Romance / E+

JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND JOSH HUTCHERSON, DWAYNE JOHNSON PG / 94 mins / Action, Adventure, Comedy / E, J, K

பர ியேற ும் பெர ுமாள ் /

सु ई धागा : मे ड इन इं ड िया

INKHEART BRENDAN FRASER, ANDY SERKIS, ELIZA BENNETT PG / 106 mins / Adventure, Family, Fantasy / E, J, K

SAYA JUAL YE BANG ZIZAN RAZAK,UQASHA SENROSE, NADIYAH SAHAB PG-13 / / 120 mins / Comedy, Romance / E+

IT BIG BIG MARK LEE, DENNIS CHEW, MARCUS CHIN, CHEN BIYU, KAYLY LOH, ZEMILY LEAW PG-13 / / 133 mins / Drama / C, E+

WORLD MAYU HARADA, HIROKI HASEGAWA, KEISUKE HORIBE, GORO INAGAKI PG-13 / / 120 mins / Drama / E+

影 / SHADOW CHAO DENG, LI SUN, RYAN ZHENG, KAI ZHENG, QIANYUAN, WANG PG-13 / / 116 mins / Drama, Martial Art / E+

マスカレード・ホテル / MASQUERADE HOTEL TAKUYA KIMURA, MASAMI NAGASAWA PG-13 / / 132 mins / Drama, Mystery / E+

ANTHONY WONG, CRISEL CONSUNJI, SAM LEE, CECILIA YIP PG-13 / / 111 mins / Drama / C, E+

ねことじいちゃん / THE ISLAND OF CATS GUIN POON CHAW, TASUKU EMOTO, SHÔNO HAYAMA, YUKI KATAYAMA, KAORU KOBAYASHI PG-13 / / 103 mins / Drama / E+

葉問外傳：張天志 / MASTER Z: IP MAN LEGACY MAX ZHANG, MICHELLE YEOH, DAVE BAUTISTA, TONY JAA, LIU YAN, KEVIN CHENG PG-13 / / 108 mins / Action, Martial Art / E+

旅猫リポート / THE TRAVELLING CAT CHRONICLES SOTA FUKUSHI, YUKO TAKEUCHI, MITSUKI TAKAHATA (VOICE), ALICE HIROSE PG-13 / / 118 mins / Drama / E+

淪落人 / STILL HUMAN

MISTERI DILAILA ZUL ARIFFIN, ELIZABETH TAN PG-13 / / 82 mins / Horror, Thriller / E+

KOREAN

도어락 / DOOR LOCK HYO-JIN KONG, YE-WON KIM PG-13 / / 102 mins / Horror, Thriller / E+

比悲傷更悲傷的故事 / MORE THAN BLUE JASPER LIU, IVY YI-HAN CHEN, BRYAN SHU-HAO CHANG, ANNIE CHEN PG-13 / / 105 mins / Romance / E+

INDONESIAN

/ STOLEN IDENTITY KEIKO KITAGAWA, YUDAI CHIBA, RYO NARITA PG-13 / / 116 mins / Drama, Thriller / E+

TAGALOG

தவ ீ னடி / THEEVANDI TOVINO THOMAS, SUDHEESH, SAMYUKTHA MENON, SURABHI LAKSHMI, SURAAJ VENJARAMMOODU PG-13 / / 143 mins / Comedy, Drama / E+

பந்தம் / PANTHAM TOTTEMPUDI GOPICHAND, MEHREEN PIRZADA, AJAY, JOY BADLANI PG-13 / / 120 mins / Action, Drama / E+

국가부도의 날 / DEFAULT KIM HYE-SOO, YOO AH-IN PG-13 / / 114 mins / Drama / E+

_Aug 2019_GPE.indd 83

स त ्य मे व ज य ते / SATYAMEVA JAYATE JOHN ABRAHAM, MANOJ BAJPAYEE, AISHA SHARMA PG-13 / / 140 mins / Action, Crime, Thriller / E+

スマホを落としただけなのに

증인 / INNOCENT WITNESS JINYOUNG JUNG, KWANG-GYU KIM, JOON-HYUK LEE PG-13 / / 129 mins / Drama, Thriller, Crime / E+

멘소레! 식당 하나 / MENSORE CHOI JUNG-WON, NAH HYE-MI PG-13 / / 94 mins / Drama / E+

PARIYERUM PERUMAL KATHIR, ANANDHI, LIJEESH PG-13 / / 154 mins / Drama, Romance / E+

TERLALU TAMPAN ARI IRHAM, NIKITA WILLY, RACHEL AMANDA, CALVIN JEREMY, DHIMAS DANANG PG-13 / / 106 mins / Comedy / E+

/ SUI DHAAGA: MADE IN INDIA SANYA MALHOTRA, RADHIKA MADAN, SUNIL GROVER PG-13 / / 122 mins / Comedy, Drama, Action / E+

goingplacesmagazine.com | 83 | August 2019

ONE TWO JAGA ZAHIRIL ADZIM, ARIO BAYU PG-13 / / 85 mins / Crime, Drama / E+

THE SAITAMA KUMIKO ASÔ, GACKT, YÛSUKE ISEYA PG-13 / / 107 mins / Drama, Comedy / E+

KIDS

THE GIRL WHO IS ALLERGIC TO WIFI SUE RAMIREZ, JAMESON BLAKE, MARKUS PATERSON PG-13 / / 110 mins / Comedy, Romance / E+

பேட்ட / PETTA RAJINIKANTH, VIJAY SETHUPATHI, NAWAZUDDIN SIDDIQUI, M. SASIKUMAR, SIMRAN, TRISHA KRISHNAN PG-13 / / 135 mins / Action, Drama / E+

व ी रे द ी वे ड िंग / VEERE DI WEDDING KAREENA KAPOOR, SONAM KAPOOR, SUMEET VYAS PG-13 / / 135 mins / Comedy / E+

स् त् री / STREE RAJKUMMAR RAO, SHRADDHA KAPOOR, PANKAJ TRIPATHI PG-13 / / 128 mins / Comedy, Horror / E+

तु ब ् बा ड़ / TUMBBAD SOHUM SHAH, JYOTI MALSHE, RUDRA SONI, ANITA DATE PG-13 / / 101 mins / Thriller / E+

ब ि य ॉ न ्ड थे क ्ला उ ड ्स / BEYOND THE CLOUDS ISHAAN KHATTAR, MALAVIKA MOHANAN, GOUTAM GHOSE PG-13 / / 120 mins / Drama, Family / E+

TMNT ROB SCHNEIDER, HEATHER GRAHAM, KEN JEONG PG / 87 mins / Animation, Adventure, Comedy / E, K

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE WILL ARNETT, MICHAEL CERA, ROSARIO DAWSON PG-13 / / 87 mins / Animation, Action, Adventure / E, J, K, E+

THE IRON GIANT ELI MARIENTHAL, JENNIFER ANISTON PG / 86 mins / Animation, Action, Adventure / E For the complete list of movies for kids, please refer to your in-flight entertainment system.

18/07/2019 11:42 AM

TV PROGRAMMES

COMEDY

DRAMA

THE A WORD (UK) S2 MAX VENTO, LEE INGLEBY, MORVEN CHRISTIE 4 Episodes / 60 mins each / E

SPLITTING UP TOGETHER S2 JENNA FISCHER, OLIVER HUDSON, OLIVIA KEVILLE 6 Episodes / 30 mins each

THE RESIDENT S1

THE BIG BANG THEORY S12

MATT CZUCHRY, EMILY VANCAMP, MANISH DAYAL 4 Episodes / / 60 mins each / E

JOHNNY GALECKI, JIM PARSONS, KALEY CUOCO 6 Episodes / / 30 mins each / E

goingplacesmagazine.com | 84 | August 2019

The series centres around the lives of four geeky friends and Penny, an aspiring actress and pharmaceutical representative. In the season 12 premiere, Sheldon and Amy’s honeymoon does not get them very far from home, while Penny and Leonard discover they are awfully similar to Amy’s socially awkward parents.

MOM S6 ANNA FARIS, ALLISON JANNEY, MIMI KENNEDY 4 Episodes / / 30 mins each

Dr. Devon Pravesh begins his medical internship at Chastain Park Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia under the supervision of senior resident Dr. Conrad Hawkins, who teaches him unconventional ways of treating patients. Together, they face the harsh realities and difficult decisions in a modern hospital while dealing with the turmoil of their own personal lives.

LETHAL WEAPON S3 DAMON WAYANS, SEANN WILLIAM SCOTT, KEESHA SHARP 6 Episodes / 60 mins each / E

QUEEN SUGAR S3 RUTINA WESLEY, DAWN-LYEN GARDNER, KOFI SIRIBOE, TINA LIFFORD, OMAR DORSEY 6 Episodes / 60 mins each / E

BLACK LIGHTNING S2 CRESS WILLIAMS, CHINA ANNE MCCLAIN, NAFESSA WILLIAMS 5 Episodes / 60 mins each / E SPEECHLESS S3 MINNIE DRIVER, JOHN ROSS BOWIE, CEDRIC YARBROUGH 11 Episodes / / 30 mins each / E

YOUNG SHELDON S2 IAIN ARMITAGE, ZOE PERRY, LANCE BARBER 6 Episodes / 30 mins each / E

IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA S13 CHARLIE DAY, GLENN HOWERTON, ROB MCELHENNEY 7 Episodes / / 30 mins each

ARROW S6 STEPHEN AMELL, KATIE CASSIDY, DAVID RAMSEY 6 Episodes / / 60 mins each / E

THE LAST SHIP S5 ERIC DANE, ADAM BALDWIN, CHARLES PARNELL 10 Episodes / / 60 mins each / E

LEGACIES S1 DANIELLE ROSE RUSSELL, ARIA SHAHGHASEMI, KAYLEE BRYANT 6 Episodes / 60 mins each / E

ALL AMERICAN S1 DANIEL EZRA, BRE-Z, GRETA ONIEOGOU, SAMANTHA LOGAN 5 Episodes / 60 mins each / E

FRESH OFF THE BOAT S5 RANDALL PARK, CONSTANCE WU, HUDSON YANG 7 Episodes / / 30 mins each / E

LIFE IN PIECES S3/S4 COLIN HANKS, BETSY BRANDT, THOMAS SADOSKI 2 Episodes / 6 Episodes / / 30 mins each / E

MURPHY BROWN S11 CANDICE BERGEN, GRANT SHAUD, ROBERT PASTORELLI, FAITH FORD 12 Episodes / 30 mins each

_Aug 2019_GPE.indd 84

BETTER THINGS S2/S3 PAMELA ADLON, HANNAH ALLIGOOD 6 Episodes / 4 Episodes / / 30 mins each

CASTLE ROCK S1 ANDRÉ HOLLAND, MELANIE LYNSKEY, BILL SKARSGÅRD 7 Episodes / 60 mins each / E

BLINDSPOT S3 SULLIVAN STAPLETON, JAIMIE ALEXANDER, ROB BROWN, AUDREY ESPARZA 10 Episodes / / 60 mins each / E

DC’S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW S4 ROBERT TAYLOR, KATEE SACKHOFF, LOU DIAMOND PHILLIPS 6 Episodes / / 60 mins each / E

LAST MAN STANDNG S7 TIM ALLEN, NANCY TRAVIS, HECTOR ELIZONDO 7 Episodes / / 30 mins each / E

THE FLASH S4 GRANT GUSTIN, CANDICE PATTON, DANIELLE PANABAKER 5 Episodes / 60 mins each / E

VAMPIRE DIARIES S8 NINA DOBREV, PAUL WESLEY, IAN SOMERHALDER 7 Episodes / 60 mins each / E

SHAMELESS S8 EMMY ROSSUM, WILLIAM H. MACY, ETHAN CUTKOSKY 3 Episodes / / 30 mins each

ENCOUNTER S1 BO-GUM PARK, HYE-KYO SONG, JI-WON BAEK 6 Episodes / 60 mins each / K, E+

SUPERNATURAL S12 JARED PADALECKI, JENSEN ACKLES, JIM BEAVER 5 Episodes / 60 mins each / E

AMERICAN WOMAN S1 ALICIA SILVERSTONE, MENA SUVARI, JENNIFER BARTELS, MAKENNA JAMES 12 Episodes / 30 mins each / E

FULLER HOUSE S2/S3 CANDACE CAMERON BURE, JODIE SWEETIN 4 Episodes / 10 Episodes / / 30 mins each / E

9-1-1 S1 ANGELA BASSETT, PETER KRAUSE, OLIVER STARK 3 Episodes / / 60 mins each / E

GOTHAM S4 BEN MCKENZIE, DONAL LOGUE, DAVID MAZOUZ, MORENA BACCARIN 7 Episodes / / 60 mins each / E

KRYPTON S1 CAMERON CUFFE, GEORGINA CAMPBELL, SHAUN SIPOS, ANN OGBOMO, RASMUS HARDIKER 5 Episodes / / 60 mins each / E

TRAINING DAY S1 BILL PAXTON, JUSTIN CORNWELL, KATRINA LAW, JULIE BENZ, DREW VAN ACKER 7 Episodes / 60 mins each / E

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS S7 TROIAN BELLISARIO, ASHLEY BENSON, LUCY HALE, TYLER BLACKBURN 3 Episodes / 60 mins each / E

18/07/2019 11:42 AM

TV PROGRAMMES

KIDS

MARVEL'S GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 4 Episodes / PG / 30 mins each / E

BEST OF MALAYSIA

BIG CITY GREENS 2 Episodes / PG / 30 mins each / E

MALAYSIAN NATIONAL DAY SPECIAL DOCUMENTARY PG / 60 mins

FINDING MY FAITH: AYANA MOON PG / 30 mins

CHINESE

HINDI

JASON CAN'T COOK PG / 30 mins / E+

BHARTI KA SHOW PG / 60 mins

JASON'S MARKET TRAILS PG / 30 mins / E+

KANPUR WALE KHURANAS PG / 60 mins

JAPANESE

BOLLYWOOD TIMES WITH DEVANSH PATEL PG / 30 mins / E+

MUPPET BABIES 4 Episodes / PG / 30 mins each / E

TUNKU’S HOMELAND PG / 60 mins

IT’S ALIF! PG / 60 mins

FANCY NANCY 2 Episodes / PG / 30 mins each / E

BAIK PUNYA: PENANG PG / 30 mins

HELLO : FERINGGI, PENANG PG / 30 mins

TEEN TITANS GO! 4 Episodes / PG / 30 mins each / E

TRAVEL LIKE LOCAL X AUSSIE PG / 30 mins

HELO DOKTOR PG / 60 mins

AQUAMAN 3 Episodes / PG / 30 mins each / E MICKEY AND THE ROADSTER RACERS 2 Episodes / PG / 30 mins each / E

SPORT

HISTORY

FISHERMAN’S PRIDE IN HOKKAIDO PG / 30 mins / E+ A DOOR TO HOKKAIDO STILL UNSEEN PG / 30 mins / E+

DC SUPER HERO GIRLS HIGH 2 Episodes / PG / 30 mins each / E

ENEKKE VAA 2018 S2 PG / 30 mins THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS SHOW PG / 30 mins

KOREAN SHOWBIZ

CNBC TRANSCRIPT: REN ZHENGFEI, FOUNDER & CEO, HUAWEI PG / 30 mins / E

HANUMAN PG / 30 mins / E+

TRAVEL

TRAVELLING PHOTOGRAPHERS PG / 60 mins / E

THE FOOTBALL SHOW: BARCELONA PG / 60 mins / E

THE SECRET OF THE STONES 3 Episodes / PG / 30 mins each / E

THE STORY OF RUGBY PG / 60 mins / E

EMPIRE BUILDERS: JAPAN PG / 30 mins / E

SCIENCE & TECH

RELIGIOUS

TRAVELLING IN THE 70S PG / 60 mins / E

SAM SMITH: LIVE IN LONDON PG / 60 mins / E

ARIANA GRANDE: LIVE IN LONDON PG / 60 mins / E

THE EDGE: THE FUTURE OF PAYMENT PG / 30 mins / E

OUTLOOK ADVERTISING PG / 30 mins / E

MANAGING ASIA PG / 30 mins / E

MY LITTLE OLD BOY PG / 100 mins / E+ MASTER IN THE HOUSE PG / 100 mins / E+

PLANET EARTH II: ISLAND PG / 60 mins / E

BUSINESS SOUNDSTAGE

LIFESTYLE

NATURAL WORLD

THE SCORE: NBA'S EXPANSION PLANS PG / 30 mins / E

STRAWS PG / 30 mins / E

DOOR TO DOOR EBIT LIEW S2 PG / 30 mins / E,

THE BIG BLOOM: A SCIENTIFIC ODYSSEY PG / 60 mins / E

SYARIAH MEJA BULAT PG / 30 mins / E,

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TAMIL MARVEL'S SPIDER-MAN 2 Episodes / PG / 30 mins each / E

DAVID ATTENBOROUGH’S NATURAL CURIOSITIES PG / 30 mins / E

FIND ME A CLASSIC: MORGAN PG / 30 mins / E TOP GEAR: EXTRA GEAR S4 2 Episodes / PG / 30 mins each / E

ARABIC ALMOREED PG / 30 mins / E+

FRENCH FLAVORS OF CORSICA PG / 30 mins

ROA’A PG / 30 mins / E+

For the complete list of TV programmes, please refer to your in-flight entertainment system.

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18/07/2019 11:42 AM

AUDIO ON-DEMAND + RADIO CHANNELS

THE HITS

RHYTHM & BLUES

Radio Channels

RS

CHART TOPPERS

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including... Joanne Shaw Taylor (above), Macy Gray, Leon Bridges, Charlie Wilson, Alicia Keys, Stan Walker

including... Meghan Trainor, NJWA, FRENSHIP, Passion Pit, Juke Ross, James Arthur, AJ Mitchell, Kygo, DJ Khaled, Zara Larsson, Pentatonix, blink-182, Louis Tomlinson, PRETTYMUCH, Russ, X Lovers, GoldLink Ft. Maleek Berry & Bibi Bourelly, Becky G

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goingplacesmagazine.com | 86 | August 2019

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MANDARIN

RELAX

including... Izzy Bizu (above), Dennis Lloyd, Vampire Weekend, PRETTYMUCH, Conrad Sewell, DJ Khaled, FRENSHIP, Yeasayer, Sara Bareilles, Khalid, LSD Ft. Sia, Diplo and Labrinth, AJR

including... A-Lin (above), Vanness Wu, Jolin Tsai, Eric Chou, Maggie Chiang, A-Do, Valen Hsu, Karen Mok, Rainie Yang, Jeff Chang, Xue Zhi Qian, Coco Lee

including... Hauschka (above), Sleepy John, Jean-Michel Jarre, Emerson Phillips, Jens Buchert, Michelle Qureshi, Fiona Joy, Sherry Finzer

JAZZ

KOREAN

MEMORIES

including... Branford Marsalis Quartet (above), Dato Mokhzani Ismail, Julian Lage, Cyrille Aimee, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Thomas Quasthoff, Van Morrison & Joey DeFrancesco, Nostalgia 77, Dizzy Gillespie

including... BOYCOLD (above), A.C.E, EXID, SEONGRI, Jung Dongha & Oh Jun Sung

including... DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (above), Earth,Wind & Fire, Oasis, Cyndi Lauper, Celine Dion, Scott McKenzie, Jennifer Lopez, Journey, Train

CLASSICAL

including... Khatia Buniatishvili, Olga Peretyatko, Christian Thielemann & Wiener Philharmoniker, 2CELLOS, Lang Lang, Leonard Bernstein, Stuart Skelton, West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Asher Fisch

WORLD including... BEN&BEN, Swarasia, Il Volo, At Adau, Ricky Martin, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra

KIDS including... Fairy Tales for Kids, Kids & Fairy Tales, Captain Allen Swift, The Wiggles, Little Feet Music, Sreejoni Nag, ABC Kids

NASYID

including... Raef, Mohamed Tarek, Hafiz Hamidun, Opick, Maher Zain, Ustaz Abdullah Fahmi, Inteam, Mesut Kurtis, Haddad Alwi, Nowseeheart, Lah Ahmad

JAPANESE including... Luna Haruna, BLUE ENCOUNT, Sawano Hiroyuki[nZk], SEKAI NO OWARI, OH MY GIRL, GOT7, Misia, Mika Nakashima, Nogizaka46, Shota Shimizu

CANTONESE

including... Leo Ku, Pakho Chau, Jason Chan, Phil Lam, Candy Lo, Hacken Lee, Sandy Lam, Leon Lai, Cass Phang, Ekin Cheng

INDONESIAN

including... The Overtunes, Ardhito Pramono, Ari Lasso, Bunga Citra Lestari, Isyana Sarasvati, Judika, Sheila On 7

HINDI including... Luka Chuppi, Simmba, Zero, Namaste England, Mitron, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Yours Truly Arijit, Vol.2, Jab Harry Met Sejal (OMPS)

TAMIL including... Kuttram Seiyel.

Seethakaathi, Playlist & Chill, The Ultimate Feel Good Mixtape, All About Love: Yuvanshankar Raja

(Not available in A350)

MALAY FAVOURITES

MALAY including... Alif/SonaOne, Dayang Nurfaizah, Ziana Zain, Misha Omar, Exists, Yuna & Orkestra Simfoni Kebangsaan, Datuk Ahmad Jais, Malique

PLAYLIST

(Only available in A350)

including... For The Throne (Music Inspired by HBO's Game of Thrones), 2010s Hits, Rock Classico, Throwback Thursday R&B Jams, No.1 The Champions, 1990s XL, 10 Years of Mom+Pop

CLUB

(Not available in A350)

including... Gareth Emery & Ashley Wallbridge (above), Flume, Crooked Colours, Gesaffelstein, Big Wild, Martin Garrix, Paces, Danny Byrd, Friction, Pola & Bryson, Paul Kalkbrenner

(Only available in A350)

including... Vampire Weekend, Yeasayer, Cage The Elephant, Nick Waterhouse, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Sundara Karma, White Lies, Bring Me The Horizon, FIDLAR

TALK RADIO

(Only available in A350)

including... Flight of the Conchords, Jerry Stiller & Anne Meara, Joan Rivers

including... Willie Nelson, Maren Morris, Kane Brown, Loretta Lynn, Connie Smith, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jason Aldean

COMEDY

(Not available in A350)

including... Flight of the Conchords, Jerry Stiller & Anne Meara, Joan Rivers, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Bocey

LIGHT & EASY including... Susan Boyle, Cate Le Bon, Yann Tiersen, Dami Im, Barbra Streisand, The Piano Guys, EB Duet, Human Nature, The Script

SOUNDTRACK (Not available in A350)

including... Tolkien (OMPS), The World of Hans Zimmer - A Symphonic Celebration (Live), Creed II (OMPS), James Horner - The Classics, The Rick & Morty Soundtrack, Moonlight Cinema

Audio On-Demand segments depend on your aircraft type. Please refer to your in-flight entertainment system to see which segments are available to you.

_Aug 2019_GPE.indd 86

POP ASIA including... BTS, EXID, G.E.M. 鄧紫棋, CoCo Lee, Aimer, Ceng Le Tong, A-Lin, Hinatazaka46, ATEEZ, SEONGRI, AKKOGORILLA, Kaho Takada, A.C.E, Big Marvel, Babylon, Eve Ai, Jacky Wu, Zhang Jing Xuan

COUNTRY

(Not available in A350)

(Not available in A350)

ROCK

including... Sufian Suhaimi, Jaz, Alif Satar, Raihan, Fariz Jabba, Afgan, Isyana Sarasvati, Rendy Pandugo, Amylea, Insomniacks, Jaclyn Victor, Aiman Tino, Khai Bahar Ft. Fatin Husna, B-Heart, Dayang Nurfaizah

HINDI RHYTHMS Including... Aastha Gill, Darshan Raval, Sunidhi Chauhan/Navraj Hans, Guru Randhawa, Bhanu X, Arijit Singh, Qaran Ft. Ash King, Tony Kakkar/Neha Kakkar/ Young Desi, Javed/Mohsin

GOLDEN ERA including... Whitney Houston, The Pointer Sisters, Michael Bolton, Toto, Mariah Carey, Scorpions, Bonnie Tyler, Wild Cherry, KC & The Sunshine Band, The Hues Corporation, Air Supply

ROCK ARENA including... Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, David Bowie, Horror My Friend, Silversun Pickups, Incubus, Kyle Craft, Dylan LeBlanc, Pearl Jam, Julia Shapiro, Bruce Springsteen, Blue Oyster Cult, The Raconteurs Passengers with AVOD can enjoy a host of radio shows across a range of genres. Channel numbers depend on the aircraft. Check your aircraft type and then on your in-flight entertainment system to find out.

18/07/2019 11:42 AM

ARTIST OF THE MONTH Dato' Mokhzani Ismail's solo piano album The Great Wall Comes Alive is playing onboard. Check the audio section in your in-flight entertainment system for channel information.

How did your career in music begin?

My father played the violin in his younger days, and when I was eight, he bought a piano for himself to learn and asked me to take up violin.

After a few months, I gave up and tried the piano instead, discovering that I could play any melody I heard on my father’s turntable by ear and memory – anything from joget and asli zapin to Latin repertoires, rhumba, mambo and cha-cha.

Upon entering the Specialist Teacher Training College in 1980, I realised I could not progress much without being able to read music notes, so I was sent for a crash course on playing the piano professionally and reading music notes while working as a music teacher until 1986.

I received a MARA scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music, Boston in 1987. This was where I learned jazz piano from some of the world’s best teachers like Prof. Ray Santisi (who taught Keith Jarrett and Diana Krall), Prof. Bob Winter and Prof. Laszlo Gardony. I also studied orchestral arrangement under Prof. Bob Freeman, who produced Wynton Marsalis’ album.

Returning to Malaysia in 1990, I performed in hotels for a few months before being invited to be RTM Orchestra’s pianist in 1991. I had the

_Aug 2019_GPE.indd 87

The RTM Orchestra is Malaysia’s oldest music orchestra. Having led them for 20 years now, what are some of the biggest changes you have observed?

In the old days, RTM was undoubtedly popular, being the only broadcasting station in the country. Things were much easier then. Now, there are many new private broadcasting stations coming up with fresh content.

In order to compete and stay relevant, we produced albums and hosted mega concerts.

We also participated in prestigious music festivals such as the KL International Jazz Festival, Bangkok International Jazz Festival, Jakarta Jazz Festival and Java International Jazz Festival. Having celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011, RTM Orchestra is the oldest orchestra in Malaysia.

What are some of the most memorable moments of your career?

Apart from leading the RTM Orchestra, I conducted the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra for Chris Botti’s world tour in 2011. I was also a speaker at the International Music Conference in Glasgow, Scotland and Lyon, France in 2014.

The following year, I was appointed International Piano Ambassador for German piano brand Hagspiel and got to perform live at the Great Wall of China. I travelled to many cities across China to conduct talks and masterclasses in jazz improvisation, and also managed to record

Name some of the award shows where you were invited to be a judge.

I was honoured to have been a judge in award shows like the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Song Festival in Bangkok, Hanoi and Jakarta. In Malaysia, I’ve been invited to TV3’s Anugerah Juara Lagu, Astro’s Gegar Vaganza and RTM’s own programmes such as Bintang RTM. Who are some figures in the music world that you admire and what do you admire about them?

I am a great fan of modern jazz pianist Bill Evans and the greatest pianist of all time, Oscar Peterson. I admire Bill and Oscar’s artistry. Listening to them creates ideas in my playing, pushing me to practise more. I would listen to the record, try to absorb its essence and then apply it to my playing. I do listen to other genres of good music as well, not forgetting classical masters such as Bach, Beethoven, Debussy and Brahms.

What inspires you in your music and your life?

My main inspiration would have to be my family. They have always been there throughout my career for all of its ups and downs. Also, not to forget, my followers who have always appreciated my music.

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honour of conducting RTM Orchestra at Konsert Senada Seirama in Indonesia in 1993 and the Bangkok International Jazz Festival in 1996.

By 1998, at the age of 36, I was appointed RTM Orchestra’s youngest music director.

In 2017, I was awarded the Grand Master Brand Icon Leadership Award by Brand Laureate and was appointed an adjunct music professor at UPSI.

You regularly post videos of yourself playing the piano on Facebook. What are you working on at the moment?

Apart from being RTM Orchestra’s music director, I travel to China frequently as Hagspiel’s brand ambassador. Facebook is how I stay in touch with my followers, wherever I may be. I will be leaving RTM in a few years and I hope to leave behind a legacy to inspire young musicians in Malaysia. My hope is that my successors can bring RTM Orchestra to even greater heights in the future. w

Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Kampung Alor Lancang, Jejawi, Perlis in 1962 as the second and youngest child to a pair of teachers. I was a real kampung (village) boy, growing up surrounded by paddy fields and a serene environment. Today, I am a husband and a father of two. My son just graduated from flying school and my daughter is entering her fourth year of medical school in Dublin, Ireland.

my solo piano album titled The Great Wall Comes Alive.

w

Composer, arranger, conductor and talented jazz pianist Dato’ Mokhzani Ismail had the honour of being appointed the youngest Music Director of RTM Orchestra, the longest-running orchestra in Malaysia, just over 30 years ago.

This month, Going Places shines a spotlight on where his long and illustrious career has taken him, and his views on the local music industry.

What is the local music industry like for classical and jazz musicians?

Unlike in America or Europe, the small Malaysian music scene doesn’t allow musicians or singers to focus on a single genre. Only the versatile can succeed here. You can’t force people to change their musical tastes, but over time, you can educate them to choose good music.

What do you think of the pool of musical talent available now in Malaysia?

We have a lot of young talent locally, but the music scene is small and the chances for them to move forward are limited by the number of platforms available for them to portray their talents. ■

18/07/2019 11:42 AM

Happenings In Malaysia + Around The World

SEEN+HEARD

Performance Redefined

goingplacesmagazine.com | 88 | August 2019

Stylish Timepieces Renowned Swiss watchmaking brand Franck Muller opened its third boutique in Singapore at Jewel Changi Airport earlier this year. Spanning a space of over 75 square metres, the cosy boutique is elegantly and stylishly decorated to provide ardent horologists with a sense of comfort and privacy as they examine Franck Muller’s exquisite timepieces. Signature pieces are placed in specially crafted showcases lining the boutique walls. Some of the collections available here include the emblematic Vanguard, iconic Cintrée Curvex, geometrically balanced Master Square and the Art Deco-inspired Long Island.

The store also exclusively carries the sparkling diamond Vanguard Lady.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched the latest additions to the Mercedes-AMG family at the Sepang International Circuit recently. Sales & Marketing Vice President Mark Raine introduced the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S four-door Coupé as well as the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S and C 63 S Coupé to guests and the media. Combining racetrack performance with excellent comfort and versatility, the GT four-door Coupé is a true embodiment of all the qualities that make a superb Gran Turismo machine. Sporting powerful V8 engines and a new motorsport aesthetic, the C 63 S variants offer redesigned drive programmes that allow for a customisable driving experience, with drive modes such as Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Individual and the exclusive new Race mode.

Heroic Figure Brand New Look In line with the Commercial Reset Strategy being undertaken by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad and its subsidiaries, its retail arm, Malaysia Airports Niaga, better known as Eraman, has undergone a rebranding exercise after 25 years in the business to improve its brand presence and awareness among travellers. Sporting a contemporary new logo in a more vibrant shade of purple, the rebranding promises improved customer experience through digital and experiential marketing, changes to the staff uniform designs, a redesigned façade for Eraman stores, expansion in outlet spaces, as well as the rearranging of product categories for better store layout and appearance.

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In conjunction with the release of this year’s X-Men film Dark Phoenix, Royal Selangor collaborated with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia to create limited edition Phoenix Arising figurines. Imbued with the cosmic powers of the mysterious Phoenix Force, the telepathic and telekinetic Jean Grey becomes one of the most powerful mutants in the Marvel Universe at the cost of struggling to hold on to her fragile psyche and humanity.

Rising dramatically with wings of flames, a total of 999 individually numbered pieces of this 1/8 pewter sculpture were made and are available for order at any Royal Selangor retail store and at its online store.

18/07/2019 11:31 AM