360 Celsius | #21 | AUG - SEP 2013 by 360 Celsius

t h e 3 6 0 m a l ay s i a n e x p e r i e n c e

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER • 2013 | WM RM8.80 EM RM9.80

HEART WIRED LIFE AND LOVE ON THE CIRCUIT BOARDS

AND IN THE CLOUDS

CONNECTING THE .COMS

INSIGHTS TO A PIONEERING B2B NETWORK

SOCIAL MACHINES

EXISTING IN SYNC WITH TODAY’S WORLD

LOOKING THROUGH

OUR LIVES IN AUGMENTED REALITY

KDN-PP 17360/05/2013 (032539)

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION PRINCE COURT MEDICAL CENTRE IS NOW THE WORLD’Si NO.1 please visit 360celsius.com for more!

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theteam share the experience

THE TEAM we share the experience OWNED BY 360 Celsius Sdn Bhd (933105-P) K-7-6 Block K, Solaris Mont Kiara, Jalan Solaris 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. T : 603 6203 0184 / 0186 F : 603 6203 0108

Managerial Group CEO- Publisher Farbod Sadeghian Editor in Chief Kenneth Lim Executive P.A. to the Publisher Sarah A. Abbas Finance Director Alireza V Jahromi Marketing Head of Business Development (International) Erwin Marcov Head of Business Development (Malaysia) Carissa Koh Assistant Business Development & Sales Manager Kazaf Tan Head of Marketing & Communication Simone Coletta Advertising Sales Executive Elahe Ahmadi Circulation Sarah A. Abbas FASHION Head of Business Development Pegah Pourmond

Editorial Editor Kogi Vijay Writer Azral Abdul Hanan Creative Art Director Mim Abdullah Graphic Designer Khaliesah Ahmad Online Media Alfred Giovanni Print & Media Consultant Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Seri Mohamad Radhi Abdullah Board of Directors Sai Darshan Gunasingam R. Bayat

DISCLAIMER Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of 360 Celsius Sdn Bhd or its staff and no liability ever deemed accepted. No responsibility is attributed whatsoever for unsolicited material. All letters and materials forwarded to us are assumed intended for publication unless otherwise stated. Contents may not be reproduced in any form, in whole or part, without our prior written permission and consent. ÂŠ All rights are hence reserved.

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Damier Tourbillon

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ed’snote introducing the experience

SOCIAL ‘VANIA’ Vain Maniacs – if you are not one of them, then you’re probably surrounded by them. But while it is obvious that my lack of thought in attempting to come up with a title for this note has resulted in the juvenile abomination that is ‘Vania’, the meaning behind that tortured pun represents a significant part of our First World concerns. Love it or hate it, Social Media is here to stay for the foreseeable future. But one of the worst things about Social Media is that we are all connected to people who we simply cannot afford to remove from our Social Media lives, simply because it would affect our relationships in real life. Along with other technological advancements, from vibrating underwear to Augmented Reality glasses, the cutting edge technology that we can access in this day and age can do just as much good as it can do harm. So if you cringe at social media activities like ‘selfies’, flash mobs, fake humility, gross public displays of affection, overzealous religious views, really bad covers of your favourite songs, and Candy Crush requests, then my advice for you would be to either emotionally detach yourself from it all or shut up and take it like a good girl. After all, I’m sure that we can all agree that we wouldn’t want to attract the wrong attention by making or breaking the wrong connections. With that in mind, I sincerely hope that you enjoy the rest of this magazine so much that you “Like” and “Follow” us (360 Celsius) on Facebook.

DROP A LINE TO THE EDITOR editorial@360celsius.com

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Kthxbye :)

• the editor •

Want to share your thoughts with us? Send them to feedback@360celsius.com.

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360mailman we want to hear from you

The 360 CELSIUS malaysian experience Tell us about your Malaysian experience at www.360celsius.com/experience

EXCITING PRIZES AWAIT THE LETTER OF THE MONTH! We’ve got loads of free stuff in here to give to you, our valued readers, from grooming products to health spa vouchers to bottles of wine and dining invitations. All you have to do to get one is tell us how you feel about our magazine - love it or hate it, it’s all good, just be clever about it - and get your letter chosen as our favourite of the month. It’s that simple! You can also find our Facebook fan page at www.360celsius. com for exclusive updates and prizes. Be sure to include your full name, MyKad number, age, address, email and contact details. Don’t Miss Out!

SEND IN YOUR THOUGHTS, SUGGESTIONS & QUESTIONS OVER TO US AT info@360celsius.com OR BY POST TO 360 Celsius Magazine K-7-6 Block K, Solaris Mont Kiara, Jalan Solaris 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

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360HIGHLIGHTS

grab AND WIN your experience

™ ELYSIUM Release Date: 22 AUGUST 2013 Genre: ACTION/DRAMA/SCI-FI

In the year 2159, two classes of people exist: the very wealthy, who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth. Secretary Delacourt (Jodie Foster) will stop at nothing to preserve the luxurious lifestyle of the citizens of Elysium – but that doesn’t stop the people of Earth from trying to get in by any means they can. Max (Matt Damon) agrees to take on a life-threatening mission, one that could bring equality to these polarized worlds. Answer the questions and complete the slogan below to stand a chance to win exclusive prizes! What is the name of the corporation responsible for constructing the man-made space station in the film Elysium? A] Armadillo Corporation B] Armano Corporation C] Armageddon Corporation D] Armadyne Corporation Complete the slogan below in no more than 20 words: If I could construct a pristine man-made space station like Elysium, I would...

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lucky winners will each receive the following ELYSIUM merchandize:

ONE Grand Prize: 1x Limited Edition Elysium Canvas Backpack worth RM 400 each

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1st Runner-Up: 1 x Limited Edition Elysium Wireless Mouse worth RM 300 each

THREE 2nd Runner-Up: 1x Limited Edition Elysium Cap worth RM 150 each

Rules and regulations

This contest is only open to Malaysian citizens and permanent residents aged 18 and above. The closing date for entries is Friday, 9 August 2013. All winners will be notified by telephone by Monday, 12 August 2013 unless stated otherwise. Winners will be selected on their correct answer and most creative slogan. Prizes not collected by 1 February 2013 will be forfeited. Prizes are not exchangeable with cash. The promoter (360 Celsius) reserves the right to substitute the prize with another of the same value should the prize for some reason become unavailable. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entertained. Employees of 360 Celsius, their direct family members, sponsors and their advertising agencies are not eligible to participate.

++ Email your reply to our editor, kenneth@360celsius.com

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER’13 CONTENTS

Editor’s Note ...................................................................10 Roundtable .......................................................................17 Bulletin ............................................................................18 Soundscape Album Review .....................................................................22

Scripts & Stories

MOVIES Film To Fashion How the silverscreen shaped our sense of style ..........................................24 BOOK

Social Media ........................................30

CREATIVE ARTIST

Great Malaysia Contemporary Art The Malaysia Expo Sept’ 13 .......................34

Aura APPS

Chillout Smart The Apps we confide ................................70

Watch Ladies First Mademoiselles, Start Dropping Those Hints ............................................91 The Imperial Tourbillon It’s Time for The Stührling Original Tourbillon Line ........................................107 Showcase Celebrating The Eternal City A Congregation Of Fashion’s Finest .............108

KEEP FIT Feet Are Made For Walking And That’s Just How You Will burn Calories ....................................72

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TIPS Good Netiquette: Now There’s An App For That Etiquette In The Social Media Web-Sphere ...........................................74

STYLE shoot Behold The Modern Tradition Four Decades In The Making ......................78

it list

A Wanderer Between Cultures camel active Spring/Summer 2013 .............94 Women .................................................90 Men ....................................................104

Trendspotting Women A Rite Of Passage For The Fashion Lover ..........................................88 Sky’s Out Thighs Out ................................89

Men Cut A Long Story Short ............................105 Six Shades Of Style ................................106

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The list Sink Into Bliss Rub-A-Dub-Dub, In A Hedonistic Tub ...........112 Rest Your Rear .....................................114 Futuristic Functionality .........................116

innotech gadgets

Through The Looking Glass And Down The Rabbit Hole .........................118

A ‘Tap’ On The Wrist The Times They Are-A-Changin’ ..................122

mobilize Light Is Right The Secret Behind The Lightweight Lotus .......................................124 Moving Forth Land Rover’s Legacy Lives On .....................................................126 Driving Out Of The Box Living The Life With The Volvo V60 T5 ...........................................128

post events KLFW 2013 Ft. Lotus @ Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur ...........................................................138 Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2013 @ Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur ..........................................................140 Charles & Keith Autumn 2013 @ Publika, Kuala Lumpur ...........................................................142 Hilton Petaling Jaya Corporate Cocktail @ Hilton Petaling Jaya, Petaling Jaya ............................................143

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;13 FEATURE/CONTENTS

Feature cover story Heart-Wired Exploring The Future Frontier Of Robot Relationships, Artificial Affection And Synthetic Sexuallity ..........................42

The Art Of Connecting Dotcoms Insights From Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pioneering B2B Network .........................................52 Extra Mileage Clicking With Ashley Khoo Of Person Edge .........................................56 Delectables beverage

Lustrous Reserve Golden Moments with Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Limited Edition ..........130

Sugar, Flour & Fun Kitchen Gadgets, Kitchen Utensils And Baking Tools .................................134

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ON THE COVER We have evolved from social beings into social machines. And to express that evolutionary step, we got veteran photographer Bonnie Yap to shoot the beautiful Ms Maribel S from ML Model for the cover, while the nifty designs on her skin were skillfully created by talented airbrush artist Paul (Paul Airbrushing Page on FB).

THEroundtable THE all round experience

THE ROUNDTABLE live the experience

WE AT 360 Celsius ARE PLOTTING TO BRING YOU A TRUE MALAYSIAN EXPERIENCE! A HIGH ENERGY INTERACTIVE SESSION WE WOULD LIKE TO CALL ‘360 Roundtable’, AND IT WILL BE HELD AT VARIOUS LANDMARK VENUES ON THE LAST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH WHERE YOU CAN EXPERIENCE AND EXERCISE THE KEY PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL INTERACTION WITH THOSE WHO MATTER! That’s right! The 360 Roundtable will literally be a roundtable session. You’re invited to join us with your imaginative ideas to help us achieve our visions and enhance the organization’s creative energy and goals. Of course, you also stand a chance to win some really cool prizes. So stay tuned to our Facebook page to make sure you don’t miss out on any of these great exepriences!

Relate your experience to us at: www.360celsius.com/experience

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360bulletin MAKE THIS your experience

calendar august/ september 2013

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INVISIBLE FRIENDS, ELECTRIC SKIES & OTHER MONOLOGUES

Invisible Friends, Electric Skies and other Monologues (Workshop Performance) TEDxKL 2013

TEDxKL 2013

ONE If you’re looking to enrich your life with revolutionary ideas, look no further than TEDxKL which will be entering its fourth edition this year. Revolving around the topic of ‘life hacking’, speakers this year include Peter Sage – Principal and Chairman of Space Energy Group, Anthony Evans – Co-founder of Glowing Plants, Jonathan Buford – Founder of Makible Low Cost 3D Printers, Rizal van Geyzel – Standup Comedian, Goodlers, musicians Cheryl Tan with Az Samad and many more! Oh, and while your brain is getting that workout, rest assured you won’t go hungry, as snacks and dinner will be served.

Date: 03 August 2013 Time: 1.00pm – 7.00pm Tickets: RM150 Venue: Mid Valley Exhibition Centre (Hall 2 - Conference, Hall 3 - Exhibition)

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TWO If it’s fun for the family your looking for, this event looks to please with select monologues by popular names such as Roald Dahl, Alan Ayckbourn and even pop artistes such as the PussyCat Dolls. Directed by Mark beau De Silva, this performance features the Actors Studio Academy’s Children’s Ensemble which comprises talented kids aged between 7 and 15.

Date: 03 & 04 August 2013 Time: 1.00pm Venue: Indicine, KLPAC Tickets: RM10

AIR SUPPLY WORLD TOUR

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GOOD VIBES FESTIVAL

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Air Supply World Tour

If the Good Vibes Festival is not your cup or tea, you might want to catch Air Supply as the veteran duo return to Malaysia after 3 years to serve up their brand of evergreen romantic songs. FOUR

Date: 17 August 2013 Time: 8.00pm Tickets: RM183 – RM653

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FIGURATIVE TRAJECTORIES EXHIBITION

Figurative Trajectories Exhibition Good Vibes Festival

THREE If you haven’t heard, the Smashing Pumpkins are coming to town, and are the obvious headliners for this festival which is taking place this September in Sepang. Other international acts to look forward to include Modest Mouse, Japandroids and Ash, and local names include the likes of Liyana Fizi, Kyoto Protocol and They Will Kill Us All among others.

Date: 17 August 2013 Time: 4.00pm till late Tickets: RM128 – RM258 Venue: Sepang International Kart Circuit

FIVE If you’re into abstract art, be sure to swing by this exhibition which will be featuring works by movers and shakers in the contemporary Malaysian art scene – such as Chong Kim Chiew, Siund Tan, Yeoh Choo Kuan, Seah Ze Lin, Sun Kang Jye, C.K Koh, and Gan Tee Seng.

Date: 17 August 2013 – 8 September 2013 Time: 11am – 5pm Venue: G13 Gallery, GL13,Ground Floor, Block B, Kelana Square, Jalan SS7/26, 47301 Kelana Jaya, Selangor. (behind Paradigm Mall)

SEND IN YOUR PRESS REALESE, INVITATION & EVENT LISTS TO feedback@360celsius.com

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360bulletin MAKE THIS your experience

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METALLICA FINALLY!

Metallica! Finally! PUBLIKA BON ODORI SUMMER FEST 2013

Publika Bon Odori Summer Fest 2013

If you’re a Japanophile you’ve most likely heard of the Bon Odori festival which takes place every summer as a reminder of the gratefulness one should feel towards one’s ancestors. Boasted as one of the biggest Bon Odori celebrations outside Japan, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia and The Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur bring you the very best of the festival this August which will showcase exotic Japanese are, food, drinks and performing arts. SIX

seven ‘Yeah’, after passing by Malaysia numerous times over the past decade, they’re finally coming down for a show this August. Grab your kapak (axe) and start chugging out those riffs, it’s time to exit light and enter Metallica!

Date: 21 August 2013 Time: 9.00pm Tickets: RM198 – RM683 Venue: Stadium Merdeka

George Benson Inspirational Tour – Live in Malaysia

The living jazz legend is set to grace us with his presence this August. Don’t miss out on this chance to catch one of the world’s best known musicians whose music is most definitely timeless. eight

Date: 24 August 2013 Time: 4.30pm – 9.30pm Venue: The Square, Publika Web: www.tourism.gov.my

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Date: 28 August 2013 Time: 8.30pm Tickets: RM161 – RM501 Venue: Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

The Phat Fabes & Ben Show

For those of you who can’t get enough of this dynamic duo’s antics on radio, catch them as they go live on NTV7, and bring you their take on current issues, pull a few pranks, and bring a stellar cast of Malaysian celebrities onto the show. Oh, and by staying, you stand to win attractive prizes! nine

Matta Fair 2013

Date: Runs until End of August Time: 9.00pm on Wednesdays Channel: NTV7

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ten In case you missed the jaw dropping deals at the event earlier this year, you’re in luck, Matta Fair returns this September with more crazy bargains for all you globe-trotters out there!

Date: 06 September 2013 – 08 September 2013 Time: 11.00am – 10.30pm Venue: Putra World Trade Centre

Tony Bennett Live in Kuala Lumpur 2013

Get ready for a romantic evening with as Tony Bennett is set to make his way down to KL with special guest star Antonia Bennett. If jazz and classic crooner numbers are your thing, you will definitely find just that at this gig!

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THE PHAT FABES & BEN SHOW

Date: 09 September 2013 Time: 8.30pm Venue: Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Tickets: RM250 – RM850

SEND IN YOUR PRESS REALESE, INVITATION & EVENT LISTS TO feedback@360celsius.com

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soundscapealbum.reviews text angelo manuel & kogi vijay images various sources

MAGNA CARTA HOLY GRAIL by JAY-Z

Leave it to rapper Jay-Z to remind us he’s still got what it takes to top the charts. Heck, his latest work Magna Carta Holy Grail shot right to the no.1 spot of the Billboard charts – selling 528,000 copies in its first week alone, and setting a record on Spotify with 14 million plays in the same period. So what makes this album so impressive you ask? Well, for one it’s filled with the rappers trademark wit, lots of pop-culture references even old fans can relate to (for instance the instantly identifiable chorus of Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana, and collaborations with heavyweights such as Timbaland and J-Roc who produced the title track. LISTEN TO: “Holy Grail”, “Nickels and Dimes”, “Oceans”, “F.U.T.W”

BEST OF LIVE AT THE APOLLO: 50th ANNIVERSARY BY JAMES BROWN Some artistes sound best live, and that certainly goes for James Brown – especially with regard to his performances in the Apollo Theater in Harlem where he’s played some 600 shows. The album presents a ‘best of’ selection featuring some of Brown’s performances at the venue as far back as 1959. Suffice to say, if you’re a hardcore fan, you’ve definitely got to have this to complete your James Brown collection. LISTEN TO: “Sex Machine”, “Please, Please, Please”, “Night Train”, “I’ll Go Crazy”

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LIVE IN NYC by JANE’S ADDICTION

WELCOME OBLIVION BY HOW TO DESTROY ANGELS

Breaking up and re-forming numerous times is something Jane’s addiction, but those of us who remember them from their heyday in the 80s and 90s will agree that their live shows are awesome. This Live in NYC compilation features the band’s works from their first three albums – bringing you an awesome trip down memory lane, complete with instantly distinguishable riffs by Dave Nevarro and Perry Farrel going all out and unhinged.

You definitely won’t hear this on Malaysian airwaves, that’s for sure. Some exotic animal will sprout wings and fly before we get a dose of post-industrial music here. Regardless, you Nine Inch Nails (NIN) and Trent Reznor fans will definitely want to get your hands on this one. To those new to How To Destroy Angels, think an ominous NIN with haunting female vocals (courtesy of Reznor’s wife) to seal the deal.

LISTEN TO: “Three Days”, “Just Because”, “Irresistable Force (Met the Immovable Object), “Ocean Size”

LISTEN TO: “Keep it Together”, “Too Late, All Gone”, “How Long”, “Strings and Attractors”

P r o f e s s i o n a l Vi d e o & A u d i o P r o d u c t i o n s

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scripts&storiesMOVIE text azral hanan images various sources

FROM SCREEN TO SCREEN OUR ARTIFICIAL LIVES AS PORTRAYED BY ARTIFICIAL CHARACTERS The advent of the digital age brings with it both infinite and frightening possibilities and Hollywood has been quick to capitalize on not only the potential, but the fears. Themes of entrapment and addiction in a virtual world, of technological isolation from reality and direct personal relationships despite being wired to online communities, and the fear that someday we will all become slaves to the machine - have all been a rich ground of inspiration for filmmakers. These are some of their highlighted offerings on the new technological frontier we are upon.

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The Social Network (2010)

Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Joseph Mazello

The rise of Facebook, as directed by David Fincher, it provides an interesting glimpse into how things could have been behind the scenes. Some aspects were clearly dramatized for film of course, but overall it was an enjoyable journey into how a group of young undergraduates seemingly came up with a neat concept, implemented it and reaped the rewards. Then we got to see the jealousies, greed and betrayal that come along with such unbelievable success. The problem is that as the screenwriters and the principal characters that the story is derived from have admitted - most of it is fiction. The character of Zuckerberg is portrayed as a bit of an awkward nerd and social outcast, almost like someone with Aspergers – of course

there is no way of knowing if it even resembles the real Zuckerberg who is alive and well. There is almost this notion that in the film, Zuckerberg is slowly alienating his friends and losing touch with those who had been closest to him – by apparently taking all the credit for Facebook. In the end, the only way he can connect with someone is through his Facebook page. One also notices that everyone talks at a fast pace, almost like they’re all on drugs. It didn’t seem like anyone was even listening to each other either. A small complaint perhaps. Also college graduates certainly do not talk in clever quips like that. So, it’s next to useless as a means for others to find out how Zuckerberg did it on his way to

being the world’s youngest billionaire. Facebook itself was not revolutionary. Social media sites and instant messaging did exist before FB; I know because I used many of them back then. Also, had the film come out today, it is doubtful it would have been as successful. Facebook’s public listing and the public relations disaster revolving around its privacy settings and datamining activities, has tarnished the social media giant’s brand somewhat. It’s still a behemoth, but the thorn in its paw is hurting. This is a film about unlikeable people screwing other unlikeable people, and ending up all rich and alone. Definitely the Citizen Kane of our time. Honestly I’d give both a miss.

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Me and You and Everyone We know (2005)

Miranda July, John Hawkes, Miles Thompson, Brandon Ratcliff, Natasha Slayton, Najarra Townsend, Carlie Westerman, and JoNell Kennedy

Unlike many others of its kind, this is not a film that dwells on the dangers of cyberspace or internet addiction. Instead, it’s an offbeat look at seemingly ordinary people navigating the web of their tangled lives despite some unorthodox behavior and attitudes. At the core of this film, it is about the individuals and how they try to make sense of their relationships and finding out what’s important to them.

Peter becomes the test subject for the sexual experimentations of two neighbourhood girls, who in turn are hoping to seduce an older boy into a liaison, while also flirting with Richard’s co-worker (yeah the pervert). Meanwhile, Richard tries to burn his hand in front of his boys. Robby chats with a much older woman online and even agrees to meet up. Christine starts to stalk Richard. There’s more but that’s the gist of it.

This critically acclaimed effort won awards at Sundance and Cannes and comes highly recommended by many critics including the late Roger Ebert.

The problem is that featuring underage fellatio/sex, teenage virgins seducing perverts and online hardcore chats involving adults and six year olds talking about scatological acts of love will sort of besmirch and befuddle the rest of the film’s message – something to do with alienation, loneliness and reaching out I think.

The film meanders through the interweaving stories of the various characters. There is Richard the shoe salesman and his two boys, Peter who is fourteen and Robby who is six. They live in an apartment together after Richard was thrown out by his wife. Later, he meets Christine, a video performance artist and cab driver. Christine is in fact played by the writer and director Miranda July.

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A typical romance-slash-find-meaning-in-life story is given a pretentious makeover and presented in an oddball package of too many plots and vague resolutions. In other words, even the critics sometimes get it wrong.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This look has become the standard for sophisticated evening wear for years to come even till today.â&#x20AC;?

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Antitrust (2001)

Ryann Philippe, Tim Robbins, Rachael Leigh Cook, Claire Forlani Once upon a time, when the dotcom boom was young, an Empire arose. This was a time when the Internet was at snail’s pace, a.k.a. dialup, and people chatted through ICQ and IRC. The empire was named Microsoft, and techies viewed its seemingly monopolistic hold on the personal computer OS market as just below that of the Evil Empire under Emperor Palpatine. Back then the only way to connect to the Internet was with a personal computer (PC) and every PC was bundled with the Windows OS. Of course business jealousy and rivalry also had a lot to do with why successful companies are branded as monopolistic villains, often by their up and coming competitors trying to gain a market share. Anyway, CEO Bill Gates didn’t help matters with his aggressive, and sometimes even combative, style of business and was accused of acting like an authoritarian geek-tator who refused all compromise. But like any CEO of a successful company, this shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Nowadays people laud him for his philanthropic ventures like his promise to give away 90% of his wealth when he dies. And besides, there are bigger fish to fry.

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Still, Hollywood took advantage of the techie’s vilification, and that’s why we have this film. Here Ryan Philippe plays a young computer coder named Milo Hoffman who is recruited by NURV, a major software corporation to develop a satellite version of the Internet that will connect everyone. Gary Winslow, the evil CEO of NURV is played with villainous glee by Tim Robbins. But Gary goes one step further. Not content with just crowding out the Open Source developers, he actually goes out and murders them in a serial killing spree. So we follow Milo as he seeks to thwart the evil machinations of NURV. Along the way, he meets hot eye candy Rachael Leigh Cook and Claire Forlani. Does he succeed and save the universe? Tune in and find out! Today, despite their maverick origins, Facebook, Google and Apple are now seen as evil corporate monopolists. So the Wheel turns…

The Matrix (1999)

Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Hugo Weaving, Carrie Ann-Moss

Hailed as a visual and cinematic masterpiece, this was actually the second film written and directed by the Wachowksi brothers, and up to then would be their most successful. Spawning a trend not only in Hollywood for greater usage of wire acrobatics in plagiarized Hong Kong-like fight scenes and the usage of the ‘bullet time’ effect to the point of near cliché, the film also became a major pop culture and cyber culture icon. We also got to experience the acting of Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith, the delightfully evil scene chewing villain for the first time – for that I am forever grateful.

discovers the mind-blowing secret (which in truth isn’t really that profound – or even that original) that the world, the reality he knows…is a fake. The real world is a horrifying technological nightmare where humans are kept alive and harvested for energy by machines.

Thomas Andersen, the protagonist is freshfaced and bored. During the day he is a computer programmer running the rat race. At night he moonlights as a computer hacker codenamed ‘Neo’. Along his cyber journey he finds clues and hints about ‘The Matrix’ and follows them till he encounters Morpheus (aka Mr. Black Obi-Wan in leather). He soon

It expounds on themes such as virtual reality and cyber addiction (albeit in a fantastical setting) – things we can see today in headlines about people who starve themselves and their children playing online games. On individuals who have online relationships, online personas, online masks – that seem to captivate even more than the real thing.

The Matrix played upon many of the fears that people have about the new digital technologies by ramping them up to 11, and adding in some pulp-philosophy, quasi-messianic mumbojumbo in order to make the whole thing seem ‘deep’. It pretty much worked.

Similarly getting information is not about search terms anymore. Neo and his buddies can download any information, even any skill set directly into their brains. Want to be a master at any form of martial arts, or even pilot a military helicopter? Just download it and your online persona can do so in a virtual reality that is even more actualized than anything the real world has to offer. This is a film that starts out dark in tone and dystopic in atmosphere, but by the end the message is one of resounding hope and optimism for the future... before the sequels and troubles that would beset the world. Of course the counterargument to that is with all the internet, web porn and online gaming addiction, when Neo says “A world where anything is possible.” - does he mean the real world or the virtual one?

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Social Media We’re living in the digital age where the internet and new social media is redefining the boundaries of what can and cannot be possible. Aware of this, the publishing industry is churning out loads of books covering nearly every aspect of the digital revolution. Ironically the publishing industry is one of those that will need to adapt with the proliferation of e-books and self-publication. Here are few to whet your appetite.

Too Big to know: Rethinking Knowledge Now That the Facts Aren’t the Facts, Experts Are Everywhere, and the Smartest Person in the Room Is the Room Author David Weinberger Publisher Basic Books In the old days, anyone wanting a list of references or information beyond that provided by half hour news broadcasts needed to get out, smell the fresh air and hop, skip, cycle their way to the local library. These days all one needs is a gadget and an internet connection. The ‘Age of Books’ is over. In elegant prose Weinberger argues that online information is widespread and branching, unlike in books and journals where information and content is easily available and listed. On the web it consists of loose classification and categorization with branching pathways dependent on how one specifies a search term. Similarly, audience participation is greater with people choosing which sites to browse for their information. In other words, it’s all interconnected in a ‘network’. As such he suggests that to make optimum use of the World Wide Web as a knowledge and information tool requires the utilization of ‘networking’, not just making connections socially, but in terms of information gathering and in helping make knowledgeable decision making. In other words he advocates the dawn of the ‘Age of Networking’. In practical terms this means having networked organizations arriving at networked solutions. In other words Weinberger is drawing parallels with how we think – we don’t think in straight lines, but in a series of associations and interconnections which can be visually represented by a mind map. This is how the World Wide Web operates as well. If knowledge is contained in networks, then it follows that no-one source whether it be a person, organization, or even government, holds or monopolizes all the answers. So in the end this all a good thing as far as Weinberger is concerned. I wonder what he would make about the recent NSA Snowden revelations then.

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“Stars and attention seekers such as Ryan Gosling and Kim Kardashian nowadays post events and daily musings direct to fans, bypassing their publicists.”

Celeb 2.0: How Social Media FosterS Our

Fascination with Popular Culture Author Kelli S. Burns Publisher Praeger In an interconnected world, fame and shame can cross international and geographical borders at the speed of light. The public’s fascination with those in the limelight, as well as the yearning in many of us for attention and accolades, is transplanted, magnified and warped by the new technologies, avenues and opportunities afforded by the World Wide Web. Burns writing covers the full gamut of the Internet Celebrity culture phenomena. She explains how the relationship between

content producers, providers and consumers is becoming fluid and ever changing. Stars and attention seekers such as Ryan Gosling and Kim Kardashian nowadays post events and daily musings direct to fans, bypassing their publicists. Bloggers like Perez Hilton post gossip about celebrities, becoming popular icons themselves. Video hosting sites provide a means for budding artists (like Justin Bieber) and others to uploaded their videos and movies to be watched by millions. Burns also interviews those involved in the social media scene from industry players to social media users. She notes the growth of fandoms – splinter online communities dedicated to a particular show or celebrity. She also acknowledges the problems that instant fame can bring: the end of anonymity, privacy and even opening up someone like the Star Wars kid from a few years ago to public ridicule.

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Ghost in the Wires: My Adventures as the World’s Most Wanted Hacker Author Kevin Mitnick, Steve Wozniak (Foreword), William L. Simon (Contributor) Publisher Little, Brown and Company Written by the man once dubbed ‘the world’s most wanted hacker’ and pursued by the FBI, Ghost in the Wires is a chronicle of the exploits of Kevin Mitnick as he scammed and hacked his way through computer systems throughout the 80s and 90s. Having been arrested and spent a few years in jail, he now works on the side of the angels as a consultant and has his own cyber security company helping to detect flaws in the systems of various organizations so they could be remedied. The book follows Mitnick from his formative teen years where he learned how to make free calls up to hacking into Fortune 500 companies, and among other things, changing their computer passwords and reading through private emails. Unlike the stereotypical image of hackers we have today as unwashed uber geeks with pale skin and zero social skills, Mitnick is highly charismatic and a consummate charmer. It’s how he was able to dupe those he called up at major companies into divulging their security secrets and even their source codes and which facilitated his actual computer hacking. Despite his convictions, Mitnick has always maintained he never hacked for profit – but more for the thrill of breaking into what seemed an impenetrable system and just to prove he could. In his mind he’s more a cyber-scoundrel than a criminal. He never actually used the top secret data he garnered to his material advantage. But still, does that absolve him of wrongdoing? Therefore the tone of the book is never contrite; Mitnick doesn’t appear repentant and seems to be almost proud of his exploits. Which are described in repetitive manner, though not to the extent of swamping you in a deluge of codespeak. But to this cynical reader, the idea that someone would go to all that trouble to get at the source codes and not use it to embezzle money for example is - stretching it. Also the notion of victimless crime since nothing was stolen or really damaged here echoes the debate on online piracy as well. Ghosts in the Wire is a fascinating journey through the early net history with one of the forerunners of the hacking movement as your guide.

Ghosts in the Wire is a fascinating journey through the early net history with one of the forerunners of the hacking movement as your guide.

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Networks of Outrage and Hope: Social Movements in the Internet Age Author Manuel Castell Publisher Polity Since about 2009 or thereabouts, uprisings have been on the increase globally. Perhaps due to stark economic conditions brought on by the credit crunch and the ensuing financial crisis, citizens of various nations just wanted change and took to the streets to implement it. Manuel Castell focuses on the role of the internet, especially social networking in contemporary protest movements. The internet was also a means of spreading news that the authorities didn’t want to be known. This meant the traditional means of keeping a restless population quiet by controlling mass media such as TV, radio and newspapers was futile. It was also notable that street demonstrations and protest assemblies were being organized and supported through the use of Facebook, Twitter and other social media applications. Egypt, for example, shut down internet access throughout the country for few days during the height of the Tahrir Square protests. The writer expands on his theory using recent examples such as the Arab Spring that afflicted Tunisia, the revolution in Egypt, and even the global economic crisis in Iceland and Spain – along with the Occupy Wall Street Movement in the US.

Growing Up Wired Author David Wallace Fleming Publisher David Wallace Fleming

There are several problems with Castell’s main ideas. His argument that these protest movements occurred because of the availability of the internet and social media downplays other factors that could have pushed masses of people into revolution such as the skyrocketing prices of basic necessities. Hence, it is rather deterministic that current social movements are only flourishing due to the internet and the use of interactive media. Again, it’s not really looking at the other factors such as demographic or ethnic tensions, economic, or environmental factors, that could have contributed. Nevertheless Networks remains an intriguing and timely work that is pertinent to us all in these times of social and geopolitical upheaval.

A coming of age story about a young College student named Victor Hastings and his encounters with women while growing up. Typical framework for young adult fiction, except this one is also about how the internet can influence personal relationships – often to a detrimental degree. Victor is a prisoner of his own choice – trapped by his computer and gadgets he finds it difficult to operate outside the virtual world of online relationships, and internet surfing. Because he finds it more comfortable to surf for web porn, Victor lacks many of the skills and understandings required for a real-life encounter with anyone outside his circle of friends, especially with girls. Fleming writes well about a typical college boy’s life in this wired age. Viktor has to deal with well-meaning frat brothers trying to help out with his lack of dating, to underage drinking and having to vie for the affections of a girl with other love struck guys who have seen her sexy photos online. The author deftly weaves a story about a young man’s journey for love and life – at the same time exploring the question of how being detached from actual reality ensconced in a virtual world of web porn, forums and social media sites can be detrimental to our ability to connect and form relationships.

Some nations such as Saudi Arabia restrict Blackberry communication and other forms of social media to pre-empt any agitation of the populace.

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MALAYSIA CONTEMPORARY ART The Malaysia art expo septâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;13

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Scarlette Lee, the director of CORE DESIGN GALLERY, an exclusive boutique art gallery which specializes in Malaysian Contemporary Art, talks to us about the galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new project, the Great Malaysia Contemporary Art (GMCA) Malaysian Art has been very much sought after especially with the emergence of art auction houses over the past 3 years. What is the current scenario for Malaysian Contemporary Art? For the past 10 years, Malaysian Contemporary Art has been receiving tremendous awareness and response from art enthusiasts, collectors and public alike. However, due to the lack of proper representation from art dealers, galleries or even agents, top notch Malaysian Contemporary Art has never been displayed at a major scale event like this which is open to the public. It has always been the privileged few who have access to contemporary art galleries and get to collect and amass many seminal works of art. Due to the lack of infrastructure in the Malaysian art market, many can only head to fairly accessible art auctions which showcase mostly Malaysian Modernist works of art. As for those without access to local events and news about them, they will source works from the international art market without knowing that Malaysia does have artists of international

calibre that can match or even superceed Masriadi of Indonesia or Zhang XiaGang of China, be it in value or quality of work.

art of today shaped by current situations. In short, contemporary art deals with issues directly related to its present day world.

What is contemporary art?

And how do we define the quality of contemporary art especially seminal works of art?

There have been many definitions put forth by various scholars, academicians or auction houses on what contemporary art is all about. Some speak of contemporary art as art made during the post-war era whereas some have defined it as work by any active artist.

Before we attempt to hypothesize on what contemporary art is, we need to understand the question of contemporaneity itself. Is Contemporaneity shaped by the current world picture? How has it changed since the post-war era and decolonization of Asia and Africa?

Contemporaneity is the most evident attribute of the current world picture. From human interaction with the geosphere through the manifolds of cultures to global politics to the unique character of each individual. All these cannot be defined or characterized by modernity anymore. Contemporary art is the

Contemporary art is one complex world and it is not easy to make an intelligent acquisition especially when it concerns a major work or seminal art. I once read that whenone is in doubt over the purchase of an artpiece, one can consider the use of past, present and personal (PPP) elements to help make a decision.

â&#x20AC;˘ Past : Does it understand the past? Artwork that is too involved in the past tends to be derivative and more decorative. However, artwork that is ignorant of visual history will tend to be naive in its concept.

â&#x20AC;˘ Present : Does it explain the present? Artwork that is too ahead of its time will typically lack the universal aspect of ageing with time. On the other hand, artwork that is not in tune with its time will not serve as a predictive and intepretive tool for the future.

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• P ersonal : Does it reflect a personal vision?

Artwork that is too personal or self involved work like diary entries, offering insights into the life of the artist. However, artwork that lack personal reflections are harder for viewers to relate to, as they will not be able to see through the eyes and imagination of the artist.

What is the concept of GMCA?

For the first time in Malaysian art history, Core Design Gallery brings together selected Malaysian contemporary artists whose works have the critical value and are of museum quality through our project - the Great Malaysia Contemporary Art (GMCA). GMCA will present top contemporary artists whose works are critically acclaimed and sought after. GMCA is a curated exhibition that

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will showcase insights into the painstaking process behind producing seminal artwork.

Which Malaysian Contemporary Artists are involved? All the Malaysian contemporary artists we will feature have been specifically selected for being the best in their specific genre from paintings to sculptures to installation works. These include Ahmad Fuad Osman, Anuar Rashid, Eng Hwee Chu, Fadhli Yusoff, Hamir Soib, Haslin bin Ismail, Husin Hourmain, Mohd Noor Mahmud, Muthalib Musa, Shooshie Sulaiman, Tan Chin Kuan and Zulkifli Yusoff.

How will GMCA take Malaysian Contemporary Art to the next level?

The first GMCA show will take place during the Malaysia Art Expo from September 19th to September 22nd at Matrade, Kuala

Lumpur. Core Design Gallery will make this its continuous trademark project that seeks not only to bring all top notch Malaysian contemporary artists to important art fairs like the Malaysia Art Expo but also to international art fairs as a next step. It is high time we brought the our deserving local talent to the international arena.

Hamir Soib

Appearing in the contemporary Malaysian art scene in the early 1990’s as a founding member of the MATAHATI collective, Hamir Soib combines his theatrical approach to painting with a magicalfantastic realism style to create works that act as a critique of the socio-political state of today’s society. The Auctionland marks Soib’s return to sociopolitical art. Soib has painted a large koi fish, in the lateral view. The koi has been used as an icon to represent the ideas of value, buying

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Bottom Hamir Soib | The Auctionland | Mixed Bitumen and Acrylic on Canvas | 153cm x 360cm | 2013

and selling on the auction market. He depicts the landscape as submerged to reflect the loss of land through excessive development, in which the initial steps always involve the buying and selling the land. Environmental concerns and the resulting effects on the Malaysian landscape are a recurring concern for Soib. Commenting that everything is for sale, Soib draws parallels between the glamour of auctions and the chaos and mess of a fish market with the use of the super sized koi.

Tan Chin Kuan

Hailed by the Fukuoka Asian Museum as the representative of 80s Southeast Asian artists, Tan’s work often expresses severe social criticism. In Rainy Day, Chin Kuan’s dead horse describes his sense of being lost as an artist when he first moved to Seremban. He felt his artistic vision was sliding downhill, reflected by the death of the horse. Taking a central position on, just in front of the horse is a self-portrait of Tan. Despite the heavy rain and animal carcass behind him, and the slightly bowed head stance, the viewer is given the impression of the strength of the central figure and his desire to move forward and rise again artistically.

Eng Hwee Chu

Eng Hwee Chu, one of the most prominent contemporary female artists in Malaysia. Her works are a visual narrative of her inner struggle, culture, tradition and change, while celebrating her love and marriage to Tan Chin Kuan and an outlet to rebel and break free. They are also vehicles in her quest for the truth. Not only does Eng explore her own personal issues through her work but she also emphasizes on issues surrounding a woman’s role in society.

Hwee Chu’s use of her trademark black shadow and red figure are the viewer’s first clue when she creates an autobiographical piece. Eng’s inner self, is a dark looming figure in a frightened or heavy stance. In Searching-Facing to the New Age, Eng has chosen to represent her inner self in an energetic position, flying freely across the top of the canvas, reflecting the confidence she has at this stage of her life. Representing Eng’s true self is the red figure that is central to the painting. A sense of curiosity radiates from her new red figure; she seems to appreciate the value of her new life. Eng’s works often revolve around her cultural identity as a Malaysian Chinese woman.

Anuar Rashid

Anuar Rashid has always been a maverick. At the tender age of 20, he had his breakthrough with Birth of Inderaputera (1978) #31, and Syed Ahmad Jamal, the then director of National Art Gallery declared him as “the new sensation of the Malaysian Art scene, perhaps its brightest star yet”. After a highly successful solo exhibition “Wind, Water & Fire (1983) in Kuala Lumpur, he left for Europe on several grants and scholarships. Upon his return to Malaysia in 1986, he completed a mural for Central Market titled Farewell. The Home Sweet Home North Star Constellation of Galaxies was the pinnacle of his Mih(raj) series. Here, the golden peacock and his winged horse (artist’s version of Al-Buraq) ascends towards an opening glow of the heavens. Highly skilled in the use of oil, he enthralls viewers with the watercolour like effects he achives in his work.

Shooshie Sulaiman

Shooshie Sulaiman has had her works exhibited internationally at the Asia Pacific Triennial 2009, Brisbane; Documenta 12 2008, Kasel Germany; The 9th Havana Biennale 2006, Cuba; Art Spce Gallery 2005, Kuala Lumpur and The Guangdong Museum of Art 2004, Guangzhou China. Her most recent works include a project with Art Stage featuring Kedai Runcit 2011 and Kedai Gambar Goldie 2012. For the first time in many years, Shooshie presents 2D paintings after embarking in a different artistic diretion altogether. Demokrasi and Propaganda represent her reaction to the recent GE13. As the smallest number of works in the show, they convey the intimacy and debate between viewers and the subjects she has chosen.

Husin Hourmain

Husin Hourmain’s long route to fulltime painting began with his studies in graphic design and photography. A lucrative career in advertising followed his graduation from the Malaysian Institute of Arts until he took up the brushes fulltime in 2003. Having recently concluded his monumental solo exhibition Awal Hurouf Asal Hurouf which took him three years to produce all 30 Jawi alphabets, this abstract expressionist’s works are collected by the National Art Gallery as well as by major Malaysian corporate and private collectors. Nota dan Yasin Untukmu is a five-panel mixed media work that reflects the five pillars of the Islamic faith. They have been worked in the detailed calligraphic style which represents Hourmain’s homage to his late father and also

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speak about the artist on three levels: as a son, a Malay and a Muslim. It is said that everything has a heart, and the heart of the Quran is the (Surah) Yasin. The panel bordering the painting on the right is inscribed with stamps from the passport of Hourmain’s father, a journalist who travelled regularly for work. Using his father as a reference point brings a personal insight into the painting. Husin records his memories of his father and is speaking to him in a personal manner as a son, underlined by the fact he has signed this painting with his father’s nickname for him, “Man”.

Ahmad Fuad Osman

Ahmad Fuad Osman has had numerous solo exhibitions and residencies around the world. His work has found worldwide acclaim and has been exhibited in institutions such as Tacheles Berlin, The Seoul Metropolitan Art Museum, Singapore Art Museum, Gertrude Art Centre, Melbourne, Australia, Guangdong Museum of Art China, Manes Gallery, Czech Republic and Red Mill Gallery, Vermont USA as well as the National Art Gallery and Petronas Art Gallery in Malaysia. His awards include the Juror’s Choice at the Philip Morris Art Awards in both 2000 and 2003. Fuad was granted residencies at the Vermont Studio Centre in America in 2004, at the Goyang National Art Studio in South Korea from 2005-2006 and the Rimbun Dahan Residency in Malaysia from 2007-2008. Leap of Faith is a social critique of the contemporary society in their conflict of holding on to the cultural relevance whilst

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trying to survive in this materialistic world. The multicoloured use of the iconic Louis Vuitton monogram on one side against a more monochromatic expression of traditional elements captures the emotions of the viewer.

Zulkifli Yusoff

Zulkifli Yusoff is the second Malaysian to showcase his works at the Venice Biennale Exhibition (‘Don’t Play During Maghrib’, 1997, mixed media installation & painting, ‘Modernities & Memories: Recent Works from the Islamic World’). Being recognized for his sharp commentary and deep insights into the Malaysian psyche and historical context through his art, Zulkifli has since held successive critically-regarded solo exhibitions at leading institutions in Malaysia and Singapore. These include the Malaysian National Art Gallery, Petronas Art Gallery and the National University Singapore Museum. He has also represented Malaysia in the inaugural Asia Pacific Triennial, 1993, Queensland Art Gallery, in Queensland. Pahang Warrior represent his dual fascination with history and Malaysian politics. The entire background of Pahang Warrior is fashioned from strips of canvas that have been printed with Jawi script. Pahang Warrior is a crucial development in this series as it furthers his existing palette with newer, brighter hues. Spaced out at the four corners are the names and references to Mat Kilau, Tok Gajah and Bahaman, four warriors during the British

occupation of Malaya who were central to the fight for independence. Zulkifli takes it upon himself to underpin how the actions of these figures have given rise to the freedoms and privileges enjoyed by Malaysians in contemporary society.

Mohd Noor Mahmud

Mohd Noor Mahmud‘s work has remained true to the concept of spiritual and perceptual art. His works often highlight the influence of external cultures, traditional art and the evolution of mankind. While composing his masterpieces, he often draws inspiration from past experiences, interpreting and manifesting subject matters into thought-provoking images and objects. Mohd Noor’s recent artworks have been inclined towards decorative textiles with symbolic motives associated with Malaysia’s East Coast region. The Great Malaysia Contemporary Art Exhibition will take place during the Malaysia Art Expo from 19th to 22nd September 2013 at Booth 52 by Core Design Gallery. For more information please visit http://gmca.coredesigngallery.com or contact Syikin at 03-56121168

Fashion of-the-moment soundscape classic cool Feature top 10 personalities aura fitness beauty tips style lookbook space home decors furniture innotech gadgets mobile apps launch move mobilize gps travel bug delectables recipes restaurant review scripts & stories featured movies artist Fashion of-the-moment soundscape classic cool Feature top 10 personalities aura fitness beauty tips style lookbook space home decors furniture innotech gadgets mobile apps launch move mobilize gps travel bug delectables recipes restaurant review scripts & stories featured movies artist Fashion of-the-moment soundscape classic August / September 2013 top 10 personalities aura fitness beauty tips style lookbook space home decors furniture innotech gadgets mobile apps launch move mobilize gps travel bug delectables recipes restaurant review scripts & stories featured movies artist

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Heart-Wired

Exploring the future frontier of robot relationships, artificial affection and synthetic sexuality

Love and Death are the polar opposites around which the collective human experience revolves. Not surprisingly this has spilled over into other areas of human endeavor. Even with objects that can neither truly die nor love. Robots and androids are viewed as both threats to human existence on one hand, while on the other they are the ultimate servants, companions, helpers and even objects of physical desire. In the 20th and early 21st century humanity’s dreams with robots and artificial beings have been dominated by two main ideas. Firstly, they are seen as an existential threat, not only to humans as individuals, but to the species as a whole. The danger is that someday these constructs by our own hands which are faster, stronger and have better processing power will overthrow their creators and enslave or exterminate us. The idea that someday, unmanned, (artificial intelligence) AI robots could threaten their makers is becoming so real. It is being taken so seriously that in May of this year the United Nations issued a warning on the potential of killer robots and drones and called for a ban on their deployment. The second idea is that robots are our servants, vessels and slaves. They do not need to eat or sleep, nor will they complain if they are mistreated or damaged. They are seen as the perfect servants, companions and assistants. This definitely includes robots as the ultimate object of sexual gratification or the ultimate sex doll – an aesthetically pleasing, anatomically correct doll that will cater to its owner’s every whim. It is concerning the second aspect, robots or androids as artificial companions, which this article addresses. Although the terms ‘robots’ and ‘androids’ are often used interchangeably in social discourse,

there is a general distinction in their meaning and usage, especially among sci-fi fans for example. ‘Robots’ are usually used to denote any kind of machine that can be operated or programmed by a human without need for supervision. While the term ‘android’ refers to a synthetic organism or an artificially created being that is in the likeness of the human form. In practice, robots that look like humans are referred to as androids – though it also refers to actual artificial beings made of flesh.

resemble a mannequin with moving parts rather than a friendly face.

Technology wise, are robots in our near future?

Newer variants of the Actroid include the DER 2 which has a natural movement due to the use of air actuators placed throughout its body. It can detect hostile movement like a slap or poke through sophisticated sensors and react accordingly. Its AI can also respond to gentler forms of contact like a pat on the shoulder. The DER 2 can even imitate or learn human behavior by observation, though it requires the wearing of special reflective dots on the person’s body for it to follow the actions. The skin even has a near realistic look and feel, courtesy of being made from silicone. It can also converse using speech recognition software.

In science fiction, androids usually look and act like humans, or possess the framework of a mechanical being, but their responses mimic human reactions and movements - as well as being able to communicate with their human masters in a comprehensible manner. Has our current level of technology reached the point where we can create robots with near perfect human-like appearance? Actually, I’d say we’ve touched that plateau. In 2002, the Japanese unveiled a human android head named SAYA – which functioned as a receptionist. Developed by the Tokyo University of Science, SAYA can be programmed to mimic human expressions such as surprise and sadness. Aesthetically however the monotone and creepy skin texture, along with the almost expressionless mouth and lips when speaking made it

A more complete version of the android referred to as Actroid, came onto the scene in 2003 courtesy of The Intelligent Robotics Lab, led by Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro at Osaka University. These were full-body robots and were more lifelike than SAYA. Actroids were modeled on Asian women (since the researchers were all mainly Japanese men I suspect).

The latest model is the Geminoid F which is seems closest to being humanlike. Nevertheless, despite the advanced sophistication of its programming and construction, its jerky and stilted movements are nowhere near as smooth as a living organism. Nor is its AI complex enough to be

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called life-like. The jerkiness however can be remedied with better servos and refinements to movement.

people from all over the globe in a truly boundless network, where no-one would ever be alone.

It’s also possible with current tech to get the android walking or running from place to place. The ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) manufactured by Honda is a robot that delivers near perfect human mobility and locomotion although appearance-wise, it looks more like a midget astronaut than a life-like android. This bipedal marvel can run at speeds of up to 6 kilometers per hour (3.7 mph).

It also means that living, studying and travelling overseas is no longer such a traumatic experience. The Internet is perfect for maintaining long distance relationships with loved ones who’ve moved far away. On top of that, it is now the norm for people who have never met except online to engage in internet or online relationships that can even lead to marriage.

Across the ocean in Korea there’s the EveR-1 which is touted as the world’s first singing and dancing robot. Approximately 160 cm tall this female android is able to make human facial gestures and its complex speech and voice program enables it to sing and converse using over 400 words.

Imagine if one could somehow bridge the space and distance not only with words, but with sensations such as voice, sight, sound and even touch. The first three is already popular with social media, videos and webcams allowing two lovers separated by thousands of miles to flirt face-to-face across different time zones, as long their bandwidth holds. But the sense of touch has so far proved elusive. It doesn’t mean for want of trying.

Reasons to get one:

Relationship Stand-In

During its inception, the Internet was lauded as a means of promoting greater connectivity helping to break through the social isolation brought on by the pressures of fast-paced modern living. The weakening of traditional social, cultural and family ties could be replaced with vibrant online communities and communication with

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Several companies have already attempted to fill the void and create a product that will somehow bridge the tactile gap between two people communicating through the screen. Durex, for example, came up with the Fundawear, which is specially designed underwear that can be worn and allows someone to transmit a vibratory sensation mimicking a touch to the wearer from a different location.

“The ASIMO manufactured by Honda is a robot that delivers near perfect human mobility and locomotion...” With androids, it is possible to have a wholly synthetic stand-in in place in lieu of the actual person. They can be customized and made to order to appear as one’s wife, lover or even mistress. It is likely that in the near future, by adapting motion capture technology and combining it with animatronics, we may someday get seamless integration between the response’s and reactions of the simulacrum and the original person who may be ten thousand miles away. Here, the partner can engage in physical contact and enhance the emotional connection with their partner vicariously through the android. Or the other way around, where the android is connected via the Internet to the other person wearing a full sensor body suit who is located elsewhere. Every time the android is touched, it sends a signal to the corresponding area on the body suit and it reacts accordingly, so the wearer feels as if they had been touched. Better yet, a combination of the two where both individuals can touch the other despite not even being in the same room or continent.

• Implications:

It’s an exciting possibility, but there are also a host of issues that can arise. Chiefly, what happens when someone hacks into the connection and engages in long distance molestation - either through the android or the body suit (similarly, if someone were to hack into the Durex Fundawear – are they guilty of molestation?). And what about rape? Can rape legally take place if the perpetrator and the victim are miles apart (perhaps in another country) and there was no actual physical contact? Crimes like assault and sexual offences may have to be redefined to take into account the separation between the actual harm and the doer. Not to mention issues on child molestation and online grooming that could take on a whole new level of urgency with vicarious fondling now a possibility.

Companionship

In Japan there is a growing generation of young men who have remained cooped up in their rooms, turning into virtual recluses. They virtually cut themselves off from any form of social contact. Often, by spending every waking hour playing games, surfing the net, reading comics or sleeping. The phenomenon is referred to as hikkokomori or ‘pulling inward’.

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The triggers seem to be lack of career prospects especially with Japan being in decades old stagflation and economic stagnation. This in turn means that young Japanese men find it more difficult to get a good university, which in turn affects their chances of getting good and stable jobs so as to be able to marry and raise a family. Originally believed to be a culturally specific social condition, researchers have noted that it is also occurring among the some sections of the male population in Europe and the United States. Not surprisingly, it’s no coincidence that Japanese tech firms have been at the forefront of developments in the field of artificial companion dolls and androids. These have included, but are not limited to robot dogs, since dogs are a man’s best friend. Remember the AIBO from Sony and other variants such as the iDog from Sega and the Genibo from Korea. They wag and bark just like regular pooches. Unlike the real thing these, little guys don’t leave smelly gifts on the carpet, or bite the

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hand that feeds them either. Of course none of them have any fur, or warmth, or that delicious tingling feeling when a real dog licks your face showing its affection. Still, these are small steps. Recently, Sega, which used to be better known as a game and console producer, came up with their own version of a robot girlfriend. Known as the EMA (Eternal Maiden Actualization), this pint sized fem-bot is specifically targeted at lonely (single) Japanese men. Although only 15 inches in height, it’s programmed to sing, dance and entertain any dour faced male recluse. EMA can even hand out business cards and use a hip swaying walk. If one is itching for a bit of l’amour, there’s a love mode that can be switched on. This activates the programming where EMA uses its sensors to detect and kiss any heads (I mean, faces) in proximity. Though these efforts appear aesthetically blocky and the AI rather basic, the technology is there and getting better for the eventuality of life-like artificial companions being with us in the foreseeable future.

“For years, many companies have tried to come up with their own attempts at synthetic sex people.”

• Implications:

Automated Pleasure Doll

Folks suffering from web addictions such as cyber relational addiction (messageboards and chatrooms), or cybersexual addiction (Internet pornography) along with low socialization skills, and low self-confidence could simply transfer their obsession onto the android companion. Instead of going out meeting people or gaining the self-confidence to look for a job or try new things, they’ll be even more cooped up in their rooms, cossetting their artificial companions.

For years, many companies have tried to come up with their own attempts at synthetic sex people. From simple blow up dolls to clunky servos and wired machines for the bedroom, to anatomically

This should help those who might have trouble socializing with people or are just suffering psychological loneliness or some sort of connection. But although the thinking behind creating automated companions is rather noble (other than making money that is), this sort of approach may cause it to worsen.

To the adult entertainment industry this is the Holy Grail and the ultimate fantasy. Pornography has its uses, but it can only go so far, but to have a synthetic yet fully realistic robot that can engage, initiate and respond to sexual overtures as well as any living person would represent likely the greatest single achievement in human history since the wheel. And before one thinks this is just a bizarre kink that afflicts a few, a recent survey done by the Huffington Post and YouGov found that one in ten Americans would have sex with a robot.

correct sex bots steady though at times amateurish progress is being made in the adult industry. Much of the real innovation and sophistication is being done outside in research labs and R&D departments of major corporations as noted earlier. Eventually however, the high-brow technology will slowly filter through the rest as it is replaced by better models and that’s when they will be incorporated into the next generation sex bots. For example the University of Electro-Communications developer Nobuhiro Takahashi showcased a new robotic butt that not only responds to “slaps, caresses, and finger pokes” but also moves, undulates and twitches just like the real thing. His goal may have been to highlight robotic technology, but for Pleasure Bot enthusiasts, it’s gotten them one step closer to the fantasy.

Sega’s E.M.A. (Eternal, Maiden, Actualization) robot sings, dances, and -- yes -- kisses. E.M.A. is programmed to go into ‘love mode’ and kiss you if you get close enough.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;...in more permissive societies the question that will immediately arise will be how these Pleasure or Ero-Bots should be regulated.â&#x20AC;?

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• Implications:

Depending on the type of society you live in, sophisticated Ero-Bots could be widespread or be banned. In Malaysia they will probably fall under the same rule that prohibits dildos, vibrators and other assorted sex equipment from being sold openly or even being imported in. Which would be a damn shame, because other than the lurid factor; bringing Ero-bots into the country might even spark a healthy debate about reproductive and rights issues that for too long have had to kowtow to religious and conservative pressure.

The argument from the other side will be that there will always be people with strange, weird and near illegal sexual fetishes and inclinations. Pleasure Bots can act as a safety valve so they don’t unleash them on others or prey on the rest of us. They can also be used to take over prostitution making it a safe, legal and thus taxable industry. Increase sexual health for the men, ensure safety of women and children from sexual exploitation and also generate revenue streams for the economy.

Whilst in more permissive societies the question that will immediately arise will be how these Pleasure or Ero-Bots should be regulated. In terms of child models (not just Pleasure Bots, but any kind of android) would they be banned the same way some countries ban drawings of underage sex acts? Also in certain countries such as the UK, sado-masochism (SM) videos are prohibited even when done by consenting adults or for a couple’s private enjoyment. Does this mean certain acts cannot be done with Pleasure Bots as well?

The counter to that is by making them legal and available are we promoting these fetishistic tendencies. Instead of being safety valve, some individuals may find their deviant obsessions exacerbated to the point they no longer find artificial substitutes adequate and may go after the real thing.

What if someone bought a child model designed to provide companionship for those without children, and modifies it to be a Pleasure Bot? If these are merely products then the owner can do with them whatever they see fit - including for example modifying them to look like a minor or engaging in hardcore acts.

Domestic Helper

Today the notion of robots taking care of us and doing all the work is definitely no longer in the realm of sci-fi. We have fully automated industries where robots have replaced human labour. As said before, robot drones now fly the skies, watching or killing while saving the lives of soldiers and pilots who are no longer in harm’s way. Robots are used for humanitarian purposes as well: finding survivors of natural disasters such as earthquakes and disposing of bombs and mines.

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The concept of the robot wife or domestic helper takes it one step further. It’s also part wish-fulfillment; the adolescent male fantasy of the perfect housewife who will take care of the household, the kids while still looking fabulous for her husband when he comes home from work. More sinisterly it appeals to the patriarchal ego trip that some men have of women or wives serving their husbands or male masters – taking care of their physical, emotional and family needs with no complaints and only fawning adoration (see: Stepford Wives). It’s a powerful, conservative ideal.

• Implications:

On the surface, having artificial domestic servants sounds like a smashing idea. They’ll work till they drop, and give 100% or more depending on the setting. They won’t complain, or steal your jewelry or cash. If advances have made in cybernetics and synthetic skins, they could be all made to look like supermodels, take your pick which one. Feminists might argue that sexualisation of domestic server robots could have a spillover effect into other areas where the men might treat women the same way they would the robot. More insidiously, having an army of aesthetically appealing slave androids could influence social attitudes in unforeseen ways. It might encourage more misogyny and women and children being treated as chattel.

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Or it could have a more positive result: people with an inclination to abuse women and children as slaves could use the robots as the outlet instead. So, the overall standard in human relations improves as everyone mistreats a robot servant in place of humans currently. Also if androids can serve as companions and domestic helpers while being sexually enticing, the eventuality of people taking them for wives also increases (yeah humans are weird creatures). This is already foreseen by Futurologist Ray Hammond. “There will certainly be emotional attachment between humans and machines,” he then adds “although I don’t think ‘marriage’ is anything other than a word for headline writers. People already form weak emotional bonds with inanimate objects, and as objects become increasingly intelligent, these

A robot is pictured in front of the House of Parliamentand Westminster Abbey as part of the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots in London - 2013.

bonds will strengthen.” I love my computer, doesn’t mean I want to mate with it though. Now with the rapid pace of advancement in IVF treatments potentially life-like female androids with working wombs could be coming our way. Already a technique to convert human skin cells into egg cells was revealed just recently in May of this year by the University of Oregon. Imagine if artificial wombs could be fitted into a female android with the egg cells provided by the skin of the human owner perhaps. The advent of a fully functional synthetic woman with the capacity for procreation is becoming more and more tangible. The implications for society will be tremendous. The only thing that separates them from a real human then is the lack of a soul…or is it?

Ghost in the Machine

“When does a perceptual schematic become consciousness? When does a difference engine become the search for truth? When does a personality simulation become the bitter mote... of a soul?” (Dr. Alfred Lanning, from ‘I, Robot’) The concept of artificial or created beings having a consciousness or a soul is not a new one. In Pinnochio the title character is a wooden puppet that comes to life but who wishes to be a real boy. In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the monster Victor created out of body parts is famously brought to life by a lightning strike and develops a separate and new personality different from that of the dead bodies from which it was composed. The monster then comes to the conclusion that in this cruel world all it wanted was a companion so as not to be alone. We’ve been conditioned to think of a soul as a transparent image of ourselves transposed on our physical form, or some sort of etheric energy that empowers matter. The issue of the soul is a metaphysical question and therefore impossible to answer empirically. But one of the metaphors used to distinguish us humans from the beasts of the fields and the forests, is our capacity to make choices (usually informed) and our ability for self-awareness, as well as being able to express that self-awareness to others.

Since no one has yet been able to devise a scientific means of detecting a soul’s presence, the current best way is to look at how something reacts and responds and whether it corresponds to our notions of soul and consciousness. Animals are screwed because though many acknowledge they do have self-awareness and the capacity to make choices, it is next to impossible for an animal to be given equal rights or seen as possessing a soul on account of being non-relatable to us (and also we’ve been butchering them for years). Androids and automatons however do not suffer from these flaws. Instead they can look and feel as realistically human as technological achievement would allow. Eventually lifelike androids that can appeal to us emotionally will appear on the market. As David Levy winner of the 2009 Loebner prize for Artificial Intelligence puts it, “If a robot appears in every way to possess consciousness, then in my opinion, we should accept that it does”. If artificial intelligence (AI) develops where it thinks and acts in a manner indistinguishable from human beings, does it mean it has sentience? Therefore should it be afforded rights? These are questions that throw up interesting and subversive ideas of what it means to be human with massive theological and philosophical implications.

THE VERDICT Whatever one may think, synthetic persons with the ability to respond to human affection are fast becoming a technological reality. The question is are we ready as individuals and as a society to embrace our potential artificial partners? And when the day comes when they begin to think and react outside their programming and start becoming self-aware, do we extend the hand of friendship or retreat in fear? In any event the future is going to blow our minds, hopefully in a good way. Views expressed are the writer’s own.

No thanks to the sheer amount of hollow shells and ‘fake’ people that we see and interact with on a daily basis, we’d probably have a much harder time telling highly developed artificial intelligence from the real thing. Although, that would also mean ```that we’d also have much less of a problem getting used to them.

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THE ART OF COnnecting DOTcoms Insights from Malaysia’s pioneering B2B network

Connectivity, collaboration, and creativity are essential to businesses that aim to thrive in this modern age – by way of taking full advantage of the treasure trove of networking platforms the world-wide-web presents. Being a business owner and savvy is one thing, but being at the very forefront of the numerous platforms available and having the manpower to connect virtually any business in Southeast Asia is another ballgame altogether. As you may imagine, doing so takes years of experience, and hours of manpower to collect the latest up-to-date data. We’re pretty sure, if you’re an SME owner, you would have heard of PanPages as one of the best avenues to help spread word about your products and services, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. To find out more about Malaysia’s pioneers in online content management, and to better understand the scale of their operations, 360 Celsius pays a visit to the PanPages headquarters in Bandar Sunway, and speaks to some of their head-honchos – Fong Wai Leong, Group CEO, and Christopher Ng, Director, Product & Market Development.

How was CBSA founded? Where did you start, and where are you today?

Our history began with the introduction of the early PanPages (then soley a print publication) in 1989 – introduced by our founder, Kenneth Tan under the title Industrial Guide. You could say it was a ‘Google’ for businesses sorts before the advent of the Internet in the region. Building upon this legacy and wealth of data, going online was the next logical step, and PanPages.com was introduced – allowing seamless access to valuable contacts for all our users. But that doesn’t mean that the print editions of PanPages were phased out, in fact, the ‘old school’ directory still has a 200,000

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strong circulation regionally, and we don’t see it disappearing anytime soon – as many still love the convenience of having a hard copy on hand. On top of that, we have some 7 million traffic hits monthly, accessing our database of nearly 8 million product and service providers. To dispel any misconceptions, we focus primarily on the SME market in the region, as these are the businesses that are in most need of affordable, effective communication, and we take pride in doing our part to help fledgling businesses thrive via the borderless world which is the Internet.

Tell us about your partners.

We are currently exclusively partnered with Alibaba (B2B platform) in Malaysia and partnered with Google in Malaysia and Indonesia. Working with these partners tremendously extends our reach – by way of allowing us to publish SME content on a wide array of utilities and networks, while giving these products and services the advantage of not getting lost in the endless search results presented on search engines. With regard to showcasing content online, business

owners seek integration, and consistency in their messages, we help them do just that by placing them on the most relevant utilities and networks, allowing anybody who’s searching for any niche product or service to easily find a variety of options to suit their needs. To dispel any misconceptions, we don’t profit from being ‘middle persons’ when deals are made between end users and businesses in our database. Negotiation and communication is completely up to the third parties, which mean that our role here is to provide the best platform for businesses and consumers to find each other.

Share with us the challenges you face when connecting suppliers and buyers.

The biggest challenge we faced was in developing a platform which delivers a pleasant user experience on top of comprehensive and accurate content – which is key to a lively buying and selling community. Besides that, our team is constantly adding to our database, and this is not a simple matter of sourcing

Images: (Left) Fong Wai Leong, Group CEO (Right) Christopher Ng, Director, Product & Market Development (Bottom) The PanPages Team

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contacts online. We go so far as to categorize all entries in our database by their locations, so as to provide literally anybody who seeks their services every detail they need to know to make contact and do business as promptly as possible. After all, time is money. In addition, we have teams to constantly monitor statistics on all the platforms we integrate so as to best advice our clients and determine the best avenues for their SMEs to be found. This is also important since the landscape changes rapidly and unpredictably at times.

to extend the reach of our clientele as well, PanPages alone is best suited for B2B and B2C operations. Depending on the nature of a service, we will use other mediums as well. To cite an example, to best aid a business that needs to show potential customers how a product or service works, our best bet will be platforms such as YouTube which allow them to do just that.

In a nutshell, tell us the benefits PanPages can offer an SME.

Thanks to social media platforms such as Facebook, end-users and consumers have more of a say than ever before on how brands choose to evolve, and failing to pay heed to consumer needs in this day and age is undeniably detrimental to any business. Social media is a double edged sword, and it is in embracing the valuable feedback and trends consumers present you online that will help you best calculate you next big business move.

First and foremost, we offer affordable online presence. As mentioned, we understand that SMEs are most in need of this with many still lacking the reach and budget to use the mediums the ‘bigger fish’ have access to. To help them get started or extend their reach, we offer a simple, yet comprehensive rollout plan, taking care of the ‘a-z’ where placing your information online is concerned.

What’s your take on social media replacing traditional mediums?

It is also our mission to give our clients peace of mind with regard to the numerous platforms their content is published on, which is a time-consuming process. Furthermore, we reward them for being part of the growing PanPages community by sharing with them our experience and understanding of the latest SME marketing strategies as they unfold.

With our hard-copy of PanPages still highly sought after, we’ve learnt that the print medium still has its advantages over the high-tech devices currently available. It will never run out of batteries, and you can easily present useful information you’ve found to your partners without having to worry about a stable internet connection.

What technologies do you employ and which platforms work best for SMEs?

How do you measure the effectiveness of you online thrusts?

To conclude, any pearls of wisdom to share with SME owners?

Currently, Facebook and Twitter are the social platform of choice for most B2C and C2C interaction. While we do use these platforms

What this buzzword implies is that forcefeeding information to consumers is fast becoming an obsolete strategy.

Currently, the platform we provide in the form of PanPages connects a database of millions of SME sellers – the largest in South East Asia. An initial challenge was to establish our presence throughout the region, and to do so, we have successfully established bases of operations in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Through each of these networks, we have added millions of SMEs to our database, with the highest number naturally in Indonesia, which is fast becoming one of the biggest hubs for businesses in the region. Looking to the future, we will continue our focus on SMEs in Southeast Asia, as we still see tremendous untapped potential, and there is still plenty to done in the locations where we have established strongholds.

As a content publishing company, one of our most important tools is cloud computing technology which allows us to operate at ease throughout Southeast Asia – and easily reach those who seek our services on any platform at their convenience.

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One of the main benefits of placing a business online is that almost everything can be measured – from traffic, search words, to search patterns and ROI. We believe ‘swarm intelligence’ is the next big trend businesses need to look out for.

Undeniably, social media is the new way of communicating and connecting and is here to stay. However, we won’t discount the idea that traditional mediums have the potential to evolve into more niche forms. In fact, PanPages is positioned to be part of the social media ecosystem.

Target your customers well, find a way to reach them, and engage them in a conversation. Also bear in mind that consistency in your message is extremely important online. Do not upload conflicting content on different social media avenues as this will confuse otherwise potential customers, and give them reason to doubt your credibility unnecessarily.

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extra mileage Clicking with Ashley Khoo of Person Edge

Most of us would associate Ashley Khoo, a.k.a Summer, with computer games – being well known among the local progamer community and associated with brands like TM and Razer. However, while one might think she’s ‘living the life’, enjoying a job most of us only dream of, Ashley is far more than a pretty face with mad gaming skills. Recently venturing into her own business, Person Edge, she now wears the hat of a Social Media Consultant. We get up close and personal with Ashley to find out more about this fast-paced and up-coming industry.

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Share with us a little about what you do, to dispel and misconceptions over the job-scope of a Social Media Consultant.

In a nutshell, we educate our clients on the how-to’s on the social media to give them a general grasp on what the various platforms have to offer their brands. Locally, awareness is still low. Therefore, to educate our clients we present them case studies on exiting campaigns and tactics to best engage their target market and achieve their desired results. The profession is not without its challenges, as many clients are quite skeptical over the results social media marketing can really yield – with the common perception surrounding the medium going a little something like: “why should I spend my marketing budget on something that can’t promise me ROI?” The fact of the matter is, the number of eyeballs you get on a page through effective communication can in fact translate to sales depending on the effectiveness of the messages associated with a brand. To give you an example of what I mean, look at these two examples: “I like X Brand, X Brand devices are good, I really like it!” and “It’s been so jammed, I thought I couldn’t finish doing my presentation slides in time, thank God for X Product, you saved my life!”. The latter will most likely generate more interactions and pique interest because you’ve given consumers and fans something they can very easily relate to, and presented a situation where the product can be an asset to them.

The fact of the matter is, the number of eyeballs you get on a page through effective communication can in fact translate to sales depending on the effectiveness of the messages associated with a brand.

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What’s the ‘origin story’ behind Person Edge?

We started with five personalities who excelled in different fields – a female host, gamer girl (yours truly), a radio announcer, magician, and choreographer. Originally, we marketed this line-up as our unique selling point as it showcased diversity. However, as everyone involved had a tight schedule, just myself and Mei Sze run the company, and we continue to work with personalities associated with all sorts of industries to meet the needs of our client. Incidentally, I’ve also cut back on gaming of late to focus more on this exciting business and continue the legacy of our former partners.

Besides the commonly cited Facebook and Twitter networks, tell us about other interesting networks we should be looking out for and why.

Other hot networks currently include Instagram, Blogosphere and YouTube. While in the past, netizens loved the idea of meeting new people via social networks, we find that the new trend put simply is ‘people watching’ - as in watching videos of people on social sites, which lends the medium a more human element. I’d like to highlight Instagram as one of our new preferred tools to work with, as it

recently began allowing users to publish short videos in addition to editing and sharing photos, thereby presenting a new multitude of marketing possibilities to agencies like Person Edge. Furthermore, as we are able to integrate various social networks, the marketing possibilities are literally endless.

What do you find most distinctive about how Malaysians behave and react on social media platforms?

People (around the world) tend to be bolder and more outspoken online – hiding behind their screens. While there will always be trolls, the fact that online social interactions tend to be less inhibited means that they presents brands honest, unbiased feedback. Besides that, we understand that hardsell advertorials on Facebook posts simply don’t work anymore, as the online audience has evolved to begin questioning their credibility. People know when you are obviously being paid to say good things about a product or service, and this in turn reflects badly on both the brand and the brand representative. There have actually been embarrassing situations where viewers are on to advertorial content, and post publicly: “are you paid to put this up?”

Where do you feel Malaysia stands where usage of social media for publicity is concerned?

It might come as a surprise to some, but our standing is weak. As I lightly touched on earlier, the issue stems from the widespread misconception that utilizing social networks will automatically translate to sales. To set the record straight, social media presents a multitude of powerful communication tools – and various platforms to interact with your audience more than anything else. People become loyal to a brand when it establishes an emotional connection with me, the same way one would prefer to work with people you have already established a relationship with and a familiar with. In other words, the emphasis should be on creating such relationships, if not enhancing them, as opposed to bombarding consumers with the common promotional post.

Do you forsee social media overtaking traditional mediums in the near future? As I’ve explained the social media’s strength in establishing and maintaining relationships with customers, I am doubtful that it will overtake traditional mediums which maintain their strengths in generating sales, and allow consumers to literally experience brands and products for themselves.

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Being on the ball is cruicial to the Social Media Consultant. As such paying close attention to the latest stats and trends is part and parcel of the job.

How do you select high-traffic page owners to collaborate with?

While I can’t reveal any names due to confidentiality clauses, I can tell you we keep a lookout for individuals with exceptionally high numbers of fans and engaged users on their page, and we look at representatives from various industries which will be able to best engage the target audiences of our clients. Literally, anyone could be a potential collaborator, if you fit the bill for one of our clients.

What’s your take on buying ‘likes’.

It’s just cheating. It may look good on the surface, but healthy interaction definitely holds much more value.

Ashley’s

Social Media Tips

• S ocial Media is not a billboard, form of advertising, nor a ‘sales conversion tool’ it’s about conversation, engagement and communication with your customers. • The customer is always right. Pay close attention to all feedback on your social media site(s). • Be prepared to evolve to meet the needs of your clients. Don’t just offer lip-service on your pages. Comments, even when negative often prove valuable in helping your brand evolve as a whole.

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Aura

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;This recognition is a tribute to all our doctors, nurses and staff who transformed this hospital into a place of healing, caring and hope.â&#x20AC;?

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Prince Court Pioneers

The World’s No.1 for Medical Tourism now resides in the heart of your city

Perhaps, some still have the misconception that Malaysian healthcare facilities are sub-par, with equipment inferior to the state-of-the-art facilities in the western world. Well, we’ve got news for you: Prince Court Medical Centre (PCMC) is now the top hospital for medical tourists in the world as recognized by the Medical Travel Quality Alliance (MTQUA) this year. To be sure, the old misconception has long become a thing of the past, as Malaysia has steadily become a popular destination for medical tourism in recent years – and the recently garnered award by PCMC comes as solid proof that we are well on-par with the rest of the world with regard to medical facilities. Explaining the implications of the newly garnered title, Dr. Chong SuLin, CEO of PCMC tells us that the journey for has only just begun. Being named world no.1 means that the hospital now embraces the responsibility of upholding the recognition and being more committed than ever – so as to deliver the highest level of care to patients, local and international. As such, patients can most certainly look forward to the very best of world class treatment here. Dr. Chong elaborates: “This recognition is a tribute to all our doctors, nurses and staff who transformed this hospital into a place of healing, caring and hope. We will continue to strive to deliver high

quality patient care, whilst focusing on patient safety. We have a duty of care to all patients, wherever they are from.” On the award, MTQUA president, Julie Munro says: “Prince Court is already known as an outstanding medical facility. This award recognizes that it also pays the utmost attention to key non-clinical aspects of care that influence good outcomes and successful medical journeys for medical tourists.” As for the rest of us locally, it certainly is comforting to know that some of the best facilities in the world are located right at the heart of our capital. What’s more, increased medical tourism will most definitely play a crucial part in future economic growth, and strengthening our ties with other nations. With the future looking bright for the local medical tourism industry, we can look forward to facilities being upgraded throughout the industry – with the benchmark set by our very own Prince Court Medical Centre.

left: Professor Dr David Cumberland (interventional cardiologist), Dr Chong Su-Lin (CEO) and Dr Mary Wong Lai Lin right: Dr chong Su-lin with the artist Norhayati Md Yusoff left page: Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council CEO Dr Mary Wong Lai Lin

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auraadvertorial text MAHENTHIRAN THANAPAL, GENERAL MANAGEr of Diagnostic & Allied Health Services At PRINCE COURt MEDICAL CENtRE

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the machines of medicine

prince court medical centre stays ahead of the curve with the latest medical tech

The healthcare industry in this country is undergoing a seismic upheaval. And Prince Court Medical Centre (PCMC) is at the forefront of this shift with its innovative procedures, advanced technology and integrated health management systems. We spoke with Mahenthiran Thanapal, their General Manager of Diagnostic & Allied Health Services to find out more about the future that is already here. How does PCMC stand out as a trendsetter in Malaysia’s healthcare industry?

For instance, one of the major departments under my jurisdiction is the Radiology Department. Many years back, if a radiology department had a Computerized Tomography (CT) scanner, it was the talk of the town. Then of course the CT scan technology itself went through various evolutionary changes and newer machines arrived. Then there was Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Back then only the big hospitals could afford an MRI because of the huge costs and technology. If your hospital had an MRI that meant it was ahead of the curve in its own elite, niche bracket. But today things have changed. Almost every private hospital including PCMC will have a CT scanner, MRI, ultra-sound and so forth. But we also have what others do not. That means we occupy that niche bracket.

Could you give us examples of procedures and equipment that highlight PCMC’s technological edge?

In terms of private hospitals PCMC is one of the few that have PET CT technology for example. That definitely puts us in a different league, I believe. Also we’re curently one of only two hospitals that provide Tomotherapy, which is a more advanced and precise means of delivering radiation to targeted tumour or cancer cells. I think we were the first to introduce it here as well. We even have truly cutting edge stuff like robotics, and PCMC can offer the arm robotics system. Currently, we’re probably the only ones to have that technology here within the private healthcare fraternity. Our Eye Department’s bladeless Lasik Eye surgery is also incredibly popular - with our numbers of admittances for Lasik surgery being among the highest in the world.

What else do you think makes PCMC a standard bearer for technical innovation and medical advancement?

It’s because PCMC is a totally integrated hospital. By that I mean we’re probably the only private hospital in the country to be fully wired, fully digital. We have got a Hospital Information System that is connected to an Electronics Medical Records System and also linked to various other systems in the hospital like the Radiology Information System (RIS), the Picture Archives and Communication System or PACS in short and the Laboratory Information System. Unlike conventional means, patients these days do not have to carry forms from the clinics to the radiology department. The clinician just places an order for an x-ray investigation from his PC or work-station and this order flows digitally to the radiology department. Subsequently, the order is managed and a work-list is created in the respective imaging modality so the radiographer will know how many x-rays needs to be done, what are the indications, who is the patient; everything he needs to know is at his fingertips.

Other than saving time, what are the benefits of a fully wired hospital? Firstly we’ve become an almost paperless hospital. It’s good for the trees as well as for our patients. Instead of files and folders they’re each given a CD. This presents our patients with a convenient space-saving solution. Not only that but it also saves space for us too.

As we need to store data on more and more patients, this helps us save space as well. Every time a patient is done we keep the films and reports, and eventually you’ll require a huge area to store all those records if you’re using a

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auraadvertorial text MAHENTHIRAN THANAPAL, GENERAL MANAGEr of Diagnostic & Allied Health Services At PRINCE COURt MEDICAL CENtRE

“We’re in sync with the other leading hospitals around the world who are all moving towards integrative systems.”

conventional file and folder system. Although there is a ruling that medical records must be kept for at least seven years, in practice it can be considerably longer, especially for paediatrics. So long as the patient is being seen at the hospital, their records must be maintained. That said, storage space can be a major headache for a hospital. But we’ve done away with all that. Reports are given instantaneously to patients and doctors. There are no more issues about reports being lost, missing in transit or delayed.

Is there a worry that glitches in the system could lead to inappropriate treatments and diagnosis?

We already have safety measures in place. PCMC abides by the international patient safety codes. That means that each patient has a unique identifier - an MRN. So we need to ensure that at least two identifiers must be checked - the patient’s name, MRN or his date of birth against whatever we are doing. This cuts down on the risk of mistakes and ensures that the right patient gets the correct examination or procedure and is reported accordingly. These are some of the measures we take to ensure mishaps do not occur.

Isn’t becoming fully wired an expensive exercise?

Actually, along with the minimal use of paper, going digital has also helped us cut down on

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some of our operating costs. We no longer need to maintain a darkroom since images are all digital, meaning no more hiring dark room technicians to process the film, and no more purchasing chemicals for cleaning and room maintenance. Those savings can go towards bringing in more digital equipment. Which in the long run is more cost effective.

Any other benefits to PCMC going digital?

We’re in sync with the other leading hospitals around the world who are all moving towards integrative systems. Especially with regard to Hospital Information System, EMR, and PACS, we’re all on the same page. Yet, because we did it all since the very beginning, our first day in fact, PCMC has a strategic advantage. It’s easier to start everything from day one using the new system rather than begin with a conventional system and try to migrate or import to a new one later down the line. You’d have thousands of patients with hundreds of thousands of information and data items to transfer digitally from say, paper records. Imagine the amount of man power and hours required. So while others stray behind, PCMC is already light years ahead of its peers.

Is there anything exciting coming to PCMC in the near future?

We are in the process of getting a digital system machine called a Tomosynthesis. Basically breast imaging itself has gone through various stages of

development. So the demand for 3D imaging is greater now than before. Talk to any radiologist, reporting breast images is always challenging because of the tendency for one to miss small lesions or micro-calcium accumulation. So technology has taken note. The manufacturers have tried to fill this particular gap. Hence their latest innovation is the Tomosynthesis. It’s like building in a CT scanner within the mammographic system. So, now you’ll be able to produce 3-dimensional images. Currently, that is the leading technology in mammogram. Most hospitals do not have this. PCMC is actually moving towards acquiring this state of the art imaging modality.

to what extent do you see technology replacing human medical practitioners in the next 5-10 years?

I think there is no way technology can replace the human element; a medical practitioner is definitely essential. Technology itself, whether imaging modalities or medical equipment, are actually complementary rather than substitutes to the human medical practitioner. All this advanced and sophisticated gadgetry will help physicians make decisions and avoid mistakes. But technology alone, no matter how amazing, can never replace the intuition honed by years of experience - as well as the personal touch and compassion that a living physician represents.

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auraadvertorial

elles de mont’ UV SUNBLOCK Step outside in confidence with this handy invisible UV protector

Living in the tropics, it’s always too hot, too bright and too sweaty. So, it’s probably hard to fathom why anyone would want to expose themselves to the hot sun deliberately for extended periods of time. But for people born in regions of gloomy cold, or those afflicted with Vitamin D deficiency, or even a fetish for tans, spending time in the sun is a popular summer recreational activity. Alas, like Icarus who flew too close to the sun and melted his wax wings, too much sun can be very bad for you. The sun generates UV (ultra violet) rays that can actually be most beneficial to us if absorbed in moderation. Our bodies use UV rays to produce Vitamin D which can fortify our bones and teeth, as well as building up the body’s resistance to diseases such as Rickets and Cancer of the colon. UV rays can also help in alleviating skin problems such as psoriasis by slowing down the growth of skin cells and delaying the outbreak of itchy skin patches. Nevertheless, sunlight is a bit like chocolates or alcohol. It’s great in small doses, but harmful if taken to excess. Too much exposure to the UV rays of the sun can have dire consequences. First off, it’s a form of radiation which means it can damage living cells. This most commonly manifests itself as ‘sunburn’. Count yourself lucky if the only thing you get from a day’s worth of exposure to sunlight is cracked and peeling skin- painful though that may be. It isn’t the worst thing. Now that the ozone layer is thinning, the strength of the UV rays from the sun hitting the earth’s surface has also increased several times. This means that spending too much time lazing around on a tropical beach paradise sunbathing with a pina colada in hand without any sort of protection will not only degrade the quality of your skin making you look older, but could potentially afflict you with a malignant skin tumour that can be fatal. That’s right, prolonged exposure to UV rays is actually a major cause of skin cancer.

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So what’s a sun-lover to do? Stay indoors and turn into a pale pasty white vampire wanna be? Or go out wearing a full on ninja suit that completely covers every inch of your skin. Neither is exactly appealing to one’s beauty, health or convenience. Elles De Mont’ Sunblock provides an alternative solution. It offers protection along with comfort and there’s no need for you to cut down on the great outdoors. Blocking 99% of the UV rays streaming from the sun, it not only drastically reduces the risk of sun burn, but also of premature skin aging. It also decreases the growth of melanin, our natural response to extreme UV radiation but too much of can make the skin look spotty, blotchy and for any pale-faces around, cause freckles. Elles De Mont’ Sunblock offers protection from 99% of UV rays with their unique a mixture of particulate titanium oxide (Y-titanium) with ascorbic acid glucoside (vitamin C) for melanin suppression and natural vitamin E (tocopherol) as an antioxidant. It also contains antiinflammatory and moisturizing elements. Applying it is easy-peasy. Give it a good shake before using. Then simply squeeze a pearlsized dollop on to your palm and then spread evenly on the area of the body chosen. The cream is non-irritable, doesn’t leave a whitish residue and is both long-lasing and waterproof. Its mild gentleness means that it can perform admirably as a foundation for every day skin care and can be applied daily in the every morning till the evening. It can also be used by both men and women of all ages.

Whether you’re someone who just loves the outdoors and happens to live in the equatorial tropics like Malaysia where the sun shines brightest, or enjoys a relaxing beach holiday lazing away in a bikini or mankini in the Caribbean or the Costa del Sol; Elles De Mont’ Sunblock keeps your worries in the shade as you and your loved ones bask in the sunshine.

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auraapps text angelo manuel images various sources

Chillout Smart In Apps we Confide

You’re having a hectic week, the deadline is around the corner, you’re burning the midnight oil and seriously cutting back on your much-needed zen time. You know… those precious moments where you just sit back, relax, clear your head and literally forget about everything – somewhere secluded and peaceful.

In an ideal world, every office would have a ‘nature zone’ for employees to de-stress whenever they need, but the reality is many of us remain constantly bombarded by the hum of various electronic devices and the unavoidable chatter and sounds of those we share our workspace with. Well, thanks to the modern marvel which is the smartphone, you can whip out a zen garden

wherever you are and plug in to nature’s ambience – complete with koi pond, crickets, rustling leaves and bonsai trees. Give these apple and android stress-relief apps a try before you decide to hulk-out, you just might have an epiphany amidst the chaos, and lose a little less hair.

Tag Em... Tag EM all!

Stress Tracker (US$5.99)

For the passive aggressive disaster waiting to happen, we recommend this one. Helping you keep your stress level under control when you’re about to lose it, this app comes with a Rage Control Program and audio programs by mental health professionals to help you keep your temper in check, and identify your triggers.

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iShatter (US$0.99)

Ok. Maybe all the ‘zen’ stuff really just isn’t for you and you simply must satisfy that urge to break something before life goes on. This app lets you do just that, with pretty much every glass object in the book fully destructible at the touch of a finger.

For those of you who are totally OCD or have a clutter problem in the office, you’ll definitely find a godsend in the Tile App, which utilizes patented tiles to track any object they are attached to. While especially useful for things like car-keys, laptops, handbags and wallets, we’re pretty sure some folks have stuck them onto lighters – one of the most commonly swiped items in an office…

Breathe2Relax (Free)

No joke, many people totally forget to breathe properly and take short breaths throughout the day, resulting in a lack of oxygen going to the brain and those nasty migraines. This app will get you back into the all-important practice of ‘keep calm and breathe ’, and while there are similar paid apps out there, for something as simple as breathing, this free one will do just fine. Furthermore, it’s got the National Center for Telehealth & Technology’s stamp on it… sounds legit.

Yogic Breath (US$9.99)

Learning to breath fire like a certain Street Fighter character and torching your stress triggers is arguably an excellent way to let it all out... but ok, back to reality. If you do benefit from your standard breathing app such as the aforementioned, this one will help you go pro – teaching you advanced techniques and routines for breathing, meditation, sleep, stress relief and anger management.

iSleep Easy (US$4.99)

Sometimes, a power nap is all you need to put that kick back into your step at work, or you need something to get your mind off things - with thoughts still running through your head even after clocking-out. This app comes with some standard breathing instructions, and a selection of sleepinducing music and sounds.

Naturespace

Boasting realistic 3D recordings from some of the most chilled out places on the planet, this is just what an audiophile needs to totally zone out and bask in high-quality audio. The app comes with six free sounds – just to give you a taste of what it offers, and if you like what you hear, you can download a whole lot more sounds via iTunes.

Ragdoll apps

A good number of free and paid ‘ragdoll’ or ‘crash test dummy’ apps are available for those of you who want to inflict some pain on a stressful day. Kick them off skyscrapers, fire them out from cannons, and get points for super high damage figures. Also, some apps allow you to put pictures of your ‘loved ones’ as the face of the doll… in which case we do strongly advise being a little discreet.

Pocket Pond 2 (Free)

Looking at fish swim and ripples in a pond certainly are a sight for sore eyes. This nifty app is one for the wannabe koi breeder, with thousands of different virtual species for you to add to your pond. It’s free, graphics are pretty and you’re spared the usual ad-spam which usually come as a ‘bonus’ material with free apps. While you are required to pay for certain special items, everything else that’s free about it already delivers a welcome distraction.

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aurakeep.fit text kogi vijay images various sources

FEET ARE MADE FOR WALKING

AND THAT’S JUST HOW YOU WILL BURN CALORIES

Exercise! Most of us accept its importance, but are too lazy to do it, often brushing reminders aside in a fit of modern-day ignorance and stuffing our faces as if we are preparing to hibernate. But there is a very simple way for even the laziest of us to get relatively much fitter than we are, and it is called ‘walking’. Thankfully, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that walking really is the best exercise you can do. Now, keep in mind that walking from the car to the office and from the couch to your refrigerator may be better than not walking at all, but it is far from sufficient. And before you begin to think that you’re doing fine just

POSTURE KEEP YOUR CHEST RAISED, AND SHOULDERS RELAXED.YOUR CHIN SHOULD BE LEVEL AND YOUR HEAD UP.

WEIGHT PUT ON A WEIGHTED VEST OR A BACKPACK. AVOID HAND & ANKLE WEIGHT.

GLUTE SQUEEZE SQUEEZE YOUR BUTT TOGETHER AS YOU PUSH OFF WITH YOUR BACK FOOT TO SHAPE & FIRM BUTT.

HILLS HILLY TERRAIN TONES BUTT & BACK OF THIGHS.

because you are thin, think again, because it does not mean that you are fit, which means that you are not healthy. Just do it right – maintain your posture, hold your tummy muscles in, and keep a brisk pace at moderate to high intensity for about 20 minutes a day. So, get off your butt and try this quick-step approach as you walk the mile.

HEART RATE GET HEART RATE UP TO BURN CALORIES. WALK AT A BRISK PACE.

ARM SWING BEND ELBOWS AT 90˚ ANGLE & SWING ARMS BACK & FORTH.

ABS EXHALE AND SCOOP YOUR WHOLE STOMACH INWARD TOWARD YOUR SPINE.

LIFT KNEES DURING INTERVALS, LIFT YOUR KNEE TOWARDS CHEST OR DO SOLDIER KICKS (KEEP KNEES STRAIGHT).

LONG STRIDE INCREASE STRIDE LENGTH TO TARGET INNER & OUTER THIGH MUSCLES.

TOE PUSH-OFF LAND ON YOUR HEELS, ROLL THROUGH YOUR INSTEP, THEN PROPELL YOURSELF WITH A PUSH OFF YOUR TOES.

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WALKTHE.WALK

• G o for 4 to 6 power walks a week. Beginners should strive to stride for 20 to 30 minutes. • S tart your walk at a slower pace and gradually pick up speed after five minutes. • B efore anything else, get yourself a good pair of shoes. Prevent sore, achy feet by wearing walking shoes that are light, roomy, and flexible. When you bend the shoe, it should yield easily at the ball of the foot. When it’s on your foot, there should be a thumb’s width of space from the end of your longest toe to the front of the shoe. • L ook out for signs of over-exertion including dizziness, paleness, muscle strain, an irregular heartbeat, nausea, chest pain, lower abdominal pain and lack of coordination. If you feel ill, slow down and stop walking.

Opening hours - Monday to Sunday : 8.00am - 9.00pm (Open Daily) 28 Jalan Telawi, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur | Tel : +603-2282 3753 | jsmanocha@gmail.com

D.I.M.P.; M.B; B.S.; M.C.G.P.; M.R.C.G.P Primary Care Physician

Services include 1. One Stop Primary Healthcare Provider 2. Full Medical Examination - Pre Employment - Pre University - Personal - Insurance - Haj/Umrah 3. FOMEMA 4. Pre Marital Health Screening 5. Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Clinic 6. BOTOX 7. Pregnancy Test 8. Ante/Post Natal Check 9. Family Planning 10. IUCD/Implanon Insertion

11. 12. 13. 14.

15. 16. 17. 18.

PAP Smear Full Blood Investigations Comprehensive/Executive Profile Immunisations/Vaccinations - Infants/Children/Adults as per KKM/MOH Schedule - Optionals - Travel Abroad E.C.G (ElectroCardiogram) Stress Test (By Appointment Only) Ultrasound Scanning X Rays/CT Scan/MRI Scans (By Appointment and Special Arrangement)

19. GP Affilate to all major Private Medical Centres 20. MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home Medical Examination)

M.D. (UKM) M.Med.O&G (UKM) Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

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auratips text kogi vijay images various sources

GOOD NETIQUETTE: NOW THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT ETIQUETTE IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA WEB-SPHERE

Phone calls to text messages, emails to social media sites, tech savvy users are so sucked into their own little world of tech greatness. Connectivity is at our fingertips and it allows us to be more productive; or so it seems. I’m not militantly anti-technology; but what happened to those good ol’ days when we used the bathroom as a place to read or come up with ideas to make this world a better place? What happened to those cheerful, albeit annoying scenes at the restaurants where kids play with the cutlery, staining their clothes and wanting to go to the loo just as the meal arrives? I don’t hear those shrieks and cries anymore. Although sometimes, I do hear some grumbling, but only because someone is not able to get pass level 129 on Candy Crush or when the Wi-Fi signal is so weak that they get into a fit because they’re unable to upload a photo of their freshly brewed cuppa from Starbucks on Instagram.

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All day, every day, from dusk to dawn – we check our e-mail before we get out of bed, answer more than just a nature’s call in the loo, catch up on a Facebook update or a Twitter feed while driving to work and upload the picture of our meal on a social media site during lunch or dinner. And what’s the last thing that we do right before hitting the bed at night? It seems that we’re so committed to our gadgets that we’re becoming unaware of how technology impacts people around us. Text messaging and fiddling around with your social media accounts while you’re engaged in an activity or meal with someone is plain rude, but this lack of manners can be

unintentional because restlessness turns us back to our mobile devices. Most of us cause much more damage online than in real life. Remember the golden rule – treat others as you would wish to be treated? Most often, we overlook simple things like this. Always keep in mind that those you interact with online are real people, with real feelings. Be aware that the more you socialize and the more “friends”, “followers” and “fans” you gather, the chances of you stepping on a metaphoric landmine and offending someone increases too. As Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory would put it, this is when

“Most of us cause much more damage online than in real life.”

you would be attached to another object by an inclined plane, wrapped helically around an axis. So think wisely before you put your two cents worth online because people can’t decipher gestures or your tone of voice online. Last but not least, keep in touch with the real world. Every once in a while, pick up the phone, meet face-to-face, or even write a good, old-fashioned letter. So just in case you need to be reminded, here’s how you can network gracefully in the brave new social-media world. • Never Spam – This one should be selfexplanatory. If you’re a marketer, create a marketing page; well, unless you are planning to get rid of your friends, then go ahead and spam…like a boss! Don’t send mass requests for recommendations and endorsements on LinkedIn. • Get A Room – It’s not #mIRC so unless your chats are rated PG-13, keep it private! And if you want to go flirting with…I mean, carry on a conversation with someone, don’t do it on the comments section of a photo. If

you’re a chatter box, use the messenger. • How Much Info Is Too Much Info? – If you’re a first-time parent and you absolutely love your newborn, then we can accept that. However, there are some things that we can’t accept – posts about your kid’s ‘potty chronicles’ are not things that most people would like to see on their social media feed. • Vaguebooking – According to Urban Dictionary, Vaguebooking simply means, “An intentionally vague Facebook status update that prompts friends to ask what’s going on, or is possibly a cry for help.” If you’re going to post a status like, “I never meant to…,” I’m going to jolly well assume that you meant, “I never meant to…wet the bed.” • Check-Ins – No one cares about your trip to the cinema for the umpteenth time this week. In that case, I’d prefer that the boss didn’t know about our weeknight rendezvous at the Drink-All-You-Can-Buffet. • Sir-Brags-A-Lot-Subtly – “Sometimes I wish I wasn’t born with these good looks. I’m drowning in compliments. I can’t thank you guys enough.” Nuff’ said! #kthxbye

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• Selfies – The camera-flip function on our smartphones were initially built for video calls, but to heck with that, I’m getting myself a selfie! This trend is totally out of this world; a Japanese astronaut even took a selfie with the deep darkness of the infinite beyond as the backdrop! You self-obsessed, narcissistic generation; does the world really need 12 pictures of your face taken from a flattering high angle? • Sing-a-long – There will be days when we get creatively bankrupt so we throw in a line or two from our favourite Justin Bieber song list right into the status column (I’m obviously kidding). But somehow, random song lyrics that are out of context don’t always fit the bill. • Tag, You’re It! – What could be worse than being tagged in a bad photo? Being tagged in a picture that you’re not even in it! I am not the phantom. • The Social Media Stalker — If you’re connecting with someone new and they don’t already know you, go ahead and introduce yourself. Please don’t follow people around on social media sites like a creep. It’s creepy. • Don’t Air Your Dirty Laundry In Public – There’ll be job interviews that don’t go too well, dates that get cancelled, the boss/betterhalf throws a tantrum; it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. Facebook is not your personal diary so keep your spats off the web.

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• No Missing Links – If you’re searching for someone to recommend you in a public forum, make sure you’re tapping people who are familiar with your job scope. It helps if they like you, too. • The Name Game – ‘Big Booty Jodie’ – your parents are not going to be quite happy with this. At a bare minimum, use a decent name. Such absurd nicknames won’t hold you accountable for your actions and words, not unless you’re promoting…kinky boots. • Pick & Choose – Be selective in accepting invitations on business networks such as LinkedIn. This is your professional network – a revealing black book of people whom you believe to be valued contacts. Consider that many recruitment officers will search and invite contacts en masse. • Show Me Some Love Compadres! – Those endless game requests are equivalent to an invitation asking someone to un-friend you. Only send a request if you notice that someone in your feed is also playing. • Too Good To Be True – You post up a picture of a little dying baby and told your friends to “Like” it so the poor soul gets funded for her surgery. But, none of them liked it. Such heartless people right? Wrong! If you didn’t know, all of those pictures of maimed people, “dying” babies, and others in need are hoaxes. • Flood Alert! – It’s nice to post photos of

your puppy, kitten and your hermit crab because it makes people squeal in delight, but posting 20 pictures a day with the same subject matter in the frame is, well, unnecessary. If you want to embrace a precious moment with your fuzzy fur ball, we recommend you GIF Shop for the iPhone, an App that allows you to create and edit looping animations to be uploaded on to Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. You can still make people squeal in delight. • #nofilter – Use the #nofilter hash tag only if your picture is not filtered. Most of us can spot a ‘Toaster’ from a mile away. • Whatever Happens On Facebook Stays On Facebook – If you’re on Instagram, do not take screenshots of something on another social network sites and post them on Instagram. If I wanted to know what was going on with your Pinterest page or Facebook profile, I would’ve looked there, not on my Instagram feed. • Funny’s OK; Tasteless Isn’t – A funny Nicolas Cage meme or a YouTube link to Rihanna’s song is still acceptable, but if the post is tasteless, controversial, disruptive, or negative in tone, keep it off; furthermore on LinkedIn. It’s a professional networking tool, which makes it easier for people to lose respect for you or not take you seriously.

Style

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styleshoot images RUBAQ BOUTIQUE

Behold

the MODErn TRADITION four decades in the making

Rubaq embarks on a culture-defining journey that seeks to introduce an iconic brand of hand painted Malaysian batik apparel to the world. With a guarantee that each and every piece of batik found here is distinct from the rest, Rubaq features new crafts with the same charm and technique as their traditional offerings, but with an even more versatile range of elegant designs that seamlessly assimilate with contemporary lifestyles.

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With a quintessential blend of traditional batik and resist textile processes, Rubaqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s batik designs are conceived from an elegant gamut of enchanting Malaysian roots and traditional heritage with a sporadic touch of ethnicity.

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Rubaqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection exhibits a sophisticated upbeat note that will appeal across the age spectrum and transcend status quo.

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Rubaqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspirations and colour palettes portray a feast of arty paints, from creative and innovative experimentation with wax and tie-dye manipulation.

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The good folks at Rubaq represent a rare breed of batik aficionados whom, through their in-depth understanding of the craft, seek to revive and introduce it to the world.

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styletrendspotting TEXT kogi vijay images various sources

MAX&Co. Bow Adorned Sunglasses www.maxandco.com

HUGO BOSS

Metal Aviator Sunglasses www.hugoboss.com

A rite of passage for the

Fashion Lover

TOMMY HILFIGER

Surf Shack Collection Sunglasses global.tommy.com

From aviators to oversized, wayfarers to cat-eyes, you can rock any style of sunnies; the trick is to wear a shape or type that flatters your face cut.

GUCCI

Guccissima Leather Covered Sunglasses www.gucci.com

JIMMY CHOO

MARINE/S Round Frame Sunglasses www.jimmychoo.com

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MARC BY MARC JACOBS

Round-Shaped Oversize Sunglasses www.marcjacobs.com

styletrenspotting text kogi vijay images various sources

skyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out

Thighs Out We may be used to the hot and humid weather, but as soon as the temperature rises, so does the hem on our shorts. Shorts with a fabulously flattering fit have women reaching for it in lieu of dresses as the attire to be worn for casual outings with the girlfriends. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

FOREVER21 Brocade Shorts. www.forever21.com ROXY Carnivals Embroidered Short. www.roxy.com WAREHOUSE Tweedy Shorts. www.warehouse.co.uk FRENCH CONNECTION Jamie Striped Shorts. www.frenchconnection.coM TED BAKER Neon Tailored Shorts. www.tedbaker.com H&M Lace Shorts. www.hm.com

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your

It List

Since Spring is in full bloom (well, at least in other parts of the globe), it’s time to turn our attention towards the latest style and trends of this season – namely, a fabulous new spring bag. If you’re not into splurging on a whole new outfit, we have beauty essentials springing in to add luster to the line-up.

1 GOOD CLEAN FUN. Manual cleansing often leaves behind dirt and oil trapped in pores. But, with the Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Skin Cleansing System, it’s better than a “hand-job”; well, you’re cleaning with your hands after all. The Clarisonic Mia cleanses six times better than with your hands alone in just 60 seconds (we told you), massaging away impurities trapped within pores. Plus, it’s ultra-portable and ultracompact, making it perfect for travel. 2 EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT! The new Extra Care Restore and Refresh series by Schwarzkopf is especially formulated for greasy hair, with an immediate action on the five most common hair concerns. The Restore & Refresh Shampoo along with the Restore & Refresh Conditioner helps prevent hair breakage, split ends, dullness, itchiness and bad odour. Enriched

with Keratin and combined with a refreshing effect, it promotes strong, fresh and beautifully restored shiny hair without compromise! The Restore & Refresh Treatment Mask on the other hand reduces hair fall due to breakage and split ends with proven results – lasting freshness and shiny hair. 3 CONTOUR COMFORT. Available in unique teardrop shapes, the Healthy Back Bag encourages good posture by distributing the load you’re carrying evenly; the bag basically moulds itself according to the contour of your back. Lightweight, durable and water-proof, the Healthy Back Bag is available in pastel shades, metallic and abstract patterns, each available to suit your style perfectly. 4 FLORAL FUN. Ask any women and she’d tell you her enthusiasm for bags has no limits. So, it wouldn’t hurt to get another

one right? Most definitely; well, unless you’re not keen to burn a hole in your pocket. The Gucci Vintage Web Flora Canvas Boston Bag comes with a hefty price tag (no doubt about that because it’s Gucci), but with reinterpreted floral print with seasonal colours and flowers, nothing chic-ify’s your outfit like this armcandy. 5 CANDYLICIOUS. Inspired by a youthful fictional character named Candy, a young girl beaming with full of life, Prada’s Candy L’Eau fragrance evokes new expressions of Prada femininity. With top notes of Sicilian organic lemon, juicy mandarin, along with heart notes of delicate sweet pea and base notes of white musk cocktail, Laotian benzoin and caramel, Candy L’Eau is the kind of uplifting scent that captures the notion that ‘life needs to be lived; now.’

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stylewatch

text angelo manuel images bedat & co.

Ladies First Mademoiselles, start dropping those hints

Bedat & Co is a watchmaker dedicated to crafting feminine timepieces. As such, it would stand to reason that their recently unveiled Baselworld novelties should be nothing short of extravagant. A healthy dose of sparkle, bling and curvaceous figures (while not one bit gaudy) vaguely describes the new Extravaganza Collection 2013, which follows in the success of the Extravaganza Vertical collection 2010-2012. Presenting updates to the brand’s most popular feminine models and displaying the rapid evolution of a relatively young brand in the world of watchmaking, the collection looks to please discerning ladies with a penchant for understated elegance. Highlights include unique details and a marriage of premium materials – with certain distinctively feminine elements present throughout the collection. Luxurious mother-of-pearl is the choice material for dials, while pearled Roman characters and indexes stand out against their backdrop. Two outstanding features include

a unique rotating diamond at the 6 o’clock position replacing traditional sweeping second hands, and the trademark Arabic no.8 contrasting the roman indexes. Meanwhile, if you really love your bling, look no further than the Ref. 327, which certainly reflects Bedat & Co’s style with a luxurious blanket of baguette-cut diamonds totaling 10.780 carats, over a body of solid palladium white gold. Inspired by high-end jewellery, this magnificent showcase of craftsmanship is completed by a vintage Trifari in-line bracelet with its links, further embellished by sparkling full pavé diamonds. So, ladies, fancy a new timepiece? www.badet.com

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Kiss

The Cook APRONS FOR THE CHEF IN YOU If cooking is fun for you, then youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d find that it would be equally fun dressing for the occasion. With that in mind, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to spice up your kitchen wardrobe! Here are some designer aprons that will let you look as fabulous as your culinary escapades.

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1. Wonder Woman Apron www.thinkgeek.com 2. Batman Apron www.thinkgeek.com 3. Vintage Sixties Inspired Apron www.etsy.com 4. Horse Meat Apron www.menkind.co.uk 5. Black And White Skeletal Apron www.etsy.com 6. Dotty Match Apron www.anthropologie.com 7. Quaint Get Enough Apron www.modcloth.com 8. Pisces Fish Apron www.johnlewis.com 9. Grill God Apron www.etsy.com 10. Autumn Rose Purple Collection Apron www.jessiesteele.com

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styleshoot images camel active

A wanderer

BETWEEN CULTURES camel active Spring/Summer 2013

Impressed by the colours and patterns seen during long trips through the Middle East, and inspired by thousand and one impressions, camel active shows its diverse side in Spring/Summer 2013. The combination of these countless influences is reflected in the eventful lives of the camel active Urban Nomads.

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Patterns are created here by switching between thick and thin yarns while weaving. The extra sweats workmanship on the cuffs and open edges adds attractive details â&#x20AC;&#x201C; contrasting materials used in the finest manner.

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The collection presents itself authentically in earthy tones from sand to off-white. Sunburned terracotta, curcuma and saffron add accents. Bleached-out green tones in olive, khaki and pale round out the Sahara look. But blue tones play a key role this season and present themselves more diversely than ever.

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From sky to deep blue, the colours alternate with strong ultra-blue and the classic navy. One thing is quickly clear: Blue is the new black. In contrast, the new vibrant accents mellow yellow and vivid red prove how multifaceted the world of the Urban Nomads is.

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styleadvertorial

a piece of the

Middle East camel active SS13 camel active draws its inspiration from the Middle East this time around, featuring a global blend of designs. The overall impression is a hint of safari with ethnic graphics and regionally influenced prints along with dip and overdyed effects in interplay with vintage military features that give the look its authenticity. Taking comfort and practicality into account, the collection focuses on incorporating airy and lightweight qualities in their materials to the extent that even knits are wearable in the warmer seasons. Fine cotton, for example, is further developed with seersucker effects and ultra-light techno cottons. For those seeking the selection in Malaysia, head on down to exclusive camel active stores in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Petaling Jaya, Kajang, Seri Kembangan, Kuantan, and in camel active outlets in all leading departmental stores and major fashion retailers.

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your

It List If you’re a man who can’t be parted from whimsical and trendy things, these items are sure to tickle your fancy. And, isn’t it about time to upgrade your liquor wardrobe?

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1 THE BRAIDED BUNCH. The Nautica leather hand braided belt pairs effortlessly with khaki pants, a casual shirt and boat shoes. With a nifty brass buckle and the embossed logo on the loop ornament, this belt lends a touch of casual sophistication and adds a dash of texture. 2 FINE FLAVORED TOOTHPICKS. Flavoured toothpicks may seem like a thing of the past but these days, they seem to have been given a gourmet makeover. Daneson toothpicks have a variety of flavoured tips – single malt scotch, sea salt, cinnamon with a hint of mint, lemon, mint, and even one that’s cured with hickory and juniper smoke and rolled in sea salt. And, it’s Gosling approved (Ryan Gosling had this

dental accessory clenched between his teeth in the movie Drive). 3 A FIERY BLEND. Polo Red, the latest fragrance by the house of Ralph Lauren features top notes of red grapefruit, Italian cedrat and red cranberry to red saffron, along with heart notes of lavandin and red sage, complete with a base note of red cedar wood, amber and coffee berry. Carrying with it the scent of strength, masculinity and character in every spritz, the Polo Red eau de toilette inspired by the designer’s love of classic cars is also available as a body spray, after-shave gel and deodorant stick. 4 SOLE STYLE. Whether you’re dressing down or suiting up, Bonia’s dress shoes for men will bring any look to life.

Available in handsome shades of the bark, maroon, brown, and black, along with tidy closed lacing, these wing-tip shoes are a modern take on an old world charm. 5 THE PINNACLE OF SCOTCH WHISKY. To mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, Royal Salute has introduced a new permanent expression to its range of luxury Scotch whiskies, The Diamond Tribute. Combining age and craftsmanship to create a Scotch whisky of such finesse and rich complexity, The Diamond Tribute has immeasurable depth with rich aromas of peaches and sweet poached pears complemented by a sensation of sherry, and a wonderful spicy liquorice tang.

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cut a long

Story short

Once appropriate for outdoor activities, the novel pair of shorts has evolved to suit a wider range of activities. Pair it with a basic button-down and you can instantly get a polished and relaxed look – not a painful task after all eh’? Ranging from sporty to sleek, they’re appropriate for casual Fridays, sluggish Saturdays, or even for BBQ Sundays! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

CAMEL ACTIVE Casual Shorts. Available at camel active Stores Nationwide FRENCH CONNECTION Chino Wales Shorts. www.frenchconnection.com PAUL SMITH Sky Blue Check Shorts. www.paulsmith.co.uk H&M Cotton Shorts. www.hm.com TED BAKER Chino Shorts. www.tedbaker.com Topman BLUE SEERSUCKER MID SHORTS. www.topman.com

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six shades of

Style

A pair of trendy designer sunglasses is definitely the way to go on a hot sunny day, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve listed down some of the best upgrades from the biggest names this season. So, go forth boldly in style and pair these sunnies with your casuals, or even with your swanky suits.

TOMMY HILFIGER

Surf Shack Collection Sunglasses global.tommy.com

GUCCI

Bamboo Motif Sunglasses www.gucci.com

CHRISTIAN DIOR

Dior Homme BLACKTIE 2.0SD Sunglasses www.dior.com

MARC BY MARC JACOBS

Soft-Touch Rubber Detailed Sunglasses www.marcjacobs.com

HUGO BOSS

Aviator Metal Sunglasses www.hugoboss.com

CARRERA

Carrera 59 Metal Sunglasses carreraworld.com

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THE Imperial Tourbillon It’s Time for the Stührling Original Tourbillon Line

In any discipline, there must be a standard of excellence. It is what separates the master from the novice. In the art of watchmaking, anyone who aspires to the upper echelons of the craft must be able to produce a timepiece with all the distinguishing characteristics or hallmarks of the Tourbillon. Acknowledged by disciples and patrons of the art as the pinnacle of the watchmaking craft, a Tourbillon watch is a symbol of horologic ingenuity with its innovative self-correcting anti-gravitational pull mechanism ensuring indisputable precision. The Imperial Tourbillon is the fourth and latest addition to the Stührling Original Tourbillon line. It exemplifies not only the unique standard-bearing mechanical complexity of a Tourbillon, but also the refined craftsmanship that exemplifies the Stührling Original brand. This newest one though has been further enhanced with an animated AM/PM indicator and even a secondary time-zone to make it that little bit truly extraordinary. The 45mm round case is of 316L surgical grade stainless steel adorned with sapphire crystals both on the front and back of the case. The current iteration has a screw-down exhibition case back giving a display of the decorated movement with Côtes de Genève

on the back-plates. The intricately textured two-level dial consists of Guilloche Soleil Main Dial with a 2nd Level Dial Template. Both the Bevel and Crown are composed of stainless steel with the Stührling Original logo embossed on the Crown. The Stührling Original’s caliber ST-93311 is inlaid with 19 jewels and provides the Tourbillon mechanical movement. Adding a complementary tactile sensuousness, the straps consist of large square grains sliced from genuine Louisiana farm bred alligator tails - a perfect contrast to the Imperial Tourbillon’s cold surface steel smoothness. As well as precision high quality design, the Imperial Tourbillon was made to endure, and is water resistant by up to 50 meters. To exemplify its nature as an exquisite piece of the horologic arts, the Imperial Tourbillon was produced as a limited edition of only 200 units 100 Units Stainless Steel and 100 Units Rose Gold. www.stuhrling.com

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this year’s event was graced by the presence of none other than Jean Paul Gaultier – one of the industry’s masters with over 30 years of success under his belt, and famed for his ingenious creations which have helped shaped today’s trends as we know them 108

celebtating the

ETERNAL CITY A congregation of fashion’s finest

Making waves among fashionistas the world over is what the annual AltaRomAltaModa fashion week is all about. Recently concluding its 23rd edition in Rome’s Eternal City – whose picturesque backdrops have been featured in countless movies, the prestigious event brings together the world’s most famous Italian and foreign directors. Hence, it is only befitting that this year’s edition took place in a location which is synonymous with creativity, innovation and class. In addition to the all-star line-up of some of fashion’s biggest names, this year’s event was graced by the presence of none other than Jean Paul Gaultier – one of the industry’s masters with over 30 years of success under his belt, and famed for his ingenious creations which have helped shaped today’s trends as we know them. Of course, a Gaultier presentation never fails to impress even the harshest of critics, and the designer’s Haute Couture show “La Parisienne” at the event once again showcased his mastery of the craft, and ability to stay relevant in a time where fashion trends are constantly in a state of flux.

Jean Paul Gaultier

At the event, Gaultier said: “I am honoured to be part of the new direction taken by AltaRoma

and to present my Haute Couture here in a city that I love thereby also giving Rome a chance to relive the same emotion that my Parisian fashion shows create.”

Angelos Bratis

Of course, this year’s edition of the AltaRomAltaModa event was not without its breakthroughs from other respected names. One such highlight included the return of Angelos Bratis – the winner of the “Who is on Next” fashion scouting project by AltaRoma in collaboration with Vogue Italia in 2011. To mark his comeback, Bratis presented his S/S 2014 capsule collection, which saw Palazzo Firenze transformed into a cinematographic setting, with avant-garde geometric shapes, electrifying colours and extravagant Baroque decorations.

Fabio Quaranta

Meanwhile, Fabio Quaranta, who made his mark during the “Who is on Next” 2010 edition, showcased his evolved style through his F/W 2013-2014 womenswear collection dubbed “La prima note di quiete”. The designer paid homage to Valerio Zurlini’s iconic 1970s film of the same name.

San Andres Milano

Also making a comeback were the likes of San Andres Milano for his second edition on Roman catwalks with his S/S 2013 precollection – showcasing a unique blend of innovation, tradition, experimentation, culture and top-notch craftsmanship.

The Eternal City, used as an ideal backdrop for numerous films and the favourite location, since time immemorial, of the world’s most famous Italian and foreign directors, is once again back in the international limelight.

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Laura Urbinati

Another noteworthy designer on the catwalks this year was Laura Urbinati, who presented her F/W 2013-2014 collection entitled “My Room in Rome” – which featured a unique setup in four exhibition spaces to create unique ‘moods’ for those in attendance to experience.

Ethical Fashion

Besides the dazzling creations put forth by the designers, of particular interest at the event was the section dedicated to ‘Ethical Fashion’, which featured the works of numerous designers hailing from Africa, Switzerland and Italy, reflecting AltaRoma’s partnership with the International Trade Centre, a subsidiary of the UN for modern, efficient co-operation.

Sharing her enthusiasm on this year’s event, Silvia Venturini Fendi, President of AltaRoma said: “I am extremely proud to be able to welcome a genius of the caliber of Jean Paul Gaultier to AltaRoma, whose haute couture, while featuring impeccable tailoring, is always provocative in the name of a multi-form aesthetic that surpasses the limits of creative predictability.” “Rome presents itself today as a city where anyone with creative talent would wish to live, and a centre of avant-garde expression and unlimited stimuli that has nothing to envy in other European capitals. And, since couture is a true heritage to humanity, the ‘La Parisienne’ collection is a tribute to the synergy between two world capitals of high fashion.”

Rome confirms it’s role as one of the most authoritative and creative platforms on an international level, promoting a contemporary interpretation of the concept of haute couture, intended as the tranposition of a glorious past transformed into a desire for free expression and personalization, by encouraging a concept of genuine cretivity in a context devoid deeply entrenched conventions.

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Space

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sink

INTO bliss Rub-a-dub-dub, in a hedonistic tub

If there’s one thing hammocks and bathtubs have in common, it’s that they give you that sense of ‘heck it all’ as you sink in and relax, and let all your worries melt away. While the lovechild of both these beloved avenues for relaxation might be hard to imagine, British design company Splinter Works has done just that, and the result is not half as bizarre as the thought would imply. It doesn’t swing. Damnit! We just had to say that right up front. When we were told that there was a ‘hammock bathtub’ out there, we were totally stoked at the idea of swinging and soaking our way to bliss…but alas… such things still belong in fantasy land. On a more serious note, where ergonomics and design are concerned, the Vessel is indeed an impressive creation with lovely contours that certainly look welcoming to the weary body. While it doesn’t swing (no we’re not letting that go), the Vessel is suspended from the walls, secured by stainless steel brackets – meaning the base of the tub does not touch the floor. In addition, the tub features a foam core to insulate and keep bath water warm. Rendered in lightweight carbon fiber which allows it to remain safely suspended without resulting in an unpleasant (yet hilarious) bathroom accident, the limited series is available in colour options of black, red, blue, yellow, pink, bronze and silver, allowing it to find its home in virtually any interior. Only 12 units will be produced, and each is priced at a cool US$32,259. According to Miles Hartwell, co-founder of Splinter Works, the idea behind the Vessel was “struck by the synergy between the shapes of two compelling symbols of relaxation, a hammock and a bath tub, we were inspired to develop a piece that would provide the ultimate vehicle for total escapism.” With that in mind, if you fancy getting one of these, you might want to order a new flat-screen TV and a few bottles of premium champagne to go with it.

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Perfectly shaped to fit the body, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be soaking your way to bliss in no time!

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REST YOUR REAR

In recent years, furniture designers have reinforced stunning and creative designs to their creations. Chairs for that matter, well, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just say that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve evolved from being an accessory to cushion our behinds to a work of art that adds that extra touch of personality to your humble abode.

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01Diesel Living â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rock Chair www.diesel.com 02Moooi Clip Chair www.moooi.com 03Zanotta Fly www.zanotta.it 04Serralunga Ping Pong Pang www.serralunga.com 05Moroso Supernatural available at Space 06Moooi Monster Chair available at Space 07Kartell Mademoiselle Kravitz available at Space 08Kartell Miss Less Chair available at Space

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FUTURistic functionality Though critics may throw in their two cents worth on these futuristic forms, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s somehow a need to give credit to the designers for their efforts. By adding futuristic features that accommodate technology already available today, including multimedia entertainment systems, Apple devices and even flat-screen TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, these techy pieces are sure amped up tastefully.

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01MWE Lab Emperor 1510 02AT-UM Horizon 03HiCan High Fidelity Canopy 04Samsung SUR40 05Sonic Chair 06My World Couch by Philippe Starck 07Napshell Sleeping Cocoon

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THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS And down the rabbit hole

Technology has long moved from ‘luxury’ to being a ‘necessity’, and some say even ‘the bane of our existence’, leading to the births of ‘TechnologyFree Day’ and ‘National Day of Unplugging’. It seems overly dramatised like a classic olden Tamil movie, but this doesn’t ring any truer with the advent of augmented reality head-mounted devices. One thing is certain, that technology has advanced leaps and bounds from the MSDOS days and the beep boops of a dial-up modem - if you’ve never heard of either, then wearable technology should be child’s play for you. This may also mean that you have missed the reference to Lewis Carroll, whose book is available in bookstores while they still exist or of course, in electronic versions. In fact it should be child’s play for everyone, as we are rapidly moving from the idea of creating robots, into turning ourselves into cyborgs.

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Augmented Reality? What’s that?

Augmented reality sounds like a mouthful but it literally means that - your reality is augmented or enhanced with data, be it video, audio, or GPS feeds, all without the now traditional smartphone, tablet, laptop, or television. Augmented reality is not a new concept, but for the benefit of the more ‘manual’/‘analogue’ folks, think of Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Terminator movies.

His view was peppered with numbers and words, with functions such as facial recognition, assessment of a person’s physiological state, and even information on the number of casualties in his immediate environment after a showdown with a machine-gone-wrong. Ideally of course, we will not be needing this function at all, ever. But just imagine if your reality were to also be enhanced with data, be it video, audio, or GPS feeds, all without the now traditional smartphone, tablet, laptop, or television.

“Anyone who has ever given in to the temptations of texting while driving, which basically means everyone, no longer even needs to look away while replying a message or composing an email.” The big idea is to shift data from the confinement of devices and to put it right in front of you. To that end, we shift our attention to the Google Glass, or stylised “ ”, if you will, for it is apparently so hip that it warranted the creation of its own alphabet. It is literally a pair of glasses that you put on, hence the term ‘wearable technology’, which displays information only visible to you in a hands-free format. In a nutshell, think of it as your smartphone screen, minus the smartphone and the screen.

Okay, I’ve put it on...now what?

A small screen appears on the upper right corner of the field of your right eye at the command of magical hand and head gestures, voice input, and a touchpad on the side, and the world is your virtual playground. Loaded with a camera, and armed with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, its seemingly limited functions can be further enhanced by tethering it to your existing smartphone, only on Android platforms, obviously. On top of that, third-party applications have been making their foray into the scene, such as GlassTesla which allows a Tesla Model S owner to control some functions of his electric car via the application. MiKandi, the online adult software company, was quick to release an app called ‘Tits and Glass’ which is a self-explanatory, literally in-your-face porn application, but after Google’s intervention, was revised to a ‘safe’ version sans nudity. Google has since banned any applications containing sexually explicit material. Awww...sorry, guys.

Does it sound futuristic enough? It certainly feels like it - wearing a pair will transform you into a character that just walked out of a Star Trek episode. You will be called all sorts of things ranging from ‘cool’ and ‘Super McAwesome’ to ‘nerd’ and ‘don’t burst into flames under the sunlight’, but who says you can’t be a cool nerd? Anyone who has ever given in to the temptations of texting while driving, which basically means everyone, no longer even needs to look away while replying a message or composing an email. Anyone who has ever had a sudden inspiration for his next blog post can simply start talking to him/herself in the middle of a busy train station - if you look crazy enough, a kind stranger or two may spare you some change. Anyone who has ever seen an attractive person walk past can secretly snap a picture and stash it in a folder named ‘Random Attractive People Who I Secretly Snapped Pictures Of As They Walked Past’. 100% discreet, 100% secret, and 150% creepy. It isn’t just highly invasive to the privacy of others, but while preserving yours, it also does so in a seemingly gruesome method. Audio is produced via bone-conduction - vibrating your skull - so it is audible only to you. Beats by Dr. Dre is so 2012. That said, a quick search on the Internet revealed nothing about the health risks and interestingly enough, on a side note, this is a new technology used for hearing aids.

I want to get me some!

Sadly, or perhaps fortunately, Google Glass has yet to be released for public sale. An obscene amount of hype, yet still not as obscene as the number of Beliebers, was built up leading

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towards its initial launch which by the way was only for ‘Explorers’, developers and consumers handpicked to test the glasses, afterwhich much controversy was made of it. Google’s special little group of people were banned from selling, giving, or loaning the device otherwise it will be deactivated so quickly you’d think the government and tech companies are colluding to spy on you. Oh, wait... The innovation of such a device and its lesser known albeit older counterparts EyeTap and Golden-i - we all learn something new and completely obscure - have sparked a lot of ire. Several establishments have already banned the usage of Google Glass within its premises even before its release. Unsurprisingly, casinos have a lot of interest in preventing Google Glass from being brought in as it falls into the ‘recording devices’ category. Hospitals, government institutions, and businesses have gone into a technological terror mode as they contemplate the ramifications of letting Google Glass into private and controlled environments. PRISM, on the

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other hand, is so non-invasive you didn’t know it existed. A US state senator is proposing a ban against its usage while operating vehicles, citing it as a dangerous distraction. In the other camp, protests have equally been voiced out against these so-called technophobes, insisting that a Chinese eyelash is more of a distraction than a tiny screen at the corner of their field of vision.

Yay or nay?

Such amazing leaps in technological advancements certainly seems welcome, but the implications of having the population engaging with a device which could be discreetly collecting data at every second of the day is no less than alarming. A new world where everything gets broken down into easily accessible data sounds like the perfect platform for cybercriminals to get away with more than what they could with computers and phones. Tech companies have a lot to answer for, but wherever there are rules, regulations, and restrictions placed, someone somewhere

will find some way to overcome them. Soon enough we will be visiting ‘Privacy’ fossilised and encased in a museum of the long gone. Nevertheless, the hype around Google Glass and similar devices hasn’t been quite lived up to, as we ponder on the consequences of taking technology higher up a notch in our daily lives. One is not easily comforted at the prospect of a camera pointed at them, rolling 24/7, capturing every intimate moment. The Kardashians are way ahead of us on this one. Technology has given us many ways for escapism; through games, virtual reality, and social networks, which are all already available. For now, there is reasonable doubt that the concept of augmented reality will become a life-changing experience for us. For more information, you can quickly type a few key words into, what else but Google, or perhaps Yahoo! floats your boat, or God forbid, Bing, but I’m guessing no tears have been shed for the demise of AltaVista, R.I.P.

“Soon enough we will be visiting ‘Privacy’ fossilised and encased in a museum of the long gone.”

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A ‘tap’ on the wrist The times they are-a-changin’ It’s 2013 and it’s pretty safe to say the technology we see today surpasses what was predicted in many movies during the 80s and 90s. The idea of a Smart Watch isn’t exactly a new one. We’ve been seeing ‘blueprints’ of the idea in comic books and spy flicks for the longest time, where they double up as communication devices or remote detonators, and to be sure, they do just that. Well, we don’t condone blowing stuff up, but they most definitely can double up as remote control devices for TVs and other Android compatible electronics. The first Android powered luxury watch has recently been making waves – dubbed the I’m Watch devloped by Italian company I’m Spa. The potentially blasphemous nature of an ‘I’ in the name of an Android device aside, we have to admit it’s a pretty nifty companion. While commonly cited as a luxury item, the price range for this gizmo is diverse. Price-wise, the no-frills models go for as low as US$322 while totally blinged out pieces go for as high as US$13,000. This is a seemingly sound strategy to introduce and prod for demand in various market segments. According to I’m Spa, there are literally hundreds of styles are available according to I’m Spa. In terms of functionality, the I’m Watch provides an alternative to the smartphone. It provides users with most of today’s standard smartphone features such as internet connectivity, access to emails, texts, social networks and even calls.

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You can swipe, tap, click and enlarge as you would on other touch-screen devices, and upgrade functionality via the growing variety of apps on the Android market. In other words, how indispensable a watch of this nature really is, depends on its contents. Many patrons of this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2013) cited ‘Smart Watches’ as the next big thing – with their emphasis on social media. Some argue that these devices will never replace the traditional luxury wristwatch, because they merely do what other computing devices already can do. However, as a lover of haute horlogerie myself, I disagree with that notion to a certain extent, considering the fact that there are already creations that blend the best of both traditional watchmaking – resulting in some pretty fetching ‘steampunk’ characteristics.

Celsius-x-vi-ii-ledix

To those who simply can’t imagine a marriage between haute horlogerie and current tech, take the Celsius X VI II LeDix Mobile phone for instance, which has already been in existence for a couple of years now. To be sure, as long as there are those with the dollar to spare, such things will become a reality, and can only get cooler from here on out.

Don't let the conference room trouble you

LET NOXEL CONTROL IT ALL WITH ONE TOUCH

email: sales@noxel.com

call: 1300 1300 60

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mobilizeadvertorial

LIGHT IS RIGHT THE SECRET BEHIND THE LIGHTWEIGHT LOTUS If you’re unfamiliar with the Elise marque, it was named after Elisa, granddaughter of Romano Artioli, who was chairman of LOTUS when the first model was launched in 1996. Hence, you can bet ‘she’ received quite a fair bit of attention while in production. In fact, the popular roadster pioneered a technology that would become a staple in all its successors to come – a lightweight aluminum chassis which weighs a mere 68kg, which would ultimately result in one of the most nimble marques available at LOTUS, a member of the DRB-HICOM Group. Now renowned as an award-winning chassis, the ingenious creation to debut with the Elise is rendered in state-of-theart, extruded and bonded aluminium to achieve its remarkable light weight. Next, it is coupled with a motorsport derived wishbone suspension with body panels made from lightweight composite – all without compromising the rigidity of the chassis and agility of the Elise as a whole.

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To achieve this feat, high-tech processes and hand finishing techniques are combined from start to finish of chassis construction. And to oversee the process, are highly trained LOTUS specialists on hand to ensure each and every component lives up to stringent quality control standards, and that they embody Colin Chapman’s original principle of delivering top-notch performance through lightweight construction. That said, you can expect nothing but the highest levels of quality and performance from the latest incarnation of the Elise, as each and every detail is specifically designed to strike the perfect symbiosis between design, performance and the driver. Lotus marques are all about making a

connection with their drivers, and the engineering innovations certainly don’t end with the chassis. Standard features also include Blisten dampers, Eibach springs, and a track tuned braking system – components that work in perfect harmony with the frame, making the Elise ever-ready to take on either the track or road, and tackle even the most treacherous bends. Now that you know some of the marque’s lesser known details about the evergreen Elise, you can save yourself the trouble of peering beneath her side-skirt. After all, she’s a lady.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Elise is rendered in state-of-the-art, extruded and bonded aluminium to achieve its remarkable light-weightâ&#x20AC;? 125

mobilizeadvertorial

MOVING FORTH LAND ROVER’S LEGACY LIVES ON After half a century of technological advancement since the first Land Rover, the Series 1, rolled out of the factory, Land Rovers of old from the Series I onwards can still be found in operation today. It would be safe to say that each Land Rover carries with it a legacy of innovation, ingenuity, quality, and an originality that is unique to the marque.

They are hardy, standing the test of time. In 1992, Land Rover made the bold claim that 70% of all the vehicles built by them were still in use at that time. Naturally, Land Rover’s presence and involvement in historic and significant events over the past century has given the brand its iconic status. Enthusiasts have had much to look forward to as these trusty steeds continuously evolve to meet the needs of sophisticated adventurers the world over. Fast forward to 2013, and one can instantly recognize the Land Rover marque thanks to their distinct silhouettes. With the latest offerings staying true to the principles of excellence in engineering and delivering unmatched quality, Land Rover vehicles have made their way into the lives of those who are discerning and have a penchant for adventure. And, if history is any guide, the journey has only just begun for Land Rover’s advances in technology and design. The brand continues to churn our definitive winners yearly, with the

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most recent models being the Evoque, the All – New Range Rover and the latest version of the Range Rover Sport.

Defender

The Land Rover Series 1 is one of the most fitting testaments to the automotive ingenuity of the 50s. Adding to this legacy, this was also the vehicle that has become intertwined with Malaysia’s history. “How so?” you may ask. To the uninitiated, it was in none other than a Series 1 that the late Tunku Abdul Rahman rode around Stadium Merdeka in 1957, as a brand new Malaysia celebrated her independence. And, just as the declaration of independence heralded a new era of wealth and prosperity, the Series 1 would lay the foundation for what the Land Rover brand has become today – a leader in all-terrain vehicle technology. The greatest testimony to the legacy of the Defender is that it still powers on today, not much changed, but still desired by many.

The base for the Defender harks back to the very beginnings of the Land Rover brand as the first Series 1 hit the road (and gravel) in 1948. Since their arrival in Malaysia, the Land Rover Defender models have proven immensely popular among the farming community thanks to their remarkable offroad capabilities and durability. Today, the latest Defenders are equally sought after as both a lifestyle and utility vehicle. Renowned as one of the toughest and most reliable vehicles offered by Land Rover, the Defender is as much a highly functional automobile as it is a lifestyle vehicle. The Land Rover pioneered the Command Driving Position which has become a staple in Land Rover vehicles. You can count on it to deliver superb control, visibility and safety. Currently, only the Double Cab version of the Land Rover Defender is available in Malaysia. It comes with a host of original accessories to add to the thrill of your adventures.

We’re sure it was no coincidence that Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister paraded around Stadium Merdeka on the day independence was declared!

Discovery 4

Delivering Land Rover’s trademark exceptional driving experience – on and off-road, the Discovery 4 comfortably seats up to seven, making it ideal for large families and those off road adventures with your mates. While presented with a comfortable, lush interior with the latest connectivity options, the Discovery 4 is the definitive vehicle for those that love to explore the outdoors without sacrificing their creature comforts. An added plus is the Stadium Seating feature which grants all occupants panoramic views of the vehicle’s surroundings. In addition, foldable rear seats and a versatile load-space allow you to configure the vehicle for all occasions. To provide for seamless driving through a multitude of terrain conditions including grass, gravel, snow, mud, ruts, sand and snow, the Discovery 4 boasts exceptional ground clearance. It is also equipped with Land Rover’s legendary Terrain Response System which is coupled with minimal front and rear overhangs provides for enhanced maneuverability. Meanwhile, in order to help ensure optimal fuel consumption, the latest E-Terrain Technology has been incorporated to greatly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Thanks to its impeccable design and performance, the Land Rover Discovery has garnered over 200 accolades for both the Discovery 3 and Discovery 4 models.

Freelander 2

The design language of the Land Rover Freelander 2 communicates refinement and reliability. While notably smaller than its bigger brothers, the Freelander 2 does not at all compromise your on or off-road driving experience. The Freelander 2 offers a spacious cabin which ensures that all occupants enjoy a comfortable ride. In addition, its design allows for ample load-space which is always useful for longer journeys and our trips back to our hometown or affectionately called ‘balik kampong’ in our local lingo. Equipped with Land Rover’s Terrain Response system, you can be rest assured that the Freelander 2 will tackle the challenges presented by any terrain, with the system responding and reconfiguring the engine, transmission, suspension, throttle and traction as necessary. Further enhancing drivability is the Command Driving Position which allows for enhanced visibility and better control at the wheel. Be it simple drive from point A-B or long distance journeys, you will certainly find a reliable companion in the Freelander 2, which incidentally has record fuel consumption figures to boot. For more information, kindly visit our official website www.landrover.com.my

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DRIVING OUT OF THE BOX LIVING THE LIFE WITH THE VOLVO V60 T5 With Volvo’s reputation for producing some of the safest and sturdiest cars on earth, I have developed the impression that it would be close to impossible for the average car thief to carjack a new Volvo; let alone the keyboard warriors of 360 Celsius. So it should be no surprise that we let out sighs of relief when Volvo made a timely offer to loan us a V60 T5 for a weekend to satisfy our curiosity to take one for a spin. Since I was but a fragile little boy, I have always known Volvo cars for being tanks among cars. And though Volvo has changed a lot in terms of design since the prominently rigid box of a silhouette that the brand was known for in the 70s and 80s, its status as the unofficial mascot for automotive safety standards remains largely unchanged. Through our experience with the V60 T5, we are certain that Volvo’s design language isn’t the only quality that has evolved.

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In my humble opinion, Volvo’s transition into curvier, more ‘modern’ designs is a long awaited one. Nevertheless, the V60 T5 is a breath of fresh air that I can appreciate; it’s a far cry from the ‘mom’s car’ that its ancestors were cheekily labeled by my peers. Its curvy credentials both on the outside and inside are easy on the eye, present fairly sleek corporate cues, and can very well stand toe-to-toe with its luxury European counterparts that are currently on the market.

Except for the absence of an external heartbeat sensor that would probably risk freaking the average superstitious person out if it beeped at the wrong time, the V60 T5 is generously equipped with the latest technologies and features. Keeping in mind that you can take as much time as you want to explore and personalize all the bells and whistles in this car to best suit your needs, the car is designed to work wonders with minimal input from your part. Nevertheless, here are some features worth noting.

the v60 t5 spoils you with the peace of mind that comes with volvo’s assuring reputation for making some of the world’s safest cars.

City Safety: This feature warns you if you’re about to hit the car in front, and if you still don’t react, the automatic braking system will bring you to a complete stop if you are travelling under 16km/h. Between 16km/h and 30 km/h, City Safety will still kick in and significantly reduce the impact speed of the collision. Personal Car Communicator (PCC): This will instantly tell you whether your car is locked. Press the info button and the flashing light will tell you if your car is locked, open, or if the alarm has been triggered whilst you were away. Even when you are nowhere near your car, pressing the Info button will let you know the status of

the car when you were last in range, giving you piece of mind whenever and wherever you are.

so you’re always exactly at the distance you prefer, from the car you’re following.

The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): Discreet cameras and lights mounted under the side mirror that will detect vehicles in your blind spot and give you a visual warning to make sure you always know what’s around you.

Integrated 2-stage Booster Seats: Keeping the little ones in mind, the 2-stage booster seats ensure that your children are in the perfect position for seatbelts by putting them at minimum height required.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Queue Assist and Distance Alert: Two functions are performed here. Firstly, like any normal cruise control, it allows the car to cruise at set speeds. Secondly, the system can be set to adapt to the speed of the car in front of you,

Collision Warning with Full Auto Break and Pedestrian Detection: This is the only system in the world that detects human silhouettes and triggers the brakes automatically if an accident is about to occur. This system is active up to 35km/h.

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delectableswhisky.review

Lustrous Reserve Golden Moments with Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Limited Edition

Nights of pomp, pageantry and golden moments marked the arrival of the eagerly anticipated Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Limited Edition at some of Malaysia’s most bustling nightspots – WhiteRoom in Kota Kinabalu and Velvet Underground in Kuala Lumpur. To mark the events and set the mood, Johnnie Walker elaborately furnished the club with grand, gold-embellished décor and organized two evenings of seamless entertainment to share with attendees what creating truly ‘golden moments’ is all about.

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Of course, the flavours of the Gold Label Reserve took centre stage throughout the festivities, with guests treated on arrival to signature Johnnie Walker cocktails made exclusively with it. These included creations such as the rich, fruity and zesty ‘Fresh Gold’, the masculine ‘Johnnie Gold Fashioned’, and the distinctively smooth ‘Gold Bullion’ cocktail. Presenting a world-class clubbing experience at Velvet Underground were the likes of host Fay

Hokulani and resident DJ Kenjump with his fresh brand of open format music, followed by DJ Mel DeBarge from New York with his energetic remixes of top-notch hip hop funk and soul. Meanwhile at the Kota Kinabalu event, performance highlights came in the form of Kuala Lumpur-based singer and songwriter James Baum who wooed the audiences with his unique brand of soul, followed by an energetic performance by Nerdy Boy. Headlining for the night was the sensational

Taiwanese DJ Ashleybaby who kept the party pumping into the night with her trademark grooves and high-octane beats. Naturally, the climax of both unique events was the unveiling of the Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Limited Edition bottle. Presented by statuesque models adorned in gold, the eagerly anticipated arrival of the bottles captured the festive spirit of the evenings. However, the truly golden moments of the evening were yet to come…

Guests experienced the smooth, honeyed flavours of JOHNNIE WALKER® GOLD LABEL RESERVE™ concocted into exquisite cocktails, including crowd favorites; glamourous “Fresh Gold”, masculine “Johnnie Gold Fashioned” and the debuted citrus flavoured “Gold Bullion”

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“Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve was personally crafted by master blender Jim Beveridge as homage to John Walker’s art – with its heart of Clynelish, a highland malt distilled exclusively from the Clynemilton Burn in Scotland’s Kildonan Hills...”

Following this, the celebration in Kota Kinabalu continued with Mr.Ajim, a loyal patron at WhiteRoom being announced as the lucky draw grand prize winner for the night – who won an exclusive Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve hosted party at White Room for himself and six guests. As for the event in KL, a special RM25,000 gold bar – specially embossed with the iconic Johnnie Walker striding man by Poh Kong was presented to Ting Ho Yin (Owen) who emerged victorious among 20 contestants. That said, if you’re at a Johnnie Walker event, you can be sure the best is always yet to come, and golden moments are always just round the corner. To those with a penchant for fine whiskies, the new Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Limited Edition calls upon Johnnie Walker’s illustrious 190-year lineage to achieve a truly unique creation. Johnnie Walker Gold Label

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Reserve was crafted by master blender Jim Beveridge as homage to John Walker’s art – with its heart of Clynelish, a highland malt distilled exclusively from the Clynemilton Burn in Scotland’s Kildonan Hills which was renowned for its rich gold deposits during the gold rush during the early 19th century. As with any premium whisky, this blend is best enjoyed over ice, which allows you to truly experience the numerous layers and flavours of the drink as the ice slowly melts. Showcasing a blend of Jim’s favourite whiskies from his private reserves – you will find that the Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve bold, and a flawless, confident blend of Scotch whiskies which certainly belongs up there with all the finer things in life. The Limited Edition bottle is available at selected outlets nationwide while stocks last, with the option of a special gold gift bag to seal the deal.

The highlight of the night was the announcement of the winner of the exquisite gold bar embossed with the iconic striding man worth RM 25,000 from Poh Kong™, Malaysia’s premier jewelers

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delectableskitchenware text kogi vijay images various sources

SUGAR, FLOUR & FUN KITCHEN GADGETS, KITCHEN UTENSILS AND BAKING TOOLS

The secret to good baking skills is definitely practice, practice and did we mention practice? Well, with that and perhaps baking appliances that work wonders in the kitchen. And with these superfancy baking tools, baking just got a lot more fun!

2 1 3

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1. Anthropologie Half Dozen Egg Crate www.anthropologie.com 2. Anthropologie Wide-Eyed Cookie Jar www.anthropologie.com 3. Tovola Spatulart速 Hibiscus Spatula www.tovolo.com 4. Whisk Icons Towels www.williams-sonoma.com 5. Embossed Pastry Board www.worldmarket.com 6. Striped Ceramic Rolling Pins www.worldmarket.com

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10 9 11 12

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7. Silicone Butterfly Whisk www. kuhnrikon.com 8. Baking Tins Oven Mitt www.notonthehighstreet.com 9. Metro Kitchen Electronic Platform Scale www.kitchencraft.co.uk 10. Mauviel Copper Beating Bow www.williams-sonoma.com 11. Anthropologie Pop Print Measuring Spoons www.anthropologie.com 12. Salter Chrome Mechanical Kitchen Scale www.salterusa.com 13. KitchenAid Professional 620 6-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer www.kitchenaid.com

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POST-EVENTsCOVERAGE relive the experience

Marriage of Elegance

Luxury Cars and fashion, a match made in heaven

Adding to the classiness and elegance of the recent Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) was Lotus Cars Malaysia – as the official automobile sponsor of the show. As such, both Lotus and its parent company Proton provided three units of the popular Lotus Evora and five Proton Prevé units to be used for the fashion week itself, while two ultra-sleek Chrome Evoras (as seen in the movie The Host) were strategically located at the Bukit Bintang entrance of Pavilion KL to create awareness about the on-going event. The KLFW’s objective is to help nurture and develop the local fashion industry, while presenting budding Malaysian designers a platform to showcase their talent, and in that, it goes perfectly with the brand philosophies of Lotus and Proton, both of which are dedicated to grooming emerging talents. Indeed, the construction of such cars is not just a matter of engineering, as styling plays an extremely important role in each car manufactured, making it relevant to the needs of consumers.

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According to Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, Executive Chairman of Proton and Lotus – which are both members of the DRB-HICOM Group: “Fashion and automobiles are so closely linked now. And, while we are of different industries, the ultimate objective remains, which is to create fashionable lifestyle desires. In the case of fashion designers, it is a breathtaking piece of fashion. In our case, it is to design the ultimate sports car.” Of course, the recent KLFW is just one of the many collaborations between Lotus and the world of fashion, and numerous marques have appeared in Hollywood blockbusters over the years in such movies as 007’s The Spy Who Loved Me and For Your Eyes Only, Pretty Woman, Basic Instinct and most recently The Host which starred fashion icon Diane Kruger.

“With such an association, we feel that it is only right that Lotus makes its presence felt in Kuala Lumpur, right at the heart of this British manufacturer’s home away from home in Malaysia, and what better way to do that than to help KLFW bring new energy to Kuala Lumpur’s already bustling fashion and lifestyle scenes.” - Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, Executive Chairman of Proton and Lotus

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a congregation of KLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest

Highlights of the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2013 1

Image 1. Rubaq parading their iconic brand of modern batik. Image 2. Allien Gan with a collection of dark dominatrix inspired designs.

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It was an eventful Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2013, bringing together some of the local fashion industry’s biggest names and hottest rising stars. Dedicated to providing a platform especially for the tremendous budding talent in the local industry, this year’s event showcased a wide range of ready to wear collections (RTW) which is being given more emphasis than ever before by young designers – as clothing produced in such lines do not require significant alteration, can be produced faster, and will ultimately help nurture higher export potential and a more sustainable industry on the local front. 3

The highly anticipated event that took place from 19-23 June 2013 at Pavilion Bukit Bintang which has become synonymous with the pursuit of luxury and the latest in fashion – providing an ideal platform for all participating designers. In attendance were the who’s who of the local industry, from the designers themselves, to local and regional buyers, retailers, celebrities and of course hordes of fashionistas eager to spot the next big trend.

radical ideas and reinvented classic elements – which are most definitely making waves in the industry even more now. While the emphasis was on RTW collections, it was refreshing to notice that none of the designers compromised on quality, and presented the very best they had to offer – and this certainly reflects the overall standard of production locally, and bodes extremely well for the future of the industry from here on out.

Over the five days the event was held, more than 40 designers showcased their works, treating the audience to a dazzling display of 5

Image 3. Jonathan Liang with the futuristic ‘Your Body is a Machine’ showcase. Image 4. Zakwan Anuar’s ‘Lebaran’ collection which tastefully blended modern and traditional elements. Image 5. Silas Liew with his avant garde yet functional creations.

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in black and white

A Showcase of Charles & Keith’s latest

Bringing together members of the press for an exclusive preview, Charles & Keith – a brand dedicated to creating elegant footwear for ladies, recently presented its Autumn 2013 Collection at Black Box, Publika. On hand was Fong Shee Beng, Managing Director of Charles & Keith International to share more about the exciting new collection. To showcase the new collection, they were mounted on a special platform atop the L-shaped partition at the entrance of the venue which was elegantly transformed for the presentation – complete with dimmed lighting and low tempo music to evoke a mood of dark sensuality which reflects the collection’s theme.

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Giving the event an unconventional yet memorable effect, twelve mannequins were put on display with a pair of shoes on top of each mannequin’s head in the White Room, which allowed the colours and designs of the shoes to truly stand out. Elsewhere, a contrasting look and theme was conveyed in the Black Room, where a long runway was built amidst two rows of U-shaped seating. The concept here created an environment which allowed those in attendance to completely focus on illuminated objects on the runway. Complementing this setup was the screening of a special video providing insights into the collection, while models walked down the runway, in perfect synchronization with the music playing.

To put the icing on the cake and to round up an amazing showcase of style, lucky members of the press in attendance were presented a door gift containing a special gift card allowing them to redeem a pair of Charles & Keith shoes each.

upping the bar

Never any less than 5-Stars for a Hilton guest

Top Image Peter Webster, General Manager at Hilton Petaling Jaya Center Bottom Image Dennis Lau and Jimmy Sax entertaining the crowd.

You betcha the iconic Hilton Petaling Jaya will up its game with a bang! After all, the hotel still stands proud as the only five-star international chain hotel in Petaling Jaya. Catering to the growing needs of guests both local and international, the iconic hotel recently announced the recompletion of its recent refurbishment exercise, which was a major operation to the tune or RM50 million! To be sure, guests can look forward to the very latest in amenities and facilities when they check in to the Hilton Petaling Jaya. To mark the momentous launch of the refurbished Hilton Petaling Jaya, a special corporate cocktail event themed “Hilton Petaling Jaya 2.0” was held at the newly upgraded Kristal Ballroom, where Peter Webster, General Manager, Hilton Petaling Jaya explained: “This RM50 million refurbishment is in line with

Hilton’s commitment and dedication to continue our tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. As the only international brand in Petaling Jaya, we take pride in continuing to be the first choice hotel for world travelers, whether they are here on business or leisure.” The extensive exercise entails the refurbishment of the hotel’s 554 guestrooms, meeting facilities, F&B outlets, and the Kristal Ballroom – which have been updated to match the high standards of guests who seek nothing less than a five-star hospitality experience. At the event attended by over 300 guests and members of the media, entertainment came in the form of gastronomic delights – courtesy of the hotel’s chefs, and a special ‘back-in-time’ visual presentation which highlighted the Hilton Petaling Jaya’s legacy over the years, its evolution and plans for the future.

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Index AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2013 Anthropologie www.anthropologie.com

I’m Watch www.imsmart.com/en

Royal Salute www.royalsalute.com

Bangsar Women Specialist Centre 28A, Jalan Telawi 59100 Bangsar Kuala Lumpur Tel: 60 3-2282 1828

Jessie Steele www.jessiesteele.com

Bedat & Co www.luxuryconcepts.com.my

John Lewis www.johnlewis.com

Rubaq Lot 50, Level G2 Publika Shopping Mall JalanDutamas 1, Sri Hartamas 50480 Kuala Lumpur www.rubaq.com

Bonia www.bonia.com

Johnnie Walker www.johnniewalker.com

Camel Active Lot 5.23, Level 5 Pavilion Kuala Lumpur No 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang 55100, Kuala Lumpur www.camelactive.de

Jimmy Choo www.jimmychoo.com

Kitchen Aid www.kitchenaid.com Kitchen Craft www.kitchencraft.co.uk

Carrera www.carreraworld.com

Kuhnrikon www.kunhiko.com

Charles and Keith www.charleskeith.com

Lotus Cars Malaysia Lot 2806, Jalan Damansara Kampung Sungai Penchala 60000 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Christian Dior www.dior.com Clarisonic www.clarisonic.com Coffee Bean www.coffeebean.com.my Diesel www.diesel.com Daneson www.daneson.com elles de mont Lot 28, Level G2 No.1,Dutamas 1 Solaris Dutamas 50480 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 03 6201 9796

Magis Design www.magisdsign.com Marc by Marc Jacobs www.marcjacobs.com Max & Co. www.maxando.com Menkind www.menkind.co.uk ML Model www.mlmodel.com ModCloth www.modcloth.com

Etsy www.estsy.com

Mooi www.mooi.com

Flow www.flowclothing.com

Moroso www.moroso.it

Forever 21 www.forever21.com

Noxel www.noxel.com

French Connection www.frenchconnection.com

Nautica www.nautica.com

Gucci www.gucci.com H&M www.hm.com

Poliklinik Bangsar 28,Jalan Telawi 59100 Kuala Lumpur Bangsar, Malaysia. Tel: 60 3-2282 3753

Healthy Bag Back www.thehealthybackbag.co.uk/

Prada www.prada.com

Hilton Petaling Jaya No 2 Jalan Barat 46200 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan www.hilton.com

Prince Court Medical Centre 39, Jalan Kia Peng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 03-21600000 www.princecourt.com

Hugo Boss www.hugoboss.com

Polo Ralph Lauren www.ralphlauren.com

Sime Darby Auto Connexion Land Rover (Petaling Jaya) Lot 7, Jalan 219 Seksyen 51A, Federal Highway 46100 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan www.landrover.com.my Salterusa www.salterusa.com Schwarzkopf www.schwarzkopf.com Serralunga www.serralunga.com Splinterworks www.splinterworks.co.uk Stuhrling www.stuhrling.com Space Furniture www.spacefurniture.com.my Swiss IMG www.swissimg.com Ted Baker www.tedbaker.com ThinkGeek www.thinkgeek.com Tovolo.com www.tovolo.com Tommy Hilfiger Global.tommy.com Topman www.topman.com Tumi www.tumi.com Urbano E Fresco D2-G3 SOLARIS DUTAMAS PUBLIKA NO.1 JALAN DUTAMAS 1 50480 KUALA LUMPUR www.urbanoefresco.com Urbano E Vino www.urbanoefresco.com Volvo www.volvocars.com.my Warehouse www.warehouse.co.uk Williams Sonoma www.williams-sonoma.com World Market www.worldmarket.com Zanotta www.zanotta.it

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LOTUS CARS MALAYSIA is now taking enquiries for the exciting Lotus range including the new Elise S, Exige S and the Evora S. As your local Lotus Dealer, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re happy to assist with all your Lotus and performance driving needs.

2806 Jalan Damansara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur

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