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CONTENTS

FEATURES

feature

LOVIN’ WITHOUT A CATCH

Check out some of the bizarre social services available in Japan to cope with loneliness.

Unplugged

JAZZED ABOUT AALEX TERMIZI

Get up close and personal with Aalex, a passionate musician who has overcome many challenges in life only to come out stronger, vivacious and positive.

Beauty Buzz

IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE

Check out our guide to three stunning looks that will get you all set for your date this Valentine’s Day.

Wanderlust

ON THE ROMANTIC TRAIL

Bored with the usual holiday destinations? Well then, it’s time to explore the off-the-beaten-paths with your loved ones to enjoy a nice romantic bond.

CAMPUS PLUS

COVER STORY

SPREAD LOVE BE LOVE

Valentine’s Day is not necessarily all about love between couples. Love comes in all different forms, whether it is love between friends, lovers, significant others or siblings. Well, love is love.

STAY FRESH ALWAYS

FEBRUARY 2016

antyliners are girl’s best friend, as it helps to keep you fresh and comfortable all day long. It’s perfect for any occasions especially for those who lead an active lifestyle. The all new Laurier Active Fit pantyliners is ideal, as it offers a new level of dryness and confidence through its Stay Dry Surface, AntiBacterial feature, Longer & Wider design and Super Breathable Back-sheet. So if you are jogging or at a happening party, this is the pantyliner you must have! For those who are constantly outdoor, Laurier’s new Deodorant Ag+ and Safety Long and Wide Liner is great for you. The Deodorant Ag+, works as an Anti-Bacterial daily use pantyliner with Double Protection. Its Silver Ions absorbs odor immediately and eliminates odor-

INNOVATIVE SURFACE, NO LEAKAGE! The Laurier Night Safe Wing is designed for maximum protection and control. Its new woven, diamond-shaped top sheet is ideal for a very heavy flow or overnight use. The innovative Quick Dry Mesh surface, locks in fluid within its center core to keep you 5x drier, reducing any stuffy or uncomfortable feeling. Likewise, its suction-like Quick Lock System absorbs fluid 2x faster than non-woven sheets. Designed in 30cm and 35cm, the extra-long length fits your body contour to ensure you feel secure, as you sleep. The wings, wide hip guard and Triple Back Guard effectively prevent back leakage, whatever position you take during the night. The soft top sheet is suitable for women who prefers to wash their sanitary napkin before disposal.

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causing bacteria. This ensures you feel fresh and odor-free throughout the day. By the way, the Safety Long & Wide liner is another addition to the range with 16.5cm length and a wider center cushion for better security and maximum coverage. You can choose between its Non-perfume and Sakura perfume options. If you feel you need a more powerful absorbency Pantyliner, this is what you have been waiting for. It locks heavy discharge for those who needs extra protection and at the same time keeps you dry during light flow days.

Advertorial

february2016

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CONTENTS FEATURES

REGULARS

career chat

SHOCKINGLY CAPTIVATING

Actor, film producer and director Jason Lim shares his take on life and his shock factor to capture viewer’s attention.

News ............................................. 08 Music............................................. 22

wired up

Movies....................................... ... 24

PLUG INTO THE FUTURE OF TECH

Fashion Buzz................................ 32

Where all the latest gadgets reside.

Beauty Case.................................. 39

Guys’ Stuff.................................... 44

chow down

MAKING YOUR APPETITE BLOOM

Anime ........................................... 48

With a tagline like ‘Where Pork Blooms’, you’re sure to get pretty much everything porky here. So head on to Tulip for a gobsmacking porky dishes.

Off the Shelf................................. 49 Weird Wacky World ..................... 50

48 4

CAMPUS PLUS

SIGHTS & INSIGHTS FROM THE EDITOR

takenote

february 2016

FROM THE EDITOR

EDITORIAL

THE TEAM Mac Sivanesan

Publisher

MAC@CAMPUSPLUS.com.MY

Editorial Director

Subashini Nair

Writers

Grace Chan

SUBA@campusplus.com.my

grace@campusplus.com.my

Rachel Fong rachel@campusplus.com.my

Eusoff Andrei

eusoff@campusplus.com.my

Contributors

Ivy Chin Rebeqah Abraham Cherly Tai

General

Editorial

CREATIVE

NEWSDESK@CAMPUSPLUS.com.MY

Art Director

Suzanne Chuah

Senior Graphic Designer

Lam Jian Wei

Junior Graphic Designer

Ahmad Faidhi

Visual & DI

Kamil Haziq

CORPORATE

ZANNE@CAMPUSPLUS.com.MY

jw@campusplus.com.my

Love is the beauty of soul – Saint Augustine February is the shortest month, but it is no less exciting because Chinese New Year and Saint Valentine’s will certainly keep us all occupied. Plenty of celebrations mean one thing - plenty of feasting! Yay! While we keep ourselves busy with all the last minute shopping and gifts wrapping, let’s ponder a bit on what these occasions are meant to celebrate in the first place - love, renewal and purity. It’s a simple idea, really. But have you wondered where LGBT people stand when it comes to Valentine’s Day? Despite the last several years of increasing LGBT visibility; gay, lesbian and transgender, still remain largely missing from traditional media when it comes to representations of themselves as romantic and loving couples. So we decided to celebrate and spread love by exploring this issue a little further. Read more about our cover story on pages 28 – 31.

FAIDHI@CAMPUSPLUS.com.MY

HAZIQ@CAMPUSPLUS.com.MY

Corporate Communications

Nancy P

Events Manager

Jeyasekhar M

Biz Development Manager

Eva Lee

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Published by: Campus Media Resources Sdn Bhd (810574-K)

But if you plan on being alone this Valentine’s Day, check out our features section on page 16. It’s all about coping with loneliness. Disclaimer: They are not your usual coping mechanism but it has certainly worked for many. While you’re at it, look at our Arts and Culture section on pages 58 – 61 to learn all about sexual orientations. It can get pretty confusing at times but have no worries, as we have listed them down for you clearly. Taboo or no taboo, we discuss it right here. By the way boys, real men wear skirts and jewellery! All here on page 44. Enjoy our line-up for this month’s love issue. No matter where this Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day takes you, I hope it is filled with love! Gong Xi Fa Cai and Happy Valentine’s Day!

a b u S

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© All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from Campus Media Resources Sdn Bhd. The publisher has made every effort to ensure that the contents of this material is accurate at the time of printing, and therefore will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Opinions and advice expressed by advertisers and contributors in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editors, staff and the publisher.

campusnews

THE LATEST FROM YOUR CAMPUS

february 2016

INTI vs Graduates INTI’s landmark survey reveals some interesting insights. For example, 79% of parents and students believe today’s graduates have improved their soft skills as opposed to 84% of employers who think otherwise. One area that does however overlap between the two categories of respondents is the importance of soft skills over academic results when seeking employment with 88% acknowledging this. The INTI Industry Vs Graduates Survey is the third in a series of ground breaking surveys commissioned by INTI in keeping with its promise of being a ‘Champion of Change’ in Malaysia.

Digital Art by The One Academy The One Academy has proudly announced the launch of its latest celebration of all things digital art – a book named Astonishing Digital Art II. It features distinctive works by students, lecturers, alumni, local and international professionals of the artcentric institution, which includes Eduardo Peña (The Hobbit), Kobe Sek (Assassin’s Creed) and Johnson Ting (Halo, Mass Effect). Flipping through the tome, one can feast their eyes on highly detailed sketches of concept art, character design, environment design and digital illustrations that span the gamut of film and video games. The book is now on sale in selected bookstores, such as Kinokuniya. 8

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campusnews

THE LATEST FROM YOUR CAMPUS

february 2016

UCSI ‘artREKA Week 2015’ Art reigned supreme at UCSI University during ‘artREKA Week 2015’, during which creative artworks by the institution’s brightest artists and designers were put on display. At the same time, UCSI’s De Institute of Creative Arts and Design had its time in the spotlight with the ICAD Young Fashion Designers Showcase. Some of the other interesting activities held were the Malaysian Footwear Design Competition Showcase and the LOVIT Tee Shirt Showcase. For the latter, Xexus Chong Hua Jian bagged RM3,000 in cash with his Grand Prize-winning submission, while Chew Kin Lek and Chong Woei Luen won RM2,000 and RM1,000 for 2nd and 3rd place respectively.

Digi-KDU UC Co-operative Education Programme KDU University College and Digi Telecommunications have officially launched their first collaborative programme for KDU’s Diploma in Business students. The event also served as the graduation of the inaugural group of students who participated in the programme via the Sales Challenge Awards with prizes worth RM6,000. The programme aims to provide the students with learning opportunities beyond classroom walls, increase collaboration between industry and academia and apply classroom theories in real world situations. Todate, students go through a series of training modules such as attending orientations to gain retail and customer service insights, working at a bustling Digi Retail outlet and creating and executing their own business plan during the Sales Challenge. This programme will be offered to senior Diploma in Business students at KDU over the next few years. 10

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Faye Jong (left)

Syed Azmi

TedxYouth: Made in the Future In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDxYouth@KL once again returned with a bang on 12th of December. Organised for and by a group of young volunteers, the insightful gathering remarkably wowed a sold-out auditorium of 1,300 participants. Dubbed “Made in the Future”, the captivating theme dished out a series of enlightening talks to inspire curiosity and spark new ideas among youths. From social causes advocate, Syed Azmi; consultant botanist, Dr. Francis Ng; comedian and photographer, Prakash Daniel; illusionist and mentalist, Andrew Lee; sustainability consultant, Ruben Cortes; young inventor; Faye Jong to youth activist, Syed Saddiq, youths were granted with an arena to engage with these outstanding personalities who shared their fair share of insights. Here are some highlights into what went down! For social causes advocate Syed Azmi, his charitable work and community projects all started with social conscience. “It’s just a norm to do the right thing during the right time,” states the pharmacist. From the controversial “I Want to Touch a Dog” event to “Halal Speed Dating”, the determined lad has been making giant strides in advocating youths to channel small kind acts back to the society. Faye Jong on the other hand humbly shared her brilliant invention of an entirely organic cloth made out of natural materials and bio wastes. Her winning project in International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) also scored her the privilege of having an asteroid named after her. The 17-year-old lass whose wildest dream is to be a soldier also shared her thoughts, “I wasn’t born a genius, I have to work very hard in order to do well. But if I am able to do it, most certainly you can too!”.

As the official media partner, Campus Plus also hopped on the opportunity to engage with youths regarding their views on youth empowerment and here are their takes!

“Youth empowerment is all about giving opportunities for youth to voice out their opinions and providing a platform in not just academic development but also holistically” Hari, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

“To me, youth empowerment equals the encouragement for us to expand our social network” Melissa, HELP University

“Youth

empowerment involves more active involvement in politics. As compared to the previous generation, we are more exposed than ever to stand up for our thoughts” Hema, Multimedia University

“Youth empowerment is about the rights of youth in contributing to the world. Be it through creative ideas, music or art” Norsharia, Monash Unviersity Prakash Daniel

Andrew Lee

Jason Lim

FEB 2016 | CAMPUS PLUS |

lifestylenews

THE LATEST FOR YOUR WORLD

february 2016

Healthy Ice-Cream! Organic premium soft-serve ice-cream brand, Honey Crème, is now at Desa Sri Hartamas. Crafted with organic ingredients from all over the world including South Korea’s top organic milk and creams, this soft-serve ice-cream is a healthier option as various nutritional toppings are available such as raw honeycomb, organic mixed grains, healthy dark chocolate, popcorn and cotton candy. In terms of sales, the brand has been doing rather well in countries such as Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Indonesia. Its unique flavours and topping combinations can be credited to the ingenious healthconscious Korean partners while their Taiwanese allies are the marketing maestros behind the brand.

Gift Giving Made Easy Brought to us by accomplished boutique design and development outfit Kemuncak Jaya Teknologi, QashGift is a unique digital solution which turns the act of gift-buying into a wonderful shopping experience for all parties involved. Essentially, the product aims to avoid situations where one tirelessly searches for the perfect gift only for that gift to end up at the back of the closet or even worst, in the trash bin. With QashGift, recipients pick out their own gifts via their account upon receiving the QR code which adds to their available credit. Ideal for the tech-savvy urbanites of today, this platform is user-friendly, time saving, highly secure, and a smart gift-giving process. 12

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lifestylenews

THE LATEST FOR YOUR WORLD

february 2016

Christmas Indulgence with Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CB&TL) ushered in the bliss of Christmas with Holiday Specials and scrumptious slurps and bites that added sparkle to the festive season. From Toffee Nut Latte, Double Chocolate Peppermint Ice Blended, Red Velvet Hot Cocoa to the Classic Christmas Log and the highlight of the menu, Scottish-inspired Dundee Fruit Cake, the festive offerings were a concoction of good ol’ European-inspired desserts that were meticulously crafted by awardwinning Chef Johnny Loh. Threading a fine line between classics and creative recipes, the exclusive menu hit the right balance of Malaysian palate. All sales proceed from the Christmas gift tags was channelled to the Malaysian Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Association.

A Foodie’s Paradise at Publika From 26 to 28 February, Publika will play host to Taste of Tiffin, which is a sneak preview of its flagship project Tiffin Week. It is a city-wide celebration of food and drink, which is set for the second half of 2016. To give visitors a literal taste of what’s to come, there is a roster of events lined up, such as Tiffin Throwdown, which pits 10 chefs against each other to find out who is the best burger maestro. Another notable highlight is Chowdown, which is a 25 cuisine-strong marketplace for the most enthusiastic of foodies. 14

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Eat Right to Play Right Zurich Insurance Malaysia Berhad (ZIMB) has pledged RM4 million to One Goal in Malaysia – a movement initiated by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), World Vision International (WVI) as well as the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) – to combat child malnutrition locally. The amount will be supplied in equal parts over a period of four consecutive years towards an integrated community programme: Eat Right to Play Right. Given Malaysia’s passion for football, this programme seeks to use the sport as a platform to educate children on the importance of nutrition while instilling self-discipline and sportsmanship. ZIMB’s pledge to this programme is part of their long-term CSR effort driven by its #TrueLoveForOurChildren initiative.

Spuds Galore What do you get when you throw in together ingredients like the wholesome and delicious US potatoes, a tantalising award-winning chef, 24 bloggers and stir up a hot and spicy culinary competition? The answer would be none other than a delectable gastronomical affair. Dubbed as “US Potato Fest, A Culinary Best”, the half-day culinary event organised by the US Potato Board took place at the KDU University College in Utropolis Glenmarie, Selangor. As food enthusiasts rounded up for a warming treat of potatoes, fellow media and bloggers also brought home with them a series of innovative recipes showcased by the award-winning Chef Kenneth Kam. Following a sharing session on the goodness of potatoes by dietitian Indra Balaratnam, the event ended with a thrilling culinary challenge between the bloggers. FEB 2016 | CAMPUS PLUS |

feature by GRACE CHAN

aDVENT OF MODERN LOVE

FEBRUARY 2016

Lovin’ Without A Catch F

or weeks a body was spotted slowly decomposing, slouched in its own fluids and surrounded by fetid, fortnight-old food. A 60-year-old-man has died of self-neglect, solitude and a suspected heart problem. Such heart-wrenching scene wraps up the notion of Kodokushi – a Japanese term that translates to lonely death – a prevailing occurrence of people dying alone and remaining undetected for a long period of time. In a nation that supposedly has one of the highest standards of living in the world, people are unfortunately bowing to a culture of singlehood leading to a worrisome population decline of low birth rate. Despite Japan’s eminent technological advancements, nearly 40 percent of single people in their 20s and 30s spoke against the need for a romantic partner, claiming it as “bothersome”. Despite government’s effort to reverse the notorious drop, the rejection for romance is still hard to combat. Many young people denounce that relationships have simply become too complicated and surely the omnipresence of

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we’ve compiled a rundown of some of the most bizarre “social” services that is sure to knit your eyebrows.

Cuddle Café

technology, which dominates off-work time and mediates many relationships, make face-to-face contact even less common. All these pony up to the birth of celibacy syndrome, a media theory that illustrates the trend of young people retreating from interpersonal relationship and sex. With young folks putting away the roses to welcome a “no-relationship society”, a lot of celibate 20-somethings turn to “quirky and peculiar” services to satisfy their yearning for human affection. This Valentine’s issue,

Soine-ya, which translates to “sleep together shop”, offers service to cuddle with a partner when you’re at a peak of loneliness without any strings attached. The menu of options seems a bit of a joke, but it’s not. People actually shell out money for minutes of staring at each other, petting girls on the head or sleeping on laps. It costs about RM222 per hour to sleep comfortably with a stranger. Of course, you are not allowed to do more than what is mentioned in the menu with your partner. There is no kissing, no intimate contact and no privately contacting the chap or lass; unless you are ready to date them for real and report it to the service provider.

Anti-Loneliness Café Don’t have a lunch date? Fret’ not! Japan’s Moomin Café has an even better solution to your gloomy solo-dining dilemma. Instead of finding refuge in your book or cell phone screen to avoid the sight of an empty chair, at Moomin House Café, lone patrons are not only served with cute meals but also seated with large stuffed animals to keep them company. Talking about creative coping mechanisms for being alone, Japan appears to be cornering the market on accommodating single folks.

Hugging Chair

Personal Tear-Wiper For about RM293, it is now possible to hire an attractive hunk to show up at the doorstep of your workplace and gently brush away your tears as you weep. Such is the notion behind a Tokyo-based service called Ikemeso Danshi, which rents out attractive chaps to help people cry, as a form of therapy. If you need help getting the waterworks flowing, the handsome man will also patiently sit in your cubicle and watch sad videos with you until you cry; using a handkerchief to wipe away your tears while gently touching your cheek.

Nothing compares to the warm hug of real person, but when there’s no one else around, this nifty little Japanese invention is designed to dish out big cuddles. Touted as the “Tranquility Chair”, its back is shaped like a giant human doll with a friendly face and long arms that wrap around lone wolves in an affectionate embrace for aroundthe-clock affection whenever they want. The next time you’re hit with a pinch of loneliness or depression, you could probably use a hug although it is better if it’s from a human.

Japanese Curry and a Fake Girlfriend Loneliness is a perturbing issue in Japan. A Japanese curry brand not only understands this plight, they’ve also pulled out a solution: a curry that comes packaged with a girlfriend – albeit in DVD form. The appropriately named “Men’s Delusion Curry” is an instant curry served with a 27-year-old model, Mao Harada who appears in a DVD to compliment the meal. For young men with comorbid longings from companionship and food, the selection of Harada acting out one of three different roles on video (either “The Younger Girlfriend”, “The Older Girl Who Lives Next Door” or “Harada Made a Home-Cooked Meal”) is the simple solution that doesn’t even require them leaving their apartments. After popping the curry dish in the microwave, diners can pop an attached DVD and watch the model pretending to be their girlfriend and dining companion; all at a tag of RM57. What’s at the root of all these “ingenious” services? From hugging chairs, anti-loneliness café to rent-a-boyfriend programmes, they all exist to lighten the load of Japan’s famously undersexed population. While some attribute the popping up of these services to a drop in monogamy, marriage and babies, it is indisputable that many of us are also steered towards getting ahead in our careers. Hence, affection gets pushed back to the back-burner. Is Japan providing a glimpse of all our futures? Frankly speaking, many of the shifts are occurring in other advanced nations, too. Across urban Asia, Europe and America, people are marrying later or not at all, birth rates are tumbling while singleoccupant households skyrocket. So if all the cats snuggles and take-out in the world just aren’t cutting it, we know at least there are options.

FEB 2016 | CAMPUS PLUS |

unplugged by grace chan

Healing through Music

february 2016

Jazzed about

Aalex Termizi Get Personal Who says only cats have nine lives? Our homegrown talent, Aaleyxia Termizi, is a walking embodiment of perseverance, vitality and positive attitude stronger than the Energizer bunny! Alright, so enough with the animal metaphors. Through re-inventing herself with numerous layers of musical performances to beating the odds with cancer, Aaleyxia (who goes by the stage name, Aalex) is remarkably witty, humble and live each day without labelling herself as a victim. She is a musician. Period. Only 21, Aalex taps into a lineage: Stevie Nicks, Nina Simone, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Wonder. Albeit her excruciating battles with cancer, it is her vivacious and positive spirit that has caught the attention of National Cancer Society of Malaysia as an emblem of hope.

Even if it doesn’t ring a bell immediately, chances are you’ve heard of Relay for Life, an annual fundraising and cancer awareness event by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia; an avenue where Aalex has been faithfully making an appearance over the years. Strumming on the same guitar that accompanied her through the dusky days of chemotherapy sessions, she now shares the healing power of music with complete strangers. A multitasker at heart, Aalex finds it plain sailing to juggle between hitting the books to jam sessions. All thanks to the plethora of initiatives set up by her university for budding performers, the songstress is regularly granted with the opportunities to perform on main stage. “Plus I’m only in my second year of degree, so I’m not as busy …I think,” giggles Aalex, who is currently

a business student in Taylor’s University. Music aside, she typically indulges in sleeping during her leisure time. “I sleep like a log – 27 hours a day if that’s possible – and of course, with breaks in between for snacks,” humours the 21-yearold lass. When Aalex is not moonlighting as a sleeping beauty, she savours every chance to travel solo on voyages of self-discovery.

Music Conversation Looking back, Aalex sheepishly admitted that she too was not exempted from falling for the appeal of boy bands and young males crooning about love and heartache. Bands like N’Sync, Backstreet Boys, S Club 7 and High School Musical were once at the top of her mix. “One thing though, I am still a huge fan of High School

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Musical. I know every song by heart,” winks Aalex who is also the youngest of four siblings. Who would have guessed that our endearing jazz vocalist once looked up to N’Sync as the coolest band ever? Drawing musical influences from a series of genres (think jazz, indie folk to R&B), Aalex is particularly hooked on Norah Jones, John Mayer, Emily King, Birdy and Zee Avi. Nonetheless, her biggest inspiration and musical role model would always be Norah Jones. “Her music paved the way towards my discovery on jazz, a genre that I am most comfortable in. She is also the living proof that not only pop singers can make it big but jazz singers too!,” enthuses Aalex. A self-taught musician (all hail to YouTube), Aalex regularly initiates her creative process whenever her mood kicks in. On days where she is overwhelmed with emotions and inspirations, Aalex could impressively complete up to two songs in a night (yes, from composing beats to the final touches of the lyrics). “I believe the moment you’ve discovered a reason to compose a song, all you need to do is just sit down with a guitar and start strumming. Everything else will flow in later,” states the aspired musician. Touching on life experiences that prominently spice up her song writing, Aalex highlighted the cliché theme of unrequited love. “My new songs mainly revolve around my experiences with onesided love; something that happens to me a lot unfortunately. It’s depressing, I know,” laughs the budding singer. The room’s atmosphere immediately buzzed up as Aalex shared with us her latest single, Dwi (short for Dwibahasa). Since its conception in December last year, the bittersweet track has already garnered heaps of positive feedbacks. Although the lyrics appear to be rather sombre, Aalex finds it consoling that her crowds are also melancholic folks who are in tune with her musical direction. “The vibe from Dwi is certainly a style that I will be more inclined to explore in the future,” adds the 21-year-old lass.

Live Gigs Although cancer was Aalex’s toughest hurdle, it has also molded her to be brave and eventually

What advice do you have for people who want to take their passion in music one step furthe r? Never say never and love yourself (also I should stop naming songs from Justin Bieber). Oh, and try to develop a sense of humour, it helps with the overwhelming need for people to constantly pull you down. You can do it. Always remember that I love you.

r three o usic in m r u o ey Describ are-to-he rds. o w r u ry- nic e fo v , y a g, Sund ay. Calmin f-the-d ytime-o n a ts almo

to conquer her utmost fear, stage fright. Amusingly, she had performed at Relay for Life, University of Leeds in United Kingdom, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Brickfields Asia College and IACT College; all in the name of cancer awareness. From there, she started racking up her list of shows – from gigging in cafes such as Thursdvys and Cosans to open mic arena like The Bee and finally landing on the epicentre of local art scene, Merdekarya. To date, Aalex is still taken aback by the popularity of her own acoustic rendition of “OMG” by Usher. A personal favourite, the song has never failed to pump up the crowd. On top of that, she also covers an assortment of singers from Vance Joy, John Mayer, Norah Jones and George Ezra to Zee Avi. With the attention span of a toothbrush, Aalex revealed her most memorable gig thus far to be one where she was featured for an hour and half set at a local café. “The night turned out to be a blast and I was blown away by the amazing crowd,” states Aalex.

Down the Road with Music Ultimately, Aalex strives to secure her very own Royal Albert Hall show although presently, she is just contended with every small cozy gig that comes along her way. Living by the philosophy that no one should be limited with a single goal, Aalex also professed her desire to set up a café or food truck (backed by skill from her Diploma in Culinary) in Los Angeles while landing on a contract as the next Victoria Secret Angel. Dabbling with a concoction of subtle indie and pop, Aalex’s music is sure to engage you with the right dose of acoustic coffee table jazz. For those who wish to track down her dope tracks, head over to Aalex’s page on SoundCloud under “AalexTermizi”.

Wha t do you brea thin k” o k r “g I con reat have be side est en y r my one opp our feat of m ortu “big u y r nity e gest I am sma d ni ” so ll bu ghts still far? t big far o at T Gram h ff b e r mys my t Bee eaks to b arge and cons e a du t of ider bag et w ing ging ith B five eyon ce.

bookreview by rebeqah abraham

Valentine’s Special

february 2016

Night in Bed Single? Taken? It doesn’t matter. Because the specials we’ve put together for you this month would most definitely make you want to spend the night in bed anyway (no not in that way!). Here’s our recommended list of must-reads that’ll awaken either the heart or libido during this season of looooove.

Warning: Grab a tissue box before reading some of these books and probably parental consent before reading some of the others.

he search for a good mix of Young Adult and Way-Too-Adult led us to a beautiful story by Jojo Moyes of the New Adult genre. ‘Me Before You’ features a small town girl with a small town job, who eventually loses both. The 26-year-old finally leaves her town after seven years of fear and self-inflicted seclusion to be a caretaker of a 35-year-old quadriplegic (due to a motorbike accident). She, in all her stunted emotions, unexposed innocence and inexperience while he, in all his wealth, intelligence and deep-set anger come self-hatred for being an invalid; their differences sculpt the common ground on which he teaches her how to live and she allows him to live through her.

An author whose books ooze with passion, we had to throw in at least one of Nicholas Sparks’ books, if not all. I mean, what would a romance list be without him in it? ‘The Best of Me’ is a story of two teenage sweethearts, Dawson and Amanda, rekindling a love that once was, but now forgotten due to a mishap involving Dawson’s criminally abusive family and the death of his cousin. The two are reunited 20 years later to scatter the ashes of a friend but what would be the fate of their relationship when Dawson’s family makes another unwelcome appearance? And this time, it isn’t Dawson holding the gun.

One of my personal all -time favourites; you won’t find this on any “Top 10 List” but I assure you, it pulls at the heartstrings. A rollercoaster ride of emotions; joy, passion, fear and longing inspired by an unconditional love between two pre-destined human beings; with threads of one’s fate overlapping the other’s. Henry is a time-traveler whose genetic deformity allows him to displace through time and Clare happened to meet him for the first time on one of his travels when she is six years old and he is 32. Their lives, from thence, change. ’The Time Traveler’s Wife’ by Audrey Niffenegger accounts the journeys of two people from both viewpoints — one forever waiting for him to come back and the other forever anxious to never leave.

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In a generation of mass produced Young Adult books, it is quite hard to find one that’s rated 18 (they should probably be Rated-X). However, Jennifer Laurens makes it impossible in her book, ‘Heavenly’, to be anything but innocent because, conveniently, it features a Guardian Angel. An 18 year old Zoe has a younger sister, Abria, diagnosed with autism, affecting her family’s grasp on each other. Set with a load so heavy at young age, her brother turns to drugs for comfort and she turns to parties and casual relationships for an escape while their parents are too overwhelmed with Abria to stop either of them. However, when Matthias, who claims to be Abria’s Guardian Angel, appears to Zoe, the situation alters. She finds love and the attention she didn’t know she missed in someone who is so pure that she herself begins to change. Relatable and rare, ‘Heavenly’ is a heart-warming account of pure love inspiring others to love purely. This next one is for those who seek thrill in the world of beasts, vampires and all other things very much fiction. ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ by Sarah J. Maas is a version of the famous fairytale, Beauty and the Beast. Feyre, a young huntress, lives in a village harbouring only humans that strive to survive in a land governed by beasts and faeries. On one of her hunts, Feyre kills a wolf only to discover that it was no mere beast but a Faerie. Tamlin, an immortal Faerie, comes to seek compensation for the dead wolf. In order to spare her family’s lives, Feyre must leave them and be held prisoner by Tamlin on his land, in his territory. She finds her feelings develop for Tamlin’s complex and unpredictable character as an ancient darkness threatens the existence of Tamlin and his land. She may be able to control the outcome; depending on whose side she’s on.

Bring out the classics! How could we not feature the Sherlock Holmes of romance in our list of Valentine’s Night In Bed. Jane Austen (also the author of Wuthering Heights and Sense and Sensibility) wrote arguably her most famous novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’ more than 200 years ago, yet it still remains unmatched in its unique and complex Middle English beauty. The five daughters of the Bennet family are well on their way to getting married and the many knights in shining armour come around to win their hearts. The endeavours evolve into a myriad of stories on these women’s courtships, which then entwine to be a part of one complex plot. ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is a mature story of five women who are as different as they are beautiful.

Parker Grant: stubborn, tough, hurt and blind. Eric Lindstrom beautifully creates a character in ‘Not If I See You First’ who owns her blindness and yet it isn’t her physical drawback that makes her build walls but her emotional impairment. Years ago, Scott broke her heart but more severely, he broke her rules. The most important of those rules being “Do not deceive me. Especially using my blindness. Especially in public.” These rules governed

her heart and her life and if someone were to break them, they were “dismissed”. Scott leaves and returns years later and by then, Parker is even tougher, even more stubborn and much more emotionally impaired after losing her father three months before. Did I mention her infinity rule? No second chances. Basically, her choices are slimmed down to break the rules or remain broken.

FEB 2016 | CAMPUS PLUS |

music

ALBUM RELEASES AND REVIEWS

February 2016

REVIEWS

Sounds Good Feels Good

| 5 Seconds of Summer

Every Open Eye

| CHVRCH S

Australian Pop Punk Band 5 Seconds of Summer is back with their second studio album. Relatable to all the dreamers out there, this album talks about depression and mental illness among other things. With 5 tracks co-written by the Madden brothers, it really is no wonder that this album is so catchy. Besides “She’s Kinda Hot” and “Hey Everybody”, tracks to look out for include “Permanent Vacation”, “Jet Black Heart”, “Waste The Night”, “Vapor” and “Fly Away”. This album works particularly well when you’re having a bad day.

This Scottish electronic band’s second studio album is enough to get you interested in the genre if you aren’t already a fan. “Clearest Blue”, the track of which one of its lines form the album title, is something that can easily be put on repeat without being worn out. Other tracks to look out for include “Never Ending Circles”, “Keep You On My Side”, “High Enough To Carry You Over”, and “Afterglow”. Whether you’re raving at home or at a party, this is a great album to get you grooving!

Blue Neighbourhood

Revolve

| Troye Sivan

Although this is Australian singer and songwriter Troye Sivan’s debut studio album, music is not something new to him, as he’s done many song covers on his YouTube channel since eight years ago. As one goes through the album, the raw emotion put into it becomes evident. Blue Neighborhood is honest and relatable. While “Wild” starts the album off fast, tracks such as “Bite” and “Too Good”, show that Sivan handles slower tracks just as well. Other tracks to look out for include “The Quiet”, “Talk Me Down”, “Lost Boy” and “For Him”.

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| John Newman

English singer and musician John Newman, best known for “Love Me Again” and for being featured in “Blame” by Calvin Harris, is back with an album featuring actor, singer and musician Idris Elba at the beginning of the album. Although rather unconventional for a title and opening track of an album to be spoken, it works relatively well with the rest of the tracks. Other tracks to look out for include “Something Special”, “Lights Down”, “Come and Get It” and “Killing Me”.

movies by cheryl tai by CHERYL TAI

AWAKEN IT HAS

FEBRUARY 2016

At long last the force awakens and Star Wars is cool again!

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’m not going to sit around and pretend to understand the overly obsessed fans of the films as the Star Wars Saga was released when I was just a baby. Nevertheless, I was infinitely curious about Star Wars and the hype surrounding The Force Awakens when the trailer was released in November 2014. Since then, I took the time to download and watch the films. When I think of Star Wars, I think of “spaceships”, “Sword with lights”, “a green monster elf” and “I am your father”. I didn’t have a clue just what I was getting myself into. Fast forward to 17th December 2015, I was shaking and shrieking with excitement as the words “In a galaxy far, far away” appeared on the screen. I went into this film knowing virtually nothing, as the plot was kept a secret by JJ Abrams and I enjoyed every single moment of it. The new cast combined with the old cast that fans grew

up loving brought life and depth to the film. The film starts with Rey, a scavenger (played by lovable newcomer Daisy Ridley) running into Finn, a Stormtrooper (played by John Boyega) who decides to leave the First Order which then leads them both alongside with BB8 on an adventure! (Which then involves Han Solo and Chewbacca). In the midst of all this, a new villain who took plenty of inspiration from Darth Vader called Kylo Ren is on the rise. The Force Awakens is not only a great Star Wars movie but a great film. The characters, film making, acting, action sequences felt real and grounded. One of the best elements I liked about the film was the humour this movie surprisingly had and the new characters. The performances given by John Boyega and Daisy Ridley were excellent. It kept me at the edge of my seat to see what hurdles they would have to go through next. I thought Daisy Ridley as Rey, stole the entire movie and brought life to it as I would be silently wishing she would appear on the screen again whenever she was not. The multiple long and wide takes also made my jaw drop in awe. JJ Abrams really did outdo himself with this film. There are definitely scenes of nostalgia (with Princess Leia and Han Solo) but it wasn’t overly sappy and actually handled well. Although majority of the reviews out there has been criticising our new villain, Kylo Ren when he took off his mask and appeared to be an average looking man. I thought this was quite brilliant as this shows that he’s not a monster filled with scars but just an ordinary man hiding behind a mask. He will then have character development throughout the saga like how Tom Riddle became “He Who Must Not Be Named”. I thought Kylo Ren (otherwise known as Ben Solo) was a well written villain with motives that were understood by the audience therefore movie goers do care about the character. Throughout the entire movie, the only thing that kept me more entertained than the

characters on land were the Millenium Falcon and the X Wing. Unfortunately, I didn’t find the Star Killer base and Supreme Leader Snoke all that threatening. When I look past all my “feels” and judged this film not from a perspective of a fan, it is easy to feel that The Force Awakens had very similar plot points as A New Hope. Of course, no movie in the history of film is flawless but the pros of The Force Awakens definitely outweighed the cons for me. Many fans of Star Wars were being quite hypocritical by complaining not everything was explained in this film but I think that “less is more” and that’s the reason why there are two more upcoming Star Wars films! Every scene of this film is filled with creativity and I truly believe this film has launched a whole new generation of Star Wars fans. It has given cinema and film making a new purpose. This film left us with so many questions that are left to be answered, it was even better when I watched it the second time around and I’m yet to go watch it the third time. It has changed the cinematic world and dominated box office records like never before. The Force Awakens broke all stereotypes by introducing an interracial pair, a black male lead and our first female Jedi. This film knew exactly what film it wanted to be. Despite paying tribute to the old films, it still managed to be its own film. Star Wars: The Force Awakens, deserves to be number one movie of 2015.

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movies

THE LATEST CINEMA FLICKS

february 2016

PREVIEWS

Deadpool

The Choice

STARRING: RYAN REYNOLDS, MORENA BACCARIN, ED SKREIN, GINA CARANO, T.J. MILLER

STARRING: BENJAMIN WALKER, TERESA PALMER, TOM WELLING, ALEXANDRA DADDARIO, TOM WILKINSON, MAGGIE GRACE

RELEASE: 11th February 2016

RELEASE: 18th February 2016

Definitely a movie many of us have been anticipating (especially if you’re a Marvel fan!). The movie is based on the Marvel Comics of the same name. Having learned of the expiry date on his life, Wade Wilson undergoes an experiment which grants him an indestructible body with a slight catch.

Adapted from Nicholas Spark’s novel of the same name, this is a story of the choices made in life and how it affects its course. Travis Barker is brought to the attention of Gabby Holland, his neighbour, by his dog. Little do they know that the relationship shared by pets foreshadow theirs, in a more permanent way.

Joy

Zootopia

STARRING: JENNIFER LAWRENCE, ROBERT DE NIRO, ÉDGAR RAMÍREZ, BRADLEY COOPER, ELISABETH RÖHM, DASCHA POLANCO, ISABELLA ROSSELLINI

STARRING: JASON BATEMAN, GINNIFER GOODWIN, SHAKIRAe

RELEASE: 11th February 2016

RELEASE: 25th February 2016

A biopic on the inspirational Joy Mangano, an American inventor and entrepreneur whose story of rags to riches starts with the “Miracle Mop”, the film follows her struggles as a single mother of three building her business empire where she eventually becomes the President of Ingenious Designs, LLC. Definitely something to watch out for if you’re looking to be inspired.

Nick Wilde, a fast-talking fox, journey to seek fame turns him into an onthe-run criminal for a crime that he did not commit. Lt. Judy Hopps, a selfrighteous rabbit and Zootopia’s top cop, is in pursuit until both of them realise that they have become the targets of a conspiracy. The two natural enemies then end up working together, proving that nature isn’t always as we perceive it to be.

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coverstory

by editorial team

supporting the lgbt community

february 2016

They say the best things in life are free and love is indeed one of the best – if not the best thing. We, as humans, are predisposed to give it liberally and easily and who better to receive it than our fellow man? Yet, humans also tend to fear and reject those who they don’t understand, and when we reject, we lose the ability to give them love. This is what’s happening right now to the LGBT community around the world, and even more so in Malaysia. In the spirit of a certain amorous holiday that is widely celebrated in February, we’ve decided to train the spotlight onto a type of love that is too often underestimated – unconditional love for our fellow human being, regardless of who they have feelings for.

HIDING IN SOLITUDE

here’s a soft spoken boy who walks and talks a little differently or in a ‘non-manly’ way, as some might call it. Unlike some guys his age, he doesn’t enjoy watching or playing sports, but rather, pours his heart and soul into more artistic endeavours like the performing arts, baking and fashion designing. He also has a flamboyant sense of style and has a lot of fun dressing up every morning. A large part of society thinks he doesn’t fit into the box of a ‘normal’ man, and they ridicule him for it. They call him names, and one of them is ‘gay’. He is gay, but that’s not the point. The point is, they can’t accept him for who he is. There’s a girl who loves the same things as the boy does. In fact, they have so much in common, that if they were ever to meet, they’d hit it off right away. She loves dressing up, and she also loves dancing, singing and acting. She likes to wear her long hair in a ponytail and puts on makeup all the time. However, this girl has a secret. She likes girls, the way some boys like girls and some boys like boys. Sure, she may not look like what society expects girls like her to look like, but that makes it even harder in some ways. She’s afraid to come out, because she’s afraid it will disappoint everybody. She’s afraid they won’t accept her for who she is.

FEB 2016 | CAMPUS PLUS |

A Deadly Catalyst and a Simple SOlutiOn For those who haven’t, can’t or don’t want to come out of the closet, mental (and sometimes even physical) issues abound, triggered by their own societies’ rejection of them. Among the more common ones are depression, anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders. Some may even self-harm as a temporary release from the overwhelming pain of being bullied or their inability to live an authentic life. In fact, according to the American Centre for Disease Control and 30

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Prevention, LGBT youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers. These are debilitating issues that cannot be ignored, especially when news arises every other day of a transgender or lesbian teen committing suicide. Being isolated or ridiculed for something as important as your sexuality makes one feel as if who they are is not good enough, which in turn damages their self-worth and leads to destructive behaviour. On the other hand, if

one finds themselves in a nurturing, supportive environment where their identity is not only tolerated, but embraced, they can grow to become more confident and capable of giving out more love. Even if they had previously been alienated, coming across someone new who accepts them with open arms and makes an effort to understand who they are, without subjecting them to stereotypes, can promote recovery from said mental issues and restore their faith in themselves and people in general.

Wave Of HOpe Rather than ignoring the issue that is the mistreatment of the LGBT community, we can spread the love by starting with ourselves and letting go completely of negative LGBT-related stereotypes. When you stereotype and put someone in a box, it divides, not unite. Start small by paying attention to the many terms used to describe them negatively such as dyke, fag, queer or tranny. The same goes to gay jokes. When we make jokes that unnecessarily deride the community, we are directly reinforcing the idea that these jokes are okay and that who they are is something worth ridiculing. If you personally know someone who is struggling with their identity, you have the chance to make things right too by lending a listening ear or just verbalising your support. It may sound unbelievably simple to say: “I’m here for you”, but when someone has been abandoned by just about everyone they thought they could trust before, such a saying makes all the difference. Or, if you are already out of the closet, you can definitely lend support in terms of offering a safe social circle or advising them on how to navigate their tough emotional journey. Even if you’re not ready to accept or at least tolerate someone close to you who happens to be LGBT, you owe it to your relationship with the said person to try to understand who they are. Regardless of who they choose to love, they are still your friend/family/loved one and if there’s any side effect to accepting and encouraging it, it’s that they will be happier with your unwavering love on their side.

For *Danni, a 23 year-old bisexual woman, her coming out experience was motivated by the need to clear her conscience, rather than seek acceptance. Generally, her family took it relatively well, without any severing of familial ties. She also believes that one’s choice of partner is as personal as our icecream flavour preference. It’s what you like and it’s not a decision to make. It simply is and it’s not wrong.” she opines. *Fir has a slightly different story to tell; the 26 year-old gay man has yet to tell his parents, although he recently came out to his brothers and some relatives. “It was a tough call to make but I’m glad I did it,” he said. He was bullied countless times while growing up. “I was once beaten up, choked and jeered during primary school. It was a struggle I faced on a daily basis until high school.” Despite it all, he sees the challenges as blessings in disguise which have moulded them him into the strong person he is now. *AMG, who identifies as gay, has come out to his family and although his family has gradually learned to accept him as he is, it’s not yet smooth-sailing as his parents would prefer for him to not get married. Society in general is no better off. “Hundreds of eyes observe us wherever my boyfriend and I go, whether it’s when we take a couple seat at the cinema or dining at a restaurant,” the 25 year old laments. However, he believes in just letting them ‘bark’, and eventually they would

stop bothering him. “I can’t change them but I can educate them on acceptance. Whether they take it or leave it, that’s their choice.” He has derived a lot of strength from social media, which has also helped him in his path to self-acceptance and inspired him to chase his dreams of becoming a makeup artist. As for Robin, her story is not such a clearly outlined one, for she identifies as non-binary, which means she sees herself as neither a man nor a woman. However, due to her biological sex and her attraction towards women, the 24 year old identifies as a lesbian in terms of sexual orientation. She hasn’t come out to her family, although she suspects they might have an inkling and she feels that it’s better for them to be left in blissful ignorance. The main problems that arise in an LGBT relationship, she says, are arguments and trust issues that stem from the relationship having to be on the down low, especially if one of them have not come out to their family and friends. That said, the challenges she faces outside of romantic relationships are few, as she has understanding people around her and works alongside people who are open-minded about it. She has gotten to know some others in the community and feels that it has given her the ability to stand tall and be proud of who she is. *Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the subjects.

FEB 2016 | CAMPUS PLUS |

fashionbuzz by rachel fong

FASHIONABLE DUOS IN ASIAN SHOWBIZ

FEBRUARY 2016

We’re all familiar with the Brangelinas and Kimyes of the world – having their photos plastered all over your social media feeds kind of makes that easy – but are we as aware of the equally glamorous and envy-inducing celeb couples of Asia? This Valentine’s, we’re celebrating love and fashion in a very different way, by bringing your attention to the most immaculately dressed duos in Asia who are partners in careers, closets and on certificate. While they may not always be as high profile as the likes of Beyonce and Jay-Z, whenever they do make an appearance (or get married) it’s still a sight for sore eyes, especially when the bride’s dress is Dior! From Malaysia to China, we’ve got the lowdown on the most awe-inspiring and stylish husband and wife combos right here.

The actress and her singer husband, who is from the popular band KRU, have been married since 2012, when they got hitched in a lavish ceremony at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, which was witnessed by over 2,000 guests. The photogenic couple have since welcomed a daughter, Yahaira Leanne, who was born in September 2015. Lisa has an illustrious list of movies to her name and has dabbled in singing and dancing as well, while her husband has juggled singing, songwriting, directing and acting.

s r i Pa The Malaysian actors first met while co-hosting a reality show called ‘Sehati Berdansa’ and dated for three years before tying the knot in 2012, after Awal publicly proposed to his paramour on ‘Propaganza’, a gossip TV programme hosted by the latter. Two years on, the couple was blessed with a bundle of joy, their daughter Lara Alana. Despite their growing brood, neither entertainer seems to have slowed down on the work front, with numerous hosting and television projects between them.

Mega Mandopop star Jay Chou and model Hannah Quinlivan captivated their fans when their decadent bridal photos were released, in which the couple cut striking figures in dazzling suits and ball gowns, while posing against backdrops in Prague, Paris and Germany. Adulation for the power couple reached fever pitch when Chou and Quinlivan walked down the aisle in Alexander McQueen and Mikael Derderian. These days, the couple are enjoying some time off from work and marital bliss with their newborn daughter Hathaway Chou, who was born in July 2015.

When this adventurous couple isn’t off getting married in Antarctica or travelling around the world for work, they’re outshining everyone else with their classic good looks and sense of style. Add to that, co-headlining cover stories in Elle Singapore and Elle Taiwan, and you have a celebrity couple whose star power is undeniable. Despite marrying in January 2015, George and Janet have not let their new marital status dampen their sense of adventure, as George flies between Singapore and the States for acting projects and Janet is a longtime host on Discovery TLC’s ‘Fun Taiwan’.

When someone’s nuptials costs nearly three times as much as Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s, you have to take notice. Actress/model Angelababy and her actor spouse forked out a whopping US$31 million on their way to the aisle, with the bride decked out in a custom made Christian Dior gown. Prior to that, the couple had taken a series of luxurious bridal shots, with a wardrobe courtesy of Elie Saab Haute Couture. Not too shabby for a couple who were introduced in a karaoke bar by a mutual friend.

campuscouture

Spotlight on Limkokwing University

february 2016

Fashion (Goes) Forward

he local fashion scene was recently injected with a breath of fresh air as Limkokwing’s graduating class of Fashion & Retail Design brought forth a new edition of their famed showcase, Creativity in Motion. With a theme like ‘Virtual Reality’, the show was set to be nothing short of wonderful from the get-go. After all, students were tasked with the challenge of creating collections that portrayed their individual interpretations of the theme as well as their visions of the future. Proceedings were kicked off with the presentation by 10 students from seven countries, all from Diploma in Fashion & Retail Design. The international element was further played up when they sent their designs down the runway on 45 models from 15 countries, such as United Kingdom, United States of America, Kazakhstan, Russia, Iran, China and many more.

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To add to the grandeur of the event, the showcase was held at The Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur, the same venue as their brand development project exhibition that paid testament to studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; flair for fashion retail merchandising. As is de rigueur with Creativity in Motion, Limkokwing Fashion Club paraded their latest designs, which were collaborative efforts between alumni and existing students. Fashion was not all that dominated the show, there was a change-up in between collections, thanks to song and dance performances from the Faculties of Sound & Music and the Performance Arts programme. By the end of the evening, awards were given out to students for best techniques, most creative collections and best shoes and accessories. The event reached a new apex when the university announced the launch of their Master of Arts in Fashion Brand Management, making them the first university in Malaysia to offer a private Masters in Fashion.

FEB 2016 | CAMPUS PLUS |

beautybuzz by rachel fong

ROMANTIC LOOKS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

FEBRUARY 2016 So it’s Valentine’s Day, and you feel like going the extra mile. While it’s been great chilling out in your sweatpants and shamelessly bingewatching Netflix together, a part of you might also be itching to go out with your other half for a night out in the town, and if you look good while doing it, that’d be all the better! With a bit of fairy dust (read: loose powder) and a few adept strokes of the wand (read: makeup brush), you can totally blow the socks off your partner when he or she drives up to your house. Read on to find out how:

After setting a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup (primer, foundation, concealer, finishing powder), highlight your eyelids by dusting a nude, pearlescent eyeshadow across them. Apply a thin stroke of liquid eyeliner as close to your lash line as possible, and drag it slightly

past the outer corner of your eyes for a winged-out look. With the same liquid eyeliner pen, define and elongate your lower lashes by dragging the pen

slightly along the lashes. Dab your lip brush in a pinkish red shade and draw along the curve of your lips, before filling

in the rest of your lips.

, Yap uki dio S : u p t q keu ir S azi Ma Ha il H l & Place m a e d K Mo DY’s phy: E ra tog o Ph

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3. 4.

Apply a nude base colour on your lids, and brighten up your eyes with a dab of deep pink eyeshadow on the outer corners. Blend until the harsh lines between both colours disappear. Apply a thin layer of glue to a pair of faux eyelashes, wait until theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re tacky, and apply the eyelashes as close to your natural lash line as possible. Curl them along with your own lashes. Highlight the inner corner of your eyes by dabbing some shimmery white eyeshadow on them. Using a lip brush, apply hot pink lipstick to your pout.

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After applying a nude base colour on your lids, dab a dark brown eyeshadow on the outer corners. Swipe a layer of glitter over the entire lid, and apply more layers until you achieve the desired effect. Swipe a stroke of liquid eyeliner as close to your lash line as possible, dragging it out the outer corner of your eyes for a cat-eye effect. Draw a thin line halfway across your lower lids, starting from the outer corner. Connect it with the winged out eyeliner. Apply a dash of pure red lipstick to your lips, and clean up any stray lines with concealer and a thin brush. Contour your face by brushing bronzer on the hollows of your cheeks and both sides of the bridge of your nose. Then, dab highlighting powder on your highest point of your cheeks and the bridge of your nose.

Beauty PICKS

Browlash EX Lash Sculpture LS Mascara (Hello Kitty Edition) RM55.90 available at all SaSa outlets Take your love for the iconic Hello Kitty to the next level with this special edition of BCL’s lengthening mascara! Armed with an innovative applicator wand that catches even the smallest of lashes and coats them evenly, this mascara is as effective as it is adorable. Aside from elongating your lashes, it also helps you to separate them so they look full and lush.

FEBRUARY 2016

beautycase compiled by rachel fong

Kiss Me Heavy Rotation Colouring Eyebrow RM41.90 available at all SaSa and Watsons outlets Often times, it’s a pretty jarring look when you’ve had a fantastic hair dye job, without the eyebrows to match. With Kiss Me’s new eyebrow mascara, you can finally match your brows to your newly lightened (or darkened) tresses, as it comes in six colours. Being highly pigmented, it also makes for easy application as one sweep is enough to give your eyebrows that lush look. Despite the intense colour, removing it remains a cinch, as it comes off with lukewarm water alone.

Oxy Ultimate Cleanser RM13.90 available at all leading pharmacies and supermarkets Cleansers are usually made for one or two purposes, but Oxy’s newest product is set to blow them all out of the water. It has a whopping eight uses altogether. It’s aimed at giving teenagers the holy grail of clear, fresh and pimple-free skin, fighting acne and blackheads, unclogging pores, removing excess sebum, deep cleansing, moisturising, soothing and refreshing. For budget-conscious teens, this will be even more useful as it eliminates the need for other skincare products.

Hada Labo Hydrating Light Cream & Water Gel RM65.90 available at all leading pharmacies Japanese skincare brand Hada Labo has conjured up two face creams that are moisturising as they are lightweight and they are none other than the Hydrating Light Cream and Hydrating Water Gel. The former is made for normal to dry skin, whereas the latter suits oily and combination skin types. Both formulas contain Aqua Oil Volume Matrix, which prevent moisture loss on top of hydrating one’s skin, as well as essential nutrients for a radiant complexion, such as Vitamin B3 and Aloe Vera.

Guardian Botaneco Garden Trio Oil Hair & Body Collection from RM3.80 to RM19.90 available at all Guardian outlets and e-store For their latest hair and body range of products, Guardian has once again looked to nature for inspiration, or more specifically, three unique ingredients that were previously beauty secrets in their respective countries. They are Latin America’s Babassu Oil, Africa’s Baobab Oil and France’s Chufa Oil, all of which can be found within the Hair Shampoo, Hair Conditioner, Hair Elixir and Body Wash. Furthermore, the Body Wash is available in three variants, which are Whitening, Moisturising and Gentle Cleansing.

wanderlust by rachel fong

alternative valentine’s day destinations

february 2016

On the

Trail W

hile travelling with your significant other is great at almost any time of year, there’s just something undeniably special about taking a vacation together to bond and fall in love all over again. Of course, you wouldn’t be the only couple to be in a similarly wanderlustfilled mind during Valentine’s Day, which is why it’s essential to travel off the beaten path. As wonderful as Paris and Bali are for romantic getaways, you and your other half are far more likely to enjoy your vacation if it’s not crowded by hundreds of other people looking to do the same. Also, nothing beats coming back with an album of unforgettable memories that few other couples can claim to have, and that you will cherish forever. Here’s a list of where your next flight ticket should take you to:

Kathmandu, Nepal

Pantai Redang Beach, Sekinchan

Yup, we’re starting this list on a super budget-friendly note with a local destination. You may already know of Sekinchan’s lushly green paddy fields, but did you know that a scenic beach and wishing tree are just a 15 minute drive away? A robust marketplace springs up here during the weekends and public holidays, so we recommend driving up here around 7pm to see the beach at its best. The timing will also afford you a relaxing stroll by the beach, as the weather won’t be as hot and you can take in a breathtaking view of the sunset. One of the good eats you can find here is a raw oyster stall, which serves up the freshest bunch with a smattering of chili sauce and a spritz of lemon on top. Yearning for a thirst quencher? There’s coconut juice here too! Situated a stone’s throw away is the wishing tree, which immediately catches one’s eye with its massive collection of red ribbons, tangled on every possible nook and cranny of the plant. All one has to do to get in on the action is give a token amount for the ribbon and write one’s wish on it, before hurling it up onto the tree. FEB 2016 | CAMPUS PLUS |

Puerta Princesa, Philippines

Skip Manila for a change and head straight for the city of Puerta Princesa, which is located on the island of Palawan. It has some encouraging statistics, such as a population of over 222,000 people, which makes it the least densely populated city in Philippines and a reputation as the cleanest and greenest city in the country. Its proximity to white, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters also means you get all the idyll and beauty of an island, without the overcommercialisation and pollution. Oh, there’s unbelievably fresh – and sometimes exotic – seafood waiting here for you too. Lying 45 minutes away by car from the city is Honda Bay, which connects you to Virgin Islands like Cowrie Island and Starfish Island. If the idea of mountain hiking speaks to your heart more, swing by Ugong Rock, where you can try ziplining, spelunking and trekking. Finally, no trip to Puerto Princesa is complete without a canoe tour of the Underground River.

Udaipur, India

Stepping into this small city in the state of Rajasthan is like journeying into a new era, as it is characterised by ancient palaces lined with man-made lakes. With boats cruising by on the lakes, an exciting arts scene and trinket-peddling shops, one could hardly think of a better site for shooting an exotic romantic fairy tale. For some of the most dazzling views, take a boat cruise along Lake Pichola during the sunset, where you can enjoy the unparalleled sight of Udaipur’s skyline of mansions light up, along with the mountains and horizon of the lake. Another must-see is the Udaipur Lake Palace, which as the name already suggests, is a floating monument on the Jag Niwas Island, known for its old-world décor. The lure of royalty beckons with the Udaipur City Palace, which stuns with its mix of Chinese, European and medieval architecture.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Located in northern Laos, Luang Prabang is a serene city guaranteed to put at ease any world-weary traveller who comes its way. Due to the town centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the place appears to be frozen in time, with solely bicycles and motorcycles travelling up and down the roads and an 11.30pm curfew which casts a calming spell over the city at night. The most famous monastery in Luang Prabang is Wat Xieng Thing, which features intricate mosaics and little chapel halls in which Buddha statues reside. Those looking to get mementos of their trip will love the handicraft night market, which sells applique blankets, T-shirts, ceramics and much more. If you stray out of the city, Tat Kuang Si is a worthy destination, with its plunging waterfalls and Bear Rescue Centre, where you can take a dip in the dry summer season and watch bears being fed.

Kathmandu, Nepal

Despite its devastation by a double whammy of earthquakes in April and May last year, Kathmandu has lost none of its beauty. The capital of Nepal is a vision with its verdant hills and painstakingly constructed temples, but you can also find modernity in the bustling old town and Durbar Square. People watching is a popular activity at Durbar Square, especially from the temple of Maju Deval. One of a kind sights await you at the Himalaya, where passengers can board a one hour flight in the early morning to see Mount Everest and other peaks from a fairly close distance. If the sightseeing has taken a toll on your legs, a rest stop can be found in the Garden of Dreams, which was built in the 1920s and features fountains, ponds and a hidden garden.

guysstuff by eusoff andrei

fashion fluid

february 2016

: s e h t o l C f o h s a l C The

? y a N r o Yay While many of us are aware that women often don menswear, it is quite rare to see men wearing womenswear unless they’re dressing up in drag or if it’s for a joke or if you’re Jaden Smith. In fact, some of us may not even know that it has been done by some of our favourite celebrities without looking as feminine as you might think they would. So what do you say: Yay or nay?

o t e L d e r a J

Jared Leto is one guy who proves that skirts are not specifically reserved for women. Naturally, it helps if you’ve got the body before you try this look out. Of course, given the frequency at which he applies guyliner, Jared in a skirt may not come off as that much of a surprise.

KANYE WEST Now before we start assuming that one has to be at least a little bit feminine in order to even think of putting something from a woman’s brand, this should quash that. Kanye West once chose to wear a woman’s shirt from French label Céline for one of his concerts not too long ago.

S M A I L L I W L E R R A H P Pharrell has also been spotted wearing a piece originally made for women – a necklace from Chanel. While it wasn’t intended for use by men, Pharrel showed us how it’s done.

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Vin Diesel A little over a decade ago, this movie star was inspired to wear a pleated black leather skirt to the MTV Europe Music Awards. While it was a daring choice, what he did for the camera was even more significant than his outfit - he twirled for the camera! What can we say, confidence is key in working any outfit.

Lil’ Wayne Lil’ Wayne chose to go against the norm when he wore women’s leopard print jeggings for the VMAs. He added his own style by letting his boxer show but frankly, the look might have probably worked better if he didn’t.

DBEACKVHIADM In this blast from the past, we take you back to a much younger Becks who chose to wear a sarong over his pants on one of his dinner dates with Victoria. While it was the norm for sarongs to be worn by both men and women alike locally (sans pants), only the women are still doing it these day. Do you think that this particular item will be back in style among Malaysia men?

careerchat by eusoff andrei

shock treatment

february 2016

Shockingly Captivating

Actor, Film Producer and Director Jason Lim has produced some of the most viral, disturbing and shocking yet touching films to date, touching millions across the world. Famous for utilising the shock factor in his short films in order to capture the viewers’ attention, his films have a way of making its audience take a good hard look at themselves as he touches on topics which might be considered sensitive by many such as racism and social issues while angling the film in a way that affects the audience positively. C+: How did you start off in filmmaking? I went to a fast food joint and there was this Down Syndrome girl who was partially blind behind the counter being scolded and I couldn’t accept the fact that I kept quiet. Then I thought: “Wow, what did my silence really condone?” I felt really bad and I thought I needed to do something about it. An idea to make the movie triggered in me. I made five random phone calls from my contact list and persuaded them to help me with the production of my first film. C+: You’re a full time actor, film producer and director. How do you fund your movies? There are sponsors but I self-fund most of the films. Most of my recent films are without sponsors because I prefer it that way. The films I do are priceless and invaluable. Of course, I am still open to sponsors. I think profit is secondary when it comes to passion. Once in a blue moon, there are sponsors who care about what I do and these people don’t want to be out there, as they just want to do it for a good cause. C+: Did u study filmmaking formally? I was an actor. Prior to that I was a surveillance officer in a casino. The thing is, everyone has a dream when they’re young. But at such a young age, you’re innocent and pure. You don’t think so much about problems and consequences. I

had always wanted to be an actor and after a few years fantasising about it something happened. One night, I was sleeping and my neighbour, MyFM DJ Jack Lim scolded me so hard and said that I was never going to be an actor and was never going to make it into the entertainment industry. And then I woke up. It was a dream. That was four years ago. I woke up unhappy and I said “Alright, what more can I lose?” I wrote a letter on why I wanted to be an actor and asked for a chance. I went to his house, rang the doorbell and his maid informed me that he was in Thailand and he wouldn’t be back soon. After two weeks, his manager called and told me they got my letter. Two weeks later, I was ready to give up but as I was travelling to Thailand for a holiday, I received a phone call and found out I was shortlisted to become an actor – playing a lunatic and a psychopath who had to take off his clothes in the street. They gave me a date, which was my birthday and I had to lie to everyone as to why I wouldn’t be free then. That’s how I started. C+: Have you done / do you plan to do a full length feature film? I have but in Hong Kong. I don’t reveal those films because those are for my clients. There is a commercial one in progress by Jason Lim Productions and it’s expected to be out mid or end of this year. It’s still in progress. Making these movies is a big challenge because I’ve raised the bar so high for my own films. For me to do a feature film, which would be at least 45 minutes, people expect much more than just a film. There’s a saying: Good isn’t good enough when better is expected. So even if my film is good, I remind myself it has to be better.

C+: Your films basically underline the “never mind” attitude. Do you think it’s something new or has society always been this way? It’s a culture because the attitude is brought down from previous generations and my films are basically counter-attacking this attitude. It hits my audience so hard right on the soft spot and they feel the pain. For me to direct the film and produce, it takes time and throughout the process I’m able to create something to take them into an experience where I can plunge them into deep emotion. It’s actually a human thing but in other countries they try to fix it. In Malaysia, society runs away from the problem. My films target these problems but no one dares to go against me because my films are so neutral that if you go against me, you’re going to look like a fool. C+: Why the shock method? Cause Malaysians can’t be taught the easy way! The lack of empathy and the sheer level of ignorance has caused Malaysian to have this “I don’t bloody care” attitude. So when you shock them, they stop and think. C+: What’s your message to aspiring actors, filmmakers and your fans? Everyone’s looking for something but nobody’s willing to pay the price. To succeed or to fail, it always comes with a price tag. How much are you willing to pay?

FEB 2016 | CAMPUS PLUS |

on u 2nd Seas Kyoushits

February 2016

Ansatsu

anime by ivy chin

Here we go!

The Mysterious Journey Continues

If you’re a huge anime fan like us, you would know how it feels when an excellent anime comes to an end, especially when it ends with a cliffhanger. But when it continues to second season, you definitely want to restock your pantry to enjoy a nice anime binge over the weekend. Be prepared. Ansatsu Kyoushitsu 2nd Season

GATE: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakeri 2nd Season

su Durarara!!x2 Ket

More than 70% of the Moon was destroyed by a powerful octopus-like creature, who threatened to destroy the Earth within a year. Surprisingly, it offered mankind an opportunity to avert this fate by giving a chance to be educated again. This time the teacher is none other than the creature itself. But a group of troublemakers and underperforming students have been secretly announcing a reward of ¥10 billion to anyone who succeeds in assassinating this creature. The teacher starts his lesson on general subjects and strangely on assassination! What was meant to be killed, in the end turned out to be their best teacher. In the first season, this group of students almost took the creature’s life but what will be interesting to watch is the growth of the students’ assassination skills as their relationship with the creature evolves.

GATE: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakeri 2nd Season

Koyomimonogatari

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After a mysterious portal to a parallel world, known as “Gate” suddenly appeared in Tokyo and turned the shopping district into an inferno, the Japan Ground-Self Defense Force (JGSDF) immediately dispatched a team to investigate and to negotiate with the leader

of that “special region”. Will the extraordinary soldier and proud otaku Itami Youji be successful in spreading the Japanese creature into this fantasy world involving dragons, elves, mages and other creatures? Would he also be able to defeat the dragon that is constantly attacking the “special region”? We shall witness his ability together!

Durarara!!x2 Ketsu

The final season of Durarara!!x2 is here and is set to end with a bang! In the previous season, we were left with the chaos brewing in the modern Tokyo district of Ikebukuro and its underworld was about to hit critical mass. Aside from the usual gang warfare that we are familiar with, such as the headless horseman Celty Sturluson, the Incredible Hulk and the Japanese high school student, there are more conspiracies and schemes going on in this season to trigger Ragnarok this time.

Koyomimonogatari

We don’t think there’s a need to introduce the “Monogatari” series again. If you were watching “Owarimonogatari”, you will likely want to watch “Koyomimonogatari” as well. However, it’s interesting to take note that the events in “Koyomimonogatari” are presumed knowledge going into “Owarimonogatari”. As such, “Koyomimonogatari” would probably be able to shape our understanding of some “Owarimonogatari”.

King’s Potong Teh Tarik RM1.30 per piece/RM6.95 per pack available at all major hyper and supermarkets

selection of New Products

FEBRUARY 2016

offtheshelf

Many of us surely had Potong’s localflavoured ice-creams as part of our childhood, and now it’s back in our lives again with a whole new Teh Tarik flavour. Derived from F&N Sweetened Creamer’s recipe, it contains 2.5g of tea dust and two tablespoons of said creamer to deliver that authentic, mamak stall taste. Anyone who has ever sipped Teh Tarik will be pleasantly surprised by how closely the popsicle’s taste resembles its liquid version.

Ranger Energy Drink RM3.20 available at all convenience stores and supermarkets F&N’s repertoire of beverages has expanded with the addition of Ranger, an energy drink that propels one through those hazy days when you feel nothing but lethargy. It gives one that much needed boost through the hard hitting combination of taurine and caffeine, and is also packed with Vitamin B3 and B6 to stimulate the release of more energy throughout your body. If you like your drink with a citrusy taste, all the better as Ranger is the first drink of its kind to be made with Vitamin C.

Maggi Big Kombo 2 in 1 Mi Kolo + Sup RM7.15 available at all major hyper and supermarkets in Sabah and Sarawak Sarawakians are fiercely proud of their local delicacy Mi Kolo, and rightly so! Now, Maggi has taken its unique flavour and transformed it into a lip-smacking easy to prepare meal. Made with real wheat and seasoned with beef essence, aromatic shallot and garlic oil, it’s safe to say this instant concoction gets pretty close to the real deal. To ensure consumers get more out of it, the noodle portion has also been increased for this East Malaysia-exclusive product.

Stay protected all-night long with Laurier Night Safe Wing. RM14.30 (Twin Pack) available at all hypermarkets, supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide Designed for maximum protection and no leakage, the Laurier Night Safe Wing with its new Quick Lock System and new innovative Quick Dry Mesh surface, diamond-shaped top sheet is ideal for a very heavy flow or overnight use. It locks in fluid within its center core with 2x faster absorption to keep you 5x drier. It comes in 30cm and 35cm length. The wings, wide hip guard and Triple Back Guard effectively prevents leakage and ensures complete comfort all night long. It is also suitable for women who prefer to wash their sanitary napkin before disposal. It comes in 30cm packs (16 pads) and 35cm packs (12 pads).

Saucony Shadow Originals RM299 available at various sporting goods outlets Sneakerheads with a longing for 90’s nostalgia will be taken by Saucony’s Shadow Original line, which pays homage to the stability that runners of the decade prioritised. Made with a more supportive heel cup, it is also created with XT-600 triangular lugs rubber and EVA shockabsorbing midsole cushion. The shoes were designed with the aesthetics of the 90’s in mind, so you’d literally be walking a mile in the shoes of the 90’s kid that you will always be.

www weirdwackyworld

our eccentric world

february 2016

Brain-Controlled Tail that Wags with your Mood

Incredibly Realistic Plush Cat Handmade Bags

If you’re interested in the idea of cybernetic body modification but put off by the pain, you might want to try the Neurowear’s Shippo. The Shippo is a brain-controlled motorised tail that responds to the user’s current emotional state with corresponding wagging. The device, whose name translates to “tail” in Japanese, utilises a headset, a clip-on heart monitor and a neural smartphone app to read the user’s brain waves and sense his or her mood. A meditative or calm state will cause the tail to barely move at all but as the user gets excited or anxious, the fluffy appendage will display fast wagging.

fact: Shippo also features geotagging and smartphone sharing capability, which updates friends with the user’s current mood and location. In other words, it is also an avenue for devotees of the wearable gadget to seek out locations, which like-minded people have flagged as making them feel relaxed and happy.

Ever wished you could convince your cat to quietly ride around on your shoulder all day? Well, now you can fool people into thinking you can. Thanks to Japanese artist, Pico, who has created a line of highly realistic faux feline purses that bizarrely resembles real cats, it is now possible. Down to every last detail, the bags are shaped like furry, adorable felines complete with distinctive markings, whiskers and tails. If you’re concerned that cats were harmed while these handbags were being crafted, be assured that Pico only uses faux fur and spray paint for the final touches.

fact: The difficulty in making these bags means that they are exclusive and limited. When they are available, these painstakingly crafted bags are only sold on Yahoo! Auction Japan for about $700 (RM3010)!

Customise Your Shoes With Your Smartphone! Scoot over, Nike. A high-tech customisable sneaker startup is currently raising funds on Indiegogo plans to take personalised kicks to a whole new level. Here’s how it works: ShiftWear’s sneaker comes complete with a screen built into the side of the shoes, allowing you to pick and flaunt the look of the shoe via their app. You can now display a plethora of custom designs, colours and drawings with just one tap of your phone! A bonus of owning the shoes is that user can also display animated gifs on the side of the shoe – a meme lover’s dream. The ideas, although innovative and awe-inspiring, is still in the midst of development. The funds gained via the Indiegogo campaign will be spent to finish the prototype and push the shoes into production.

fact: The batteries powering those HD panels are expected to last a month, if you want animations instead of still imagery (who wouldn’t want magical moving pictures on their feet?). The batteries will stay juiced via the “Walk-N-Charge” technology, a system that charges and regenerates the shoes as you walk. And they are entirely waterproof and machine washable!

w FEB 2016 | CAMPUS PLUS |

wiredup

plug into the future of tech

february 2016

Philips BT5580 Rocks the party up, anywhere and anytime with this portable speaker, as it is designed to be played LOUD. A 3-inch woofer and ¾-inch tweeter backed by 10W total output power, ensure all your songs are loud and clear. The speaker also boasts of smooth and stable connectivity, thanks to its high fidelity Bluetooth aptX and AAC music streaming capability. What’s more, its built-in rechargeable battery can do double duty as a charging device for any mobile device. With the Philips BT5580, now is the right time to revive the boom box craze of the 80s with a powerful and capable portable speaker. Price: RM529 www.gibsoninnovations.com

Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 A new addition to the “Instax Mini” series which produces instant credit-card sized photos, the Instax Mini 70 comes in various colours. The three new colours are “Canary Yellow”, “Island Blue”, and “Moon White”. The device comes with Automatic Exposure Control which enables the user to capture both the subject and the background with clarity. Now, lighting becomes that much less of a problem! Versatile Shooting Modes enable ease of use when taking pictures. For example, the ‘Selfie” mode automatically adjusts the focal length and brightness to the level optimised for selfie shots. Other features include the ‘Selftimer’ for group shots, ‘Macro’ mode for close-up shots at a minimum of 30cm from the subject and the ‘Landscape’ mode for landscape pictures. Price: RM598 http://www.fujifilm.com.my

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Microsoft Lumia 950 & 950 XL The first smartphones to run on Windows 10, the Microsoft Lumia 950 & 950 XL offer features such as Continuum which enable the user to transform their phone into a PC by connecting it to a monitor of any size via a Microsoft Display Dock and Windows Hello Beta which utilises an iris scanner in order to unlock the device. Both devices come with new PureView cameras with 20 megapixel sensors and triple LED natural flash that shoot 4K video. A QuadHD AMOLED display featuring up to 564ppi ensure that photos, videos, and even simple reading show up well, even in sunlight. Price: Lumia 950 – RM2699; Lumia 950 XL – RM2999 https://www.microsoft.com/en/mobile/

One Plus X Fashioned from black glass on a metal bezel, the phone exudes a premium feel while its slightly rounded edges give it a fluid and seamless feel. The lightest and slimmest One Plus device weighs in at just 138g. The device is perfect for capturing those everyday moments as it comes with a 13MP rear camera combined with f/2.2 aperture as well as an 8MP front camera. The One Plus X comes with dual nano SIM support, the option of expanding storage up to 128GB, OxygenOS, an AMOLED screen and an FM radio. Price: RM1288 http://www.brightstarcorp.com.my/oneplus-x/

ASUS ET2030IUT Part of what it dubs the Asus All-in-One PC series, the ET2030IUT has everything you need – from unrivalled processing power and intuitive multi-touch display, to a stunning display and elegant looks. It’s powered by an all-new 4th-gen Intel Core processor that’s energy efficient yet still delivers on performance. Lag and wait time is almost non-existent too, what with the Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 providing automatic bursts of speed when required. The gargantuan 19.5-inch HD+ display lends vivid and vibrant colour to proceedings and what’s more, it boasts of a capacitive 10-point touchscreen that takes interactivity to a whole new level. Price: RM2399 www.asus.com/my

Razer Naga Chroma One of the bestselling and advanced gaming mouses for the world of MMO gaming, the Razer Naga Chroma gets new, spiffy upgrades. Now, the Naga Chroma’s Razer 5G laser sensor is capable of tracking up to true 16,000 DPI with no interpolation which means it’s optimised for multi-display setups with ultra-high resolutions, making it ideal for immersive MMO gameplay. Elevating the gaming experience further are 12 concave mechanical thumb grid buttons with tactile and audible feedback. Ergonomically placed buttons allow for blind-finding, enabling MMO gamers to easily execute commands. All this, with cool Chroma lighting in 16.8 million customisable colours. Price: US$79.99 (approx. RM345) www.razerzone.com/gaming-mice

FEB 2016 | CAMPUS PLUS |

wiredup by eusoff andrei

Sony Xperia Z5 Premium Dual

february 2016

Sophisticated & Classy Sony Xperia Z5 Premium Dual

GOLD

FEBRUARY 2016

Sony’s Xperia Z Premium Dual, the world’s first 4k smartphone, is definitely one that leaves a lasting impression from the minute you take it out of its box. While its display is its main selling point, this little beauty has so much more to offer. Read on to find out why you should consider this FEBRUARY 2016 as your next smartphone. Design Screaming sophistication and class right out of the box, its casing is made of frosted glass and sand-blasted metal. Solid yet soft to the touch, its shiny back has a stunning mirror effect for those quick vanity checks.

With MIMO support, Wi-Fi is delivered at up to twice the speed of previous Wi-Fi products. The smartphone’s Cat 6 4G/LTE modem provides internet connections which are faster than ever with up to 300 MBit/s download speed and 50 MBit/s upload speed.

Display

Camera

With a 5.5” 4k Ultra HD display, this phone delivers a resolution which is four times that of a full HD resolution. Your eyes will also be treated to a display with ultra-sharp 806 PPI which is 10 times the pixels of a Full HD TV and more than double the PPI of most smartphones.

Photography and videography are truly a delight as stunning high-resolution 4k video are produced via its 23MP camera. One can also screenshot a video to obtain 8MP pictures. The phone also comes with a 5MP front camera – perfect for selfies! If you’d like to display and/or admire your work, connect easily to a 4k TV either over Wi-Fi using DLNA or by using an MHL 3.0 connector.

Performance Packed with a lightning fast Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 810, 64-bit Octa-core processor, its 8 CPU cores power up independently in order to eliminate battery wastage while delivering faster graphics. This smartphone gives its users super-fast, console-quality gaming with 2D and 3D graphics powered by an integrated GPU. 54

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Fingerprint Sensor The fingerprint sensor, which is located at the power button on the side of the device, makes unlocking the phone feel natural as it is aligned with the position of one’s thumb upon picking up the phone. Essentially, this means that you can pick up the phone and unlock it in a single movement.

Battery Life Its battery life can last for up to two days and it can last even longer if you activate its power saving modes. Stamina mode disables mobile data and Wi-Fi when the display is inactive, while Ultra Stamina mode takes it a step further by completely disabling mobile data and Wi-Fi connections and only gives the user access to a few basic functions.

Audio The device also comes packed with Hi-Res Audio. Low-res and compressed audio files will also be upgraded to almost hi-res quality with DSEE HX technology.

Specifications •

5.5” 4K** Triluminos Display™ for mobile with auto upscaling

•

23 MP camera with Hybrid Autofocus (0.03 sec)

•

Up to two days battery life

•

Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 810, 64-bit Octa-core

•

Dual Sim

Sony Smartwatch 3 SWR50

february 2016

wiredup by eusoff andrei

Lightweight & Convenient Sony Smartwatch 3 SWR50

Sony’s Smartwatch 3 SWR50 is a handy little sidekick to have, especially for those times when you’d rather not reach for your phone like when you’re driving or jogging. One word comes to mind after using one of these - convenience.

GOLD

Design Weighing in at just 45g, this lightweight comes in a stunning range of colours - white, black, yellow, pink, leather brown, and leather black. With the main unit that easily pops out when you aren’t wearing it, straps are easily interchangeable (although extras are sold separately) and the smartwatch can be taken to casual from formal in the blink of an eye.

Display & Connectivity This smartwatch packs a 1.8” Transflective Display with a resolution of 320 x 320 pixel. In terms of connectivity, the device is equipped with Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth.

Performance Messaging, social media, news and music apps automatically sync with the device making it easy to check, filter notifications and even start your music in a second. On top of that, the devices integrated microphone makes

it possible to search for something specific without reaching for your phone - just ask! Additionally, you can even sync the music on your phone with the device and head out for a run. When you get back, just sync with a fitness app on your phone to keep track of your progress. The device is powered by Android Wear and is compatible with phones running Android 4.3 and above. It runs on a Quad ARM A7, 1.2 Ghz, 512 MB RAM, and 4 GB eMMC.

Battery Life With up to two days battery life on regular use, having to charge it on the go definitely isn’t a worry.

Sensors The device is equipped with GPS for navigation, to track your steps and measure the distance you’ve covered. When you’re feeling adventurous, check out the

FEBRUARY 2016

compass to explore the great outdoors. Also includes an accelerometer which is able to detect whether you’re running, talking or simply taking a stroll. With the FEBRUARY 2016 help of the accelerometer, the gyroscope enables precise calculation of the wearer’s movements and directions. On top of that, ambient light sensors adjusts the screens lighting in accordance with surrounding light conditions in order to improve battery life.

Specifications • Quad ARM A7, 1.2 Ghz • 512 MB RAM, 4 GB eMM • Ambient light sensors • Accelerometer • Compass • GPS • Voice, touch and gesture input • Microphone • On/off/wake up key

CAMPUS PLUS |

chowdown by rachel fong

Tulip by That Latte Place

february 2016

r kPo ure t a n Sig

Making your Appetite Bloom You can now get your fill at Sunway Pyramid’s newly opened pork-based restaurant called Tulip, which bears the memorably witty slogan ‘Where Pork Blooms’ (says everything, doesn’t it?). Realised by the team that brought you coffee hangout spots That Latte Place and map’s, Tulip’s doors were just opened in December 2015. WE STEPPED INSIDE TO EXPERIENCE NOT JUST PORK, BUT THE POSSIBILITIES OF PORK.

ta et ch

Grilled Chicken Steak

t the moment, customers can already enjoy a wide variety of pork-based dishes, such as the Crispy Pork Sandwich (RM21.90), Piggy Chop (RM29.90), Oh-My-Rib! (RM39.90 for a halfslab) and many more. For those who prefer to munch on alternative forms of meat, there are also some chicken and seafood-based offerings like Grilled Chicken Steak (RM23.90) and Salmon Arrabiata (RM31.90), which are just as appetising as their red meat counterparts. To get the most value for your money, we suggest making a trip here on a weekday to enjoy their set lunches, which will only set you back by RM18.80. In the rare event that you get bored of their set lunches, rest assured – Tulip changes their set lunch offerings every two months, and adds something new into their menu every month, so you always experience a new flavour. During our review, Tulip gave us the chance to try the big breakfast, The Butcher’s Breakfast (RM28.90), as well as a decadent, fruit-filled waffle called Sweetness (RM18.90). Both items are fresh additions to the menu, and once the restaurant settles into a comfortable groove, it’s doubtless that the team will feel more comfortable with experimenting and expanding the menu. Until then, it’s easy to be satisfied by either dish, mainly due to one, the irresistible combination of flavours (salty and savoury for the breakfast, and sweet and sour for the waffle) and two, the huge portions. That’s not all we sampled. The Grilled Chicken Steak was another pleasant revelation, thanks to a tasty secret sauce invented by the restaurant itself, roast potatoes and generous servings of chicken breast. After that, came the Signature Pork-chetta (starts from RM27.90),

The Butcher’s Breakfast

which is a play on the Italian starter dish Bruschetta. A quick look at the menu immediately tells you why it’s a signature – it packs 200g of pork, along with a list of sides you can customise it with, such as pilaf rice, mashed potatoes and mushroom pasta. Of course, savouring all these would not have been a complete experience without a beverage. This is where the Passion Tea Quencher (RM9) and Mocha (RM10) fitted in nicely. Needless to say, we ended our meal with larger bellies, as well as a larger appreciation for the succulent meat. Sophisticated carnivores, you know what to do.

Passion Tea Quencher

Sweetness

10am-10pm s: Mon – Sun: Operating Hour mid, 8, Sunway Pyra Address: LG2.8 Sunway, ar nd Ba 5, /1 11 No. 3, Jalan PJS or ng la Se Jaya, 47500 Petaling TulipSunway w.facebook.com/ ww : at em th ace pl Stalk tte la at .th .com/tulip www.instagram

Mocha

arts&culture by eusoff andrei

Understanding LGBTQ

february 2016

hile being homosexual or bisexual is somewhat more accepted among the younger generation these days compared to, say, a few decades ago, it is still considered as being out of the norm, especially in Southeast Asian countries. However, the media is slowly shifting that perception by highlighting celebrities who either come out of the closet, or are openly homosexual/ bisexual. The emergence of TV shows such as Orange Is The New Black and Looking as well as at least one homosexual/bisexual character in many other popular TV shows such as Glee, Blindspot, Grandfathered, Quantico and Mr. Robot, it’s clear there is a shift in perception.

With that being said, there are other terms such as pansexual and polysexual which might not be as common as those mentioned earlier. Well fear not, for we are here to break it down for you!

Monosexuality This part’s pretty straightforward. Monosexuality refers to those whom are only

attracted to members of one sex or gender only. In other words, they’re either heterosexual or homosexual. Three labels are commonly used by people who identify as monosexuals – straight, gay and lesbian. This term is occasionally seen to be in contrast with polyamory which essentially refers to the act of being in a non-monogamous relationship with the consent of all those involved. Polyamory should not be confused with polysexuality. While you may notice that this section is rather short in comparison to the next two sections, perhaps it is essential for us to clarify at this point that our aim with this article was to answer questions and most of us are already well acquainted with this particular aspect of sexuality. Hence, the brevity.

Orientations

101

from or rather the deviation Sexual orientation heterosexuality, is one of the more taboo topics in many cultures around the world – remember that scene from Glee when Santana comes ou t to

her abuelita and she basically gets told to get out and never come back?

Polysexuality The opposite of monosexuality, polysexuality refers to those whom are attracted to members of multiple sexes. Now, this is where it starts getting a little more complicated as pansexuality also technically falls under polysexuality. Pansexuality refers to those who are attracted to all genders and sexes. By now you must be thinking “How is that different from being bisexual then?” Well, the thing is, there are actually more classifications of gender aside from masculine and feminine. Now, to put this into context, lets refresh our memories (for those

of us who never really payed attention in Biology) and clarify the difference between sex and gender. Sex refers to biological and physiological characteristics i.e. male or female, whereas gender refers to behaviours, roles, expectations and activities in society i.e. masculine or feminine. Now that we’ve gotten that bit out of the way, other genders besides masculine and feminine include:

Transgender Refers to one who does not see themselves as conforming unambiguously to the conventional notions of male and female.

Third gender Refers to those who are categorised,

either by themselves or by society, as being neither man nor woman.

Two-spirit Refers to those who identify with both male and female gender roles.

Genderqueer Refers to those who do not subscribe to conventional gender distinctions but identify with neither, both, or a combination of the male and female genders.

Intergender Refers to those whose gender identity lies in the middle of male and female and may be a mix of both.

Asexuality Also referred to as non-sexuality, the term is used for and by those who are not sexually attracted to others or have very little to no interest in sexual activity. However, being asexual is not quite as rare as you may think. While numbers were a bit hard to come by in a local context, a study by Anthony Bogaert, a psychologist and human sexuality expert at Brock University in St. Catherines, Ontario

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found that one in 100 people are asexual from a sample size of 18,000 respondents. Asexuality is not to be confused with the act of abstaining from sexual activity and celibacy. Also, not desiring sexual activity does not mean that they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t engage in it. This can be for various reasons such as a desire to have children or even to please their romantic partners. Besides that, those who are asexual do not necessarily spend their lives alone as they may choose to engage in purely romantic relationships. It is important to note that many asexuals only apply the lack of desire for sexual activity with others and not with themselves.

One who is asexual generally use these terms to indicate an association with the romantic, rather than sexual aspects of sexual orientation:

Aromantic Refers to those who lack romantic attraction to everyone else.

Biromantic Refers to those who are romantically attracted to both males and females.

Heteroromantic Refers to those who are romantically attracted to those of the opposite gender.

Homoromantic Refers to those who are romantically attracted to those of the same gender.

Panromatic Refers to those who are romantically attracted to all genders and sexes. On the other hand, there are also those who identify as being Gray-Asexual which puts them in between asexuality and sexuality. Those in this category are also referred to as being gray-A, a grace, or a gray ace. The following terms also fall within this scope:

Hyposexual Refers to one who has a low sex drive.

Demisexual Refers to one who feels sexually attracted only to those with whom they have an emotional bond.

FEB 2016 | CAMPUS PLUS |

campustalk

Taking on V-Day Stereotypes

february 2016

What kind of love would you celebrate on Valentine’s Day (aside from romantic love)? Love is a many splendoured thing, as they say, which might explain why so much fuss goes on during Valentine’s Day to impress your significant other with lavish gestures of affection. However, love extends very well beyond the boundaries of romance, and if you can take the day to celebrate your love for your family, friends or even your pet fish, why don’t you? To sate our curiosity, we went out and asked four students from KDU University College in Glenmarie about their thoughts on the alternate kinds of love they would celebrate, and we got back some pretty interesting answers.

Eugene Li-Jian Rayan, 20,

Christian Nicholas Johnson, 19,

Bachelor of Communication (Hons)

Diploma in Mass Communication

Valentine’s Day has always been portrayed as a day to go out with your boyfriend or girlfriend, but there’s more to it. You can go out with your parents, or visit an old folk’s home and bring them out to eat. And if you have a pet dog, you can take them out for a treat, maybe buy them some really expensive food!

To me, loving yourself is very important. If you don’t love your strengths and weaknesses, how do you expect others to love you? I’d celebrate V-day by pampering myself. Treat yourself once in a while and don’t be so hard on yourself. I also schedule times to check in on myself to see if I need to fix anything about myself.

Christy Ng Chew Wei, 23,

Nabilah Muzaffar, 22,

Bachelor of Communication (Hons)

If you love someone, every day is a Valentine’s Day, and you wouldn’t need to set a day to show your love for that person when you can show it every minute of every day, and that goes for family and friends, not just your boyfriend or girlfriend.

I’d say to celebrate your love for things that you like. I’d celebrate my love for food, and splurge and go all out on it. At the same time, it’s also a form of celebrating the love I have for myself, because I am pampering myself when I enjoy my favourite food.

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DEC 2014 | CAMPUS PLUS |