Shin Tseng discusses building a city that creates a positive impact

Perpetual roadworks. Traffic congestion. Frequent flash floods.

These are some of the persistent issues plaguing the city of Kuala Lumpur, a sign of bad urban planning. Too often, the focus is on building flashy towering skyscrapers, bigger highways, and new modes of public transportation. Little attention is paid to resolving the aforementioned issues.

Believing that the current architectural model in Malaysia is unsustainable, Shin Tseng, director of the multidisciplinary practice Urban Agenda Design Group, advocates for a holistic and impact-focused approach to urban development. Read about his ideas for sustainable urban solutions here.

Also in this week's newsletter:

Cheers,
Brian Cheong
Digital Editor

 

STYLE

Why are people purposely beating up their Hermès Birkin

A Birkin bag (Photo: Getty Images)

The online community has declared that the sign of status and quiet luxury can also be found in the condition of one's luxury bag. Where before it would be sacrilegious to even put their Birkin on the floor 20 years ago, the public is embracing—and celebrating—scratches, scuffs, overstuffed shapes, and faded colours on their precious carriers. 

Read story.

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A comprehensive guide of beauty must-haves, from the most delightful fragrances to ultra-advanced skincare solutions, to gift mum this Mother's Day.

While we wait for the release of Barbie, watch Ryan Gosling mixing action and comedy in this short film celebrating 60 years of the Tag Heuer Carrera

These Asian world leaders, including the King and Queen of Malaysia, travelled to London to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

 

HOMES

Homes designed by architects for their mothers

Rose Seidler House by Harry Seidler (Photo: Rory Hyde/ WikiCommons)

As we celebrate the unconditional love of mothers, we take a glimpse into the lives of iconic architects like Le Corbusier and Robert Venturi who not only shaped the world of architecture but also expressed their deep affection through the design of homes for their mothers.

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MORE FROM HOMES

Bee Au Tan, Ed Ng, and Kian Liew are three of the illustrious names in a five-person jury panel who will decide on the winners for the upcoming 2023 edition of the Tatler Homes Design Awards - Malaysia.

Set amongst the lush green-focused development of Setia Eco Glades in Cyberjaya, this bungalow has a beautiful view of the lake.

A candid interview with Asia's Most Influential 2022 honouree Serina Hijjas and her passion for sustainable design and architecture.

 

LIFESTYLE

Mother’s Day is the Super Bowl season for floristry

Dianthus Kiss (Photo: Daniel Adams)

Planning for Mother's Day starts three months before, notes floral designer Dianthus Kiss. Due to the high demand, time sensitivity, seasonal considerations, staffing and logistics requirements, design customisation, and not to forget, intense competition, Mother’s Day planning is not for novices.

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MORE FROM LIFESTYLE

Coldplay announces hugely anticipated return to Asia and Australia, including the band's first-ever show in Kuala Lumpur on November 22, 2023.

We review the new Samsung top-of-the-line Galaxy S23 Ultra that packs everything you need to capture memories of your holidays.

Having grown up with a Volvo, Alexandra Cheah recalls the positive memories surrounding the brand as she experiences the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.

 

Power & Purpose

Cartier Women’s Initiative 2023: Meet the fellows from across Asia

Cartier Women's Initiative 2023

Since 2006, the Cartier Women’s Initiative has sought to shine a light on the women entrepreneurs making a positive impact on society. These women-led and women-owned businesses operating around the world are contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals across a variety of sectors, from apparel and fashion, to health.

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MORE FROM POWER & PURPOSE

Entrepreneur and founder of Tea Bird Tea Ashleigh Cotterill defines what it takes to create a great brand.

These forward-looking doctors and executives play a crucial role in the fight against the global cancer epidemic.

In conjunction with Hari Raya, CIMB Islamic has released a short film that tells a tale of love languages, faith, perseverance, and above all, family.

At Alice Smith Preschool, your child will learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outdoors.

 

DINING

The best hawker breakfast spots

A typical breakfast scene at a local kopitiam (Photo: Wan San Yip/Unsplash)

There's nothing like a hearty Malaysian breakfast at one of the local kopitiam to start the day—better still, if it's the weekend when you can take your sweet time enjoying the meal. Five chefs share their favourite hawker breakfast spots, whether it's for a simple combination of kaya toast and kopi O or a satisfying plate of thosai.

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MORE FROM DINING

On her first visit to Seoul, our dining writer went on a hunt for the best meals in the capital of South Korea. These are her recommendations.

A staple in many patisseries, bakeries, and cafés, there is an abundance of croissants in the Klang Valley, so we turn to these five pastry chefs to point us in the direction.

The Nespresso Vertuo Next machine is unlike any other thanks to its innovative extraction technology with key features such as its one touch button and capsule recognition.

Featuring a spectrum of exclusive and experiential dining concepts, Marina Bay Sands' Culinary Festival is set to be a gastronomic escapade unlike any other.

 

AROUND ASIA

HONG KONG | Hong Kong artist Vaevae Chan on building a cave in her studio, serendipity and healing.

PHILIPPINES | What better way to experience the Filipino culture than to celebrate with the locals? Here’s a list of summer festivals happening in the Philippines.

SINGAPORE | Singaporean designer Andrew Gn wants his fashion legacy to inspire a new generation of Asian talents.