Kuala Lumpur’s iconic skyline, dominated by skyscrapers Merdeka 118, Exchange 106, Petronas Twin Towers and the Kuala Lumpur Tower, is a favourite sight to many of us and popular spot of many travellers.
This city skyline has drawn the attention of architecture and design magazine and portal Architectural Digest (AD), which has listed the capital city of Malaysia in the top 17 city skylines in the world.
Photo / Zukiman Mohamad
“The world’s most beautiful skylines are more than just collections of buildings placed close together. They’re the facades of entire cities, the front doors to many of the earth’s most vibrant metropolises,” AD said in its introduction to the list.
The skyline of New York City’s Manhattan took first place in the list, while Kuala Lumpur was listed as number 13 out of 17.
The only other cities in South-East Asia to make the list are Singapore (9th) and Bangkok (10th).
AD highlighted the postmodern styles of skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur which some of them draws inspiration from Islamic architecture. Among some of the main features of the city’s skyline are the Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world and the Merdeka 118, the second tallest skyscraper in the world.
The 17 most beautiful city skylines are ranked as the following.
As kids, snacks are the best kind of food that we could have. Whenever we have the opportunity to go to the pasar malam, mini market, school canteen or when the roti man passes by our house on a motorcycle, our emotions are always filled with excitement.
These spots is a snacks-heaven, where they sell all kind of snacks that we could have. It is something that many of us grew up with, and some of it still remain popular today.
Check out these 20 nostalgic snacks and how it reminds you of the childhood.
One of the four Hong Kong’s “Heavenly King”, Andy Lau is poised to make history once again after a five-year hiatus. This time, he will deliver four consecutive nights of spectacular concerts in Kuala Lumpur, thrilling fans with even more electrifying performances.
Andy Lau’s brand-new world tour “Today…is the Day” will take place at the Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil on October 24, 25, 26, and 27 at 8pm.
The tour is set to visit various cities in China, including Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore. However, due to Lau’s tight schedule, the concert tour will only cover numerous places at the moment, making the concerts in Kuala Lumpur especially cherished.
The “Today…is the Day” World Tour offers a breathtaking new production, crafted by an experienced world-class production team. Featuring state-of-the-art lighting technology and mesmerising visual effects, this concert promises an audiovisual feast with attention to detail, providing audiences with the ultimate performance experience.
At 62 years old, the Hong Kong singer-actor still makes an impact in the music scene with his timeless classics like It’s Not a Sin For a Man to Cry (男人哭吧不是罪), Ice Rain (練習), Thank You for Your Love (谢谢你的爱), Forget Love Potion (忘情水), Love You For Ten Thousand Years (爱你一万年), The Day We Spent Together (一起走过的日子) and The Fate of Next Life (来生缘), among many others.
Jointly presented by Maybank and MYEG, organised by Star Planet, with Infinitus as co-organiser, tickets for “Today…is the Day” Andy Lau Concert Tour 2024 in Malaysia will go on sale starting on July 7 at 12pm. Ticket prices start from RM388.
Located in Kuala Lumpur’s new mall, The Exchange TRX, the new store will deliver the magic of Apple in Malaysia like never before. Customers can discover and buy Apple’s innovative lineup of products and services, receive exceptional service from knowledgeable team members, and learn how to get the most out of their devices through free Today at Apple sessions.
“We live for moments when we can surprise and delight our customers, and we’re excited to do that in Malaysia with the opening of our first store in the country, Apple The Exchange TRX,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail. “Being able to support and directly connect with a new community is always a special experience for our retail teams, and we can’t wait to welcome customers to this beautiful space designed for discovery, creativity, and shopping for the world’s most innovative products.”
Apple The Exchange TRX will be an inspiring hub for education, offering customers free in-store sessions through Today at Apple. Led by Apple Creatives, the events will empower attendees to tap into their creativity and learn how to get the most out of their devices, with topics ranging from basics and how-to lessons, to iPhone photo and video tours that take advantage of the beautiful store location.
To celebrate the opening, a special Today at Apple series, “Jom Discover,” will run from Saturday, June 22, through Saturday, July 6. Bringing together some of Malaysia’s most celebrated creators, the sessions will offer a glimpse into the creative process while showcasing Apple’s full range of products and services.
Sessions in the “Jom Discover” series include:
Performance: De Fam
Workshop: Capture Portraits on iPhone with Jason smashpop
Spotlight: Video Magic on Mac with Adam Lobo
Workshop: Turn Ideas Into Action on iPad with Iman Azman
Spotlight: Live Well with Nana Mohd and Apple Watch
Apple The Exchange TRX connects the mall’s central atrium to a lush rooftop park that wraps around the store’s upper level. Emitting a warm glow at night, the three-dimensional layered roof consists of horizontal glass panels and shading blades to reduce the sun’s rays. A central glazed oculus brings daylight into the interior and includes a dynamic artificial-lighting feature.
Inside the store, a sculptural quartz and glass staircase connects the three levels where customers can explore, learn, and shop. The Forum, home to Today at Apple programming, is located on a floating deck that joins up with the mall, while the upper level directly connects with the edge of the park, bringing daylight and greenery into the store through a continuous glass façade.
Like all Apple facilities, the Apple The Exchange TRX runs on 100 percent renewable energy and is carbon neutral. The store is designed with a refined palette of high-quality materials, including natural stone walls, polished stainless-steel columns, light terrazzo floors, and a timber ceiling.
Apple The Exchange TRX also offers a dedicated Apple Pickup counter, making it even easier for customers to place an order online and pick up products when it’s most convenient for them. And for hands-on technical and hardware support, customers can make a reservation at the Genius Bar and get help from an expert.
Malaysia’s coffee roaster, One Half has been listed in the Top 100 roasters of 2024. Roastful has gathered 32 panelists from the specialty coffee industry around the world to rank the 100 best roasters.
The coffee industry in Malaysia has grown significantly since a couple of years back. The coffee community has been networking around learning, researching and even competing at the highest level to make the best coffee.
One Half, led by three-time Malaysia Barista Champion (2016, 2018 & 2020), Keith Koay is tied at the 49th position (with Botz of Indiana, USA) among the 100 coffee roasters around the world.
Photo / IG @onehalf_coffee
Their roastery is located at 19, Jalan Bukit 11/2, Seksyen 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Check out the first 50 of the Top 100 Roasters of 2024.
1. Tim Wendelboe
Oslo, Norway
2. Coffee Collective
Frederiksberg, Denmark
3. April
Copenhagen, Denmark
4. Sey
Brooklyn, New York, USA
5. La Cabra
Copenhagen, Denmark
6. Koppi
Helsingborg, Sweden
7. Nomad
Barcelona, Spain
8. Onyx Coffee Lab
Rogers, Arkansas, USA
9. ONA
Canberra, Australia
10. Manhattan
Rotterdam, Netherlands
11. Friedhats
Amsterdam, Netherlands
12. Kawa
Paris, France
13. Dak
Amsterdam, Netherlands
14. Momos
Busan, South Korea
15. Archers
Sharjah, UAE
16. Heart
Portland, Oregon, USA
17. Morgon
Gothenburg, Sweden
18. Leaves Coffee
Tokyo, Japan
19. Prodigal
Boulder, Colorado, USA
20. Market Lane
Melbourne, Australia
21. Colonna Coffee
Bristol, UK
22. Code Black
Brunswick, Australia
22. Mame
Zurich, Switzerland
24. Passenger
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
24. Square Mile
London, UK
26. Glitch
Tokyo, Japan
27. Ilse
North Canaan, Connecticut, USA
28. Assembly
London, UK
T-29. Drop
Stockholm, Sweden
T-29. Hex
Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
31. Weekenders
Kyoto, Japan
32. Rosso Coffee Roasters
Calgary, Canada
33. Five Elephant
Berlin, Germany
34. Calendar
Galway, Ireland
34. Gardelli
Forli, Italy
36. Proud Mary
Melbourne, Australia
T-37. Luna
Vancouver, Canada
T-37. Oma
Hong Kong
T-37. Rose
Zurich, Switzerland
T-37. Tandem
Portland, Maine, USA
T-37. The Barn
Berlin, Germany
42. Philocoffea
Funabashi, Japan
43. Monogram
Calgary, Canada
44. Hatch
Markham, Canada
45. Black & White
Wake Forest, North Carolina, USA
46. Subtext
Toronto, Canada
47. Swerl
Falkenberg, Sweden
48. Kurasu
Kyoto, Japan
T-49. Botz
Whiting, Indiana, USA
T-49. One Half
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Check out the full list of the Top 100 Roasters of 2024.
Skincare and beauty is one of the biggest industry in any parts of the world. Due to the demands of the general public to look good regardless of age, gender and ethnic, the product is a need for everyone.
With Malaysians begin exploring into the skincare industry, there have been quite a number of established brands grown locally. Here’s some that you might want to check it out.
LUMI Beauty
LUMI Beauty was founded by the popular Chryseis Tan, and entered the skincare industry in 2020, offering a fresh and ethical approach to beauty.
LUMI Beauty’s product range adheres to cruelty-free principles, with each formulation crafted without the use of any animal-derived ingredients. This ethical stance has garnered the brand a loyal following among those seeking effective, animal-friendly, plant-based skincare solutions.
As many Malaysians will be familiar with this brand, Callie began as a medical facial mask producer which became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Founded by Kelly Teoh, the brand has recently diversified its offerings, expanding into the skincare industry with its Xosome range.
The range draws its name from its star ingredient, exosomes, which are nano-sized regenerative bubbles containing proteins, growth factor lipids and nucleic acids. They work to promote tissue healing and regeneration at the cellular level whilst also regulating immune responses for added skin health.
With the philosophy of “Made in Malaysia”, Ruruberry has created an effective and sustainable local beauty and skincare line.
Ruruberry has successfully launched affordable, eco-friendly and suitable skin solutions to their consumers, encouraging Malaysians to “support local brands”.
A successful social media influencer, Jane Chuck created her own brand, Chuck’s which has successfully marketed itself by encouraging customers to “feel confident in their own skin”.
With a high standard of quality, Chuck’s formulations draw upon Korea’s innovative skincare expertise, renowned for its trending beauty solutions.
The brand has established itself as a quality local skincare brand with minimalist packaging and high-quality products.
Founder Sarah Shah Nor has created Cuura as a halal skincare brand that prides itself on its 100 per cent vegan formulations. Handmade locally and sourced with sustainability in mind, this lineup of high-quality products is as kind to the environment as it is to your skin.
Clef skincare aims to optimise skin with clean and effective solutions.
This brand has created products with Malaysians in mind, where all their products accommodate high-humidity weather to ensure a comfortable and satisfactory experience.
Established in 2017, Kayman Beauty is a brand that celebrates all skin types and tones.
Through its great branding and consistent delivery of effective products, Kayman Beauty built a loyal customer base and earned a spot as one of the top local skincare brands in Malaysia.
A brand by Malaysia’s famous celebrity Dato Sri’ Siti Nurhaliza, SimplySiti is a homegrown brand that has captured the hearts of countless fans with its innovative and high-performing products.
Their commitment to crafting products which enhance the skin’s overall health and radiance is what makes the brand different. This approach has resonated deeply with consumers seeking makeup solutions that prioritise both coverage and care.
Bougas Beauty is founded in 2017 by partners Erni Amanina Amin and Muhammad Faisal Salehuddin. The brand has put specific focus towards the adherence to Islamic principles, as proven by its certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
Its popularity extends beyond regular consumers, with celebrities and industry experts mentioning the brands, further solidifying Bougas Beauty’s reputation in the local skincare industry.
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Dayana Zul and Rai Ahmad, Daughters of Malaya is a brand that embodies transparency, ethical practices, and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability.
The brand have prioritised using only vegan, Halal-certified ingredients that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, fostering trust among their customers.
SKINEATS is an innovative skincare line that sources cruelty-free ingredients and crafts them into exclusive formulations.
The brand’s commitment to organic and cruelty-free practices resonates deeply with conscious consumers seeking skincare solutions that align with their values.
With its gender-neutral positioning, SKINEATS has successfully appeal to individuals of different genders who prioritise quality, luxury, and ethical practices in their skincare routines.
Travel website Time Out recently released a list of the 2024 best culinary cities in the world. The list is based on the results of a survey by thousands of people around the world about the food in their cities. The survey concerns must-visit restaurants, must-try specialties, and rating culinary delights in their city based on quality and affordability.
Kuala Lumpur is listed number seventh among the list of 20 cities from different parts of the world, with nasi lemak as the must-eat item. The top position is given to the city of Naples which is famous for its pizzas.
Timeout states that Kuala Lumpur is a big, delicious melting pot, with a food scene influenced by Malay, Chinese and Indian culture and reflective of centuries of migration. Nasi lemak, an aromatic dish of coconut milk rice, crispy anchovies, cucumber and boiled egg, was named the city’s must-eat meal, followed by Thai tom yam soup and roti canai, a crispy pan-fried flatbread.
Other than the city capital of Malaysia, there are also other Asian cities included in the list. Check out some of the cities.
4. Ho Chi Minh City
Sweet, spicy, fragrant, fishy – however you’d describe it, Vietnamese cuisine never compromises on flavour, and you can sample the very best of it in Ho Chi Minh. Beyond the streetside food stalls and bustling markets hawking banh mi, snails, broken rice and offal stew are a clutch of Bib Gourmand and Michelin-starred restaurants serving up creative renditions of classic dishes. But by far the most mentioned dish in Timeout’s survey was pho. The warming noodle soup – in the south typically heavily garnished with basil, coriander, chilli and hoisin sauce – is a Vietnamese staple, ubiquitous across the city.
5. Beijing
Beijing is a city for carnivores. Asked which dish everyone should try when visiting their city, locals overwhelmingly put meat on the menu: gongbao chicken, hot pot, and (of course) peking duck were the most common answers. But veggies won’t be disappointed, either – stir-fried, steamed, spiced or parcelled in a dumpling, you can find the good stuff all over the Chinese capital. And while Beijing has its share of gourmet restaurants, the city’s many snack streets and night markets ensure eating out won’t cost a fortune – grab a jian bing (a Chinese savoury crepe) and a local beer and you’re set.
6. Bangkok
Street food capital of the world, Bangkok unsurprisingly ranked as the third-most affordable city to eat out in. Sizzling in streetside woks or served up from a boat in a floating market, street eats are the lifeblood of the city; locals named som tum, a sweet and slightly spicy papaya salad found in many a sidewalk stall and rickety pushcart, as the Thai capital’s must-eat dish. Beyond the markets and no-frills food joints is a city flush with gourmet accolades: Bangkok has 34 Michelin-starred restaurants under its belt, and won big in the recent Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards.
8. Mumbai
Mumbaikars are rightly proud of their city’s food scene, scoring it the highest for quality of all cities surveyed. Locals’ favourite dishes are proof that this city is full of explosive flavour: fiery manchurian (roughly chopped vegetables or meat, fried and smothered in a sticky sauce), creamy butter chicken, and street food staple vada pav (a deep-fried potato dumpling stuffed into a bread roll, accompanied by red and green chutneys) were named Mumbai’s must-eats.
19. Osaka
Much like Lyon for France, Osaka is known as the belly of Japan. From conveyor belt sushi to mouthwatering street food at Kuromon Ichiba – a huge covered market dubbed the kitchen of Osaka – you’ll need to come hungry; the culture of ‘kuidaore’ (which roughly translates to ‘eat until you drop’) is strong here. Takoyaki (fried octopus balls) and okonimiyaki (a savoury pancake cooked with cabbage, seafood or meat, smothered in different sauces and toppings) were named the city’s must-eats. And while your stomach might be full, your wallet needn’t be; Osaka ranked as the second-most affordable city to eat out in on our survey.
