He expressed that the fans in Malaysia are the ‘craziest’ and feels the bonding with them. “When I am feeling low, I always think of Malaysian fans and it lifts my spirit”. Rahman said that he’s so excited to be able to meet his fans again in Malaysia. Reflecting on his journey, Rahman reminisces about his inaugural concert in Malaysia, a moment that forged a deep-seated connection with the audience and the land. He speaks of an enduring attachment and a sense of belonging that permeates his performances in the region, infusing them with an added layer of significance and intimacy.

It will be a powerful and unforgettable 3 hours performance comprising Tamil songs of the 90s, 2000s and other latest hits for his Tamil fans in Malaysia.  He also expressed his love for the Tamil language which he will be using to entertain his fans. Rahman added that fans can also look forward to some pleasant surprises in the upcoming concert.

He acknowledges the evolving preferences across generations, acknowledging a nostalgic allure attached to certain compositions. When speaking about his process of curating the song list for his concerts, Rahman explains that, like any artist, he aims to strike a balance between timeless classics and newer gems.

AR Rahman’s concerts are not merely musical spectacles but transformative experiences that traverse realms of joy, nostalgia, and profound emotion. With each performance, he reaffirms his status as a luminary in the world of music, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts of his audience.

AR Rahman’s concert showcases many well-known playback singers and Rahman mentioned that he will reveal the details bit by bit in the run up to the show.

Besides performing in Malaysia, Rahman also enjoys the local food and visiting Melaka. He shared his experience of visiting local markets wearing a face mask and also an IT centre where he purchased a gaming laptop.

With a career spanning over three decades, Rahman has garnered global accolades for his unparalleled contributions to music, earning prestigious recognitions including Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and Golden Globe Awards.

Rahman’s blend of soul-stirring melodies and electrifying beats promises a musical journey like no other. His mastery of diverse genres, from classical to contemporary, ensures a dynamic and engaging experience for fans of all tastes. From iconic hits that have defined generations to fresh compositions that push artistic boundaries, Rahman’s concert is a celebration of musical innovation and cultural resonance.

Get ready to be swept away by his unparalleled talent and immerse yourself in an evening of pure musical magic. Organised by Star Planet, the event is scheduled to start at 8:00 pm at National Stadium Bukit Jalil.

Tickets for the AR Rahman Live in Kuala Lumpur 2024 will be available for purchase starting 8th May 2024 at 2:00 pm via my.bookmyshow.com and ticket2U.com.my. Tickets are priced from RM98 onwards. Fans are encouraged to secure their seats early to ensure they do not miss out on this historic musical event. For more information and ticketing details, please visit www.starplanet.com.my.

AR Rahman, the maestro behind countless timeless melodies and groundbreaking compositions, is set to deliver an unforgettable performance, marking a historic moment in Malaysian entertainment history. With a career spanning over three decades, Rahman has garnered global acclaim for his unparalleled contributions to music, earning prestigious accolades including Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and Golden Globe Awards.

The press conference saw the presence of Dato Alan Foo, the Managing Director of Star Planet, accompanied by Dato R. Rajendran, Star Planet’s Director. Also in attendance was Mr. Senthil Velavan, the accomplished Show Coordinator of AR Rahman, whose expertise ensures the flawless execution of the concert’s creative vision, promising a memorable experience for everyone present. Additionally, the gathering welcomed over 30 members of the Rahmaniac Malaysia fan club.

“We are thrilled to bring AR Rahman, a true icon of the music industry, to Malaysia for what promises to be a momentous event,” said Dato’ Alan Foo, managing director of Star Planet. “This AR Rahman Live in Kuala Lumpur 2024 represents a significant milestone for Star Planet as we continue our mission to deliver world-class entertainment experiences to Malaysian audiences. Rahman’s music transcends boundaries and speaks to the hearts of millions worldwide, and we are honoured to present this extraordinary opportunity for fans to witness his brilliance live on stage.”

“We anticipate the event to draw a remarkable turnout of enthusiastic audiences. This significant interest underscores the widespread excitement surrounding the event, marking it as a standout highlight on the entertainment calendar. Moreover, we anticipate a surge in domestic travel as fans from various regions eagerly converge to partake in this extraordinary musical experience,” added Dato Alan.

Dato R. Rajendran, Star Planet’s Director, conveys that the AR Rahman Live in Kuala Lumpur 2024 event, organised by Star Planet, will present an impressive blend of musical genres. This will include Rahman’s classic tracks alongside fresh compositions, all performed by a remarkable group of artists. Audiences can look forward to an engaging exploration of Rahman’s distinguished career in Indian cinema, accompanied by captivating reinterpretations of beloved songs, with a focus on a carefully selected array of Tamil melodies.

Get ready to be spellbound by an enthralling spectacle as a constellation of celebrated artists and dancers grace the stage in seamless unity. With cutting-edge, international-class audio-visual technology illuminating each moment, attendees are in for an immersive journey that defies expectations and ignites the senses. From electrifying choreography to soul-stirring melodies, this star-studded performance promises to transcend boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on all who witness its brilliance.

Tickets for the AR Rahman Live in Kuala Lumpur 2024 will be available for purchase starting 8th May 2024 at 2:00 pm via my.bookmyshow.com and ticket2U.com.my. Tickets are priced from RM98 onwards. Fans are encouraged to secure their seats early to ensure they do not miss out on this historic musical event. For more information and ticketing details, please visit www.starplanet.com.my

Lee Seng Chee, RHA Media’s Managing Editor; YBHG Tuan Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia; Sheena Mak, Hafiza Salim, YBHG Tuan Mohd Yusri bin Mohd Yusoff, the Deputy Secretary General (Culture), Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture and Dato’ R Rajendran, the CEO of Top 10 of Asia publication

The annual award ceremony organised by the culinary and tourism portal, ASEAN Food & Travel Media in collaboration with two other publications namely ‘Top 10 of Asia’ and ‘NiagaTimes’ was held to celebrate the players of the culinary and tourism industry in the Southeast Asian region who remain committed to managing their respective businesses and have achieved outstanding successes in their own respective fields.

Chef Ammar Al Ali is being awarded the “ASEAN’s Best Chef Award (Arabic Food)”

The event attended by the movers and shakers of the tourism industry was officiated by Encik Mohd Yusri bin Mohd Yusoff, the Deputy Secretary General (Culture), Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture; and Mr Manoharan Periasamy, the newly appointed Director General of Tourism Malaysia.

Chef Johari Edrus & Dato Fazley Yaakob

‘ASEAN Food & Travel Awards’ was established to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of personalities and businesses across all key sectors of the food, travel, tourism and hospitality industries in the ASEAN region. This event is organised by ASEAN Food & Travel media, in line with the media’s objective to showcase and promote the best that ASEAN has to offer in the food and travel arena and at the same time giving recognition to the industry’s outstanding personalities and organisations that put ASEAN on the world map.

Jofliam is honoured to be presented with the prestigious “Distinguished Pizza Chef Award”

The awards serve to celebrate and to give recognition to outstanding businesses and individuals in the food and travel industry in the ASEAN region. This event in Kuala Lumpur, specifically honours outstanding Malaysian personalities, SMEs and entrepreneurs in the food and travel industry that have excelled in their respective fields.

Ewal Ismail performing a song

The distinguished guests who attended the event were Dato’ R. Rajendran, the CEO of Top 10 of Asia publication and Lee Seng Chee, RHA Media’s Managing Editor.

Influencer chef, Nurhayati Zainol Abidin giving a speech

Among the award recipients were Hard Rock Café Kuala Lumpur, Distinguished Pizza Chef Jofliam, Wyndham Acmar Klang Hotel, Influencer Chef Nurhayati Zainol Abidin, Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA), Outstanding Celebrity Chef Dato Fazley Yaakob, Boraombak Marina Putrajaya, Nasi Kandar Restaurant Hameediyah, Malaysian Petroleum Club and Sama-Sama Hotel.

PropertyGuru Group, Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company, announced the Winners and Highly Commended recipients of the 18th PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards, presented by Mitsubishi Elevator (Thailand) and supported by gold sponsor JLL.

The black-tie gala dinner and presentation ceremony laureled the kingdom’s most illustrious, innovative developers across 63 categories at The Athenee Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok. This year’s award recipients represent an outstanding cross-section of real estate in Thailand, representing development firms from Greater Bangkok, Phuket, the Eastern Seaboard, Hua Hin, Khao Yai and more. 

Sena Development won the most competitive accolade of the night, the Best Developer award, for the first time in the 18-year history of the Awards. Habitat Group Co., Ltd. garnered the most wins, which include the Best Lifestyle Developer award; the sought-after Best Condo Development (Thailand) award for its project Wyndham Grand Residences Wongamat Pattaya; and a few titles for the project Highland Park Pool Villas Pattaya.

The prestigious Best Retail Developer title went to The EM District Co., Ltd. The EmSphere Shopping Complex, the latest phase of the shopping district that includes Emporium and EmQuartier, was honoured as Best Retail Development. 

Phuket9 was another prolific winner, gaining the title of Best Developer (Phuket), in addition to wins for its project Rawayana. PNP Real Estate Co., Ltd. also rose to the top with several wins, such as the Best Breakthrough Developer (Hua Hin) award and various titles for the project La Felice Villa Hua Hin. 

Other winners in the Developer categories were Andaman Asset Solution, winner of the Best Boutique Developer (Phuket) award, supported by a win for The Residence Prime; Botanica Luxury Phuket Co., Ltd., winner of Best Luxury Developer (Phuket), with a win for Botanica Grand Avenue; MontAzure, winner of Best Mixed Use Developer (Phuket), with a win for MGallery Residences MontAzure by Kamala Beach Resort & Hotel Management Co., Ltd.; Patta Development Co., Ltd., winner of Best Housing Developer (Eastern Seaboard); The Riviera Group, winner of Best Condo Developer (Eastern Seaboard); and Wallaya Villas Development, winner of Best Housing Developer (Phuket).

Sammakorn Plus Company Limited and Sammakorn-JV1 Company Limited netted several wins for their projects, such as the sought-after Best Housing Development (Thailand) title for the former’s project, Park Heritage Pattanakarn. The latter also scored a couple of wins for the project Barnyard Khaoyai. 

Another big winner of the night was KingBridge Tower Company Limited (Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Public Company Limited), whose project, KingBridge Tower, also gained multiple wins. 

Thongma Vijitpongpun, vice chairman of the board of directors, Pruksa Holding Public Company Limited, accepted the Thailand Real Estate Personality of the Year award from the editorial team of Property Report by PropertyGuru, the official magazine. 

He said: “For the 2023 Thailand Real Estate Personality of the Year Award, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to PropertyGuru for taking part in conveying my intentions as well. This award is even more valuable because I have a companion moving towards the goal of creating better changes together.”

He is honoured for at least three decades of leadership in the field of residential development as well as innovations in prefab and precast construction technologies, among other achievements.

Jeremy Williams, managing director, Marketplaces, PropertyGuru Group, said: “Thailand is a key market for us at PropertyGuru Group as we pursue our vision to power communities to live, work and thrive in tomorrow’s cities. The meticulous selection of these award winners aligns with our aim to promote trust in the real estate industry and infuse confidence into the decisions of Thailand’s property seekers, sellers and owners. From the dazzling skylines of the city to the idyllic coast and countryside, these great developers and projects have truly made a difference in the property sector and brought lasting, innovative, sustainable change to Thailand. Congratulations to all the recipients of the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards. 

Jules Kay, GM of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “After nearly two decades, the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards programme continues to support and elevate the standard of real estate development and design in the kingdom. Over the years, the Awards have adapted and evolved to reflect an ever-changing Thai market. As consumer preferences change and demand for real estate rebounds, we recognise the properties most sought after by today’s property seekers, and shine a light on Thailand’s most desirable investment opportunities. Whether in locations such as Bangkok’s urban hubs or the country’s bucolic coast and countryside, our award winners this year personify the optimism in Thailand’s real estate sector and give cause for celebration.” 

The independent panel of judges who determined the list of awardees this year consist of Suphin Mechuchep, chairperson of the Awards in Thailand and CEO, Sen X Group PCL; Chaivut Saengaram, Ph.D., managing director, Chuchawal-Royal Haskoning, Dutch Design & Engineers Consulting Firm; Chaiyuth Pete Thirangoon, director, Akatan Company Limited; Leong Choong Peng, advisor, Mentabuild Limited, consultant, and chartered surveyor; Marciano Birjmohun, vice-chairman, The Singapore-Thai Chambers of Commerce; Dr. Phongthon Tharachai, CEO, Project Planning Service Public Company Limited; Precha Suphapetiporn, president, Thai Real Estate Sales and Marketing Association; Sasivimol Sinthawanarong, design principal, Jarken Co., Ltd.; and Professor Sonthya Vanichvatana, Ph.D, chairperson, the Department of Real Estate, MRICS, associate architect, MSME School of Management and Economics, Assumption University.

The regional panel of judges include specialists in the markets of Eastern Seaboard, Hua Hin, Phuket and Samui, and consist of Bobby Birt, managing director, Samui Island Realty; Bobby Brooks, founder/director/advisor director, Bobby Brooks Property Advisor Co. Ltd.; Clayton Wade, managing director, Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd.; George Willoughby, managing director, Form Property; Jessica Green, owner, JG Development; Mattia Taminelli, marketing director & partner, T&S C. Furniture Co., Ltd.; Mesa Wongsida, managing director, North Shore Property Co., Ltd.; Khun Piti Suebwonglee, attorney & managing partner, Expat Pro; Robert Krupica, partner, Hughes Krupica Consulting Co., Ltd; Russ Downing, managing director, Hot Hua Hin Co. Ltd.; Sirikwan Tan, senior associate, Hughes Krupica Consulting Co., Ltd; and Torasingh ‘Tony’ Tangkuptanon, founder/managing director, Worldnance Co., Ltd.

HLB Thailand, member of HLB International Real Estate Group, supervised the judging and selection process under the leadership of co-managing partner Paul Ashburn with the assistance of Sakanphon Fueangwong.

Established in 2005, the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards remain the longest-running awards programme of its kind in the country. Main country winners of the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards will be eligible to compete in the 18th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final on Friday, 8 December, also in Bangkok, Thailand. The selected winners will contend for the Best in Asia regional honours against their peers from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam, as well as Australia, India, Japan and China. 

Organised by PropertyGuru Group, the 18th PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards are supported by platinum sponsor Mitsubishi Elevator (Thailand); gold sponsor JLL; official portal partner DDproperty.com; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; official publicity partner Infinity Communications; media partners Discover Pattaya, Hot Magazine, Prop2morrow, REm, Terra BKK, Think of Living, and Top 10 Thailand; official whiskey partner Fah Mai Holdings; supporting associations British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) and IFC – Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies; and official supervisor HLB.

DJ Soda (South Korea)

Hailing from the pulsating heart of South Korea, Hwang So-hee, better known as DJ Soda, has been igniting stages across Asia since she first burst onto the scene in 2013. Renowned for her performances at major music festivals like the S20 Songkran Musical Festival, DJ Soda’s infectious beats have made her a bona fide EDM sensation. In 2016, she dropped her debut EP ‘Closer’ under Warner Music Group, declaring dancefloors everywhere under her rule. Collaborations with labelmates Sistar have only solidified her status as a rising star and one to keep an eye on.

 

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22Bullets (Thailand)

In the thriving realm of Southeast Asia’s electronic dance music scene, 22Bullets, aka Varun Sony, has emerged as a veritable powerhouse. Making waves early on in his career, it was perhaps his inclusion in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list that announced his arrival as a major player. 22Bullets has been on quite the tear, dropping electrifying tracks such as ‘Looking At The Moon,’ ‘SIAM,’ and ‘Crazies Do,’ – all to rapturous acclaim. Collaborations with EDM luminaries like Timmy Trumpet and Dash Berlin are about as big an endorsement as you can get and if you’re not convinced yet, you won’t ever be.

 

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Aryue (China)

Hailing from China, which is fast becoming a dance music hub, Aryue is a DJ and producer who’s been setting the decks ablaze with high-voltage beats. Fusing flavours of future rave, trance, house, and more into his sonic concoctions, Aryue doesn’t play by the rulebook – he writes his own. His 2022 was nothing short of explosive, marked by chart-toppers like ‘Welcome To The Rave’ and ‘Party,’ showcasing his penchant for genre-blending euphoria. But you won’t find him confined to the studio, Aryue makes it a point to regularly venture out and play live to his legions of adoring fans.

 

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Lacrème (Thailand)

Lacrème is a name that’s been familiar to those in the know since 2001. Not your typical DJ, he started out with the grimy rhythms of UK Garage and Drum ‘n’ Bass before showcasing his versatility as a musical chameleon who’s seamlessly evolved with the times. It’s this versatility that sets him apart as he’s not only a hit at the biggest EDM stages but can also lay down a mean hip hop beat, a rarity in the DJ universe. His tracks, dropped on heavyweight labels like Size, CYB3RFVNK, Skink, and NCS – with support from industry giants such as Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, R3hab, and Afrojack – have solidified Lacrème’s standing as a genre-traversing sensation.

Yoji (Japan)

Within the realms of trance and hard trance, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a name spoken of in as hallowed tones as Yoji’s. A household name in Japan’s club scene since the ’90s, he soared to worldwide acclaim in 2001 when he took centre-stage at the Netherlands’ Dance Valley festival, captivating a staggering 90,000 festival-goers in the process. From there, it was only onward and upward as Yoji became a headlining sensation at colossal international celebrations of music like Sensation Black, Tomorrowland, and Street Parade.

 

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Angger Dimas (Indonesia)

When you think of an Indonesian DJ, you think of Angger Dimas. Beginning his musical journey with a guitar at the tender age of 7, a couple of detours later found him a firmly established fixture of Jakarta’s club scene by 2009. David Guetta, Laidback Luke, and Sebastian Ingrosso are just some of the names on whose playlists his beats have gained purchase. A game-changing collaboration with Tiësto meant he was now global and when Steve Aoki unleashed Angger’s debut album, ‘Angger Management,’ on Dim Mak Records, there simply was no turning back. 

 

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Casper Yu (China)

Casper Yu’s fruitful career behind the decks was first fertilised by his early exposure to the iconic sounds of Kraftwerk via his brother’s vintage record collection. Combining that influence with his innate talent and a steadfast dedication to realising his dreams has seen him secure a seat at the summit of China’s electronic music scene. Not one to be bound by genres, Casper Yu puts out music that isn’t just heard, but felt. Casper Yu is more than just a DJ – to many, he’s an orchestrator of unforgettable nights.

 

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Leng Yein (Malaysia)

Leng Yein might just be Malaysia’s most famous DJ, but you might not know she actually started out as a beauty queen – clinching the title of Miss Pahang at the tender age of 18 and making her way to the finals of the 2003 Miss Malaysia pageant. A multifaceted talent with forays into singing, acting, and a proprietor of multiple businesses, it is however the pulse-quickening beats honed through her earliest gigs at the iconic Zouk KL that has seen her shoot her way to stardom.

 

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Marc Marasigan (Philippines)

Across the isles of the Philippines, there’s no DJ that commands acclaim quite like Marc Marasigan does. Sampling tracks across a range of genres from EDM to hip hop, R&B, and even indie beats, Marc Marasigan warps his sound to set the mood. Filipino DJ royalty at this point, Marc’s upbeat performances are preceded by barely contained anticipation across the archipelago. With a versatility akin to that of a shapeshifter and the kind of stage presence that seems to erase his surroundings, Marc Marasigan is not just a Filipino favourite, but a continental treasure too.

Lizzy (China)

We take it back to China for our final entry where we shine the spotlight on Lizzy. She’s been quite the trailblazer, becoming the first Chinese DJ to be signed by renowned agency Supermodified and the first female Chinese DJ to land on the Ultra Music Festival stage. Lizzy first popped onto the scene in 2016, taking over clubs across Asia in short order. Tracks like ‘Kill the Vampire’ and ‘Kombat’ have become fan favourites, piercing the air at festivals such as Madhouse, Trojan, GSE Festival, and Electronic Nuts. Lizzy is indeed something special – after all, not just anyone gets picked to open for guys like KSHMR, GTA, and Steve Aoki.

Ming Xi

Ming Xi, also known as Xi Mengyao, stands as a prominent figure in the world of Asian modelling. A true trailblazer, Ming Xi’s modelling journey reached a significant milestone in 2011 when she made her debut at the Givenchy Haute Spring Show. She then went on to strut her stuff at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for several years, showcasing her versatility and elegance on the runway. Collaborations with renowned designers like Michael Kors and Olivier Rousteing further solidified her status as one of Asia’s leading models. Now a firm fixture in the fashion world, she continues to captivate in the same way she did when she first burst onto the scene.

Sheena Liam

Sheena Liam, the Malaysian sensation, is known for being the winner of Asia’s Next Top Model Season 2. Her triumph on the show elevated her modelling career, earning her a place with prestigious agencies like Storm Model Management and Women/360 Models. Liam’s success encompasses both print and runway, her striking presence seeing her featured on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Singapore and Malaysia as well as becoming the face of TRESemmé’s 2014 campaigns. Beyond modelling, Liam has starred in a music video for rapper Big Boi and is quite the artist too. Working under the name Times New Romance, Liam crafts intricate embroideries of feminine figures with loose braids flowing from the canvas.

Pooja Mor

Pooja Mor is an accomplished Indian fashion model known for her remarkable journey in the industry. Her breakthrough came with her debut at Louis Vuitton‘s Cruise 2016 runway show in Palm Springs. Pooja’s modelling career took an unconventional route as she transitioned from university to the world of fashion. Originally from Gujarat, Pooja Mor won the Ahmedabad regional finals for Clean & Clear Ahmedabad Times Fresh Face in 2012. She then ventured into fashion modelling in Delhi, catching the attention of Elite Model Management through an Instagram post. Her fame soared when her catwalk fall at Givenchy’s Spring/Summer 2016 show in New York went viral.

Liu Wen

Liu Wen holds a prominent position in the modelling world as China’s first supermodel. She has achieved numerous groundbreaking milestones, including being the first Chinese model to grace the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway and the inaugural East Asian spokesmodel for Estée Lauder cosmetics. Liu also secured her place in history by becoming the first Asian model featured on Forbes magazine’s list of highest-paid models. Her influence extended to the cover of American Vogue, where she became only the second Chinese model to feature on the cover and the first to be showcased on the front, rather than as a foldout.

Catriona Gray

Catriona Gray is a prominent Filipina model, singer, and beauty queen. She is best known for her victory as Miss Universe 2018, making her the fourth Filipina to clinch the prestigious title. Catriona’s journey to success began with her earlier triumphs as Miss Universe Philippines 2018 and Miss World Philippines 2016. Beyond the pageant stage, Gray is a passionate advocate for women’s rights, demonstrating her commitment through various initiatives. She has also played a significant role in preserving indigenous cultures and supporting the “One Town, One Product” project led by the Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry. Despite facing pressure from military officials, Catriona Gray remains steadfast in her dedication to advancing women’s rights and her diverse advocacy work.

Soo Joo Park

Soo Joo Park is an influential South Korean-American fashion model and musician. Renowned for her iconic platinum blonde hair, she made history by becoming the first Asian-American woman to serve as a L’Oréal spokesmodel. Soo Joo Park’s association with some of the world’s premier brands such as Chanel and Tom Ford have propelled her into the limelight. Her portfolio is impressive, having walked for renowned designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Emporio Armani and Fendi. In addition to her modelling accomplishments, Park has graced advertisements for esteemed brands including Michael Kors, MAC Cosmetics and Redken. She even opened the Chanel 2015/16 Cruise show as Karl Lagerfeld’s chosen muse representing Asia.

Fernanda Ly

Fernanda Ly, hailing from Australia with Chinese-Vietnamese roots, has left an indelible mark in the fashion world. Discovered at a mall, she made a sensational debut as a Louis Vuitton exclusive, her distinct pink hair capturing immediate attention. Beyond the catwalk, Ly’s versatility is showcased on the covers of Vogue Australia, Teen Vogue, and Vogue Italia. Her face has graced numerous campaigns, including Kate Spade New York, Chanel Beauty, Dior and Tiffany & Co. A true modern influencer, she also manages a vibrant YouTube channel named Ferntube. Fernanda Ly’s story underscores her multicultural background, dynamic career, and innovative approach to the fashion industry.

Yoon Young Bae

Hailing from South Korea, Yoon Young Bae has definitely put her stamp on the modelling world. Her appearance on the “New Frontiers” cover of British Vogue alongside other luminaries showcased the influence she commands. Discovered by a Korean stylist, she entered the modelling world through the YGKPlus agency. Bae’s debut as a Prada exclusive and subsequent appearances for brands like Chanel, Valentino and Fenty x Puma solidified her presence. Her prolific runway outings led to notable campaigns for Diane von Fürstenberg, Zara, and Tory Burch. Consistently recognised, she earned a place among models.com’s “Top 50” and was highlighted as one of A/W 2018‘s top models by British Vogue‘s Rosie Vogel-Eades.

Margaret Zhang

Margaret Zhang, an Australian-born-Chinese creative force, is known for her diverse roles in filmmaking, modelling, and fashion leadership. Beyond her role as the Editor in Chief of Vogue China, Zhang’s journey began with ballet and piano studies, which cultivated her fascination with fashion. While studying at the University of Sydney, she gained attention as a guest buyer for Matchesfashion during New York Fashion Week. Zhang’s multifaceted talents expanded to photography, styling, and creative direction for notable publications like L’Officiel and Harper’s Bazaar. Zhang’s modelling career has seen her become a front-row regular and a cover face for magazines like Elle and Nylon. CNN has acknowledged her as a leading fashion photographer in Asia, highlighting her multifaceted impact on the industry.

Du Juan

Du Juan is a multifaceted talent hailing from Shanghai, China, who has made her mark as an actress, model, and former ballet dancer. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first and only East Asian model to grace the cover of Vogue Paris. Her record 18 appearances on the cover of Vogue China is a testament to her modelling pedigree. A former Ford Supermodel of the World runner-up, Du’s journey extended to some of fashion’s most prominent runways, including shows by Valentino, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Chanel. She appears to be well on her way to similar success in acting too, debuting in the film “American Dreams in China,” earning accolades and nominations for her exceptional performance.

For a more regional read on supermodels, check out our article on the Top 10 Stunning South East Asian Models.

In this context, a unicorn is a privately held start-up company valued at over $1 billion. Coined by venture capitalist Aileen Lee in 2013, it’s used to represent the statistical rarity of successful ventures, and, as of February 2021, there are more than 500 unicorns around the world, and we have our fair share of them right here in Asia.

In this issue, Top 10 of Asia takes a look at its list of the most admirable companies, (presented in no particular order) that have risen to impeccable acclaim and achieved unicorn status to become heavy-headed players in their respective economies and internationally.

Bukalapak

Bukalapak is an Indonesian-based technology unicorn established in 2010 by technology entrepreneur and then CEO Achmad Zaky, with a focus on helping to create a fair economy for all. Through their online and offline commerce platforms, they aim to provide everyone with options and opportunities to get more out of life. Serving more than 6.5 million online sellers, 7 million Mitra Bukalapak and 100 million users, they have also completed their services, with a B2B e-procurement line named Buka Pengadaan Indonesia (BPI) in 2019.

In 2020, Rachmat Kaimuddin was appointed as the new CEO by Bukalapak founders. Under Rachmat’s leadership, Bukalapak has proven the resilience of its business model that has been able to create social-economic impacts among the people. Last year, Bukalapak recorded an 80% increase in EBITDA and 4 million growth in a number of sellers and Mitra, representing its solid business performance and its existence as a digital platform that gives solutions to people’s needs.

GRAB

Grab Holdings Inc., commonly known as Grab, is a Singaporean multinational ride-hailing company founded by Anthony Tan and Tan Hooi Ling with operations in Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan. In addition to transportation, the company offers food delivery and digital payments services via a mobile app. It is Southeast Asia’s first “decacorn,” a start-up valued at over US$10 billion).

The idea to create a taxi-booking mobile app came to Anthony while he was still attending Harvard Business School after seeing similar ideas being pioneered in the US. Aiming to provide safer taxi-riding experiences, he launched the ‘MyTeksi’ app in Malaysia with fellow Harvard graduate Tan Hooi Ling in 2012. In 2014, Grab moved its company headquarters from Malaysia to Singapore. The app has gone through a few name changes since its creation, from ‘MyTeksi’ to ‘GrabTaxi’ and then finally settling on ‘Grab’ in 2016.

Lazada

Founded in 2012, Lazada Group is Southeast Asia’s leading eCommerce platform with a presence in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Founded by Maximilian Bittner, with the backing of Rocket Internet, the platform was started with the intention of establishing the Amazon.com business model in Southeast Asia. Since 2016, they became the regional flagship of the Alibaba Group, and are backed by Alibaba’s best-in-class technology infrastructure.

In 2018, LazMall was launched as Southeast Asia’s biggest virtual mall connecting shoppers to over 18,000 leading international and local brands. LazMall serves as a platform for brands and sellers to directly engage and create a customised experience for their customers.

OYO Rooms

Oyo Rooms, also known as Oyo Hotels & Homes, is an Indian hospitality chain of leased and franchised hotels, homes and living spaces that initially consisted of mainly budget hotels when first starting out. Founded in 2013 by Indian billionaire, entrepreneur and recipient of the Business World Young Entrepreneur Award, Ritesh Agarwal, OYO came to be when Ritesh was travelling across India at the age of 17. Having stayed in more than 100 bed and breakfasts, guest houses, and hotels, he came to realize that there was a massive undersupply of affordable and good-quality hotels in the unbranded budget hotel category. In a short time, OYO became one of the fastest-growing and second-largest hotel chains in the world.

Tokopedia

Indonesian e-commerce technology company, Tokopedia, specializes in democratizing commerce through technology. Co-founded by William Tanuwijaya, CEO, and Leontinus Alpha Edison, Director, in 2009, it is an Indonesian unicorn along with ride-hailing company Gojek, travel service firm Traveloka and e-commerce company Bukalapak. Headquartered in Jakarta, Tokopedia has been a force that pioneers digital transformation in Indonesia, building an ecosystem where anyone can start and discover anything by empowering millions of merchants and users across diverse marketplaces, logistics, payments and financial technology businesses.

SEA Limited Group

SEA is the leading consumer internet company in Southeast Asia and Taiwan that has developed an integrated platform consisting of digital entertainment, electronic commerce, and digital financial services. Founder Forrest Li has served as the group’s Chairman and CEO since its inception in 2009. Headquartered in Singapore, the company operates three businesses: Garena, Shopee and SeaMoney.

Garena, the company’s digital entertainment business, is a global game developer and publisher with a presence in Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Latin America providing access to mobile and personal computer online games. Shopee provides users with a shopping environment that is supported by integrated payment, logistics, fulfilment, and other value-added services. SeaMoney is a digital financial services provider that offers e-wallet services, payment processing, credit-related digital financial offerings, and other financial products.

Traveloka

Traveloka is an Indonesian unicorn company and leading online travel company that provides a wide range of travel needs, airline ticketing and hotel booking services online throughout Southeast Asia and Australia. It recently expanded to provide lifestyle products and services, such as attraction tickets, activities, car rental, and restaurant vouchers.

Co-founded by Derianto Kusuma, Albert Zhang and acting CEO Ferry Unardi, the company has established partnerships with more than 100 domestic and international airlines, serving more than 200,000 routes worldwide. It also has the largest direct accommodation inventory, varying from hotels, apartments, guest houses, homestays, to villas and resorts.

Razer

Razer Inc., is a Singaporean-American multinational technology company popular for designing, building and selling the world’s largest gamer-focused ecosystem of hardware, software and services. Founded by Min-Liang Tan, the Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director, and Robert Krakoff in 2005, Razer is dual-headquartered in Irvine and Singapore and is recognized as the leading brand for gamers in the USA, Europe and China.

Razer began as a subsidiary of Kärna LLC, developing and marketing a high-end computer gaming mouse targeted to computer gamers but ceased operations due to financial issues. Tan and Krakoff procured the rights to the brand following a large investment from Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing and Singaporean holding company Temasek Holdings, creating the current iteration of Razer we all know.

In January 2021, Razer launched a range of high-grade masks designed to allow lip-reading and seeing facial cues when people talk, with LED lights to illuminate the wearer’s face in dark environments as part of the company’s initiative, Project Hazel, to encourage more people to wear masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trax

Founded in 2010 by Joel Bar-El and Dror Feldheim, Trax is a Singaporean technology unicorn company and world leader in computer vision solutions for retail with offices throughout the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South America. Their unique technology uses a combination of image recognition, deep learning and data science to turn shelf images captured with mobile devices, fixed cameras or robots into real-time actionable insights. Customers use the company’s computer vision technology to collect, measure, and analyse what’s happening on physical store shelves.

As of Feburary 2021, Justin Beha is the acting Chief Executive Officer, joining in 2018 after Trax’s acquisition of the company he founded, Quri, with Joel Bar-El and Dror Feldheim appointed as Executive Chairman and President respectively.

Zomato

Established in in 2008, Zomato is an Indian online restaurant guide and food delivery platform co-founded by Pankaj Chaddah and Deepinder Goyal that achieved unicorn status in 2015 with a billion-dollar valuation which has since doubled. Zomato provides information, menus and user-reviews of restaurants as well as food delivery options from partner restaurants in select cities, connecting over 55 million users to restaurants in 24 countries across the world. Zomato was founded under ‘Foodiebay’, and was renamed in 2010 as Zomato Media Pvt. Ltd.

Tran Phuong My

Tran Phuong My

A visionary in the world of Vietnamese fashion, Tran Phuong My is a designer who knows no bounds in her pursuit of excellence. Phuong My’s commitment to perfection is evident in every aspect of her fashion career, from design and production to client service. One of her distinctive strategies lies in her approach to fabric production, which she outsources to select partners in Paris, Milan, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. This allows her brand, Phuong My, to blend exclusive materials, giving it a unique edge in the market. As the Chief Designer of her eponymous brand, Phuong My’s creativity shines through her work, while her contributions to prestigious fashion magazines like Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and VOGUE showcase her versatility.

Nguyen Cong Tri

Nguyen Cong Tri

Renowned as one of Vietnam’s leading designers, Nguyen Cong Tri’s journey in the fashion world began with his award-winning collection “Green Leaves.” A graduate of Ho Chi Minh City University of the Arts, he launched Kin Concept in 2011, catering to urban women with ready-to-wear designs. Evolving further, he founded The House of Nguyen Cong Tri, focused on avant-garde haute couture, featuring intricate hand-ironed pleating, interlacing, and sequin embellishments. His seventeen captivating collections, including the acclaimed “Em Hoa,” gained international attention, with stars like Rihanna and Katy Perry adorning his designs. Nguyen Cong Tri’s exceptional contributions earned him recognition from the Asian Couture Federation in 2014.

Linda Mai Phung

Linda Mai Phung

French designer Linda Mai Phung, residing in Ho Chi Minh City, draws inspiration from her global travels and Vietnamese heritage to create unique designs and prints. In a recent collection, “Shoot at the Moon,” she beautifully captured a traditional Vietnamese folktale about the moon’s origin. As an advocate for ethical fashion, Phung emphasises the use of locally sourced materials like organic cotton, naturally lacquered silk, and handwoven jacquard in her designs, promoting sustainable practices within the industry. Her creations blend cultural richness and contemporary aesthetics, reflecting her passion for both fashion and responsible craftsmanship.

Thuy Nguyen

Thuy Nguyen

Hanoi-born designer Thuy Nguyen’s passion for traditional art and Asian paintings influenced her journey in both fine arts and fashion. In 2011, she founded Thuy Design House, aiming to harmoniously blend art and fashion. Nguyen’s creations exude elegance with clean cuts, luxurious fabrics, and striking patterns. Notably, her designs feature Asian paintings on traditional Vietnamese silk brocades, and she artfully reimagines the iconic “ao dai,” Vietnam’s traditional dress. Beyond fashion, Nguyen is the founder of The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, reflecting her commitment to promoting art and creativity in Vietnam. Her remarkable work even caught the spotlight in the movie “Co Ba Saigon,” celebrating the artistry of ao dai tailors in pre-1975 Saigon.

Claret Giang Le

Claret Giang Le

With an impressive entry into the fashion industry at a young age, Claret Giang Le’s designs strike the perfect balance between modernity and femininity. Being a contemporary of her clients, she empathises with the needs of women, and her creations reflect this understanding. Inspired by simple natural elements like flowers, colours, and women’s curves, she crafts unique looks that not only decorate but also elevate their lives. Claret loves to experiment; creating new techniques, mixing colours, and incorporating hand prints inspired by various artists and artworks. Pioneering the hand-painting trend in Vietnam, her designs exude creativity and unique ideas.

Devon Nguyen

Devon Nguyen

Devon Nguyen, known for her womenswear collections, showcases an innovative approach to fashion, drawing inspiration from her diverse cultural background. Raised in Poland, her artistic interest in fashion emerged early on. After graduating from studying fashion design at the London College of Fashion, she pursued her passion for textiles through studies in Printing and Textile Design at Central Saint Martins. Her collections embody a contemporary luxury that fuses fashion with art, utilising noble British fabrics and intricate hand embellishment techniques. Masculine yet feminine, her designs exude natural confidence and charm, empowering women through effortless silhouettes and sharp tailoring. Devon’s bold use of colours and youthful character imbue her creations with a touch of mischievousness and wildness.

Vu Thao

Vu Thao

Vu Thao, founder of Kilomet 109, pioneers eco-friendly fashion with her natural and sustainable clothing line. Her designs utilise unique materials like nuts, coal, stone, and wood for trims, while organic cotton and hemp serve as fabrics. Collaborating with ethnic minority women in Vietnam, the brand embraces traditional dyeing methods using natural sources like magenta plants and yams. Despite these traditional roots, Vu Thao’s creations exude modernity and sophistication. The versatile garments offer various styling options, featuring flexible panels, folds, hoods, detachable scarves, and pleats. With Kilomet 109, you can express your individual sense of style while embracing eco-conscious and innovative fashion choices.

Xuan Thu Nguyen

A celebrated Dutch-Vietnamese designer, Xuan Thu Nguyen boasts global recognition as a guest member of France’s Haute Couture Federation. Her collections have graced prestigious fashion capitals including Paris, New York, Milan, and Tokyo. Coming from a family with a rich heritage of craftsmanship, Nguyen studied at the Amsterdam Fashion Institute and established her atelier in Paris in 2001. Her creations showcase contemporary cuts embellished with exquisite handmade embroidery, evoking a poetic essence. Nguyen’s artistic vision sees fashion as more than just clothing; it becomes a captivating dialogue between art, clothing, and textile, weaving a unique narrative in each creation.

Lam Gia Khang

A rising star in Vietnamese fashion, Lam Gia Khang is a talented designer known for his modern and elegant creations. After graduating from The London College for Design and Fashion, he quickly made a mark on the Vietnamese fashion scene. His eponymous brand, established in 2014, showcases ready-to-wear collections that capture the essence of chic downtown girls. With a focus on modern feminine tailoring, Lam Gia Khang crafts his designs using high-end fabrics and skilled folding techniques. His impeccable creations have graced the covers of prestigious magazines like Elle Vietnam and Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam.

Ngo Thai Bao Loan

Sharing a similar professional background to Lam Gia Khang, Ngo Thai Bao Loan is a promising designer who also graduated from The London College for Design and Fashion. Her design philosophy embraces quirkiness, influenced by her interest in unisex clothing and architectural forms. Since 2013, she has been nurturing her independent boutique, NGOTHAIBAOLOAN, where she showcases her proficiency in pattern-making and folding. Known for her trademark 3D and asymmetric shapes, Loan creates timeless essentials that appeal to women with a penchant for menswear-inspired fashion. With a burgeoning career and a rising profile, Ngo Thai Bao Loan is one of the best emerging talents in the Vietnamese fashion industry.

Gooi Chin Hooi

Xenber

Led by Gooi Chin Hooi, Xenber Sdn Bhd is an award-winning company that offers full-fledged services for software development and technology engineering empowering effective near-shore management to its clients since 2016. The company provides IT consultancy, software design and development as well as professional services, hardware deployment and maintenance for the  government, financial services (insurance, banking), telecommunications, energy and utilities, health care, education and private sectors. Since 2022, Xenber has been focusing on data analytics, artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) and cloud digitalisation solution. Xenber’s top notch Cloud solution is designed for Cloud web hosting that provides more flexibility for users compared to single-server hosting.

Chan Kee Siak – Exabytes CEO

Exabytes Group

Exabytes Group is Southeast Asia’s all-in-one business, cloud, digital and ecommerce solutions provider. With over 160,000 clients from individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, to government and public listed companies in 121 countries, Exabytes is a leader in the industry. Exabytes has received several awards for its services and it aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises grow their businesses online, achieve a wider digital presence and increase their sales revenue. As an all-in-one digital solutions provider, Exabytes provides a range of services such as cloud hosting, shared hosting, email hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, domain name registration, digital marketing, Cloudflare and Sucuri. Exabytes is led by Chan Kee Siak, its founder and CEO, and has offices in Singapore and Indonesia.

RapidCloud Malaysia

RapidCloud Malaysia is considered as one of Southeast Asia’s premier enterprise cloud computing solutions providers that provide cloud computing solutions. The company has served over 46,000 clients, including small and medium enterprises, large scale enterprises and government institutions. The company provides innovative services that cover the full spectrum of cloud computing solutions, such as SalesMAP, Document Management, Enterprise Content Management, Big Data Search Engine, API Gateway Middleware & Connectors, e-Commerce & Portals, digital marketing and IoT. RapidCloud has won numerous awards in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the field of cloud computing. With offices in Indonesia and Singapore, RapidCloud is a trusted partner for businesses looking for reliable cloud computing solutions in Southeast Asia.

PointStar Malaysia

PointStar Malaysia is a prominent cloud transformation company in Malaysia that delivers exceptional solutions to businesses. The company provides state-of-the-art cloud services such as email and collaboration, video conferencing, AI chatbot, and machine learning. It offers a wide range of products that include Google Cloud Platform, Google Workspace, Google Workspace for Education, Google Maps Platform, Oracle NetSuite, Cisco Meraki, AppSheet, Apigee, HelloSign and Logitech. PointStar has transformed over 3,000 business organisations globally with their industry-leading cloud services from technology giants such as Google Cloud, Oracle NetSuite, and Cisco. The company has a workforce of 250 employees spread across seven offices in three countries. Led by the CEO, Justin Lee, PointStar’s success is attributed to its ability to provide customised cloud solutions that cater to the specific needs of its clients, enabling them to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.

Enfrasys Consulting

Enfrasys Consulting, a highly acclaimed consulting firm, offers exceptional cloud solutions and IT services including data centre management, IoT and machine learning under the leadership of CEO, Beh Chor How. As a distinguished technology provider, Enfrasys is renowned for delivering outstanding Microsoft Cloud solutions. As a Cloud System Integrator, the company specialises in Microsoft Public, Private and Hybrid Cloud infrastructure solutions, providing an array of services such as public IaaS, private virtualisation, fabric management, self-service portal and back-end automation. Enfrasys also caters to its clients’ requirements in enterprise private cloud, service provider, multi-tenant and corporate hybrid scenarios. Enfrasys has established a strong reputation in the industry for its unmatched services and expertise in cloud solutions and IT services. The company’s dedication to delivering top-notch services has earned it numerous awards, making it a leading player in the market.

AwanBiru Technology

AwanBiru Technology is one of the leading providers of cloud-based solutions.  Its services combine industry-specific solutions, data transformation and automation with cloud-based technology to provide comprehensive solutions for its clients. The company offers a range of services, including Cloud Strategy and Consulting, Cloud-Native Development, Cloud Operations, Cloud Security and Cloud Analytics. AwanBiru has trained and certified over 280,000 individuals in the technology industry. It has also won numerous awards for its excellence in the field. AwanBiru is also recognised as Malaysia’s largest ICT software and training services provider in the public sector and is listed in Bursa Malaysia. In order to provide the best solutions for its clients, AwanBiru Technology partners with companies such as Google Cloud, Zoom and CompTIA. These partnerships enable them to leverage the latest technology and provide cutting-edge solutions that meet the specific needs of its clients.

MatrixC

MatrixC is one of Malaysia’s renowned cloud computing solutions provider that has been offering top-notch services to businesses since its inception. Founded by Sean Tay, the company has gained a solid reputation in the market for providing innovative and efficient cloud solutions to businesses of all sizes. MatrixC is a Google Workspace service partner and has successfully completed over 1,000 projects and currently boasts of more than 7 million active users and over 400 active customers. The company is also a Google Premier Partner with a primary objective to help businesses increase their capabilities, revenue and cost savings by adopting and migrating to cloud IT platforms, which are offered on a pay-per-use or subscription model.

G-AsiaPacific

AsiaPacific is an award-winning and one of the leading providers of professional cloud computing services in the Asia Pacific region. The company was established in 2008 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of K-One Technology Berhad, a Bursa Malaysia Ace Market-listed company. Led by CEO, Mark Goh, G-AsiaPacific has served over 5,000 customers since its inception and delivers top-notch cloud solutions. This cloud advisory and brokerage company specialises in offering professional cloud computing services using best-in-class IT solutions. It has completed over 120,000 cloud installations for more than 3,000 business organisations. G-AsiaPacific also partners with some of the biggest multinational technology companies in the world such as Google and Microsoft. The company also has offices in Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore and New Zealand.

Ssquad Global

Ssquad Global is a well-established IT service company that specialises in next-generation cloud-based services and also providing world-class managed IT solutions and infrastructure services. Its cloud computing services include providing a cloud readiness workshop, cloud backup and a cloud management system. The company is committed to delivering unique comprehensive solutions that adapt to real-world business situations. Headquartered in Malaysia, Ssquad Global has grown and expanded its operations across the Asia-Pacific, EMEA and Americas. With extensive experience in developing a wide range of best-in-class IT solutions, Ssquad Global delivers intuitive and user-friendly solutions through its dedicated team and partner networks. It has 10 regional offices that cover over 50 locations in the APAC region.

Integrated Global Solutions (IGS)

Integrated Global Solutions (IGS) offers a range of technology services and solutions including cloud services such as the AVM Fusion-Hybrid Cloud, Virtual Private Cloud, Dedicated Cloud and Cloud-in-a-Box. The company also partners with leading global IT brands such as Microsoft, Dell, NetApp, Huawei, Veeam, TrendMicro and more. IGS has over 3,000 clients from various industries that adopt its technology and solutions. Over the years, IGS has successfully completed multiple large-scale IT projects. The company’s dedication to delivering quality services has led to its recognition through numerous awards over the years.

Pamela Tan

Pamela Tan

Pamela Poh Sin Tan is an award-winning artist-architectural designer who creates her artwork through explorations of art, architecture and design. Her work aims to blur the boundaries between creative disciplines invoking ambiguity in her art. She aspires to create pieces that embody layers of spatial and experiential narratives. Pamela obtained her Masters in Architecture RIBA Part 2 (MArch) from the University of Greenwich, United Kingdom. Her first year MArch studio project entitled “Mappa Mundi: A Map Maker’s Dream” was selected to be exhibited in London’s The Royal Academy of Arts’ Summer Exhibition 2015. She is the winner of the fifth and final cycle of the Tan Sri Chan Sau Lai Architecture Award in 2016. Recently, two of her projects, “Eden” and “Projection Kite” won the Bronze and Merit awards respectively in the Design for Asia Award 2020 under the category of Environmental Design and in 2021, “Eden” won best of the best for the German Design Council- Iconic Award.

Limzy

Limzy

Lim Zhi Wei or known mononymously as Limzy, is a regional and international leading visual arts, lifestyle and fashion artist-illustrator, boasting a loyal global audience of over 100,000 followers. Hailing from Malaysia and Singapore, Limzy is best known for her floral gown series made of watercolour but she doesn’t like limiting herself and has explored various media and art forms. Limzy is highly regarded in the fields of visual arts, fashion, digital and social media, collaborating with brands for campaigns and exhibitions. In 2018, Limzy elevated her brand Love Limzy Co. from a solo artist to an art production team providing art and gifting solutions for customers and clients. Limzy’s creative skill set and innate eye for detail is highly sought after and she counts many international and luxury brands such as Dior, Bvlgari, Estee Lauder, Cortina Watch, Samsung, Uniqlo, Fendi and Jo Malone London.

Kamwei Fong

Kamwei Fong

Kamwei Fong is a Malaysian artist who works mainly on the animal world, his creations are often described as poetic, humourous, imaginative, playful and dream-like. The Furry Thing is a series of furry animal illustrations first created by Kamwei inadvertently back in 2009. Using only black micro pigment ink, Kamwei has created a menagerie of playful animals such as cats and dogs.  Despite their contextual isolation and uniform style, each of Kamwei’s cats display unique personalities: some are fluffed and puffed into self-contained balls; others look with curiosity or wariness at fish that dangle or waves that crash from the animals’ own tails. The artist builds each feline form using innumerable short thin lines, varying the density of the marks to create volume as well as a palpable sense of furriness. Kamwei’s artwork has received global recognition including the exhibitions at Salon des Beaux Arts in Paris and Art Expo Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. Currently, his original art pieces, art prints can be found at the galleries in France, Taiwan, United States and Singapore.

Adrihana Abdul Rashid and Emmalynn Yam

Adrihana Abdul Rashid and Emmalynn Yam are the co-founders of Bingka, a popular Malaysian boutique souvenir label that has garnered fans from all over the world. Their brand has been featured in various media outlets and their products celebrate the little things that make Malaysians proud of their culture.

Bingka immortalises elements of Malaysian culture such as Teh C Peng, Cendol, and Harimau Malaysia in keepsake tea towels, tote bags and pillows. The brand also produces silkscreen prints of tea towels with designs based on Malaysian culture. Adrihana and Emmalynn design their own products which are handcrafted in Malaysia with their main aesthetic influenced by illustrative and hand-drawn elements. The artists’ unique approach have earned them a devoted following, both at home and abroad. In a world where mass-produced souvenirs are the norm, Bingka stands out as a boutique label that celebrates the rich culture of Malaysia.

Monica Lee

Monica Lee

Monica Lee attended the One Academy College in Malaysia, majoring in 3D animation. After graduation, she worked as a digital imaging artist for a photography studio for 12 years. It wasn’t until 2013 that she decided to pick up a pencil and draw again just for fun. The experience made her realised that she still loves drawing. Quitting her job to become a full-time artist, Monica’s appreciation and admiration of the value of good photographs sparked her interest in photorealism. Specialising only in charcoal and graphite, her style of drawing emphasises the details of her subject matter. Her works consist mostly of wildlife. Through her works, she hopes to portray the beauty of wildlife animals, and inspire people to appreciate and help protect it for future generations. In 2021, Monica was a finalist for the “David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation: Wildlife Artist of the Year” and also the finalist for “The Golden Turtle Wildlife Fine Arts Competition, Russia” in 2022.

Dudu De Doodle

Dudu De Doodle

Dudu De Doodle is a highly talented artist who doodles intricate and captivating drawings. He started his doodling journey in 2013 and showcases his artwork on Instagram daily. He has also completed mural projects in cafes and restaurants throughout the Klang Valley. Dudu De Doodle mostly uses coffee as paint to create his works. While some of his artworks are about food, others are inspired by Japanese animation and Western superhero portraits. He has painted coffee paintings such as Wonder Woman, and personalities such as Steve Jobs, Johnny Depp and Audrey Hepburn. He also incorporates real objects such as spoons and cookies as part of his art. He has also explored and created art in various forms such as murals, drawing with eyeliner, create cassette art, paired art with food, speed coffee painting and digital painting. Dudu De Doodle’s art style is influenced by renowned artists such as Hayao Miyazaki and Kim Jung Gi.

Lyn-Hui Ong

Lyn-Hui Ong is a talented illustrator and graphic designer in Penang who creates stunning works of art and designs. Her passion for the craft is evident and she draws inspiration from fellow artists such as Joey Chou, whose work she admires. Lyn-Hui’s Instagram page is a colorful display of her art, featuring adorable cat illustrations, fan art and short comics. She has also been fortunate enough to combine her work with her passion, having co-founded ForReal Studio with her creative and business partner. Lyn-Hui has been featured in various high-profile projects. Her work was also featured in Apple’s App Store series “Create It Your Way,” and she was also part of Netflix‘s “Stranger Things” project. Her involvement in #StrangerRewind, which involved 18 artists from around the world creating a poster for a “Stranger Things” episode, showcased her talent and earned her recognition from Netflix.

Cloakwork

Cloakwork

Cloakwork is a street artist and illustrator who is known for his unique and playful approach to art. He began his artistic career of creating graffiti art in his local neighborhood and soon expanded his repertoire to include murals and other forms of public art. With a style that blends elements of traditional painting and street art, Cloakwork’s creations is characterised by bright colours, bold lines and illustrative characters paired with storytellings. His pieces often feature oversized objects and whimsical scenes that evoke a sense of wonder and imagination. Cloakwork has created numerous murals and street art installations throughout Malaysia and around the globe, he has also worked on numerous commercial projects, designing merchandise for well-known brands such as Calvin Klein, Pepsi and Montana-Cans. Cloakwork remains committed to using art as a means of connecting with people and bringing joy and positivity into their lives.

Haris Rashid

Haris Rashid

Haris Rashid, an artist from Malaysia, has been immersed in the world of art since his early years. His passion for art was encouraged by his mother, who was also his art teacher. Although he briefly studied Textile Technology at the tertiary level, he eventually switched to study Illustration. Haris decided to turn his love for art into a career and is currently a full-time artist. He enjoys experimenting with various media combinations and surfaces with wood and textured pressed paper being two of his preferred surfaces to work on. Haris is also the founder and leader of a young artist collective studio called Studio Mekar. Haris draws inspiration from nature and often incorporates animals into his artwork. Haris has an instinctive approach to art and his works have been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions. He has also been featured in various media, showcasing his talent and unique style of his craft.

Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee is a Malaysian food artist who has gained international recognition for her creative and whimsical approach to mealtime. She began transforming food into fun and unique artworks in 2008 to encourage her eldest daughter to eat healthily and independently. Her approach of storytelling on a plate, using simple tools and fresh, healthy ingredients, has earned her a growing social media following and attention from local and international media. Samantha’s iconic plates have been featured in various media outlets around the world. She has also worked with prestigious agencies like Ogilvy, Edelman, Weber Shandwick as well as brands such as ESPN, Tefal, Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever. In addition to her work as a food artist, Samantha was a speaker at TedxKL Women in 2013 and a finalist in the food category of the 8th Shorty Awards in 2016.