KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 12): Renowned cosmetics tycoon and newly minted executive chairman of The Body Shop, Mike Jatania, is setting his sights on revitalising the brand’s core values and reinstating its image as the face of sustainable beauty.

Once a trailblazer in ethical cosmetics, the co...

The biz of beauty

The end of a year is anything but the end. Life is a continuum, and this period is simply a merciful pause that allows us to reflect on the past — whether with pride in what we accomplished or remorse for the things we botched or left undone. Take a look at the year’s major events in our special Options Index this week.

Options 2024 Index

Among all precious gems, diamonds are one of the most sought after and prominent — for good reason. It is their rarity, durability and beauty that inspire the managing director of jewellery company Tomei, Datuk Ng Yih Pyng, to keep them as the focus of his star label, Le Lumiere. With over 30 years of experience under his belt, he has witnessed his fair share of industry evolutions. As technology progresses and diamond reserves begin to run dry, a new competitor — lab-grown stones — has entered the market. What does this mean for the stability of the natural gemstone trade, and what can consumers expect to see in the coming year? Ng gives us his thoughts.

Light fantastic

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 15): In the heart of Paris’ 1st arrondissement, along rue Cambon, a young Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel fell in love with Hangzhou — albeit from a distance. It was the 1910s when the designer first chanced upon antique coromandel lacquer screens with her inamorato, Arthur “Boy” Capel....

Eastern evocation

Leow Puay Tin has written two kinds of texts over the years: linear and “tikam” — shuffle the scenes, take some cards out, and perform them in a different model. “Every time, no matter how you do them, you always come up with a meaningful [show],” says the playwright and actress known for work that delights, yet provokes.

Soft power

Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Effendy Shahul Hamid, CEO of group consumer and digital banking at CIMB, both parents of neurodiverse children, are calling upon all Malaysians to recognise, champion and celebrate different abilities and diversity in all its forms and complexities, one individual at a time.

The other brothers

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 24): William Dalrymple — scholar, detective, master storyteller and acclaimed historian — weaves together the various narratives and legacies of Ancient India in his latest book, The Golden Road, which trumpets the subcontinent’s impact as a primaeval superpower, the effects of which reverberate until today.

His story

The Hour Glass’ exceptional customer service is a key factor contributing to its reputation as one of the region’s most respected specialist watch retailers. While its extensive range of timepieces and brands is undeniably alluring, it is oftentimes the intimate connections forged through its personnel that cultivate multi-generational loyalty.

All in good time

Covid brought Leong Kwong Yee back to his adopted hometown, Penang, where he noticed there was no contemporary art space. In 2022, he opened Blank Canvas in the heart of George Town, which welcomes artists, curators, exhibitors and everybody to participate in bringing out art. The spirit with which he created the non-commercial space syncs with its name: People are free to pursue their art, exchange ideas, have conversations and collaborate, particularly across borders.

Homing in on art

To be the first takes daring commitment, a strong sense of purpose, and — as GXBank chief executive officer Lai Pei Si and chief of staff Hildah Hamzah will tell you — a little craziness.

Fortune favours the bold

Time is the great equaliser. Anne-Laure Pressat, an executive director of esteemed cognac line Louis XIII, knows this well. Crafted over a century, each bottle is the product of a 150-year legacy, commemorating generations who dedicated their lives to the maison. For Pressant, who has enjoyed 12 years with the Rémy Cointreau group, every day is carried out with the next 100 years in mind — and the future she imagines is bright. At The Chamber in The Starhill here, Pressat talks about her most memorable moments with the King of Cognacs, the key to creating a brand that stands the test of time and honouring those who live on with us in spirit.

Captain of the cru

Life’s a cinch, so the saying goes. It might surprise everyone, though, that the renowned landscape artist Inch Lim started working with gardens only at the age of 46. Today, with Inchscape firmly established, he turns his attention to the possibility of converting his celebrated country estate in Batu Pahat, Johor, into an eco-conscious retreat.

Nature and nurture

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 13): Poignant best describes the year 1948. It began with the assassination of Indian pacifist leader Mahatma Gandhi by an extremist. Midway through, our tanahair (homeland Malaysia) was rocked by what would be the start of a guerrilla war between the military forces of the Federation of Malaya and the Communists, that would become known as the Malayan Emergency, or Darurat Tanah Melayu. Happening almost concurrently 8,000km away in the Middle East was what is now referred to as the Nakba.

Brave heart

Many ingredients are vital for one to go far in F&B. Being accountable and responsible are two, says Upper Palace Dining Group founder Datuk Henry Yip, who learnt that the hard way.

Tastes and tribulations

All parties to Israel-Hamas war have agreed that the Gaza ceasefire will take effect at 8.30am local time on Sunday, a few hours earlier than had been anticipated, Qatar announced.

Gaza ceasefire to start on Sunday morning following Israeli approval

South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court on Saturday to argue against a request for his detention to be extended after his arrest earlier this week.

Impeached S Korean president Yoon defends himself in court against longer detention

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) will hold talks with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to enable the mobile application for the selling and buying of used motorcycles to be integrated with the mySIKAP system for simpler, faster and safer transactions.

MOT, JPJ to discuss integrating app for buying and selling used motorcycles with mySIKAP

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained four more individuals suspected of accepting bribes in return for assisting in processing and approving personal loan applications submitted by a financial consultancy firm.

MACC arrests four more suspects over loan bribery scandal

Phase 3 of the e-invoicing initiative has received over 4,900 early voluntary participants, according to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).

In a statement on Saturday, the IRB noted that the e-invoicing implementation had now entered the second phase and shown a promising increase in participation.

Over 4,900 early voluntary participants in Phase 3 of e-invoicing, says IRB

JF Technology Bhd (KL:JFTECH) co-founder and managing director Datuk Foong Wei Kuong, who became the second-largest shareholder of Cosmos Technology International Bhd (KL:COSMOS) on Wednesday, said he intends to tap into the growing opportunities within Malaysia's water infrastructure sector.

JF Tech boss sees water infrastructure potential in Cosmos as he becomes second-largest shareholder

Deutsche Lufthansa AG completed the acquisition of a minority stake in Italian carrier ITA Airways late on Friday after first making an offer for its competitor in January 2023.

Lufthansa finalises deal for 41% stake in Italy’s ITA Airways

Malaysia's economy is projected to grow at a moderate pace of 4.5% to 5.0% in 2025, benefiting from strong economic fundamentals and an uptick in foreign investments, Hong Leong Bank Bhd or HLB (KL:HLBANK) said.

HLB forecasts M'sian economic growth at moderate pace of 4.5% to 5% in 2025

A four-day road ban on goods vehicles will be enforced in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration to alleviate traffic congestion and minimise the risk of accidents.

MOT to enforce road ban on goods vehicles during Chinese New Year

Discussions are underway between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Microsoft, the owner of LinkedIn, regarding the licensing of the social media platform, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

MCMC discussing LinkedIn licensing with platform owner Microsoft, says Fahmi

Long queues were spotted at Sports Toto Bhd's (KL:SPTOTO) outlets across Malaysia on Saturday, as eager punters lined up for a chance to strike it rich with the record-breaking RM100 million Supreme 6/58 jackpot.

Nationwide frenzy: Long queues at Sports Toto outlets as punters hope to win RM100m jackpot

In a last-minute move by the Biden-Harris administration, a new Interim Final Rule on Artificial Intelligence Diffusion was announced on Monday (Jan 13), imposing stricter export controls on US-developed AI chips.

Is Malaysia’s chip sector prepared for the storm?

Malaysia’s Energy Commission (EC) will conduct an open tender for the large-scale solar (LSS) Petra 5+ programme, offering opportunities to develop solar plants with capacities ranging from 10MW to 500MW, scheduled for operation in 2027.

Malaysia calls for second LSS5 bid, targets 2GW

US President-elect Donald Trump’s policies risk stunting global growth and weakening demand for Malaysian chips, according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

US trade war threatens demand for Malaysian chips, says Zafrul

Intel Corp&nbsp;shares jumped as much as 9.5% on Friday morning after a report on a technology news site said the beleaguered chipmaker is an acquisition target.

Intel shares jump on report it’s an acquisition target

TikTok said it will be forced to “go dark” in the US on Sunday unless there is a clear statement from the Biden administration to service providers that are maintaining its availability.

TikTok says to ‘go dark’ in US on Sunday without White House clarity

JF Technology Bhd (KL:JFTECH) co-founder and managing director Datuk Foong Wei Kuong, who became the second-largest shareholder of Cosmos Technology International Bhd (KL:COSMOS) on Wednesday, said he intends to tap into the growing opportunities within Malaysia's water infrastructure sector.

Outgoing Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said her department will start taking special accounting manoeuvres as of Jan&nbsp;21 to avoid breaching the US debt limit, and urged lawmakers again to take steps to increase or suspend the statutory ceiling.

US to take extraordinary steps to avert default, Yellen says

Donald&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;incoming US&nbsp;presidential administration plans to intensify immigration enforcement nationwide soon after he takes office on Monday, a person with knowledge of the plans said.

Trump plans to intensify immigration enforcement soon after inauguration, Reuters reports

Malaysia's economy is projected to grow at a moderate pace of 4.5% to 5.0% in 2025, benefiting from strong economic fundamentals and an uptick in foreign investments, Hong Leong Bank Bhd or HLB (KL:HLBANK) said.

All parties to Israel-Hamas war have agreed that the Gaza ceasefire will take effect at 8.30am&nbsp;local time on Sunday, a few hours earlier than had been anticipated, Qatar announced.&nbsp;

Malaysians abroad should not underestimate the technological advancement, expertise and talent available back home, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Don’t underestimate technological advancement and talent back home, says Anwar

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has denied recent claims in local media reports that the state government plans to increase hotel accommodation fees by up to 50% this year.

Penang has no plans to raise hotel fees, says CM

Discussions are underway between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Microsoft, the owner of LinkedIn, regarding the licensing of the social media platform, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Bitcoin appears to be back on track towards record highs with the second presidential inauguration of pro-crypto Donald Trump just days away.&nbsp;

The largest cryptocurrency by market value has climbed as much as 13% since Sunday, putting it on pace for the biggest weekly gain since election week in November. Bitcoin, which reached a record US$108,315 (RM487,851) in December, had declined in three of the prior four weeks. It was up about 4.9% to US$105,076 as of 3.44pm&nbsp;in New York.

Bitcoin jumps to high for year ahead of Trump inauguration

A four-day&nbsp;road ban on goods vehicles will be enforced in conjunction with&nbsp;the Chinese New Year celebration to alleviate traffic congestion and minimise&nbsp;the risk of accidents.

Bank of America Corp&nbsp;is divvying up a roughly US$1 billion (RM4.5&nbsp;billion) pool of restricted stock among the majority of its staff, lifting compensation to retain employees as the lender seeks to boost earnings while keeping a lid on expenses.

Bank of America staff to share about US$1b of stock awards

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained four more individuals suspected of accepting bribes in return for assisting in processing and approving personal loan applications submitted by a financial consultancy firm.

The US Federal Reserve (Fed) has withdrawn from the Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System (NGFS), a global coalition of central banks engaged in the study of climate risk that was launched in 2017.

Fed withdraws from global climate coalition

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) will hold talks with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to enable the mobile application for the selling and buying of used motorcycles to be integrated with the mySIKAP system for simpler, faster and safer transactions.

Options

‌‌

‌
‌