Jazz luminary Tay Cher Siang and songstress Janet Lee share their journey through the vibrant world of jazz, each shaped by unique encounters and cultural influences. For Tay, a chance encounter with Astrud Gilberto’s Corcovado sparked a lifelong passion for jazz, rooted in Malaysia’s rich tapestry of sounds and traditions. His eclectic approach to music, termed “cham cham jazz”, celebrates the country’s multicultural essence, blending diverse elements into a harmonious fusion.

Jazz is their jam

Ahead of International Dance Day on April 29, dance doyen Datuk Ramli Ibrahim takes a rare look back on his illustrious career, revealing the person behind the performer, and engages in discourse about the good, bad and a possible silver lining for our country’s arts and culture heritage.

Poetry in motion

KUALA LUMPUR (April 14): What characterises spring/summer fashion are airy, lightweight fabrics and clothes cut for comfort and ease of movement. The latest issue of Options’ takes this a step further with uplifting looks inspired by the Olympics, to be held in Paris, the style and fashion capital of the world, from July 26 to Aug 11.

Uplifting looks

One of the greatest rugby players in history, Dan Carter is a bona fide legend, having played for close to two decades, racking up over 100 Test matches for New Zealand, winning two Rugby World Cups, and being crowned top international points scorer in Test Rugby with a tally of 1,598 points and most-capped All Blacks fly-half of all time in the process.

Perfect 10

Drawing from Vicenza’s rich heritage and jewellery savoir-faire, Umberto Cazzola opened a goldsmith’s workshop with about 20 employees in 1929. He relied on his innovative and pioneering approach to propel his enterprise forward.

Mix + mesh

Her Excellency Datuk Chitra Devi Ramiah, Malaysia’s ambassador to Poland and Lithuania, originally harboured dreams of becoming an accountant. In our cover story this week, the accidental civil servant talks about her eclectic career path and how diplomacy eventually became her calling.

Woman of the world

Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) was founded in 1987 through a joint venture between Hong Kong’s Golden Harvest and Malaysian conglomerate PPB Group, with the aim of taking over the leases of Shaw Brothers. The trajectory for future development was firmly established in 1999, when GSC opened in Mid Valley Megamall during a recession.

Running the show

Martell has always been defined by its audacity to create new expressions and ways to enjoy cognac. In Options’ cover story this week, chairman and CEO of Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouët César Giron explains the new and limited Asia-only Martell Single Cru collection, which will soon be released as part of the French cognac house’s 130th anniversary Malaysian celebrations.

In high spirits

It is common sense (and basic maths) that women, on average, constitute at least half the world’s population at any given point in time. And yet, it is equally clear that the playing field is still not level: in terms of wages, opportunities, and access to resources. In this issue, we honour 49 incredible Malaysians — as a nod to International Women’s Day, first marked by the United Nations in 1975 — who champion inclusion and drive gender equality through economic empowerment to create a more equitable future.

International Women’s Day special

Walk down any street in Paris and you will see them: Women who epitomise chic, fun and style. They are authentic, energetic and know what it takes to look good. The same can all be said for French fashion brand Longchamp, founded by Jean Cassegrain in 1948. Now helmed by his grandson who shares the same name, it has a full range of leather goods, accessories, clothing, shoes and eyewear.

Of leather, flesh and blood

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 18): In this Health + Wellness special issue, Options meets Erica Lam, CEO of Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL), the flagship of IHH Healthcare Bhd. Lam looks back on its journey, highs and lows — especially during the Covid pandemic — and how setbacks become opportunities to improve. PHKL has grown from a small private facility into a tertiary hospital with 380 beds, eight operating rooms and more than 120 clinics.

A legacy of care

Habib group executive chairman Datuk Seri Meer Habib may be one of the most successful jewellers in the country, but his journey has not always been smooth sailing. The passionate jeweller laments the constant battle of securing prime spots at shopping malls. “This has been somewhat disappointing, reflecting the broader issue of local companies often struggling to gain respect and get the favourable locations they rightfully deserve. It appears that regardless of the quality of a brand, international labels tend to be favoured and are given better visibility. This has been my struggle from the beginning and continues to be a hurdle even today.” While he’s continuing his good fight and expanding his empire, he hopes his children — Mirzan, Marissa and Mirsham — will continue to pursue their passions.

Golden rules

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 4): In the Options cover story this week, the ambassador of Brazil to Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, Ary Norton de Murat Quintella, pays tribute to fellow countryman Roberto Burle Marx, arguably the greatest landscape architect in modern history, in a new self-published book titled A Brazilian in Kuala Lumpur.

East of Eden

In our cover story this week, meet Rome-based Malaysian HH Lim, who reached for the freedom art promises with a daring born of rebellion, sincerity and a depth to ideas that many called crazy initially.

Soul rebel

RIYADH (April 28): Malaysia adopts a balanced foreign policy approach between the West and East and stands clear of any sort of position that is deemed provocative, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Sunday.

Anwar: Malaysia adopts a balanced foreign policy, stands clear of provocations

RIYADH/DUBAI (April 28): Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, will adjust its Vision 2030 plan to transform its economy as needed, scaling back some projects and accelerating others, its finance minister said on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 projects to be adjusted as needed, finmin says

KUCHING (April 28): Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said on Sunday that prospective investors must deposit at least RM2 million or purchase property worth not less than RM1.5 million to obtain permanent residency (PR) in the state.

Abang Johari: Investors must deposit minimum RM2 mil to migrate to Sarawak

BANGKOK (April 28): Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara has abruptly resigned after losing the role of deputy prime minister in a Cabinet reshuffle, local media reported on Sunday.

Thai foreign minister resigns, local media report

SEREMBAN (April 28): Tabung Haji (TH) bore over RM350 million in direct and indirect financial assistance costs for this year's haj operations, its haj management general manager Mohamed Heikal Mohamed Yusuff revealed on Sunday.

Tabung Haji bore more than RM350m in assistance cost for this year's haj ops

KUCHING (April 28): Water is an important component which acts as a stabiliser and catalyst for sustainable national development, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Water acts as stabiliser, catalyst for sustainable national development — Fadillah

LISBON (April 28): Russia's air defence systems destroyed 17 drones launched by Ukraine over its territory, Russia's defence ministry said on Sunday, with a regional official saying the attack targeted an oil storage facility in the Kaluga region.

Russia says it destroyed 17 drones launched by Ukraine

CYBERJAYA (April 28): The Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022 will come into effect on June 1, thus further increasing the level of safety and health at workplaces nationwide, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.

Minister: Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022 comes into force on June 1

SHANGHAI (April 28): A private jet linked to Tesla chief executive officer (CEO) Elon Musk landed in Beijing on Sunday, a flight tracking app showed, as two people with knowledge of the matter said the billionaire was kicking off a surprise visit to the automaker's second-biggest market.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk kicks off surprise trip to Beijing, sources say

BANGKOK (April 28): Thai former energy executive Pichai Chunhavajira was named the country's finance minister on Sunday, facing a tough task to revive Southeast Asia's second-largest economy.

Former exec Pichai named as Thai finance minister, faces growth challenges

Companies Commission of Malaysia issues directive to Ewog’s trustee to freeze trust account funds

Companies Commission of Malaysia orders East West One Group’s trustee to freeze trust account funds

Boustead Properties Bhd will unveil its latest transit-oriented development in Mutiara Damansara in the third quarter of 2024 (3Q2024). A redevelopment project of the eCurve mall, which began operating in 2006 and was closed in 2021, The Lines will be part of the developer’s efforts to elevate the neighbourhood through the Mutiara Damansara revitalisation plan. The overall plan will take about 10 to 15 years to complete with an estimated gross development value of RM8.9 billion.

Reimagining Mutiara Damansara

HULU SELANGOR (April 27): The Selangor government, via several subsidiaries, including the Selangor Menteri Besar (Incorporation) or MBI, has signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with several technology companies in Germany, in an effort to further develop the state.

Selangor signs MOU with tech firms in Germany

(April 28):&nbsp;A higher-for-longer interest rate environment is burnishing the credentials of cheap Chinese stocks and driving value investment strategies in Asia.&nbsp;

Fed repricing gives rise to new equities playbook in Asia

RIYADH (April 28): Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived here on Saturday (April 27) night for a three-day working visit to participate in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Special Meeting.&nbsp;

Anwar arrives in Riyadh for World Economic Forum's Special Meeting

SHANGHAI (April 28): A private jet linked to Tesla chief executive officer (CEO) Elon Musk landed in Beijing on Sunday, a flight tracking app showed, as two people with knowledge of the matter said the billionaire was kicking off a surprise visit to the automaker's second-biggest market.

CYBERJAYA (April 28): The Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022 will come into effect on June 1, thus further increasing the level of safety and health at workplaces nationwide, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.

KUCHING (April 28): Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said on Sunday that prospective investors must deposit at least RM2 million or purchase property worth not less than RM1.5 million to obtain permanent residency (PR) in the state.

BANGKOK (April 28): Thai former energy executive Pichai Chunhavajira was named the country's finance minister on Sunday, facing a tough task to revive Southeast Asia's second-largest economy.

Jazz luminary Tay Cher Siang and songstress Janet Lee share their journey through the vibrant world of jazz, each shaped by unique encounters and cultural influences. For Tay, a chance encounter with Astrud Gilberto’s Corcovado sparked a lifelong passion for jazz, rooted in Malaysia’s rich tapestry of sounds and traditions. His eclectic approach to music, termed “cham cham jazz”, celebrates the country’s multicultural essence, blending diverse elements into a harmonious fusion.&nbsp;

KUALA LUMPUR (April 28): Malaysia is on a mission to explore various economic opportunities and attract new investments at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which will last two days starting Sunday.

Anwar on a mission to explore economic opportunities, attract new investments at WEF

RIYADH (April 28): The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Special Meeting commences in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia&nbsp;on Sunday, to find solutions to a host of global challenges relating to humanitarian issues, the climate and the economy.&nbsp;

World Economic Forum’s Special Meeting commences in Riyadh

KUCHING (April 28): Water is an important component which acts as a stabiliser and catalyst for sustainable national development, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

SEREMBAN (April 28): Tabung Haji (TH) bore over RM350 million in direct and indirect financial assistance costs for this year's haj operations, its haj&nbsp;management general manager Mohamed Heikal Mohamed Yusuff revealed on Sunday. &nbsp;

RIYADH/DUBAI (April 28): Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, will adjust its Vision 2030 plan to transform its economy as needed, scaling back some projects and accelerating others, its finance minister said on Sunday.

BANGKOK (April 28): Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara has abruptly resigned after losing the role of deputy prime minister in a Cabinet reshuffle, local media reported on Sunday.

WASHINGTON (April 27): US&nbsp;President Joe Biden delivered an election-year roast on Saturday night at the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner, as protesters outside criticised his support for Israel's war against Hamas.

Biden jabs Trump in election-year roast at correspondents' dinner

RIYADH (April 28): Malaysia adopts a balanced foreign policy approach between the West and East and stands clear of any sort of position that is deemed provocative, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Sunday.

LISBON (April 28): Russia's air defence systems destroyed 17 drones launched by Ukraine over its territory, Russia's defence ministry said on Sunday, with a regional official saying the attack targeted an oil storage facility in the Kaluga region.

BEIRUT (April 28): France's foreign minister will push proposals to prevent further escalation and a potential war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah during a visit to Lebanon on Sunday, as Paris seeks to refine a roadmap that both sides could accept to ease tensions.

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