Star2
Doctor
Throughout her first pregnancy, Wang Yifan had lots of questions, which she usually put to renowned obstetrician Duan Tao – or rather, an AI clone of the top Shanghai-based doctor. Duan has created a digital double for healthcare app AQ, which now...
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Learning from her son
IN their spacious family home in Subang Jaya, 68-year-old Soh Lay Choo reigns supreme. She bustles about with purpose and chats animatedly with everyone around her, often poking fun of herself in the process. Beside her is her son Chong Yu Cheng,...
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A day she deserves
THERE are plenty of ways to celebrate Mother’s Day – which is tomorrow, in case you’ve forgotten – in Malaysia. From quick getaways to big adventures, there are lots of activities you and Mum can experience together, and not just during that one...
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Save, stretch and sacrifice
TO an outsider, Norfiza Nor Ariffin, 56, should be enjoying her stress-free years. With her husband retired and her only child working, it is easy to assume that her tough days of managing household finances are over. In a way, that’s true, as their...
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Cold front approaching
AMONG Hong Kong’s acclaimed police thrillers, the Cold War franchise has stood out with its sharp political edge and tightly woven storytelling. Its first two chapters – Cold War (2012) and Cold War 2 (2016) – were major hits, collectively crossing...
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Charmed, I’m sure
Bag charms have quietly swung their way from niche novelty to everyday essential, adding a playful punctuation to handbags. an easy way to personalise a classic tote or lend character to a minimalist crossbody, they come in all shapes and forms: from...
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The distance between us
WHAT makes us human – and can that ever be replicated? Playwright Ridhwan Saidi takes on these questions in his speculative sci-fi play Odisi Romansa, where the line between human feeling and android imitation begins to blur. Presented by Moka Mocha...
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May the tech be with you
THE idea of holograms, talking robots and bionic arms from Star Wars seemed like pure science fiction. But decades after the first film was released in 1977, some of those concepts are starting to feel less far-fetched than they once did. On Star Wars...
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Gut-friendly ice cream
FOR 20 years, Ho Su Mei’s family has been involved in the business of making kefir. For the uninitiated, kefir is a fermented milk drink that is made by inoculating the milk of cows, goats or sheep with kefir grains, a mesophilic symbiotic culture that...
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1. Dark sunglasses 2. Prepaid cards
When you’re out and about, put on a pair of sunglasses with lenses in the darkest shade possible. Yes, they protect your eyes from the sun and may increase your cool factor – but the main point here is they help you evade eye contact. This is...
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Bridging science society and
IN recent weeks, Kuching-born biomedical officer Adela Ida Jiram has become one of the most talked-about figures in the Iban community. No, she hasn’t won any Kumang Gawai beauty pageant nor has she gained attention for playing traditional Sarawak...
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Hindu devotional clubbing sways india’s youth.
IN India’s capital, Hindu “bhajan clubbing” is electrifying nightlife, with revellers dancing to traditional devotional songs reimagined through guitars and pounding drumbeats, transforming public venues into spiritual hangouts. ChaiLeela, a cafe in...
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Jewellery, made personal
When you think about jewellery and the pieces you choose to buy and wear, there is something inherently personal about them. They might mark a special moment – a birthday, engagement or wedding – or simply something you fall in love with and can’t...
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Fading mosaic of memory
ON the facade of an apartment block in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe, a giant mosaic depicting cosmonauts and engineers celebrates the scientific triumphs of the Soviet Union. Like so many other relics of the Soviet past in Central Asia, it is doomed...
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Are chemicals from smartphones and TVS threatening dolphins?
A RECENT study has raised concerns about a lesser-known form of electronic pollution, known as liquid crystal monomers (LCMS), accumulating in the bodies of endangered marine animals. These chemical compounds are essential to modern display...
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Beauty of wood panelling
IF you have a blank canvas, empty wall or bland space, consider adding an inviting and perhaps unexpected architectural detail: wood panelling. One of the best ways to modernise or boost a space is by adding wood features to create a design...
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Sky full of stars
IN the pitch-black darkness, there really isn’t much to see on the lonely stretch of road upon which Muhammad Mustaqim Rosden, 27, finds himself standing. Looking at the ground, the only things visible are the rows of glow-in-the-dark road markings....
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Grounded Being and disciplined
WITH the current Middle East conflict, extreme weather events and overall volatility, a sense of uncertainty has seeped into the everyday life of Malaysians. As fuel prices increase, causing various repercussions, it is easy to slip into panic and...
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Flight of fancy
AT first glance, Caelan Moriarty may seem like just another rising star navigating the global music scene. But beneath the polished image lies someone far more introspective. In person, the JapaneseAmerican singer-songwriter is candidly honest about...
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Poise in every step
WHILE everyone loves comfortable footwear like loafers, sneakers and ballet flats, there’s always an occasion for a chic pair of heels. High or low, embellished or not, there are plenty of options out there that one can choose to elevate an...
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HK’S global cultural district
HONG Kong’s Kowloon peninsula is rich with history and heritage, from bustling street markets and the orderly chaos of “cha chaan tengs” (their version of kopitiam culture) to its verdant parks and incense-filled temples. To the southwest, however,...
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Weary from wearable devices
It Is almost midnight on a tuesday. Everything is quiet except for the back-and-forth pacing of a woman in her darkened living room. the 46-year-old remote worker, who wished to be known only as Nurul, isn’t looking for anything specific. she just...
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Rooted in history
WHEN I was growing up, my grandmother would regale me with tales of everything she went through during the Japanese occupation of Malaya (1941 to 1945) – from being separated from my grandfather at one point during the war to travelling to a village...
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A glitzy metropolis
WHEN watching Chinese TV dramas, you’ll most likely come across one of the most recognisable landmarks in Shanghai, China. It’s none other than The Bund, which encapsulates the glitz and glamour that the modern metropolis is known for. Yet beyond...
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Getting to the truth
MY child comes home from her other parent’s house with stories that sound absolutely ridiculous. I don’t want to dismiss what she tells me, but I also don’t know what’s true, what’s exaggerated and what might be made-up. How am I supposed to sort...
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Stars of Charlie’s Angels reunite for 50th anniversary of hit TV show.
ONCE upon a time there were three little girls who starred as private detectives answering to a never-seen boss in a show that turned into a pop culture phenomenon called Charlie’s Angels. Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd reunited to mark...
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Styled in sync
Dressing in sync exudes a type of quiet confidence. Co-ords, or matching separates which are designed to be worn together offer that balance of ease and intention. Whether it’s a sharply cut blazer paired with tailored shorts, a floral silk shirt...
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The ties that bind
THE long-haul stretch – and the jet lag that comes with it – between London and Kuala Lumpur is one multidisciplinary artist Alya Hatta has come to know intimately, a route traced over years of study and, later, the start of her art career in the...
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AI can sway your opinion, even when you know it’s biased
ARTIFICIAL intelligence chatbots like CHATGPT, Claude and Gemini hold the power to massively influence public opinion, new research suggests after demonstrating that people largely accept biased information given to them by an AI – even when warned not...
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Bringing heat the
CHILLI may be ubiquitous in culinary cultures around the world, but did you know that until 1492, this fiery ingredient existed only in the continent of America? So just how did it infiltrate the rest of the world? The humble chilli’s journey around...
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Chasing petals
FROM soft, pastel tones to fiery, vibrant ones – flowers of all colours come to life every spring. The season is well-loved not only for its beautiful blooms but also its crisp, chilly air. Cool weather, but not so cold that it warrants thick getups,...
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Upcycling fora bigger purpose
BUSINESSWOMAN Padmani Suppiah, 54, has long been passionate about sarees. She owned over 200 pieces – sourced from various parts of India – in a wide range of materials, from silk, linen, cotton handloom, tussar silk to chiffon. Over time, she...
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Facing reality
AS the guitarist for pioneering Singaporean rock group Sweet Charity, whose heyday was in the 1970s and 1980s, musician Rosli Mohalim has performed at stadiums and concert venues in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Songs like Kamelia (1980),...
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Stunning sunnies
When you live in a country with year-round sunshine, it’s important to ensure you have protection for your eyes. Check out these trendy shades which serve not just as barriers between your eyes and the sun’s rays, but also style statements. Bvlgari’s...
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Tracing flesh and form
THE human body is immediately familiar, yet it never ceases to spark curiosity, whether in the clinic, the laboratory or the artist’s studio. Throughout history, it has been laid bare in medical theatres and classrooms – labelled, measured, dissected...
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Stressed over subscriptions
In 2022, a certain car brand caught heavy flak for requiring a subscription to activate heated seats in vehicles purchased by customers. Many wondered, “What’s with the need for a subscription when the heated seats are already installed in the...
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Are chefs rewriting the rules?
AT the recent Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards in Hong Kong, a recurring topic of conversation among the continent’s top chefs was the revelations that had come out of Noma. Noma is a Scandinavian restaurant helmed by Rene Redzepi, a Danish chef...
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In time
IF you’ve ever travelled to Italy, you may have visited its capital, Rome, which is also known as the Eternal City. This name comes from the old belief that Rome would last even as other empires rose and fell. Walking through the city today, you will...
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Exploring my favourite subject
THERE are many different subjects we learn in school, and each one is important in its own way. Some children enjoy Maths because they like solving problems and working with numbers. Others like English or Bahasa Malaysia because they learn new...
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Stronger together
SOUTH Korean powerhouse Ateez set Kuala Lumpur ablaze on March 22 when it brought its In Your Fantasy World Tour to the Unifi Arena (formerly Axiata Arena). Long before the first spotlight hit the stage, the atmosphere was already electric, with...
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Where hip fashion finds its space
FROM the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the cobblestone avenues of Paris, fashion hotspots have risen and faded over the decades. Each one reflects the shifting tastes, youth culture and worldwide trends that define style at any given moment. Harajuku,...
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April bursts with arts
APRIL marks a notable surge in arts and cultural events across the Klang Valley. Major venues anchor the calendar with high-profile programmes, while independent spaces contribute experimental, community-driven initiatives. The result is a full...
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Can online videos help robots learn household chores?
WHAT’S the difference between a Roomba and The Jetsons robot maid, Rosie? It’s not a joke, it’s a challenge University of Maryland doctoral student Seungjae “Jay” Lee is tackling in hopes of training real-world domestic robots to master housekeeping...
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On everyone’s table
AS THE morning light stretches across the sultry, tropical sky over Mazatlán, Mexico, a small crowd gathers inside Panadería “Don Ramón”. Racks loaded with steaming hot bolillos (crusty rolls), teleras (soft rolls) and conchas (enriched rolls with a...
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Different kind of experience
MALAYSIA is a tapestry of culture, and this diversity is reflected in many ways in the country, for example, our traditional attire. Walk along Jonker Street in Melaka and you will likely spot tourists dressed in elegant nyonya kebaya, either posing...
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How to start volunteering as a family
FOR parents who want to raise compassionate, socially aware children, volunteering together can be a powerful starting point. The key is to begin small, stay consistent and choose causes that resonate with both adults and children. Here are six tips...
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Chinese rock band dead Flowers brings humour and reality into its songs.
BY day, they are a brand founder, an ice-cream factory entrepreneur, an oil painting instructor at an art academy and a collectible toy designer. By night, they are members of a rock band, pouring all those daytime emotions into songs about deadlines,...
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Effortless styling
Comfort is key this raya season as you move from house to house or greet guests as a host at your own home. these gorgeous shoes are the best of both worlds: suitable to be worn all day, and stylish to boot. takkan, an Indonesian brand, offers the...
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Taking Nanyang art forward
EVOCATIVE landscapes rendered in Chinese ink and calligraphy anchor the Nanyang New Frontiers exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, with scenes of rustic kampung life, birds among oil palm trees and depictions of rambutan, hibiscus and lotus ponds. Poems,...
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Threats to come
Malaysia ranked 37th out of 161 countries on cybersecurity firm surfshark’s list of the countries most affected by data breaches in its Wrapping Up 2025: Global Data Breach Statistics report. last updated on Feb 3, 2026, the report states that 2025...
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An unfair punishment
THERE is a particular insult in watching an airfare rise while politicians talk about “strategic necessity”. You see it on your phone first. A fare that looked reasonable yesterday suddenly has a fever. A family holiday becomes a spreadsheet. A work...
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Keeping thread-itions alive
IT’S a weekday morning, and many people would be surprised to know where Zafira Ismail is. “By right I’m supposed to be at work,” the 42-year-old says with a laugh, her eyes fixed on the almost-finished piece of clothing in her hands. However, due to...
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Marking new chapters
TWO major changes occurred in Indonesian actress-singer Olla Ramlan’s life in 2025, which makes her Hari Raya this year a little different from the past. “This is my first Syawal without my mother,” the 46-year-old says of her mum, who passed away on...
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Modern silhouettes
Outerwear has moved beyond its functional roots, becoming a chic statement layer that adds polish and personality to any look. Fendi’s Brown Nappa Leather Overcoat features the Fendi ajour motif and is finished with contrasting yellow edges, its...
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The joyous wonder of life
A MIRROR room dappled with colored dots. Contorted, bright sculptures of flowers on a rooftop at the foot of Cologne’s famed cathedral. A vast showroom with giant octopus-like tentacles that offer up a mesmerising meander through space and...
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Squeeze
Picture this: Your computer starts lagging. Programs take longer to load, and switching between tasks feels more laborious than ever. Perhaps it’s time for an upgrade, you think – maybe adding more RAM (random access memory) to give it a performance...
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CHICKEN RENDANG
1 whole chicken (1.2–1.5 kg), cut into 8 to 10 pieces For blending (spice paste) 8 shallots 5 cloves garlic 5 dried red chillies, soaked, deseeded) 2 fresh red chillies (optional, for extra heat) 3 candlenuts 2.5cm ginger 2.5cm galangal 2.5cm...
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From nightmare to memories
SAY what you want about Malaysians bickering over the littlest things – when the time comes to stand united and help each other, we do so without hesitation. This was what happened when close to 200 Malaysians, including myself, were stranded in...
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Inclusion in action
CASHIER and grocery store assistant Lim Wei Kang, 25, has been especially busy as Hari Raya Aidilfitri draws near. Customers stream continuously into the shop at Taman Sri Putra, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, picking up essentials for Ramadan and the...
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Carving his own identity
WHEN listening to Syafiq Yusof talk about filmmaking, it becomes clear that a great deal of thought goes into his work. While it would be easy to attribute that to the fact that filmmaking runs in his blood, that would be too simple an...
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Finely crafted
When putting together an ensemble for the day, sometimes all you need to elevate your look is a simple, yet impactful, piece of jewellery. Bracelets are a great option, and here are three choices from wellknown luxury brands. Burberry’s Shield...
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Pulled into the scroll
NEARLY a decade ago, theatremaker Kelvin Wong stood outside Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre’s (KLPAC) Indicine space to welcome audiences to Antigone, a contemporised staging of the ancient Greek tragedy by Sophocles. It was the first production by...
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Well-meaning but harmful
YOU’VE probably heard of the term helicopter parenting – but what about a helicopter grandparent? “A helicopter grandparent is someone who’s really involved and might struggle to step back in terms of parenting duties,” says psychotherapist Amy...
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Grain-ing favours
IT is hard to contemplate a Malay meal today without the presence of rice. In fact, rice is so indefatigably intertwined with Malay cuisine that its absence in a daily meal is inconceivable to many people. Yet did you know that until the 15th century,...
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#IWD2026 #Givetogain
MORE than a decade ago, Fazleen Nazri began noticing a challenge that many women who spend time outdoors quietly face. “There are many women-only spaces, like spas and salons, where women can feel comfortable and at ease,” says the 35-yearold. “It...
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Driven by purpose
AT 51, mechanic Imelda Kwan has spent more than two decades under car hoods. She has rebuilt engines, restored classics and has even diagnosed vehicle problems that have eluded others. But beyond fixing vehicles, she says she is driven by something...
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Man of many talents
SON Suk-ku is officially a Sundance darling. In January, Bedford Park –a New Jersey-set romantic drama in which he stars opposite Moon Choi – won a jury award for firsttime filmmakers at the festival. Sony Pictures Classics promptly scooped up the...
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Denim on ice
FRENCH luxury brand Balmain, under creative director Olivier rousteing, reached new audiences when his designs were embraced by prominent cultural figures such as the Kardashians, Michelle Obama and Barbie. rousteing and Balmain parted ways last fall...
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Resurrecting an age-old art
STANDING at the edge of the main motorway that terminates southwards at Kelantan’s Sungai Golok border immigration complex, Emsophian Benjametha traces the movements of several workers with long rakes as they head towards the nearby sweet salt...
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No more freebies
THE introduction of advertisements and sponsored content in chatbots has spawned privacy concerns for Ai users as brands scramble to stay relevant in a fast-changing online environment. Chatgpt developer Openai began showing ads in chatbot...
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The subtle substitution strategy
Imagine, if you will, a chap called marty. marty is not a villain. He does not chain-smoke in busy restaurants, nor does he kick puppies for sport. He is, by all metrics, a reasonable fellow – he pays his taxes, diligently rinses yoghurt pots for...
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An enlightening walk
RAIN throughout most of the day resulted in a much cooler evening. Instead of being drenched in perspiration, we only had to dab our foreheads lightly every now and again. Not bad for a two-hour walking tour around the usually hot and humid Kuala...
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Johor's melody
The gambus, or short lute, is a type of stringed musical instrument without frets. It produces sound through an arrangement of strings that vibrate when plucked. The gambus is a celebrated traditional instrument in Johor and Sabah. It is...
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A trail of deception
THE new Netflix mystery thriller The Art Of Sarah centres on Mu-kyoung (Lee Jun-hyuk), a detective who becomes obsessively entangled in discovering the truth behind the death of Sarah Kim (Shin Hae-sun). Ostensibly, Sarah is the Asia regional head of...
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An evolving silhouette
In Malaysia, modestwear has long been part of the visual fabric of daily life – from dressing up for the office and family gatherings to everyday activities. A design language shaped by climate, culture and the cadence of modern womanhood, it has...
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