dixonthum

Experience Unforgettable Family Bonding with ‘SHARP Travel with Parents’ this Parents’ Day, in Collaboration with Astro

April 26, 2024April 26, 2024 dixonthum

Sharp Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (SHARP), known for its innovative technology and electronic solutions, has teamed up with Astro to launch the ‘SHARP Travel with Parents’ SHARP 带爸妈去旅行 series. This collaboration aims to celebrate the essence of Mother’s and Father’s Day by highlighting the significance of family connections through travel experiences. The series focuses on fostering intimate interactions between parents and children, fostering warmth and creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

The inaugural season of ‘SHARP Travel with Mommy’ 带阿母去旅行 premiered in 2023, garnering widespread acclaim and high viewership ratings. It even clinched the prestigious ‘Best Lifestyle Programme’ award for the Malaysia region at the Asian Academy Creatives Awards. Now, the eagerly awaited second season is set to debut on 12 May 2024, at 9:30 pm on Astro AEC, Astro GO, On Demand, and sooka. This season expands its focus to include the entire family, promising to create unforgettable memories together. Viewers can expect to be taken on a journey to both international destinations like Australia, Macau, and Taiwan, as well as local Malaysian gems such as Sitiawan and Pangkor Island, in search of the perfect family getaway spot.

Local TV personality and SHARP’s Parents’ Day campaign ambassador, Jason Yeoh, graced the event alongside his mother, Madam Lim Poh Choo. Together, they shared touching anecdotes about their travels made possible by SHARP’s innovative products. Their stories underscored the significant influence these journeys had on their family life, emphasizing the importance of quality time spent together.

The theme of travelling with parents has resonated strongly with our audience, and following the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our first season with Astro, we were eager to launch the second season. This new season honours all parents by expanding the program to include the entire family. Our aim for the ‘SHARP Travel with Parents’ SHARP 带爸妈去旅行series is to craft special moments that every family member can treasure.

said Mr Ting Yang Chung, Managing Director of SHARP Malaysia

This year, ‘SHARP Travels with Parents’ SHARP 带爸妈去旅行 goes beyond showcasing scenic destinations suitable for elderly parents. It also encourages viewers to fulfill their parents’ travel dreams while they still can.

In honor of Parents’ Day, SHARP conducted a street interview, gathering insights from 50 Malaysian participants. Many expressed a strong desire to travel with their parents but found planning the trip challenging due to a lack of information. Additionally, over 80% of respondents planned to purchase home appliances as gifts during Parents’ Day, with televisions and refrigerators emerging as the popular choices.

To address this growing demand, SHARP has introduced a special Parents’ Day promotion aimed at assisting Malaysian families in upgrading their home appliances to express gratitude to their loved ones. The promotion features discounts of up to 40% and includes complimentary gifts with purchases, encompassing over 70 products including televisions, washing machines, and air conditioners. Furthermore, SHARP is gearing up to launch a travel content series on Facebook and Xiao Hong Shu, offering valuable insights and travel tips for upcoming family adventures.

Mr. Ting expressed SHARP’s commitment to enhancing the consumer experience in Malaysia through innovative products. He highlighted the company’s aim to encourage Malaysians to enjoy the outdoors with their families and appreciate nature’s beauty this Parents’ Day. Mr. Ting credited their enduring partnership with Astro and the support from Jason Yeoh and his mother for bringing enriching narratives to consumers. He eagerly anticipated future collaborations and celebrating more milestones together.

For further details on SHARP’s Parents’ Day Campaign and the ‘Travel with Parents’ series, please visit their official website at https://my.sharp/. Stay updated by following their social media channels:
• Facebook: @SharpMsia
• Instagram: @sharp.malaysia
• Xiao Hong Shu: Sharp Malaysia
• TikTok: @sharpmalaysia

About Sharp Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
Established in 1985 and formerly known as Sharp Malaysia Sales & Service Company (M) Sdn Bhd, Sharp Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. is the marketing arm of the Sharp Group in Malaysia and is responsible for the sales, marketing and promotion of all Sharp products in the country.

SHARP’s products are available at official authorised dealers: https://bit.ly/34OKXkI

Food & Drink

Taste the Tradition: Xin Cuisine’s Dim Sum Delights in Concorde Hotel KL

April 4, 2024April 5, 2024 dixonthum

In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, there’s a special place called Xin Cuisine. It’s part of the Concorde Hotel, known for its great food and nice atmosphere. With its elegant ambiance and delectable offerings, Xin Cuisine has carved a niche for itself as a premier destination for lovers of Chinese cuisine, specifically dim sums & roasted meat, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It has been operating since many years back but this was my first dining experience there. I really enjoyed it. When Xin Cuisine is the very few non-halal restaurants in a hotel in Malaysia, you know this must be really classic and gold.

Embracing Timeless Traditional Cantonese Food & Dim Sum at Xin Cuisine
For your info, Xin Cuisine is all about serving really good Cantonese food. They have lots of different dishes, like juicy barbecued meats, porridge, noodles and assorted dim sums. Every piece of dim sum was handmade with care, and I could really taste every bite is full of flavour and sincerity.

Dim sum, the beloved tradition of Cantonese cuisine, takes center stage at Xin Cuisine, where diners can savor a wide variety of these delectable bite-sized delights. Steamed, fried, or baked to perfection, dim sum offerings at Xin Cuisine range from delicate dumplings to fluffy buns, all served in the traditional manner using push-carts, adding an interactive element to the dining experience.

Among the popular choices are:
Trio Combination Platter (BBQ Pork, Roasted Pork, Roasted Duck)
Prawn Dumpling 故乡鲜虾饺
Siew Mai 烧卖
Steamed Chicken Claw 豉汁蒸风爪
Steamed Fish Ball 茜菜蒸鱼卖
BBQ Pork Bun 蜜汁叉烧包
Seafood Dumpling Soup海鲜灌汤饺
Fried Salad Prawn 沙律炸虾角
Prawn Fritters 韭菜虾饼
BBQ Puff 叉烧酥
Egg Tart 酥皮蛋挞
Fried Beancurd Prawn 鲜虾腐皮卷
Baked Coconut Bun 菠萝椰丝包
Bamboo Rice 竹筒咸鱼粒饭
Lychee Cheesy Prawn Ball 荔枝芝士虾球*
Rice Wine Chicken Bun黄酒鸡包*
Fried Shrimp Cheong Fun 炸脆皮肠粉*
Osmanthus Jelly 桂花糕
Mango Pomelo Sago 杨枝金露
*Limited-Time Dim Sum Specials – Weekday Exclusive

Private Functions and Weddings
Xin Cuisine provides four themed private dining rooms exclusively for private groups. On weekends, these rooms adapt to host larger crowds by opening their walls. Additionally, Xin Cuisine is available for wedding dinner banquets, accommodating approximately 20 tables.

I’m glad I visited on a weekday because I had the pleasure of enjoying beautiful Chinese music played by a resident artist on the traditional instrument known as the ‘guzheng’ 古筝. This is only available on weekdays.

@dixonthum
Speaker on 🔊🔊🔊 beautiful music #古筝 #guzheng #concordehotelkl #xincuisine #dimsum
♬ original sound – Dixon Thum – Dixon Thum

The History of Two Dragon Pillars
At Xin Cuisine, you’ll find an enduring elegance embodied by two ornate dragon pillars that have adorned the premises since the era when it was known as Hotel Merlin. Crafted from a single tree trunk sourced from Taiwan, these pillars were skillfully carved by a talented craftsman from Taiwan during that time.

📍Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
Concorde Hotel KL, Jln Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours :
Monday – Friday: 11.00 am – 2.30 pm (brunch) & 6.00 pm – 10.00 pm (dinner)
Saturday: 9.00 am – 2.30 pm (brunch) & 6.00 pm – 10.00 pm (dinner)
Sunday & PH: 8.30 am – 2.30 pm (brunch) & 6.00 pm – 10.00 pm (dinner)
Tel: 03-2144 2200 extension 2338
*This is a non-halal restaurant
*Booking is allowed on weekdays. Strictly no booking on weekends.

Discovering the Legacy of Concorde Hotel KL
Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, (formerly known as Merlin Hotel) a landmark in the bustling cityscape of Kuala Lumpur, provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable dining experience at Xin Cuisine. With its strategic location in the Golden Triangle, the hotel offers easy access to major shopping malls like Suria KLCC, Pavilion KL, Sungei Wang, entertainment venues, and corporate offices, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and business travelers alike.

Travel

Exploring Penang’s Peranakan Heritage: A Journey Through the Pinang Peranakan Mansion

March 29, 2024March 30, 2024 dixonthum

Penang has always been a place rich with culture and tradition. Peranakan, also known as Baba-Nyonya, is a cultural group commonly found in Penang, originating from Chinese immigrants who settled in the region and intermarried with local Malays, Indonesians or Thais. This fusion of Chinese, Malay, and sometimes European influences has given rise to a distinct hybrid culture characterized by unique language, cuisine, attire, and customs.

To understand better about the Peranakan heritage, we went to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, located in the bustling streets of Georgetown, Penang. It is also fondly referred to as the “Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum,” an enchanting destination beckons travelers and locals alike to embark on a captivating journey through the annals of Peranakan history.

Finding the Mansion
Located on Church Street, the mansion is easy to spot with its grand facade. Getting in won’t break the bank either; the entrance fee is pretty reasonable, making it a great stop for anyone curious about Penang’s past.

Adult	RM25/pax
Child (6 to 12 years old)	RM12/pax
Child (below 6)	Free

Entrance Fee to Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Guided Tour
I lucked out and joined a guided tour led by Mr. Stanley! He had a knack for storytelling, turning the tour into a mix of history lesson and stand-up comedy. His jokes had us chuckling while we learned about the mansion’s past. Guided tour is free, but it is scheduled according to batches. You may check with the counter for the full schedule timing.

Dress-Up Time
If you are feeling adventurous, you can opt to rent a Baba Nyonya costume. It wasn’t very pricey and it add-on value to the whole experience! I saw many lady visitors wearing the traditional Nyonya costume that day, and that’s definitely a pretty sight. More info here.

A Scene from TV Drama
Here’s a fun fact: ever watched the internationally-acclaimed Singaporean TV drama, “The Little Nyonya”, that featured Jeanette Aw, Joanne Peh, Qi Yuwu, Pierre Png, Yao Wenlong and Dai Xiangyu? Well, guess what? Some scenes from this popular drama were filmed right here! Walking through the mansion, you might feel like you’re in the show, adding a cool twist to your visit.

Preserving History
More than just a tourist spot, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion is like a time capsule, preserving the stories and traditions of Malaysia’s Peranakan community. It’s a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that makes Penang so special. There are many replicas and real antique items, like furniture, costumes, vase, treasure boxes, accessories, and paintings, to name a few, on display in the huge mansion.

Lady is Always Right
In the Peranakan culture, there’s a traditional practice where during photographs, men typically sit or stand on the left side of their wives, symbolizing leadership or power. However, in one particular photograph on display, this convention is reversed. The couple chose to do so because it was believed that the man had married into the woman’s family, a practice known as “入贅” (rù zhuì).

Kingfisher Feather Jewelry
There was a set of stunning accessories—a headdress, earrings, and necklace—that are noteworthy. Kingfisher feather jewelry, a traditional adornment, features the iridescent feathers of the kingfisher bird crafted into decorative pieces like hairpins, earrings, brooches, and pendants. Originating in China during the Qing Dynasty, this style gained popularity across East Asia and beyond. The vibrant blue and green hues of the feathers add a luxurious touch to the pieces. However, modern versions often use synthetic materials to mimic the feathers, addressing concerns about wildlife conservation. Mr. Stanley, our guide, mentioned that typically only 2-3 feathers were used per accessory, ensuring no harm to the birds.

Overall, my wife and I had a pleasant time visiting this mansion and learned new things about the Peranakan culture from this visit. I would suggest you to pay a visit in your next trip to Penang and join in the guided tour for a more wholesome experience.

📍Pinang Peranakan Mansion
29, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operation hours: 9.30AM to 5PM (Monday to Sunday including Public Holidays)
IG: https://www.instagram.com/pinang_peranakan_mansion/
Website: http://www.pinangperanakanmansion.com.my/

Lifestyle, Shopping

Celebrating ‘The Luminous Raya’ at Atria Shopping Gallery

March 22, 2024March 22, 2024 dixonthum

I had the pleasure of attending the grand unveiling of ‘The Luminous Raya’ celebrations at Atria Shopping Gallery, a renowned mall nestled in Damansara Jaya, dating back to the mid-1980s. The event was a delightful fusion of Malaysian and Middle Eastern cultures, aiming to spread joy and illuminate the festive spirit among shoppers.

The festivities commenced with a vibrant media launch at the center court, where Mr. Seth Lim, the COO of Property Investment, led the event with warm opening remarks. The highlight was the ceremonial lighting of Middle Eastern lamps, symbolizing the official launch of the campaign. This was followed by captivating performances of Middle Eastern Arabic dance and instrumental music, setting the stage for an inclusive “buka puasa” session with underprivileged children from Rumah Suci Rohani.

Mr. Seth Lim emphasized the importance of inclusivity and community support, expressing gratitude to the participating tenants for their generous contributions towards the CSR activities. The children were treated to a range of enjoyable activities and gifts, ensuring they had a memorable experience.

As I stepped into Atria Shopping Gallery, I was greeted by the enchanting sight of contemporary Middle Eastern lamps adorning the center court, creating a picturesque backdrop for photo enthusiasts. The elegant courtyard, featuring a private lounge area and a majestic fountain, added to the ambiance of the event.

The theme of ‘The Luminous Raya’ truly came to life with a myriad of activities and offerings throughout the mall. From traditional musical performances to workshops on Malay kite-making, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, shoppers were spoilt for choice with a wide selection of booths offering essential items and delightful treats to enhance their Raya celebrations.

With its diverse range of restaurants and vibrant atmosphere, Atria Shopping Gallery provided the perfect setting for families to come together and celebrate the joyous occasion of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. I left the event feeling uplifted and excited for the festivities ahead, knowing that Atria Shopping Gallery had truly captured the essence of ‘The Luminous Raya’.

Here are some interesting activities during this Raya period you wouldn’t want to miss!

Prosperity Rewards
Aildilfitri Treats I 21 March – 21 April 2024 I 10.00am – 10.00pm I Concierge Counter, Ground Level Shoppers will be rewarded with exclusive RM10 Atria Shopping Voucher when they spend RM150 and above in two accumulated receipts on the same day for Atria Friends, RM250 for non-Atria Friends and RM20 Atria Shopping Voucher with a minimum spend of RM300 and above for Atria Friends and RM400 for non-Atria Friends in a maximum of two accumulated receipts on the same day.

Vibrant Raya Bazaar at Center Court, Ground Level (21 March – 21 April 2024) & Concourse Level (21 March – 7 April 2024), Ramadhan Bazaar, South Entrance
(30 & 31 March 2024)
From a variety of Raya booths, browse and select the perfect gifts from apparel, Turkish carpets to fashion accessories. You can also choose from an array of Raya cookies, hampers also other Raya essentials.

Ketupat Drop I 24 March, 31 March, 6 April 2024 I 5.00pm I Centre Court, Ground Level
Be the lucky one to pop and grab exciting prizes up to a total prize of RM10,000. Just be there to join the excitement. No spending required.

Arabic Night Costume Competition I 21 April 2024 I 2.00pm – 5.00pm I
Centre Court, Ground Level
Mark your calendar and watch your little one rock on the runway in Arabic Costume. Get Ready to be bold. Registration is free and opens from now till 18 April 2024.

Aidilfitri Hunt I 21 April 2024 I 3pm – 5pm I Mall-wide
Are you ready hunters? Join Atria Aidilfitri Hunt and hunt for the clues at the mall wide to stand a chance to win amazing prizes. 15 prizes await you!

Buka Puasa Deals
Amazing deals are offered by F&B outlets in Atria Shopping Gallery Break Fast season.

Snap & Win Digital Contest
Got what it takes to get your Raya OOTD with the in your Raya outfit at The Luminous Raya decoration? Capture your amazing moments and select your best picture for submission to win a RM30 Dave Deli Voucher for 5 winners!

Have a good time at the Raya Centre Court, Ground Level, share it on social media, and hashtag #TheLumniousRayaAtAtria #AtriaDJ.

The Weekly Showcases of Cultural Performances and Workshops
Look forward to incredible performances ranging from Egyptian-Arabic belly dances to Malay traditional Raya dances. Without forgetting about musical recitals and special performances, be prepared to be entertained throughout the Raya season.

For more information, kindly contact Atria Shopping Gallery’s Concierge at 03-7733 5156 or visit www.atria.com.my or www.fb.com/atriadj.

Travel

My Day at Agrotechnology Park MARDI Langkawi Exploring Nature’s Wonders

March 21, 2024March 22, 2024 dixonthum

Have you ever imagined going on a big adventure surrounded by nature’s beauty? Well, that’s exactly what I got to experience at Agrotechnology Park MARDI Langkawi, and let me tell you, it was amazing! The entrance fee was RM15 per Malaysian adult and RM8 per Malaysian child. For international visitors, the price is RM40 per adult and RM25 per child.

	Adult (13 years old and above)	Children (4-12 years old)
International (without MyKad)	RM40	RM25
Malaysian (with MyKad)	RM15	RM8

Entrance fee

We were welcomed by the officers there and the day kicked off with a super fun buggy ride through the park. Along the way, we saw all sorts of plants like pomelo trees, mango trees, durian trees and flowers like sunflower, lilies, hibiscus, each one more colourful than the last.

One of the coolest things we did was planting trees. Our reps got their hands dirty digging a little hole and popping in a tiny tree sapling. They told us it was a “miracle fruit” tree, which sounded pretty magical to me! Apparently, it makes sour things taste sweet. How cool is that?

Then came the hiking part. We trekked through the forest, crossing streams and walking up hills. It was a bit tiring, but totally worth it for the amazing views and all the cool plants we saw, like tongkat ali and some wild mushrooms.

Upon exiting the forest, we reached Mirror Lake. You could see fish swimming around and we even got to feed them, which was a lot of fun. They splashed around and gobbled up the food—it was like they were having a little party!

For those looking for a bit more excitement, you should try this flying fox. Basically, you get to zip-line 150 metres through the trees and over the Mirror Lake. I didn’t try it myself, but watching others soar through the air was pretty cool. The cost is quite reasonable, and you can purchase tickets in advance at the entrance counter or directly at the flying fox station.

	Adult	Children
Local	RM30	RM20
Tourist	RM40	RM30

Adventure Flying Fox

After the activities under the sun, we were serve with a fruit buffet! Imagine a table filled with all kinds of delicious local fruits like watermelon, starfruit, jackfruit, mango, and papaya. It’s all you can eat, all included in the entrance fee! During durian season, there’s even the chance to savour this exotic fruit, though a small additional fee applies for those opting for durians.

To top it all off, we visited Bunny’s House—a place where kids could play with bunnies and hares. It would be adorable seeing the little ones laughing and petting the animals.

From my visit here, I learnt that Agrotechnology Park MARDI Langkawi isn’t just a fun place to visit—it’s also doing some really important work to promote sustainable agriculture and planting. Sustainable agriculture is all about growing food in a way that’s good for the environment, the people who eat the food, and the people who grow it.

One of the things they’re doing at the park is planting lots of trees. Trees are like the superheroes of the plant world—they help clean the air, provide homes for animals, and prevent soil erosion. By planting trees, MARDI is not only making the park more beautiful but also helping to protect the environment.

They’re also big on something called agroforestry, which is a fancy way of saying they’re growing crops alongside trees. This helps make the soil healthier and more fertile, which means better crops and less need for harmful chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers. Plus, it provides habitats for all sorts of creatures, from birds to bugs.

So, the next time you’re munching on a juicy mango or taking a stroll through a shady forest, take a moment to appreciate all the hard work that goes into making it possible—and maybe even think about how you can do your part to support sustainable agriculture too.

I’m doing my part with sustainable planting and helping the environment by growing herbs like aloe vera and oregano at home. We use them for cooking and making soap. What about you?

📍Agrotechnology Park MARDI Langkawi
1, Jalan Padang Gaong, Lubuk Semilang,
Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Operation hours:
8.30AM – 4.30PM (Saturday – Wednesday)
8.30AM – 3PM (Thursday)
Closed on Friday
Tel: 04-953 2550
Email: lgkagro@mardi.gov.my
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mardilangkawiofficial
FB: https://www.facebook.com/MARDILangkawi/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mardilangkawi

The Replanting (Green Tourism) Program for Langkawi Green Week 1.0, organized by MARDI Langkawi, will take place on May 26, 2024. This program is open to everyone and offers various exciting activities related to agriculture and environmental conservation. One of the highlights is the opportunity for individuals to create lasting memories in Langkawi by contributing to reforestation efforts buy purchasing a package starting from RM150 only. Your name will be immortalized alongside the tree you donate. Imagine the satisfaction of showing your friends and family the tree you helped plant when you visit Langkawi again. Let’s all participate in greening our planet once more. Replanting, Go Tourism for Langkawi Green Week!

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Like what you read and intrigued to incorporate nature-based travel, immerse in Malaysian cultures, and embark on thrilling adventures into your itinerary? Reach out at 017-407 9734 or 019-303 6008, or email qttgroup.management@gmail.com for additional details and quote referral code QTTNBT-07.

QTT FAM Trip to Langkawi is organised by QTT Group Plt in collaboration with LADA, Jupeter Holidays and supported by KembaRojak.