KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 12): Mention Tan Sri Pang Tee Chew, and any true-blue Melakan will instantly make the connection to Mamee — the iconic home-grown brand he helped build. What many might not know, however, is that he recently made his first foray into property development. 

“We wanted to create unique homes, something Melaka has yet to have,” says the Mamee-Double Decker executive chairman, who now adds founder and chairman of Sekitar Sinarmas Sdn Bhd to his list of titles.

The Pang family’s boutique property development arm’s inaugural project is Bachang Villas, comprising 178 lifestyle villas set on 22 acres. Launched early this year in February, it signals a new era of residential development in Melaka — low-density and soothingly luxurious. Read more about it in our cover story this week. 

In other news, Uniqlo recently marked 20 years in the US with a showcase of LifeWear’s evolving philosophy at the Museum of Modern Art. The event was attended by global ambassador Cate Blanchett, Roger Federer, and the brand’s first Artist in Residence KAWS — known for his off-kilter reinterpretations of recognisable cartoon figures from pop culture. 

Speaking of art, home-grown creative Haris Rashid is one to keep an eye on. He started out as a visual artist but found his true calling in batik-making. Guided by his mother during the pandemic, he began recording the process and posting it on social media (@harisrashid). Today, Haris uses traditional techniques to detail all kinds of wondrous and fantastical imagery.

Fans of independent watchmaker Girard-Perregaux will be happy to hear that the manufacturer has finally launched a new movement. Calibre GP4800 debuts in the Laureato Fifty, created in celebration of the iconic model’s 50th anniversary. 

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