Heritage meets modern luxury at Penang’s Noordin Mews

In the heart of George Town’s Unesco World Heritage site, a 1920s shophouse and former mews have been transformed into one of Penang’s most thoughtfully restored boutique hotels. Noordin Mews, celebrating its 12th year as a hospitality landmark, has recently unveiled a meticulous room refurbishment spearheaded by local architecture firm Studio Eleven that honours its historical roots while embracing contemporary comfort.

The hotel’s architecture tells the story of Penang’s rich cultural tapestry, combining two distinct traditions: the ornate Straits Eclectic shophouse style, reflecting the Peranakan community’s blend of Malay, Chinese, and European influences and the more humble mews, which once housed horses and carriages for the area’s wealthy residents. 

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Driven by her childhood experiences witnessing loved ones endure the devastating effects of cancer, Professor Dr Chong Pei Pei channelled her passion for medicine into a distinguished career in biomedical innovation.

“My aunt suffered from lung cancer when I was in primary school. I witnessed firsthand how much she suffered,” says Chong, who is a professor at Malaysia’s Taylor’s University in the School of Biosciences under the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.

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With Jwala translating into flame in Sanskrit, the restaurant stays true to its name with a progressive dining experience featuring dishes treated by open fire. “While many restaurants in the city offer a more familiar, conventional take on Indian food, Jwala pushes the boundaries by focusing on a more refined, experiential approach to dining,” explains founder and manager Kartik Kumar. 

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From the silky opening notes of Awan Yang Terpilu to the climactic peaks of her vocal range, Ning Baizura always masterfully commands her stage. A powerhouse vocalist with an illustrious career spanning decades and multiple albums, Ning’s evolution as an artist reflects the industry’s shift from pure vocal talent to a more interdisciplinary entertainer. 

Rising to prominence in the 1990s, Ning quickly became known for her dynamic stage presence and emotive storytelling, winning fans with her hits and powerful voice. 

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Life is short—there is no point having all the skills in the world without the passion and drive to make things happen,” muses Professor Dato’ Dr Faridah Merican, programme development director and adjunct professor of Taylor’s University’s Bachelor of Performing Arts, Malaysia’s first Performing arts conservatory degree. Revered and loved as the first lady of Malaysian theatre, Merican has been a veteran of local performing arts since the 1960s, launching The Actors Studio in 1989 with her husband Joe Hasham and co-founding The Actors Studio Academy in 1992.

“It has been a dream of ours to teach at the tertiary level and our dream came true when we found a partner in Taylor’s University and co-established TUTAS, Malaysia’s first conservatory-style degree programme for the performing arts,” she adds. The Bachelor of Performing Arts programme stands a league above the rest. This unique degree blends academic rigour, industry expertise, and hands-on experience to nurture the next generation of performing arts professionals.

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The metamorphosis of the caterpillar into the butterfly symbolises transformation and rebirth. As Sincere Fine Watches embarks on a new chapter after its acquisition by Cortina Holdings in 2021, it is fitting that Fabergé has incorporated the butterfly into its award-winning Compliquée timepiece to celebrate the retailer’s 70th-anniversary platinum jubilee. 

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