Cover story: The artistic journey of Raja Malek

Our May cover star, Raja Khalid Raja Mohamed Iskandar Shah, known as Raja Malek, is a distinguished figure in Malaysia’s creative and design scene revered for his eclectic style and expertise in set design, styling, and upcycling.

At 65, his career spans three decades, influencing traditional and contemporary artistic realms. We talk to him about his journey, which began in London in 1979 as a hairdresser and later evolved into a celebrated set designer after returning to Kuala Lumpur in 1986.

Acclaimed for his work on notable Malaysian productions such as Puteri Gunung Ledang and Ola Bola the Musical, where his innovative stage designs garnered widespread admiration, we delve into his latest role in leading the creative direction for the Langkawi Immersif Festival 2024 as well as what made him a revered figure in the artistic community today.

Also in this week’s newsletter:

• The limited-edition Tag Heuer watch celebrating GMT Magazine’s 24th anniversary
• A home tour of this sprawling condominium in Johor with a panoramic view of Singapore
• EPF Account 3: What is it, and what does it mean for your retirement?
• Sustainable travel: How to start travelling responsibly

Cheers,

Sim Wie Boon
Digital Editor

In 1955, Heuer (this was before “Tag” was added to its name) created the Twin-Time, becoming one of the first brands to launch a GMT model displaying two time zones simultaneously. Since then, other major watch companies have gone on to develop their own travel timepieces, and the GMT watch has become more commonplace.

Tag Heuer later incorporated this practical and convenient function—an essential companion for the frequent traveller—into its Aquaracer, Autavia and Carrera collections.

As GMT Magazine, the Swiss partner of Tatler GMT, celebrates its 24th anniversary this year, LVMH Watches CEO Frédéric Arnault (formerly CEO of Tag Heuer) has agreed to create a Carrera with a GMT function, limited to 24 pieces.

And as a special treat for you, GMT Magazine is offering watches numbered “8”, “10”, and “18” exclusively to Tatler GMT readers. The Tag Heuer Carrera Twin-Time Automatic GMT is priced at CHF3,990 each. Indicate your interest in purchasing by clicking on this link.

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Johor has long been an attractive destination for those living in Singapore who seek more value for money real estate and a slower pace of life. However, with the growing sophistication of the developments, the financial aspect of this proposition is now a satisfying addition rather than the sole driver of it.

One example is Pangsapuri Straits View 18, a Johor condominium tucked away in an old neighbourhood adorned with charming landed houses and newer seafront apartments.

Its strategic location near the Johor Straits and the bustling JB cityscape offers a perfect balance of serenity and accessibility, appealing to those seeking a slower pace of life.

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The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) announced last week its much-anticipated restructuring of contributors’ accounts that would allow some portion of their retirement fund to be withdrawn anytime.

Starting May 11, the EPF will allocate contributions across three accounts, enhancing the traditional model with a new account aptly named Akaun Fleksibel. This account, constituting 10 per cent of monthly contributions, offers unprecedented access to funds, allowing for withdrawals free from the customary constraints tied to retirement or specific financial needs.

We speak to experts to understand the significance of this move as well as what it means for you and your retirement. 

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What exactly do we mean by terms like ‘sustainable travel’ and ‘responsible tourism’? While it’s easy to write off words like these as nebulous talk, travellers today are more mindful than ever about the real impacts of their travel and hospitality choices.

We live in a day when even jet-setting celebrities are highlighted for their lifestyle’s carbon footprint and conversations about Taylor Swift’s jet carbon emissions can spark months-long debates.

One clarification of the term sustainability in a travel context is that it refers not simply to the preservation of a destination’s natural environment but also its intangible qualities like its local culture and traditions.

We speak to Rachael Harding, CEO overseeing Club Med operations in East, South Asia, and the Pacific to understand more about this issue. 

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