Etiquette expert Sara Jane Ho on confidence and good manners

Our July digital cover star is etiquette expert Sara Jane Ho. Her easygoing charm shines through even in small gestures, like offering a chair during our chat.

We discussed her background, how it helped hone her skills in connecting with diverse people, and her Netflix series Mind Your Manners, which brought her trademark humour and pragmatic advice to a wider audience.

She shares how the experiences in her life shaped who she is and how she sees etiquette as a form of wellness, promoting confidence and individual growth.

Also in this week’s newsletter:

• 7 heritage-inspired boutique stays in Penang, Malaysia
• Izzana Salleh’s road to empowerment with the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro
• Malaysia’s Olympic deputy chef de mission Nicol David on her first Olympics
• A self-care afternoon with Datin Adib Yasmin and Shaheera Shahab at Beauty & Co

Sim Wie Boon
Digital Editor

Penang’s architectural landscape, particularly in George Town’s UNESCO Heritage Site, has long been lauded for its rich cultural tapestry. We explore how the city has upheld its reputation for featuring Malaysia’s best restored and re-adapted traditional architecture through urban revitalisation in business and tourism, especially in the island’s evolving hospitality scene.

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Izzana Salleh, the co-founder and key force behind Girls for Girls International, has dedicated her life to championing the cause of young women and providing them with the tools and mentorship they need to thrive. Her dynamic lifestyle, driven by a relentless pursuit of equality and empowerment, is reflected by the CheryTiggo 8 Pro—a perfect match for a woman who embodies strength, sophistication, and forward-thinking.

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We speak to Malaysian squash legend and eight-time world champion Datuk Nicol Ann David, the deputy chef de mission for Malaysia at Paris 2024 Olympics on the highlights she’s most looking forward to in the upcoming Games.

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Whilst family day-outs are always a joy (sometimes even a little chaotic), there’s nothing quite as special and enriching as going on a mother-daughter date. Datin Adib Yasmin and her daughter Shaheera Shahab are no strangers to the dilemmas of managing a busy lifestyle, both being entrepreneurs supporting their family business. So, as a little treat, we invited them for a much-deserved mother and daughter pampering sesh at Beauty & Co. to unwind and rejuvenate together  

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