The concept of sustainability has gained tremendous popularity in recent decades, evolving into a central tenet across various sectors, including environmental, economic, and social realms. As a developing nation, Malaysia is not left out of this conversation as it experiences rapid expansion while balancing economic development with sustainable growth. But what truly is sustainability? How do we incorporate this lexicon into the development of our cities, well-being and future?

According to Hamdan Abdul Majeed, managing director of Think City, a community-focused urban regeneration organisation, an approach where we look back to our past, subscribing to the philosophy of just taking enough and not more than what you need is a pathway to consider.

In this festive period of togetherness, let us reflect on how perhaps tradition and self-realisation may be the answer to shaping Malaysia’s sustainable future.

Also in this week’s newsletter:

• Watches & Wonders 2024: Day 1 highlights
• How did this Malaysian student get into 4 Ivy League universities?
• 6 heartwarming Hari Raya 2024 ads we love this festive season
• 8 serene and beautiful mosques through the ages to welcome Eid

Selamat Hari Raya,
Sim Wie Boon
Digital Editor

Watches & Wonders, the world’s largest luxury watch trade show, is back from April 9-15 in Geneva. The event is open to the public from April 13-15.

A remarkable lineup of 54 prestigious maisons are present, representing a wide range of watch brands from major players like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin to independent artisans such as Trilobe, Hautlence, and Raymond Weil.

Tatler GMT reports on the cutting-edge innovations, captivating designs, and unforgettable experiences that will shape the industry this year. For the next four days, we will also bring you the best timepieces and the key insights about them.

Here are the highlights from Day 1.

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At just 18 years old, Matthew Tang has achieved an enviable feat: acceptances to four Ivy League schools—Yale University, Cornell University, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania—plus prestigious universities like the University of California, Berkeley, and several top-tier UK universities, including Imperial College London.

Aside from that, Tang is also a former Selangor state swimmer who now represents Kuala Lumpur and an avid speedcuber who recently represented Team Malaysia at the Rubik’s World Cube Association (WCA) World Championship 2023 in South Korea. 

We sat down with the prodigious teen to discuss his thoughts, experience, and motivations leading up to the application and how he got accepted into these illustrious institutions.

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As the Hari Raya celebrations goes on in full force this week, our favourite brands have accordingly pulled out all the stops for their Raya 2024 creative campaigns, culminating in various cinematic video series that celebrate culture, family, tradition and Malaysian values surrounding the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

From Petronas’ Salam Dari Hati short film, which has garnered 2.8 million views, to Malaysia Airlines’ Buat Yang Cekal Berkhidmat clip and Mr DIY Malaysia’s tear-jerker video, Sama Sama Melangkah boasting nearly 7 million views so far, these and various other local corporations are finding new and creatives ways to tug at audiences’ heartstrings via beautifully crafted short films. Here are six such Raya 2024 films that caught our eye.

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For centuries, the sacred spaces of mosques around the world not only have been revered for their rich tapestry of architectural splendour but as transcendental beacons for communities across nations.

As Eid arrives and Muslims worldwide celebrate the culmination of Ramadan with prayer, reflection, and gratitude, we journey through time and space to explore some of the most breathtaking mosques ever built.

From the intricate icons that have become historical landmarks, to contemporary designs that blend tradition with innovation, these eight mosques tell stories of faith, culture and artistic expression, while continuing to inspire and uplift millions worldwide.

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