Students, parents share plans for school holidays in Penang
Zi Yi (left) and Aisswarya from SMK Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah in Jawi, waving goodbye to each other on the last day before they start the school term break. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
WITH the school holidays here, there is no better way to embrace island life than by indulging in some retail therapy and soaking up the sun in Penang.
For Form Five student G. Aisswarya, her idea of holiday fun is visiting malls and spending a day at the beach.
'We'll have a picnic as a fun family activity, dine out and catch a movie together,' said Aisswarya, who will be sitting for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) this year.
She lives on the mainland with her grandparents, while her parents work on the island.
During the school holidays, she and her two younger siblings will reunite with their parents.
Her two older siblings are currently pursuing higher education away from home.
Though excited about the term break, Aisswarya is also sentimental about her final year in school.
'I want to savour every second of school life. I actually look forward to returning to school,' she said when met at SMK Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah in Jawi, South Seberang Perai.
School holidays nationwide are from May 29 to June 9.
Form Four student Koe Zi Yi, 16, who also lives on the mainland, has her sight set on shopping trips on the island.
'I want to get some new clothes as we don't usually have time to travel to the island when school is in session,' she said.
'My parents have also promised to take me swimming,' Zi Yi added.
Technician Mohd Faizal Mohd Zuki aims to make the school break both educational and enjoyable for his four children.
With his eldest being 17 and youngest at just three, he has to make plans that suit everyone.
'I always try to include visits to the museum or zoo. It's important to keep their minds stimulated even during the holidays.'
Mohd Faizal also plans to stay at a place with a swimming pool.
'Kids love being in the water, so I'll look for a hotel or resort with a pool.
'I want them to stay active. Otherwise, they'll just end up sitting in front of the TV all day,' he added.
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The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Students, parents share plans for school holidays in Penang
Zi Yi (left) and Aisswarya from SMK Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah in Jawi, waving goodbye to each other on the last day before they start the school term break. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star WITH the school holidays here, there is no better way to embrace island life than by indulging in some retail therapy and soaking up the sun in Penang. For Form Five student G. Aisswarya, her idea of holiday fun is visiting malls and spending a day at the beach. 'We'll have a picnic as a fun family activity, dine out and catch a movie together,' said Aisswarya, who will be sitting for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) this year. She lives on the mainland with her grandparents, while her parents work on the island. During the school holidays, she and her two younger siblings will reunite with their parents. Her two older siblings are currently pursuing higher education away from home. Though excited about the term break, Aisswarya is also sentimental about her final year in school. 'I want to savour every second of school life. I actually look forward to returning to school,' she said when met at SMK Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah in Jawi, South Seberang Perai. School holidays nationwide are from May 29 to June 9. Form Four student Koe Zi Yi, 16, who also lives on the mainland, has her sight set on shopping trips on the island. 'I want to get some new clothes as we don't usually have time to travel to the island when school is in session,' she said. 'My parents have also promised to take me swimming,' Zi Yi added. Technician Mohd Faizal Mohd Zuki aims to make the school break both educational and enjoyable for his four children. With his eldest being 17 and youngest at just three, he has to make plans that suit everyone. 'I always try to include visits to the museum or zoo. It's important to keep their minds stimulated even during the holidays.' Mohd Faizal also plans to stay at a place with a swimming pool. 'Kids love being in the water, so I'll look for a hotel or resort with a pool. 'I want them to stay active. Otherwise, they'll just end up sitting in front of the TV all day,' he added.
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
A photographic dialogue on Mexico–Malaysia parallels
In the recent Mexico: Present Glazes, Past Spaces photography exhibition in Kuala Lumppur, organised by the Embassy of Mexico in Malaysia, guests were invited to explore Mexico's pre-Hispanic architecture through the lens of Juan Albert Estevan. An architect by profession but a photographer as a passion, Estevan, 64, provided a contemporary perspective into Mexico's rich architectural heritage, highlighting the clash of cultural values between those who came to the land for conquest and the civilisations and cultures that had already existed there for many generations. While these new colonial spaces have their roots in the European Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, they were transformed by the materials, light, and colours of the New World's geography. The result is awe-inspiring architecture marked by strong spatial syncretism, with interior spaces expressed through plazas, patios, and chapels that open into expansive atriums. 'As long as we continue talking to each other and working together, we will find new connections and bring about new ideas,' says Estevan. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong Estevan's photographs, taken during his travels across Mexico, shine a spotlight on ancient Mesoamerican sites, such as the Zapotec metropolis of Monte Alban in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, the Maya ruins of Uxmal in the Yucatan Peninsula and Teotihuacan, once one of the largest and most populated centres in the pre-Columbian Americas and is now known for its pyramids and its well-preserved murals. True essence of Mexico At the exhibition's recent inauguration, Ambassador of Mexico to Malaysia, Luis Javier Campuzano Pina, said that the Mexican embassy (which hosted the show) wanted to showcase Mexican culture and offer Malaysians a glimpse of the true essence of Mexico. 'Sometimes people think that with the conquest by the Spaniards that our culture was erased. But here in this exhibition, through Juan Albert's photographs, you can see that that's not the case – our buildings and our populations are still living and they speak different languages," said Pina. 'I also think that when it comes to learning about other countries, it's very important for people to go beyond the main headlines and stories that come in the news. Mexico has so many commonalities with Malaysia in terms of culture and gastronomy. So I'm glad we could share this exhibition with Malaysians,' he added. The iconic stairs at Batu Caves (left) and textiles found at Oaxaca. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong Pina also shared that he and Estevan were childhood friends who once spent five months traveling together across Europe in their youth. 'Even back then, you could see his capacity to observe the salient aspects of the beauty in the architecture of the places we travelled to. 'I was able to better understand the value of the architecture of the historical places we visited thanks to his knowledge, so now I'm delighted that we have the great pleasure of seeing his perspective through his photos,' he said. A fusion of cultures Another part of the exhibition, aptly named Fusions: Mexico-Malaysia, celebrates various facets that both countries have in common by seamlessly fusing snapshots of Mexico and Malaysia into one image. In the 'Fusions: Mexico-Malaysia' section, Estevan blended scenes from both countries, like this image combining Batu Caves and a Mexican cenote. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong From natural features such as Malaysia's Batu Caves and Mexico's cenotes (limestone sinkholes) to the vibrant streets of Melaka and Oaxaca, Estevan said he wanted to emphasise the similarities between the two countries. 'In my last trip to Malaysia three years ago, I fell in love with the country – its people, its landscapes, its food, everything. I also noticed that culturally, we have a lot of things in common, for example the use of public spaces and how you can see people eating and enjoying life. There's also a love for bright, bold colours. 'So in this exhibition, I wanted to put them together to show that we are like brothers in many ways. As long as we continue talking to each other and working together, we will find new connections and bring about new ideas,' concluded the photographer.
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Aromatic afternoon tea for 40th anniversary
TEAS from London Tea Exchange go beyond the usual blends. Instead, these offer something new to the palate. Tracing its origins back to 1679 during the reign of King Charles II, the London tea emporium now carries more than 2,500 rare and premium varieties. Sourced from 43 countries, its impressive collection has found its way into royal pantries and luxury hotel menus. The brand's excellence mirrors the essence of the legacy of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur. The Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur afternoon tea paired with London Tea Exchange varieties. — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star As the hotel celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, it has partnered with London Tea Exchange to select 40 teas that represent each year of the hotel's heritage. Executive chef Scott Brands has also curated an Afternoon Tea set paired with eight London Tea Exchange offerings. Drawing inspiration from Shangri-La's culinary roots and Malaysia's rich tea culture, Brands' menu weaves together delicate flavours and aromatic infusions. 'Infusing handpicked teas into the menu allowed us to add depth and subtle flavour. 'It's a celebration of craftsmanship, tradition and creativity, all in honour of the hotel's 40th anniversary,' he said. The three-tier afternoon tea set showcases savoury and sweet treats, some of which incorporate tea flavours. Brands with the tiered set serving sweet and savoury delights that honour the hotel's culinary roots and Malaysia's rich tea culture. On the savoury side, rectangular rillettes of fresh and smoked salmon were subtly lifted with the use of gently-roasted Lapsang Souchong tea offering a tinge of earthiness. A winning combination is the Eclair of Truffle Egg Salad topped with Trout Caviar and infused with Pistachio and Truffle Tea. The flavourful caviar and creamy egg salad are appetising. As for the Caramelised Onion Mini Quiche with Charcoal Goat's Cheese, the slightly tart, earthy flavours might be an acquired taste for some but I loved it. Other savoury delights included the Lobster Chive with Avocado and Cauliflower Cream, and Porcini and Oyster Mushroom in Baked Vol-Au-Vent. For a sweet indulgence, the Lavender Pear with Spiced Honeycomb is infused with fresh hints of lavender tea. The pear-shaped dessert with a floral aroma and soothing sweetness pairs well with the selection of teas. Meanwhile, the bittersweet chocolate slice is rich in flavour. Made using peach and apricot teas, the chocolate treat offered lovely citrusy notes contrasting beautifully with the deep cocoa finish. The duet of Salted Caramel Cheesecake Macaron plus Lemon Verbena and Chia Panna Cotta is a sweet-and-sour finale. As afternoon tea is not complete without scones, the classic Sultana and Vanilla Scones are served warm with clotted cream, raspberry jam and whipped butter in a nod to a timeless tradition. Tea selections on the afternoon tea set are Premium Rose Buds, Premium Bora Bora, Peach and Apricot, Premium Emperor's Palace Tea, Premium Sencha Sakura, Premium Milk Oolong, Pistachio and Truffle, and Premium Sea of Blossoms. Besides this, guests can delight in 40 types of exceptional teas. Among the highlights was the Premium Milk Oolong which I found quite memorable. The tea leaves are steamed with milk water to release a signature creamy and fruity complexity. Simply speaking, it tasted like milk tea without the milk or calories. Another unforgettable herbal tea is the Premium Cool Mint. The infusion of peppermint, lemongrass and sweet apples gave the drink a layered complexity that I found rather interesting. Fragrant peppermint and refreshing lemongrass dance on the taste buds at first sip before lingering sweetness of apple and liquorice root step in. The Afternoon Tea set is priced at RM220 nett for two persons with free flow of coffee and tea. It is available, at the Lobby Lounge, from 3pm to 6pm daily until June 30. Guests can also take away the Premium 40th Anniversary Afternoon Tea Takeaway Set at RM188 per set. In conjunction with the 40th anniversary celebration, guests can enjoy RM40 off for every RM200 cash voucher purchased at Shangri-La Boutique until June 30. LOBBY LOUNGE, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-2786 2378) Business hours: 7am to midnight. This is the writer's personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
