Latest news with #Chong
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Maybank issues Southeast Asia's first sustainability-linked loan to MNC
KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) has become the first commercial bank in Malaysia and Southeast Asia to issue a sustainability-linked loan (SLL) amounting to US$150 million to Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Malaysia (AT&S Malaysia). The landmark transaction marks the first such facility by a local lender to a multinational company in Malaysia's semiconductor sector, Maybank said in a joint statement with ATS recently. "This deal follows a US$250 million loan provided to AT&S Malaysia by International Finance Corporation (IFC) in March 2025 and concludes the parallel loan arranged by IFC under the same agreement," it said. The financing will support the development of AT&S' first high-end IC substrate plant in Kulim Hi-Tech Park, Malaysia. This will include state-of-the-art equipment and closed-loop recycling systems, adhering to AT&S' comprehensive sustainable energy framework. The companies said the facility will produce advanced IC substrates, essential components to meet surging demand for high-performance data processors, data centres, and AI infrastructure. "With over US$1 billion committed to Malaysia, this represents AT&S Group's largest initial investment," they added. The targets attached to the SLL include reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by 31 per cent by March 31, 2028, using fiscal year 2022 as the baseline. Maybank global banking group chief executive officer Datuk John Chong said the financing aligns with its strategic focus on the semiconductor ecosystem in Southeast Asia. Chong said the SLL structure also strengthens the group's commitment to mobilising sustainable finance and powering the region's green transition. "This transaction is also a reaffirmation of our growing collaboration with the International Finance Corporation," he added. From 2021 to the end of the first quarter of 2025, Maybank mobilised RM125.46 billion in sustainable finance across Asean, surpassing its RM80 billion target by this year.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
From Ipoh schoolmates to KL steakmates: The women behind MariaCafe's success
THE lunchtime crowd has yet to descend on Maria's SteakCafe when I slip into a corner table by the window. The soft clink of cutlery and low hum of conversation fill the space, the sprawling KLCC Park beyond the restaurant's big glass windows basking in the mellow glow of the late afternoon sun. Wait staff move briskly, preparing for the midday rush. When Angeline Tan and Chong Ai Lee arrive, they look almost like sisters — both sporting shoulder-length dark hair, warm smiles and dresses that seem to reflect their personalities: Angeline Tan in a gentle salmon pink and Chong looks striking in bold electric blue. This elegant setting, tucked within one of Kuala Lumpur's busiest districts, is a long way from where their story began. In Ipoh, two 9-year-old girls met in primary school and built a friendship that would one day anchor a family business. As the two women settle into their seats opposite me, it's easy to sense the history between them. "We've been friends since we were kids," shares Tan, the chief executive officer of Maria's SteakCafe, adding with a smile: "Same primary, same secondary, joined the same clubs — Girl Guides, choir, Christian Fellowship… Even when I was studying in Singapore, we'd meet every year without fail at Christmas." It was Tan's parents who first opened Maria's SteakCafe in Ipoh, long before it became a known name in Kuala Lumpur's dining scene. Another beam ensues when she confides: "My dad would cook spaghetti bolognese for us every weekend. That's still my favourite item on the menu — because of him." After finishing school, Tan left for Singapore to pursue actuarial science and was in the field for three years. But when her parents opened a branch in Kuala Lumpur and it struggled to find its footing, she came home in 2012 to help. "It was about survival then," she recalls, adding: "I told my mum to let me try." PATHS CONVERGE Running a business alone, though, proved isolating. Tan knew who she wanted by her side — her childhood friend, Chong. "I needed someone I could trust. I knew we worked well as teenagers and acknowledged the fact that we could be different as adults. But I wanted to try." Back then, Chong too was carving her own path — first in event management, then in broadcast journalism with NTV7 and later, some marketing roles. She even ventured into the cafe business with her husband before Tan's offer came — not once but twice. Recalls Chong: "It wasn't the right time. I was still learning and exploring." Eight years ago, their partnership finally took root. While Tan focused on food, finance and systems, her best friend took charge of people — the front-of-house service, marketing and customer relationships. Chuckles Tan: "Ai Lee doesn't like to just sit in the office. But I love it." It wasn't always smooth sailing, as Chong admits: "We had our disagreements. It wasn't so much about the job itself, more about adjusting to each other's working styles." With Chong being the detail-oriented and sensitive Leo, and Tan the calm, pragmatic Sagittarius, it took some adjustment. "We had to learn to talk, to be open, and to leave our egos at the door," adds Chong, smiling. Asked about their greatest milestone in business together, the duo agree that it isn't really about the thriving outlets or even becoming the only steakhouse in Klang Valley certified to serve authentic Japanese Kobe beef. It's the culture they've built. Shares Chong: "When I joined, we started celebrating every staff birthday. Not just one cake for everyone. Each person, their own cake." Chuckling, Tan admits she resisted at first. "I was counting costs. But I remember this one time when we had such an occasion, the staff who we were celebrating with a cake suddenly teared up because no one had ever done this for him before. That moment changed everything for me." Today, with over 40 staff, festive celebrations, generous ang pow during Chinese New Year and regular team outings are part of the Maria's culture. "It's about making people feel seen," Chong says simply, adding: "Not just the staff, but customers too." At their Bangsar outlet, some staff have been there for a decade, watching regulars get married and have children. Pride lacing her tone, Tan says: "We're family-style. People come in after a bad day and we want to put a smile on their face with great steak and warmth." Both women became mothers recently too — their sons born just a month apart. Says Tan: "Motherhood is new to us. So now, when we have meetings, we set personal time first. An hour to talk about life before business." Downtime is precious. While Tan finds solace in park walks, Chong belts out songs in her car during traffic jams or on her home karaoke set. "It's therapy," she laughs, warm eyes creasing with mirth. As for the future, the duo shares that expansion can wait. "We want to perfect what we have," confides Tan, adding: "Improve consistency, make every experience memorable. Deliver five-star service in a family-style setting." As our conversation winds down, I ask what advice they'd give to friends contemplating starting a business together. Nodding, Chong replies: "Be mature. Honour your boundaries. Put things in writing. Communicate. And above all, don't let work destroy the friendship." Their story isn't one of dramatic leaps or viral success, but of a friendship that became a foundation — weathering seasons, setbacks and change. What began between two girls from Ipoh has grown into something rare: a bond built not just on shared dreams, but on the promise to never stop showing up — for the business, and for each other.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
KK antique shop houses rare 18th-century gong
The gong believed to be over 100 years old.-Bernama photo KOTA KINABALU (July 19): Tucked away in a narrow lane amid the bustle of Kota Kinabalu, a small, unassuming shop houses a silent relic from a bygone era, a gong believed to be over 100 years old, possibly predating World War II. The writer had the opportunity to meet Stella Tay and Sue Chong Hartley, close friends in their 50s who co-own the antique store, where they explained that the gong stands out for its distinctive design, unlike the more common versions seen today. According to Tay, the remarkable piece of history originally belonged to her mother's close friend and had been passed down through generations before the owner decided to part with it. It is now available for sale at RM35,000 to collectors interested in preserving such a piece. 'What makes this gong special is its design. It features three raised dragon heads that appear 3D (three-dimensional) on the surface. Most other gongs only have flat dragon images,' she said. Weighing nearly 10 kg, the gong is believed to have been crafted in the Borneo islands sometime between the 18th and 19th centuries. Tay added that the gong meets museum standards and has even attracted offers, but she hopes it will remain in Sabah before potentially being acquired by collectors from abroad. Tay said the gong's design, marked by strong Chinese cultural influences, particularly the dragon, a symbol of strength, honour, success, and prosperity, caught the attention of museum authorities. Measuring about 50 centimetres in diameter, the gong also features a crocodile motif along its edges. These design elements reflect the historical migration of Chinese communities to Sabah in the 19th century, when the British North Borneo Company actively encouraged the influx of Chinese labourers into tobacco and rubber plantations, as well as the logging, trade and mining sectors. This wave of migration eventually led to the establishment of Chinese settlements in urban centres such as Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Kudat. Chong, meanwhile, noted that although little is known about the gong's exact manufacturing process, her research, particularly the writings of antique collector and dealer Michael Backman, suggests it may have been made using the lost wax method, a traditional metal casting technique. She explained that in this process, wax is first shaped into the desired form, then coated with a heat-resistant material. Once hardened, the wax is melted and drained, leaving a hollow mould that is then filled with molten metal to form the final piece. Tay, who co-founded the antique business with Chong in 2020 at an art space before relocating to their current premises in April, believes the relic is likely the only one of its kind in Sabah that is over 100 years old. 'Most dragon motifs are flat, but this one is raised. You can actually feel the dragon heads. It also comes with a rope or chain for hanging,' she said. In Sabah, the gong holds deep cultural significance and is strongly tied to traditional music among various ethnic communities, who view it as a symbol of unity, respect, and cultural identity. The Kadazandusun use it in ritual ceremonies and festive gatherings; the Murut feature the gong sembilan (nine gongs) in celebrations, animistic rites and for signalling; while the Bajau include it as part of their betitik performances, which blend multiple traditional instruments. Chong added that the gong in their possession was most likely used as a signalling tool, to summon people or convey important announcements, rather than for music. 'If it were part of a musical set, there would usually be more than one gong,' she explained. She noted that modern gongs come in various sizes and are typically played alongside other traditional instruments to create rhythmic, harmonious melodies. Reflecting on their journey, Tay and Chong said their decision to start the business five years ago was driven by a shared passion for collecting vintage items, a way to preserve the past for younger generations while rekindling childhood memories of their own. Tay said many young visitors to their shop, aptly named Old Soul Vintage, are often thrilled to discover the charm of these bygone treasures. The store also offers a range of vintage collectibles, including rotary telephones, typewriters, suitcases, cast-iron irons, novels, cassette tapes and film cameras. 'Most of them have never seen these antiques before. Our collection includes pieces sourced not only from Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, but also from abroad,' she said. The shop donates a portion of its proceeds from sales to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).-Bernama
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Ombudsman denies DAP allegations of delays, lack of transparency
File photo of Wisma Masja II, where the Office of the Sarawak Ombudsman is located. – Photo from Wikimedia Commons KUCHING (July 19): The Office of the Sarawak Ombudsman (OSO) has refuted allegations by Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen that the state government delayed and lacked transparency in tabling a report from the Ombudsman unit. In a statement today, the OSO described Chong's claims, which were reported by Free Malaysia Today on July 16, as 'factually incorrect and legally misconceived'. 'The OSO views the allegation that no hearing was done as factually incorrect and legally misconceived,' said the office. In the report, Chong had also stated that the process of the Sarawak Ombudsman presenting its first report in the State Legislative Assembly had been very slow and that there had been 'no hearings'. In response, the OSO clarified that in carrying out its duties, the Ombudsman is empowered to conduct investigations, make preliminary inquiries, recommend mediation, and produce reports — but not to hold adjudicative hearings. They explained that the role of the Ombudsman is defined under Section 12 of the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance 2023 (SOO 2023). 'To receive, investigate, and resolve complaints relating to maladministration by Sarawak state public service agencies; promote good governance and accountability; recommend remedial or corrective measures based on findings; and monitor the implementation of such recommendations,' OSO stated. In further compliance with Section 42 of the SOO 2023, the OSO said it had submitted an Interim Report to the Minister responsible for the Ombudsman portfolio, covering the operational period from Aug 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024. 'This report is intended for tabling in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly as required by law,' the statement said. They added that a full Annual Report for 2025 will be compiled and submitted in due course to the State Legislature in accordance with the statutory framework. The OSO also reminded members of the public that complaints of maladministration against any Sarawak state public service agency may be formally lodged in writing with the Chief Ombudsman at the following address: Office of the Sarawak Ombudsman, Level 17, Wisma Masja II, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak. 'All bona fide complaints that fall within the jurisdiction, powers and functions of the Sarawak Ombudsman will be investigated in accordance with the procedures and safeguards established under the SOO 2023, including the protection of complainants and the confidentiality of proceedings,' they explained. Chong Chieng Jen Sarawak ombudsman transparency
See - Sada Elbalad
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Pixar's "Hoppers" Unveils First Look
Yara Sameh Pixar has unveiled the official teaser trailer for its upcoming animated feature 'Hoppers.' 'Hoppers' are a group of scientists who have discovered a way to mind-hop into robot animal bodies. So when Mabel (Piper Curda), an animal lover, learns that a construction company wants to destroy the local animal habitat, she uses the clever new technology to inhabit the body of a beaver. Speaking with Variety, director Daniel Chong said the whole discussion had been debated about unveiling the 'Avatar' joke in the trailer. 'I think there are a couple of reasons why it was good to just put it out there. One is to let you know we know that, you know, it's quite similar, at least the premise sounds a lot like 'Avatar.'' Chong noted that the idea is to let audiences know the movie's premise will be 'a little bit crazy. There are going to be things that are a little bit tongue-in-cheek, and it's going to be out there and chaotic.' The trailer shows Mabel, after she's mind-hopped and is now the robot beaver, suddenly aware that she can understand other animals as Missy Elliot's 'Lose Control' song plays. Bobby Moynihan and Jon Hamm are among the voice cast. Hamm plays Mayor Jerry, the one trying to destroy the animals' habitat. And Hamm seemed like the perfect casting choice. 'That guy is hilarious,' Chong said. 'People know him from 'Mad Men,' but his comedy chops are incredible. And to be honest, he's very brave when it comes to comedy.' Chong promises, 'We have him do some pretty crazy stuff in our movies.' Moynihan is an animation superstar and 'Saturday Night Live' alum. He most recently delivered the voice for Forgetter Bobby in Pixar's 'Inside Out 2.' Chong added, 'Having worked with Bobby already, I felt so lucky to be able to slip back into that relationship and pick up where we left off. He's just so naturally funny and charming and sweet. I would just say across the board, everyone on our cast is really funny.' Curda, who voices Mabel, is a former Disney Channel actor who appeared in multiple episodes of the 2013-214 series 'A.N.T Farm.' She also featured in multiple episodes of the 2018-2022 CW superhero series 'Legacies. There is more voice casting yet to be announced. Chong promises, 'Hoppers' will have 'all the hallmarks of a Pixar movie.' He adds, It will be emotional, and it will be sincere, and it will be a big movie. But I think for me, I wanted comedy to be on a high level as we could.' 'Hoppers' will be released in theaters on March 6, 2026. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
