Latest news with #East-West
The Star
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
At Cezanne, Malaysian flavours meet Western techniques in inside an art gallery
As far as restaurants go, Cezanne is as anomalous as they come. To begin with, there is no actual sign to indicate that you've arrived at the restaurant, which is secreted within Qing Arts Club – an art gallery in Kuala Lumpur boasting a motley assortment of art pieces from both Asian as well as international artists. But walk straight on from the main door and you'll discover another door that leads to a small dining space and a wine cellar. This is not Cezanne either. You'll have to walk through this space before finding yourself in an impossibly tiny little restaurant which consists of 12 seats dotted around an open kitchen. This is where head chef Brendon Chen and sous chef Llewelyn John reign supreme. Both are graduates of the prestigious culinary arts school Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia. The two ended up working at numerous restaurants together, including at Playte in Damansara Heights, KL, which Chen co-founded with a few friends. Cezanne is a 12-seater restaurant with an open kitchen. — ABIRAMI DURAI/The Star Chen recalls how just as Playte was closing – he was approached by art collector and Qing Gallery founder Patrick On – to open Cezanne, which is named after famed French post-Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne. 'When Playte was closing, one of the regulars at the restaurant brought Patrick along. So at that time he told me that he wanted to start up a restaurant together with the gallery. So that's how it began. 'I thought the idea was special. I mean, like, a fine-dining restaurant living within the walls of an arts club. It's not something that you can commonly find in Malaysia. I think there are only a few of these types of restaurants in New York and Singapore,' says Chen. Chen (left) and John are the creative forces behind the restaurant's East-West refined fare. In putting together the menu, Chen was inspired by the rich, varied tapestry of art on display – the creative genius of both Asian as well as Western artists. 'With the gallery, the artworks are a bit of East-meets-West as well. That's what the cuisine that I'm doing right now represents. So it's mostly French or European techniques but predominantly Asian flavours so I think it fits quite well with the whole concept,' says Chen. Cezanne only serves tasting menus, which are priced at RM348++ for five courses or RM548++ for seven courses. There is also the option to tack on wine pairing options as well as non-alcoholic pairings – at an additional cost. The five-course menu offers the perfect opportunity to sample some of Chen and John's best work without too much overindulgence. The shisho and avocado puree in a pie tee shell makes for a memorable one-bite wonder. Highlights from the menu include the opener which features a shisho and avocado puree slotted into a pie tee shell. The shell is delightful – thin but not too wobbly with a brittle, crispy structure that falls gently into submission upon being bitten into. The filling is creamy and yet not overly rich, which gives you the opportunity to really savour the flavours. The French bean tart is lively and very energising. Then there is a French bean-centric tart with tofu cream that is a lively, riotous one-bite wonder with a natural effervescence and freshness. The meal then opens with the first of the five courses – a Striped Jack (shima aji) that is lightly cured and served alongside tomato water and fig vinegar in what proves to be an invigorating, lip-puckering offering designed to perk you up instantly. The fish itself is velvety soft and supple and this is juxtaposed against the rusticity and tanginess of the tomato water and the astringency of the fig vinegar in a coupling that blossoms into pure bliss. Silken, velvety slices of fish and tangy tomato water are the highlight of the striped jack. Up next, you'll get the Soy Milk Custard with pickled daikon and a caramelised onion soup. 'The soy milk custard is a take on chawanmushi but just doing chawanmushi would have been boring so we replaced it with soy milk and duck egg and added a French onion soup as the base,' says Chen. The Soy Milk Custard with pickled daikon and a caramelised onion soup. The custard is enhanced with engawa (flounder fin) and almonds and is silken smooth and understated, a subtle nod to Japanese finesse and the power of restraint. It may not be as memorable as the other dishes on the menu, but its quiet elegance carries through. Part of the meal also encompasses a serving of homemade sourdough bread and seaweed butter drizzled with salt. The restaurant also serves homemade sourdough bread with seaweed butter, which is pretty phenomenal. — ABIRAMI DURAI/The Star Honest-to-God, this is the stuff of dreams! The bread has a crusty outer edge that gives way to fluffy doughy goodness with just a hint of tang permeating its musculature. This is complemented by the rich umami flavour of the butter, which is perfectly salted and so good that you'll want to eat it by the tubful. The main course is a choice of either Aged Duck or A4 wagyu (RM150 top-up). The duck is served two ways – the first part is a fried duck confit with hoisin sauce, pickled cucumbers and black garlic heaped atop a buckwheat crepe. A riff on Peking duck, this is a meal that is meant to be eaten like a taco so that all the flavours collude to provide an explosive flavour bomb. The first part of the main course is meant to be eaten like a taco. The breakout star here is the duck confit which is rich and intensely satisfying. Chen then brings out the big guns with his 14-day aged duck, which is cooked so perfectly, he should conduct masterclasses on the subject. The skin of the duck is burnished and golden, crispy and crackly to the touch and yet the meat embedded under this armour is insanely succulent and oh-so tender. It's spectacular cooking really. The 14-day aged duck is incredibly good and boasts crispy skin and tender, succulent meat. The yuba tartlet served on the side features yellow wine marinated foie gras parfait topped with caramelised pineapple and preserved lemon. It's a punchy, poignant offering that sluices through the richness of the duck with layered citrusy, tropical notes. This is followed by Local Ulam, a refreshing, cleansing offering made up of kedondong, guava and different types of ulam. The dish is herbaceous with clean, astringent fruity notes. The Local Ulam dish is a kedondong and guava treat that really refreshes the palate. End your meal with dessert in the form of Roti Bakar, an interpretation of kaya toast. Modern riffs of this classic breakfast dish have been making their rounds in fine-dining eateries throughout the city with varying levels of success. Cezanne's permutation though is particularly well-executed. Here, caramelised French toast lays at the bottom of the plate and this is topped with pandan mousse, Earl Grey ice-cream and brown butter powder. Cezanne's version of the kaya toast, Roti Bakar, is particularly well-executed. The French toast is eggy and chewy while the pandan mousse adds South-East Asian nuances. The ice-cream serves as the tea element here while the brown butter powder adds nuggets of oily energy to the plate. It's a clever infusion that turns something known and familiar into something entirely new – and very good. Moving forward, Chen says the plan is to localise the menu even more. 'We're looking at including more Malaysian elements and creating more familiar flavours,' says Chen. Address: Block C-G-01, Plaza Arkadia, 3 Jalan Intisari, Desa Parkcity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur Open Tuesday to Saturday: 6pm to 11pm
Euronews
19-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
42 million EU workers can't afford holiday: Which countries are worst?
In 2023, 15% of employed people in the EU were unable to afford a one-week holiday away from home. While this percentage might not appear very high at first glance, it represents around 42 million workers. In each of the EU's "Big Four" economies (Germany, France, Spain and Italy), over 5 million workers were unable to afford a week-long holiday according to Eurostat data published by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). 'Taking a break with family or friends is important for our physical and mental health, and it is a basic part of the European social contract,' said ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch, criticising the situation. Holiday poverty among workers continues to rise Holiday poverty among workers is on the rise across the EU, marking the third consecutive annual increase. In 2022, 40.5 million employed people reported being unable to afford a one-week holiday away from home. That number rose to 41.5 million in 2023—an increase of over one million workers in just a year. The share of affected workers grew from 14% to 15%. 'The findings are the result of an increasingly unequal economy, in which workers are forced to give up their holidays due to rising costs for accommodation, transport and food, combined with declining purchasing power and speculation', the ETUC stated. East-West gap in holiday affordability for workers The data reveals a strong disparity in holiday affordability across the EU, particularly between Eastern/Southern Europe and Western/Northern Europe. Romania tops the list, with 32% of workers unable to afford a one-week holiday. Close behind are Hungary (26%), Bulgaria (24%), Portugal and Cyprus (both 23%), and Slovakia (22%). The Nordic countries—Finland, Sweden and Denmark—along with the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Slovenia, report the lowest levels of holiday poverty, ranging between 5% and 7%. Czechia, Austria, and Belgium reported holiday poverty rates at or below 10%. Despite their economic weight, even the EU's largest economies report concerning levels of holiday poverty. Among the EU's Big Four, Spain (18%) and Italy (17%) exceed the EU average of 15%. France (12%) and Germany (11%) fall below the average, but both still remain above 10%. EU's Big Four: Over 5 million workers in each country can't afford a holiday Absolute figures speak louder than percentages. Over 5 million workers in each of the EU's Big Four were unable to afford a holiday in 2023. In Italy, the number stood at 6.2 million, followed by 5.8 million in Germany, 5.6 million in Spain, and 5.1 million in France. Over 3.5 million workers in Romania and Poland also couldn't afford a holiday. This figure was more than 1.5 million in Hungary and Portugal. In Austria and the Netherlands, over 550,000 workers couldn't afford even a one-week holiday despite being employed or having a business. 'After working hard all year, it is the least working people should be able to expect to afford and should not be allowed to become a luxury for the few,' Lynch said. 'However, these figures show that Europe has a quality jobs emergency and that our social contract is continuing to crumble as the result of growing economic inequality.' Is holiday poverty linked to income? There is a moderately strong negative correlation between the share of workers who cannot afford a one-week holiday away from home and annual net earnings. This means that as net earnings increase, the proportion of workers unable to afford such a holiday tends to decrease. However, since the correlation is moderate, it also indicates that in some countries, this relationship is not strong or does not follow the overall trend as closely. For example, Ireland (€43,897) had one of the highest annual net earnings in the EU in 2023, yet holiday poverty remains comparatively high. In contrast, Slovenia has a low level of holiday poverty among workers, even though the incomes are similar to countries where more people struggle to afford a holiday. Strong correlation between workers and general population By comparing workers (aged 15-64) and the general population aged 16 and over, Euronews Business found a strong correlation: the higher the rate of workers who cannot afford a holiday, the higher it tends to be in the overall population. In 2023, among the general population, the share of people unable to afford a one-week holiday ranged from 11% in Luxembourg to 60% in Romania, while the EU average stood at 29%. This suggests that the rate among the general population is nearly double that of workers. Experts speaking to Euronews Business had noted that differences between countries are largely tied to the strength of their economies. The level of disposable income plays a key role, as it directly affects people's ability to spend on holidays—particularly when looking at figures for the general population. The ETUC calls on national governments to fully implement the Minimum Wage Directive and urges the European Commission to ensure that the Quality Job Package due this year includes legislation to rebalance the economy—making respect for collective bargaining a condition for access to public contracts.
Winnipeg Free Press
18-07-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern discuss merger to create transcontinental railroad, AP source says
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are in merger talks to create the largest railroad in North America that would connect the East and West Coasts. The merger discussions began during the first quarter of this year, according to a person familiar with the talks who isn't authorized to discuss them publicly. It would combine the largest and smallest of the country's six major freight railroads. Both railroads declined to comment. Within the industry there is widespread debate over whether such a merger would be approved by the Surface Transportation Board even though those regulators approved the deal that created CPKC railroad two years ago with the Canadian Pacific's $31 billion acquisition of Kansas City Southern railroad. That merger combined the two smallest major railroads in North America and left only six major freight railroads. But it was the first major rail merger approved in more than two decades. The bar for railroad mergers in the U.S. was raised substantially at the start of the century after a disastrous combination of Union Pacific and Southern Pacific in 1996 that snarled rail traffic for an extended period, followed by the 1999 split of Conrail between Norfolk Southern and CSX, which created backups in the East. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena talked earlier this year about the potential benefits of such a merger because it would streamline deliveries all across the country by eliminating the delays that come along with one railroad handing shipments over to another. Plus it would simplify shipping for the companies that rely on railroads to deliver their raw materials and finished products. But in the past, shippers have raised concerns about the consequences of being left with even fewer options to ship their goods because the major railroads are already so powerful. Some investors have long argued that the industry should eventually consolidate down to two East-West railroads crossing the United States and one railroad in Canada. But regulators have been skeptical and taken a cautious approach. Any proposed deal would face a lengthy STB review. That board is currently evenly split between two Republicans and two Democrats with one seat open. Citi Research analyst Ariel Rosa said in a research note that a major transcontinental railroad merger 'would likely prove costly and time consuming, risking a years-long distraction to management, while facing significant pushback from regulators, politicians, employee unions, competitors, customers, and other stakeholders.' Union Pacific, which is based in Omaha, Nebraska, generated $24.3 billion revenue last year as its more than 30.000 employees delivered freight all across the western United States. Norfolk Southern reported $12.1 billion revenue and has roughly 20,000 employees and its headquarters is in Atlanta.
Malaysian Reserve
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
A Trio of Talent: Spanish Maestro, Korean Violinist, and Local Soprano Launch New Youth Orchestra in Hong Kong SAR
The Hong Kong RH Philharmonic's inaugural 'Echoes of Resilience' concert aims to inspire fortitude in challenging times HONG KONG, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The newly established Hong Kong RH Philharmonic (RHPhil) will present its debut concert, 'Echoes of Resilience,' on 19 July 2025 at the Academic Community Hall, Hong Kong Baptist University. This event celebrates Hong Kong's enduring spirit and unity through music. Led by Stanley Chen and Alan Tam, and supported by RH Music Gallery and Y Mission Limited, RHPhil brings together 80 exceptional music graduates aged 18 to 35, creating a youth-driven professional orchestra rooted in the community with a global outlook. Stanley stated, 'Having myself inspired under various batons when I was younger, understanding the true value of diverse learning, we are dedicated to building an international stage for our young musicians—so they may shine through exploring limitless possibilities in their musical journey—and we remain committed to creating more opportunities to support their growth and development.' To foster East-West cultural exchange, the debut concert features Spanish maestro Unai Urrecho Zubillaga, Korean violinist Jeong Yeonoo, and Hong Kong SAR's acclaimed soprano Hedy Chan. Together, they will present rare masterpieces: Bernstein's Overture to 'Candide,' Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D major (Op.35), and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 in D minor (Op.47). Shostakovich's works, known for their large orchestration and technical difficulty, are considered a major challenge for orchestras. In fact, major Hong Kong orchestras only perform such works about once every three to four years, with just five large-scale performances in the past decade. This concert will offer a rare live rendition of both concerto and symphonic masterpieces, promising audiences an unforgettable first-hand experience. The concert aims to: Spark intercultural creativity through international collaboration Showcase the resilience of Hong Kong's youth in challenging times Provide performance and career opportunities for young musicians, advancing local arts development Reimagines classical music as civic cultural infrastructure through grassroots participation Event DetailsDate: 19 July 2025 (Saturday)Time: 8:00 PMVenue: Academic Community Hall (AC Hall), Hong Kong Baptist UniversityTicketing: 3972 3880 or orchestra@
Observer
13-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
The Achilles heel of global supply chains
Over 80 per cent of the international trade is transported by sea, and what is more interesting is that a significant share of this passes through a handful of maritime choke points, making them of strategic importance. Maritime choke points are narrow straits or canals that connect a large portion of the global shipping to major oceans and seas. These choke points are strategically significant as they provide passage for oil, natural goods, and other commodities, thus having the power to disrupt international trade. The choke points connect major global markets. Europe and Asia are connected through the Suez Canal, while the Strait of Hormuz is the main route for the Persian Gulf exports. In 2021, the restrictions on the Suez Canal led to global shipping delays. The tensions related to the Strait of Hormuz or Bab al-Mandeb have resulted in a halt to major shipping companies. In 2023, the Panama Canal disruption led to restricted movement of ships across the canal, resulting in astronomical shipping delays and significant economic losses. Maritime choke points play an indispensable role in global trade. Disruptions of these choke points can trigger cascading failures in the supply chain. They can be referred to as the Achilles heel, the primary being: The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most essential and critical energy corridor. 20% of oil and 30% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are shipped through this narrow stretch of water. This narrow stretch of water lies between Iran to the north and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman to the south, linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A closure or disruption could lead to soaring oil prices and devastate those economies that depend on Gulf oil. It also has the potential to trigger immediate global consequences. The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. It carries approximately 12% of global trade. In 2021, one ship blocked the canal, and the world had to pay a price of $9.6 billion daily for stalled shipments. Any disruptions and restrictions could paralyse global supply chains, leading to soaring inflationary pressures worldwide. The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It carries 46% of the shipping across the US East Coast and Asia. The severe drought in 2023-2024 raised questions on the viability of this channel for sustainable international trade. In the early months of 2024, there was a 36% decline in canal traffic. Despite numerous challenges, the unavailability of an alternative shipping route renders this canal both strategically and critically important for international trade. The Strait of Malacca spans three countries: Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. This strait handles 80% of China's oil exports and 40% of Japan's maritime trade. Globally, the Strait of Malacca accounts for approximately 30% of the world's international trade. Any conflict or disruptions to this strait could paralyse or stop East-West trade. These narrow straits of water or maritime choke points are the Achilles' Heel of international trade. Any pressure on these points due to conflict, climate change, war, or geopolitical escalations would send ripples across the global north and south, crippling the global supply chain network, and businesses and people would face outsized consequences. These maritime choke points have gained significant importance in global security and economic stability. Companies must engage in resilience planning and adopt strategies to navigate the geographical inevitability by near-shoring critical supplies and goods, real-time risk monitoring, and financial hedging. Until some scalable alternatives emerge, these maritime chokepoints will continue to be the spine of international commerce.
