Latest news with #Edric
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Regular Mr Sarawak contender eyes national champ title
Edric and his father, Michael Jiou, pose for the camera. — Photos by Peter Boon SIBU (Aug 17): Edric Jiou is determined to pursue a Mr Malaysia title, despite the setbacks in his many attempts. For the 35-year-old personal trainer, who just won both Men's Sports Physique (Above 170cm) and Men's Athletic Physique (Above 170cm) categories at Mr Sibu 2025 Bodybuilding and Physique Championship here Saturday night, bringing home a Mr Malaysia title would be a dream come true. 'I have taken part in Mr Sarawak several times, but I have yet to make the cut, ending up as a second runner-up. 'One needs to win a Mr Sarawak title to qualify for Mr Malaysia. My goal is to become a Mr Malaysia champion,' he told reporters when met after the competition, staged at the MUC hall here. Edric is no stranger to the local bodybuilding scene, having been involved in the sport since his school days. He has competed in Mr Sibu several times, with mixed results. 'I didn't always win in every competition I entered. There were times when I returned home as a champion; and there were occasions where I finished as the first, or second runner-up,' he said with a grin. Dr Chu wants to do well in the next competition. Meanwhile, 48-year-old Dr James Chu was not disappointed by his participation in Mr Sibu 2025. The dental surgeon placed second and third in the Men's Athletic Physique (Above-170cm) and Men's Sports Physique (Above-170cm), respectively. When met by The Borneo Post, he expressed hope of representing Sibu at Mr Sarawak one day, and thereafter, Mr Malaysia. He said his interest in bodybuilding started after his graduation in 2003. 'Initially, I would head to the gym and focus on keeping my body fit and healthy. 'Even during the MCO (Movement Control Order), I made sure to jog 10km daily. 'Then Mr Martin Voon from SDBWA (Sibu Division Bodybuilding and Weightlifting Association) noticed my physique and suggested that I took part in a competition. 'I entered Mr Sibu in 2023, but only managed to finish in sixth place then. 'From thereon, however, I approached each competition with the goal of not winning, but of learning something new. 'For instance, after performing on stage, the judge would provide feedback on areas where I could improve. From there, I gradually worked on myself, focusing on progress since 2023.' Dr Chu, who runs a dental clinic here and another in Kuala Lumpur, viewed bodybuilding as not something that can be achieved overnight. 'It requires ongoing effort and consistency, which are crucial, along with adhering to a strict diet. 'My own regimen comprises six days of weightlifting, and one day of cardio workout. 'I train between one-and-a-half and two hours daily at JM Gym,' said Dr Wong, who hails from Subang Jaya. He hailed his wife, Dr Christina Wong, as his greatest motivation. Mr Sibu 2025 Bodybuilding and Physique Competition staged five categories. Falizan, the Men's Athletic Physique (Below-170cm) winner, smiles for the camera. The other winners were Ahmad Alif Mohamad Merah in the Men's Sports Physique (Below-170cm); Falizan Salleh in Men's Athletic Physique (Below-170cm); and Anthony Tebie Raphael in Men's Bodybuilding. Meanwhile, SDBWA president Chia Soon Cheong regarded the division-level competition as 'a step in the right direction to further promote the sport in Sibu'. Asked if the category winners would automatically qualify to represent Sibu in Mr Sarawak 2025, he said there would be a selection process. 'We will select six to seven candidates to compete in Mr Sarawak,' he told The Borneo Post. This year's Mr Sarawak championship will be held in Miri this Sept 6. Alif strikes a pose on stage after being announced the winner of his category. lead Mr Sibu 2025 Bodybuilding and Physique Championship
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
The Toro Company Names Edric C. Funk President and Chief Operating Officer
BLOOMINGTON, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC), a leading global provider of solutions for the outdoor environment, today announced that Edric C. Funk has been appointed president and chief operating officer, effective September 1, 2025. Funk, a 29-year veteran of the company, has served as group vice president of Golf, Grounds and Irrigation since 2022. In this new role, he will assume responsibility for all of the company's global businesses and integrated supply chain operations, continuing to report to Richard M. Olson, chairman and chief executive officer. 'Edric's track record of driving business performance and fostering innovation uniquely equips him for the role of chief operating officer,' said Olson. 'Throughout his tenure, Edric has consistently delivered strong financial results and value creation across diverse technical and business functions – directly contributing to our growth and competitive position. His deep understanding of our customers, and technologies coupled with a disciplined strategic approach, will continue to propel The Toro Company forward and create value for all stakeholders.' Since joining The Toro Company in 1996 as a design engineer, Funk transitioned to marketing in 2003 and held roles of increasing responsibility in the company's Residential, Landscape Contractor, International and Commercial businesses. In 2014, he was promoted to director of global product management for the Commercial and International businesses, and in 2017 was named managing director of the company's Center for Technology, Research & Innovation (CTRI). Funk went on to become the general manager of the Sitework Systems business in 2020, before being promoted to group vice present of Golf, Grounds and Irrigation, where he has played an influential role in driving performance across multiple professional product categories. Funk was instrumental in the acquisitions of both Left Hand Robotics and TURFLYNX, which accelerated the development of robotic mowing platforms recently introduced to the market. He also elevated the organization's technology community through the creation of its Technology Forum and has championed integrated smart systems delivering more holistic solutions for customers. In 2020, he was recognized by Golf, Inc. as one of the Most Innovative People in Golf. 'I am honored to serve in this role, and I look forward to working alongside our talented team to drive operational performance across our businesses, with a focus on accelerating profitable growth, advancing the company's technology roadmap and optimizing global supply chain operations,' said Funk. Funk received a Bachelor of Science in engineering from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from The University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management. He also has a professional certificate in innovation and technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He serves on the boards of the National Golf Foundation, The Toro Company Foundation, and Red Iron Acceptance. About The Toro Company The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading global provider of solutions for the outdoor environment including turf and landscape maintenance, snow and ice management, underground utility construction, rental and specialty construction, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions. With net sales of $4.6 billion in fiscal 2024, The Toro Company's global presence extends to more than 125 countries through a family of brands that includes Toro, Ditch Witch, Exmark, Spartan, BOSS, Ventrac, American Augers, Subsite, HammerHead, Radius, Perrot, Hayter, Unique Lighting Systems, Irritrol, and Lawn-Boy. Through constant innovation and caring relationships built on trust and integrity, The Toro Company and its family of brands have built a legacy of excellence by helping customers work on golf courses, sports fields, construction sites, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties and agricultural operations. For more information, visit
Borneo Post
06-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Edric Ong: Sarawak's art emissary to the world
Edric is one of many responsible for making Sarawak better known throughout the world. AMONG some Sarawakians, past and present, who have been responsible for making Sarawak better known throughout the world is Edric Ong, a scion of one of the state's established families. He himself is a fifth generation Ong, whose forefathers had served and been honoured from the time of the Brookes. Born in Kuching on April 12, 1953, Edric was educated at St Thomas' School, and spent his first year undergoing studies for an agricultural subject at Serdang College before opting for a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture at University of Singapore where he graduated in 1977. After the compulsory state-government stint at the Public Works Department (JKR), he joined the Malaysian Associate Architects for a period and undertook many projects with them. He set up his own architectural practice, under Edric Ong Architect, but in 1986, decided to devote full time to his passion for the arts, fashion design and the promotion of Sarawak's heritage cultural arts especially in the field of textiles, specialising in the Iban' Pua Kumbu textile and founded the Society Atelier Sarawak in 1993. It is nigh impossible to detail out Edric's achievements; when I had asked for it for my research for this column, I was given a list that had filled 16 A4 pages! So where to begin? Edric founded Eon Company in 1983; pre-empting Malaysia's national car distributor EON by a year. But then, his was a partnership whereas EON was a 'berhad' (public limited) company. He still uses that name today. Besides being the president of Society Atelier Sarawak, Edric has held various other prominent positions in national and international organisations: World Crafts Council (Asia Pacific) as advisor past senior vice-president; Asean Handicraft AHPADA as president; World Eco-Fibre and Textile (WEFT) Forum as executive director; Crafts Council of Malaysia as exco member since 1998; World Batik Council as exco member since 2007; Unesco-AHPADA Seal of Excellence Handicrafts, founder and jury member; Unesco Specialist/Expert on Crafts, Textiles and Architectural Conservation, founding member; Asean-Japan Design Council, as exco member, and; Unesco Paris and Unesco-Asia Pacific, as consultant. Edric (seventh left) representing Malaysia at the World Crafts Council-Asia Pacific Board, in this photo taken at Galeri Petronas Kuala Lumpur in 2015. Edric is also a renowned fashion designer with a long list of highly-acclaimed fashion shows held all over the world—from Kuala Lumpur to India, Italy, Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, Thailand, England, France and USA. He has also curated, exhibited, organised and lectured throughout the world on subjects that the Unesco has deemed him to be an 'expert and specialist' in—from woven textiles to natural dyes, from eco-tourism resorts to ethnic handicrafts. Edric has also authored and published four books: 'Sarawak Style' with photography by Luca Invernizzi (re-titled 'Living in Sarawak' for the USA edition) in 1996, with two reprints; 'Woven Dreams' – Ikat Textiles of Sarawak (2000); 'Pua – Iban Weavings of Sarawak' (1986); and 'Malay Houses of Kuching, Sarawak' (1983). Besides these, he has contributed features and articles of arts, culture and architecture to other publications, specifically 'Encyclopaedia Malaysia', 'Encyclopaedia on Dress and Costume' (UK), and 'The Guide to Sarawak' (2012). Photo shows the cover of Edric's book, 'Sarawak Style', published in 1996. Among his other passions and pet projects have been the conservation of historical buildings and a number of significant cultural projects for government agencies. These had numbered 10, and included the following: Conversion of the 1929 'Sarawak Steamship Godown' into Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) Information Centre; Conversion of Madrasah Melayu (1930), to Sarawak Islamic Museum in 1992; Conversion of the 1880 Fort Sylvia in Kapit into the Tun Jugah Museum in 1997; Conversion of the St James Church, Quop (oldest in Sarawak, built in 1863); Conversion of the Lord Bishop's House, Kuching, built in 1839; Consultant to the Sarawak Cultural Village at Damai in Santubong (since 1986); The Textile Museum, converted from the 'Pavilion' (1907); Consultant – Heritage Park, Putrajaya (2003); Consultant – 'Nilam Puri, A Malay Cultural Experience', Kuala Lumpur (2004), and; Research on natural dyes for batik and crafts – Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Malaysia. Photo shows the tall house, designed by Edric for the Sarawak Cultural Village, his 'pet project' since 1986. — Photo courtesy of STB Although he has been actively involved in all these projects and they have formed the major part of his life since 1983, Edric has also devoted most of his personal time and endeavours pursuing a highly spiritual goal as well. Born into a very staunch and highly respected Buddhist family, his forefathers had been the custodians of many Chinese temples in Kuching for four generations. In the early 1980s, Edric's elder sister Edrea became a 'born again' Christian, followed by his parents, Ong Kee Bian and wife Tan Lee Kheng. Edric himself converted to Anglican in the mid-1980s and by 1996, he was elected the inaugural president of the Anglican Diocesan Youth Council in the Diocese of Sarawak and Brunei, a position that he held till 2001. He continued to be fully involved in the youths, then the provincial synods and today, is still an active lay reader at St Faith's Church where he delivers regular sermons. His faith has taken him to places like Ba Kelalan, Buduk Aru and other remote reaches to preach the gospel of Christ. In recognition of his many achievements and works in both Sarawak as well as on the national and international fronts, Edric has been honoured by the following awards: Pegawai Bintang Sarawak (Officer of the Star of Sarawak); Australia Culture Award; Medal of Honour, World Craft Council 2024; Aid to Artisans Advocate Award 2006; Seal of Excellence for Craft Products (Unesco) 2001-2024; Japanese G-Mark for Good Design Award in Lifestyle/Home Accessories; London Fashion Week Award – 2022, 2023 and 2024; Aspara Fashion Week Award 2024; Malaysian Designer of the Year Award 2009; STYLO Kuala Lumpur Fashion Fest Heritage Award 2008; Mercedes Benz/Stylo Asean Fashion Award – Global Fashion Influencer 2016, and; Malaysian National Non-Governmental Organisation Award 2007. Costumes and authentic local ethnic fashion designed by Edric were also commissioned and used in three international feature films shot in Sarawak: 'Farewell to the King' in 1987 with Nick Nolte in the leading man; 'The Sleeping Dictionary' in 2000 with Jessica Alba as the leading lady; and 'The Intended' in 2012 with Janet McTeer. (From right) Alba, with fellow cast members Michael Langgi and Bob Hoskins in a scene of the 2000 Hollywood feature, 'The Sleeping Dictionary'. Alba's costumes were designed by Edric. His many travels to promote Sarawak in all his projects, be they in exhibitions, curated shows, fashion extravaganzas, or in the field of local arts, crafts and culture, had brought him to the attention of many famous public figures in politics, arts and the entertainment industry. In recent times, he met with and befriended famous actress Ali MacGraw (of 'Love Story' fame) during two of his tours at the Sante Fe Folk Arts Festival in New Mexico, USA. Edric, seen here with MacGraw at the Sante Fe Folk Arts Festival in New Mexico in 2019. Recently in Paris for the 'Revelations Biennale Paris 2025', he had met with and spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron. When asked about his 'personal best and proudest project', Edric did not hesitate to reply that it was the Sarawak Cultural Village at Damai in Santubong. 'Designing the masterplan, main buildings and individual ethnic community houses that involved travelling to the interior parts of Sarawak to research Iban, Orang Ulu longhouses, Bidayuh round-house and reviving the Melanau 'Rumah Tinggi'. 'I am proud of the Damai Hilltop suites as well, as it was a contemporary adaptation of Sarawak architecture, the round 'Baruk' suites, the Malay suites and the longhouse 'biliks'.' On those who had inspired and mentored him through the years, he continued: 'There are many, including the late Datuk Lucas Chin, the late YM Raja Fuziah Raja Tun Uda, the late Dr Clare Brett Smith (Aid to Artisans USA), Imai Toshihiro of Japan and Jasleen Dhamija of India. 'The person I owed most to was my father, Ong Kee Bian, a good and faithful servant of the Lord, loving husband and father. 'He had nurtured my interest in flora and fauna, encouraged my endeavours into art like woodblock print, clay sculpture, embroidery and ikebana. 'He took me into the interiors of Sarawak—into the Iban and Orang Ulu longhouses and others.' During his leisure down-time, Edric can be seen around town, in other fellow artists' homes and studios, or wandering the less-trodden paths upcountry or into more remote areas, in search for the expert artisan or craftsman who could well be the last surviving person who is still practising his 'dying' art. He would also be promoting lesser known artisans' works, or helping to guide them seek new avenues where they can either sell their handcrafted products, or help them with more pro-active and creative ideas. His hobbies? He reads, listens to music, and watches a movie or two for relaxation. His other interests in the culinary arts as well as in music have also seen his versatility resulting in the formation of the Culinary Heritage and Arts Society Sarawak, formed in 2019; and the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) in 1997. The latter, now into its 27th year, was co-founded by Canadians, Randy Raine-Reusch and Robert Basuik, as well as Edric's brother, yours truly. My final question to Edric: 'What made you decide to spend your life to promote Sarawak's arts and crafts?' His reply: 'As a fifth-generation 'Peranakan Chinese' in Sarawak, the love and appreciation for our Sarawak arts and crafts are so much entrenched in our Ong family. 'Sarawak arts, in all aspects, are the most diverse and richest of heritages among all in Malaysia!' Edric's creativity, talent and versatility have cast a giant shadow over the arts and crafts scene in Sarawak since 1983. His persona and international status has been made and he is now well-known in the corridors and annals of Unesco, as well as in countless other international bodies where the mission and vision are to promote the world's ethnic arts, crafts, music and architectural heritage. His name, in the promotion of Sarawak in those specific fields, has been permanently etched and is well entrenched for future generations to come. * The opinions expressed in this article are the columnist's own and do not reflect the view of the newspaper.
