Latest news with #Elemnts
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Kuching's heritage deserves more than a scan
The Jinli Ancient Street in Chengdu, where centuries-old rooftops meet today's footsteps. Heritage here is not just remembered, but lived. ON a chilly day in March, my travel companions and I wandered through the wooden corridors of Jinli Ancient Street in Chengdu. The scent of tea and grilled skewers mingled in the air, while hundreds of lanterns swayed gently above the stone paths. Around us, echoes of ancient China came alive – but with a twist. This wasn't nostalgia frozen in time. It was heritage reimagined. Scattered QR codes led to virtual tours, while augmented reality (AR) prompts unveiled hidden stories. At every turn, tradition met technology – not as a gimmick, but as a bridge. Even Wuhou Temple, where the legacy of Zhuge Liang is enshrined, had interactive exhibits that brought the epic tales of the Three Kingdoms to life. At Dongpo Impression Water Street, a themed area dedicated to poet Su Dongpo, storytelling, architecture, and technology worked in harmony. The street retained its cultural essence while being a space of learning, leisure, and lively commerce. Jinli Ancient Street itself offered a more relaxed but equally intentional experience, with teahouses, craft stalls, and vendors weaving the past into everyday life. The insight was clear – heritage doesn't have to gather dust, it can be a breath of fresh air. Thinking of home, I pondered upon how these technological applications could boost our own culture and heritage experiences. With these thoughts, I was heartened to read that the Sarawak Museums Department had recently launched a promising digital initiative in collaboration with the private sector. The project: to scan, map and archive Kuching's historic buildings in 3D. To me, it is a timely effort. Much like how France digitally preserved Notre Dame after the 2019 fire, Sarawak is taking action to safeguard what time, weather, and urban development may soon erase. Many of Kuching's oldest structures – chophouse's, colonial era buildings, 'kampung' (village) houses and temples – bear the weight of history, but face the risk of neglect or demolition. Even memory itself is at risk of erasure, as those from the younger generation move away, resulting in fewer families residing in the city's heritage quarters. Australian-trained architect Jeffrey Yeung, who now heads Elemnts Sdn Bhd (Elemnts) in Kuching, welcomed the digital initiative, but added a cautionary note. 'It's a start,' he said. 'But it cannot be where the effort ends.' Yeung emphasised that digital preservation must go beyond surface scans. 'We need to understand how these buildings were made – their materials, techniques, and the lives they sheltered. 'We should document them so thoroughly that, if needed, they could be rebuilt – like Cooper's farmhouse in 'Interstellar', faithfully reconstructed from memory and data. 'These structures are more than brick and timber. They carry identity, history, (and) belonging. 'Without them, our city becomes a shell – gleaming, but hollow,' he added. After all, a scan can save a building's form, but it cannot save its soul. So how can Sarawak move from just scanning buildings to truly reviving our heritage? To start, we must first tell our stories. In Chengdu, I found myself immersed in its rich stories as I wandered around scanning QR codes and AR prompts that supplied me with multilingual content, layered with audio, animation and archival photos. Sarawak, too, has no lack of rich narratives – from ancestral traditions of the Dayak communities and Brooke-era legacies, to the rhythms of 'kampung' life and the enduring spirit of our multi-ethnic coexistence. But are we telling them? And more importantly, are they being heard? Second, preservation must be paired with participation. Places like Jinli thrive because people engage. They shop, sip tea, take photos, and linger. What if Carpenter Street or Padungan had an AR trail, where users could hear stories from the elders or the stall owners while exploring? Third, our efforts must reflect our local soul. Chengdu's heritage sites never feel generic – they are unmistakably Sichuan. Likewise, Sarawak's digital heritage must honour Bornean textures, riverine cultures, and our layered histories. This isn't about copying, but adapting – with heart. Finally, heritage is not just about buildings – it's about people. In Chengdu, the locals are part of the experience. In Sarawak, the craftsmen, food hawkers, teachers and students must be co-creators, not just bystanders. While government's support for this is essential, it cannot be a top-down initiative alone because without community involvement, we risk creating sterile archives. A digital scan can preserve a façade, but only a community can keep a place alive. The digital documentation of Kuching's heritage buildings is a commendable beginning, but the true goal must be deeper – to preserve stories, soul and connection. Local councils and developers must resist the urge to sanitise old streets into lifeless 'Instagram sets'. Let the patina of age remain. Let imperfections speak. Let the streets hum with memory. Educators and media, too, have a role. Imagine school-children exploring a virtual Kuching, tracing their family's past through digital trails, or hearing the story of the Round Tower as they stand before it. And to the young: heritage is not just old folks' nostalgia. It is your inheritance. It is the backdrop to your selfies, the spirit behind the skyline, and perhaps, the legacy you will one day pass on. I remember sitting quietly on a bench along Jinli Street in Chengdu, watching people laugh and live under lanterns that had witnessed dynasties rise and fall. The place felt timeless – not because it resisted change, but because it embraced it meaningfully. Kuching, or any other towns in Sarawak, too, can have that kind of future where the old doesn't fade, but flourishes anew. Where heritage is not just a memory we visit, but a space we live in; a street where we walk with pride, and a story we keep telling. Because when we honour the past with the tools of the present, we give the future something to stand on. China heritage Jinli Ancient Street Kuching sarawak
CairoScene
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
SELECTS: A Week in the Life of Egyptian Star Yasmina El Abd
El Abd gives Scene Styled an intimate look at her personal style, shaped by her fast-paced lifestyle in the limelight. In just a few short years, Egyptian actress Yasmina El Abd has built a cinematic presence that stands out, especially at the young age of 18. From her breakout role as Zeina in the hit Netflix series 'Finding Ola', to her performances in the Ramadan 2024 series 'Massar Egbari' and the family drama 'Mawdoo' 'Aeli', El Abd has demonstrated a remarkable range, refusing to be confined to a singular persona or role. In Ramadan 2025, El Abd shone alongside Amina Khalil, Ahmed El Saadany, Youssra El Lozy, and Mohamed Shahin in 'Lam Shamseya', delivering her most nuanced performance yet—one that resonated deeply with Egyptian audiences. Yet, whether she's walking the red carpet or sharing a candid moment on social media, her fashion choices reflect a playful and refined aesthetic. 'With fashion, I tend to lean more towards classic styles, but whenever I do something different, I embrace the moment, because you always have to try different things.' Yasmina El Abd tells SceneStyled. In this exclusive edition of Scene Styled Selects, Yasmina El Abd curates a capsule wardrobe, virtually taking us through a week in her life, sharing insights into her personal style, and the thought process behind her favourite pieces. Lunch With the Girls Raspberry Suede Coat | Miu Miu ANINE BING | Blue Roy Jeans Merino Wool | Crew-neck Jumper Loro Piana | Summer Walk Pink Suede Slippers The Row | Beige Small N/S Park Tote 'I've been loving a long coat lately for this weather, and this raspberry Miu Miu coat is so major! I paired it with a basic merino wool top from COS because I LOVE their basics, and jeans to lay it back and let the coat shine.' Yasmina El Abd tells SceneStyled. Maybelline | Lifter Liner Emi Jay | Sweetheart Clip in Pink Chantilly Angel Food Messika | Puces Move Uno Miu Miu | Miu Regard Sunglasses Spinelli Kilcollin | Linked Rings 'And you can never go wrong with a pair of Loro summer walks, so comfortable and chic. Also obsessed with this Spinelli ring lately. These coveted Miu Miu sunnies, a muted The Row handbag, a cute Emi Jay hair clip, and my favourite Maybelline lip liner!' she adds. Pilates (Princess) Class Elemnts | Criss Cross Flared Legging Elemnts | Quarter Sleeve ON | Cloudswift 3 'This Elemnts set is so good! I love a local set. I paired it with this gorgeous Alanui sweater and a pair of On sneakers because I'm Swiss, so I had to. This Bottega mini Wallace is also so cute. I've been obsessed with navy forever and love a monochromatic outfit. A Pilates outfit is never complete without a pair of sunglasses; these basic Chanel sunnies are to die for!' Bottega Veneta | Navy & Indigo Mini Wallace Bag Alanui | Cashmere Cardigan Chanel | Oval Sunglasses Maybelline | Lifter Gloss On the Red Carpet Safiyaa | Holliana Swinton Long Dress Tiffany & Co. | Double Row Hinged Bangle Tiffany & Co. | T1 Narrow Pavé Diamond Hinged Bangle Tiffany & Co. | Drop Earrings Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany | Sixteen Stone Ring 'I love being sleek and timeless on a red carpet. This burgundy/wine Safiyaa dress is the epitome of the perfect dress for an elegant and understated, yet still elevated, look. I paired it with my favourite Tiffany jewels and these Rene Caovillas that I love and look so great on. And the cherry on top is this mini top-handle Chanel!' Chanel | Burgundy Quilted Lambskin Top Handle Mini Clutch on Chain Gold Hardware Renee Caovillas | Juniper Metal Gold Sandal 105 The Travel Fit 'When travelling, I love being comfortable but still confident while strolling around the airport.' MYNE | Plush Knit Set - Espresso Brown Rimowa | Essential Cabin 'This MYNE chocolate knit set is perfect! I paired it with a grey Rimowa carry-on and a chocolate oversized Bottega Andiamo to hold everything I need – I'm a serious overpacker. I looped in more grey with these Golden Goose sneakers, which are a STAPLE. These oversized Bottega sunnies because I am actually obsessed with Bottega,' El Abd laughs. Bottega Veneta | Large Andiamo Golden Goose | Super-star Distressed Leather Sneakers Bottega Veneta | Mitre Square Sunglasses 'This Loewe scent I actually found while travelling at the airport, and it's such a beautiful scent. My number 1 staple – this Cartier Tank that was actually my dad's way back when! This will definitely be a family heirloom – don't think I've taken it off since I stole it! And the Maybelline Sun Kisser has been another staple in my routine, as it's the perfect blush/bronzer combo, which is so perfect when travelling and wanting to look put together with the least amount of effort.' she shares. Loewe | Loewe 001 Woman Eau de Parfum Maybelline | Sunkisser The Meeting Look 'This outfit includes five of my staples! The Loro knit, Another Tomorrow blue jeans, and the Double A belt are paired with some of my favourite pieces in my closet. The black Picotin, Tom Ford sunnies that I'll never get bored of, these Khaite boots I recently purchased and I'm OBSESSED, my signature scent, Rose Rouge, and my favourite mascara of all time! And we're manifesting the Aquanaut, so I had to add it to this look.' Another Tomorrow | High-rise Denim Trousers Loro Piana | Loro Sweater AA | Kinsley Leather Belt Brown KHAITE | Dallas Knee-high Leather Boots Hérmes | Picotin 22 Tom Ford | Round Sunglasses Maybelline | Lash Sensational Sky High Van Cleef & Arpels | Rose Rouge Patek Philippe | Aquanaut
CairoScene
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
SELECTS: A Week in the Life of Egyptian Rising Star Yasmina El Abd
El Abd gives Scene Styled an intimate look at her personal style, shaped by her fast-paced lifestyle in the limelight. In just a few short years, Egyptian actress and rising star Yasmina El Abd has built a cinematic presence that stands out, especially at the young age of 18. From her breakout role as Zeina in the hit Netflix series 'Finding Ola', to her performances in the Ramadan 2024 series 'Massar Egbari' and the family drama 'Mawdoo' 'Aeli', El Abd has demonstrated a remarkable range, refusing to be confined to a singular persona or role. In Ramadan 2025, El Abd shone alongside Amina Khalil, Ahmed El Saadany, Youssra El Lozy, and Mohamed Shahin in 'Lam Shamseya', delivering her most nuanced performance yet—one that resonated deeply with Egyptian audiences. Yet, whether she's walking the red carpet or sharing a candid moment on social media, her fashion choices reflect a playful and refined aesthetic. 'With fashion, I tend to lean more towards classic styles, but whenever I do something different, I embrace the moment, because you always have to try different things.' Yasmina El Abd tells SceneStyled. In this exclusive edition of Scene Styled Selects, Yasmina El Abd curates a capsule wardrobe, virtually taking us through a week in her life, sharing insights into her personal style, and the thought process behind her favourite pieces. Lunch With the Girls Raspberry Suede Coat | Miu Miu ANINE BING | Blue Roy Jeans Merino Wool | Crew-neck Jumper Loro Piana | Summer Walk Pink Suede Slippers The Row | Beige Small N/S Park Tote 'I've been loving a long coat lately for this weather, and this raspberry Miu Miu coat is so major! I paired it with a basic merino wool top from COS because I LOVE their basics, and jeans to lay it back and let the coat shine.' Yasmina El Abd tells SceneStyled. Maybelline | Lifter Liner Emi Jay | Sweetheart Clip in Pink Chantilly Angel Food Messika | Puces Move Uno Miu Miu | Miu Regard Sunglasses Spinelli Kilcollin | Linked Rings 'And you can never go wrong with a pair of Loro summer walks, so comfortable and chic. Also obsessed with this Spinelli ring lately. These coveted Miu Miu sunnies, a muted The Row handbag, a cute Emi Jay hair clip, and my favourite Maybelline lip liner!' she adds. Pilates (Princess) Class Elemnts | Criss Cross Flared Legging Elemnts | Quarter Sleeve ON | Cloudswift 3 'This Elemnts set is so good! I love a local set. I paired it with this gorgeous Alanui sweater and a pair of On sneakers because I'm Swiss, so I had to. This Bottega mini Wallace is also so cute. I've been obsessed with navy forever and love a monochromatic outfit. A Pilates outfit is never complete without a pair of sunglasses; these basic Chanel sunnies are to die for!' Bottega Veneta | Navy & Indigo Mini Wallace Bag Alanui | Cashmere Cardigan Chanel | Oval Sunglasses Maybelline | Lifter Gloss On the Red Carpet Safiyaa | Holliana Swinton Long Dress Tiffany & Co. | Double Row Hinged Bangle Tiffany & Co. | T1 Narrow Pavé Diamond Hinged Bangle Tiffany & Co. | Drop Earrings Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany | Sixteen Stone Ring 'I love being sleek and timeless on a red carpet. This burgundy/wine Safiyaa dress is the epitome of the perfect dress for an elegant and understated, yet still elevated, look. I paired it with my favourite Tiffany jewels and these Rene Caovillas that I love and look so great on. And the cherry on top is this mini top-handle Chanel!' Chanel | Burgundy Quilted Lambskin Top Handle Mini Clutch on Chain Gold Hardware Renee Caovillas | Juniper Metal Gold Sandal 105 The Travel Fit 'When travelling, I love being comfortable but still confident while strolling around the airport.' MYNE | Plush Knit Set - Espresso Brown Rimowa | Essential Cabin 'This MYNE chocolate knit set is perfect! I paired it with a grey Rimowa carry-on and a chocolate oversized Bottega Andiamo to hold everything I need – I'm a serious overpacker. I looped in more grey with these Golden Goose sneakers, which are a STAPLE. These oversized Bottega sunnies because I am actually obsessed with Bottega,' El Abd laughs. Bottega Veneta | Large Andiamo Golden Goose | Super-star Distressed Leather Sneakers Bottega Veneta | Mitre Square Sunglasses 'This Loewe scent I actually found while travelling at the airport, and it's such a beautiful scent. My number 1 staple – this Cartier Tank that was actually my dad's way back when! This will definitely be a family heirloom – don't think I've taken it off since I stole it! And the Maybelline Sun Kisser has been another staple in my routine, as it's the perfect blush/bronzer combo, which is so perfect when travelling and wanting to look put together with the least amount of effort.' she shares. Loewe | Loewe 001 Woman Eau de Parfum Maybelline | Sunkisser The Meeting Look 'This outfit includes five of my staples! The Loro knit, Another Tomorrow blue jeans, and the Double A belt are paired with some of my favourite pieces in my closet. The black Picotin, Tom Ford sunnies that I'll never get bored of, these Khaite boots I recently purchased and I'm OBSESSED, my signature scent, Rose Rouge, and my favourite mascara of all time! And we're manifesting the Aquanaut, so I had to add it to this look.' Another Tomorrow | High-rise Denim Trousers Loro Piana | Loro Sweater AA | Kinsley Leather Belt Brown KHAITE | Dallas Knee-high Leather Boots Hérmes | Picotin 22 Tom Ford | Round Sunglasses Maybelline | Lash Sensational Sky High Van Cleef & Arpels | Rose Rouge Patek Philippe | Aquanaut
