Latest news with #Ipoh
Free Malaysia Today
8 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Vanessa Chong is modernising her family's fragrance legacy
Vanessa Chong has used her marketing experience to modernise her father's decades-old incense business. (Vanessa Chong pic) IPOH : Vanessa Chong initially had no plans of returning to Ipoh. Life in New Zealand was good – house, career, wedding plans. But when her brother died in a hiking accident in 2020, everything shifted. 'I was lost for two months,' the 32-year-old marketing graduate recalled. 'Then I made the choice to come back – to help my family,' she said. Her father had been running Foo Kwai Heong, an incense manufacturing business, since 1983, and S W Aroma, a fragrance distribution company. Chong, the youngest of three siblings, admitted she never gave either much thought growing up. 'I used to think, who's going to care about incense? It's not eco-friendly. It's so traditional,' she laughed. But returning home opened her eyes. She saw her father, still passionate, still scribbling orders on paper, still believing in the craft. 'That's when I realised, there's so much potential here. I'd learnt so much working overseas, and I wanted to bring that knowledge home.' Through Franoe, Chong conducts two-hour aromatherapy workshops, using essential oils produced by her family's fragrance business S W Aroma. (Vanessa Chong pics) With her father and second brother, she digitised the fragrance business, moved sales online, introduced smaller product sizes, and rebranded their consumer line from 'Fragrance Note' to 'Franoe' – a name born out of a trademark hiccup. Franoe currently offers 20 types of essential oils – including lavender, geranium, and bergamot – sourced from S W Aroma. Chong also conducts aromatherapy workshops in Kuala Lumpur where participants learn how to blend essential oils based on their moods, needs, and even physical symptoms. 'Let's say you have a fever and want to relax. I'll teach you to blend lavender and peppermint,' she explained. 'It's about helping people create their own personalised remedies.' Recently, Chong conducted a two-day-one-night retreat called Rehat, something she wishes to have more of in the future. After all, the response from Franoe's workshop attendees have been overwhelmingly positive, with many surprised at how much they learnt in just two hours – or over a weekend. Chong enjoys a great working relationship with her father (centre) and brother. (Vanessa Chong pic) Others appreciated the strong community vibe, as Chong collaborates exclusively with local partners, from wine and pastry brands to yoga instructors and sound healers. 'Some think retreats are only for women, but I tell them – mental stress doesn't care if you're a man or woman. Anyone can benefit. People today want real dopamine. Not from alcohol or distractions – but from wellness,' she said. Chong also plans to introduce incense-making workshops soon. 'People don't just burn incense to pray anymore,' she said. 'Now, it's also about creating a calm, luxurious vibe – like in hotels or meditation spaces.' But Franoe isn't just an e-commerce store for essential oils. It's Chong's personal mission to blend her family's heritage with a modern lifestyle approach. 'I wanted to do more than sell oils,' she said. 'I wanted to make wellness part of daily life.' What makes Franoe stand out isn't just the products or the knowledge – it's the heart behind it. Chong's decision to return was deeply rooted in love and loss, but also in rediscovery. She started seeing her father's traditional practices in a new light – and realised others her age, were curious too. Chong hopes to conduct more of her 'Rehat' retreats in the future. (Vanessa Chong pic) 'I used to be a free thinker,' she admitted. 'But after following my parents during the Qingming Festival, I understood. These rituals carry meaning. And when I talked to my peers, they were like me – curious, but clueless.' So she started making content to teach them. One video went viral. 'That's when I felt like I found my purpose,' she smiled. As for what's next? Chong hopes to build long-term partnerships with international villas and hotels to expand Franoe's retreats. But beyond the success of her business, Chong admitted that she is happy she managed to 'convert' not just her father, but all of her longstanding employees to a new direction. 'When I first stepped in, nobody listened to me. They were like, 'who do you think you are?'' she recounted. 'But now my team believes in me.' One message from her late brother's assistant meant everything: 'She said, 'I didn't like you before, but now I understand why you did what you did.' 'They are doing bigger things, different things now. They are willing to try stuff and they are happy as well. To me, that's more important than sales,' Chong concluded. Find out more about Franoe here. Follow Franoe on Instagram.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Camfil Releases 2024 Sustainability Report Emphasizing Transparency, Circularity, and Climate Action
The document offers a comprehensive, evidence-based account of the company's ESG progress, centered around measurable goals, rigorous data collection and alignment with the EU's CSRD. Riverdale, NJ, June 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a year defined by heightened global expectations around corporate climate accountability, Camfil, a global leader in clean air technology, has published its 2024 Sustainability Report. The document offers a comprehensive, evidence-based account of the company's ESG progress, centered around measurable goals, rigorous data collection, and alignment with the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). A Clear Shift from Rhetoric to Responsibility Camfil's latest sustainability report distinguishes itself with clear metrics and transparent reporting. The company disclosed total Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions of 33,262 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent in 2024, up from 30,866 in 2023. The increase is attributed to business expansion, with mitigation efforts underway, including LED retrofit programs at its Conover facility in North Carolina and solar energy installations in Haslingden, UK and Ipoh, Malaysia. Camfil also advanced its commitment to circular design. Its AirCair Service—an end-to-end air filtration lifecycle solution—uses 100 percent renewable coconut-shell activated carbon and refillable CamCarb XG filters, significantly reducing landfill waste and industrial emissions. Global Standards, Local Actions With operations in more than 35 countries and a workforce of 5,700, Camfil's sustainability efforts go well beyond policy. The company's internal CamfilCairing 2024 campaign featured safety and health-focused activities across regional offices. Events ranged from emergency drills in Taiwan to employee wellness checks in the United Kingdom, all built around the theme 'Safety First.' Further, Camfil continues to influence industry-wide air quality benchmarks through its leadership in shaping ISO 16890, ISO 10121, and the upcoming Eurovent 4/26 standards. These contributions position the company not only as a manufacturer but as a global voice for clean air policy. Data-Backed Innovation Driving Results Camfil's proprietary Life Cycle Cost (LCC) software remains a cornerstone of its customer engagement strategy. The tool, backed by decades of real-world data, allows commercial clients to optimize their HVAC filter choices for energy efficiency and cost savings. According to the report, HVAC systems can represent up to 50 percent of a commercial building's energy consumption. Case studies in Thailand and Mexico demonstrated real-world impact, with CO₂ reductions exceeding 8,800 tons annually and energy savings that translated into hundreds of thousands of euros in cost reductions. Policy Meets Practice The report also addresses risks and areas for improvement. Camfil's first Double Materiality Assessment identified product recyclability, energy use, and labor conditions in global supply chains as priority areas. The company has responded by enhancing its supplier contracts, expanding whistleblower protections, and developing new governance frameworks to monitor these risks. On the social front, Camfil has implemented a group-wide Code of Conduct training, expanded anti-corruption programs, and set gender equity targets, including increasing women in leadership roles to 35 percent by 2030. 2024 Sustainability Highlights at a Glance Environmental Sustainability Camfil's guiding vision is rooted in the belief that 'Clean Air is a Human Right.' 55% of Eurovent-rated comfort filters achieved A+ or A energy ratings. The Life Cycle Cost (LCC) software continues to help clients reduce energy usage and cost. CO₂ Reductions: GPSC Thailand saved 8,800 tons CO₂/year—equivalent to 4,400 cars removed from roads. Pesquería, Mexico reduced CO₂ by 1,100 tons/year while adding €555,000 in annual profit. Refillable, recyclable products like CamCarb XG promote circular design. Solar and LED energy projects in the U.S., UK, and Malaysia are cutting emissions and costs. Social Responsibility Camfil employs 5,700 people across 35+ countries. CamfilCairing 2024 featured safety-focused events globally, including Malaysia, Sweden, and China. OSHA incident rate dropped to 1.7 in 2024 from 2.8 in 2023. 100% of new hires enrolled in Code of Conduct training; 75–85% completion rate reported. Over 70% participation in updated anti-corruption and trade compliance training. Resource & Waste Management Total waste decreased 8% year over year; 67% of waste was diverted from landfills. The AirCair Service uses renewable coconut shell carbon for VOC capture. The world's largest AMC filter regeneration center opened in Taiwan, creating 300 jobs. Clean Operations Total energy use for 2024: 101 GWh. Scope 1 & 2 emissions: 33,262 metric tons CO₂e, up due to operational expansion. 100% of Camfil sites are ISO 9001 certified; 40% have ISO 14001 environmental certification. Governance & Transparency A Double Materiality Assessment identified key ESG risks including recyclability and labor conditions. Camfil has aligned sustainability governance with EU CSRD mandates. Conflict mineral policies and a multilingual whistleblowing system support ethical sourcing and reporting. Source Links and Media Contact Official Press Release and Source Citations: MyNewsDesk: Contact: Lynne Laake Director of Marketing, Camfil USA Inc. Riverdale, New Jersey T: 888.599.6620 E: F: Friend Camfil USA on Facebook T: Follow Camfil USA on Twitter Y: Watch Camfil Videos on YouTube L: Follow our LinkedIn Page
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mano Maniam, pillar of performing arts and Malaysia's beloved ‘Uncle Chan', dies at 79
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 — Mano Maniam, the revered Malaysian actor, educator, and cultural advocate whose five-decade career left an indelible mark on the country's performing arts, died last night at the age of 79. Born in Ipoh in 1945, Mano's lifelong passion for the stage was sparked by the vibrant bangsawan and sandiwara roadshows he watched as a child. His discovery of Shakespeare during his school years at ACS Ipoh became a defining influence, leading him back to the same school as a teacher who inspired countless young minds. To many, Mano was best known for his warm portrayal of 'Uncle Chan' in the late-1990s and early 2000s television series Kopitiam, a role that endeared him to a broad audience and introduced him to a new generation of fans. Yet his artistic reach extended far beyond television. A commanding presence on stage and screen, Mano was equally at home performing Shakespearean leads and Beckett monologues as he was appearing in international productions like Anna and the King and Netflix's Marco Polo. His roles in notable Malaysian films such as Mat Gelap (1990), Kolumpo (2013) and Barbarian Invasion (2021) further showcased his versatility. Known for his deep, resonant voice and quiet intensity, Mano was more than a performer; he was a mentor and a cultural bridge across ethnic communities through his work in English and Tamil dramas. Even in his later years, Mano remained devoted to the arts. He continued to teach acting — most notably to senior citizens at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre — and lent his voice to narration projects, including the poetic Meniti Cakerawala: The Science & Romance of the Cosmos just last year. Tributes from across Malaysia's arts and cultural sectors have poured in, recognising Mano Maniam's profound influence and the warmth he brought to every role and interaction. In a Facebook post, The Actors Studio wrote: 'To the world, he was Moonshee in Anna and the King. To Malaysians, he was Uncle Chandran in the hit sitcom Kopitiam. To theatre folks, he was just Mano... 'An extraordinary actor who has been in many of our productions, a giving educator who has taught at our academy, and above all a great human being. Always there, always generous with his wisdom, words and time. Always kind. 'Joe & Faridah just saw him recently and made plans to work together in 2026. Sad to have lost another great.' Similarly, PEN Malaysia took to Facebook to pay tribute: 'Mano Maniam was more than a performer; he was a craftsman of the soul. Through his commanding presence on stage and screen, he gave breath to stories that might otherwise have remained silent. His art carried the weight of truth, beauty, and deep compassion... always human, always searching. 'As an artist, he expanded the stage beyond its edges. As a teacher, he nurtured generations with a fierce gentleness. As a friend, he gave generously: his time, his wisdom, his immense spirit. 'We honour Mano's legacy, one etched not only in Malaysia's cultural history but in the hearts of all who witnessed his work. His voice may be still, but his art continues to speak.' Most touchingly, his Kopitiam co-star Rashid Salleh marked his passing by simply updating his Facebook cover photo to a black-and-white throwback of the cast.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Mano Maniam, pillar of performing arts and Malaysia's beloved ‘Uncle Chan', dies at 79
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 — Mano Maniam, the revered Malaysian actor, educator, and cultural advocate whose five-decade career left an indelible mark on the country's performing arts, died last night at the age of 79. Born in Ipoh in 1945, Mano's lifelong passion for the stage was sparked by the vibrant bangsawan and sandiwara roadshows he watched as a child. His discovery of Shakespeare during his school years at ACS Ipoh became a defining influence, leading him back to the same school as a teacher who inspired countless young minds. To many, Mano was best known for his warm portrayal of 'Uncle Chan' in the late-1990s and early 2000s television series Kopitiam, a role that endeared him to a broad audience and introduced him to a new generation of fans. Yet his artistic reach extended far beyond television. A commanding presence on stage and screen, Mano was equally at home performing Shakespearean leads and Beckett monologues as he was appearing in international productions like Anna and the King and Netflix's Marco Polo. His roles in notable Malaysian films such as Mat Gelap (1990), Kolumpo (2013) and Barbarian Invasion (2021) further showcased his versatility. Known for his deep, resonant voice and quiet intensity, Mano was more than a performer; he was a mentor and a cultural bridge across ethnic communities through his work in English and Tamil dramas. Even in his later years, Mano remained devoted to the arts. He continued to teach acting — most notably to senior citizens at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre — and lent his voice to narration projects, including the poetic Meniti Cakerawala: The Science & Romance of the Cosmos just last year. Tributes from across Malaysia's arts and cultural sectors have poured in, recognising Mano Maniam's profound influence and the warmth he brought to every role and interaction. In a Facebook post, The Actors Studio wrote: 'To the world, he was Moonshee in Anna and the King. To Malaysians, he was Uncle Chandran in the hit sitcom Kopitiam. To theatre folks, he was just Mano... 'An extraordinary actor who has been in many of our productions, a giving educator who has taught at our academy, and above all a great human being. Always there, always generous with his wisdom, words and time. Always kind. 'Joe & Faridah just saw him recently and made plans to work together in 2026. Sad to have lost another great.' Similarly, PEN Malaysia took to Facebook to pay tribute: 'Mano Maniam was more than a performer; he was a craftsman of the soul. Through his commanding presence on stage and screen, he gave breath to stories that might otherwise have remained silent. His art carried the weight of truth, beauty, and deep compassion... always human, always searching. 'As an artist, he expanded the stage beyond its edges. As a teacher, he nurtured generations with a fierce gentleness. As a friend, he gave generously: his time, his wisdom, his immense spirit. 'We honour Mano's legacy, one etched not only in Malaysia's cultural history but in the hearts of all who witnessed his work. His voice may be still, but his art continues to speak.' Most touchingly, his Kopitiam co-star Rashid Salleh marked his passing by simply updating his Facebook cover photo to a black-and-white throwback of the cast.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Police: One killed, four hurt in Gerik-Kupang road head-on crash
IPOH, May 31 — One person died and four others were seriously injured in a head-on collision involving two multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) at Kilometre 1.8 Gerik-Kupang-Gerik yesterday. Acting Gerik District Police Chief DSP Muhammad Firdaus Abdullah said his department received information regarding the incident at about 11.45am. He said the accident occurred after a Nissan Grand Livina MPV, driven by a 49-year-old man carrying a 56-year-old woman and two male passengers aged 14 and 21, travelling from Kupang towards Gerik, lost control and entered the opposite lane. 'The vehicle then collided with a Perodua Alza MPV driven by a 32-year-old man with his 32-year-old wife and their two children, aged 3 and 5 respectively. 'The driver of the Nissan Grand Livina was found to be seriously injured and was confirmed dead at the Gerik Hospital, while the woman in the same car suffered broken ribs and was referred to the Taiping Hospital. The two other men in that vehicle did not suffer any injuries,' he said in a statement yesterday. Muhammad Firdaus said the driver of the Perodua Alza MPV was also seriously injured and is being treated at the Taiping Hospital, while his two children sustained injuries to their eyes and head and are being treated at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, Ipoh. 'The Perodua Alza driver's wife did not suffer any injuries, and the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987,' he said. — Bernama
