Latest news with #Khong
The Star
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Life stories of senior Malaysian Chinese artists highlighted in photo exhibition
The three-day photography exhibition Malaysian Chinese Painters In Their Golden Years by Khong Miaw Leong and Soon Yee Ling, which opened yesterday at the Kong Choi Room, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH), Jalan Maharajalela in Kuala Lumpur offers a rare chance to connect with the personal stories of pioneering artists who shaped Malaysian art history. The show, presented by Wayfinder Publishing House and the Cultural and Educational Committee of the KLSCAH, also marks the first public showing of selected works from The Face Of What We Are: Malaysian Chinese Painters In Their Golden Years, an upcoming photography collection and community documentation project. Through intimate portraits, the photographers Khong and Soon capture not just faces but lifetimes of artistic dedication - revealing the quiet routines, lived spaces, and enduring spirit of over 30 senior painters now in their 80s and 90s. At a time when the art world often focuses on the new, this exhibition shifts attention to memory, legacy, and the individuals whose brushstrokes helped define a nation's visual identity. Chew Teng Beng's professional career spans art, culture, administration, and education. He is also recognised for his research and influence on papermaking in Malaysia. Photo: Wayfinder Publishing House The team at Wayfinder Publishing House in Kuala Lumpur, in collaboration with photographers Khong and Soon, have collectively assembled this project. This weekend, the exhibition (free admission, walk-in) at KLSCAH is open 10am-6pm. Among the many painters featured is Datuk Loke King Leong, now 94, who was once honoured as the Royal Painter of Negri Sembilan. Other notable names include Tan Chiang Kiong (Penang), Choong Kam Kow (Selangor), Tan Puay Tee (Johor), Lee Hock Kia (Sarawak), Chew Teng Beng (Penang), Michael Lim (Sarawak), Tay Mo-Leong (Penang), Cheah Yew Saik (Kuala Lumpur), Khoo Sui Hoe (United States), Chong Hon Fatt (Penang), Gan Sao Wah (Selangor), Jolly Koh (Kuala Lumpur), Tang Hon Yin (Penang), and Yap Hong Ngee (Selangor). These senior artists hail from diverse backgrounds: seven studied in Taiwan, predominantly graduating from the National Taiwan Normal University's Department of Fine Arts, an institution primarily dedicated to training art educators. Fifteen artists studied at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, with most specialising in Western painting. Additionally, 12 artists pursued further formal art education in Britain, France, Japan, and the United States. Notably, some of these individuals continued their studies in cities like London, Paris, and New York after graduating from institutions in Singapore or Taiwan, indicating some overlap in their international training. Four artists are self-taught. Tan Chiang Kiong, recognised as Malaysia's longest-serving art educator, has dedicated six decades to the field. Photo: Wayfinder Publishing House Malaysian Chinese Painters In Their Golden Years is not an art exhibition; rather, it presents a photographic documentary exploring the lives and journeys of these senior Malaysian Chinese artists. Leading up to the exhibition, Chai Chang Hwang, artist-researcher and co-founder of Wayfinder Publishing House, explains that the working team is small and informal, consisting of just three to four core members. 'I handle planning, liaison, and coordination, while the photographers focus on image capture. Others contribute as needed,' says Chai. The main challenge, he adds, is time. 'Aside from Khong, who's now in his 70s, most of us have day jobs. And unlike established institutions, we lack major funding – so we have to work carefully and resourcefully.' Photographers (from left) Soon and Khong, collaborators with Wayfinder Publishing House on the book project. Photo: Wayfinder Publishing House "Initially, our core team – myself included – had envisioned a much larger project. The plan was to begin with artists in the 80 to 90 age bracket, then move on to those in their 70s, continuing in sequential phases," says Chai. 'However, after more than two years of fieldwork across the country, our collective perspectives have undoubtedly evolved. It remains to be seen, but perhaps after this exhibition, we will need to re-evaluate this undertaking (to move forward),' he adds. The plan is to introduce the Malaysian Chinese Painters In Their Golden Years exhibition to other venues nationwide to raise awareness. 'We acknowledge that our academic background is not in historical research, nor is writing art history our expertise. Our role is to ask questions. From our perspective, this photography and publication project is a creative practice rooted in visual culture, aiming to spark dialogue and, through the photographers' unique visual language, pay profound homage to a generation of Chinese painters who dedicated their lives and talent to advancing Malaysian art,' says Chai. Lee Hock Kia, an art teacher to many, has a career spanning generations and continues to draw and paint actively. Photo: Wayfinder Publishing House Yeo Eng Hin, a senior painter and member of the Cultural and Education Committee at KLSCAH, recognises both the challenges of undertaking an independent project like this and the importance of public support – including crowdfunding efforts – to help bring the book project to completion. 'This photo collection is a valuable cultural gift. It documents a generation of foundational figures in Malaysia's art history,' says Yeo. 'Through the images in this exhibition, we hope more people will encounter the spirit of these artists, gain a deeper understanding of their lives, and collectively cherish this shared cultural memory,' he concludes. A series of public programmes – including artist talks, guided tours, and interactive sessions – will take place through the weekend. The exhibition's opening ceremony will be held on Sunday (June 1), at 11am., with Datuk Lim Swee Tin – National Laureate and member of the National Visual Arts Development Board – as guest of honour.
The Star
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Office market stable amid hybrid work, ESG trends
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian office market is expected to remain stable this year, underpinned by demand for newer high-grade offices featuring sustainable designs and up-to-date specifications. Savills Malaysia Sdn Bhd group managing director Datuk Paul Khong said older Grade B and Grade C offices would struggle with major tenant retention issues and would continue to rely on lower rentals to stay competitive. 'Overall market stability is underpinned by moderate incoming supply, a steady performance in the prime market rents and a gradual uplift in occupancy,' he told StarBiz. On a micro level, Khong said shifts in workplace dynamics and the growing focus on corporate social responsibility have pushed organisations to right-size and consolidate into high-quality spaces. 'Flexible office space is gaining traction as evolving work habits reshape the market. 'Post-pandemic, hybrid work, flexible leases and modular layouts drive demand and create more opportunities for co-working operators with landlords.' Looking ahead, Khong expects demand for new offices to remain strong, supported by tenants' growing appetite for modern high-quality buildings with ESG (environmental, social and governance) features. 'The ageing office segment will need major refurbishments to continue staying relevant,' he said. Meanwhile, Knight Frank Malaysia believes the outlook for the next 12 months suggests continued stability in Malaysia's office sector, with a tenant-favourable market environment expected to persist as businesses reassess long-term space needs and embrace more flexible, future-ready office strategies. 'With an annual change of 2.6% and a quarterly increase of 0.8%, Kuala Lumpur's (KL) office market is showing signs of steady, measured recovery.' However, Knight Frank noted that high supply levels and evolving workplace expectations may continue to weigh on rental growth. 'Occupiers are likely to prioritise flight-to-quality strategies, while landlords may focus on improving building specifications and sustainability features to remain competitive in an increasingly discerning market.' Olive Tree Property Consultants founder and chief executive officer Samuel Tan remains cautiously optimistic on the outlook for Johor's office sector in 2025. 'Strategic initiatives like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Rapid Transit System, elevated automated rapid transit and the influx of data centres are all key catalysts driving the demand for office spaces.' Moving forward, he said multinational corporations (MNCs) and service providers are expected to set up regional or representative offices in Johor Baru to ride on the promising growth within the state. 'Some Singapore-based companies and startups, capitalising on lower operation costs, could be keen to set up offices in the JS-SEZ.' Meanwhile, Olive Tree Property Consultants director Tan Wee Tiam said the escalating trade war triggered by the US' reciprocal tariff is another key consideration for companies intending to set up or expand their office space within the JS-SEZ. 'The risk is compounded by the extremely fluid trade policy adopted unilaterally by the United States. 'Investors do not like uncertainties. 'As a result, while many companies may be keen to use the JS-SEZ as a platform to ride on the growth, many would adopt a wait-and-see stance, at least in the short term, for more clarity to unfold.' Wee Tiam added that tenants, especially MNCs, are increasingly looking for high-quality office spaces that adhere to ESG standards. 'In general, office tenants, especially MNCs, are increasingly seeking offices with modern amenities, energy efficiency and sustainable features.' Meanwhile, Tan said the adoption of hybrid work models has led to increased demand for flexible workspace solutions. 'Companies are looking for adaptable office environments that can accommodate fluctuating occupancy levels and foster collaboration. 'Landlords of older buildings would need to consider refurbishments or repositioning strategies to attract and retain tenants.' On the sector's performance for the first quarter of this year (1Q25), Knight Frank said KL's prime office market continued to improve, as occupier activity strengthened in select sectors despite headline vacancy rates remaining elevated at 24.6%. 'The city's rental levels held steady at RM6.01 per sq ft per month, with no quarter-on-quarter change – underscoring market resilience in the face of ongoing global and regional uncertainties. 'Notably, improving occupancy has been observed, bolstered by expansions from technology firms and MNCs aiming to reinforce their regional footprint in Malaysia.' Khong said the general office sector in Greater KL moved positively during 1Q25, with good improvements in both net absorption rates and office rentals. 'This was well driven, mainly by demand for high-grade office spaces due to improved investor sentiments. 'Greater KL continued to record a net absorption of 0.46 million sq ft in 1Q25, a strong performance compared to an annual absorption of 1.2 million sq ft for 2024.' Khong highlighted that the key drivers during the quarter were 'flight-to-quality' in tenant movements, right-sizing efforts and a growing emphasis on ESG trends.
Malay Mail
29-04-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Solar manufacturer Maxeon to exit Melaka, puts 126-acre industrial site up for bids
KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — A major China-linked solar manufacturer has put up for sale a 126-acre industrial site in Melaka — home to one of the state's largest solar panel plants — as it exits Malaysia to focus solely on the US market. The site, which includes a manufacturing plant, is the largest tract in the industrial and commercial hub and lies approximately 17km from the Melaka International Airport, The Edge reported, Maxeon, a Singapore-based company formerly known as SunPower Malaysia Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, designs and manufactures solar products and solutions globally. The land is listed on Invest Melaka's website under Maxeon Solar Technologies (Sunpower) Sdn Bhd, and is advertised for sale by exclusive marketing agent Savills Malaysia. Savills group managing director Datuk Paul Khong confirmed the listing but declined to reveal the landowner, citing the site's existing utilities and 800,000 sq ft built-up factory as a strong 'plug and play' opportunity. Khong added that the property could attract interest from data centre operators and foreign manufacturers looking to relocate due to ongoing US tariff tensions with China and Vietnam. He highlighted Malaysia's relatively low 24 per cent US tariff rate — compared to Vietnam's 48 per cent — as an added advantage for potential investors eyeing industrial expansion. A local agent told The Edge that industrial land in the area previously transacted between RM20 and RM26 per square foot, with some deals going as high as RM40 psf in recent years. The area already hosts major industrial players such as Honda Assembly, United Detergent Industries, Yihin Glass and Aluminium, Chestronics and Erreppi Manufacturing. Maxeon has not confirmed the sale but maintains operations in over 100 countries, with its Melaka plant having produced advanced solar cells since July 2011. The move comes after Maxeon announced in early April that it would focus solely on the US market following a strategic business restructuring. Last year, Maxeon sold its global sales and marketing operations to its parent firm, China's TCL Group, and plans to transfer its Philippine manufacturing site to a new entity called TCL SunPower International. Last week, the US announced increased tariffs on solar import from four countries including Malaysia, which now faces a blanket import duty of at least 34.4 per cent.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Yahoo
Anaheim caregiver charged with raping 93-year-old woman with dementia
An Anaheim man is accused of raping a 93-year-old woman, who is nonverbal, bedridden and suffers from dementia, while she was in his care, authorities said. Phuong Hoang Khong, 69, has been charged with one felony count of rape by force, one felony count of sexual penetration by a foreign object by force, one felony count of forcible oral copulation and one felony count of elder abuse, according to the Orange County district attorney's office. Khong, who prosecutors said was the woman's caretaker three times a week, is accused of sexually assaulting her in her medical bed Jan. 6. Prosecutors allege that he covered her eyes with a medical mask, removed her diaper and tightened the medical restraints around her wrists before assaulting her. Khong turned himself in to the Orange Police Department on Feb. 3, after her family had threatened to report him, prosecutors said. If convicted as charged, he faces a maximum prison sentence of 75 years to life plus four years, prosecutors said. 'He targeted the most vulnerable of victims, knowing that she was so helpless she couldn't even cry out for help,' Orange County Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer said in a statement. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
