Latest news with #Lek
Time Out
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Sip with Pride
Time Out Bangkok in partnership with Chalong Bay Pride in Thailand has a powerful new reason to celebrate all year long. On June 18 2024, the country made history, passing a bill to become the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage – a monumental win for love and equality that sent waves of joy across the kingdom. Riding that celebratory wave is Phuket's own Chalong Bay, the craft distillery celebrated for its 100 percent natural Thai sugarcane spirits. To honour this landmark moment, the brand has just dropped its Limited Pride Edition Rum, a pioneering tribute to the LGBTQ+ community and the freedom to love. As the first Thai liquor brand to create a special bottle for this occasion, Chalong Bay is proving that every toast, every bottle, and every sip can be a meaningful step forward. Here's the story behind this spirited celebration. A personal pour The inspiration for this special edition comes straight from the heart. Chinavich 'Lek' Ratanachinakorn, co-owner of Chalong Bay and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, sees this rum as an extension of his identity and values. 'At Chalong Bay, our craft is also our voice,' Lek explains. 'The legalisation of same-sex marriage in Thailand is a huge step forward. We're proud to release our Limited Pride Edition rum as a celebration of love, equality, and the freedom to be yourself.' Crafted with Thai Pride True to its sustainable roots, this rum begins with 100 percent organic Thai sugarcane. The stalks are harvested by hand – never burned – to protect the environment. By working directly with local farmers who champion sustainable agriculture, Chalong Bay ensures that every bottle supports both the planet and the community. A zesty toast to love Using a traditional French copper still, Chalong Bay distills the sugarcane wine infused with the fresh zest of hand-peeled Thai limes. This meticulous process creates a bright, citrusy kick that's entirely natural, with no artificial additives. The result is a rum that's as authentic as the community it celebrates. Sip, celebrate and support This bottle does more than just taste good – it does good. Chalong Bay is donating three percent of revenue from each Pride Edition bottle to APCOM, a leading organisation advocating for LGBTQ+ human rights, health and community development across the Asia-Pacific region.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
Science Journals: Lessons from weird fish sold in Singapore's wet markets
Find out what's new on ST website and app. An assortment of seafood is laid on the ground at Jurong Fishery Port. They are placed on ice to retain their freshness. SINGAPORE – Just like how the depths of the deep sea are home to strange, little-known creatures, Singapore's wet markets also dazzle visitors with a rich diversity of seafood. Even after spending a year surveying the seafood sections of markets here, Mr Elliott James Ong and Mr Kenny Lek say there are fish they have seen only once. United by a love for seafood, the pair founded Pasarfish in 2024 . It is an initiative that researches and teaches the sustainable consumption and heritage of seafood sold in supermarkets and wet markets. Despite the long tradition of Singapore's wet markets, little is known about the rich variety of catches that these ageing facilities showcase, with the last catalogue compiled in the 1990s by the Primary Production Department. The median age of market stallholders is 63, according to the National Environment Agency, which manages most of the markets here. Mr Ong, 29, and Mr Lek, 33, started compiling their own catalogue from June 2024 to fill this gap in knowledge. 'Knowing the identities of these fish and their abundance allows us to track their origins, fishing methods and sustainability,' said Mr Ong. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Sewage shaft failure linked to sinkhole; PUB calling safety time-out on similar works islandwide Singapore Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole did not happen overnight: Experts Singapore Workers used nylon rope to rescue driver of car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole Asia Singapore-only car washes will get business licences revoked, says Johor govt World Food airdropped into Gaza as Israel opens aid routes Sport Arsenal beat Newcastle in five-goal thriller to bring Singapore Festival of Football to a close Singapore Benchmark barrier: Six of her homeschooled kids had to retake the PSLE Asia S'porean trainee doctor in Melbourne arrested for allegedly filming colleagues in toilets since 2021 Pasarfish marries the co-founders' seemingly incompatible passions of food and conservation by advocating for consumption of seafood that does not drive marine life to the brink of extinction. As at July, Pasarfish has collected data on more than 200 species sold in markets here, with the hope of pushing for more traceability and sustainability assessments of Singapore's seafood supply chains. Of all the creatures catalogued from their visits, a strange golden fish from a small bucket at Tekka Market in Little India stands out. The stallholder selling the semi-translucent species told Mr Lek that it was an Asian arowana. But the only resemblance between the mystery specimen and the arowana was a large, upturned mouth. When pressed further, the woman said she had bought the fish from Jurong Fishery Port, which handles the vast majority of Singapore's imported seafood. Mr Lek said: 'They didn't really have an idea of where this species actually came from and whether it was caught on a regular basis. Of all the creatures catalogued from Pasarfish's visits, a strange golden fish from a small bucket at Tekka Market in Little India stands out. PHOTO: PASARFISH 'They just bought it from this fish trader from Jurong Fishery Port from a random bucket.' The fish's identity was unravelled on the same day with the help of Major-General William Farquhar, the first British resident and commandant of colonial Singapore. A Google search of the fish's features netted a 19th-century picture from the Farquhar Collection, a series of watercolour paintings by Chinese artists of flora and fauna that the leader commissioned. Said Mr Ong: 'It was a perfect match.' The painting was labelled in a neat, slanted script, with one of its local names, ikan biang biang, otherwise known as the shorthead hairfin anchovy. The pair theorised that the fish was likely commonly found at markets back then. The mystery of the anchovy stemmed from the fact that it had been forgotten and people now no longer know how to cook it, they concluded. The coastal fish is common in Indonesia and Malaysia, where it is usually fried or salted. In Sarawak, the anchovy features in a raw fish delicacy called umai, where thin slices are cured with the sour juice of a native palm fruit and tossed with tropical herbs. It is unclear why stallholders buy fish they do not know since the species tend to be unpopular with consumers, said Mr Ong, who has encountered such situations several times. He added: 'Honestly, they go at very low prices, so there's no commercial value.' Still, these weird finds can contribute to science. Some of the anchovies were delivered to the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, where they will remain as physical records of fish sold in Singapore markets. Dr Tan Heok Hui, the museum's senior collection manager of fishes, said the species was collected because it was uncommon in Singapore. 'Once it is deposited in the museum, it provides a time stamp, a possible genetic resource and historical record,' he added. 'The fact that it is uncommon in the trade in Singapore could lead to its inclusion into social history and trends of consumption.' Such resources can aid comparative studies as well as the tracking, tracing and managing of fish reserves. Wet markets can also be treasure troves for discovering new fish. Dr Tan said: 'Not all fish are possible to catch with your own hands or set of tools. I would rely on fisherfolk for their skill set with larger nets to fish from deeper waters.' Through forays into local markets in Indonesia, his team has uncovered new species such as the Crossocheilus obscurus carp and Hemibagrus velox catfish. Yellowtail fish, which are traditionally overharvested, being sorted into baskets at Jurong Fishery Port on June 20. ST PHOTO: ANG QING On a grim note, considering a fish weird can be a symptom of overconsumption. Worldwide, overharvesting has driven marine species' populations down, erasing them from collective memory as they become harder to find. This was witnessed during Pasarfish's market tours to raise awareness about seafood heritage and sustainable consumption, said Mr Lek, when only older folk recognise the species sold. I joined Pasarfish on one such tour at 2am on June 20 to learn more about Jurong Fishery Port, Singapore's sole port for fish. The cacophony of different tongues reflects the international diversity of the port's wholesale market, where about 100 merchants display piles of fresh seafood kept fresh with ice. There was hardly a moment of stillness throughout the two-hour tour. Sweaty men in yellow rubber boots processed prawns, sorted fish and shouted at idle buyers to get out of the way as they dragged baskets of slimy produce. Mr Ong and Mr Lek's knowledge was apparent, as out of more than 80 species of seafood at the port that they shared details about, only one species baffled them. After a brief search online, they identified it on their Instagram page as the Hawaiian ladyfish. Three ocellated parrotfish at Jurong Fishery Port. One of these was given away for free during the June 20 Pasarfish tour, a common practice for unpopular fish. ST PHOTO: ANG QING Another unusual fish we saw is the ocellated parrotfish that a fishmonger gave to Mr Ong for free, a practice often used to dispose of unpopular catch and build rapport. Eating certain fish perceived to be strange, however, can be a good choice, as doing so can be more sustainable for popular species. During the tour, our group of six encountered varying sizes of yellowtail fish, traditionally used to make fish balls. Mr Ong explained: 'This was historically one of the most common fish in Singapore. But they're not as common any more because the fish stocks are depleted.' He pointed out that the smaller yellowtail we spotted were signs of overfishing and unsustainable practices, with the fish not having had time to grow before they were caught. Instead, Mr Ong recommended using a wider range of fish for fish balls to avoid pressuring a single species. Other substitutes that can and have been used include wolf herring, milk fish and pike conger. To help consumers make better choices, Pasarfish plans to launch a guide of 60 common fish from its year-long survey by listing their local names, price ranges and sustainability recommendations.
The Irish Sun
02-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
My must-visit destinations in Eastern Europe with cheap spas and white sand beaches – flights are less than £20
DITCH the classic European escapes for these lesser-known gems - that's the advice from experienced Wizz Air flight attendant, Niko. She's not a regular cabin crew, though as Niko has been with the airline since the very first flight in 2004. 8 Niko (right) has been flying with Wizz Air for over 20 years Credit: Wizz Air 8 One of her recommendations for Eastern Europe is Albania Credit: Alamy Niko told Sun Travel: " "The beaches are beautiful - it's even been called the European Maldives. You can hire paddleboards and go into secret sea caves on the clear water. "The food is great too, and the price of accommodation is very low." Albania is extremely cheap for Brits, with coffees costing around 167Lek (£1.47). Read More on Eastern Europe Pints of around 250 Lek (£2.11) and small imported beer bottles costing 350 Lek (£3.07). As for where to stay, you can find a room at a 4-star hotel for an average of £76 per night. But for anyone on a budget, we found stays for as little as £7.20 per night on Another affordable activity in Albania is heading to the spa. Most read in City breaks The highly rated Ritual Spa in the capital has 60-minute massage services for as little as 4000 lek (around £35). The average price in the UK is between £55 to £90. Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations 8 Niko first flew with Wizz Air on the very first flight in 2004 Credit: Wizz Air 8 Albania is home to white sandy beaches with clear blue waters Credit: Alamy Now, for the beaches, there are plenty near Tirana, from Spille to Durrës and Lalez Beach. But if you want the This seaside village of Travellers on Tripadvisor have advised that you'll likely need to hire out sunbeds on the beach, but this is relatively cheap. One reported going to the Orange Beach Club where they paid €10 (£8.60) for two sunbeds and access to the infinity pool. Ksamil is four hours from the capital of Albania and can be reached by bus or taxi. Check out more tips about With Wizz Air, you can fly from 8 Sibiu in Transylvania is another must-see city Credit: Alamy 8 One popular spot is The Bridge of Lies Credit: Alamy Another top Eastern European destination Niko recommends visiting is Sibiu in The city is landlocked so there are no beaches nearby, but there is still plenty to see. Niko added: "I've been to Sibiu in "You have the mountains, so there's lots of nature, the food is amazing, everything is cheap and the people are so friendly. "And you should try Papanasi. It's a Romanian dessert that's like a doughnut. It tastes amazing, but not good if you're on a diet." A Papanasi is a fried or boiled cheese doughnut, typically served with sour cream and jam. It's soft on the inside and crispy on the outside - and you can pick one up for around £4 in Romania. Everything is cheap and the people are so friendly According to Beer can cost as little as 5lei, which translates to just 85p. And the price of an average Cappuccino is 12lei (£2). The city is known for its charming and colourful old town and there are still lots of medieval walls and towers to have a look at. While in Sibiu, take a look at The Bridge of Lies which has lots of legends and myths behind it - and when lit up at night, can make for a great picture spot too. According to The Big Square, which is historic and filled with market stalls, cafes, restaurants and shops. Flights from Birmingham to Sibiu with Wizz Air start from £35.99. Niko really knows her stuff on where to visit, as she's been flying with Wizz Air from the very beginning - including its very first flight in 2004. 8 The central square is full of cafes, restaurants and shops to stop in Credit: Alamy At the time, Wizz Air had just one aircraft which had no luggage compartments, just shelves, and there wasn't a built-in oxygen system either. Thanks to her 26-year-long cabin crew career, there aren't many places Niko hasn't been yet, but there is one on her list - Tromso. The city in Norway is dubbed the Arctic Circle capital. Niko added: "I want to go to One You can fly from 8 Albania has some beautiful beaches and has even been called the 'European Maldives' Credit: Alamy
Time Out
30-06-2025
- Time Out
Jim's Terrace One Bangkok
In a city overflowing with Thai restaurants, many try to stand out by putting a contemporary spin on local flavours. But that's not the approach at Jim's Terrace. Instead of reinventing the wheel, this spot leans into tradition, offering a menu devoted to Thai comfort food that feels both refreshingly honest and warmly nostalgic. Located on the second floor of the Jim Thompson Flagship Store at One Bangkok, this venue marks a departure from Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant. Though both are helmed by the same executive chef, Wichian 'Lek' Trirattanavatin, the two establishments follow very different visions. Here, he doesn't chase contemporary twists. Instead, he embraces the time-honoured recipes many Thais grew up with – the kind you'd find at the street-side eatery – and brings them into a stylish, sit-down setting without losing their soul. Sure, the dishes might not look exactly like what you'd find at a local stall, as they're a lot more polished. But the heart of each plate is still the same. Take sai krok Isan, for example, that classic fermented pork sausage you often see sizzling on street corners across the Big Mango. Chef Lek gives it an upgrade by using fragrant garlic from Phetchaburi and top-quality jasmine rice from Sisaket. It's served with all the familiar sides such as fresh cabbage, ginger, peanuts and herbs – just the way you remember it, only a little more dressed up. When it comes to Thai classics, you just can't skip curry. And chef Lek doesn't disappoint. You'll find tom kha gai made with tender Korat free-range chicken in a rich coconut and galangal broth with local mushrooms, fragrant Bang Chang dried chili and a sprinkle of fresh coriander on top. Then there's moo palo, a slow-braised pork belly stew made with kurobuta and served with an organic duck egg. The broth is deeply aromatic, thanks to Jim Thompson's signature seven-spice blend, with black and green cardamom adding that warm, lingering depth. To finish the meal, there's a good selection of desserts to choose from. But the bread with ice cream and Thai red syrup is worth trying. It's soft bread topped with the homemade 'ice cream of the day' and drizzled with sweet, sticky red syrup. It's such a simple treat, but it brings back those sweet childhood memories. Overall, Jim's Terrace One Bangkok offers a welcoming setting for sharing meals with family or loved ones. However, for those unaccustomed to spicy food, it's worth noting that the menu remains faithful to traditional tastes. Guests with a low spice tolerance may wish to proceed with caution.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Jaecoo J7 Phev signals strong shift towards hybrid mobility in Malaysia
OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia is witnessing a marked rise in public confidence surrounding the transition to new energy mobility, with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) emerging as a practical solution for consumers navigating range anxiety and reliability concerns. Central to this momentum is the successful introduction of the JAECOO J7 PHEV, launched in February 2025, which has rapidly gained traction in the local market. Positioned as a benchmark in the premium off-road SUV segment, the J7 PHEV integrates cutting-edge performance with a highly competitive pricing and warranty structure. Within just four months of its debut, over 800 units have been registered in Malaysia—a significant milestone reflecting the growing acceptance of hybrid technology in a traditionally internal combustion engine-dominated landscape. Equipped with OMODA | JAECOO's proprietary Super Hybrid System (SHS), the J7 PHEV offers a seamless blend of electric and fuel-powered efficiency. On a full tank and a fully charged battery, the SUV can cover more than 1,300 kilometres based on NEDC standards. The vehicle also boasts a class-leading all-electric range of 106 kilometres, catering to urban commuters seeking emission-free mobility within city limits, while ensuring extended travel capabilities for longer journeys. Emily Lek, Vice President of OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia, described the J7 PHEV as a segment leader in both innovation and practicality. She emphasised the importance of continuous consumer education regarding hybrid systems, particularly as awareness remains in its early stages within Malaysia. To that end, the company has initiated PHEV familiarisation sessions designed to support customers throughout their ownership experience. The brand's commitment to customer engagement was underscored during a recent handover event celebrating the delivery of 100 units to early adopters. Lek reaffirmed the company's dedication to supporting its growing user base, recognising these initial owners as vital ambassadors for the brand's push into electrified mobility. Among those celebrating their transition to hybrid ownership was Manivannan Manickam, who shared that the J7 PHEV has been a reliable and comfortable option for his family, eliminating frequent fuel stops and aligning perfectly with his lifestyle needs. Similarly, Singaporean owner Ian Chan undertook a cross-border journey to attend the community event in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting the model's long-range capability and the growing regional interest in hybrid mobility solutions. Fellow driver Andy Wong also praised the vehicle's design, features, and smooth drive, noting the educational value of the event in helping owners maximise their vehicle's efficiency. Beyond performance, the JAECOO J7 PHEV has set new benchmarks for safety and technological advancement in its category. Its hybrid powertrain delivers a total output of 341hp and 525 Nm of torque, supported by intelligent drive modes that let users choose between fuel efficiency or high-powered driving. Even in a power-depleted state, the vehicle achieves a remarkable fuel consumption of just 4.77 litres per 100 km. Priced at RM158,800, the J7 PHEV features comprehensive safety systems including Level 2.5 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), eight airbags, a Driver Monitoring System, Lane Departure Prevention, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Built for resilience in Malaysia's tropical climate, the SUV is equipped with an 18.3 kWh LFP battery engineered to withstand high temperatures and flooding, ensuring year-round dependability. With strong early demand and a growing community of hybrid adopters, the JAECOO J7 PHEV marks a significant step forward in Malaysia's clean mobility evolution. OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia remains focused on accelerating this transition, positioning the brand at the forefront of the country's emerging hybrid vehicle market.
