Latest news with #Leow
New Straits Times
29-07-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
'Thorn' to be wild: Penang durian farmer, 'Father of Black Thorn', bags Datukship
KUALA LUMPUR: The Black Thorn, or Or Chee – a durian variety prized for its exceptional flavour – has earned a Penang farmer a Datukship. Renowned durian grower Datuk Leow Cheok Kiang was conferred the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), which carries the title 'Datuk', in recognition of his pivotal role in promoting the Black Thorn durian in Penang and across Malaysia. He officially received the honour at Dewan Sri Pinang yesterday, in conjunction with the 84th birthday celebration of Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak. Leow expressed surprise and gratitude at the recognition, saying: "I didn't expect it. I'm just a small farmer planting Black Thorn durians, and to be recognised like this – it's a great honour." Now 65, Leow began working in the durian trade at the age of eight, under his father's guidance. He manages several farms and sells more than ten durian varieties – including Musang King, Red Prawn, and D14 – but says Black Thorn remains his "crown jewel" and best-seller. Leow shared that his fruits, particularly from older trees, continue to attract customers from all over the world. "My Black Thorn is well-known for its sweetness and quality. Even without much promotion, word of mouth has brought in loyal customers," he said, adding that the variety has been patented and registered with a recognised identification number. Although considering expansion – including opening a new branch in Penang – Leow remains grounded despite the honour. "Durian farming today is more challenging with climate change and pests. Expansion requires care, good manpower and the right conditions," he said. Despite growing competition from other varieties like Musang King and Tupai King, Leow is confident in Black Thorn's standing. "Different people have different tastes. The market will decide, but I believe in letting the fruit speak for itself." He also downplayed using his new Datuk title for promotional purposes. "Earning a Datukship is nice, but I want the durian to be the focus." Leow expressed thanks to the Penang state government for the recognition and to his loyal customers for their support. "It's been a long journey, and I've been blessed with good people around me. I just want everyone to enjoy good durians and be happy."
The Star
28-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Father of Black Thorn durian recognised with Datukship
Big contribution: Leow showing the World Durian Championship Trophy at Dewan Sri Pinang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star GEORGE TOWN: The prized bittersweet Black Thorn durian, known as Orh Chi in Hokkien, originated in a modest orchard in Lima Kongsi near Sungai Jawi nearly four decades ago. It was there that Datuk Leow Cheok Kiang, 65, grafted a hybrid between a local durian tree and an unidentified Thai variety on his father's land – an innovation that earned him a datukship yesterday. 'It took almost 30 years for the trees to produce quality fruits,' he said. In 2011, Leow submitted his Black Thorn durian to Penang's Annual Fruit Competition, in which it secured second place. The following three years, it won first prize, gaining international recognition and was eventually registered as D200 with the Agriculture Department in 2014. Today, Black Thorn rivals Musang King in prestige, with demand growing in China, Indonesia and other export markets. In recognition of his contribution to agriculture, Leow was awarded the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri, which carries the title Datuk, during the 84th birthday celebration of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib at Dewan Sri Pinang yesterday. Leow, who now manages orchards in Sungai Baung, Junjung and Relau in Seberang Perai, was joined by his family at the ceremony. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and former Jawi assemblyman Soon Lip Chee praised him as a symbol of innovation and perseverance in farming. The ceremony also saw Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz receiving the Darjah Panglima Pangkuan Negeri, which carries the Datuk Seri title. Tengku Zafrul thanked Penang for the honour and gave his assurance that the ministry would continue working to position the state as an investment and commercial hub. 'I'm thankful to the Penang government for this award and am glad to have brought pride to Penang,' he said. This year, 1,530 people received state honours, medals and awards. From that group, 150 were presented state titles while 1,380 were conferred the Stars and Medals of Honour.
Focus Malaysia
17-07-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
SMI courts more CG controversy with re-appt of director who was ‘rejected' a month ago
PROPERTY developer South Malaysia Industries Bhd (SMI) which is facing backlash over shareholder rights and corporate governance (CG) practices is now embroiled in a controversy surrounding its e re-appointment of Latifah Abdul Latiff as the company's independent non-executive director (INED). This follows the company's 53rd annual general meeting (AGM) on June 25 whereby SMI had an unprecedented all four resolutions proposed by its current board of directors 'rejected and voted down', including that of Latifah's re-election, prompting her resignation on the same day. According to a Bursa Malaysia filing dated July 15, the 64-year-old former Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd senior vice president/business banking head was appointed to her old INED role which she failed to seek re-election effective that day. However, it was understood that proxies representing three major shareholders – Target 1 Sdn Bhd, Honsin Apparel Sdn Bhd and HIQ Media (M) Sdn Bhd – who collectively hold 50.05% of SMI's shares were unhappy with Latifah's re-appointment. After all, the trio had been instrumental in ensuring a decisive rejection of Latifah who had offered herself for re-election during last month's SMI AGM. For the record, the other three rejected resolutions included: The re-appointment of Messrs UHY Malaysia PLT as auditors of SMI until the conclusion of its next AGM; Approving directors' fees and benefits of up to RM350,000 to non-executive directors of the company and subsidiaries; and Authority to allot and issue shares in general pursuant to Sections 75 and 76 of the Companies Act 2016. Similar trend last year 'This incident mirrors a similar situation earlier on March 27, 2024 during which shareholders had rejected the re-election of executive director Leow Thang Fong who also resigned on the same day as the AGM following this rejection,' a market observer told FocusM on condition of anonymity. 'Yet, in a highly questionable move, the board re-appointed Leow as CEO barely a month later on May 1, 2024.' The market observer contended that Latifah's and Leow's re-appointments have raised serious questions about SMI's adherence to the fundamental CG principles and the board's respect for shareholder decisions. 'Such practices could significantly undermine shareholder confidence and damage the integrity of Malaysia's capital market,' he justified. 'Given the importance of maintaining strong CG standards and protecting shareholder interests, we believe that a scrutiny by the relevant market regulators – namely, Bursa Malaysia and the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) – into these developments is warranted.' At the close of today's (July 17) market trading, SMI was unchanged at 31 sen with no transaction done while its market capitalisation stood at RM65 mil. – July 17, 2025
The Star
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Playtime meets nostalgia at 80th celebration
(From left) Leow, Ariksoy, Liau and Kung launching Mattel's 80th anniversary bash in Pavilion Bukit Jalil, featuring interactive experiences that showcase the brand's beloved toys. MATTEL'S 80th anniversary celebration, the 'All Play All Day' event is now lighting up Pavilion Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur – just in time for the school holidays. In conjunction with the milestone, families are invited to step into a world built entirely on the joy and nostalgia of toys, with the event running until June 8. 'I immediately freed up my time to bring my daughter after finding out that this event would be held today. She has been smiling the whole time, enjoying the experience. 'As a mother, this is what I want her to feel,' said Zhao Danging, 37, a mother from Beijing who has lived in Bukit Jalil for the past 10 years. Zhao was among many parents who brought their children to explore the event's various interactive zones. The mall's space has been transformed into a vibrant toyland featuring themed zones for Barbie, Hot Wheels, Thomas & Friends, and Fisher-Price. The Hot Wheels toy area is popular among youths, with enthusiasts crowding this spot as soon as it opened. The event was launched by Pavilion REIT Management deputy chief executive officer Patrick Liau, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur marketing director Kung Suan Ai, Mattel South Asia manager Murat Ariksoy and Toys 'R' Us Malaysia sales and merchandising senior manager Leow Fei Na. Following the launch, they guided visitors through the themed zones, interacting with children and their families along the way. Each area offers a unique experience: a 360-degree photo booth and pink bubble pool in the Barbie Zone; die-cast cars racing through loops and tracks in the Hot Wheels Zone; and the T-Rex Smasher game, which tests speed and accuracy. In the Mattel All Games Zone, families can also enjoy oversized versions of Scrabble, UNO and Pictionary for a more relaxed gaming experience. Children received activity passports to collect stamps across five different zones. Those who completed the games and challenges were rewarded with small themed gifts. 'This is something special as today is the first Mattel celebration in Malaysia,' said Kung. 'With over 600 stores here, we are committed to creating great holiday experiences for not only children, but also for the entire family. 'Everyone is invited to join us here in Pavilion Bukit Jalil from 10am to 10pm daily,' she added. Shoppers who spend RM60 on Mattel items can redeem exclusive anniversary collectibles. Meanwhile, those spending RM150 mall-wide in a single receipt are entitled to a Barbie Surprise Lollipop or a Hot Wheels Blind Box, while stocks last.
Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Singapore Open golf tourney returns after three years with US$2 million prize purse
(From left) Cho Minn Thant, Asian Tour commissioner and chief executive; Huang Jie, Guizhou Moutai Chiew chairman; Singapore Golf Association president Tan Chong Huat; and SGA vice-president Ivan Chua at a signing ceremony for the event. PHOTO: ASIAN TOUR SINGAPORE – Golf's Singapore Open, the national men's professional competition, will return to the Republic when it tees off at the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) from Nov 6 to 9. Last played in 2022, the Singapore Open will be sanctioned by the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) and Asian Tour, with Kweichow Moutai, a Chinese liquor company, coming on board as the new title sponsor in 2025. Staged at the SICC's New Course, the Moutai Singapore Open will offer a prize purse of US$2 million (S$2.59 million) – an increase from the US$1.25 million for the 2022 edition – as one of 10 events on the International Series. The International Series, which was launched in 2022, provides a pathway to the LIV Golf League. Singaporean professional golfer James Leow welcomed the return of the event, which the 28-year-old has watched as a spectator and played in four times. The 2019 SEA Games gold medallist said: 'It's nice to have the event back after three years – everyone is constantly asking about it and it's such a special event. 'It has a long history and has had many big golfing stars competing in it and winning it... It's also the part that it's a life-changing dream for all the professionals and aspiring professionals.' Inaugurated in 1961, the Singapore Open was part of Asia's very first professional golf circuit, which comprised a handful of tournaments in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia and Japan. It became a fixture on the Australasian Tour for three seasons from 1993, before it joined the Asian Tour in 1996. The event was co-sanctioned with the European Tour from 2009 to 2012, and later with the Japan Golf Tour from 2016 to 2022, which marked its most recent edition. Past champions of the tournament include Australia's former world No. 1 Adam Scott (2005, 2006, 2010) and 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia (2018) from Spain. With the tournament part of the International Series this year, Leow relishes testing himself against the best on the Asian Tour and LIV Golf League. 'With the International Series, which are the elevated events on the Asian Tour, there's more prize money, the winner gets more ranking points, and you're competing against a deeper field of players including the LIV guys,' said world No. 1,417 Leow, who currently has full status on China Tour and Asian Development Tour, and conditional status on the Asian Tour. 'It'll be a test to see where I'm at and as a competitor and athlete, we aim to win when we tee it up so that's the goal.' This year's edition will return to the venue where the tournament was first played in 1961 until 1987. The last edition of the event, which was won by Thailand's Sadom Kaewkanjana, took place at Sentosa Golf Club. It also adds to a vibrant golf calendar in Singapore this year, which includes the LIV Singapore in May and the World Amateur Team Championships that will take place in October. Singapore Golf Association (SGA) president Tan Chong Huat said: 'The Singapore Open is about to embark on an exciting new cycle and we are looking forward to working with our partners, the Asian Tour and Kweichow Moutai, to continue the legacy of our national open. 'Our National Open is one of Singapore's premier sporting events, and we are overjoyed it is returning to the calendar later this year with a dynamic new title sponsor at one of the country's most acclaimed golfing venues, Singapore Island Country Club.' The Singapore Open is part of the closing stretch of the 2025 Asian Tour season, which concludes with the Dec 10-13 Saudi Open. Cho Minn Thant, the Asian Tour's commissioner and chief executive, said: 'The Singapore Open is an integral part of Asian Tour history and one of our most-prized tournaments – so we are thrilled it is returning to our schedule later this year. 'The story of the Singapore Open runs in parallel with that of the Tour's and, in many respects, we have grown hand in hand… 'With it set to be staged during the all-important closing stretch of the season, our members and fans in the region can look forward to a memorable climax.' Kimberly Kwek joined The Straits Times in 2019 as a sports journalist and has since covered a wide array of sports, including golf and sailing. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
