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Free Malaysia Today
20-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
This coffee shop called ‘Ono' ranks among the world's best
While Ono is known for its coffee and matcha beverages, the food here is equally good. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA : Tucked away in the heart of SS2, Ono Specialty Coffee & Matcha isn't just another café with clean lines and photogenic lattes – it's an experience that stirs all the senses. From the moment you step through its large glass doors, you're greeted by the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee mingling with the earthy scent of ceremonial-grade matcha. The space is alive with vibrant chatter. The interior is dressed in warm wood, soft concrete tones, and golden sunlight that spills in like a spotlight on every crafted drink. It's the kind of place where time slows down and every sip feels deliberate. Behind this serene yet vibrant space, which opened in December 2021, are three visionaries: Shaun Liew, two-time Malaysia Brewers Cup Champion; Kent Wong, master roaster; and Syun Hattori, founder of Niko Neko Matcha. Their shared obsession with precision and quality is evident in every detail. For its innovative blend of flavours, Ono ranked ninth on The World's 100 Best Coffee Shops. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) And the world has noticed – Ono recently ranked ninth on The World's 100 Best Coffee Shops, and second in Southeast Asia, putting this quiet gem on the global coffee map. 'We didn't think we stood a chance! But when they announced we were ranked ninth, we couldn't believe it. We were very, very proud. And after we received the award, our business boomed,' Liew shared with FMT Lifestyle. But fame hasn't made Ono flashy. The vibe here is calm. Baristas move with precision, matcha is whisked with intention, and the drinks? They don't just quench a craving – they tell a story. Whether you're a seasoned coffee connoisseur or simply looking for a quiet corner to lose yourself in a cup, Ono offers something rare: a café that truly honours the craft. The spicy crustacean pasta brings the heat, and delivers a fresh oceanic punch. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) Take 'When Two Worlds Collide', for instance. A striking visual of matcha cream suspended over carbonated Ethiopian cold brew, this drink is a quiet rebellion against the ordinary latte. You're told not to stir it. Instead, you tilt the glass and let the layers naturally blend – first the mellow wave of matcha cream, then the sharp spritz of the cold brew. You would think these two flavours make strange bedfellows, but they don't. For something sunnier, 'Kaika' is your glass of summer. It's a dazzling blend of aerocano-brewed Ethiopian coffee, white peach, ume, passionfruit, mango, and lime – topped with soda water and crowned with rosemary and edible petals. This beverage is tart, sweet, sparkling, and sophisticated all at once. The coffee lingers in the background, giving just enough body without overtaking the fruit-forward medley. 'Kajyu-En', on the other hand, is like 'drinking' a fruit salad in the best way possible. Bold strawberry leads the charge, followed by lychee, rose syrup, lime, and a fizzy soda lift. The matcha gently blends with the fruity flavour profile. It's refreshingly light, and delightfully easy to sip – perfect for anyone seeking a non-caffeinated treat with character. The baristas at Ono pay close attention to ensure your drinks are made with precision. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) And the food? It holds its own with just as much finesse. The chicken parmigiana sando is a savoury heavyweight – juicy karaage hugged by crisp shokupan, layered with garlic basil mayo, tangy coulis, and a hint of apple crunch. Paired with umami fries and seaweed mayo, it's comfort food with a clever twist. For bolder cravings, the spicy crustacean pasta delivers a fiery kick. Packed with clams, chilli crab meat, and crunchy tobikko (fish roe), it's a briny, spicy delight that punches hard and lingers well. This is the kind of dish that satisfies with both flavour and flair. To end on a sweet note, the signature matcha and coffee tiramisu is a dream in green and cream. Light, creamy, and generously dusted in matcha, it's subtly sweet, beautifully balanced, and almost too good to share Ultimately, whether you're sipping, snacking, or savouring, Ono delivers a menu that surprises and delights – each item a thoughtful celebration of balance, creativity, and craft. Ono Specialty Coffee & Matcha 47, Jalan SS 2/30 SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya Selangor Business hours: 10.30am-6pm For location, click here. Follow Ono Specialty Coffee & Matcha on Instagram.
Free Malaysia Today
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Free Malaysia Today
Get a real kick out of the all-new Nissan KICKS e-POWER
Christiansen Ng and Irene Cho have fallen in love with their Nissan KICKS e-POWER electrified vehicles. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA : Like many Malaysian drivers, finance analyst Irene Cho had never been behind the wheel of an electrified vehicle before. When she heard, however, that the all-new Nissan KICKS e-POWER electrified compact SUV had hit the local market in December, she decided to check it out. Stopping by an Edaran Tan Chong Motors outlet, Cho gave the vehicle a test drive – and fell in love with it immediately. 'It felt very powerful, and the price was reasonable, so I decided to take it. I'm involved with an NGO, and just a few days after getting the car, I had to go from Kuala Lumpur to Perlis for a project. I had a very, very good drive!' Cho told FMT Lifestyle. Equipped with Nissan's second-generation e-POWER system, this new SUV offers a thrilling and efficient drive, perfect for those trying out electric mobility for the first time. The revolutionary new vehicle combines style and sustainability, offering drivers remarkable 21.7km/l fuel efficiency at estimated distances of 900km per full tank. The vehicle is fully electric-motor-driven, with a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine that acts as a generator for its lithium-ion battery. This means the Nissan KICKS e-POWER never needs to be charged externally. Its innovative e-Pedal Step also allows drivers to accelerate and decelerate with a single pedal, with a unique regenerative braking system employed to help charge its battery. The interior of the Nissan KICKS e-POWER boasts style and comfort. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) All this equates to a smoother driving experience – something Christiansen Ng has definitely been enjoying. The KL-based banker revealed that the Nissan KICKS e-POWER's pleasant handling once helped him stay cool-headed through a five-hour traffic jam during the festive season. 'It goes very smoothly around corners. With previous cars, my mother used to get motion sickness. But with this car, she doesn't,' Ng shared. Both Cho and Ng expressed admiration over how silent the Nissan KICKS e-POWER is. Even at highway speeds, the vehicle seems engineered for serenity, gliding like a cloud over most types of terrain. This is thanks to an extensive use of insulative materials in its engine system. They also liked having the option to switch between multiple driving modes – ECO, SPORT, STANDARD, and EV – each subtly shifting how the car behaves. It's not just about performance, but about giving the driver a bit more say in how the journey unfolds. Christiansen Ng is fond of Nissan's 360˚Safety Technology, especially its Autonomous Braking System. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) Road safety is also a top priority for car buyers today, and this demand is clearly reflected in the design of the Nissan KICKS e-POWER. The stylish vehicle comes with a plethora of advanced safety features aimed to provide users with peace of mind. The Nissan KICKS e-POWER boasts a five-star Asean NCAP rating, the highest level of safety evaluation. This is thanks to features such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Intelligent Driver Awareness, Blind Spot Warning, and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning. 'I like Nissan's 360˚Safety Technology,' Ng said. 'There were times when there were cars that braked unexpectedly in front of me, and it was lucky I had the Autonomous Braking System. It started beeping to warn me. I'm very happy because it helped prevent what could have been an accident.' As for Cho, her favourite feature is the Intelligent Rear View Mirror. This mounted 2MP camera with a high-resolution display offers drivers wide, reflection-free views of what's behind the vehicle through clear, flicker-free images. The Nissan KICKS e-POWER's Intelligent Rear View Mirror helps Cho feel safe and secure on the road. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) 'I find this very useful when going down Malaysian highways; it helps me prepare for the unpredictable. With this mirror, I can see what's behind me very clearly. It helps me feel safer,' Cho said. Other highlights include its 7-inch (17.8cm) full-colour driver instrument display, a D-shaped flat-bottom steering wheel with multifunction controls, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch (20.3cm) touchscreen offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Nissan KICKS e-POWER comes in two variants: VL and VLT. Colour options are Brilliant White Pearl, Sunrise Orange, Red Pearl, Brilliant Silver and Black Star. For those looking to make a bolder statement, the VLT variant adds a touch of flair with two-tone options featuring a Super Black roof, along with an exclusive Dark Metal Grey body colour. Prices begin at RM113,800, making this a compelling entry point into the world of electrified driving with a sporty edge. To learn more about the Nissan KICKS e-POWER, a visit to your nearest showroom – or a quick chat with someone who's driven one – might offer the kind of insight you won't find in a brochure.
Free Malaysia Today
25-04-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
The Teoh sisters: two vets healing animals every day
Sisters in scrubs: Dr Teoh Kah Ying (right) and Dr Teoh Kah Yong are on a mission to improve the lives of animals. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA : When they were young, sisters Dr Teoh Kah Ying and Dr Teoh Kah Yong witnessed a heartbreaking act of cruelty: a group of youngsters spinning a pregnant cat in a net, round and round, before throwing her on the ground. Horrified, the sisters screamed at them to stop. 'Our cousins tried to pull us back, worried we might get hurt, but at that moment, our fear didn't matter,' Kah Ying told FMT Lifestyle. That moment, they shared, was likely the first time they had stood up so boldly for an animal – and it wasn't the last time. 'We always hoped to be on the frontlines, helping animals,' added Kah Ying, 30. Today, that dream has become a reality: both sisters are veterinarians and together, they run Furkids Wellness Centre, a veterinary clinic in Petaling Jaya. Here, they treat pets – and strays – offering the same standard of care to every patient, along with discounted rates to independent rescuers and NGOs. Kah Ying tenderly cares for Sofi, a sweet, paralysed cat. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) 'We also collaborate with several NGOs, such as Filbert's Foundation for Furry Friends (F5) and Animals Kindness Coalition, which bring in animals monthly for neutering under the trap-neuter-release (TNR) programme,' said Kah Yong, 28. 'Our initial plan was for the clinic to operate almost entirely as a TNR clinic, dedicating only a couple of days to general consultations while reserving the rest of the week purely for TNR surgeries,' added Kah Yong. However, financial realities set in and although they can't devote most of their time exclusively to TNR procedures, they're still making a significant impact. So far, they have successfully neutered 1,127 rescued dogs and cats since starting the clinic in 2023 – not including the many other rescue cases they've treated along the way. It's certainly a meaningful achievement for the sisters, considering how shy they both once were: growing up, they would rather point at items on a menu than speak to the waiter when ordering food! The siblings are making a difference in the lives of animals who cannot speak for themselves. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) Their love for animals came naturally. Growing up, it was normal for their family members to feed strays when eating out. This deep-seated compassion for animals in need carries through in their work today. Among those who found a second chance at their clinic is Louie, a dog with kidney cancer who had been living in constant pain. 'In the past, we might have only been able to offer palliative care for such cases. But thanks to the advancements in soft tissue surgery, we were able to perform a nephrectomy – the removal of the affected kidney,' said Kah Yong. It was Kah Yong's first time performing the procedure, which took about four hours, and it was a success. Today, handsome Louie is thriving. 'I'm so proud of her,' said Kah Ying with a smile. Kah Yong with Louie, who is doing well after a successful nephrectomy to remove a cancerous kidney. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) Still, the humble duo acknowledge that they're not perfect, and they're grateful for the support of their team. It's a sentiment that aligns with the theme of World Veterinary Day this year, which highlights the importance of teamwork in veterinary care. 'From veterinarians to veterinarian nurses, support staff, front desk personnel, assistants and cleaners, everyone plays a crucial role in this industry,' said Kah Ying. 'They're all doing the best for animals, and it's not just us,' Kah Ying added. Indeed, the two girls who once couldn't even muster the courage to order food in a restaurant have come a long way to make lives better for animals. 'For me, it's a joy to share this journey with my sister. It's a mix of laughter, blessings, long hours and learning to better understand each other's strengths and weaknesses. We keep each other grounded in our shared vision of helping animals,' said Kah Ying. 'What keeps us going, apart from our love for animals, is each other,' added Kah Yong. Learn more about Furkids Wellness Centre on Instagram.
Free Malaysia Today
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Free Malaysia Today
Team M'sia, world stacking champs, gear up to defend their crown
Sport stacking is a global sport that's especially popular among schoolchildren. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle). KUALA LUMPUR : At first glance, it might seem like child's play – stacking plastic cups on a table? But don't be fooled. Known as sport stacking, this highly competitive and addictive sport is played by over 700,000 people in over 50 countries. What started as a trend in California in the 1980s has exploded worldwide, becoming a school-based sport. And the big surprise? Malaysia holds the No. 1 ranking as well as several world records. FMT Lifestyle witnessed the Malaysian stackers in action during their training in KL Gateway Mall. So, how does it work? This sport is all about lightning-fast hands and laser-sharp focus. The goal is simple – stack up and stack down as quickly as you can. Competitions feature various events with different cup formations, such as the 3-3-3 and 3-6-3 stacks, with the cycle event adding a more complex 1-10-1 formation. Fun fact: Stacking cups are specially designed with a hole at the bottom to optimise airflow. This Malaysian team of stackers is heading to Switzerland for the international championship on April 27. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle) Chan Keng Ian of Malaysia, currently studying in the UK, holds the No. 1 global ranking in sport stacking. He's a five-time world champion and a two-time Guinness World Records holder. Together with Woo Xin Yi, Chan also set the doubles cycle world record at 5.603 seconds in 2024. Malaysia currently boasts seven national stackers ranked in the global top 20 – but it wasn't always this way. Lim Joon Tatt, president of the World Sport Stacking Association Malaysia says his team has come a long way and are skilled stackers today. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle) Lim Joon Tatt, president of the World Sport Stacking Association Malaysia, spoke to FMT Lifestyle about their rollercoaster journey. 'We had very bad results in 2016, in Korea, at the Asian Championships. We sent many participants to Korea, and almost all of us failed,' he revealed. But in the years that followed, they turned the tables completely and have sustained their winning streak till today. 'After 2016, we set a target. As Malaysian stackers, we wanted to build up year by year. After three years, in 2019, we went to the Asian Championships in China, and won overall champion. We have continued this result until now.' Lim explained that he was first introduced to the sport in the US, before bringing it to Malaysia in 2007. After winning a tournament in Singapore the following year, he saw its potential and began introducing it to Malaysian schools as a co-curricular activity. More than 300 stackers from across Malaysia gathered for a national competition at i-City Mall recently. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle). 'At first, stacking had a bad image. People thought it was a magic trick, where you try to figure out which cup is hiding the object,' he shared. 'At first, only two or three schools in Malaysia accepted stacking. Many said no,' Lim recalled. However today, the sport is enjoyed by kids of all ages, including those with special needs. Brandon Low, currently ranked 20th in the world, shared how his journey with stacking began in Standard 4. 'I saw one of my classmates stacking and I got really curious about it. He introduced me to the cup stacking classes going on in our school. I joined immediately, got a stack of cups and started practising at home.' The 22-year-old also revealed: 'The starting journey was quite challenging because my parents were opposed to me stacking.' Why? 'It's quite noisy.' But his results spoke for themselves, and Low never looked back. In fact, he said that beyond the cups themselves, it's the tight-knit community of stackers that keeps him going. 'I want people to become united with a sport, and perhaps cup stacking is one of them.' With several Malaysian stackers ranked in the world's top 20, hopes are high the team will win the international championship in Switzerland on April 27. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle). Just two weeks before the 2025 World Sport Stacking Championship in Switzerland, a national competition held at i-City Mall brought together around 300 stackers from across Malaysia – from Penang to as far as Sabah. With the international championship set for April 27, Malaysia is gearing up to defend its title as reigning champion. Woo, record holder and currently the No. 3 female stacker in the world, has her sights set high. 'For this year, I'm aiming to be overall No.1 for the whole championship,' said the 18-year-old. So watch closely – the clock's ticking, the cups are ready and Malaysia's stacking for glory. Find out more at the WSSA website and follow WSSA Malaysia on Facebook.
