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BBC News
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Jimmy Choo's well-heeled guide to Kuala Lumpur
His shoes ignited a worldwide sartorial revolution, but he hangs his hat in KL. Here are his top hometown experiences, from enjoying street food to designing your own bespoke suit. Home to the Petronas Twin towers and one of the world's most recognisable skylines, the Malaysian capital has evolved over the last four decades from a modest metropolis known for its charming colonial architecture to a thriving, ultra-modern city. "Many years ago, when I came to Kuala Lumpur for the first time, it wasn't as modern," says legendary shoe designer Jimmy Choo, who hails from Penang, an island on Malaysia's north-western coast. "It has changed a lot. There are now lots of high-rise apartments and hotels and it's a lot more multicultural." The perennially fashionable Choo, who splits his time between London and Kuala Lumpur where he owns a penthouse apartment a stone's throw from the Petronas Towers in the upmarket KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) neighbourhood, says the city has also become a major destination for fashion fans on the hunt for high-end bargains. "A lot of people come here to shop because we have a lot of designer shops and the prices are not too high," he says. "Whether you want to buy shoes, bags, accessories – you can get them all in KL." If your budget won't stretch to luxury labels, Choo recommends seeking out homegrown talents. "Malaysia has a lot of local designers who have been very well trained overseas," he says. "They go to study fashion in places like the UK or Australia, then when they've finished their studies, they often come back to their own country to promote their designs." Beyond retail therapy, the cosmopolitan city is famous for mouthwatering street food from all corners of Asia and plentiful people-watching opportunities at fancy rooftop bars, where you can show off your designer finery while sipping an ice-cold cocktail. Here are Choo's favourite places for shopping, dining and drinking in the incredible views of Kuala Lumpur. 1. Best for bespoke fashion: Lord's Tailor Founded in 1974 by designer Robert Loh, Lord's Tailor specialises in custom suits for men and women and is beloved by many of Malaysia's most stylish celebrities. "It was recently the 50th anniversary of the designer Robert, who learned tailoring and design in London," says Choo, a loyal customer since the 1990s. "Whenever I travel to different parts of the world, they will design all my outfits – daywear and evening wear." Providing exceptional sartorial skills at a fraction of the Savile Row price, the atelier's team of tailors and seamstresses can whip up a bespoke or made-to-measure suit in a matter of days. "They have their own factory, and all the staff have been very well trained," Choo says. "If you go on a Monday for the measurements, they will have everything ready by Wednesday or Thursday to bring home." How much will a Lord's Tailor suit set you back? "It depends on the fabric you choose," says Choo. "Prices start at around 3,000 ringgit (around £515) for a jacket and trousers with one shirt, going up to 10,000 ringgit (around £1,750) if you choose Italian fabric." Website: F18 & F19, 1st floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285 Jalan MaarofPhone: +6 017 670 7217Instagram: @lordstailor/ 2. Best for designer shopping: Pavilion shopping centre A fashionista's paradise, glitzy Pavilion shopping centre is where you'll find the flagship stores of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior and Hermès alongside high street favourites like Zara and COS. "Pavilion has got a lot of different brands so there's something to suit every budget," Choo says. "For example, if you want to spend £30 on a shirt or trousers, or if you want to spend thousands and thousands on those higher-level designers." To sample Malaysian style, try cool handbag brand Sembonia, trendy plus-size fashion pioneer Ms. Read, or Fipper, which sells rubber flip-flops in a vast array of colours. And if you've exhausted your options at Pavilion, pop over the road to another of Choo's favourite retail hotspots, The Starhill, a luxurious shopping centre home to the world's biggest watch gallery. Website: 168 Jalan Bukit BintangPhone: +6 032 118 8833 3. Best for sartorial souvenirs: Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex Showcasing Malaysian handicraft techniques, the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex is a series of buildings in the Terengganu style with gabled roofs and intricate wood carvings and features a museum where visitors can see how traditional textiles are woven and dyed. "Batik is hand-painted and uses wax to create the designs," Choo explains. "Songket comes in lots of different colours and has the gold and silver thread woven through. It's quite expensive because it takes some time to weave by hand." Typically worn on formal occasions, a songket outfit usually comprises a baju kurung long-sleeved shirt, a sarong or trousers, a sampin decorative scarf around the waist and a songkok cap for men. "Usually when I'm attending my birthday event I wear songket because one of my students designs with songket material," Choo says. "It's common at Malaysian weddings as well. When government people go to functions, they usually wear batik." Travellers can purchase songket and batik fabric as well as readymade garments and accessories in the Karyaneka Boutique at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex. Website: Section 63, Jalan ConlayPhone: +6 032 162 7459Instagram: @kraftanganmalaysia 4. Best for local delicacies: Petaling Street Market To refuel after all that shopping, cheap – and delicious – eats are just a five-minute taxi ride from the city's major shopping centres to Chinatown; namely, Petaling Street Market. Reflecting Kuala Lumpur's history as a trading hub since the 6th Century, the market features a blend of Malay, Indian, and Chinese cuisine with hints of Arab, Thai and Portuguese flavours to boot. Choo lists his favourite Petaling Street eats: "I love char kway teow [stir-fried flat noodles], Hainanese chicken with rice, roti canai [flaky Malaysian flatbread], nasi lemak [rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves served with chilli paste, anchovies and boiled egg], and nasi kandar, which is chicken with spicy curry sauce." For dessert, he suggests sniffing out a helping of durian, the divisive yellow-fleshed fruit with a spiky exterior and a distinctive aroma. "Some people like it, some don't," says Choo. "They say it smells like cheese or something like that. But you cannot bring it back to the hotel, they won't allow it because it smells so strong!" Address: Jalan Petaling, City Centre 5. Best for cityscape views: WET Deck While many of Kuala Lumpur's rooftop bars look down on the city, WET Deck at the W Hotel is situated on the 12th floor, meaning the neighbouring Petronas Twin Towers provide a dramatic and glittering backdrop when night falls. "If I want to have a drink and some good western or Malay food, I normally go to W Hotel bar," Choo says. "You can sit by the swimming pool and see the Twin Towers right in front of you. It's a place you can relax and take some nice pictures. You can see the whole of KL." Choo's tipple of choice is a nod to his international lifestyle. "People in Malaysia like to drink cognac and whisky," he says. "But my favourite drink is actually a very English one; I love a lager and lime." A minimum spend of 500 ringgit (around £90) per table is required at WET Deck on Friday and Saturday nights, so choose a weeknight if you're looking for a more affordable option. Website: W Kuala Lumpur, 121 Jalan AmpangPhone: +6 012 365 4188Instagram: @wetdeckkualalumpur 6. Best for a serenity strull: KLCC Park An urban oasis nestled among the skyscrapers, KLCC Park is popular with city dwellers and tourists alike. With a jogging track, children's playground and wading pool, it's great for families, or anyone who wants a breather and a shady spot to escape the heat. "You can have a beautiful morning walk in the park or go for a run, you can see water features and birds during the day," says Choo. "And at night it's very romantic. You often see couples walking around the lake." Open from 10:00 to 22:00, with the main entrance on Jalan Ampang, the park also offers a brilliant vantage point to grab some snaps as the sun sets and the skyscrapers light up. Address: Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre BBC Travel's The SpeciaList is a series of guides to popular and emerging destinations around the world, as seen through the eyes of local experts and tastemakers. -- For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
India.com
2 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Dubai's Burj Khalifa, world's tallest building, is standing because of India, it was built using Indian...., this company supplied....
Dubai's Burj Khalifa, world's tallest building, is standing because of India, it was built using Indian...., this company supplied.... Everyone knows about Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building located in Dubai as it stands as a symbol of luxury and wealth. Owning a flat or apartment in Burj Khalifa is seen as a clear sign that someone is rich. Rising to a height of around 828 meters, it can be seen from nearly 100 kilometers away. But there are some interesting facts about Burj Khalifa that many people are not aware of. For example, which company built this massive tower? What makes it even more interesting is that the company that built it is quite famous, and though many know its name, only a few know that it also constructs buildings like this. Even more surprising is that this sky-high tower stands strong thanks to materials from India. In fact, the cooling system that helps keep this giant structure comfortable was also made by an Indian company. Who built the Burj Khalifa? The Burj Khalifa was built by Samsung C&T, a South Korean company. It is the same company that is famous worldwide for making smartphones, televisions and other electronic appliances. But apart from all this, Samsung also has a construction division called Samsung C&T, and it's this division that built the Burj Khalifa. Samsung C&T is well known for building some of the tallest and most iconic buildings in the world. Along with Burj Khalifa, this company has also worked on other famous skyscrapers like the Petronas Towers and Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, Taipei 101 in Taiwan, and the Tadawul Tower in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Their expertise in high-rise construction is recognized globally. What makes Burj Khalifa so strong? The strength of the Burj Khalifa comes mainly from the high-quality steel and concrete used in its construction. And surprisingly, a large part of the steel used in this skyscraper was supplied by India's Tata Group. Tata provided around 39,000 tonnes of steel to help build this massive structure. This steel was used to construct around 400 million square meters of flooring inside the building. Along with that, the construction also used about 330,000 cubic meters of concrete, which is equal in weight to around 100,000 elephants! These strong materials together form the solid foundation that helps the Burj Khalifa stand tall and safe.
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Al Etihad
Eid Al Adha holiday: 6 countries UAE residents can explore without visa hassles
1 June 2025 18:03 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)With Eid Al Adha just a couple of days away, planning an overseas holiday at this point may seem almost impossible - but if no visa procedures are required, enjoying the long weekend outside the country can be as easy as booking the next countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival options for holders of a UAE residency visa, allowing for hassle-free travel. ALSO READ: Eid holiday announced for public and private sectors Here are some top choices for an unforgettable Eid getaway. 1. Azerbaijan UAE residents can take advantage of Azerbaijan's visa-on-arrival option, making it an easy pick for a short holiday. The country's capital, Baku, is a blend of modern architecture and rich history. Azerbaijan is only a short flight away, with a journey time of approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes. 2. Georgia Georgia offers visa-free entry for UAE residents for up to 90 days. The country is known for its dramatic landscapes, charming towns, and rich the capital, boasts cobblestone streets, hot springs, and ancient churches. The flight to Georgia is just about 3 hours and 30 minutes, making it an accessible option for travellers from the UAE. 3. Indonesia Indonesia, a tropical paradise, offers visa on arrival for up to 30 days for nationals from eligible countries as per the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration. This archipelago, an eight-hour flight away, is home to beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes. 4. Malaysia Malaysia provides visa-free entry for up to 90 days for UAE residents, offering a diverse experience that blends modern cities with lush nature. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, is home to the iconic Petronas Towers and a thriving shopping and food an archipelago of stunning islands, offers pristine beaches. 5. Maldives For those seeking a luxurious and relaxing Eid getaway, the Maldives offers visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 for its overwater bungalows, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, the Maldives is the ultimate destination for a beach Maldives offers the perfect mix of relaxation and natural beauty. With a flight time of around four hours, it's an accessible and dreamlike destination for UAE residents. 6. Seychelles Seychelles, a tropical paradise, offers visa-free entry for up to 30 archipelago is famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and diverse wildlife. With a flight time of around four hours, Seychelles is a perfect destination for a relaxing Eid holiday. (Source: Original article)
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
Malaysia Masters Super 500: For Sathish Kumar Karunakaran, a day of many firsts at his new home as he stuns world No 7
'Living the Kuala Lumpur life,' read Sathish Kumar Karunakaran's Instagram caption as he posed for a photograph with the Petronas Towers in the background. This was in May 2024, shortly after he had made the move to Malaysia to find a launchpad for his badminton career by training under coach Jivananthan Nair. Just over a year later, May 21, 2025, was a day of many firsts for Sathish. His family was in attendance to watch him in action at the Axiata Arena. He was facing a top-10 player for the first time on the BWF World Tour. And in the round of 32 against third seed Chou Tien Chen, Sathish registered the first big breakthrough win of his career, which has seen him shift cities and then countries in search of that elusive push. Fittingly, at his home away from home. 'I'm feeling pretty good because I wanted a breakthrough win for a long time. And finally, it happened,' the 24-year-old told The Indian Express after his impressive 21-13, 21-14 win against world No. 7 Chou. 'This is the first tournament that my entire family is there to watch. Parents, brother, sister-in-law. They are very happy with the hard work we've put in, even as a family, and they have trusted me completely. It was quite emotional.' #MalaysiaMastersSuper500 Sathish Kumar Karunakaran! What a huge win for the Indian world No 51 as he beats world No 7 and the veteran of the World Tour Chou Tien Chen in straight games. The biggest singles win of Sathish's career most probably. ??? BWF TV YouTube — Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) May 21, 2025 That it has taken Sathish this long to achieve this milestone win isn't lost on him. 'The most important thing is that I didn't give up. I was patiently competing at events, going through tournaments, and losing in the first round. I would return, train, and then head back to the tournaments. Sure, it was frustrating not getting the breakthrough, but I persisted, I kept hanging in there. My coaches and team behind me were also patient, and that support made a big difference.' Sathish's tryst with sport began with swimming, he started playing badminton when he was around 13, as his elder brother Arun Kumar was actively training in the sport. The journey began in Chennai, where Sathish was born and raised, then came a move to Coimbatore when his brother shifted base. That was followed by a stint in Hyderabad that didn't pan out. Next stop was Bengaluru, but at this point, Sathish was feeling something was missing. 'Previously, I was in KL with the same coach for a brief stint, and I was around 16 during that time. Then he stopped professional coaching for a while and I moved back. When I faced challenges with my career, I contacted Coach Jiva. 'I really want to go to LA 2028, can you help me?' He took his time and agreed,' Sathish said, adding that the expenses of coaching fees, strength & conditioning and tournament entries are handled by GoSports Foundation. On Wednesday, it helped Sathish that he had a super quick start. After a few tight exchanges for 3-3, the Indian went on a wonderful run of 7 straight points, helped partly by Chou's radar misfiring. When he got the height to work with, Sathish was putting away the inside-out smashes clinically. But the key to his success on the day was not the flashy points, but the steadier rallies where he controlled the net and read Chou's changes of angles. Despite a late comeback from the 35-year-old in the first game, Sathish had built up a big enough lead to take it home 21-13, with a couple of sharp backhand smashes from midcourt. Chou has been around on the circuit long enough for anyone to know that winning one game against him is never a guarantee of winning the match. But the Indian raced off the blocks once more like a 200m sprinter turning around the first bend. This time, he reeled off 10 points in a row to lead 10-1. From there on it was a matter of just holding his ground and not making errors. Chou did threaten another fightback, closing the gap to 9-13, a momentum that was once again arrested by a Sathish inside-out smash winner. 'I was pretty much controlling the game today. I was quick at the net and didn't give him a chance to attack. I was consistent, I just kept the rallies going, and there were no unforced errors on my side. That actually made a big difference,' Sathish said. Sathish is currently just outside the top 50 in singles and continues to play mixed doubles with Aadya Variyath, who has also recently made the move to Malaysia. He believes – and coach Jiva is on the same page – that the skills required to do well in mixed doubles is translating into his singles game as well. It's helping with the pace of matches, controlling the shuttle from backcourt and executing good parallel plays. The Malaysian stint has also helped turn his perspective around on the sport. 'The way I look at badminton has changed significantly. I used to constantly put myself down, but my coaches and team regularly encourage me, reminding me that I'm almost there. That's reflected in my performance today,' Sathish said. 'This past year has been about persistence. I've been focused on keeping my confidence high, regardless of wins or losses. My confidence level has improved a lot. My shot choices have become better and more consistent; previously, I made many errors. Technically, I've developed a lot in one year.' Vinayakk Mohanarangan is Senior Assistant Editor and is based in New Delhi. ... Read More
Nikkei Asia
13-05-2025
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
City of mashups: Kuala Lumpur's cool architectural heritage
It is Kuala Lumpur's misfortune that its most iconic architectural feature is the Petronas Towers. The twin erections of glass and steel stand as monuments to the fact that oil money can buy you one of the tallest buildings in the world, but not good taste. The interior houses corporate offices (vastly improved by offering no view of the building's exterior), a decent art gallery, and a large mall of blandly forgettable luxury. The failure of the Petronas Towers is a shame because KL's wider architectural heritage is much more handsome and interesting. Two major styles stand out. The first is neo-Moorish, imported along with architects from British India, which looks like something out of an Aladdin movie, featuring scalloped archways, onion domes and geometrical ornamentation.
