Our April cover stars, Serina Hijjas and her father, Hijjas Kasturi, share a dynamic partnership at Hijjas Architects + Planners, a firm noted for its groundbreaking work in modern Malaysian architecture and sustainability. Their collaboration has birthed iconic structures like Menara Telekom, Malaysia’s first green building.

Hijjas Kasturi, renowned as the father of modern Malaysian architecture, has shaped the nation’s landscape with landmarks since founding his practice in 1977. He retired in 2011, passing the reins to Serina, who has continued to evolve the firm with her focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.

For our sustainability issue, we speak to them about how, through their work, they aim to inspire a commitment to sustainability and professional integrity in the architectural community, contributing to the national identity and the environmental stewardship of Malaysia.

Also in this week’s newsletter:

• Watches & Wonders 2024: What to know about the watch fair
• Forbes’ Richest 2024: 17 Malaysians on this year’s World’s Billionaires List
• 14 tranquil modern resort-style homes around Malaysia
• Autistic savant pianist Clarence Kang and his mother Joyce Lim speak volumes through the power of music

Cheers,
Sim Wie Boon
Digital Editor

From April 9 - 15, Geneva will be abuzz with horological activities as brand representatives, journalists, retailers, and watch enthusiasts descend into the Swiss city for Watches & Wonders.

The annual watch fair is bigger than ever, with the participation of 54 brands comprising all the Richemont brands such as Cartier, Panerai, and IWC, as well as major players like Patek Philippe and Rolex that previously revealed their latest releases at the now defunct Baselworld.

Stay tuned next week for our in-depth coverage of the watch fair as we bring you all the highlights and revelations that you need to know.

Read story.

Forbes has released its latest list of the world’s billionaires, worth a collective ​​US$14.2 trillion (approximately RM67.4 trillion)—up by US$2 trillion in 2023. Head of LVMH Bernard Arnault and his family are at number one, with a net worth of US$233 billion.

Founder of Tesla and SpaceX Elon Musk is No. 2 on the list, with a net worth of US$195 billion, while Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who has a net worth of US$195 billion, comes in at No. 3. Notably, there are 141 more billionaires in the world than last year—2,781 in total. Out of those, 17 Malaysians have joined the ranks this year.

Read story.

Pause. Take a deep breath and enjoy these homes, which are havens of tranquillity and contemporary luxury. Located throughout Malaysia, these residences seamlessly meld modern design with serene natural surroundings.

From a multi-generational home in Muar to an eco-retreat in Serendah, the renovation of a terrace home to an annexe for entertaining and enjoying an art collection, each home promises an escape from the mundane to resort-style living in the beautiful tropics.

Seamless indoor-outdoor living and sleek modern lines, these 14 homes gloriously embody all the advantages of living in a modern resort home.

Read story.

In the lobby of Prince Court Medical Centre, autistic savant pianist Clarence Kang comforts visitors with his music, playing stirring instrumental renditions of contemporary pop hits.

“Sometimes, patients come by to wait for his performances with their IV drip bags in hand. Although Clarence has his difficulties, he is living proof that everyone has a purpose in life and can contribute in some way to society,” asserts his mother, Joyce Lim.

In conjunction with Autism Awareness Month, we speak to autistic savant pianist Clarence Kang and his mother, Joyce Lim, about their journey and a mother’s enduring love. 

Read story.