Latest news with #Kok
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
E&O launches Conlay Signature Suites, optimistic on foreign demand for luxury residences
KUALA LUMPUR: Eastern & Oriental Bhd (E&O) is banking on sustained demand for luxury residences among foreign buyers, with more than 70% of its landmark Conlay by E&O development already taken up by international purchasers, led by investors from Taiwan, China, Singapore, Japan and Western countries. The Conlay Signature Suites, the upper-tier second phase of Conlay by E&O, has recorded a take-up rate of 40% since its soft launch in May, with overall project sales reaching about 76%. E&O managing director Kok Tuck Cheong said the group remains optimistic about the resilience of the luxury property segment, especially in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) area, where discerning buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and service over price. 'Projects like Conlay are not driven by cost alone. Buyers in this segment are looking at quality, location and architectural identity, and we have delivered that,' he said at the official launch of Conlay Signature Suites today. The premium freehold development, located near the Conlay MRT station and the KLCC, has seen strong market traction despite global economic headwinds and Malaysia's evolving property market. He added that international buyers see Kuala Lumpur as undervalued compared to other regional capitals. 'Our buyers, especially from East Asia and Europe, view KL as offering excellent value for lifestyle property. With our collaboration with Mitsui Fudosan, we are giving them both luxury and legacy,' Kok said. The 491-unit project, developed in collaboration with Japan's Mitsui Fudosan Group, sits on 1.44 acres of freehold land and has a gross development value of RM968 million. Unit prices in the Signature Suites range from RM1.52 million to RM12 million, offered fully furnished under a build-and-sell concept. While Conlay Signature Suites nears completion, Kok revealed that E&O is preparing to launch a development in Elmina, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur in the fourth quarter of this year. This marks the company's ongoing push into affluent growth corridors beyond the city core. The Elmina development will reflect what we have learned from Conlay Signature Suites; it won't just be about square footage, but lifestyle integration. We're observing the evolving demand patterns,' he said. When asked about landbank expansion, Kok said E&O remains open to acquiring new plots but stopped short of disclosing specific locations or land size. 'We're selective. It's not about how much land we have but where it is and what we can do with it.' The move to Elmina reflects a broader trend among developers repositioning themselves in Klang Valley's high-growth outer ring, amid rising land and construction costs in the city centre. Touching on policy issues such as the Foreign Source Income Tax and the change in the Overnight Policy Rate, Kok said current E&O projects are unaffected due to fixed-price, opt-in contracts. 'Any changes in tax policy will ultimately affect the entire value chain, including end buyers. But for Conlay and our ongoing projects, we're not impacted.' Kok acknowledged that building Conlay was particularly challenging due to its architectural demands. The contractor, KPI Prospect, had to undertake meticulous coordination to deliver the iconic design envisioned by Kerry Hill Architects and GDP Architects. 'The structure is deceptively simple, but technically complex. We had to coordinate precision detailing, from facade fins to interior finishes, and we're proud of the result,' Kok explained. E&O faces stiff competition in the luxury high-rise segment, particularly in the KLCC precinct. However, the group believes Conlay Signature Suites's design pedigree, wellness-driven amenities, and full-service offerings have helped it stand out. The Signature Suites range from 635 sq ft to 3,617 sq ft, featuring facilities such as sky dining, music rooms, wellness floors, a heated infinity pool, and 24-hour concierge services, including a personal chef. The development has secured provisional GreenRE Gold certification for sustainability. 'This building will be a landmark not just architecturally, but as a symbol of urban resort living in the heart of Kuala Lumpur,' Kok said. As the group moves towards launching its Elmina project and explores future opportunities, E&O appears set to retain its niche in delivering high-end, lifestyle-driven developments for both local and international buyers.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
E&O shrugs off SST hike, sets sights on upscale expansion
KUALA LUMPUR: Eastern & Oriental Bhd (E&O) has assured that its current property developments, including the newly launched Conlay Signature Suites, will not be affected by the revised Sales and Services Tax (SST), although future projects will inevitably factor in the higher tax regime. Managing director Kok Tuck Cheong said all of the group's current developments, including the newly launched Conlay Signature Suites, were sold under fixed-price contracts before the SST revision and therefore remain unaffected. "SST is going to affect everyone in business. Ultimately, end-users and consumers will share some of the burden," Kok said at the launch of Conlay Signature Suites here today. He added that while future developments will be guided by updated government policies, E&O's focus on the luxury market means its customers are driven more by quality than by price. While acknowledging that SST may create cost pressures across the broader property market, Kok noted that E&O operates in a niche, premium segment where buyers in the premium segment prioritise distinctive architecture, thoughtful layouts, refined finishes, and exclusive amenities. "For signature projects like ours, price is not the key factor. Buyers in this segment are discerning; they look for quality finishes, iconic architecture, well-considered layouts, and lifestyle-driven amenities. These are what captivate buyers in this demographic." Despite broader concerns over the rising cost of construction and potential pressure on margins, Kok remained confident in the company's position, citing strong demand for design-led, high-end residences – even amid global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. Located at the intersection of Jalan Kia Peng and Jalan Conlay, Conlay Signature Suites is a joint development with Japan's Mitsui Fudosan. It is the final phase of E&O's landmark luxury development, Conlay. Conlay is a 51-storey luxury serviced apartment with a total of 491 units, first launched in 2019. Conlay Signature Suites is positioned on the upper floors of the tower, featuring 194 fully furnished freehold units ranging from 635 sq ft to 3,617 sq ft. Prices start at RM1.52 million and reach up to RM12 million for the largest penthouse units. "Every detail of the Signature Suites reflects our deep commitment to hospitality and craftsmanship. We believe this offering will resonate with those seeking both a legacy address and a lifestyle investment," Kok said. He noted that E&O's focus remains on delivering distinctive, high-end developments, such as Conlay Signature Suites, and its upcoming project in Elmina, located on the fringe of the Kuala Lumpur city boundary, which is scheduled to be unveiled in the fourth quarter of this year. "The next project will be a headline-grabbing one," Kok teased, without revealing further details. Looking ahead, Kok believes Malaysia's steady economic fundamentals and growing appetite for premium properties will continue to support E&O's strategy. "We remain positive because our projects are designed to meet the expectations of our target buyers. Even Malaysians today are increasingly willing to pay for distinctive designs and iconic structures," Kok said.
Forbes
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Highlights From A Fun, Very Filling Food Tour Of New York City
You've got a week to eat your way around New York, but how do you tackle creating a to-do list in a city packed with endless options for spectacular meals? It's daunting, but here's a game plan that focuses on deep dives into several neighborhoods. A food-centric tour of New York City should always include a trip to Brooklyn. Old favorites, new discoveries My friend, Mai Ling, and I travel well together, sharing the food-focused mission of eating everything, everywhere, anytime. We'd had an absolute blast hitting the hot spots in New Orleans during JazzFest a couple of years ago. When we discussed where to go as a follow-up, New York City landed at the top of the list. She'd never been there as an adult, and encouraged me to come up with a list of essential spots to hit including returning to some all-time faves. We started a shared doc and I hit on a game plan that involved a lot of moving around, shifting from one neighborhood to another so we could soak up the flavor of where we were staying. In between meals, there'd be museum visits, Broadway and off-Broadway shows, an author reading, the Juneteeth celebration in Central Park and a whole slew of selfies in front of iconic buildings. Hello, Radio City Music Hall, we're going full-on tourist mode, don't judge. By the end of the trip, we were lamenting that we couldn't stay longer and eat more. Still, we got a pretty good taste of the most incredible dining destination on the planet. Here's the skinny. Braised oxtail at Kokomo in Brooklyn's North Williamsburg neighborhood is a must-try when visiting ... More this lively restaurant. A soft landing in Dumbo After checking into the gorgeous 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge late on a Saturday, we headed up to Harrient's on the rooftop. It was like walking into a party, tables packed with Saturday night dates and big groups of stylishly dressed weekend revelers enjoying cocktails and shared plates from the eclectic Asian-inspiried menu while the DJ set the mood and turned up the volume. We devoured the Crispy Rice and Spicy Tuna, a playful take on nigiri sushi, the Gulf Coast rock shrimp with spicy aioli and, especially enjoyed the oyster mushroom bao. Those meaty mushrooms sauced in hoisin and tucked into the squishy bun were complemented by a tangy mix of pickled veggies. After dinner, we walked around the bustling waterfront park and later debated whether to leave the curtains open so we could wake up to that stunning view of one of the world's most famous bridges. When I made a comical attempt to sing Sinatra's classic, hitting the line about waking up in a city that never sleeps, Mai Ling said: 'I thought that was Vegas.' The next morning, we took the ferry up the East River to North Williamsburg to brunch at Kokomo, a lively spot that had been recommended by a well-fed friend. Power couple Ria and Kevol Graham's love letter to the foods of the Caribbean is a beautiful space that was packed with families celebrating Father's Day. We were so happy with our order, which included fork-tender oxtail and perfect plantains in a Scotch Bonnet mango sauce, but also couldn't help admiring the other pretty plates coming out of the kitchen. Definitely worth a return trip sometime. We took the ferry across to Manhattan and walked to the Chain Theatre for the final performance of playwright (and cookbook author) Tim Mulligan's 'supernatural dramedy', 'Point Loma', meeting up with friends who've known Mulligan for many years. The show was hilarious and jump-out-of-your-seat spooky. After, we tagged along with our pals for dinner at their family's home back in Brooklyn. Dining out is almost always a pleasure, but nothing compares to the thrill of Southern comfort food made with love. Thanks for the warm welcome and that excellent etoufee, Rachel and Moss, and for introducing us to the knockout bread from She Wolf Bakery. Yes, please, we'll take a few slices home to our comfy hotel. A Reuben at Katz's is the classic New York City meal, the popular deli making its customers happy ... More since 1888. Bye Brooklyn, hello Soho It was a relatively easy move from the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge to the art-filled ModernHaus in the heart of the Manhattan, where we dropped our bags and headed out on foot with one mission in mind: A Reuben at Katz's. In a city packed with world-class delis, this blast-from-the-past never disappoints. Stand in line for a sandwich with pastrami skillfully carved to order and the team behind the counter is likely to pass a plate with snack preview of what's coming. The deeply flavored cured and smoked meat reminds me a little bit of the best kind of barbecued brisket, its deeply flavored 'bark' setting the tone for the sensational sandwich to come. We split that Reuben and ordered a pickle plate, naturally, took a seat a shared table and the moans of unbashed pleasure began. It was messy, but, boy, is it perfect. Not an adjective I use lightly. After lunch, we stopped for some snacking supplies at the original Russ & Daughters – loved the whitefish spread on our leftover bread – and wandered the streets of Chinatown with no particular plan. The architecture, the brick and stone masonry on display throughout the city, made us wish we'd connected with a walking tour of some of the landmark buildings. But you cannot possibly do everything and after all that exploring, we started to get hungry again. Another friend, award-winning author Jess Walter, was appearing at Symphony Space on the Upper West Side that evening to talk about his latest book, 'So Far Gone', with 'Where'd You Go Bernadette' author Maria Semple doing the on stage interview and actor Tim Daly reading from the opening chapter of the work that's been getting rave reviews. (Finished listening to the audiobook performed by Edoardo Ballerini on the flight home and LOVED it!) Carmine's on New York City's Upper West Side is known and loved for its platter-size portions of ... More Italian classics. But first, how about a little bite at Carmine's? LOL. Because there's no such thing as a small portion at this outpost of the original Carmine's, known for its massive platters of food passed among large parties. No problem, let's just share an order of spaghetti and meatballs. Surely we can plow through that. Yes, I realize this place might make the food snob roll their eyes, but I love the Old School approach to service, the grand space and, yes, the red sauce'd dish so dramatically served tableside. Plus, the people watching was fantastic and just about every other song on the sound system was Sinatra. I'm a lifelong fan of Ol' Blue Eyes, my parents spinning his records while I was learning to walk. Day 3, MoMA and much more If you've ever tried to plan a trip with friends, you have probably experienced the frustration that goes along with trying to sync busy schedules. During our action-packed week in NYC, the scheduling stars lined up and we were able to connect with far-flung friends who just happened to there at the same time, or who live there and were willing to carve out some room on the calendar for a visit and a nosh. So it went for a magical morning at MoMA when we met up with Mai Ling's Seattle-based friends, Rachel and Allistair. Yes, the galleries featuring the best known works were ultra-crowded, so we headed to the top floor to experience the incredible pieces created by Jack Whitten, a prolific New York artist who woked in various mediums starting in the 1950s. It was incredibly moving, especially in the section where jazz was softly playing. Whitten was friends with many musicians, so this striking combo seemed so fitting. We decided to walk the several miles back to Soho on Broadway, with a stop for lunch along the way. Oh, wait, let's stop for a compost cookie at Milk Bar. Good thing we were averaging 7 miles a day, at least according to those electronic devices we're so attached to. Later, on our stroll from Soho to the East Village for a drink at the extraordinary Monsieur, I insisted we stop at the Grillo's Pickles pop-up on Rivington, and randomly ran into the ground-breaking company's Employee No. 1, Eddie Andre. The VP of Marketing insisted we try the latest, a pickled grape. Pucker up, it's another winner from this fun company. The Baz Luhrmann-designed bar delivered on its promised dramatic vibe, often described as a mix of gothic, medieval, and bohemian. All that's cool, but what made the visit extra special was the talented crew behind the bar and the warm greeting we received even when walking in without a reservation. Bravo to the best NA cocktail I sipped the entire week in the city, a perfectly balanced creation that featured hibiscus, citrus and fresh mint. Grandma Style Pan Pizza at Loring Place might have the best name for a pie in NYC. We met friends for dinner at one of their favorite haunts, Loring Place near Washington Square. It was a lovely reunion with David and Katherine, who have lived in the city since 2012, conversation fueled by swoons over Asparagus Fries with Parm-spiked mayo, grilled Arctic char, saucy short ribs and a whole wheat pizza with the most charming name ever. Grandma Style pan pizza was nothing short of heartwarming. Lobster rolls at Le Bernardin in New York City take that summer classic and add an ultra-luxe spin, ... More a butter sauce drizzled tableside. Broadway and Le Bernardin For our final sprint of this epic trip, we stayed at a couple of hotels that are blocks apart in Midtown, but completely different. Both experiences were fantastic, starting with an overnight at Lotte New York Palace. Walk in the lobby and you're going to get a case of the Wows at this historic hotel. Wow times infinity if you're into the lore of the Gilded Age on display in exquisite detail at what began as a cluster of townhomes commissioned in the late 1800s by German-born journalist, financial whiz and railroad tycoon, Henry Villard. While it was temping to get cozy in our super posh quarters, we had a full day that included a matinee performance of the Tony-winning sensation, 'Sunset Boulevard' – prepare to be dazzled – followed by a drink and appies at chef Eric Ripert's signature sensation, Le Bernardin. Standing ovations for both! I cannot stop humming that Andrew Lloyd Weber title song and will forever be spoiled for every lobster roll after the glorious rendition of that summer time classic, which I savored in the elegant bar at this seafood-centric spot. A flight of Dahlmore Scotch at Rarities in Manhattan's Lotte Palace Hotel included a selection that ... More was 25 years old. We finished the evening with a memorable tasting at the Palace's hideaway bar, Rarities, where single malt Scotch enthusiast, Mai Ling, swirled, sniffed and sipped a flight of Dahlmore selected by gracious spirit guide, Raphael. The private club accepts reservations from Palace guests at what Condé Nast Traveler called the world's most exclusive hotel bar. Yet, for all its rich history and storied collection of wine and spirits, the room feels warm and welcoming, not stuffy. Worth noting, it's only open weekday evenings. On our final stay, CitizenM Times Square could be characterized as the polar opposite of the Palace, but it's certainly not low-end compared to the high-end creature comforts offered at the crosstown neighbor. I'm a fan of this super-creative Netherlands-based hotel brand, its snug rooms complimented by inviting public spaces buzzing with clever art, cool cocktails, Instagram-worthy outdoor spaces and an innovative breakfast bar. While staying there, we traveled up to Central Park on the subway to catch a wonderful Juneteenth celebration put on by the Central Park Conservancy. The event was filled with beautiful musical performances, poetry and a history lesson about Seneca Village, 'the largest community of free African-American property owners in pre–Civil War New York.' Until city leaders enacted emminet domain to displace residents and build the park. Red Rooster in New York City's Harlem neighborhood is known for its innovative takes on Southern ... More comfort food. Shrimp and grits, collard greens, fried chicken and deviled eggs are among the must-try lineup at Marcus Samuelsson's restaurant. In spectacular summer weather fashion, the afternoon was punctuated by deafening cracks of thunder and torrential downpours. We took a cue from savvy New Yorkers and sheltered under one of the stone bridges before continuing our walk to Harlem for a reservation at Red Rooster. I snagged a table a month ahead of our visit and when we arrived, there was a huge crowd hoping for something to open up. What so impressed me was the unruffled way the front-of-the-house team handled the crush. Ditto the treatment dished out by the seasoned waitstaff who seemed to float through this art-filled space, taking orders and delivering delicious food like it was a choreographed dance. While savoring the groaning table's worth of deviled eggs, shrimp and grits, exceptional collard greens and fried chicken, we hashed out the highlights of our successful trip to the Big Apple. This meal was at the top of the most-loved list, though there was a lot of competition for the best-of spots. In fact, except for a lukewarm slice of in the Theater District, we'd had absolutely stellar meals throughout the trip. Yes, we'll be back, and yes, we'll stay longer next time.
Focus Malaysia
11-06-2025
- Health
- Focus Malaysia
What's next after your miraculous stage 4 cancer cure, Jamal Yunos? Stage 5 cancer, leukaemia or heart attack?
SUNGAI Besar UMNO division head Datuk Seri Jamal Md Yunos should have resorted to whispered prayers to express gratitude to divine intervention of having been 'finally free of cancer after a five-month battle for his life'. While it remains a mystery as to why he chose to publicly declare his miraculous healing from his stage four cancer, the Barisan Nasional (BN) Selangor communications head has certainly shot himself in the foot after political adversary Tressa Kok reminded him of payback time. 'Congratulations,' posted the Seputeh MP on her Facebook in response to a news article quoting Jamal as stating that the intensive treatment he underwent had completely removed the cancer. 'Time for Jamal to pay my lawyer as ordered by the court.' Recall that the DAP lawmaker has in October last year obtained a court order to seize and sell the contents of Jamal's house after the latter failed to pay RM50,000 for her legal costs upon losing a RM300,000 defamation lawsuit that dated back to July 26, 2022. On April 6, 2017, Kok sued Jamal for defamation after he accused her of misappropriating RM2 mil of funds from the Selangor state Government's Yayasan Warisan Anak Selangor (YAWAS). The former DAP vice-chairman was reported to have originally sought RM1 mil in general damages along with compensatory, aggravated and exemplary damages and an injunction to prevent Jamal from repeating or spreading the allegations. Interestingly, not only had Kok demanded what's due to her, Malaysians, too, are keen to learn the secret to the tuala (towel) man's Stage 4 lung cancer healing for lives of many Malaysian cancer patients can be saved in the future. But that went on a bad start for Jamal's healthy physique is a tad too deceptive to people who had previous contact with cancer patients. 'Where got cancer 🤦♀️look so healthy and chubby. I've seen real cancer patients,' exclaimed one commenter. Many want to know the identity of the oncologist who could reverse a stage 4 cancer to full healing. Well, the 'Red Shirts' leader (a parody of Thailand's 'Yellow Shirts' protest against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his successors) certainly deserves an Oscar for pulling out his 'stage 4 cancer agony' stunt. – June 11, 2025
Sunday World
06-06-2025
- Sunday World
Prosecutors demand nine year sentence for Kinahan associate drug lord Mink Kok
The 63-year-old is trying to overturn a 2023 drug smuggling conviction Prosecutors in the Netherlands have demanded Kinahan associate and drug lord Mink Kok receive a nine-year prison sentence for his role in smuggling drugs into the country. It comes as the 63-year-old appealed his conviction at the court of appeal at The Hague on Wednesday. He was handed down a six-year sentence in June 2023 after he was found guilty for his role in smuggling 400 kilos of cocaine into the Netherlands in a shipment of bananas. The consignment arrived in 2020 via the port of Antwerp but was somehow mislaid and was eventually found at a supermarket in Remscheid, Germany. De Telegraaf reported that the court saw sufficient evidence for a conviction based on intercepted messages on the Sky ECC server. His lawyer, Mark Teurlings, has pleaded for his client to be acquitted. He claims that there is insufficient evidence to prove that the encrypted text messages were sent by Kok. He also claimed that the link between Kok and the banana shipment is 'factually and substantively untenable.' Mink Kok News in 90 Seconds - 6th June 2025 The hearing will continue next Wednesday. According to De Telegraaf 'the [encrypted] messages discuss, among other things, amounts of money and order lists.' 'In its ruling, the court refers to raw materials and chemicals and blocks of cocaine and cocaine base, payments and locations and required personnel (cooks). "He had a leading and coordinating role," the court said. 'In addition, he had a leading role in setting up what appears to be a large-scale drug lab, given the amounts paid and quantities of chemicals purchased.' The Dutch Public Prosecution Service had previously demanded nine years in prison for Kok but the sentence was lowered as there was insufficient evidence that he also had another batch of drugs in his possession. The convicted drug trafficker and gun runner, one of the most infamous gangland criminals in Dutch history, had struck up a close working relationship with Christy Kinahan Snr when they were both based in Amsterdam in the 1990s. It is believed the pair worked together to import millions of euro worth of cocaine and ecstasy into Ireland and the UK. Kok's son-in-law, named only as Najim Z is also accused by the Public Prosecution Service of being behind the importation from South America of two batches of 750 and 840 kilos of cocaine. These were intercepted in 2021 in the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam. Najim Z (42) was previously sentenced for those two coke shipments in a separate case. He was handed down an eight-year prison sentence minus time spent in pre-detention and a detention period in Lebanon. However, prosecutors have demanded another 12 years in prison against him two weeks ago in the case which is completely separate from that of Kok's. According to the justice officials, evidence against Kok stems from intercepted Sky ECC messages. Justice officials say they can prove that there was intensive contact between Sky phones that are attributed to Z and Mink Kok, who were both arrested in Lebanon at the end of March 2022. There was no Sky telephone found with Kok when he was arrested, but detectives say that the investigation against Kok started after he admitted to a TV programme that he used Sky telephones to communicate with others. His lawyer previously denied that Kok was the user of the two Sky phones attributed to him. 'In the messages we clearly read that the user of the telephone would be in the Netherlands, even in Amsterdam,' Teurlings has been quoted as saying. 'So the user could never have been Kok because he was in Lebanon at the time.' Various media have referred to Najim Z based on various judicial or police sources as a 'leader' in Ridouan Taghi's network. Dutch-Moroccan Taghi is regarded as one of Europe's biggest drugs traffickers and is a key associate of the Kinahan Cartel. He was one of a number of high-profile criminals who were guests at Daniel Kinahan's wedding in Dubai in 2017. Along with a number of his associates, Taghi is currently facing multiple charges ranging from assassinations, attempted killings and murder plots. Lawyers for Z have previously contested that their client should be considered as 'the financial man' in Taghi's drug network, as the Public Prosecutor believes.
