Latest news with #Lew
The Star
20-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
M'sian designers shine in Tokyo
Eco-innovation: Lew's 'Mangrove Living Museum' seamlessly blends architecture with nature. Malaysia recently made waves on the global design stage. Going head-to-head with top talents from over 16 countries and regions, Malaysia's national winners rose to the challenge at the AYDA Awards and Creative Colour Awards (CCA) 2024/2025 Grand Finale in Tokyo, Japan, on June 20. Lew received the 'Best Sustainable Design Award' for his project. They brought home four awards, proving that Malaysian creativity, purpose and design excellence truly stand tall on the world stage. From young student designers tackling real-world issues to professional architects transforming schools and housing into vibrant, meaningful spaces, these wins reflect the depth of Malaysia's design community and its commitment to people-first innovation. At the AYDA Awards, Lew Wai Fong from Universiti Malaya earned the 'Best Sustainable Design Award' in the architectural category for his project, Tanjung Piai's Mangrove Living Museum. His vision includes a regenerative space designed to preserve one of Malaysia's most threatened ecosystems while reconnecting local communities with nature. 'I wanted to show that sustainability and beauty can co-exist and that we don't have to choose between progress and preservation,' said Lew, who took home US$1,000 (RM4,250) for his effort. Meanwhile, Tan Ee Wei of Equator College, Penang, received an Honorary Mention (Interior Design) for HomeSEED, a resilience training centre for the homeless in George Town. 'This project was born from a place of deep empathy for my community. I hope it shows that design can offer hope, structure and skills,' said Tan, who received US$500 (RM2,125). Nippon Paint Malaysia general manager Tay Sze Tuck said these forward-thinking and innovative students are curating blueprints for a kinder, more sustainable country. 'What's inspiring is how these young designers aren't waiting for change; they're making it through design, and using creativity to respond to the issues we face as a society,' he said. At the CCA, FEI Architect won the 'Best in Public Spaces Award' for transforming SMJK Poi Lam's multipurpose hall in Ipoh, Perak, into an eye-catching structure. The company was awarded US$2,500 (RM10,623). The CCA 'Architectural Best in Residential Exterior Award' was presented to Mak Arkitek Konsult for V21 Residence@KKIP, a social housing project designed for workers of the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park in Sabah. The company was also awarded US$2,500. Tay said Malaysia's wins were a beautiful reminder that design excellence isn't confined to any one stage of life. 'Whether you're just starting out or already shaping skylines, what matters is purpose, creativity and heart. These four winners have all of that and more.'
Scottish Sun
18-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
The idyllic US beach sanctuary perfect for nature-lovers and relaxation
Nature was to be a key theme of my visit to northern California YOU OTTER GO The idyllic US beach sanctuary perfect for nature-lovers and relaxation AS I set my head down on the pillow, I could hear the waves crashing against the beach, just yards away from my private patio at the back of the bungalow. They call it The Sanctuary Beach Resort — and it didn't take me long to work out why, as that is exactly how it felt when I visited the luxury getaway, found nestled in Monterey Bay, California. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 11 Beach view at The Sanctuary Beach Resort 11 Otters at Moss Landing Elk Slough, Monterey People pay for the privilege of listening to the relaxing noise of breaking waves and seashells to fall asleep on apps and yet here I was hearing it right on my doorstep. It was the perfect start to my trip to the Golden State and really set the tone for my visit — by connecting with nature and feeling at peace. Earlier that evening, I had been served a delicious dinner of steak with mashed potatoes at the resort's on-site Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette. The location would be perfect for happy couples on their wedding day, or for an idyllic honeymoon. But the resort will fit the bill for anyone simply hoping to escape the hustle and bustle of working life, and to truly switch off — whether that be by taking a dip in the pool or making use of the fabulous spa. Nature was to be a key theme of my visit to northern California, as my group and I headed out for a hike the following day to Pinnacles National Park. 11 Pinnacles National Park Credit: Jonathan Irish 2016 11 There was wildlife in abundance on a kayaking trip in Montere I say hike, but I promise anyone interested in visiting that it's more of a walk, where we took in the amazing scenery there, and even explored some caves! We followed this up by going kayaking in Monterey Bay with Monterey Bay Kayaks where we had some close encounters with the local wildlife including seals and otters. If you're an animal lover you will adore this. Our visit to Pinnacles set us up well for our adventure to the iconic Yosemite National Park, something that I had been really looking forward to. I am happy to report that it absolutely did not disappoint. On our first night in Yosemite we stayed at the Tenaya Lodge, just outside of the park, which had a warm and rustic quality that I loved, as well as a wealth of amenities including a spa and pool. I travelled to America to try the viral TikTok shop Crumbl Next morning was we headed out to the national park to take our first steps in the world-renowned location. The giant, ancient sequoias leaned over us as we walked among them, and I pondered the history they must have seen over the years they had stood there. Chipmunks appeared to say hello as we headed up the trail path, and I tentatively stopped quietly as a couple of deer slowly walked past me. A reminder that we were in their home. 11 Spacious room at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite 11 Lewis in Yosemite National Park My breath was really taken away, though, when we continued our journey into Yosemite Valley as we took in the outstanding views around us, and I was left in stunned silence as I spotted the water flowing down over the rocks at Bridalveil Fall. I even spied the awesome bravery of climbers taking on the imposing, vertical rock face, El Capitan through binoculars. After a long day of taking in the incredible sights and sounds of this iconic national park, we checked into Yosemite View Lodge for the night where I was lucky enough to have a view of the river from my balcony. I could easily have spent the whole evening there, it was so peaceful, quiet and absolutely gorgeous. 11 The views over the national park 11 Stunning waterfall at Yosemite A top tip — take the opportunity to look up to the sky at night if you are ever staying in Yosemite. If the sky is clear, you'll see an incredible array of glistening stars above you. I have never seen such a dazzling display in my life, not even on some of Scotland's remoter islands. Fascinated after seeing brave souls taking on El Capitan the day before, we met with Ken Yager — a veteran climber who now helps others to conquer the magnificent rock face and also runs a climbing museum. His stories were amazing and I was blown away when I saw photos of Mark Wellman, who became the first paraplegic to climb El Capitan in 1989, and the letter sent to him in congratulations by US President George Bush Snr. 11 The climbing museum in Mariposa After our museum tour, we explored the town of Mariposa where we learned more about the gold rush in the 1800s which saw people head west to find their fortunes in California, marking the beginnings of this amazing state. The final stop on our incredible trip was Sacramento — the capital city of California. It is so often overlooked for its neighbours San Francisco and Los Angeles when it comes to attracting tourists. But, it is certainly a place with plenty to offer, as we found out soon after we arrived at a bustling downtown area where live music was playing and market stalls were bustling at Cesar Chavez Plaza. For dinner, I devoured a delicious spaghetti carbonara dish at the Grange Restaurant and Bar, before we went back for a good night's rest at the modern and comfortable Hyatt Centric Hotel. It's ideally located right next to the Golden 1 Center, which would be perfect for anyone looking to go to a music or sporting event during their stay in the city. On our final day in California, we toured the food market in Sacramento, trying out its amazing delicacies from all over the world, from tacos to pizzas. GO: CALIFORNIA GO: Monterey County, Yosemite Mariposa County and Sacramento GETTING THERE: Return flights from Glasgow to San Francisco from £548pp. See STAYING THERE: Rooms at the The Sanctuary Beach Resort in Monterey from £290 a night. See Rates at the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite from £195. See Rates at the Yosemite view Lodge from £149 a night. See Yosemite View Lodge. Rooms at the Hyatt Centric Downtown Sacramento from £148. See MORE INFO: For more on visiting Monterey see for Yosemite Mariposa County see and for Sacramento go to And for shopaholics it is nirvana, I even bought souvenirs for the unlucky folk back home and maybe one or two keepsakes for me too! In the afternoon, we headed to the Crocker Art Museum where we saw some incredible paintings of Yosemite National Park, and dived deep into California's rich history. And in the evening, we immersed ourselves a one of America's greatest passion by attending a baseball game between the Sacramento River Cats and the Salt Lake Bees — complete with hot dogs being fired from a cannon into the crowd! 11 Sacramento River Cats' Sutter Health Park 11 Old Sacramento We ended our trip in the perfect way by taking a stroll through Old Sacramento, which resembles the old West, with saloon doors and historic storefronts. It was the ideal way to reflect on our California adventure - to a state and region that both embraces its past but also offers all the modern comforts and luxuries you'd hope to find on any memorable holiday. This area of California is definitely the perfect sanctuary. Go, I know you will agree.
Forbes
17-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Inside 12, NYC's New Matcha Café Where Tradition Comes Before Trend
12 Matcha, NYC's newest matcha store offering a modern take on an ancestral tea ritual. Culture isn't something that can be staged. It must be felt, expressed through rituals, materials, colors or sounds evoking decades, if not centuries, of traditions and practices. That's what the essence of 12 Matcha, New York's latest matcha café, is all about. Unlike most coffee shops, it is not framing matcha as an alternative to coffee, but inviting guests to step into the world of matcha culture. 12 is democratizing matcha rituals, offering a modern take on a tradition rooted in Japanese culture. And in doing so, it is showing that being guided by values, rather than trends, will always resonate more deeply with consumers. Culture First, Then Product According to Min Lew, Partner at Base Design, and the lead behind 12's identity and space: 'Craft matcha is still just beginning in the U.S. Today, it's more of a commodity play, with two polar opposites of how consumers are being offered matcha: in everyday coffee shops, or in niche, traditional Japanese tea rooms.' The aim of 12 was to bridge this gap, seeking to make premium matcha culture accessible while remaining loyal to its roots. And in learning how the concept came to life, it is clear this mindfulness in regards to matcha culture was present from inception. 'When thinking about the capital brand, we wanted to make sure to honor the philosophy around tea culture and matcha rituals, while bringing something very modern along,' Lew tells us. A team was brought to Uji, a city south of Kyoto where the most premium matcha is cultivated, to learn from and capture the essence of Japanese tea culture from one of the country's top tea masters. This commitment to respecting the philosophy of matcha culture became the guiding thread for the entire project and manifested throughout — from logo design to location scouting and spatial aesthetics. The 12 brand name has various references: alpha brain waves 12Hz, which promote mental clarity and ... More relaxation of the mind as well as the 12 universal symbols. The result: a modern take on ancient rituals, transforming a mainstream trend into a timeless cultural experience. This is probably what makes a lasting modern brand: not by forcing a brand into cultural relevance in ways that don't feel authentic, but rather by placing culture as a key component of brand identity, narrative construction and activations. Luxury brands often are best equipped to make culture an active, moving piece of their strategy because a majority of them have lived through history and are built upon craftsmanship and traditions. But come to think of it, every product carries a history, tea included. Elevating it from a commodity to a meaningful ritual is not groundbreaking, it is simply an indication that a brand exists to embody and share a tradition rather than surf on a trend. Success then becomes a by-product, one that 12 didn't see coming. 'We had in mind to open and slowly perfect the process and experience, but TikTok brought a huge crowd from day one', says Lew who admits that everyone was surprised and did not expect the lines of people waiting sometimes 30 minutes to experience not just a quality matcha, but the ritual around it. Space As A Stage For Emotions Lew explains the philosophy behind 12's retail design: 'Instead of building the store around efficiency and churn, we thought about ways to honor the tea ceremony, which is designed to be a dialog between a host who serves and the drinker.' This translated into a long counter where people can observe the process of matcha being made: from weighing the powder to whisking it with charcoal-filtered water displayed right in front of them, consumers become front row spectators. Overall, the space is minimal, premium and spacious thanks to generous volumes and high ceilings, naturally conveying the serenity of matcha ceremony. The 12 Store, comprised of a bar, ground floor and lower level tasting room for intimate tea ... More ceremonies Located on Bond Street, a quiet street in the heart of SoHo, 12 was designed to uplift visitors, where matcha is an indulgent self-care ritual rather than a mere other item on the menu. Bathed in sunlight, the space aims to bring in vitality and good energy to anyone coming in, thanks to a blend of multi-sensory elements that allow consumers to truly be present. As confirmed by Lew, '12 was curated as a space to allow natural experiences to unfold,' rather than programmed experiences like we see with many pop-ups and brand activations at the moment. This mindset helps build emotional engagement and create memorable experiences, showing that retail, when designed with intention, can truly become a stage for moving culture and emotions. In a crowded market filled with trend-led novelty, what sets a brand apart isn't just a great product anymore. What makes 12 stand out is its intention to offer matcha in the form of a shared ritual—through storytelling, design, and culture. Visitors come for the drink, but leave with the experience of calm and connection. Min Lew probably summarized it best: 'Trends shift, but values stay. Substance should be prioritized over novelty.' And maybe that's the true key to lasting brand relevance.
IOL News
11-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
LOOK: Inside the properties of the ultra-rich on Cape Town's Atlantic Seaboard
Fit for a king. Sweeping views, luxury living and the sound of waves make the Atlantic Seaboard a popular choice for international and local investors. Image: Courtesy of Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty Smooth operating property agents are selling sunsets - staggeringly stylish apartments and beach bungalows with prime views of Cape Town's Atlantic ocean - at record high prices. Wherever you go along the city's Atlantic Seaboard, you will see construction cranes - concrete evidence that developments are taking place in the sought after precinct. A noticeable jump in upper-end property sales in the city has seen foreign and local investors secure properties that can only appreciate as Cape Town clinches accolade after accolade, whether from a lifestyle perspective or that of tourists who have helped carve a niche for the mother city. Whichever way you look at it, Cape Town's Atlantic Seaboard is on the up, with luxury properties - from apartments through to beach bungalows - fetching prices beyond most people's dreams. Warrick Wiegand of Law Real Estate recently sold a bungalow at Glen Beach for R79 million - believed to be among the highest amounts paid for a beach house in the areas of Clifton, Camps Bay and Bakoven. The Gqeberha buyer will not be left wanting for much. The property took 10 years to design and curate, creating a breathtaking space with expansive views of the ocean, the Twelve Apostles, and easy access onto the white sandy shore. "It is a one of a kind masterpiece, and is the only three-level bungalow on Glen Beach and possibly one of the best positions in the world," Wiegand said, when asked about the hefty price tag.. He said that according to PIRI, a global residential index, Cape Town showed 5.1 percent growth over the first two quarters of 2025, with the global average across 45 luxury cities being 2.8 percent. "This is a remarkable feat, considering the fierce competition among the world's luxury markets. "This can, in my opinion, be attested to a degree to global buyers discovering Cape Town, many for the first time, for what it truly is, a city of lifestyle, great value, beauty of nature and most importantly potential for growth!" Last month, the Atlantic Seaboard secured full title sales amounting to R318 million, with the average home price fetching R31.8 million, up from R91 million, with an average price of R15.3 million for the same period last year. Sectional title sales raked in almost R472 million, with apartments averaging prices of R8.74 million. Wiegand also noted how close properties are selling to asking prices, with sectional title sales receiving 95.75 percent of asking price, on average. Lance Cohen, owner of Lance Real Estate, who sold an apartment at Clifton with an asking price of R145 million, believes the buoyed market is linked to global instability, and the fact that many South Africans are returning home after many years of living abroad. That's a lot of money, so does the place boast a cinema, wine cellar or "secret" room? Cohen laughs at this, admitting it has neither, but said it has top-end finishes, including marble, and that the apartment has its own elevator that takes you a stone's throw away from the shore. "It's all about location, really." "We are not getting the bad press as an unsafe city any longer, so good press and more flights coming in means more visitors. People get to see the infrastructure, that the city is well managed and is cheaper than say Dubai and other places. "We also have upcountry buyers, but when people come here from overseas for the first time, they fall in love with the city and want to settle," Cohen said. "A lot of buyers have homes in various places, so those from the northern hemisphere find it an attractive option to come here in winter, while the Emiratis like coming here in winter to dodge their extreme heat of summer." On the rental side of things, Cohen believes a shortage in rental stock has also pushed up selling prices, resulting in buyers investing so that they can rent out their properties. "We have a situation where there is huge demand and little supply which pushes up prices, but in my opinion, the market has never been better and stronger. "The great demand has led to spill-over to places like Constantia and Bishopscourt because of the shortage of stock on the Atlantic Seaboard," he said. Asked what made the Atlantic Seaboard so attractive, Cohen said: "Safety and security, the best climate in the country and accessibility to Blue Flag beaches and of course the views." Commanding views and a price tag that could take your breath away, this property is on the market for R110 million. Image: Courtesy of Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty Chad Shapiro, senior operations and systems manager at Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty Atlantic Seaboard, said that although they do have upcountry buyers, the bulk are foreigners. "We do have some properties that you could say are very expensive, and we get retorts of 'how can you charge so much', but the Atlantic Seaboard warrants its pricing, which is more comparable to the global market," he said. Asked what was so special about these properties that they fetch such high prices, Shapiro said the primary purchase reward is location. "The Cape Town Ciry centre and Atlantic Seaboard both offer superior position as well as weather, the south Easter misses many of our suburbs when it is in full flight and this has borne a strong desire for holiday making near all the premium beaches and in turn long term residency, property ownership and business locality which is also considered to be highly exclusive. "Views and proximity to amazing food, entertainment, sightseeing and recreational activities also bring property pricing to a premium; you are buying a location as well as a lifestyle." With the property market in this precinct looking so promising, agents say the trend is likely to sustain its momentum.
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Texas shooting: Active shooter killed after ambushing US Border Patrol agents, chilling picture surfaces
A shooter armed with rifle and tactical gear was shot and killed after he ambushed US Border Patrol agents in Texas Monday morning, as per reporters. A rifle-wielding shooter was killed after ambushing US Border Patrol agents in McAllen, Texas. (X@officer_Lew) According to reports, the unnamed shooter plotted the assault on Border Patrol officers working at the Rio Grande Valley annex. Police shot back at the gunman, who is now dead, as per Fox News. 'This morning an individual opened fired at the entrance of the United States Border Patrol sector annex in McAllen, Texas. Both Border Patrol agents and local police helped neutralize the shooter,' the Department of Homeland Security told Fox News in a statement. 'This is an ongoing investigation led by the FBI. More information will be shared as it becomes available.' According to Bill Melugin, Fox News correspondent, no federal agents were hurt in the assault. Also Read: Trump blasted over 'four-word' bizarre response on Fed cuts as Texas flood death toll rises; 'His ears don't hear truth' Flights at McAllen International Airport delayed Following the shooting, all flights at McAllen International Airport were delayed, according to the City of McAllen. 'Due to off-airport safety concerns, vehicles and passengers will not be permitted to enter the terminal or parking lot. Access will remain restricted until further notice,' the city wrote in a Facebook post. 'An update will be issued once it is deemed safe to reopen the airport. For the latest flight information, travelers should contact their airline directly,' it added. The Border Patrol post is located close to the airport, and La Plaza Mall, one of the busiest shopping malls in the area. The limitations will not be lifted until authorities declare it safe to resume airport operations. Officials are recommending that individuals watch the airlines' social media posts and get in touch with them directly for updates.
