Ahead of International Dance Day on April 29, dance doyen Datuk Ramli Ibrahim takes a rare look back on his illustrious career, revealing the person behind the performer, and engages in discourse about the good, bad and a possible silver lining for our country’s arts and culture heritage.

Poetry in motion

KUALA LUMPUR (April 14): What characterises spring/summer fashion are airy, lightweight fabrics and clothes cut for comfort and ease of movement. The latest issue of Options’ takes this a step further with uplifting looks inspired by the Olympics, to be held in Paris, the style and fashion capital of the world, from July 26 to Aug 11.

Uplifting looks

One of the greatest rugby players in history, Dan Carter is a bona fide legend, having played for close to two decades, racking up over 100 Test matches for New Zealand, winning two Rugby World Cups, and being crowned top international points scorer in Test Rugby with a tally of 1,598 points and most-capped All Blacks fly-half of all time in the process.

Perfect 10

Drawing from Vicenza’s rich heritage and jewellery savoir-faire, Umberto Cazzola opened a goldsmith’s workshop with about 20 employees in 1929. He relied on his innovative and pioneering approach to propel his enterprise forward.

Mix + mesh

Her Excellency Datuk Chitra Devi Ramiah, Malaysia’s ambassador to Poland and Lithuania, originally harboured dreams of becoming an accountant. In our cover story this week, the accidental civil servant talks about her eclectic career path and how diplomacy eventually became her calling.

Woman of the world

Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) was founded in 1987 through a joint venture between Hong Kong’s Golden Harvest and Malaysian conglomerate PPB Group, with the aim of taking over the leases of Shaw Brothers. The trajectory for future development was firmly established in 1999, when GSC opened in Mid Valley Megamall during a recession.

Running the show

Martell has always been defined by its audacity to create new expressions and ways to enjoy cognac. In Options’ cover story this week, chairman and CEO of Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouët César Giron explains the new and limited Asia-only Martell Single Cru collection, which will soon be released as part of the French cognac house’s 130th anniversary Malaysian celebrations.

In high spirits

It is common sense (and basic maths) that women, on average, constitute at least half the world’s population at any given point in time. And yet, it is equally clear that the playing field is still not level: in terms of wages, opportunities, and access to resources. In this issue, we honour 49 incredible Malaysians — as a nod to International Women’s Day, first marked by the United Nations in 1975 — who champion inclusion and drive gender equality through economic empowerment to create a more equitable future.

International Women’s Day special

Walk down any street in Paris and you will see them: Women who epitomise chic, fun and style. They are authentic, energetic and know what it takes to look good. The same can all be said for French fashion brand Longchamp, founded by Jean Cassegrain in 1948. Now helmed by his grandson who shares the same name, it has a full range of leather goods, accessories, clothing, shoes and eyewear.

Of leather, flesh and blood

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 18): In this Health + Wellness special issue, Options meets Erica Lam, CEO of Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL), the flagship of IHH Healthcare Bhd. Lam looks back on its journey, highs and lows — especially during the Covid pandemic — and how setbacks become opportunities to improve. PHKL has grown from a small private facility into a tertiary hospital with 380 beds, eight operating rooms and more than 120 clinics.

A legacy of care

Habib group executive chairman Datuk Seri Meer Habib may be one of the most successful jewellers in the country, but his journey has not always been smooth sailing. The passionate jeweller laments the constant battle of securing prime spots at shopping malls. “This has been somewhat disappointing, reflecting the broader issue of local companies often struggling to gain respect and get the favourable locations they rightfully deserve. It appears that regardless of the quality of a brand, international labels tend to be favoured and are given better visibility. This has been my struggle from the beginning and continues to be a hurdle even today.” While he’s continuing his good fight and expanding his empire, he hopes his children — Mirzan, Marissa and Mirsham — will continue to pursue their passions.

Golden rules

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 4): In the Options cover story this week, the ambassador of Brazil to Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, Ary Norton de Murat Quintella, pays tribute to fellow countryman Roberto Burle Marx, arguably the greatest landscape architect in modern history, in a new self-published book titled A Brazilian in Kuala Lumpur.

East of Eden

In our cover story this week, meet Rome-based Malaysian HH Lim, who reached for the freedom art promises with a daring born of rebellion, sincerity and a depth to ideas that many called crazy initially.

Soul rebel

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 21): Bernard R Fleury, the CEO of Edouard Koehn, successfully acquired the watch company in 2015 and breathed new life into it by 2020. Navigating the challenges faced by the 133-year-old brand, he has somehow found a formula to captivate a diverse audience by rolling out watches that appeal to both young collectors and seasoned connoisseurs. Drawing on his experience in revitalising the Vulcain brand during his tenure as its former CEO, where he achieved unprecedented success, Fleury leverages this expertise to build Edouard Koehn’s portfolio, clout and connections. Alongside his two children, Axel and Allissia, they methodically contribute to the brand’s growth.

Horological renaissance

KUALA LUMPUR (April 24): Rakuten Trade said Nationgate Holdings Bhd may extend it upward trajectory after breaking out from its one-month rectangular pattern yesterday.

In a technical view note on Wednesday, the research house said that in view of the stock bouncing off the 20-day expon...

Nationgate may extend upward trajectory, says Rakuten Trade 

KUALA LUMPUR (April 24): RHB Retail Research said Censof Holdings Bhd is observing a technical breakout after climbing above the 26.5 sen immediate resistance on surging trading volume.

In a trading stocks note on Wednesday, the research house said that as such, the bullish momentum may...

Censof observing a technical breakout, says RHB Retail Research 

KUALA LUMPUR (April 24): RHB Retail Research said YBS International Bhd is set to resume its uptrend after climbing above the 80.5 sen immediate resistance, surpassing the 21-day simple moving average line.

In a trading stocks note on Wednesday, the research house said that the bullish ...

YBS International set to resume uptrend, says RHB Retail Research 

MIDF says Axis REIT is strengthening its presence in Bukit Raja.

MORNING CALL: 24/4/24

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities fell to the lowest in a decade in 2023. According to the “Global M&A Report” published by Bain & Co, the total M&A market fell by 15% year on year last year to US$3.2 trillion, the lowest in a decade.

M&A activities hit a low in 2023, pickup expected this year

(April 24): Goldman Sachs Group Inc. shares rose to a record on Tuesday, eclipsing their previous closing high set more than two years ago.

The investment banking giant reported first-quarter earnings last week that included a massive profit beat, which one analyst heralded as a “near-p...

Goldman Sachs shares rise to notch first record high since 2021

(April 24): Digital payments company Block Inc., formerly known as Square, has finished the development of its Bitcoin mining chip as Chief Executive Jack Dorsey continues to advocate for a more accessible and decentralized system — an effort he’s championed since 2021.

The three-nanome...

Jack Dorsey’s block finishes development of Bitcoin mining chip

(April 24): International Business Machines Corp. is in advanced talks to acquire software company HashiCorp Inc., according to people with knowledge of the matter.

IBM and HashiCorp could reach an agreement as soon as Wednesday, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussin...

IBM is in advanced talks to acquire software provider HashiCorp

(April 24): Tesla Inc. is accelerating the launch of more affordable models in a bid to arrest a deterioration in its profit margins and sales.

The electric-vehicle maker plans to start production on the cheaper cars before the second half of 2025, when it had previously pledged to begi...

Tesla to accelerate launch of cheaper cars after sales miss

(April 24): This was supposed to be the year that Vietnam reaped the benefits from one of its largest natural gas discoveries.

An estimated 150 billion cubic meters of the fuel, enough to power a city the size of Hanoi for decades, was discovered 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Vietnam’s ...

Xi’s armada is winning the battle for energy in South China Sea

Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Tuesday.

KomarkCorp, Topmix, PavREIT, Axis REIT, KIP REIT, Cypark, Crest Builders, Capital A, Gadang, Haily, DXN, Inta Bina, Comfort Gloves, AHB

While the opening of The Exchange TRX is anticipated to intensify competition in the malls sector, Pavilion Real Estate Investment Trust (PavREIT) said footfalls at its malls nearby — Pavillion KL and the connected Pavilion Elite — remain unaffected, and they are still enjoying over 95% occupancy rates.

PavREIT says Pavilion KL, Elite's footfalls unaffected by opening of TRX mall

The fatal collision between two Royal Malaysian Navy helicopters that killed 10 personnel abroad could be due to a failure in the critical points of the aircraft structure, aviation expert Assoc Prof Maj Dr Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian said.

Critical point failure could’ve led to fatal Lumut chopper crash, says expert

Chin Hin Group Bhd’s conditional mandatory takeover offer to acquire the remaining shares it does not own in Signature International Bhd has turned unconditional, after it aggregated more than 50% of the voting shares.

Chin Hin's MGO for Signature International turns unconditional as shareholding surpasses 50%

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EVENING 5: Five things you need to know today

KUALA LUMPUR (April 23): DXN Holdings Bhd posted a 43.23% rise in net profit to RM79.02 million for its fourth quarter ended Feb 29, 2024 (4QFY2024), from RM55.17 million a year ago, on the back of higher revenue.

Earnings per share rose to 1.59 sen from 1.14 sen, according to the healt...

DXN’s 4Q net profit up 43%, seeks to expand market presence in Brazil

The M503-3 Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM) that was involved in a crash Tuesday morning was used for the first time in the flyby for the 90th Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) Anniversary parade.

Downed HOM chopper used for the first time in flyby, says defence minister 

Sarawak’s strategic alliances with the UK's leading industry partners in the development of compound semiconductors will drive innovation to increase the capability of microchips to power new technologies and applications, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Sarawak eyeing partnership with UK companies to boost semicon capabilities

KOTA KINABALU (April 23): The Kibing Group has successfully exported its inaugural batch of solar glass manufactured in Sabah, totalling 672 tonnes, to Cambodia last Sunday (April 21).&nbsp;

Kibing Group exports 672 tonnes of Sabah’s first batch of solar glass to Cambodia

Inta Bina Group Bhd has bagged a contract worth RM169.67 million to develop a serviced apartment project in Country Heights.

Inta Bina bags RM170m serviced apartment job in Country Heights

(April 24): U.S. stocks closed higher on Tuesday following positive earnings from top-tier companies and as investors were focused on quarterly results from Magnificent Seven and other megacap growth stocks.

Tesla kicked off the earnings cycle for technology heavyweights after markets c...

Wall Street closes higher as investors digest earnings, megacap outlook

IPOH (April 23): The post-mortems of 10 victims of the tragedy of two helicopters colliding near the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) base in Lumut, currently being carried out at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital here, are expected to be completed by Wednesday (April 24) afternoon.

Helicopter tragedy: Victims’ post-mortems expected to be completed on April 24 afternoon

Wall Street's main indexes rose on Tuesday as some growth and chip shares gained, while stocks like General Motors and Spotify advanced on upbeat earnings updates ahead of quarterly reports from big technology companies.

Wall Street gains on bright earnings, megacaps' support

NEW YORK/LONDON (April 24): Global shares rose on Tuesday, with investors on Wall Street focused on earnings reports from the U.S. megacaps, and the yen tumbled to multi-year lows against the dollar and the euro.

Treasury yields dipped after data showed U.S. business activity cooled to ...

Stocks gear up for Big Tech earnings; yen touches multi-year lows

KOTA KINABALU (April 23):&nbsp;The Sabah government has not imposed state sales tax&nbsp;and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department has also not levied export duties on gold taken out of Sabah to Peninsular Malaysia, the Sabah State Legislative Assembly was told on Tuesday.

No sales tax, export duties on gold taken out of Sabah to peninsula

US business activity cooled in April to a four-month low due to weaker demand, while rates of inflation eased slightly even as input prices rose sharply, suggesting some possible relief ahead as the Federal Reserve looks for signs that the economy is ebbing enough to bring inflation down further.

US business activity cools in April; inflation measures mixed 

KOTA KINABALU (April 23):&nbsp;A total compensation of RM651 million has been paid to 1,591 landowners and stakeholders involved in the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway project in Sabah.

RM651 mil compensation paid to landowners involved in Sabah’s Pan Borneo Highway

(April 24): Tesla Inc. is accelerating the launch of more affordable models in a bid to arrest a deterioration in its profit margins and sales.

The electric-vehicle maker plans to start production on the cheaper cars before the second half of 2025, when it had previously pledged to begi...

Office furniture maker AHB Holdings Bhd’s foray into the electric vehicles (EV) business has encountered a setback as its planned acquisition of a 51% stake in automotive distributor CAF Motor Sdn Bhd was mutually terminated.

AHB's proposed acquisition of EV automotive distributor scrapped

Mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A) activities fell to the lowest in a decade in 2023. According to the “Global M&amp;A Report” published by Bain &amp; Co, the total M&amp;A market fell by 15% year on year last year to US$3.2 trillion, the lowest in a decade.

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