Gooi Kok Wah, a former accountant turned self-taught designer, is a pioneer in sustainable design and adaptive reuse. Over a decade ago, he began salvaging architectural materials from disused railway quarters, sawmills, and traditional Malaysian houses. This led to the creation of Chengal House in Nibong Tebal, a multi-purpose space showcasing his dedication to recycling and reusing materials.

This hidden gem in Penang is constructed from salvaged timber components, including roof frames from a school hall, timber columns from a sawmill, terracotta roof tiles from a colonial house, and window and door panels from various sources. Gooi aims to expand his mission of promoting architectural salvage as a vital source of supply and inspiration. His work exemplifies a commitment to sustainable design and preserving Malaysia's architectural heritage.

Also in this week’s newsletter:

• Take a tour through this KL home that exudes calm and sophisticated design
• Meet Amanda Nell Eu, the first Malaysian female director to win Cannes’ Grand Prix 2023
• Why is tech billionaire Bryan Johnson biohacking his body and mind in pursuit of immortality?
• Founders of Yeshan Sarees tells us why they are determined to put Indian-made ethnic apparel on the map

This weekend, take a moment to check out Tatler Asia’s YouTube channel and TikTok.

Cheers,
Sim Wie Boon
Digital Editor

Bryan Johnson isn’t your average middle-aged entrepreneur. Known for his tech successes, like Braintree, which acquired Venmo and then sold to PayPal for US$800 million, his current fame stems from his quest for immortality.

Through his Blueprint project, a personal “algorithm” focused on body and mind preservation, he invests millions annually in anti-ageing treatments: blood plasma donations, shockwave therapy, stem cell injections, hormone therapy, and over 100 daily supplements. His aspiration? Prolong life, improve its quality, and advance humanity.

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When it came to designing an interior that exuded a sense of calm, peace, and sophistication while also being luxurious and comfortable, Framework Design Studio already had a clear idea of how to achieve the effect.

For this charming private hideaway in the heart of the city, the studio looked to incorporate sprawling open-plan spaces that made the home conducive to entertaining guests.

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Every culture’s horror uniquely expresses its own identity and landscape. In the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysian horror is a genre with a twist. While it embraces the classic fear of the unknown, it is deeply rooted in the country’s cultural tapestry.

At the forefront of this pulse-pounding world is Amanda Nell Eu, an award-winning filmmaker who’s turned her love for horror into a voyage of discovery through the chilling legends of Malaysian culture. Her directorial film debut, Tiger Stripes, became an immediate sensation when it was selected to premiere at the 95th Cannes Film Festival earlier this year and has now been billed as a contender for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars.

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What started as a venture on Instagram in 2015, Yeshan Sarees has grown into a fashion house beloved by clientele across 35 countries, crafting over 7,000 garments and opening its flagship boutique at Pavilion Bukit Jalil last year.

But achievements haven’t stopped there as Yeshan Sarees opened its door at Pavilion Bukit Jalil earlier this year and has also managed to secure partnerships with Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s Parkson Elite and E-commerce fashion platform Zalora, where its lehengas, sarees, and kurtis will be sold for the first time.

We speak to founders Yesshminni Ravindran and Mir Momin Parveez about their determination to put Indian-made ethnic apparel on the map.

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