Our cover star for December is the award-winning gynaecological oncologist Dr Woo Yin Ling, who aims to eliminate cervical cancer in our lifetime.

She co-founded Malaysia’s Rose Foundation in 2019, aiming to eliminate cervical cancer through education, screening, and treatment. The foundation’s notable achievement is Program Rose, a successful cervical screening approach using a quick and painless HPV PCR self-sampling method. The program has screened over 24,000 women across Malaysia, including urban areas and remote villages.

Woo’s dedication earned her the 2023 Rachel Pearline Award, making her the first Southeast Asian to receive this honour in cancer research. Additionally, the Rose Foundation received the Univants of Healthcare Excellence award, a global recognition for healthcare excellence, making it the only Southeast Asian organization to achieve this distinction. She discusses her journey and future aspirations in the interview.

Also in this week’s newsletter:

• Take a tour through this grand KL home anchored by marble
• 6 incredible destinations to stretch your ringgit without regret
• Here are some Malaysian female actors and filmmakers who are making waves internationally
• Sincere Haute Horlogerie opens its biggest boutique in Southeast Asia

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

Cheers,
Sim Wie Boon
Digital Editor

Nestled in a tranquil and affluent neighbourhood of Kuala Lumpur is a newly constructed bungalow that boasts an idyllic setting surrounded by lush landscapes, with a captivating view of the city’s skyscrapers.

Spanning an expansive 8,500 square feet and featuring eight bedrooms, the residence underwent a remarkable transformation under the skilled hands of Kort Studio with a design concept inspired by the diverse array of materials suggested by the client, including marble and bamboo flooring, intended to impart distinct personalities to each space.

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As the holiday season unfolds, the allure of travel beckons. However, the current challenges posed by the weakening ringgit have injected a dose of budgetary concern for those yearning to plan their annual vacation. Despite this financial hiccup, fret not! There are many captivating destinations across Asia where the impact on your ringgit is far less pronounced.

These locales preserve your budget and promise enriching experiences at a fraction of the cost you might incur elsewhere. From the enchanting landscapes of Sri Lanka to the paradisiacal allure of the Philippines, discover five splendid holiday spots that won't strain your wallet.

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In the vibrant tapestry of Malaysia’s film industry, the representation of women in front of and behind the camera has been steadily rising. The influence of women in the film industry in recent years cannot be denied, evolving from silent pioneers to outspoken trailblazers, reshaping the narratives and setting new standards of creativity and excellence.

From award-winning actresses to Oscar-hopeful directors, these are Malaysia’s leading female creatives who have held their own in the highly competitive film and entertainment landscape abroad.

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Housing 17 independent brands, Sincere Haute Horlogerie in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is poised to be the go-to destination for those looking to level up their watch-collecting game. This is the space to discover some of the best in independent watchmaking, with brands like H. Moser & Cie., Cvstos, Christiaan Van Der Klaauw, Credor, Armin Strom, Louis Moinet and Parmigiani Fleurier, among others, jostling for attention.

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