As part of our 28th Anniversary, we posed 3 simple questions to these cover personalities: Their reaction to appearing on the cover, how that changed their lives, to how that cover launched more opportunities – and were rewarded with amusing anecdotes that will crack a smile. We at Malaysia Tatler are honoured and humbled to be part of their journey, as much as they have been part of ours.
Tatler Asia
Above October 2007

Raisa Sufian

“I’m not a huge fan of taking photos of myself, and I’m not a massive girly-girl, so doing a photo shoot in a ball gown was a pretty surreal experience. But, it ended up being something ace to look back on, so from a self-growth perspective it was a great way to see how good things can happen when you’re willing to take a chance. I’m still a mega awkward nerd, just a little more groomed these days!”

Read also Talking Digital Media Trends With Raisa Sufian, Head Of Business Development At VaynerMedia

Tatler Asia
Above December 2008

Datin Sri Mary Lourdes

“I was excited just like any other person. At the same time, I was also a little nervous thinking about the ‘look’ that I wanted to carry on the cover. I am honoured to have graced the cover. Until today, it still brings fond memories.”

Read also: Datin Sri Mary Lourdes-Chandran, On Finding Herself Again In The Empty Nest

Tatler Asia
Above January 2009

Michele Kwok

“I was caught totally off-guard. Yes, being featured in the daily newspapers, business magazines and F&B related publications was the norm, but being invited to be on the cover of the leading high society, lifestyle magazine, now, that was next level. It was quite unbelievable—from the time I received the phone call from Florence to the two-day photo shoot, until the time I saw the magazine displayed at the retail racks. That was such a defining moment for me. It has given me the courage and confidence to overcome tough times and pursue my goals.”

Read also: How Fred Choo & Michele Kwok Make Work Possible As A Couple

Tatler Asia
Above June 2013

Alia Geneid

“I had no clue I was going to be on the cover. It was honestly a big surprise for me; and I only found out when I saw the online edition that month! I was extremely happy, overwhelmed, and honoured to have made the cover. It made me feel really good about myself; mainly due to the fact that I can, and have made an impact in society. I wanted to make the best out of this opportunity and help change lives for the better.”

Read also: The Union Of Dias Atamkulov & Alia Geneid In Kazakhstan

Tatler Asia
Above June 2016

John-Son Oei

“That cover definitely created a buzz. It was really fun to be able to draw attention to my family and share our story with a greater number of people. Other than that, it’s pretty much business as usual, with the added amount of responsibility this opportunity has given to us. I try my best to use this platform to be a positive role model.”

Read also: John-Son Oei  Of Epic Homes Named Winner For The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards 

Tatler Asia
Above August 2017

Pandelela Rinong

“I thought my manager was joking at first. But when she explained in detail, I got excited and nervous, as this was my first cover photo shoot. I was quite worried about how people would perceive this and what they are going to think about me after. But the result was overwhelming, as the public finally understood and got to know more about my personal thoughts. Personally, it has boosted my confidence. I feel grown up.”

This story was adapted from Malaysia Tatler November 2017 issue. 

Read also: Pandelela Rinong, On Plunging Into Life Centred Around Diving

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