FMT Lifestyle (2025)

08/11/2025

Rapper Kendrick Lamar topped the list of Grammy contenders for the second straight year on Friday with nine nominations, outpacing the seven nods for pop superstar Lady Gaga in the race for the music industry’s top honors.

Lamar’s “GNX” and Gaga’s “MAYHEM” will compete for the prestigious album of the year trophy at the Grammy Awards 2026 ceremony in February. Neither artist has won the honor despite multiple nominations in the category.

Others nominated in the album field include Bad Bunny for the Spanish-language “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” Justin Bieber for “Swag” and Sabrina Carpenter for “Man’s Best Friend”.

Three rap albums are in contention. In addition to “GNX”, Tyler, the Creator’s “Chromakopia” and “Let God Sort Em Out, from the duo Clipse, were nominated.

“The Life of a Showgirl” by Taylor Swift, who has claimed album of the year an unmatched four times, was not in the running because it was released after this year’s Grammy eligibility window closed.

Grammy winners will be chosen by the roughly 15,000 voting members of the Recording Academy and announced at a red-carpet ceremony in Los Angeles on Feb 1.

(EPA Images pic)

08/11/2025

Located near the city of Datong in northeastern China, Yungang Grottoes is a series of magnificent Buddhist cave temples hewn into a sandstone mountain from mid-5th century to early-6th century.

Housing 252 caves of varying sizes and 51,000 statues of Buddha, the 18,000 square metre ancient complex was inscribed onto Unesco’s list of world heritage sites in 2001 for its outstanding achievement in Buddhist cave art.

Not only are the statues – ranging from palm-sized statuettes to a 17-metre tall Buddha – monumental, but they also carry a history that testifies to the fusion of religion and politics in the Northern Wei Dynasty (385-535 AD).

As Datong was an important city on the Silk Road that heralded Buddhism’s arrival in China, it is unsurprising that the cave art here contains visual elements imported from Central Asia, India, and even Greek civilisations.

Take for example, the flying apsaras – heavenly nymphs from Hindu mythology – who can be found in rows in the painted temples, along with celestial musicians playing instruments of foreign origins.

The Yungang Grottoes is located 25 km away from Datong City, and can be conveniently reached by bus or an e-hailing ride. Datong is approximately two hours away from Beijing by high-speed train.

08/11/2025

Products by Fazzkraf can bring colour into your life in fascinating and stylish ways. From elegant batik purses to vibrant songket sling bags and clutches, each piece is striking and beautifully crafted.

For founder Fazlina Othman, the brand is more than a creative or monetary pursuit – it’s a source of joy and purpose.

“I’m a stay-at-home mum, so making the products helps me fill my time and adds colour to my daily routine. It also brings me a sense of peace,” Fazlina told FMT Lifestyle.

The 40-year-old shared that the beginnings of Fazzkraf took root during the pandemic.

Although her husband – a designer at an architectural firm – was able to work from home, like many others during the pandemic, his income was reduced. To help meet the family’s financial obligations, Fazlina, a mother of two, began looking for a way to contribute.

“At that time, everyone needed face masks,” she said. She recognised this demand and quickly turned to YouTube tutorials to learn how to sew them.

Having previously sold handmade pencil and makeup cases on a small scale, sewing these face masks was a walk in the park for her.

Even so, she practised tirelessly until she perfected the quality of her masks. When she posted photos of them on Facebook, friends were charmed and began placing orders.

Her friends also helped spread the word and soon, Fazlina was receiving more orders, including bulk requests.

But as the pandemic eased, demand for masks dwindled and Fazlina knew it was time to evolve.

Using both her trusty sewing machine and hand-stitching skills, she began crafting a variety of new items: bags, purses, pen holders, scrunchies, dolls, kaftans as well as clothes for babies and little girls.

(Fazlina Othman pic)

07/11/2025

The 47th Asean Summit marked a significant milestone for Malaysia, who played host to the prestigious event. But for members of the Cempaka Performing Arts Company’s (CPAC) Vocal Pizzest Show Choir, it was especially memorable.

At the closing ceremony on Oct 28, the choir – consisting of 32 students from Cempaka International School and Cempaka National School – delivered a stirring performance of the Asean anthem, “The Asean Way”.

Among them was 11-year-old Kimberly Chan. “I enjoyed myself,” she told FMT Lifestyle with a smile. She admitted feeling a little nervous before stepping on stage – but once she began singing, the nerves melted away.

A similar sentiment was echoed by Gabriel Ng, 12, who said his jitters faded once the performance began. “It was very fun,” he said, grinning.

The duo also recalled a delightful moment when Timur-Leste’s prime minister, Xanana Gusmão, noticed them waiting to perform and graciously offered them sweets.

📷 : & Andrew Chan pics

07/11/2025

If you or someone you know needs emotional support, help is available 24/7.
Call Talian Kasih 15999 or WhatsApp 019-261 5999 for counseling, protection, and welfare assistance.

07/11/2025

If you think pasta is simply flour and eggs, think again.

For Malaysian chef Shan Nadarajan, it’s a way to play with colours, patterns and shapes, resulting in dishes that are often too beautiful to eat.

With 17 years in professional kitchens, his handmade pasta art creations have become his signature, and through private dining in Singapore, he continues to impress guests who’ve never seen the Italian classic presented this way.

Like most chefs, this 45-year-old’s love for cooking started at home, in Klang.

“My mum is a fantastic cook. She used to prepare every meal like a feast with more than five dishes on the table,” Shan told FMT Lifestyle.

As a child, he would sit quietly in the kitchen, watching her work effortlessly. That planted the seed, though becoming a chef wasn’t originally part of his plan.

For now, look out for his autumn-themed rigatoni, and a festive Christmas design in the coming months.

(Shan Nadarajan Instagram pic)

07/11/2025

Kebimbangan terhadap tahap kesihatan mental rakyat Malaysia semakin meningkat apabila tekanan perasaan, kerisauan dan kemurungan kini menjadi perkara biasa.

Menurut Tinjauan Kesihatan dan Morbiditi Kebangsaan (NHMS) 2023, kira-kira 4.6% rakyat Malaysia berusia 16 tahun ke atas mengalami kemurungan — meningkat sekali ganda berbanding 2.3% pada 2019.

Walaupun rawatan amat penting, pencegahan awal memainkan peranan utama, terutama dalam mengenal pasti tanda-tanda tekanan perasaan sebelum ia menjadi lebih serius.

Jika intervensi dilakukan lebih awal, cabaran emosi boleh dikawal sebelum berubah menjadi penyakit.

Namun, stigma, rasa malu dan sikap berdiam diri terus menjadi penghalang kepada ramai orang daripada mendapatkan bantuan – sehingga terlambat.

07/11/2025

Concerns over the mental health of Malaysians are mounting, as stress, anxiety and depression become increasingly common.

According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, about 4.6% of Malaysians aged 16 and above experience depression — doubling from 2.3% in 2019.

While treatment is vital, early prevention plays a pivotal role — underscoring the need to identify signs of distress before they escalate.

If intervention comes early, emotional challenges can be managed before they harden into illness. Yet stigma, shame and silence continue to stop many from reaching out until it is too late.

07/11/2025

Awak OK tak? - a simple question that could save a life

Early prevention can make all the difference, but stigma and silence still keep many from asking for help.

06/11/2025

When stress, anger, or pain are left unchecked, they can spiral into harm.

Here’s how emotions can push people over the edge.

06/11/2025

Every so often, you stumble upon a rare gem of an eatery. Chang Ke Fang Restaurant is one such place.

A large mango tree and a star fruit tree front the restaurant, both planted by the eatery’s founder, a Hainanese woman named Chu Xuan. Like the business, these trees have stood the test of time with remarkable resilience.

“This shop was established in 1961, so, it’s about 64 years now. It was started by my great-grandmother,” said Christine Yeow, 30.

Christine runs the business alongside her father, Steven Yeow, her mother, B**g Kim Yen, and her younger brother, Alex.

Inside, the eatery is simple and delightfully old-school. Vintage tiles, marble-top tables and old photos hang on the walls, adding a nostalgic vibe. And you’ll smile when you spot a signboard with the message: “Zero Wi-Fi. Talk to each other. Pretend it’s 1961”.

While the neighbourhood has evolved, the food remains the same – simple, unpretentious and satisfying, embodying the best of Malaysian cuisine.

In an age of fast trends and fleeting encounters, Chang Ke Fang stands as a gentle reminder of the beauty of tradition.

📍
45, Jalan Dato Mahmud 11/4
46200 Petaling Jaya
Selangor

Operation hours:
7am-4pm (Monday-Friday)
7am-3pm (Saturday)
Closed on Sunday

Contact: 012-629 7836

📷:

06/11/2025

It can be hard to discuss mental health. Among men, in particular, the topic is often met with resistance.

Statistics paint a worrying picture, with data from 2023 showing that around one million Malaysians aged 16 and above suffered from depression alone – more than double the figure in 2019.

Indeed, the state of mental health among Malaysians is concerning, compounded by traditional mindsets about men’s roles in society, how they should behave, and what is considered acceptable.

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