Galeri Aura Islam at Iskandar Puteri

 

Do you know that there is a gallery located at East Ledang, Iskandar Puteri, that celebrates the beauty of Islamic art and heritage of Islamic civilization?

 

Facade of Galeri Aura Islam at the
Anjung Neighbourhood Centre, Iskandar Puteri

This gallery was carefully curated and set up in 2019 but could not welcome any visitors when the global pandemic reached our shores in 2020.

 

Since the reopening of the economy, the gallery started to welcome visitors from near and far, and recently hosted an event with the media to promote Galeri Aura Islam as a cultural tourism destination in Johor.

 

With Visit Johor Year planned for 2026, Managing Director of Galeri Aura Islam, Datuk Haji Anuar Haji Hassan, aims to strengthen partnerships with hotels and the media to attract more visitors to the gallery.

 

Introduction to the gallery by En Lokman

“Galeri Aura Islam is more than just a gallery; it is a space where art and history come together to inspire and educate,” said Datuk Haji Anuar.

 

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the media and our esteemed partners to make this cultural gem a must-visit destination,” he added.

 

The gallery is located within the Anjung Neighbourhood Centre and presents more than 300 artifacts that showcase the wealth of the Islamic civilization as a one-of-a-kind destination in Asia.

 

Entrance to the gallery

This destination aims to provide an enriching and educational experience where visitors immerse themselves in the rich history of Islamic civilization and the extraordinary journey of Prophet Mohammad.

 

After a brief introduction by En Lokman, the gallery’s manager, we were invited to join him for our own experience of the gallery.

 

When we approached the entrance, I saw the ticket counter and along the corridor, a group of women were gathered for a guided tour, waiting for entry into the gallery. Then I heard someone say that this group were visiting from Negeri Sembilan.

 

In a chat with Datuk Haji Anuar, I learnt that the artefacts on display were from his private collection, safely stored away over the years until he was ready to share it with others.

 

Visitors at a section of the gallery

Bought from reliable sources and other serious collectors, these artefacts were examined and authenticated by seven professors. The gallery has also been granted authorization by the Mufti Department of Johor to present these artefacts to the public, showcased in such an exhibition.

 

Upon entry, I paused to study the map postered on the wall to understand the locations in the Middle East where these artefacts were from to have a better perspective of the culture and heritage of this exhibition.

 

A collection of old coins used in the
ancient civilization of the Middle East

While the Muslim community, who are familiar with the Quran, and those conversant in Jawi and the Arabic script may better appreciate the exhibits, much effort has gone into preparing labels for each display, provided in Malay and English languages.

 

Throughout our visit, Datuk Haji Anuar mingled with the media, pointing out various interesting exhibits and answering curious questions.

 

Among the relics that caught my attention were the apparatus for processing perfume, ancient instruments used in astronomy, a collection of old coins and a modern typewriter with keys they typed the Arabic script.

 

A modern typewriter with keys that
typed the Arabic script

Our visit to the gallery aptly ended at their souvenir shop that stocked a range of merchandise including T-shirts, collectibles, snacks and drinks.

 

Galeri Aura Islam is located at Lot R19, R19A and R20, Anjung Neighbourhood Centre, Persiaran Ledang Heights, East Ledang, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

 

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30am to 6pm. Closed on Monday.

 

For more info and to arrange group visits, go to the gallery’s website at www.galeriauraislam.com and official Facebook (@GaleriAuroIslam) and Instagram (@galeriauraislam) pages, or Tel: +607 – 5253355.

Celebrating freedom from physical pain

 

When I received the invitation to the Endo Party, I took time to study the invite and understand what sort of a gathering this might be.

 

All smiles at the Endo Party

I spotted the organiser’s logo and name, Dr Sharifah Women’s Clinic, and it became clear as I read the details on the invite which said, “Join the fight against endometriosis. Together we can make a difference in this silent battle.”

 

Several years ago, I had the privilege to meet Dr Sharifah Halimah Jaafar and discovered her passion in empowering women who suffer from endometriosis, a disease linked to the female reproductive system.

 

In my Secondary School days, I witnessed classmates who were affected by heavy and painful periods, some with no alternative but to seek medical attention during their monthly cycle.

 

Dr Sharifah Halimah Jaafar
[Centre] and her team

A Gynecologist since 2003, Dr Sharifah chose to specialize in the field of studying and dealing with endometriosis, and pursue her aspiration to establish a Center of Excellence for Endometriosis.

 

From vast experience with her patients, Dr Sharifah determined to equip herself with techniques in Laparoscopy and Robotic skills to perform minimal invasive surgery.

 

Five years ago, I was delighted to witness the opening of Dr Sharifah’s Women’s Clinic and Laparoscopic Surgery at Gleneagles Medini Hospital.

 

Her practice that went on to earn the prestigious award as the Best Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinic of the Year in Asia Pacific, awarded by Global Healthcare Asia Pacific for two consecutive years, 2020 and 2021.

 

A patient sharing her testimony to encourage
others while Dr Sharifah looked on

This invitation to an Endo Party appears to be a timely celebration with patients who have been freed from suffering the effects of endometriosis and I did not hesitate to accept.

 

It was Dr Sharifah who opened my eyes to what Endometriosis was all about. It is a disease where cells in the layer of tissue that normally covers the inside of the uterus, grow outside the uterus.

 

Lesions may be found on ovaries, fallopian tubes, the peritoneum or tissue around the uterus and ovaries, intestines, bladder and diaphragm.

 

Another patient sharing her experience
to encourage fellow patients gathered there

Symptoms include pelvic pain, heavy and painful periods, pain during bowel movement, painful urination, pain during sexual intercourse and infertility.

 

In most cases, women who suffer from endometriosis also suffer social and psychological effects.

 

This is because this disease often occurs in young women at the prime of their lives when they were pursuing their careers or planning to start a family. Burdened by this disease, the lives and future of these young women are simply disrupted.

 

It is unfortunate that this disease if often misunderstood and riddled with myths to the point where the voices of sufferers are largely ignored and neglected because the community has been traditionally programmed to accept menstrual pain as “normal.”

 

Sisters, Ashvin [Left] and Arvin [Right]
with Dr Sharifah at the Endo Party

“There is nothing wrong!” and “After you are married, the pains will disappear,” are common phrases heard by sufferers when others dismiss their pain and normalize their suffering.

 

From young, the sufferers are bound by the disease at every stage of their lives. From mothers or guardians and then teachers as well as colleagues and employers who dismiss their excruciating pains and claim that such pains were just exaggerated.

 

Some traditional families go to the extent of telling the sufferers that the pain was there to “train” them to prepare for childbirth or say that the pain was to “cleanse them from sins.”

 

Dr Sharifah with Roslina Arbak

Because this disease often occurs among women in the workforce, their productivity is affected and when they blame themselves for their weakness, they often fall into depression. Very often, patients are bound by this disease and their suffering multiplies due to late diagnosis.

 

For many women who are living with endometriosis, there was no relieve for them when they suffer period pains. Before this month’s pains are over, they have to face the next menstrual cycle.

 

Most sufferers cannot have a normal sexual relationship. And for those who delayed seeking treatment, by the time they did, their organs may have deteriorated so badly that even surgery cannot salvage the situation and they end up not being able to conceive.

 

These sufferers are desperately seeking solutions to their disease but when they meet doctors and gynecologists who are unsympathetic to their condition, they are further hurt by their churlish attitude.

 

With Dr Sharifah

So when they met Dr Sharifah and had their first consultation with her, it was a refreshing change from what they previously experienced with other medical specialists.

 

Whether they spoke to me in English, Malay or Mandarin, this same sentiment was echoed by each of Dr Sharifah’s patients whom I met at the Endo Party.

 

This party – I soon discovered – was in fact, a farewell gathering that Dr Sharifah hosted with her patients as she was relocating from Johor Bahru to work at her Centre of Excellence for Endometriosis at a hospital in Petaling Jaya.  

 

At the party, patients were invited to share their testimonies about their experience with Dr Sharifah to encourage others who were still undergoing treatments and to thank the spouses (Yes! A few men were present!) for their support and understanding.

 

Some of the patients even declared that they will continue to consult with Dr Sharifah wherever she was based as they felt confident and comfortable with her.

 

So it was a bittersweet time together, to celebrate the patients’ freedom from pain with the help of Dr Sharifah, along with bidding her a fond farewell.

 

This celebration of freedom from physical pain continued over light refreshments and conversations among Dr Sharifah and her patients.

 

Thank you, Dr Sharifah, for helping to free so many patients from physical pain and in giving them a brighter future to live a comfortable and fulfilling life.

 

Our best wishes for every success to Dr Sharifah as she continues her journey to help more women at the Centre of Excellence for Endometriosis.

A gem of Mr DIY PLUS opens in Johor

 

With stores opened in malls and residential areas for customers’ convenience, local brand Mr DIY has earned a reputation as Malaysia’s favourite home improvement retailer.

 

Mr DIY Group's team at the Grand Opening
of Mr DIY PLUS with Head of Marketing,
Alex Goh [3rd from Right]

The success of Mr DIY since it was established in 2005 had led Mr DIY Group (M) Berhad to progress with sister brands like Mr TOY in 2019, Mr DOLLAR in 2020 and Mr DIY Express in 2021, while the first Mr DIY PLUS store opened in Mid Valley Megamall Kuala Lumpur in 2022.

 

The Group is also a master franchisee of the EMTOP brand in Malaysia with its first EMTOP outlet opened in 2023.

 

The much-anticipated grand opening of Mr DIY PLUS in Mid Valley Southkey Johor Bahru marks the Group’s 1,300 outlet in a layout that covers over 33,000 sq ft of floor space, attractively displayed with a range of products from the Group’s brands including Mr DIY, Mr DOLLAR, Mr TOY and EMTOP.

 

Mr DIY mascots and team members dance to
a current popular tune at the store entrance

When I arrived, a large crowd had gathered at the store entrance, eagerly awaiting the countdown to the store opening on Level One of The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey.

 

Among the media friends were Mr DIY team members, identified by their staff tunics, sipping drinks and nibbling on snacks that were also offered to new arrivals like me.

 

While the entrance to the store was carefully concealed for the opening gimmick, I observed that the outer walls were draped in what appeared to be crushed tin foil that reflected light with an eye-catching sparkle.

 

Mr DIY PLUS welcomes customers to shop
for a wide range of products here

As the MC welcomed us and shared his spiel about the store concept, I soon learnt more about this store’s design.

 

It was interesting that the store’s design concept drew its inspiration from the positive spirit of the Johor people and reflected the multi-faceted nature of the Southern-most state – its long history, vibrant economy, rich culture, modern outlook, its unique position as a Gateway to Peninsular Malaysia – which makes Johor state a true gem.

 

The mention of Johor as a jewel or gem struck a familiar chord not only because I am a true-blue Johorean but also because one of the stories featured in my 2017 MPH Non-Fiction Bestseller, My Johor Stories: True Tales, Real People, Rich Heritage, was Johor’s Many Names, a piece that discussed among other things, how the word Johor was derived from an Arab-Persian root word, Jauhar, which means jewel.

 

Having fun with the sensors of
this interactive LED wall

In his opening address, Mr DIY Group’s Head of Marketing, Alex Goh, reiterated how they have honoured Johor state with such a unique design concept.

 

“We are committed to bringing fresh concepts that captivate our customers. The Jewel theme for this store pays homage to Johor, a progressive and dynamic state – a true gem.

 

Inspired by this, we have created an exceptional retail journey that engages the senses and celebrates the Johor spirit,” said Alex Goh.

 

“Johor Bahru’s vibrant community and growth make it an ideal location for this flagship store,” he continued.

 

“Mr DIY PLUS at Southkey offers a lively, engaging shopping experience that meets daily needs, celebrates Johor’s spirit and delivers, ‘Always Low Prices.’

 

A section of the shop floor in Mr DIY PLUS

We are dedicated to being more than a retailer; Our aim is to be part of the community, creating a welcoming space for customers,” he added.

 

Once the opening gimmick and formalities were over, the doors were opened to welcome us in to explore and experience an all-new shopping experience.

 

In line with the Jewel theme, this store features a grand gemstone-inspired entrance as well as a shiny, mirrored finish, Ruby-red diamond art and geometric designs.

 

Customers in the queue at the pay-point

The Jewel art pieces at the center of the store captures Johor’s identity and heritage with intricate, gemstone inspired designs.

 

Designed as more than just a shop floor, this store also features engaging and interactive experiential attractions, an interactive LED screen with motion sensors, dedicated promotional areas, a workshop and event space, a ‘retail-tainment’ zone, a permanent children’s playground and an artistic Infinity Room.

 

To celebrate its grand opening, a series of fun activities and promotions are lined up for customers from now till Sunday, November 24.

 

Mr DIY PLUS is on Level One of The Mall,
Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Bahru

Customers are invited to take part in the 1300 Challenge, Air Rush Challenge and Karaoke Showdown, then post on social media to receive Free mystery gifts.

 

For a minimum spend of RM30, RM50 and RM80, customers will receive Free Gifts daily (while stocks lasts) or may take part in a Spin & Win game to win prizes. (Check in-store for Terms & Conditions.)

 

Meanwhile, entry to the indoor playground and the Infinity Room is Free of Charge.

 

Visit Mr DIY PLUS at Unit F-040 & 041, First Floor, The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Bahru, Johor. Open daily from 10am to 10pm.

 

For more information, visit Mr DIY website at www.mrdiy.com and social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Brick-tacular Holidays magic is here again!

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort with festive fun celebrated in Brick-tacular Holidays, on from now till 5 January 2025.

 

Photo session at the entrance to 
The Beginning at Legoland Malaysia Resort

Come join the wonder, excitement and surprises in dazzling live shows, exclusive holiday workshops and special character appearances. To add to the festive fun, guests also stand to win daily prizes from the Advent Calendar Draw.

 

Be sure to catch the showtimes for Holly Jolly Shows like the Brick-tacular Illusion Show from Friday to Sunday, December 15 to 31.

 

Then plan come ready to join the Brick-tacular Parade, complete with marching bands and live performers from December 21 to 25.

 

While exploring the park, look out for the LEGO Snowmen hidden in Miniland. Try to find all eight to unveil their secret name and take home a Special Christmas Token.

 

Live stage performances at The Beginning

Don’t miss the opportunity to capture special shots with friendly mascots like LEGO Santa, The Wizard, Toy Soldier and Ollie the Dragon.

 

During the Brick-tacular Holidays season, guests will discover plenty of fun starting at The Beginning.

 

Build your very own LEGO holiday cupcakes and decorate them to your heart’s content or design your best LEGO ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree.

 

Build to Give Workshop area

If you are up for the challenge, show off your speed-building abilities and see if you can beat the clock to build a LEGO candy cane.

 

LEGO fans are welcome to join an exclusive Build & Create Workshop led by Malaysia’s first-ever Master Model Builder, Zariq Mohd Ali.

 

At the recent launch of the Brick-tacular Holidays attractions, CS Lim, Divisional Director of LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, was proud to introduce Master Model Builder, Zariq, as LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort’s ambassador who joined the team to help design, produce and host exciting events.

 

CS Lim [Left] introduced Malaysia's
first Master Model Builder,
Zariq Mohd Ali [Right]

Lim said that Zariq’s outstanding skills, artistic vision and lifelong passion for LEGO stood out from among the finest LEGO talents in a nationwide search for Malaysia’s first Master Model Builder.

From crafting stunning LEGO models for the park, to leading hands-on workshops and interactive play sessions, Zariq will be bringing the magic of LEGO to live in new ways at the resort.

Born in France, Zariq lived in several countries including Mexico, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand before settling down in Kuala Lumpur.

 

He holds a degree in International Relations and Economics and speaks five languages like English, Malay and French with conversational-level Chinese and Spanish. 

“This is truly my dream job! LEGO has been a constant companion throughout my life,” declared Zariq. 

Zariq [Right] guiding a young LEGO fan
in building his LEGO model

“Growing up, my family moved around a lot and one of the few things that stayed with me during this time was LEGO. Being able to share my love for LEGO with others feels like the opportunity of a lifetime.

 

I’m excited to get started and hope to bring the same joy that LEGO has given me over the years, to the kids visiting LEGOLAND Malaysia,” he added.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Zariq to the team as our first-ever Master Model Builder in Malaysia,” said CS Lim.

 

Create LEGO ornaments to
decorate this Christmas tree

“The response to our search was overwhelmingly positive, with so many ccreative and talented builders who applied. Ultimately, Zariq stood out from the rest with his strong passion, creative vision and how he embodies our LEGO DNA of learning through play.

 

We can’t wait to see the amazing experiences he will create for our guests and the inspiration he will provide to young minds across Malaysia,” he continued.

LEGOLAND Malaysia is proud to be part of the Build to Give initiative, joining with all 10 LEGOLAND Resorts and 29 LEGOLAND Discovery Centres worldwide on a global mission to spread joy.

 

In the spirit of giving, guests are invited to join the Build to Give workshop and create your own LEGO heart. For every heart built and shared on social media with #BuildtoGive, LEGO will donate a set to children in need, helping to bring the gift of play to those who need it most.

 

Capture your favourite photos here!

So plan to arrive early to enjoy all the festive fun at Brick-tacular Holidays with LEGO Santa and his magical friends performing, Season of Giving Kick-off. Then rock around the stage to Ollie's Holiday Groove, sing along with the Wizard's Festive Tune and cheer on your favourite dancers during the Elves vs Toy Soldier dance battle. End your fun-filled day with the heartwarming performance of, Farewell Finale, a perfect ending to your Brick-tacular Holidays experience.

 

For more information on the Brick-tacular Holidays event at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, visit https://www.legoland.com.my/explore/shows-entertainment/brick-tacular-holidays/ or visit the official Facebook and Instagram pages for details and tickets.

Modern cafe for traditional food

 

While heading to the grocers at Sunway Citrine Hub with the main objective to get everything on my grocery list, I have passed the adjacent Sunway commercial square numerous times without noticing the businesses that were opened here since 2022.

 

Facade of the corner cafe, Warung Ekspres

Recently around lunchtime, I was in the Sunway neighbourhood– this time, without any grocery list – determined to explore and experience the lunch options here.

 

Accompanied by Florence, my food-tasting friend who is also my navigator, we obeyed the driving directions set out in the Sunway commercial square which took us around the one-way lanes – more than twice on some lanes – to the look at the cafés, restaurants and kopitiams that were opened for lunch.

 

With no particular destination in mind and feeling not quite famished yet, we also took time to look at the menus provided outside, to consider the food options so as to reach a decision on where to dine.

 

A section of the cafe with a
poster of the Causeway
 and the Johor Bahru skyline

As we surveyed the commercial square, we observed that a healthy number of people were already seated and eating at the kopitiams and cafés – proof of the popularity of the cuisines served – and a positive sign that business was not only thriving but also meeting the tastes of diners.

 

We were delighted to discover that in addition to kopitiam favourites, the cuisine choices here included Malay, Korean, Thai and Peranakan Nyonya food, each with its own merits while some menus were best tasted with a group and not just two diners.

 

As we completed covering all the lanes in our survey of the commercial square, it was time to narrow down our choices and take a pick of which destination for our lunch.

 

When we saw the signboard at the corner café for WARUNG EKSPRES, the smaller print that read, JOHOR BAHRU, along with an illustration of a traditional batu lesung or stone mortar and pestle in their brand identity, caught my eyes.

 

As we walked into the café, I believed the mortar and pestle visual and the name, Johor Bahru, probably made the decision for us.

 

A section of the counter within the cafe

It was simply uncanny that we stepped into this café only to be welcomed in by the Operations Manager, Prakash Nambiar, who was familiar with me from when we met for special events and reviews at Food & Beverage establishments like EightLido and Bottle & Glass.

 

Such a pleasant surprise and a warm welcome simply made Warung Ekspres a good choice for lunch but I wisely held back from forming any conclusion until we had our dining experience.

 

When we were comfortably seated indoors, a glance through the glass-paneled wall revealed that there were tables occupied by diners in the outdoor section.

 

Florence and I took our time to study the menu with photos that listed a selection of popular Malaysian dishes like Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Beef Noodles and Lamb Satay along with Johor specialties like Mee Bandung, Asam Pedas Ikan, Laksa Johor and Soto Ayam, among other local favourites.

 

A kids' play area occupies a section of the cafe
 

When Florence spotted her favourite, Nasi Kerabu with Ayam Penyet, on the menu, she did not hesitate to pick this item for her lunch.

 

As for me, it was a matter of making a choice for now because looking at photos of the mouth-watering dishes made me feel rather hungry.

 

I then picked Soto Ayam, a Malay-style chicken broth served with rice vermicelli or rice cubes or nasi impit, topped with shredded chicken, bean sprouts and begedil, a deep-fried meat and potato patty.

 

While waiting for our meal to be served, we arrived at a unanimous decision to come back again to try other choices on this interesting menu.

 

A serving of Nasi Kerabu with Ayam Penyet

Meanwhile, we observed that diners were leaving and arriving – many who appeared to be regulars – so we were pleased to have stumbled upon this corner café that day.

 

With an illustration of a batu lesung designed within their brand identity, I was quite confident that the kitchen with prepare their spices with fresh ingredients from scratch using a baru lesung, no less, to maintain authenticity in local recipes.

 

And when our orders were served, I was pleased to observe that the two different side sauces for Nasi Kerabu and Soto Ayam, were indeed own-made and rather tasty.

 

A serving of Soto Ayam

While we were eating, I could not help overhearing the conversation at the next table between Prakash and the diner who brought to his attention, that her expectation of her dish was not met.

 

From their animated chat, I figured that her order was same as mine for Soto Ayam and that she expected the carb in the chicken soup to be nasi impit but instead, it turned out to be rice vermicelli.

 

Then Prakash politely explained that the White bits shown in their photograph was shredded cabbage and not nasi impit.

 

Prakash Nambiar, hands-on in
serving brewed coffee to us

This episode reminded Florence and I about a previous incident where a reader, who happened to be a friend of Florence, went to a restaurant after reading my review and was disappointed that the dish they were served was unlike that photograph of a dish in my review.

 

I regretted that it was my mistake because the photo was of a special dish the merchant presented at the review and was not available on the menu.

 

Since that unfortunate incident where my photo had misled readers, I made it a point to show photos of dishes consistent with the menu so that diners know what to expect when they placed their orders.

 

Our meal continued pleasantly and later, when Prakash approached us for comments about the food, we were ready to give him our best compliments simply by drawing his attention to our empty plates.

 

After lunch we often enjoyed a good cup of hot coffee so when Prakash modestly suggested the freshly brewed local coffee in their menu, we agreed to have a taste.

 

A freshly brewed hot cup of coffee

He proved to be an experienced and versatile hands-on F&B professional who just stepped behind the counter to personally brew and serve us two cups of hot coffee.

 

By this time, most of the lunch crowd had left the café so while we savoured the exquisite taste of the creamy coffee, we also enjoyed a pleasant catch-up chit-chat about mutual interests and mutual friends.

 

I took the opportunity to quiz him about the café, its set lunch and dinner menus as well as those workstation stalls displayed outside. Just as I thought, he confirmed that these stalls were for live cooking stations when private events were hosted at the café.

 

So even before I paid the bill or stepped out of the café, we were already planning for our next visit, keen to enjoy many other local dishes on the menu.

 

Warung Ekspres is located at Unit 1-01 Laman Niaga Sunway, Persiaran Medini 3, Bandar Medini Iskandar, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor. Open daily from 8am to 8pm. For more info, visit official Facebook and Instagram pages for Warung Ekspres.