STAR POWER 星火燎原

Bryan Yeoh 

Executive Director of Starhill Hotels, Australia

澳大利亚Starhill 酒店执行董事

The YTL group of companies have always stood steadily against the test of time by turning the right opportunity into the right entity with enduring values. The YTL name is about building properties, businesses and services that are not simply lasting, but worthy of longevity.  

Executive director for Starhill Hotels in Australia, Bryan Yeoh took a bit of time to talk to us about the impressive YTL legacy and powerhouse. “Part of the YTL Corporate Group in Malaysia, Starhill Hotels, namely Sydney Harbour Marriott, Melbourne Marriott and Brisbane Marriott are under the listed arm of YTL Hospitality REIT, while Westin Perth is under YTL Hotels and Properties – the hospitality arm of YTL Group.”

From Yeoh’s standpoint, the hotel industry in Australia has a lot to offer and provides good investment returns. It is the backbone of the tourism trade that produces a sustained growth in visitors, business travellers and strong trading fundamentals with a balanced long-term supply and demand. This makes Australia an attractive and ideal investment location for YTL. “The opportunity came when the Commonwealth Property Hotel fund wanted to offload their hotels of which YTL was successful in bidding.”

YTL hotels are perpetually improving and focussing on achieving customer satisfaction, optimal profit margins and maintaining competitive advantage. These attributes empower us to gain an aura of success and desirability, that set us apart from our competitors.

They managed to turn the properties into thriving holiday destinations. “We are very passionate, we manage every hotel through an owner’s perspective, and upon building trust, understanding and cooperation with its partners.” With discipline, commitment and value-added products, YTL offers memorable guest experience and consistent world-class service. Their high-performance team is powered by family culture that encourages honesty, diligence, moral responsibility, vitality and togetherness. “We like to invest in people to bring out the best in them. The staff would need to have passion in what they do and share the same ideas, to believe in themselves in delivering YTL’s vision.”

The healthy and vibrant tourism market, particularly in Melbourne, will attract investors and propel the hotel industry to the next level of maturity.

With the YTL brand, quality and return-of-investment are not mutually exclusive. “Disregarding the star level of hotels, guest experience and staff service will always make a difference. The extra mile will go a long way.” YTL hotels are perpetually improving with a great degree of consistency and competitive innovation.  

Yeoh has an even more accomplished team keeping the home fires burning. “My wife Cassy and I have three children – one son and two daughters. My son Ivan specialises in interactive digital media. My elder daughter Rachel is married and my youngest daughter, Theresa is currently pursuing a master’s degree in optometry in the University of Melbourne. Very soon Cassy and I will be empty nesters.”

He loves golf but does not have much time to indulge. In the early years, this exuberant personality wanted to pursue a more creative profession in design but unfortunately that was not on ‘mom’s-choice-list’. Therefore, he ended up studying accountancy.

Where do you see yourself ten years from now? “I hope to be lazing on the beach with my wife, enjoying our favourite drinks. I’ll be 67 years old by then… what more can I say?” 

YTL集团酒店一直不断前进,并专注于完美实现客户满意度、最佳利润率和保持竞争优势。这些属性使我们笼罩在成功和备受欢迎的光环中,有别于竞争对手。

杨忠礼集团(YTL Group)始终坚持不懈地经受住时间的考验,将准确的商机转化为具持久价值的实体产业。YTL这个品牌阐述了不仅是恒久运用的房地产、商业和服务理念,还有保值效应。

澳大利亚Starhill 酒店执行董事Bryan Yeoh花了点时间介绍让人印象深刻的杨忠礼集团传统精髓和商业实力。“Starhill酒店作为马来西亚杨忠礼集团的一部分,也即是悉尼海港万豪酒店、墨尔本万豪酒店和布里斯班万豪酒店,皆隶属于杨忠礼酒店房地产信托基金(YTL Hospitality REIT)的上市子公司,而珀斯威斯汀酒店则是集团旗下酒店房地产部子公司。”

从Bryan Yeoh的角度解析,澳大利亚的酒店业存在许多投资亮点,也具备丰厚的投资回报,其中包括旅游贸易的支柱因素,带来了游客、商务旅客的持续增长和强劲的贸易基本面,以及平衡的长期供应和需求。这促使澳大利亚成为吸引该集团的理想投资点。“当时机会降临,因为英联邦产业酒店基金(Commonwealth Property Hotel Fund)希望转手他们的酒店,而YTL成功中标。”

他们设法把境况欠佳的房地产蜕变为繁荣的度假胜地。“我们怀抱热情,以业主的视野来管理每一家酒店,并与合作伙伴建立稳固的信任、理解与协作关系。”

健康且充满活力的旅游市场,尤其是墨尔本,将大量吸引投资者,推动酒店业迈入更成熟的下一个阶段。

而凭借严谨的管理、敬业的精神和高附加值的产品,YTL为宾客提供令人难忘的最佳体验和始终如一的世界级服务。他们的高效团队以鼓励诚实、勤奋、道德责任、活力和团结等家庭文化方式提供动力。“我们喜欢投资于人,让他们发挥出最好的一面。员工需要对本身的工作充满激情,分享共同的信念,相信自身能够实现YTL的愿景。”

对于YTL品牌来说,质量和投资回报并非相互排斥的概念。“其实如果忽略酒店的星级,客人的感受体验和员工的服务才是造就与众不同的关键。多走一英里路会走得更远。“YTL集团酒店一直不断前进,保持高度的一致性和富有竞争力的创新。

至于 Bryan Yeoh 还有一支更出色的团队,延续家庭的激情燃烧。“我的妻子Cassy和我有三名孩子,一名儿子和两名女儿。儿子Ivan专门研究交互式数字媒体,长女Rachel已结婚了,小女儿Theresa目前正在墨尔本大学攻读视光学硕士学位。当然在不久的将来,Cassy和我将成为空巢老人。”

他热爱高尔夫球,但没有太多时间纵情享受。早年,这位精力充沛的人士原想追求更有创意的设计领域,但不幸的是,这并不是“母亲的选择”。因此,他最终选择了会计专业。

而关于十年后你会怎么样的问题,他的回答是:我希望和妻子在海滩上慵懒地躺着,享受我们着最喜爱的饮料。那时候我已经67岁了……还有什么可说?”

By Billie Ooi-Ng Lean Gaik      

IN LOVE WITH SWITZERLAND 爱在瑞士

Winter Wonderland
As one of the Central Switzerland’s hidden gems, the Swiss Alpine village of Engelberg and the Mount Titlis glacier is a convenient excursion from the major cities of Zurich and Lucerne. Engelberg – meaning the “mountain of angels”, is originally founded by a Benedictine monk. This area is now a famous winter wonderland filled with many attractions and memorable experiences.

冰雪乐园
有“天使之乡”美誉的英格堡(Engelberg),是以本尼迪克特派的修道院为中心发展而成的山谷小镇。这里拥有沉积着万年积雪和冰河的铁力士山(Mt.Titlis),人们可以在雪地间漫步、滑翔、蹦极、滑雪及玩山地车。无论是从卢塞恩(Lucerne)或苏黎世(Zurich)出发,都可轻松抵达这里。

Mt. Titlis & Cable Car
Mount Titlis is the highest peak in central Switzerland, reaching 3,239 meters above sea level. It has the finest views for visitors—not only an amazing panoramic view of the Alpine peaks, but other fascinating attractions as well. Don’t miss out on the Titlis Rotair gondola—the world’s first rotating cable car. The fully revolving gondola transports passengers conveniently to the summit in a five-minute ascent, offering stunning views of sheer rock faces and glacier crevasses of the Alpine peaks.

铁力士山 & 360度旋转缆车
铁力士山是瑞士中部的最高峰,海拔3,239米。在这里,游客不仅能欣赏令人惊叹的美丽全景,还会为这里的迷人亮点而着迷。全球首创的360度高空旋转景观缆车,让你可以居高临下饱览阿尔卑斯山脉、陡峭的岩壁以及壮阔冰川的壮丽景色,并在短短5分钟抵达山顶。

Titlis Cliff Walk 凌霄岩道 

Titlis Cliff Walk & Glacier Cave
Titlis cliff walk—Europes’ highest elevation suspension bridge is simply a must-do. It is situated on the Titlis glacier in the Engelberg region at 3,041 metres, and makes a 500-metre drop. It takes a 150 heart-pounding steps to traverse. On clear days, visitors can see all the way to Italy, including the Uri Alps and some of the distant glaciers. However, it is the experience of crossing the Titlis Cliff Walk that will take your breath away.

At the frosty heart of the Titlis glacier, a magical world awaits. The Glacier Cave in Mount Titlis is 20 metres below the glacier’s surface. The natural blue colour, due to the light’s refraction, illuminates the 150-metre-long walkway of frozen ice. The temperature inside the cave is regulated at frosty -1.5˚C. Exploring the glacier cave is an amazing experience.

凌霄岩道 & 冰川洞穴
铁力士的凌霄岩道位于海拔3,041米之高地,底下是长达500米的巨大裂缝,是澳洲最高的悬索桥。沿着此悬索桥战战兢兢前行150步,在迷人山景的环绕下抵达桥的另一侧,感受心跳与心动同步的美丽时刻。

在缆车高山站往下望,你会看到一条长约150米的冰缝劈开整块冰川,这里就是冰川洞穴的所在。冰川洞穴位于冰层以下20米,这里的温度通常在-1.5˚C。进入洞穴,你会看到其顶部缀满了晶莹剔透,闪烁着神秘蓝色光芒的冰水晶,彷如进入魔幻世界。

Lucerne • UNESCO World Heritage Site 卢塞恩•世界文化遗产

A city tour in Lucerne takes visitors on a journey of contrast between the old and the new. The impressive contemporary building KKL (Culture and Congress Centre) in particular, stands proud within the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s old town. 

The old town of Lucerne is located on the left bank of the River Reuss. It is connected to the right bank by two century-old landmark bridges: Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and Spreuer Bridge (Spreuerbrücke). Promenading through the old town which is surrounded by medieval walls and watchtowers is amazing. Several houses are decorated with façade paintings that date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. The world-famous Lion’s Monument which was built to commemorate the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution is certainly a place not to be missed.

The Swan Square (Schwanenplatz) is adjacent to Lake Lucerne. It is a picturesque place to stroll around. There are countless shops here, including branded jewellery and watch stores such as Bucherer and Gübelin. It is a promising starting point for a visit to the old town area. 

漫步在卢塞恩城中,一边是令人惊叹的现代建筑-卢塞恩文化会议中心(KKL),一边是联合国教科文组织的世界文化遗产古城,展现了新与旧的美丽交织。

卢塞恩古城坐落在罗伊斯河河畔的左岸,由两座廊桥:卡佩尔桥和斯普洛耶桥连接到右岸。古城内的中世纪建筑物及瞭望塔、百年宅邸及老房子让人仿佛坠入时光隧道。刻在石洞中的狮子纪念碑是为了纪念在1792年法国大革命中阵亡的瑞士雇佣兵,是游客必到访的景点。

如诗如画的天鹅广场是卢塞恩古城的中心商圈,与卢塞恩湖毗邻。这里的高级珠宝及高级腕表行林立,更有许多瑞士特产店,游客可以从这里开始他们的古城漫步。

MS Saphir – Pure Yachting Sensation
Have you ever dreamt of touring the magnificent bays of Lake Lucerne in the elegant ambience of an exclusive yacht?

Refresh your senses and take in the first class comfort of a cutting-edge ship – the MS Saphir. The stylish design and dashing appearance of the elegant yacht is sure to impress.

Settle down into the spacious seating areas and savour the glorious view of the lake, the town and the mountains. Ingenious technical features of the convertible roof on the upper deck can be opened and closed according to the weather. The crew of the Saphir await you with an audio guide in 11 languages to tell you all about the top attractions of the Bay of Lucerne.  

Treat yourself to affordable luxury aboard the MS Saphir. This 60 beautiful minutes’ yacht tour is sure to make you fall in love with Lucerne.

蓝宝石号 – 风景如画的游艇体验
悠闲地坐在蓝宝石号(MS Saphir)全景游艇的甲板上,眼睛忙碌地欣赏城市、群山和湖泊组成的美丽画卷,感受卢塞恩湖天堂般的美景。这样的游艇体验,仅在卢塞恩。

游艇可折叠式顶配篷可以随着天气而开关,让游客可以在最舒心的状况下游览卢塞恩湖。60分钟的游览及11种语言的语音导览机,带来最贴心的豪华游艇体验,也让你从此爱上卢塞恩。

The House of Gübelin – Swiss Spirit 
The House of Gübelin is a Swiss, family-owned firm known for its exquisite high-end jewellery, gemstone expertise, and as purveyors of some of today’s most sought-after luxury watch brands. 

The company, founded in 1854, is deeply inspired by the internal and external beauty of fine gems and watches. Whether as jeweller, gemmologist or horologist, Gübelin unites love for beauty with passion for knowledge. 

The stunning creations from Gübelin Jewellery are inspired by the fascinating world of coloured gemstones. Gübelin serves its international clientele in its elegant boutiques in prime locations in Switzerland and in private salons in Hong Kong, where customers feel right at home.

瑞士精神
1854年在瑞士卢塞恩创立的百年珠宝品牌Gübelin,从家族企业起家迄今,已经从顶级手表跨越到顶级珠宝,把顶级工艺精神发挥极致。

位于卢塞恩天鹅广场的总店,见证了品牌的百年时光,并以精湛手工与崭新技术,在时光中继续闪烁发光。

采用高素质高级珠宝的品牌,擅长将彩色宝石、光学与美学糅合,带来艺术臻品般的珠宝系列。此外,品牌在香港更有珠宝学院及预约式珠宝店。

The Grand Hotel National – Legendary Hotel 
This 150-year-old legendary establishment sits on the picturesque site of Lake Lucerne promenade with breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains. It is situated in the heart of both Switzerland and Lucerne, and connected to an excellent transportation network. The train station and the old town are both just five minutes away by foot.

The architecture of the residence calls to mind the French châteaux of the 17th and 18th centuries and the palaces of the Italian Renaissance. 41 luxurious rooms are furnished in Empire style with a splendid combination of contemporary designs and urban flair.

The hotel offers a comprehensive dining experience and environment, where only the highest quality culinary delicacies are served. The Restaurant National is where comfort food meets culinary sophistication. The head chef charms diners with creativity, extraordinary culinary art and a love for top-quality regional products. Popular meals and simple snacks are also available. It’s undoubtedly a place for everyone, straightforward yet elegant. 

传奇酒店
拥有150年历史的传奇酒店The Grand Hotel National 位于卢塞恩市中心,紧邻风景如画的卢塞恩湖,距离火车站和旧城区仅有5分钟的脚程。

古色古香的建筑令人想起17和18世纪的法国古堡和意大利文艺复兴时期的宫殿。酒店内41间豪华客房融合了现代设计和都市风情,为住客提供美妙舒适的住宿环境。

此外,酒店的4间餐厅、1间酒吧兼咖啡厅以及最美丽的湖畔餐厅,更为住客带来了无可匹比的美食与用餐氛围。

Text by Desmund Teh & Sweezy Tan

Image(s) courtesy of The Switzerland Tourism Board & Swiss Travel System

THE LOW-FODMAP DIET

by Dr. Mecherl Lim 

MD (MA) Naturopath (ND), Holistic Kinesiology

In 2006, researchers Dr Sue Shepherd & Professor Peter Gibson from Monash Uni, linked several highly fermentable but poorly absorbed short chain carbohydrates and polyols to symptoms associated with IBS, including wind & diarrhoea, as well as to the increased intestinal permeability associated with Crohn’s disease.

These fermentable aligo-di-and monosaccharides and polyols are now known collectively as FODMAPs. They comprise oligosaccharides (fructans and galactans), disaccharides (lactose), monosaccharides (fructose) and polyols, which is the technical word for sweetener. In the 2006 study, 74 per cent of patients with IBS and fructose/fructan diet such as the FODMAP diet.

HOW DOES THE LOW-FODMAP DIET WORK?

Research shows that FODMAPS in meals are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and increase the delivery of water to the colon-suggesting the catalyst for diarrhoea in some people. Breath test show that eating a low-FODMAP diet reduces hydrogen production (in both healthy volunteers and patients with IBS), linking the short chain carbohydrates with bloating, abdominal distension and pain and excessive flatulence. 

Since the first study, research has consistently tied global restriction of FODMAPs (rather than restriction of individual components) with reduced symptoms of IBS. In a challenge trial (in which participants restricted fructose/fructans-containing foods and then restored the foods to the diet) showed a return of symptoms after the foods were reintroduced.

In those with Crohn’s disease, sweeteners such as sorbitol, maltitol and isomalt are absorbed, but the digestibility of the other nutrients in the foods is reduced because these polyols cause an osmotic load, meaning that more water remains in the intestine, leading to watery stool.

FODMAP group had reduced bloating, 87 per cent enjoyed less flatulence and 85 per cent experience a reduction in abdominal pain.

The researchers concluded that the low-FODMAP diet is more effective than standard dietary guidelines for symptom control of IBS.

FODMAPS AFFECT HEALTHY PEOPLE TOO

It’s interesting to note the research has also uncovered information about how FODMAPS are digested by healthy participants. We know, for example, that fructans (polymers of fructose found in asparagus, leeks, garlic, onions and onions and wheat) and galacto-oligosaccharides (lactose from cows milk) are always fermented by intestinal flora, and cause wind production and flatulence in healthy people too. The effects are merely worsened in those with hypersensitivity and motility disorders as found in IBS.

READY TO TRY IT

The low FOD-MAP diet eliminates sugars that can’t be fully digested and absorbed in the small intestine. When following this diet, journal ling is critical. Be sure to keep accurate records of what you eat, when and how your body responds.

After following the diet until all of your symptoms have disappeared, the goal is to reintroduce foods to determine whether they are a trigger for your symptoms. When doing so, add one food back at a time and wait 72 hours to determine that symptoms haven’t re-appeared before moving on to the next food. 

FODMAP DIETThis way of eating is not as restrictive as some other prescription diets, but if you are interested in following it, you are wise to get nutritional guidance from an expert so you are sure to get all of your health-supportive nutrients. You may have to use vitamin and mineral supplementation to be sure to meet nutrient requirements, particularly in the elimination and re-challenge phases. 

Dr Mecherl Lim

An Intuitive Medical Practitioner in Alternative Medicine (MD) (MA), Naturopath (ND), Holistic Kinesiology (HK), and Functional Medicine (FM)

Visit : www.drmecherlherbs.com

Email : drmecherherbs@gmail.com

FACEBOOK : drmecherlherbs for further enquiries.

Image(s) courtesy of Freepik.com