Tag Archives: Malaysia

AFT Interviews, AFT TV, AFTNews, AFTNews, Diet & Nutrition, Features Malaysia, The Kurang Manis Podcast

AFT Interviews: Malaysia’s “biggest” comedian Papi Zak: high uric acid got your tongue?

Video

We captured some curious questions from Malaysia’s “biggest” standup comedian and debut wrestler, Papi Zak (www.thepapizak.com), to Australia’s gastroenterologist and Instagram educator Dr. Pran Yoganathan (IG @dr_pran_yoganathan) – he spoke with us on Episode 3. Dr. Pran elaborates on the expensive tissue hypothesis (ETH) which relates brain and gut size in evolution (specifically in human evolution). Listen in to the trailer below for information on gout, uric acid on a high protein diet, our gut and metabolic health. 

The full episode of Ep. 4 with Papi Zak – listen below.

TV host & celebrity entertainer

Introducing Papi Zak, well known in the comedy circuit in Malaysia and the “biggest” Malaysia has to offer, states his website. For over 12 years, he’s written and performed material for his shows, and has fast established his quirky brand of humour and witty observations on the absurdities of every-day life. Zak was a former LiteFM and REDFM radio broadcaster and his comfortable presence in front of a camera has landed him screen work as the host of two television lifestyle programs – ‘The Halal Foodie’ and ‘Happy Endings’. Zak is currently the brand ambassador for Mr. Potato.

In doing our research on Papi Zak’s The Halal Foodie show, we found this bootleggish version translated and dubbed in Thai!

Papi Zak speaks to co-hosts Jasmine Low and Nikki Yeo in Episode 4 about his fitness journey – how he shed over 30kg from his 160kg stature, his childhood as a third culture kid, his mother’s amazing cooking, his new foray into wrestling and his quest to inspire others on the path towards fitness – just as he has. He also indulges us in his relationships… with food!

In this same episode, you’ll hear the voices of Dr. Pran Yoganathan, gastroenterologist featured in Ep. 3 and Dr. Desmond Menon, medical lab scientist from Ep. 2. Papi poses some curious questions Dr. Pran and together, we learn about gout, gut health, satiety, cholesterol levels and gout.

In the tradition of AsiaFitnessToday.com’s methods of using rhythm and movement as therapy, we introduce a comedy skit by Papi Zak at a TimeOut Kuala Lumpur show to seal off the episode. Tune in to the podcast to listen now.

Learn more about The Kurang Manis Podcast, click here: https://www.asiafitnesstoday.com/?p=9039.
Beauty & Health, Kid's Health, Men's Health, Wellness, Women's Health

Top 5 Best Healthcare Centres in Selangor, Malaysia

As Malaysia prepares for its lockdown due to the novel coronavirus, or COVID19, those in the Selangor state of the country can look to these five healthcare centres for their health needs. The following article is written by Muhammad Afiq Dinie bin Nor Arzaimi at Tourism Selangor.

“The goal of real healthcare reform must be high-quality and universal coverage in a cost-effective way”. Every hospital plays a very important role in caring for every patient who comes for treatment. Therefore, we would like to recommend to you the Top 5 Best Healthcare Centres here in Selangor, Malaysia.

1. KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital

KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital is conveniently located in an upscale area of Kuala Lumpur that has become a center for expatriates and young urban executives. KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital is part of the KPJ Healthcare Group, one of the leading private healthcare providers in the region with more than 29 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Local and international patients most commonly visit this hospital to seek treatment in the department of Cardiology, Bariatric Surgery, Oncology, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Orthopaedic and Paediatric & Neonatology and also for general health screening.

2. Sunway Specialist Centre Damansara

Image provided by Tourism Selangor

Sunway Specialist Centre Damansara (SSCD) focuses on delivering outpatient specialist consultation and day surgery services. SSCD is a subsidiary of Sunway Medical Centre (SunMed), one of the largest private healthcare providers in Malaysia. Both SSCD and SunMed is equipped with modern facilities and equipment, supported by a team of caring and experienced healthcare professionals including medical consultants, allied health staff and dedicated nurses. 

3. The Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital

Image provided by Tourism Selangor

The Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital (THONEH) was established in 1986 by the late Yang Amat Berhormat (YAB) Tun Hussein Onn, the third Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Chairman of the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) (1975 – 1990). For more than 30 years, Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital has built a strong reputation as a centre of excellence providing quality specialised eye healthcare with expertise in a comprehensive range of sub-specialties by using the latest technology which can offer the most advanced medical treatments in its field. 

4. Avisena Specialist Hospital

Image provided by Tourism Selangor

Avisena Specialist Hospital is located just 15 minutes away from Subang Airport, in the capital city of Selangor with a driving distance of 35 minutes to Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). The hospital was officiated by the current Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj and was graced by Her Royal Highness Tengku Permaisuri Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin. Also present at the launch was YAB Tuan Amirudin Shari, Menteri Besar of Selangor. Avisena Specialist Hospital is a fast-growing healthcare group in Shah Alam offering a combined spectrum of primary care, specialist services and health wellness programs to serve healthcare needs of our community, local and international customers.

5. Columbia Asia Hospital Bukit Rimau

Image provided by Tourism Selangor

Columbia Asia Hospital Bukit Rimau is a multi-specialty hospital located in Shah Alam and within reach of the communities in Subang Jaya, Klang and surrounding neighborhoods. Columbia Asia Hospital is staffed with highly skilled doctors and nurses with a vast range of up-to-date facilities and services. The Bukit Rimau hospital also covers an array of medical specialties such as Cardiology, Orthopaedic, Rheumatology, Sports Injury Medicine, Paediatrics, General Surgery, Radiology and Urology. 

Each hospital requires highly skilled panel doctors in a variety of medical field and speciality. It is important that hospitals and healthcare providers are able to attend to and treat patients with utmost dedication and proper care.

AFTNews, Fitness

Over 1,000 cyclists for Repsol Malaysia

More than 1,000 cyclists participated in Repsol Malaysia’s Repsol Fellowship Ride, a closed-circuit cycling event held at Negeri Sembilan on 15 September 2019.

While the start and end point was at the Youth and Sports Complex, Paroi, the 75km circuit went as far as Rantau town. The event was organised in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration with the objective of bringing together Malaysians from all ages from all walks of life in the spirit of unity.

Flagging off the Fellowship Ride was Negeri Sembilan State Assembly Speaker YB Dato’ Zulkefly Mohamad bin Omar who said, “A country’s success is not only measured in terms of the economy, but also, the wellbeing of its people. It is encouraging to see the private sector voluntarily organise initiatives to celebrate unity during the Malaysia Day week.” He was accompanied by the Youth and Sports Development Action Committee Chairman YB Tuan Haji Mohamad Taufek bin Abdul Ghani.

“As cycling is becoming more popular amongst Malaysians, we want to leverage this opportunity to encourage a culture of healthy and active living amongst the rakyat,” said Repsol Malaysia Business Unit Director Jorge Milathianakis. “More than that, cycling is also an activity that unites families, friends, and communities where differences are put aside, reflecting the true spirit of Malaysia.”

“Being a company that prioritises safety, we are committed to advocating and raising awareness on this matter for all road users, emphasizing on the most vulnerable – cyclists.”

After being flagged off at 7:45 am, participants pedaled their way to Rantau, passing through Senawang town and Sungai Gadut, before making their way through the hillside road route through Rantau-Siliau, where they were treated to a scenic view of the forest’s greens.

Cyclists Azhar Nizam and Farah Muhamadwho completed the 75-km race in 2 hours 45 minutes

Clocking a solid 2 hours 45 minutes, cyclist Azhar Nizam who completed the 75-km route with his training partner, Farah Muhamad, said that the ride was a satisfying one, albeit the mild haze.

“The last stretch of the race was challenging as the weather got warmer,” said Nizam. “Nonetheless, we pushed ourselves to complete the ride in tandem with each other.”

The Fellowship Ride was more of a community cycling event than a competition. “Cycling is the best sport to meet people and training partners, aside from its health benefits,” said bronze-medalist from the 2019 Asian Cycling Championship, Dr. Norhasmat ‘Kep’ Abdul Aziz, who was also a participant in the Ride. “Riding on the Malaysia Day weekend makes it even more special because we have everyone of different races cycling together as a group.”

Bronze-medalist from the 2019 Asian Cycling Championship, Dr. Norhasmat ‘Kep’ Abdul Aziz

Apart from the cycling event itself, there were food and beverage stalls set up around the complex alongside carnival games booths and play areas for visitors to enjoy. Visitors had the opportunity to experience MotoGP racing virtually through a simulator at the Repsol Malaysia booth, while the children enjoyed themselves in the batik-painting competition, eating free ice cream and cotton candy. 

Sheema and her children were one of the many who enjoyed the family quality time at the carnival. “It is the long weekend and I wanted to take my children to enjoy the outdoors,” she said. “This is also the first time they are standing at the finishing line to cheer the cyclists.”

As an energy company, Repsol Malaysia is honoured to contribute to the government’s vision in energizing and uniting a sporting nation. Akin to the spirit of fellowship rides whereby cyclists of all ages, shapes, and size move together in a united formation, not leaving anyone behind, Repsol Malaysia aspires to celebrate Malaysians unity in diversity as the nation propels in one direction – forward.

AFT Features, AFTNews

ASICS Malaysia brings together 4,000 runners at the 2019 ASICS relay

The third annual ASICS in early September at Sepang International Circuit where it saw approximately 1,000 teams including running communities, ASICS Malaysia’s athletes and local running teams were seen racing the night relay in celebration of fitness, friendship and teamwork.

Beyond the race, participants took part in many exciting activities, spoilt with an array of food choices from the available food trucks to AirAsia’s Pak Nasser Nasi Lemak and also got to enjoy the night with several stage performances featuring an impressive line-up with names like DJ Jenni F and DJ Sharky.

“ASICS believes that the community can be easily brought together through sports, reflected here with the return of the ASICS Relay in Malaysia,” said Boon Tib Soom Nik, Country Manager of ASICS Malaysia.

2019 ASICS Relay

The night relay features two race distances – 42km Full Marathon and 21km Half Marathon. In teams of four, each participating team can choose from three relay categories – Male, Female, and Mixed team where each team member is required to complete 10.5 kilometers for Full Marathon, and 5.25 kilometers for Half Marathon to meet the total distance.

Running Across Four Cities

First runners from both race distances – 42km Full Marathon and 21km Half Marathon, kickstarting ASICS Relay 2019

The 2019 ASIC Relay is running across four major Southeast Asian cities, and it was kicked off first  in Jakarta, Indonesia (29 June), followed by Bangkok, Thailand (3 August) and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (7 September) before concluding the series in Singapore (26 October).

More than just a run, the event was an invitation to join the running movement and as a symbol of unity amongst Malaysians from different walks of life. ASICS Regional Ambassadors Jasmine Suraya (Malaysia), Toey Pangsakorn (Thailand), Olivia Jensen (Indonesia) & Zong Zi Jie (Singapore) were also seen running in a team to support the brand.

Runners also had the opportunity to try out the ASICS GEL-Kayano 26, GEL-Cumulus 21 & GT-2000 7 shoes at the trialing area, which is now available at www.asics.com/my and selected ASICS stores. 

AFTNews

Running made fun at the Great Eastern LIVE GREAT Run 2019

The Great Eastern LIVE GREAT Run 2019 brought 14,000 eager runners to the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on 17 August, lighting up the iconic stadium for an evening of healthy fun and family-friendly excitement.

Currently in its eighth year, the Great Eastern LIVE GREAT Run was created to help Malaysians achieve their health goals by demonstrating that leading an active lifestyle can be an enjoyable and meaningful way to spend quality time with loved ones. True to that aim, the event returned this year with its two staple categories – the signature 12KM LIVE GREAT Run, and the fan favourite, the 5KM Triple Fun Run.

Flag off by Dato Koh Yaw Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Great Eastern Life Malaysia, accompanied by board of directors.

Spirits were high at the starting line when the event was officially flagged off by Dato Koh Yaw Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Great Eastern Life Malaysia, who was accompanied by the board of directors. 

The 12KM LIVE GREAT Run challenged seasoned runners who aimed to surpass their personal bests by putting their strength to the test, both mentally and physically. Muhaizar Mohamad emerged as champion in the Men’s Open category by completing the route in 42 minutes and 10 seconds, while Chooi Fern Loh clocked a time of 51 minutes and 35 seconds to win the Women’s Open category, which earned them both RM1,000 each.

The 5KM Triple Fun Run brought participants through three unique zones. The Triple Fun Run once again proved to be the favourite to many as they were showered with bubbles and foam in the Bubble Zone; soaked by water gun washdowns in the Water Zone; and covered by slime, a brand new element in the Colour Zone. 

Fun and games were in abundance at the Run

The fun continued beyond the route at the LIVE GREAT Carnival, where exciting activities like big inflatables, classic carnival games, twinkling light tunnel, giant snow globe, and Insta-worthy photo spots thrilled the crowd. 

Participants and visitors alike also indulged in a host of local and international delicacies at the Carnival. In conjunction with Great Eastern Malaysia’s 111th anniversary, food vouchers worth up to RM13.00 were offered to all, which enabled them to enjoy the wide selection of delicious food at only RM1.10! In addition, all Great Eastern Life policyholders enjoyed a special 10% discount at the Carnival, exclusive access to a Chillout Zone, as well as complimentary cold-pressed juice and salads.

The event was brought to a close with a mesmerising display of fireworks, lighting up the night sky over the bustling stadium grounds.

Organised by Great Eastern Life Malaysia, the Great Eastern LIVE GREAT Run has been held annually to popular acclaim with the support of its sponsors. This year, its official sponsors were Counterpain, New Balance, 3M Futuro, Yogood, Anlene, Garmin, Yakult, dahmakan, O’Briens, MyTOWN Shopping Centre, Himalaya Candy, Clear and 100 Plus.

The Great Eastern LIVE GREAT Run is one of the signature events under the Great Eastern LIVE GREAT Programme, the first integrated health and wellness initiative by an insurance company in the region. This holistic programme consists of five key components: Wellness Tools, Health Tips, Mobile Apps, Workshops and Events, and the LIVE GREAT Card, which provides exclusive health and wellness privileges at partner establishments nationwide.

For more information on the Great Eastern LIVE GREAT Programme, visit livegreat.greateasternlife.com/my.

Fit Tech & Gadgets, Fitness

Golf a-head with Deemples

Malaysia-headquartered golfing startup Deemples, popularly known as “the Uber for golfers”, is a golf app that allows users to find a golf partner to play with whenever and wherever.

Launched in 2017 with the aim of helping people find golf buddies and enabling them to organise games at preferred locations and time slots, Deemples has become a popular service among the golfing community, including golfers, golf courses and even golf tournament organisers. 

Deemples is a free app for golfers to help find, match and connect with other golfers whenever and wherever they are, to play a game of golf. It is currently present in five countries across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, The Philippines and Brunei. The app is available for both iOS and Android.

What types of games can you join or create on Deemples 

There are 3 game types in Deemples: 

  • Single flight 
  • Multi Flight 
  • Driving range 

Single flight is designed if you want to get a quick foursome in. It’s the most used game type by the majority of our golfers. Multi Flight was designed for larger groups, that perhaps hosts 2-3 flights over the weekend, or a social club that organises 5-6 flights every week, or a golf club or event organiser that wants to organise a full-fledged 36-flight tournament. Multi Flight makes it much easier for event organisers to coordinate, update, and communicate with their participants. 

Driving Range is designed so that Deemples caters not only to existing golfers but also to new golfers that want to get into the game. Golf is intimidating enough, where it’s tough for golf newbies to find out where to go, what to buy, what to bring, who to go with, what to wear, etc. We didn’t want new golfers to have to go through this alone, hence the creation of the Driving Range game type. Today, golf coaches and academies take advantage of this feature to also create clinics that enable new golfers or even seasoned golfers to have access to golf instruction and golf coaching at the driving range. 

Deemples is helping calculate golf handicaps 

Deemples scoring platform doesn’t allow you to key in your own scores, making it the fairest handicap system available. At the end of your game, you can key in your playing partner’s adjusted gross scores after applying equitable stroke control, but you cannot key in your own scores. Once you have at least 5 scores submitted by others on Deemples, the app will then calculate your handicap index and revise it every time a new score is submitted. This allows you to have a most trusted, peer-reviewed, peer-inputted, peer-approved handicap which you can apply on all your golf games. 

Remember, the Deemples handicap is not sanctioned by any local or international golf association, so it won’t be valid to use for official tournaments. But you may definitely use it for your personal calculations, and hopefully one day everyone will learn to embrace the fairness and methodology of the Deemples handicap system.