Sandakan Food and Agriculture Fest 2019 in Sandakan, Sabah

The wind below the land of Sabah has been blowing quite strongly lately. So much so that it made me fly all the way from Kuala Lumpur for the Sandakan Food and Agriculture Festival! Sandakan may not be the first thought that comes to Malaysian minds when it comes to food but Sandakan have decided to change that. Since last year, Sandakan has been loud in its F&B department with its annual Sandakan Food Festival. We not only found food during the festival but we were also well entertained with a line-up of events that included cooking demonstration, food race and eating contest. 

Having food that is available in Borneo only like the bambangan, tarap and tuhau, Sandakan is ready to compete with the rest of the states in Malaysia as a foodie's destination. Sandakan people showed off their culinary skills and homegrown products during the fair. UFO tarts, for example, which is synonymous to Sabah is believed to originate from this very town. Sandakan is also ready to steal some attention when it comes to birds nest with its own harvest from Gua Gomantong, Sandakan.

Scroll down as I bring you from stall to stall. Worry not if you have missed this year's Sandakan Food Festival at Bandar Kim Fung. The third installation is already in planning. From what I heard from the grapevines, it will be in September again. With the success of the second festival, we hope that more vendors will emerge to revive ethnic heritage food and Sandakan's hidden specialties!

At the Sandakan Food and Agriculture Fest 2019

At Sandakan airport. We flew in all the way from Kuala Lumpur for this festival!

State Director of Tourism Sabah, Pn Jamilah Abd Halim (right) and President of Sandakan Tourism Association (centre) officiate the new Sabah travel brochure at the festival

Friendly faces of Sandakan people

A cooking demonstration featuring the bambangan, a mango-like fruit endemic to Borneo

New in this 2nd installation of the festival is space for agricultural produce. Harvests of organic vegetables and fruits from the Bornean rainforest were also available.

Sandakan's famous coffeeshop, San Da Gen Kopitiam, with their unique creations.
From left (named according to what I saw): Soft shell crab roll, croquette and honey chicken sandwiched with waffles

The croquette I had that evening made an enjoyable snack

From left: Cream puffs, UFO tarts and salted egg croissants

This ginger beer is the new pride and joy of the state in the F&B scene. It is locally produced using the spiciest Sabahan ginger but is still soothing to the throat. Instead, the spiciness gave the drink its fragrance. With no artificial colouring, flavouring and naturally fermented, it can be drunk as a probiotic supplement. This festival is a wonderful platform to showcase creations like this to install more confidence in the local people do the same.

Spot me!

At the festival, there was also theUFO tart eating contest which yours truely participated in.
That was how I got acquainted with UFO tarts.
It is a vanila based cake with a dollop of egg custard that is circled with soft meringue. To be honest, I could only taste soreness in the throat in the contest. I then gave it a second chance by savouring it at San Da Gen Kopitiam.
Goes great with coffee or tea.
Photo credit: Meira Nadhira

Casual snacks like stuffed crab and sausages will definitely be waiting for you

Some food like fried chicken, makes a universal favourite.
Malaysian Chinese cakes like cintoi has also been uniting people of Sandakan

A Sandakan vendor happily turning Takoyaki balls

Sushi for those who has an appetite for Japanese food

Being the capital of the state when British North Borneo Charted Company ruled Sabah, Western food is not foreign in Sandakan

Pandan rice

Some homemade kaya 

Locally planted coconuts

The flames that made all the slabs of meat yummy

BBQed pork

Pork buns and dim sum

Some call it tapai, some call it lihing, in Sarawak it is famously called tuak and commonly known in English as rice wine.

Sweet buns from China freshly made at the stall

The dumplings were snapped up so quick that this was all when I arrived

Zhejiang seafood noodles which was slurpingly delicious

The Indonesian food, bakso, is commonly found in Sandakan

Try the uncanny combination of cheese and banana

Food trucks also contributed to the gastronomic merriment

The Sandakan Food & Agriculture Festival 2019 was organized by Sandakan Tourism Association and is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Environment Sabah, Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan, Tourism Malaysia, Sabah Tourism Board, Malindo Air, Maswings and GrabCar.

For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/sandakanfoodfest/

The Sabah Series
Sandakan Food and Agriculture Fest 2019 in Sandakan, Sabah
Tabin Wildlife Reserve and Resort in Lahad Datu, Sabah
Myne Resort by the Kinabatangan River in Sandakan, Sabah
Orang Utan Rehabilitation and Sun Bear Conservation Centres in Sepilok, Sabah
Sepilok Nature Resort in Sandakan, Sabah
Where to Go and Attractions in Sandakan Town, Sabah
Seafood at Restoran Pasir Putih Baru in Sandakan, Sabah
San Da Gen Kopitiam in Sandakan, Sabah
I Left My Heart in Sabah

Search for these hashtags to see more of the event on social media:

#VisitMalaysia2020 #VM2020 #MalaysiaTrulyAsia #CutiCutiMalaysia
#SyiokOSabah #SabahOKbah #visitsandakan #makansandakan
#experiencesandakan
#theWILD #theSAVOURY #theSTORIES #sandakanfoodfest #foodieSandakan
#TourismMalaysia #MalaysianHospitality #maswingmates

CEMS Malaysia Launches Inaugural Malaysia Travel & Tourism Mart 2020

The CEMS Conference & Exhibition (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd announced the launch of MALAYSIA TOURISM AND TRAVEL MART 2020(MTTM 2020) to be held from 25 to 27 June 2020 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The show is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia.

The three-day trade exhibition will be an important platform for international and local inbound and outbound travel operators and stakeholders to seek and realise opportunities in the international tourism and travel industry. Participants and visitors will also find opportunities to exchange ideas and network with key decision makers of the industry. The event will be open to trade visitors on the first two days and to the public on the third day of the show.

L-R Adrian Lau, Edward Liu, Datuk Zulkefli Hj Sharif, Gunther Beissel  

Spread over a gross area of 8,000 square metres, the exhibition will host more than 200 international exhibitors from over 45 countries and some 500 international and local hosted buyers and, is estimated to attract 4,000 trade visitors from the travel and tourism and related industries and 8,000 public visitors. 

Exhibitors at MTTM 2020 can look forward to an array of customised services to effectively reach out to their target market. These services curated by organiser, CEMS Malaysia, will include pre-show promotions and business matching through personalised sourcing of the right buyers. Exhibitors will also be able to pre-schedule business-to-business appointments to improve productivity and efficiently use their time at the show to meet their desired target market players and potential customers.

Mr Edward Liu

“MITEC applauds the launch of Malaysia Tourism and Travel Mart 2020, given its large multiplier effect, its significant impact towards the celebration of Visit Malaysia 2020 and its contribution to the country’s tourism receipts. MTTM will not only enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness on the global stage but also facilitate more cohesive private-public sector efforts to deliver more international and regional business tourism events into the country. We are very honoured indeed to be the strategic partner for such a notable event and as the host venue for the first MTTM, we look forward to playing our part in ensuring a successful event, one that will undoubtedly enhance Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur and the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre's growing reputation as a world-class destination for exhibitions and international conferences,” said Mr Gunther Beissel, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

Mr Adrian Lau speaking of the much anticipated event in 2020

MTTM 2020 has been designed to bring the World to Malaysia and support Malaysia’s position as a preferred MICE destination in the Asian region. The inaugural MTTM 2020 is timely and holds significance with Visit Malaysia 2020, the latest in the series of the Visit Malaysia campaigns and a landmark initiative supported and endorsed by the Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia and was launched in line with the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan goals of welcoming a total 30 million tourists to Malaysia and registering RM100 billion in tourist receipts by the year 2020.

Datuk Zulkefli Hj Sharif

MTTM 2020 also supports the goal of Visit Malaysia 2020 to unite all industry players to achieve this common goal, while attracting tourists from all over the globe to experience first-hand the warm hospitality and numerous tourist attractions Malaysia is well-known for. In 2020, Malaysia will also host a series of international meetings, namely APEC, WCIT and CHOGM. It is the perfect time to promote Malaysia. As a host country, Malaysia will organise key meetings that involved top leaders from each country for both the government and private sectors.

The media taking notes to help publicize the event

“In 2018, there were 25.8 million arrivals to Malaysia from various parts of the world [1]. According to a news portal, an estimated 11.9 million international outbound trips from Malaysia were recorded in 2016 and the number is forecast to grow by an average of 3.5 per cent annually to 14.2 million trips by 2021. It ranked Malaysia sixth highest among emerging markets. Malaysia’s outbound market is increasingly diverse and dynamic,” said Edward Liu, Group Managing Director for CEMS Conference & Exhibition Sdn Bhd. “The demands and expectations of travellers have also grown in sophistication over the years. MTTM 2020 will be curated and organised to provide exhibitors with a powerful and robust platform to reach and interact with their target audience.”

[1] https://www.tourism.gov.my/statistics

For more information on Malaysia Tourism & Travel Mart 2020, please visit www.mttm.com.my.

Sandakan Food Festival 13th-15th Sep 2019

The 2nd Sandakan Food Festival is back by popular demand this September, in a new format that includes the rich agricultural output of Sandakan Town. Known now as the Sandakan Food & Agriculture Festival, it will offer a diverse spread of amazing food dishes as well as amazing produce grown from the hinterland.

From 13th to 15th September 2019, the Festival will have food events spread across Sandakan Town – cooking and baking competitions, cooking workshops, food demos, food & craft events and culminating in the grand Food Festival Village setup at Bandar Kim Fung, a lively suburb 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre. 

New in this 2nd installation of the Festival will be a showcase of agricultural produce. Harvests of organic vegetables, fruits and food products from the Bornean rainforest. The Festival will also feature special dining experiences across Sandakan, in remote and beautiful settings, in the Farm-to-Table events. From cottage industry products to indigenous recipes, the Festival will share a diverse spread for all to sample and experience.

And there will be the return of popular activities such as the Sandakan Amazing Food Race, Sandakan Grand Chef Cooking Competition and Bakery Competition to discover more local talents.

So come and savour all that Sandakan has to offer from its food and agricultural heritage this September!

The Sandakan Food & Agriculture Festival 2019 is organized by Sandakan Tourism Association and is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Environment Sabah, Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan, Tourism Malaysia, Sabah Tourism Board, Malindo Air, Maswings and GrabCar.

For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/sandakanfoodfest/

#VisitMalaysia2020 #VM2020 #MalaysiaTrulyAsia #CutiCutiMalaysia

#SyiokOSabah #SabahOKbah

#TourismMalaysia #MalaysianHospitality #maswingmates

Limited Edition Merdeka Snack at Shell deli2go

Contrary to what many people think, pastries at Shell petrol stations are baked fresh in-house and not supplied from a third-party bakery. Yes, those sweet smelling breads are made right inside that petrol station compound. If you, whether secretly or not, tend to like the food from Shell stations, it is because Shell deliberately purposed itself to not only provide powerful fuel, but also be the go-to place for food and they don't mean those casual tummy fillers on the road.

There is a real bakery inside Shell petrol stations

For those who have not tried deli2go pastries, it is time to give it a try. Shell has gained a substantial number of fans of their fresh and delicious bread range. The ovens in Shell petrol stations puff up doughs as early as 5am to ensure customers get pastries that meet the gourmet mark. deli2go upholds a high level of quality control as only top grade halal pure Australian butter and other ingredients are used for its delicious pastries and delights.

With 128 years of presence in Malaysia, Shell has been serving its customers with earnest efforts. It is only a matter of time that people will visit Shell not only to pump petrol, pump wind and answer 'emergency calls'.

Add caption

In the spirit of Merdeka, Shell Malaysia is spreading the cheer with Malaysians’ all-time favourite snacks at deli2go sites. This Merdeka celebration, Shell Malaysia’s deli2go introduces a new limited edition snack – Durian Puffs and Curry Puffs only from 15th August till 30th September 2019.

Bundled up in a combo offer, the deals are:

RM6 for D24 Durian Puff  + Wonda Kopi (assorted range)/ MILO Original can drink

Durian lovers will be smitten with satisfaction as the fillling is packed with durian flavour from real D24 durians.

RM5 for Chicken and Egg Karipap + Wonda Kopi (assorted range)/ MILO Original can drink

If you think this is any ordinary curry puff then you will be missing out. The delicious pastry shell is stuffed with a slice of egg and soft curried chicken and potatoes for a substantial snack.

RM6 for D24 Durian Puff + 
Wonda Kopi (assorted range)/ MILO Original can drink

Light yet buttery with durian filling

RM5 for Chicken and Egg Karipap + 
Wonda Kopi (assorted range)/ MILO Original can drink

The big puff filled with egg, chicken and potato

In 2013, Shell Malaysia introduced the deli2go brand of offerings in Kuala Lumpur and customers have since been enjoying freshly baked pastries. Over the years, the deli2go range has expanded over the years and now comprises of pastries, premium fruit cake, cookies, gourmet sausages, mini cocktail sausages, ready-to-eat meals, fresh cut fruits and nasi lemak among others that can please all sorts of appetite.

deli2go might just be a corner but can offer quite an array of food

Best sellers from deli2go include the iconic Firecracker Sausage Roll, Banana Puff and Chocolate Roll

Are you a fan of deli2go pastries?

deli2go’s promo deals will be available at any deli2go sites that is located in Peninsular Malaysia from 15 August until 30 September 2019. For more details, please visit https://www.shell.com.my/motorists/inside-our-stations/deli2go.html.

deli2go at Shell

Selamat Hari Merdeka!

Triumph Autumn Winter 2019 Collection

The new collection offers something for every occasion – from stylish options for the fashionista who wants the latest designs, to everyday lingerie designed for lightness, breathability and comfort, to premium lingerie for the special moments in life

The Triumph Autum Winter 2019 Collection

I am not missing out!

The new Aqua Lantern series from the iconic Aqua range,
features 50% lighter padding for the ultimate lightweight push up.

The black and pale pink wired push-up version has a deep V neckline for the ultimate seductive look. Additional touches include a feminine scalloped lace edge and decorative black tulle details.
With embroidery inspired by Chinese lanterns, this range blends style with seduction. Options of matching midi and hipster briefs are also available. Prices start from RM229 for bra and RM79.90 for brief.

This range is available in black, soft mauve, turquoise blue and vibrant pink with styles including deep V wired push up and non-wired push up

Non-wired, padded push-up Aqua Lantern bra in soft mauve features delicate yellow embroidery with smoothing straps and sides

Paying homage to the female silhouette, the Style range featuring Style Palm, Style Fantasy and Style Festive, is designed to enhance natural contours and provide unrivalled support and coverage, whilst still remaining a practical and eternally elegant choice. 

Crafted to shape, support and lift, the Style Palm features Triumph’s exquisite craftsmanship in a delicate bra and matching briefs with seasonal floral designs –in deep emerald or a chic black.

The Style Fantasy bra features multi-coloured embroidery against a delicate pebble grey lace and comes with matching briefs. The lightweight design provides a supremely comfortable fit against the skin, whilst the low cut of the bra is the perfect choice for outfits featuring a plunging neckline. 

Style Festive bra comes in deep red and is paired with hipster briefs.
Prices start from RM229 for bra and RM79.90 for brief.

The Everyday Romance and Everyday Soft Touch are the perfect t-shirt bras offering lightness and breathability.

The Everyday Romance is a wired half cup padded bra with smooth cups and is finishedwith decorative stretchable lace.
It is available in soft mauve and pebble grey with matching hipster briefs.

Everyday Soft Touch bra offers 360 ̊ softness for ultimate comfort, with memory foam padding that ensures weightless support throughout the day. Complemented by matching mini briefs, the Everyday Soft Touch is available in black and nude. Prices start from RM229 for bra and RM79.90 for brief.

The Comfort Touch, Natural Elegance and Sculpt Delight bras are non-wired bras designed for comfort, offering natural support for the perfect shape.

The super soft Comfort Touch mixes comfort with style, featuring soft and smooth fabric cups with decorative floral lace. The long line, flower-inspired bra is available in shell pink, nude and deep water blue, with matching hipster or maxi briefs. 

The Natural Elegance bra has light padding and stretchable side wings for a smooth finish. It is paired with hipster briefs. 

Natural Elegance in blue

The Sculpt Delight push-up bra features high side panels to create a smooth shape, with pretty lace details that are stretchable for added comfort. It is available in peach with matching midi or maxi briefs. Prices start from RM229 for bra and RM79.90 for brief.

Florale offers a premium selection of sophisticated, everyday lingerie in trusted fits

The Florale Selena brings a fresh twist to Florale’s collection of high-coverage modern classics, utilising Swiss-designed lace and a high-shine finish. Available in Crystal Blue, Pebble Grey and Rumba Red, it comes with matching hipster briefs that provide supportive coverage and a clean look. Prices start from RM369 for bra and RM139 for brief.

The Florale Carnation is reimagined for the new season, offering an enhanced variety of bra styles which provide a natural shape and a smooth back with no visible seam lines. The Japanese-designed lace is inspired by stencils and delicate floral motifs, while tailored stich embellishments reflect the Triumph corsetry heritage. It comes in New Navy, Rumba Red and Grigio Medio and is paired with hipster and maxi brief.

The AW19 collection is available online at www.triumph.com and in stores in Malaysia from July to

November 2019 at Triumph boutiques and leading department stores nationwide.

Find the nearest store to you at http://www.triumph.com/sg/en/52.html

Get the latest updates from Triumph at https://www.facebook.com/triumphMY/ and https://www.instagram.com/triumphlingerie_asia