Note from the editor, Diana Khoo:
A loved one’s recent bout of illness made the old aphorism “health is wealth” come to life in technicolour. No matter how lavish the lifestyle or glorious the trappings, the old pithy observation could not be more spot on: There can be no quality of life without quality of health. And while most of us want (and, indeed, need) to work — a barrage of everyday worries, such as the rising cost of living, children’s tuition fees and caregiving expenses for elders, prohibit the majority of the population from enjoying early retirement — it helps that employers are increasingly clued in on the benefits of a more engaging setting.
Studies have shown that an aesthetically pleasing environment boosts productivity, motivating employees to perform better, which then equates to higher-quality work and the meeting of targets and goals. Soft touches, such as a nap or relaxation zone, chill-out space with bean bags and a foosball table or even an eye-catching artwork, can also help foster creativity and innovation, giving the team a positive environment in which the sharing of ideas and collective problem-solving are made easier. Make it even nicer and it could decrease absenteeism and staff turnover while improving morale.
In this light, we thought it timely to feature the shiny new offices of Deloitte Malaysia and Alliance Bank. The latter recently relocated from Jalan Munshi Abdullah in Kuala Lumpur to more central Jalan Ampang. Beyond mere face value, group CEO Kellee Kam also provided a host of other improvements and innovations, including a Work Café, amphitheatre, community area and — truly in keeping with the times — a robo-guide, christened Ally the droid. Read all about it on Page 70.
The usual trio of homes is featured, ranging from an ultra-luxurious mansion in KL’s most elite enclave to a creative pied-à-terre and an old Petaling Jaya bungalow made new.
We also feature two potential holiday spots that blend rest with design-consciousness. The first is Le Temple, a stunning Javanese property with stupa-style villa suites, near Borobudur. The second, and on the home front, is Kabin Du’Kati in Kuala Kangsar, which offers A-frame houses as well as hobbit-inspired dwellings, all set against the lush jungle backdrop of Perak.
There are also decorating ideas for Christmas and the Lunar New Year, design and furniture fairs to visit around the world and a rare tête-à-tête with the great Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.
Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year and see you in 2026.
Haven is complimentary with every copy of The Edge Malaysia (Dec 8 issue). Get the Winter 2025 edition at your nearest newsstands now.
