Eric Yong's Blog

Instagram Randoms. =)

2012-05-27T07:33:00.001+08:00

His and Hers. Spotted a couple of Ferraris at Publika.

Ally posing next to my PC wallpaper.

An electric vehicle station - for charging on the go.

The view at Putrajaya.

How to Dance in the Club... LOL.

2012-05-25T01:58:00.002+08:00

Errr.... seems like mine might be the fist pump... how about yours???

Crest Builder Holdings Berhad - Quarterly Report Q1FY12.

2012-05-23T19:26:00.002+08:00

For the 1st quarter under review, the Group revenue increased by 109% to RM 134.9 million, from RM 64.6 million in the corresponding 1st quarter of the preceding year. The profit before tax increased to RM 6.2 million from RM 2.1 million (excluding the gain on disposal of land amounting to RM 17.6 million) in the corresponding 1st quarter of the preceding year.

The Summary of the Q1 FY2012 Results.

Building the Future, with Hennessy VSOP.

2012-05-23T10:30:00.000+08:00

Just got back from DoubleTree - yes, from the launch of the new Hennessy VSOP bottle and packaging design. =)

Hennessy VSOP moves forward in a spirit of continuity with a new bottle and packaging design. The legend of the Hennessy VSOP, well, began many many years ago, in fact, almost 200 years already, back in 1817, when the future King George VI of England asked the great French cognac House to supply him with a special cognac described as... "Very Superior Old Pale". =)

For such an iconic cognac - it would be natural for it to be presented in a bottle whose curves signify the elegance and generosity of its content, as well as its balance and exceptional harmony. After an initial modernization of the bottle in 1989, VSOP is moving resolutely into the 21st century, as can be seen in the work of designer Chris Bangle - a legendary figure in the automobile world, who has redesigned its contours to bring its sleek silhouette firmly into the future.

Building the Future... =)

So... Mr Chris Bangle started picking up his pencil and drew the cognac's new silhouette. He accentuated the curves on the sides of the bottle, therefore reinforcing its silhouette's dynamics - and then he lengthened its necks and straightened its shoulders, stretching it vertically. Inspired by the VSOP bottle created in 1954, Chris Bangle chose to confirm this upward movement with an enriched base resembling a pedestal to distinguish the whole with opulence while maintaining its stability. =)

...during the introduction of the new bottle by Chris Bangle...

So... the new bottle is carefully designed - the front of the bottle evokes a pyramid perspective, suggesting an upward vanishing point to draw the eye towards the top of the bottle. The box that comes with it also benefitted from this renewal - giving its edges over a to a more modern vision.

It was a great night at DoubleTree - always looking forward to a Hennessy event. =)

Sixty Million Dollar Man!

2012-05-23T01:21:00.003+08:00

Sixty million dollar man!!!!!!!!!

Mezze's Cocktails of the Month.

2012-05-21T11:12:00.004+08:00

Monday Blues? Why not have an Espresso Martini or a Black Angel? =)

Avenue Crest - Show Unit Viewing. =P

2012-05-15T15:42:00.001+08:00

Avenue Crest gives the smaller business owners an opportunity to upgrade – upgrade to a 1st class image, at a very affordable price.”

The VENUE is set - at the Show Unit Gallery @ the SITE. You will see more banners and notices up in the next few days... and what is this all about?

Well, the show unit has been completed already - and is ready to welcome visitors. =) This weekend - on Saturday and Sunday, the 19th and 20th of May 2012 - from 10am til 6pm - we will be having a show unit viewing session and presentation - where my agents will be presenting to you on the investment yields, the property itself... and so much more!!!

That is not all - there will be breakfast and hi-tea provided - and so far, I have carefully selected a full range menu that includes nasi beryani, Singapore fried mee hoon, popiah, curry puffs, satay, nasi lemak, kuih koci, spaghetti and SO MUCH MOREEEEEE!!!!!!!

Come and check it out!!! Ohh... did I mention that there will be an early bird discount too?

In case you were wondering whats the construction status, it is already on the Level 7 already, and would be scheduled for completion next year.... =P

Why do I love the Ferrari 458 Spider?

2012-05-14T17:47:00.000+08:00

Errr.....

WOW..... now that I have gotten your attention with the picture of a sexy ~~girl~~ car - let me tell you Why I love the Ferrari 458 Spider. LOL.

First... let me tell you about Ferrari first.

This is the prancing horse of a Ferrari.

It is well known, and the most recognized logo for supercars - worldwide. =) Okay, before I run off topic, let me tell you of my first encounter with a Ferrari 458. =P

It was during the Largest Ferrari Gathering back in 2010. See bottom right picture.

This is HOW the Ferrari 458 looks like. =P

Beautiful isnt it?

Let me show you how the Ferrari 458 Spider looks like. =)

So.... WHY DO I LOVE THE FERRARI 458 SPIDER?

First of all - the new Ferrari 458 Spider is indeed the world’s first mid-rear engined berlinetta equipped with a retractable hard top. Just like the 458 Italia - the 458 Spider is powered by Ferrari’s naturally-aspirated, direct-injection 4.5 litre V8 which was nominated as the 2011 International Engine of the Year for its engineering excellence in terms of driveability, performance, economy and refinement. The power is transferred to the road by Ferrari’s class-leading dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission through the sophisticated E-Diff, itself integrated with the F1-Trac traction control and high-performance ABS for maximum handling dynamics.

Even the engine soundtrack has been honed to ensure that the car’s occupants are completely captivated by the drop-top driving experience. Entirely in aluminium, the hard-top solution adopted for the 458 Spider offers a number of advantages over the traditional folding soft-top, including a reduction of 25 kg in weight and a deployment time of just 14 seconds. Fully integrated into the styling of the car, the hard-top was engineered to fit neatly ahead of the engine bay without compromising aerodynamics or the performance of the car.

Okay... enough with the specs!

Why Do I LOVE the 458 SPIDER SO MUCH??? Because it is perhaps the most beautiful Ferrari ever made. =) Enough said.

Indulgence Restaurant & Living, Ipoh.

2012-05-13T02:48:00.002+08:00

Today I was in Ipoh to check out some stuffs, and then I headed to this place in Ipoh town - called Indulgence Restaurant & Living. Well, it is basically a bungalow - quite an old school bungalow, and it had some really nice and romantic ambience, with some really nice desserts and coffee to match. It was however not so cheap though, coffee here costs more than Starbucks - but it is well worth it. =)

So... what did I have?

Iced cappuccino, iced latte, espresso cookie and the most awesome vanilla ice cream on the fudge-on-fudge.... oooooo the indulgenceeeeeee........

Indulgence Restaurant & Living
14, Jalan Raja Di Hilir,
30350 Ipoh, Perak

Next FRIDAY...

2012-05-11T14:27:00.003+08:00

Details coming up soon....

Oh ya... this event only by INVITE. =) So... wanna make me happy then I can TRY to get you an invite?

Crest Builder JV to develop MRB’s RM1.4bil project in KL. - Clarifications.

2012-05-07T10:01:00.002+08:00

Reference is made to the article entitled "Crest Builder JV to develop MRB’s RM1.4bil project in KL" that was on the cover of StarBiz today. To clarify on the article to avoid any confusion, I would like to clarify that although we did participate in the Request for Proposal tender, we have yet to receive any result, nor are we aware of the results of the tender at this current moment.

In the event we receive any material information, we would make the necessary announcements accordingly.

Anyways, the online version of the article is here.

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) has awarded the RM1.4bil development on 2.2ha in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur to Crest Builder Holdings Bhd and its 49% joint-venture (JV) partner Detik Utuh Sdn Bhd, sources said. For the open tender of this land, request for proposals started last June. Various proposals had been submitted by property players which included those from SP Setia Bhd and Naza TTDI Bhd.

“Many developers were looking to purchase of the land but MRB declined to sell it as it was looking for a longer term business model with recurring income,” said a source. The land, also known as Lot 76 is opposite the Great Eastern Mall and would be developed over seven years. The development cost would be borne by the Crest Builder and Detik Utuh JV.

MRB, as the landowner would receive 22.5% of the project's gross development value (GDV) for land rights, which translates into about RM300mil. The development would include four towers which consist of one office block, two SoFo' (small office, flexi office), and an apartment block atop a retail mall.

This development strategy is similar to the RM1.04bil tower atop the Dang Wangi light rail transit station contract which was also recently secured by Crest Builder and Detik Utuh. Tendered out by Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd, that project consisted of a mixed development fronting Jalan Ampang where Prasarana would receive 21.2% or RM220mil of the project's GDV as payment of land rights.

While Crest Builder is better known as a contractor, it is starting to shift its focus to become a property developer. It currently has a construction orderbook of some RM950mil and unbilled property sales orderbook of RM300mil. With the MRB land and the Dang Wangi project, this would bring its unbilled property orderbook to over RM2.5bil. Some of its previous construction jobs for other developers included Menara Binjai in Kuala Lumpur, North Shore Gardens in Desa Park City, Kepong, and Twins Damansara in Jalan Semantan, Kuala Lumpur.

Last Thursday, Crest Builder Holdings Bhd managing director Yong Soon Chow saw his indirect shareholding in the company reduced following the disposal of five million shares or a 4.029% stake. A filing with Bursa Malaysia showed the shares were disposed at 82 sen each for RM4.10mil. He is deemed interested in the transaction where the shares were disposed of by Yong Tiok Chin. It appeared that the shares were sold to strategic investors that were acting in concert with Crest Builder.

MRB is embarking on a strategy to monetise its landbank. Its most high profile landbank that would be tendered out soon is the development of the Rubber Research Institute Malaysia land measuring 1,215ha in Sungai Buloh, Selangor. MRB's landbank include Menara Getah Asli which fronts the Petronas Twin Towers in Jalan Ampang, the Rubber Research Institute building in Jalan Ampang, and two others, one each in Jalan Stonor and Jalan Lidcol.

Ipoh Good Food.

2012-05-07T05:39:00.001+08:00

Here are some good stuffs that I ate in Ipoh recently.

Ikan bakar.

Fried mantis prawns. Yummyyyy....

Appetizing and delicious!!!!

ohh..... end up with a beer at Bricks & Barrels too! =)

Houses.

2012-05-05T08:55:00.003+08:00

Spotted at Tapah. =)

Glenmorangie SOUNDFORM Fluid Bar.

2012-05-02T09:20:00.001+08:00

The pursuit of perfection can be a trifle inconvenient when one goes to unnecessary lengths for the sake of true distinction. Resonating perfection as such is the SOUNDFORM Fluid – a stunning, sculptural bar that brings to life the ‘Unnecessarily Well Made’ philosophy advocated by Glenmorangie. Officially unveiled yesterday at The Gardens in Mid Valley, the SOUNDFORM Fluid bar was designed by renowned architect and interior designer Philip Michael Wolfson for Glenmorangie, and it was inspired by the sonograph reading of the sound of Glenmorangie whisky being poured into a crystal glass.

Statuesquely taking the centre stage at the North Atrium of The Gardens Mall, the SOUNDFORM Fluid is an evocative sight. Its bold jagged edges are covered in a black aluminium finish on the exterior, while the golden orange interior, which mimics the colour of Glenmorangie, is lit up to create an aesthetic, visual counter balance.

Complementing the stunning display was commentary by Glenmorangie Malaysia’s Brand Manager, Michael Tan, who explained the concept that sparked the creation of the ‘Unnecessarily Well Made’ SOUNDFORM Fluid bar. “The SOUNDFORM Fluid is an awe-inspiring representation of the brand’s philosophy on ‘Unnecessarily Well Made’. It is a creative showcase and extension of the philosophy behind Glenmorangie’s deliciously complex single malt whisky brought into being.”

Glenmorangie single malt whisky obtains its multi-layered aromas and kaleidoscopic flavours through maturation in fine oak casks, obtained from the Ozark Mountains. While there are many perfectly good single malt whiskies matured in casks that are re-used up to eight times, Glenmorangie goes the extra mile for that added elegance in its whisky by only ever using their casks twice. At its Tain distillery in the Scottish Highlands, Glenmorangie employs the tallest whisky stills in Scotland, ensuring only the purest vapours are used in the spirit.

“It is the superiority of the ingredients: local spring water from its own Tarlogie spring and locally grown Scottish barley, combined with the skill of the craftsmen who follow the same time honoured approach that the company has used throughout its long history, results in Glenmorangie’s smooth spirit of distinction,” explained Glenmorangie Ambassador Ben Ng, who conducted an informal whisky tasting session for those who were curious to unravel the complexity of the Glenmorangie range throughout the SOUNDFORM Fluid Showcase at The Gardens.

The showcase saw celebrities and single malt aficionados enjoy a night of appreciation as they savoured the ‘Unnecessarily Well Made’. After which, the crowd adjourned to Vertigo for the after-party featuring US DJ duo Manufactured Superstars, who supplied a steady flow of house, dance and electro pop into the night. The SOUNDFORM Fluid bar remains on display at the North Atrium in The Gardens, Mid Valley till 1 May 2012. Whether you are a fan of contemporary design or just plain curious, head over to catch the SOUNDFORM Fluid, before it leaves for its next destination in South East Asia.

Nadal vs Ronaldo. LOL.

2012-04-30T00:26:00.001+08:00

Rather funny video... haha... go watch it!

#BERSIH LIVE UPDATES!

2012-04-28T00:37:00.000+08:00

I shall update it as and when I can.

Mezze Jazz Marathon, 30th April 2012.

2012-04-27T09:54:00.003+08:00

Go check it out!!! =P

Coming soon... =P

2012-04-25T09:33:00.001+08:00

The Glenmorangie Night. =)

My 10 Day Birthday Celebrations.

2012-04-23T23:15:00.000+08:00

Day 1

It's a Friday night, and well, the friends all kept on telling me to start the celebrations itself on the Friday... I was a little skeptical, but nonetheless proceeded with it... after all, it was Sander van Doorn at Zouk!!! =P Had a great night out, which was awesome...

Location for Day 1 celebrations.

Day 2

Day 2 was Saturday night, and it was dinner with the colleagues, with a twist at the end.

Souled Out, Ampang - quite a chillout place.

Menara Binjai - well, the surprise came on a bit later....

FIREWORKS!!! =P Thanks guys!!!

Day 3

No pictures for Day 3 - it was just a simple family dinner, thats all. =)

Day 4

Had a late meeting, and then ended up with the sister and the colleague at Troika. =)

Yup, for ABC, Acme Bar & Coffee. =P

The night then continued to Beer Factory at Giza for Round 2....

Day 5

Day 5 was the eve of my birthday, and considerably, started quite late.

There was a surprise party for me at Paradox. =)

Day 6

Day 6 was my birthday, but well... I worked til 9pm. Considerably like a bit sad lor... but got the work done.

Day 7

Didnt do much, except for dessert at SS2 KTZ - a place that I have not been for ages.

Day 8

Well, it was Friday night - and I had invites to the Glenmorangie party. =)

Ended the night with 'chu tou tong' and bakuteh.... =P

Day 9

Day 9 started off rather early at work, and then went to Melaka for a random weekend.

Horseshoe crab at the Portuguese Settlement.

Day 10

Had chicken rice ball too - with this two! =P

All in, it was quite an awesome 10 days... met a lot of new people, had a lot of fun... I just turned 29, and... lets see what I shall do for next year...

Avenue Crest, Batu 3 - Pre-LAUNCH Event.

2012-04-19T15:06:00.002+08:00

Visit us this weekend to enjoy a 10% discount* at the PRE-LAUNCH EVENT of AVENUE CREST! =)

Date: 21st and 22nd APRIL 2012 (Saturday & Sunday)

Time: 10 am - 6 pm

Venue: Avenue Crest Show Unit, Jalan Jubli Perak 22/1, Shah Alam

***SPECIAL PROMOTION***

- FREE SPA LEGAL FEES

- FREE 2 YEARS MAINTENANCE FEES

- 0% INTEREST DURING CONSTRUCTION (DIBS)*

*Terms and Conditions apply*

A Random Song.

2012-04-19T02:22:00.003+08:00

Just a random song to keep you all entertained tonight. =P

The Eric Yong Birthday Glenmorangie Astar Giveaway!

2012-04-17T20:16:00.000+08:00

*UPDATED*

CONGRATS to Amanda Tan @DeezDarling for her answers and most creative answers!!! =P

******************************
Ladies and gentlemen....

Usually people receive presents on their birthday. Yes, I do love receiving presents too... but anyways, for my birthday this year, I am celebrating it with Glenmorangie... haha...

My birthday party, also known as the SOUNDFORM FLUID SHOWCASE PARTY will be on 20th APRIL 2012 - and start at 8.30pm at the Gardens Mall, followed by VERTIGO. Wanna come party with me??????? Continue reading then........

Glenmorangie is a distillery in Tain, Ross-shire, Scotland that produces single malt Scotch whisky. Anyways... to add on further, Glenmorangie is arguably the most delicious and complex single malt whisky in the world. This - I truly agree on!!! =P Its multi-layered aromas and kaleidoscopic flavours stimulate the senses and entice the palate. As purveyors of perfection in single malt whisky, Glenmorangie takes pride in going to great lengths to ensure the quality of Glenmorangie whisky; to ascertain that Glenmorangie whisky is “Unnecessarily Well Made”.

Now, how exactly is Glenmorangie “Unnecessarily Well Made”?

How about you check out the cool video below, and win a bottle of the limited-release Glenmorangie Astar worth more than RM600! It cant get more generous than this.... so.... yes, I’m giving out a bottle of Glenmorangie Astar, and I'm gonna throw in a pair of invites to Glenmorangie’s SOUNDFORM Fluid Showcase and Party as well - to the reader who answers the following questions in the most creative manner. Just watch the following video and answer the simple questions in the comments box below!

Remember!!! The most accurate and creative entry wins!

If you cant catch the Scottish accent, just on the captions ok... hahaha... =P
Okay... here are the questions... remember, the answers are all in the video.
• Question 1 – Where exactly do the oak used in making Glenmorangie casks originate from, and how many times are the casks used to mature Glenmorangie whisky?

• Question 2 – How tall are the stills used to distil Glenmorangie whisky?

• Question 3 – What makes Glenmorangie such a distinguished, delicious and complex single malt whisky, and why do you love Glenmorangie?

After answering these questions, visit the Glenmorangie Malaysia Facebook page at www.fb.com/GlenmorangieMalaysia and click “Like”. That’s it! The most accurate + creative answer in the comments box below (who must also be a fan of Glenmorangie Malaysia on Facebook) gets a bottle of the limited-release Glenmorangie Astar worth more than RM600 and the invites to the awesome party on the 20th!!!!! =P

Contest ends on 17th April 2012, and I shall announce the winner on 18th (my birthday marr...)

*Contest open to non-Muslim participants who are above 18 years of age only.*

Adventures of Bailey the Welsh Corgi. =)

2012-04-16T09:32:00.000+08:00

Y U NO PUT FOOD IN MY BOWL???

This is so RANDOM.

2012-04-16T00:22:00.001+08:00

A very nice song indeed....
Meanwhile.... how about listening to something random to make you laugh?

Hahahahaha....

Billion-ringgit tower atop LRT station.

2012-04-13T01:59:00.002+08:00

Had a feature on the front page of StarBiz today. =) Here's the article.

Project to be developed by joint venture

PETALING JAYA: In what may be Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd's most ambitious project yet to unlock value from its real estate, the national public transport operator is partnering with a developer to build a billion-ringgit tower atop its Dang Wangi light rail transit (LRT) station.

The project, won by Crest Builder Holdings Bhd and its 49% joint-venture (JV) partner Detik Utuh Sdn Bhd two weeks ago, is for the construction of a single-block mixed development fronting Jalan Ampang with a gross development value (GDV) of RM1.04bil.

It will be a herculean task for low-profile Crest Builder, not least because the proposed building would tower over the neighbourhood at 40 storeys. Nonetheless, executive director Eric Yong is excited about its prospects.

“The LRT below is really the key selling point. If this was just bare land, we probably couldn't have got this value and concept. “The main thing here is that you already have 8,000 to 10,000 people passing through the station everyday,” he told StarBiz in an interview.

The yet-to-be-named project, which will be built on 2.72 acres, marks the Petaling Jaya-based developer's maiden foray into high-end properties since announcing the move last year. The plan, for now, is to build a tower cut into four segments: a mall at the bottom, small office flexible office (sofo) units, upscale serviced residences, and on the highest floors, a five-star hotel. To monetise the view at the top, the building could feature a Skylounge with a pool facing KL City Centre as well as a Skygym or Skydeck, Yong said.

He pointed out that they were still deliberating whether to add a layer of office suites, in which case the hotel would be done away with. The tower would have 50 floors to accommodate eight to nine levels of duplex sofo units. Its planned total gross floor area measures 1.1 million sq ft while net floor area is close to 830,000 sq ft. Following the agreement with Prasarana, the LRT owner and operator will receive 21.2% of the project's GDV as payment for land rights, which translates into RM220mil, or about RM1,857 per sq ft.

When contacted, its media affairs manager Azhar Ghazali said the funds would be used to part-finance its operations. Prasarana will only provide the land; the rest of the development cost is to be borne by Crest Builder-Detik Utuh.

“Some may say (the land cost) is expensive but we're not looking at the market right now. It will be completed in 2017. By then, I think the market would have tumbled a little, corrected a little and maybe even shot up two-fold.

“It is expected that in the next six to nine months, the property sector will be under pressure from the tighter lending regulations but the market will evolve. Malaysian properties are still cheap compared with Singapore or Hong Kong,” Yong said. Physical works for the project is expected to begin in early 2013 and the launch could be sometime after the middle of that year. “Plus, we think completing it early may not be beneficial. We could fall into the lower part of the property cycle. Right now, the yield seems to be stabilising downwards.

“We do not know how long this will last, but my guess is (the cycle) will take six to nine months to pick up again,” he added. Yong believes new record prices for property could emerge in 2017-2018. “The market takes three or so years to recover before it booms. We should see new benchmark prices then,” he enthused.

Asked about Prasarana's intent for the project, he said the state agency had wanted to maximise the potential of its assets. “They have land in various locations but in this case (Dang Wangi), it was airspace. And because of the LRT, they also want to increase the number of pedestrians. “If I add this development, assuming that an extra 4,000 to 5,000 people live here and half of them take LRT, we would have added 2,500 people to the system,” he said.

According to Yong, the tower's target customers would include the young and affluent in the banking, finance and marketing sectors. “Those who can afford premium condominiums but can't buy bungalows yet, and they want to be in the heart of the city with all its lifestyle attractions,” he explained.

With the project being right next to the Klang River, Crest Builder is also readying a proposal for the project delivery partners of the River of Life (ROL). ROL, a project under the Economic Transformation Programme, involves the beautification and development of a 10.7km stretch of the river within the city centre. Its project delivery partners are Ekovest Bhd and Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd. “We have not officially approached them yet but we're looking at how ROL can enhance our development in this immediate stretch,” Yong said.