The Luxe Lens

 In a market saturated with wearables chasing minimalism and touch-only interfaces, Samsung has chosen a different path for its latest flagship timepiece where one paved with heritage, refinement, and intelligence. The newly launched Galaxy Watch8 Classic isn’t just a smartwatch. It’s a statement. Brought back by popular demand, the iconic rotating bezel returns with a satisfying click, offering tactile precision in a sea of swipe fatigue. Nestled within a sleek 46mm stainless steel frame , the Watch8 Classic is Samsung’s bold answer to a modern user’s biggest question: Can a smartwatch be smart, stylish, and deeply human? The answer, it turns out, is a confident yes. A Timepiece That Honors Its Roots While many smartwatches lean aggressively toward sport or fashion, the Galaxy Watch8 Classic walks a more elegant line. With a newly designed cushion-style silhouette and polished stainless steel casing, the watch carries the DNA of a traditional timepiece;  the kind your fath...

  IJM Land, one of Malaysia’s leading property developers, is working with Samsung Malaysia Electronics (“Samsung”) to explore smart and sustainable living solutions across its move-in ready homes, and homes to be completed soon. This initiative reflects IJM Land’s continued commitment to sustainability-driven development by incorporating Samsung’s advanced smart home technologies to reimagine the future of modern living in Malaysia.   The initiative was unveiled today at an event held at IJM Land Centre of Excellence I.C.E. Gallery @ Pantai Sentral Park, officiated by senior leaders from both organisations, Datuk Tony Ling, CEO of IJM Land, and Mr. Charles Kim, President of Samsung Malaysia Electronics.   Guided by its sustainability pillars – Marketplace, Environment, Workplace, and Community, IJM Land continues to develop townships & integrated developments that are future-ready, environmentally responsible, and built to enhance community well-being. Sustainability...

 Time, as imagined by Beaubleu Paris, is more than numbers ticking by — it’s movement, emotion, and design. Now, Malaysian watch enthusiasts can finally experience this philosophy firsthand. Red Army Watches Malaysia proudly introduces the Ecce Figura Collection by Beaubleu Paris, a bold new chapter in contemporary watchmaking that fuses French artistry with cutting-edge horology. ⌚ Where Art Meets Mechanics Known for its poetic interpretation of time, Beaubleu Paris has always challenged conventions — and the Ecce Figura is no exception. At first glance, what captures your attention is the striking semi-octagonal case — a daring shift from traditional round forms. Measuring 39mm x 30mm, this new shape serves as a modern architectural statement, one that reflects the brand’s Parisian DNA rooted in individuality and the intersection of art and geometry. The iconic circular hands, a Beaubleu signature, return to this collection, gracefully sweeping across carefully curated dials in w...

 With a unique “hydro bar”, vistas of Pattaya Beach, and fiery entertainment, LAY Beach Club has opened in the heart of Thailand’s vibrant Pattaya. The exciting new venue is situated on Beach Road on the Gulf of Thailand’s east coast, a short drive from Bangkok, and has already been dubbed “the place to be”. The beach club’s crème de la crème is the hydro bar, an elegant cocktail pool where the water’s surface appears to seamlessly merge with the ocean. Dotted with submerged loungers, the hydro bar is surrounded by a white-sand area and deck featuring circle sofas and cabanas. Also exuding a Mediterranean feel, the lounge and bar area anchoring the beach club caters to almost 250 people. The space is crowned by a chic rooftop lounge, with a capacity for more than 100 guests seated or 300 guests for cocktail events, affording panoramic views of Pattaya Beach. The a la carte menu brims with Mediterranean and Asian favourites including artisanal sandwiches and wraps, hearty rice and p...

 On July 9, Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold7 at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in Brooklyn — once again redefining innovation in foldable smartphones. As the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet, the Galaxy Z Fold7 features multimodal AI capabilities, a redesigned user interface and the series’ first 200-megapixel camera. With ultra-level refinement across design and technology, the device sets a new standard for foldable smartphones. Samsung Newsroom got an exclusive early look at the Galaxy Z Fold7 during Galaxy Unpacked 2025.   ▲ The Galaxy Z Fold7, the thinnest and lightest in the Galaxy Z Fold series to date Design: Slimmer and Lighter The Galaxy Z Fold7 is the thinnest and lightest in the Galaxy Z Fold series to date — measuring 4.2 millimeters when unfolded, 8.9 millimeters when folded and weighing 215 grams. Considering the inclusion of a cover display and a complex folding mechanism, these are breakthrough figures.   ▲ The Galaxy Z Fold7 is 4.2 millimeter...

 On July 9, Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in Brooklyn — marking another step forward in foldable innovation. The Galaxy Z Flip7 raises the bar for flip-style smartphones, combining a compact, pocketable design with intuitive AI experiences and the largest cover screen in the Galaxy Z Flip series to date. Samsung Newsroom got an exclusive early look at the Galaxy Z Flip7 during Galaxy Unpacked 2025.   ▲ The Galaxy Z Flip7 debuts with a full-front FlexWindow and sleek design. Design: Larger Window in a Slimmer Frame The Galaxy Z Flip7 introduces the Galaxy Z Flip series’ largest cover screen and its slimmest design yet. The standout 4.1-inch FlexWindow features ultra-thin 1.25-millimeter bezels, allowing the display to span nearly the entire cover — excluding the camera lens — for an expanded viewing experience. Everyday tasks such as checking schedules, replying to messages or using AI-powered features can be done ...

  Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has unveiled an exquisite mooncake collection ahead of this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrating Hanoi’s timeless elegance preserved in vintage film. On June 3, 1916, the first cinematographic performance ever shown in the capital of Indochina took place at the Hotel Metropole Hanoi. Inspired by this momentous cultural milestone, the hotel’s 2025 mooncake collection, under the theme “Metropole Cinema: Hanoi through Film,” spotlights a cinematic journey through the city, capturing the nostalgic charm, artistic soul and timelessness of the Vietnamese capital. Hand-baked and free from preservatives, Metropole’s mooncakes are made from authentic and innovative recipes, each infused with the hotel’s signature gourmet touch. Artfully crafted by Metropole Hanoi’s culinary team, the mooncakes – available baked or with snowskin – come in a variety of exquisite flavors, including Red Bean & Pistachios; Lotus Seeds & Macadamia Nuts; Green Bean &...

  Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the availability of the One UI 8 Watch update  for Galaxy Watch Ultra, unlocking the motivational health features and refined, intuitive interface unveiled with the new Galaxy Watch8 series to a wider Galaxy users. With the update, Galaxy Watch Ultra users now have access to powerful tools  like Running Coach, Vascular Load, Antioxidant Index — all designed to help users build healthier habits through motivational insights. With One UI 8 Watch, the user interface is optimised to deliver essential information at a glance on a smartwatch-sized screen. Multi-Info Tiles pull everything from health metrics to weather into a customisable view, delivering the information users need, exactly when they need it. Now Bar  ensures that whatever users are working on is always accessible. These One UI 8 Watch features integrate seamlessly with Galaxy Watch Ultra’s robust performance and durability.  Galaxy Watch Ultra remains th...

 Following its much-anticipated global debut in Dubai, HUAWEI officially launches the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series in Malaysia today, marking a revolutionary leap in smartphone imaging and high-fashion design. Comprising the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro and HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra, the series introduces a next-generation mobile experience, one that blends cutting-edge photography with refined craftsmanship and intelligent innovation. Representing the brand’s reimagined design philosophy and imaging leadership, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series continues to push boundaries for what users can expect from a flagship smartphone. Designed for those who demand both form and function, this series brings together industry-first hardware, powerful AI integration, and an aesthetic that effortlessly captures attention. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Series features the iconic Dazzling Forward Symbol, a hallmark of elegance and innovation that boldly showcases the super brand emblem. The Prestige Gold and Golden Black Pura 80 Ultra,...

  Rosewood Phnom Penh is proud to announce that Sora has received the esteemed Ketel One Sustainability Award at this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars Awards, held in Macau on July 15th. Perched on the 37th floor of Rosewood Phnom Penh, Sora is known for its sweeping skyline views, bold cocktails and vibrant programming. This recognition, judged by The Sustainable Restaurant Association, now sits alongside Sora becoming Cambodia’s first ever bar to appear on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, where it proudly achieved 65th position this year. In tandem with this award, Rosewood Phnom Penh announces the appointment of a new Director of Bars, Jonas Vittur to bring fresh expertise to the hotel’s vibrant bar programme and direction - and welcomes Nimol Leourng as the new Bar Manager of the iconic Sora. Sustainability Rooted in Community Sora’s initiatives focused on reducing food waste, eliminating single-use plastics, and prioritising the well-being of its team, are all integral to the bar’s ope...

   This summer, in celebration of the upcoming release of Smurfs, from Paramount Animation, Airbnb is inviting two families to become three apples tall and experience life as a Smurf for the day in the Belgian woods - the origin of the beloved blue characters - bookable as an Airbnb Experience. The 4-hour experience will see guests embark on a series of delightful Smurf-inspired activities, where they will learn how to live like a Smurf. From decorating your own hat and trying your aim at archery, to busting out the viral dance routine from the new movie, it will be a day of blue magic, where guests don’t have to worry about Gargamel.  With Papa Smurf away on his adventures from the Smurf’s village as seen in the new film, host Nicolas Tytgat - grandson of The Smurfs creator Peyo - will guide guests through these charming activities and immerse them in the enchanting world of the Smurfs. Taking place on Sunday August 3, 2025, guests will dress, explore, eat and dance like...

  Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor was voted one of the world’s top 100 hotels in Travel + Leisure’s prestigious World’s Best Awards, which are considered among the most coveted distinctions in international hospitality. The luxury hotel situated on the doorstep of famed archeological sites in Cambodia was praised by the New York-based magazine’s editors as ‘an exquisite stay’, offering ‘coveted experiences’ including ‘a private, candlelit dinner within one of the UNESCO Heritage-protected temples’. “Travel + Leisure is one of the world’s leading authorities on global travel, and their readership is among the savviest on the planet. To be recognised by these readers as one of the world’s top 100 hotels is both a tremendous honour and further encouragement to us as stewards of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s incredible 93-year-old legacy,” General Manager Joseph Colina said. Travel + Leisure’s reader-voted World’s Best Awards in 2025 features properties in 33 countries across five contin...

 Vietnam’s most celebrated integrated resort, is inviting discerning travellers to make the most of summer with exceptional Stay & Play packages that combine championship golf, award-winning accommodation, and exclusive lifestyle experiences in Central Vietnam. At the heart of the offering is the spectacular Sir Nick Faldo Signature course, a championship layout that has consistently ranked among Asia’s best. Designed to blend with the surrounding landscape of jungle-clad mountains and beachfront, the 18-hole course is both thrilling and scenic, offering a unique test for golfers of all skill levels. With holes that meander through rice paddies, lagoons, and oceanfront dunes, it’s a course that keeps you coming back for more. Guests can choose from two value-packed golf holiday options: a 3-night luxury getaway or an extended 7-night escape—both available at either Angsana Lang Co or Banyan Tree Lang Co. The 3-night package (from just USD 1325 per package at Angsana, USD 2360 p...

  In a rare union of mechanical ingenuity and artisanal dial-making, Horizon Watches and Selten Watch have come together to release the highly anticipated Limited Edition Nemo Reissue Collection. This exclusive series, available in just 100 units worldwide (50 per colourway), is a testament to the creative synergy between two of the most compelling names in the independent microbrand watch scene. The collaboration began with a shared admiration between Fred Bekher, founder of Horizon Watches, and Leonardo Tsai, the visionary behind Selten. Bekher was captivated by the guilloché mother-of-pearl dials of Selten’s M1 Moonphase collection — a craftsmanship rarely seen at this price point. Their mutual respect evolved into a full-fledged partnership, culminating in a dual-colour release that is as technically refined as it is visually captivating. The Nemo Reissue is available in two compelling options: a deep black dial representing Selten’s refined, dressy aesthetic, and a vibrant tea...