Clockenflap Reveals Full Lineup, Including Saturday Headliner Central Cee, BANKS, Serrini, The Black Skirts, and Wisp

The iconic music and arts festival returns to Central Harbourfront on November 29-December 1, 2024. Previously announced acts include Jack White, Air, Suede, St. Vincent, Jamie xx and Glass Animals

[Hong Kong, October 18, 2024] Clockenflap, Hong Kong’s biggest international outdoor music and arts festival, today announced its full lineup for this year’s event, including the hotly anticipated Saturday headliner.

British hip-hop sensation Central Cee will headline the festival on Saturday night, while other newly announced highlights include Alt-R&B songstress Jillian Rose Banks AKA BANKS, Hong Kong singer-songwriter Serrini, local music legend Carl Wong and the Hats On Band ft. Jer Lau, Korean indie-rock act The Black Skirts, American shoegaze artist Wisp, Taiwanese Mandopop star Misi Ke, Chengdu-based indie-rockers Hiperson, Filipino-Japanese singer-songwriter ena mori, and electrifying Japanese collective TURTLE ISLAND.

The newly announced acts join an eclectic lineup of international, regional and local artists already confirmed for this year’s festival, including maverick rock titan and Sunday night headliner Jack White, legendary French duo and Friday night headliners Air, UK indie icons Suede, critically acclaimed US singer-songwriter St. Vincent, trailblazing UK DJ/producer Jamie xx, and British psychedelic pop-rockers Glass Animals.

The festival takes place at Central Harbourfront from Friday November 29 to Sunday December 1, 2024, with tickets priced at HK$1,990 for three-day weekend tickets and HK$1,280 for single-day tickets (with under-18 tickets at HK$1,590 for three-day and HK$880 for single-day). Children aged under three years can attend the festival for free (pre-registration for children aged under three is not required).

Showcasing the full, world-class festival experience that music fans in the city have come to know and love, this year’s Clockenflap will once again feature a spectacular outdoor environment with multiple stages, a mouthwatering array of top-quality F&B outlets, and an eclectic lineup of must-see international, regional and local acts.

Newly Added Acts

British rapper Central Cee has taken the hip-hop world by storm over the past five years with a string of chart-topping singles and albums, and more than 4 billion streams on Spotify alone. The artist behind megahits like ‘Doja’ and ‘Sprinter’ will light up the Harbourflap Stage as this year’s Saturday headliner. Alt-R&B songstress Jillian Rose Banks AKA BANKS will make her Clockenflap debut. Two of Hong Kong’s most compelling music stars have also been added to the bill, with influential singer-songwriter Serrini set to appear on Saturday and Carl Wong and the Hats On Band ft. Jer Lau playing on Friday, led by legendary composer, producer and musician Carl Wong featuring special guest Jer Lau from local super boy band Mirror and accompanied by his all-star band including Jun Kung, Jason Kui, Herman@The Hertz, The Absent Brother, Wilson Ng and more. 

Also just announced are The Black Skirts, the indie-rock project led by South Korean singer-songwriter Jo Hyu-il, Californian shoegaze artist Natalie R. Lu, better known as Wisp, Taipei-based singer-songwriter and producer Misi Ke, Chengdu’s indie-post-punk heroes Hiperson, acclaimed Filipino-Japanese singer-songwriter ena mori, and TURTLE ISLAND, an uber-eclectic Japanese ensemble who blend traditional minyo music and taiko drumming with punk, psyche-rock and a dizzying swirl of global influences.

A host of Hong Kong incredible acts have also been confirmed for this year’s festival, including shoegaze outfit Lucid Express, neo-soul collective Clave, UK-indie-rock-influenced Biascut, the jazzy sounds of Jerold & Friends, Afrobeat group The Afroseas and melodic four-piece Wantamnam and Hong Kong neo-jazz act R.O.O.T.

Must-See Legends

Fresh from the release of his sixth solo album, the brilliant ‘No Name’, the one-and-only Jack White makes his long-awaited Hong Kong debut on Sunday night, with the former White Stripes, Raconteurs and The Dead Weather front man poised to bring the festival to a triumphant conclusion. Performing their 1998 debut, retro-futuristic masterpiece ‘Moon Safari’, live in its entirety, influential French duo Air, just put on an amazing show at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics, will headline on Friday with a mesmerising show that The Guardian described as “a wild, jawdropping, widescreen extravaganza.” And St. Vincent, one of the most intriguing and consistently surprising artists of the past 20 years, will be a big draw on Saturday, with a set that encompasses her flawless back catalogue, including this year’s excellent album ‘All Born Screaming’.

Trendsetters

Clockenflap is known for bringing the hottest names in music to Hong Kong, and this year is no different. One-third of Mercury Prize-winning British indie act The xx, trailblazing DJ/producer Jamie xx makes his Clockenflap debut hot on the heels of the release of his highly anticipated third album, ‘In Waves.’ Best-known for their viral megahit ‘Heat Waves’, British psychedelic pop-rockers Glass Animals arrive on the back of their acclaimed fourth album, ‘I Love You So F***ing Much’. Serving up an infectious concoction of electro house and synth-pop, Atlanta DJ/producer Porter Robinson is jetting in to perform a high-energy live set, while genre-bending Los Angeles act Fiji Blue will be on hand to captivate fans with his dreamy fusion of indie pop, electronica, and R&B, and also life-affirming festival favorites Ibrahim Maalouf.

Best of Japan

Showcasing the breadth and depth of Japan’s electrifying music scene, this year’s lineup features an eclectic collection of the country’s most exciting artists, including magnetic hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts, enigmatic J-Pop vocalist yama, intricate post-rock/math rock masters toe, mesmerising girl group Sakurazaka46 and indie-pop band Cody Lee( ).

Indie Trailblazers

From its very first edition, Clockenflap has proudly championed indie artists, and that tradition continues in this year’s lineup. Canadian indie-rockers Mother Mother arrive on the back of their ninth album, ‘Grief Chapter’, while upbeat Japanese-Australian four-piece Last Dinosaurs are touring their fifth album, ‘Kyoryu’. Other indie highlights include LA duo Bubble Tea and Cigarettes, Xi’an post-punk band FAZI, London dance-punk dynamos Fat Dog, Hong Kong post-hardcore act An Id Signal and hypnotic Dutch psychedelic rockers YĪN YĪN.

Regional Highlights

Bringing the best of the region’s musical talent to Hong Kong, Clockenflap once again welcomes a wide-ranging selection of acts from around Asia. Showcasing Taiwan’s music scene are indie favourites deca joins, Kaohsiung rockers Gigantic Roar, alternative-rock duo JADE, and the offbeat grooves of Golden English Party. Fans will also get the chance to enjoy the sounds of Thai singer-songwriter Violette Wautier and South Korean guitar princess MEMI.

Electronic Heroes

Keeping the dancefloor moving all weekend long, Clockenflap presents an eclectic lineup of top electronic acts from around the world. Canadian DJ/producer A-Trak is known for serving up an irresistible blend of electro and hip-hop, and Australia’s Partiboi69‘s anarchic brand of ghetto house is guaranteed to get the party started. Yung Singh brings the sound of the UK new Asian underground, while last but by no means least, the legendry Dave Clarke will demonstrate why he’s known as “The Baron of Techno.” Plus a special DJ and spandex set by ROBOT, where Clockenflap co-founders Jay and Mike will be welcoming Bobby Parsley to celebrate ROBOT's 25th anniversary.

For the full lineup, including day splits, see www.clockenflap.com

Tickets are available now at www.ticketflap.com/clockenflap2024 

Wine & Dine Friday Buffet Dinner @ Sarkies, Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang

When it comes to buffet dining in Penang, the most talked about will definitely be Sarkies in Eastern & Oriental Hotel. With its recent renovations, Sarkies has a new facelift and now with even more offerings on the spread to make sure every diners can find what they want in a buffet restaurant.

Dining in Sarkies not only you get to enjoy good food, but also beautiful seaview by the restaurant. Some even take a walk after the comforting dinner. 

For starters there are lots of appetising choices for you to enjoy before something heavy. You can even customise your own version of salad by having your own choices of vegetables and dressing.

If you are bread lovers, you definitely know that E&O is also famous for their homemade breads.
Here you can enjoy whatever breads they provide on the buffet spread. However you know you won't be taking this unless you want to go with some soup because you want to keep your stomach reserve for some nice meats or seafood.

Several types of soup available are Chinese Herbal Soup, Salmon Chowder, Szechuan Soup and Mushroom Soup.

Moving on the some delish seafood-on-ice we have prawns, mussels, all kinds of shellfishes including scallops, slipper lobsters and many more.
Also a few favourites of mine would be the Unagi Salad and Octopus Salad, those you need to spend a big bucks out there to enjoy them where you can enjoy unlimited servings of it here.

For Japanese food lovers you can also feast on their handmade sushi available.

Different types of cheeses, perfect to go with a glass of wine or two.

If you are a seafood lovers, you will definitely love the new set up where they will open up the oysters and serve it to directly, making sure it is fresh and juicy.
This is definitely a bless for oyster lover like me. 

On the hot dish sections you can also expect some special of the day such as below Thai Style Baked Seabass which is crispy on the skin but soft fish meat on the inside. 

Pumpkin pies, Shepherd's Pies and many more. Just gotta make sure you have enough space in your stomach to savour them all or share it with your friends would be best. 

Meat lovers will always target their Roast Beef or Roast Lamb, they will cut the medium rare meats right in front of you and you can request as much as you like. Just make sure you finish them so you won't waste food.

You should not miss the roast duck as well, it is one of the top featured dish on the Sarkies buffet spread.

On the action counter you can find all kinds of grilled stuff including salmon belly, prawns and all kind of meats.

Apart of that, you should also order the Curry Salmon Fish Head, always one of the top of "Must Have" dishes on the list.

Some of the highlights on the hotdish section. Mixture of vegetables to all types of meats available.

The theme on the hotdish section features international dishes so you can see different kinds of specialties on the buffet line.

Do not worry even if you are a vegetarian. Now E&O also offers quite a number of vegetarian options on their buffet spread as they have created a vegetarian counter. You can also ask them to cook some vegetarian dishes for you on the spot. Just ask their chef to make you something special.

Noodle station, where you can have different kinds of noodle every day. 
The featured of the day was Koay Teow Soup & Laksa.

One thing you shouldn't miss is the Char Koay Teow here.

It is one of the most popular dishes here and you can expect long queue when it comes to fully booked nights in Sarkies. Grab as much prawns as you want for your Char Koay Teow or ask them to customise the types of noodle that you like, just like how I mixed yellow noodle with Koay Teow.

With the current promotion, you can grab a bottle of red or white wine when you have 4 paying adults in your group. Or feel free to order any wines or beers as they have a long list of beverages available.

Dessert lovers will be delighted when they come to the dessert counter. 
All kinds of local sweet treats such as Chendol, Ais Kacang are all available, as well as tarts, cakes, ice cream and many more.

I was quite surprised when I saw Nyonya Kuihs also on the dessert station. They are my favourite especially the Kaya Kuih(Pulut Tai Tai)

If you like what you saw above, make a move now and book a table at Sarkies. 
Invite your friends and family together for the feast so you can enjoy free wines from the restaurant.

Call or Whatsapp 016-4198094 / 016-4198438 or email fbcentral.resv@eohotels.com to book a table or enquiry.

Firewood Restaurant @ Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Penang

Nestled in the heart of Penang, Firewood Restaurant is known for its wood-fired cooking and bold flavours. On a recent visit, I had the chance to explore a selection of their signature dishes, and I wasn’t disappointed. From fresh seafood starters to mouth-watering mains, Firewood has crafted a menu that is both innovative and satisfying.

Stepping into Firewood Restaurant, you are immediately greeted by the earthy aroma of dishes cooking over a wood fire. The rustic yet contemporary décor, with its warm lighting and natural wood accents, sets the perfect tone for a cosy and memorable dining experience. Whether you’re visiting for a casual meal or a special occasion, the restaurant offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.

Our meal began with the the starter Charred Cabbage with Garlic Shrimp, a refreshing yet flavour-packed starter. The shrimps were beautifully grilled over an open flame, giving them a smoky, charred taste while maintaining their juicy, tender texture. The prawns were served on a bed of crisp charred greens, then topped with some shredded cheese which makes this combination savoury and tasty.

Next, I opted for the Firewood Homemade 6oz Wagyu Burger, which certainly lived up to the hype. The patty was thick and juicy, with that unmistakable richness that only Wagyu beef can deliver. Grilled over the wood fire, the burger had a subtle smokiness that complemented the natural flavours of the beef. Topped with melted cheddar, caramelised onions, and a tangy house-made sauce, every bite was indulgent. The burger was served with a side of crispy fries, seasoned to perfection, making this dish an absolute comfort food delight. What really stood out was the attention to detail—the bun was lightly toasted and soft, holding everything together without getting soggy, and the portion was generous without being overwhelming.

The Jamaican Jerk Chicken brought a burst of bold, tropical flavours to the table. Marinated in a spicy, fragrant jerk seasoning, the chicken was grilled to perfection, with a crispy skin that gave way to succulent, juicy meat. The spices in the jerk seasoning were well-balanced, with a slow-burning heat that built up in intensity but never overwhelmed the dish. The chicken was served with a side of coconut rice and a refreshing mango salsa, which added sweetness and acidity, perfectly complementing the spicy flavours of the jerk chicken.

The service at Firewood was warm and attentive, with the staff making sure we were comfortable and well-informed about the menu. They were happy to make recommendations and provided just the right amount of attention without being intrusive, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Firewood Restaurant in Penang delivers a dining experience that’s both comforting and adventurous, thanks to their clever use of wood-fire cooking. The Grilled Prawn Salad is a perfect light starter, while the Wagyu Beef Burger offers a decadent take on a classic comfort food. For those seeking bolder flavours, the Jamaican Jerk Chicken is a must-try, packing a punch of spices and Caribbean flair.

If you’re in Penang and looking for a meal that combines hearty portions, bold flavours, and a touch of smoky goodness, plus if you are really into good beef, Firewood Restaurant is the place to go.

Firewood Restaurant Penang

15, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, 10200 George Town, Penang.

12:00pm - 2:30pm | 5:30pm - 10:00pm
(Closed on Monday)

New Go-To For Everyday Adventures — The Spläsh Crossbody Bag from Gaston Luga

As one of the top bag makers in the market, Gaston Luga consistently excels in innovation, securing their position at the forefront of bag fashion. When it comes to combining functionality with timeless design, Gaston Luga never disappoints. If you’re looking for a bag that blends style and practicality, Gaston Luga’s Spläsh Crossbody Bag in Olive is the answer. It’s sleek, versatile, and perfect for everyday use, especially if you’re always on the move. 

Stylish Yet Subtle

The Spläsh Crossbody in olive green hits that sweet spot between standing out and being easy to pair with anything. It’s got that effortless style that works for everything from casual city errands to weekend adventures. Whether you’re in gym gear or your favourite jeans and jacket, this bag will complete your look.

Practical and Built to Last

What’s great about the Spläsh is that it’s not just good-looking—it’s made to handle whatever your day throws at you. Thanks to its water-resistant material, your stuff stays safe and dry. Plus, it’s lightweight, with an adjustable strap for all-day comfort. And let’s talk about organisation: multiple compartments and secure zippers make it easy to keep your essentials like your phone, wallet, and keys right where you need them.

Eco-Friendly and Durable

Gaston Luga’s all about sustainability, and the Spläsh Crossbody is no different. It’s made from eco-friendly materials, so you know it’s built to last while also being kind to the planet. You get a bag that looks great, works well, and feels good to own.

The Verdict?

If you need a bag that checks all the boxes—style, practicality, and sustainability—the Spläsh Crossbody Bag in Olive is a winner. It’s the perfect companion for work, play, and everything in between. The Spläsh Crossbody Bag is designed to be both eye-catching and subtle. Its rich olive green shade complements a wide range of outfits, offering a chic yet understated look. Whether you’re running errands in the city or heading out for an adventure, this bag fits right in with any casual or sporty ensemble.

Practicality Meets Innovation

Made from water-resistant materials, the Spläsh ensures that your belongings stay dry, no matter the weather. The lightweight construction and adjustable strap provide comfort throughout the day, while the secure zip closures and multiple compartments make it easy to stay organised. With enough space for your essentials—such as your phone, wallet, and keys—this crossbody bag is designed for ease without compromising on style.

Final Thoughts

The Spläsh Crossbody Bag in Olive is a perfect example of how Gaston Luga merges form and function seamlessly. Its stylish yet practical design, coupled with its sustainable construction, makes it a must-have accessory for anyone seeking a fashionable yet functional bag. Whether you're headed to work, the gym, or a weekend getaway, this bag has you covered.

Do you think this is your kind of bag too?
Or are you also looking at other designs?

Head to their official website at www.gastonluga.com now and check out their beautiful bags in different styles and sizes. 

Don't forget to apply the special promo code "jjindahouse" to enjoy a 15% discount from your purchase. 

Now, it is time for your turn to show off your brand new bags!

OpenSys Technologies unveils its first DC charging station in Penang

 

With Falcon ChargePro, UOB Malaysia PV customers can now charge their EVs at Jalan Kelawei branch 

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From left to right: Denis Koay, Senior Vice President of Sales OpenSys (M) Berhad, Wong Siew Pooi, COO of OpenSys (M) Berhad, Lee Ai Pin, Branch Manager of Jalan Kelawei UOB Malaysia, Luke Sebastian, CEO of OpenSys Technologies Sdn Bhd, Tan Yang Cheng, Branch Manager of Lebuh Bishop UOB Malaysia

PETALING JAYA, 21 August 2024 - OpenSys Technologies Sdn. Bhd. (“OpenSys Technologies”), a subsidiary of OpenSys (M) Berhad, proudly unveiled its first Direct Current (DC) charging station for electric vehicles (EV) in Penang. The charging station consists of a 40KW charger, called the Falcon ChargePro, is equipped with two charging guns and a multi-function payment terminal that accepts both contactless cards and QR codes.  

The installation of the Falcon ChargePro was officiated at UOB Malaysia Jalan Kelawei branch on 21 August 2024. The charging station is available for use exclusively for UOB Malaysia Privilege Banking (PV) customers from 9:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday. Customers can enjoy a complimentary 30-minute charging period when they pay using their UOB PV Visa Infinite Credit and Debit Card. This installation reflects UOB Malaysia's commitment to supporting green transportation and prioritizing customer convenience.

Mr Luke Sebastian, CEO of OpenSys Technologies said, “As businesses and consumers alike increasingly embrace sustainability , the shift towards EVs has gained remarkable momentum. EVs, now ubiquitous on our roads, symbolize a transformative change towards a greener, more sustainable tomorrow. Recognizing the profound impact of this shift, OpenSys Technologies has strategically diversified into the renewable energy sector, aiming to play a pivotal role in Malaysia’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

“The government’s revised target of 1,500 DC chargers, up from the initial 1,000 units outlined in the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB) in 2021, underscores the growing demand for infrastructure for green transportation. OpenSys Technologies is proud to work with UOB Malaysia to provide this facility for the convenience of the Bank’s PV customers.”

Through strategic partnerships and innovative technologies, OpenSys Technologies is at the forefront of providing green products and services that align with a sustainable future. The Falcon ChargePro EV charging solutions and the buySolar online marketplace are designed to support corporations in achieving their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals while fostering sustainability in their operations.

The Falcon ChargePro specializes in delivering green EV charging solutions and services to enterprises, particularly those with large EV fleets. This initiative is powered entirely by renewable electricity through the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), which support renewable energy projects and reduce carbon emissions. RECs enable corporate clients and consumers to verify and claim that their charging stations are powered exclusively by renewable energy, empowering them to actively support their sustainability goals. 

What sets the Falcon ChargePro apart is its unparalleled ability to tailor solutions to meet the unique needs of corporate clients. The Falcon ChargePro ensures a hassle-free process for corporate clients, managing all aspects of EV charger installation, management systems, site services, maintenance, and support, among others. This comprehensive approach allows companies to focus on their core business while benefiting from a seamless charging infrastructure. It also features Falcon ChargePay, a multi-function contactless card and QR payment terminal solution, developed by OpenSys Technologies, and meticulously designed specifically for EV chargers. Additionally, the chargers can be customized to reflect a company’s branding, offering a unique opportunity for businesses to enhance their corporate identity.

In this ambitious journey towards a greener future, OpenSys Technologies and UOB Malaysia are not just providing EV chargers; they are pioneering a sustainable movement, turning challenges into milestones, and driving meaningful change for generations to come. 

Mini Siam Cafe มินิสยาม @ Lebuh Katz, Penang

Thai food lovers would be delighted to find another authentic Thai food available in Penang. Situated in a quiet corner on Lebuh Katz, Mini Siam Cafe มินิสยาม is located on the upper floor of 7 Siam Mini Market, at the corner in between Lebuh Katz and Jalan Gurdwara. 

Mini Siam Cafe มินิสยาม specialises in Northern Thai Cuisine, with Thai chefs cooking up delicious Thai Food in the kitchen and successfully attracted numerous diners to the restaurant. 

P.S: The cafe has very limited space so please book or go early to avoid long waiting.

If you are in for some Thai delights, you can do some Thai grocery shopping at 7 Siam Mini Market too.

Miang Kham MiniSiam - RM19.90

People who appreciate Thai Food will really enjoy a plate of good Miang Kham whether it comes to dining at Thai Restaurants. It is very simple way of eating this, just grab a piece of Betel Leaf and wrap all the ingredients givens then take a bite and enjoy it.

This is a traditional Thai dish that is favourite of many, some restaurants may also serve different condiments depends on what they are serving.

Stir Fry Thai Style Cashew Chicken - RM24.90

If you are into ordering some dishes to go with rice, this non-spicy dish would be great for yourself of kids if you can't tolerate spicy dishes. They use chicken thigh for this dish which is quite juicy and tender, may be a little bit too salty if you are not serving it with any rice or noodle.

Stir Fry Holy Basil Minced Pork - RM19.90

What's Thai food without a dish with Holy Thai Basil? Among all the Holy Basil dishes, the holy basil minced pork is one of the most popular dishes and I'll always order this dish whenever I dine in a Thai restaurant. I find their version here in Mini Siam is really spicy so maybe you can ask for less spicy version if your toleration towards spiciness is as weak as mine.

White Tomyum Seafood Soup - RM34.90

If you been to Thailand before, you will know that most of the Tomyum soup in Thailand are mostly clear Tomyum soup instead of the red version. This is what Thai people mostly enjoy in Thailand, however, the taste of the soup is still very flavour even though they look plain.

Stir Fry Gai Lan with Pork Belly - RM22.90

Mini Siam Phad Thai Shrimp - RM18.90

If you are not into getting dishes with rice, you can also order their rice or noodle dishes that are available even for lunch or dinner. Their Phad Thai are freshly fried upon order and the amount of shrimp given is so generous, fresh and big. They also have fried rice and other noodles available on the menu.

Mini Siam Cafe มินิสยาม

1st floor, 85, Lebuh Katz, 10300 George Town, Penang.

011-7225 8207

11:00am - 3:00pm | 5:00pm - 10:00pm

(Closed on Monday)