INSIGNIA concept ISSUE 07-20 CONTENTS 4 Editor’s Note 5 The New Normal 9 Behind The Scene 11 Project Coverage 13 Merdeka 16 Architecture 21 Prtizker 2020 25 Insights 28 Get Connected cted Editor’s Note elcome back to another issue of our quarterly newsletter. We hope everyone is doing well and getting back on track as we embark on readjusting to the new normal. The COVID-19 pandemic and unparalleled protective measures taken Wby governments to stem its spread have severely impacted economic and social activities. With countries at different stages in the fight against the coronavirus and having taken slightly different approaches to combat the outbreak, the path to recovery will inevitably differ. That being said, readjusting and adapting to the new normal are opportunities to grow and get back on track to reboot the economy and our social life. We have to be diligent and become more resilient in order to keep up. In this third issue of 2020, we will be covering articles about the post-COVID-19 and tonnes of interior and architecture news. And in anticipation of the approaching National Day, we will enfold some of our historic moments and iconic national architectures. We hope you have a pleasant read and see you on the next issue! Stay Safe Always, Insignia Group The New Normal “Basically, our lives may not be the same anymore for the next few months or years. We will be living according to the ‘new normal’’ - Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin As we approach the lift and re-opening of Malaysia, there’s so much more to adapt and practice the new normal. Lockdowns, quarantines, and extreme forms of physical distancing work.The government has indicated that until a vaccine is available, which could take up to two years, Covid-19 will be part of the community, and Malaysians will need to live by a different set of rules. It’s time for us to accept that this pandemic, and social isolation, are here for a while. But in addition to that, our reality has changed, possibly for good. We’re in a new normal. As aggravating as it is, the world’s economy is undergoing a transformation, and the population must find ways to adapt and adhere to the new normal. New skills and expertise will be required with new ways of doing business. The new norm will come with a greater understanding that this war is far from over. Our very own Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has already called for us to adapt in the long run. Pictures on left page ; social distancing stickers placed in elevators. Pictures on right page ; restaurants and food courts seating arrangements as per sop, thermal heat temperature checks at airports Pistures on next page ; mandatory requirements to enter the mall is to wear face mask and take temperature checks, Barber shops and hairdressing salons as well as beauty salons have been allowed to operate since June 10 during the RMCO period. Social distancing has been a key component when it comes to containing the virus. Practicing social distancing is still highly encouraged, which means that you probably shouldn’t be going out of the house if you don’t need to. Wearing face masks is now part of the new norm as Mandatory temperature checks and this will help to prevent the spread of entrance check-in is compulsory. the infection. We must also remember Commercial places (shopping malls, to sanitize our hands regularly while restaurants) have come up with practicing good personal hygiene. innovative solutions such as physical Changes to our lifestyle and daily rearrangements to comply with these routines will by far be the biggest SOP. changes. Common social practices like handshakes and hugs are no Other aspects of the new normal are how longer advisable at the moment. we work and learn. Working from home (WFH) and online class is the new culture in Malaysia, there is no longer a need for frequent face-to-face meetings or classes. A more contemporary and advanced method of virtual interaction platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, Google Hangout, Microsoft Teams, Telegram, and Whatsapp are commonly used. Some would regard Covid-19 and the year 2020 as a catastrophic year. But on the bright side, we can take this crisis as a chance for us to change for good. The knowledge from reading, the culinary skills we experiment, the quality time we spent with our loved ones, and as well as learning to be resilient amid the pandemic situation has certainly made us the better selves we can be. Nevertheless, we are grateful and thankful for the immense efforts, sacrifices, dedication, and commitment devoted by the heroes of the nation. Our front liners either from health care or civil services, their service in dealing with Covid-19. Our essential workers putting their health at risk every day in order to ensure the rest of us can remain safe and healthy. Big kudos and salute to all! Behind The Scene We are stoked to be back to the office and start all on hold projects! And one we are commencing this month is in Kuala Lumpur! A project collaboration with Platinum Victory Development Sdn Bhd for PV 18 Residence in Setapak. We are responsible for the interior works for the common area such as the Lift Lobby , mini library, multi purpose hall and the gym room. This sold out residential development has the longest swimming pool we have ever seen! Stay tune to our next issue to follow up with the end result of this project! PROJECT You can’t miss to ignore the sweet aroma if COVERAGE you walk pass this store - literally impossible! Currently in progress, this PappaRoti franchise will be located in Centaurus Islamabad Outlet in Pakistan. Our design team incorporated the Middle East touch to the concept to blend in with the whole ambience. Enjoying that fresh baked bun and coffee can never be better! As part of our design approach, we listen carefully to our client, and establish the design palette in accordance to their CI Guidelines. The design has given fresh answers to a pigeonholed cafe fit-out and turned it into a visually stunning, highly functional and needs-suited representation of the new hybrid of bakery and cafeteria. Working closely with the Master Franchise Design Guideline, we tweaked and input more design elements & materials. As we believe, with an inviting design, you can transform drinking a simple cup of coffee into a wonderful unique user experience. MERDEKA Celebrating 63 years of diversity and unity “MERDEKA! MERDEKA! MERDEKA!” An image so vivid and so dear to the hearts of most Malaysians. These shouts marked the freedom of our people, it marks the day Malaysia achieved its independence and would from there grow to be the beautiful country that it is now. Let’s take a walk back and rekindle the moments in history On 31 August 1957, at Stadium Merdeka, Malaya’s independence from the British Empire was officially declared. The Federation of Malaya is granted independence from Britain after close to 50 years of colonial rule. The independence declaration was read by the first Chief Minister of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman in the presence of thousands of people including Malay Rulers, members of the federal government, and foreign dignitaries. Tunku then proceeded to read the Proclamation of Independence, which culminated in the chanting of "Merdeka!" seven times with the crowd joining in. The ceremony continued with the raising of the National Flag of Malaya accompanied by the national anthem being played by a military band and a 21-gun salute, followed by an azan call and a thanksgiving prayer in honor of this great occasion. We Are All Malaysians Regardless Of Our Creed, Colour & Culture. s we celebrate Merdeka this year, it would be good to ponder over what we went through in the last 63 years, our achievements and failures, where Awe are positioned now and where we are heading as a nation-state. Observing our independence is not about flying the national flag or donning traditional clothes. It is respecting the freedom of individuals and the freedom of others. Primarily in a multicultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious Malaysia that requires tolerance and mutual respect. Malaysia has always been a melting pot of racial and ethnic diversity – various communities comprising Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazans, Dayaks, Dusuns, and many others live and work together as one Malaysia. We can achieve national unity through loving and understand our fellow Malaysians from other races and religious beliefs. Learning to respect our different cultures and beliefs in society. When this is practice, we inevitably learn to accept our rich diversity and live harmoniously. May our beloved nation develop and prosper from strength to strength towards building a better and brighter future. ARCHITECTURE Malaysia’s Iconic Architecture What comes to your mind when you think about the most iconic architecture in the world? Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, The Giza Pyramids ; pretty much everyone would think of these monuments. What about Malaysia? Although Malaysia is positioned in-between other touristy countries like Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, this country is much more diversified, serene and lushes, with its own enthralling sites to offer. Not only their pretty sights these architectures have got to offer, they also decorate the skyline and postcards of Malaysia. They their own slice of history in which are embodied in their construction. Here’s a little list of these iconic Malaysia architectures. Petronas Twin Tower The sky is the limit for this one.