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Bringing heat the
CHILLI may be ubiquitous in culinary cultures around the world, but did you know that until 1492, this fiery ingredient existed only in the continent of America? So just how did it infiltrate the rest of the world? The humble chilli’s journey around...
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Chasing petals
FROM soft, pastel tones to fiery, vibrant ones – flowers of all colours come to life every spring. The season is well-loved not only for its beautiful blooms but also its crisp, chilly air. Cool weather, but not so cold that it warrants thick getups,...
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Upcycling fora bigger purpose
BUSINESSWOMAN Padmani Suppiah, 54, has long been passionate about sarees. She owned over 200 pieces – sourced from various parts of India – in a wide range of materials, from silk, linen, cotton handloom, tussar silk to chiffon. Over time, she...
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Facing reality
AS the guitarist for pioneering Singaporean rock group Sweet Charity, whose heyday was in the 1970s and 1980s, musician Rosli Mohalim has performed at stadiums and concert venues in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Songs like Kamelia (1980),...
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Stunning sunnies
When you live in a country with year-round sunshine, it’s important to ensure you have protection for your eyes. Check out these trendy shades which serve not just as barriers between your eyes and the sun’s rays, but also style statements. Bvlgari’s...
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Tracing flesh and form
THE human body is immediately familiar, yet it never ceases to spark curiosity, whether in the clinic, the laboratory or the artist’s studio. Throughout history, it has been laid bare in medical theatres and classrooms – labelled, measured, dissected...
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Stressed over subscriptions
In 2022, a certain car brand caught heavy flak for requiring a subscription to activate heated seats in vehicles purchased by customers. Many wondered, “What’s with the need for a subscription when the heated seats are already installed in the...
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Are chefs rewriting the rules?
AT the recent Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards in Hong Kong, a recurring topic of conversation among the continent’s top chefs was the revelations that had come out of Noma. Noma is a Scandinavian restaurant helmed by Rene Redzepi, a Danish chef...
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In time
IF you’ve ever travelled to Italy, you may have visited its capital, Rome, which is also known as the Eternal City. This name comes from the old belief that Rome would last even as other empires rose and fell. Walking through the city today, you will...
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Exploring my favourite subject
THERE are many different subjects we learn in school, and each one is important in its own way. Some children enjoy Maths because they like solving problems and working with numbers. Others like English or Bahasa Malaysia because they learn new...
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Stronger together
SOUTH Korean powerhouse Ateez set Kuala Lumpur ablaze on March 22 when it brought its In Your Fantasy World Tour to the Unifi Arena (formerly Axiata Arena). Long before the first spotlight hit the stage, the atmosphere was already electric, with...
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Where hip fashion finds its space
FROM the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the cobblestone avenues of Paris, fashion hotspots have risen and faded over the decades. Each one reflects the shifting tastes, youth culture and worldwide trends that define style at any given moment. Harajuku,...
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April bursts with arts
APRIL marks a notable surge in arts and cultural events across the Klang Valley. Major venues anchor the calendar with high-profile programmes, while independent spaces contribute experimental, community-driven initiatives. The result is a full...
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Can online videos help robots learn household chores?
WHAT’S the difference between a Roomba and The Jetsons robot maid, Rosie? It’s not a joke, it’s a challenge University of Maryland doctoral student Seungjae “Jay” Lee is tackling in hopes of training real-world domestic robots to master housekeeping...
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On everyone’s table
AS THE morning light stretches across the sultry, tropical sky over Mazatlán, Mexico, a small crowd gathers inside Panadería “Don Ramón”. Racks loaded with steaming hot bolillos (crusty rolls), teleras (soft rolls) and conchas (enriched rolls with a...
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Different kind of experience
MALAYSIA is a tapestry of culture, and this diversity is reflected in many ways in the country, for example, our traditional attire. Walk along Jonker Street in Melaka and you will likely spot tourists dressed in elegant nyonya kebaya, either posing...
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How to start volunteering as a family
FOR parents who want to raise compassionate, socially aware children, volunteering together can be a powerful starting point. The key is to begin small, stay consistent and choose causes that resonate with both adults and children. Here are six tips...
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Chinese rock band dead Flowers brings humour and reality into its songs.
BY day, they are a brand founder, an ice-cream factory entrepreneur, an oil painting instructor at an art academy and a collectible toy designer. By night, they are members of a rock band, pouring all those daytime emotions into songs about deadlines,...
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Effortless styling
Comfort is key this raya season as you move from house to house or greet guests as a host at your own home. these gorgeous shoes are the best of both worlds: suitable to be worn all day, and stylish to boot. takkan, an Indonesian brand, offers the...
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Taking Nanyang art forward
EVOCATIVE landscapes rendered in Chinese ink and calligraphy anchor the Nanyang New Frontiers exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, with scenes of rustic kampung life, birds among oil palm trees and depictions of rambutan, hibiscus and lotus ponds. Poems,...
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Threats to come
Malaysia ranked 37th out of 161 countries on cybersecurity firm surfshark’s list of the countries most affected by data breaches in its Wrapping Up 2025: Global Data Breach Statistics report. last updated on Feb 3, 2026, the report states that 2025...
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An unfair punishment
THERE is a particular insult in watching an airfare rise while politicians talk about “strategic necessity”. You see it on your phone first. A fare that looked reasonable yesterday suddenly has a fever. A family holiday becomes a spreadsheet. A work...
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Keeping thread-itions alive
IT’S a weekday morning, and many people would be surprised to know where Zafira Ismail is. “By right I’m supposed to be at work,” the 42-year-old says with a laugh, her eyes fixed on the almost-finished piece of clothing in her hands. However, due to...
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Marking new chapters
TWO major changes occurred in Indonesian actress-singer Olla Ramlan’s life in 2025, which makes her Hari Raya this year a little different from the past. “This is my first Syawal without my mother,” the 46-year-old says of her mum, who passed away on...
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Modern silhouettes
Outerwear has moved beyond its functional roots, becoming a chic statement layer that adds polish and personality to any look. Fendi’s Brown Nappa Leather Overcoat features the Fendi ajour motif and is finished with contrasting yellow edges, its...
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The joyous wonder of life
A MIRROR room dappled with colored dots. Contorted, bright sculptures of flowers on a rooftop at the foot of Cologne’s famed cathedral. A vast showroom with giant octopus-like tentacles that offer up a mesmerising meander through space and...
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Squeeze
Picture this: Your computer starts lagging. Programs take longer to load, and switching between tasks feels more laborious than ever. Perhaps it’s time for an upgrade, you think – maybe adding more RAM (random access memory) to give it a performance...
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CHICKEN RENDANG
1 whole chicken (1.2–1.5 kg), cut into 8 to 10 pieces For blending (spice paste) 8 shallots 5 cloves garlic 5 dried red chillies, soaked, deseeded) 2 fresh red chillies (optional, for extra heat) 3 candlenuts 2.5cm ginger 2.5cm galangal 2.5cm...
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From nightmare to memories
SAY what you want about Malaysians bickering over the littlest things – when the time comes to stand united and help each other, we do so without hesitation. This was what happened when close to 200 Malaysians, including myself, were stranded in...
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Inclusion in action
CASHIER and grocery store assistant Lim Wei Kang, 25, has been especially busy as Hari Raya Aidilfitri draws near. Customers stream continuously into the shop at Taman Sri Putra, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, picking up essentials for Ramadan and the...
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Carving his own identity
WHEN listening to Syafiq Yusof talk about filmmaking, it becomes clear that a great deal of thought goes into his work. While it would be easy to attribute that to the fact that filmmaking runs in his blood, that would be too simple an...
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Finely crafted
When putting together an ensemble for the day, sometimes all you need to elevate your look is a simple, yet impactful, piece of jewellery. Bracelets are a great option, and here are three choices from wellknown luxury brands. Burberry’s Shield...
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Pulled into the scroll
NEARLY a decade ago, theatremaker Kelvin Wong stood outside Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre’s (KLPAC) Indicine space to welcome audiences to Antigone, a contemporised staging of the ancient Greek tragedy by Sophocles. It was the first production by...
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Well-meaning but harmful
YOU’VE probably heard of the term helicopter parenting – but what about a helicopter grandparent? “A helicopter grandparent is someone who’s really involved and might struggle to step back in terms of parenting duties,” says psychotherapist Amy...
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Grain-ing favours
IT is hard to contemplate a Malay meal today without the presence of rice. In fact, rice is so indefatigably intertwined with Malay cuisine that its absence in a daily meal is inconceivable to many people. Yet did you know that until the 15th century,...
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#IWD2026 #Givetogain
MORE than a decade ago, Fazleen Nazri began noticing a challenge that many women who spend time outdoors quietly face. “There are many women-only spaces, like spas and salons, where women can feel comfortable and at ease,” says the 35-yearold. “It...
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Driven by purpose
AT 51, mechanic Imelda Kwan has spent more than two decades under car hoods. She has rebuilt engines, restored classics and has even diagnosed vehicle problems that have eluded others. But beyond fixing vehicles, she says she is driven by something...
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Man of many talents
SON Suk-ku is officially a Sundance darling. In January, Bedford Park –a New Jersey-set romantic drama in which he stars opposite Moon Choi – won a jury award for firsttime filmmakers at the festival. Sony Pictures Classics promptly scooped up the...
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Denim on ice
FRENCH luxury brand Balmain, under creative director Olivier rousteing, reached new audiences when his designs were embraced by prominent cultural figures such as the Kardashians, Michelle Obama and Barbie. rousteing and Balmain parted ways last fall...
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Resurrecting an age-old art
STANDING at the edge of the main motorway that terminates southwards at Kelantan’s Sungai Golok border immigration complex, Emsophian Benjametha traces the movements of several workers with long rakes as they head towards the nearby sweet salt...
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No more freebies
THE introduction of advertisements and sponsored content in chatbots has spawned privacy concerns for Ai users as brands scramble to stay relevant in a fast-changing online environment. Chatgpt developer Openai began showing ads in chatbot...
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The subtle substitution strategy
Imagine, if you will, a chap called marty. marty is not a villain. He does not chain-smoke in busy restaurants, nor does he kick puppies for sport. He is, by all metrics, a reasonable fellow – he pays his taxes, diligently rinses yoghurt pots for...
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An enlightening walk
RAIN throughout most of the day resulted in a much cooler evening. Instead of being drenched in perspiration, we only had to dab our foreheads lightly every now and again. Not bad for a two-hour walking tour around the usually hot and humid Kuala...
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Johor's melody
The gambus, or short lute, is a type of stringed musical instrument without frets. It produces sound through an arrangement of strings that vibrate when plucked. The gambus is a celebrated traditional instrument in Johor and Sabah. It is...
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A trail of deception
THE new Netflix mystery thriller The Art Of Sarah centres on Mu-kyoung (Lee Jun-hyuk), a detective who becomes obsessively entangled in discovering the truth behind the death of Sarah Kim (Shin Hae-sun). Ostensibly, Sarah is the Asia regional head of...
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An evolving silhouette
In Malaysia, modestwear has long been part of the visual fabric of daily life – from dressing up for the office and family gatherings to everyday activities. A design language shaped by climate, culture and the cadence of modern womanhood, it has...
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Between two worlds
IN many of his paintings, Selangor-born artist Ong Hieng Fuong, better known as Hieng in the art scene, may appear in them, but he doesn’t necessarily play a leading role. Instead, he often sees himself as a supporting character, letting the quaint...
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As authorities flag growing online risks, experts say digital parenting today requires more than screen-time limits.
WHEN content creator Ariz Ramli, better known as Caprice, came across reports that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) was studying whether online games such as Roblox should be regulated, he decided to take a closer look at...
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5 rules for DIY projects
THINK you need a professional workshop to transform your home? Think again. DIY enthusiast Norpadilah Afandi shares her “cheat sheet” for creating your own DIY masterpiece. 1 Power up Stop scrolling and start building. If you’re going to invest in...
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Fasting far from home
WHILE travelling during the Hari Raya holidays is common, the idea of going on a trip in the fasting month may seem a little challenging to some Muslims. During Ramadan, Muslims are required to abstain from food and drink – among others – from sunrise...
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Pocket-sized creativity
IN Malaysia, the Chinese New Year (CNY) season and ang pow packets are inseparable – like oranges and good luck: bright, cheerful and full of promise. This Year of the Horse, these little red – well, the colour palette has expanded – traditional...
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Saddle up
By ANNDREA A. WEBBER [email protected] A NEW year in the Chinese calendar is here, and it’s time for the snake to slither away as the graceful horse takes centre stage. Those born in the Year of the Horse (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990,...
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‘Ma’-rching with speed and stability
THIS Chinese New Year, astrologers are paying close attention to one of the most intense combinations in Chinese metaphysics: the Year of the Fire Horse. According to Master Kevin Chan of KC Bazi, this is not a year designed for comfort or...
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Clean up for luck
WHILE most view spring cleaning as a ritual to attract good luck, Feng Shui consultant Paulynne Cheng pointed out that it also has practical value. “It’s meant to reinvigorate the quality of Qi in the house,” she said when contacted by...
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CLAYPOT PATIN FISH WITH YELLOW WINE
1 patin fish, cut into large pieces 60g ginger, sliced 60g garlic, sliced 60g shallots, sliced thinly 60g green chillies, cut thinly 200g Chinese yellow rice wine (Huang Jiu) 400ml oyster sauce 40ml light soy sauce 1 tsp sugar To make Heat a...
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Ride andrepeat
ARE you ready for that time of the year? You know what time it is. When puns and wordplays, specific to one particular animal each year, start making their rounds both online and in real life. Clue: Any variation of the phrase “gallop into the new...
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Different tradition, same family ties
LECTURER Dr Lee Chan Wai grew up in Kluang, Johor and for as long as he could remember, his family’s Chinese New Year reunion dinners were grand affairs at home. When his father, retiree Lee Poi Kan was still alive, there was little question about how...
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Galloping to the cinemas
Night King SET in 2012 Hong Kong, Dayo Wong plays Foon, the manager of the once-popular nightspot Club CJ. To revive the glory days of the nightclub, a new CEO is appointed to make sweeping change. To make matters worse for Foon, the CEO is none...
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Red hot kicks
FOR the upcoming Chinese New Year festive season, brands are pulling out all the stops with trendy pieces to elevate your style. Check out these cool sneaker offerings in vibrant designs that are perfect for the festivities. Christian Louboutin’s So...
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The world we live in
CENSORSHIP has been a constant in Ai Weiwei’s life. The 68-year-old Chinese dissident, whose activist art has made him among Beijing’s most prominent critics, has seen his films, sculptures and other works restricted for their criticisms of China as...
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Does ai create new ideas, or just repeat old ones?
FOR decades, elite mathematicians have struggled to solve a collection of thorny problems posed by a 20th-century academic named Paul Erdos. Last month, an artificial intelligence startup called Harmonic jumped into the mix. Harmonic said its AI...
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Happy Chinese
MOST Malaysian Chinese citizens in modern-day Malaysia trace their ancestral roots to 19th- and 20th-century migrants who arrived from mostly southern China provinces like Fujian and Guangdong with dreams of better lives. This influx was driven by...
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It’s not just romance
VALENTINE’S Day in the modern world is synonymous with romance, but could also be a celebration of the people you love – whether that’s a romantic partner, a friend or a family member. Depending on where you are in the world, Valentine’s Day customs...
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Lighter house, lighter hearts
IN many homes, the weeks and months before the Chinese New Year come with the familiar swish of brooms, the smell of detergent and the decluttering of cupboard shelves. Known as “sao nien” ( ), or “sweeping away the old year”, the tradition is...
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Riding a whirlwind success
KATSEYE, the global girl group, made up of Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Yoonchae Jeung and Manon Bannerman, is in the midst of a rapid rise to fame. In a matter of months – since the release of its second EP,...
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Refined casual dressing
If you’re the sort who prefers not to mix and match, dresses and playsuits are the perfect choice. Not sure how to dress them up? There are tons of ways to add accessories, scarves and jackets to your look to achieve an elevated casual vibe. Sandro’s...
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More than a backdrop
THE ceremony to mark the completion of the Phase 1 Conservation of Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad (BSAS) in Kuala Lumpur was held on Jan 31. This marks a significant milestone under the Warisan KL initiative – a national, heritage-led urban renewal...
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ALERT
The knitwear store appears to be a small family-run business. The sweaters on its website feature a photo of a woman hand-knitting a Christmas design. The caption says that after decades of creating knitwear that tells “quiet stories of care and...
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The virality game
IT is 2pm on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. It isn’t a public holiday or any kind of special day, yet when I walk up to the entrance of Kuala Lumpur’s Grumpy Bagels, it is heaving at the seams with an army of people. And there is no discrimination in this...
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Finding peace on an island
THE plan was simple: Fly to Maldives, stay in an affordable three-star hotel instead of a luxury resort, and swim endlessly with the sharks. I had done my research – as well as budget calculation – before deciding on the trip, and brushed off the...
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A second chance at life
HENRY Wong, 32, wears many hats at Kairos Agriculture (KA) in Permatang Pauh, Penang. The trained vanilla farmer spends his days tending to the plants while also managing daily operations at the farm’s cafe, where he cooks for visitors and oversees...
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Zealous commitment
IN a room in his London house, 52-year-old spray tan artist James Harknett has carefully arranged more than 12,500 items connected, in one way or another, to Madonna. Along with CDs, vinyl records, store displays and magazines including Smash Hits and...
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Fresh So and so clean
Barrier protection Shu Uemura’s brightoil is designed for modern city living, addressing daily aggressors such as pollution, UV exposure, stress and long hours that weaken the skin barrier and dull natural radiance. Its Moisture-barrier Cleansing...
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The price of modernity
THE electronic devices which are prevalent in our daily lives – smartphones, laptops, tablets, TVS and more – are all made in large factories, shrouded in industrial secrecy. In the video installation Colorless, Odorless (2024), South Korean artist...
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Onwards and upwards
With 2026 in full swing, there’s a lot going on in the tech world, from the ever-present hype over artificial intelligence (Ai) to potential new mechanisms to generate and store energy. here are a few real, practical developments to look forward...
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