Reach for the Stars
A few days before writing this, I realised the table calendar on my desk was still displaying the August card, which means I haven’t flipped it since then. August felt like it was just last week and yet the team here at Tatler is already full throttle in March 2024 plans. Time elasticity aside, it does seem like every year gains a little more momentum on us, doesn’t it? A year now feels like a month; a month flies by like a week; and a week is not enough days to balance professional and personal pursuits.
And here we are, in December: I couldn’t flip my calendar in a timely fashion but our cover personality, Dr Woo Yin Ling (p.81) has saved lives and won awards (note the plural). In April, Woo became the first Southeast Asian to be awarded the 2023 Rachel Pearline Award, an annual honour which recognises an outstanding professional and their contribution to cancer research and practice in low- and middle-income countries. Then, in August, the Rose Foundation—which she founded—was honoured with the Univants of Healthcare Excellence award, a global prize celebrating healthcare excellence. For this reason, she is being honoured with the Tatler Impact Award at our ball on December 1, and her interview with Front & Female editor, Tania Jayatilaka, is the lead story revealing our annual list of Asia’s Most Influential (p.86).
Launched in 2021, Asia’s Most Influential recognises the people who, like Woo, are masters of their fields and have created meaningful impact throughout the region. They are the source of ripple effects within their respective worlds of arts and culture, business, social impact, food and beverage, technology and more. These are people who continue to reshape humanity and the quality of life we have today—this year belongs to all of them.
The year-end also marks a season of giving, celebration and entertainment. Hopefully, this doesn’t mean more work for you and to provide some inspiration, we’ve put together a holiday gift guide (p.25) in collaboration with The Exchange Trx—the most anticipated mall to open in recent years. Curated by the Tatler and The Exchange TRX teams, we hope you’ll find a gem or two for your loved ones from the guide.
Then, do visit tatlerasia.com for more quick ideas and real-time tips as we close in on the year. We know it’s going to be a whirlwind for most of you, and our digital editor, Sim Wie Boon, has got you covered. Don’t miss out also on the exciting new digital features such as the The Exchange TRX Mall guide (scan QR code below) and the brand new KL City Guide for the best places to eat, shop and have a good time. May you conquer the month to win the year.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays! See you in 2024.