In our November cover story, serial techpreneur and digital disruptor Patrick Grove reflects on his journey of building a digital future. He traces how he started an internet company in Asia during the dotcom revolution in the 90s only to experience the dotcom bubble burst right at the cusp of his company going public, teaching him the importance of not celebrating prematurely. However, despite setbacks, he turned the company around, eventually achieving six successful IPOs.

Today, Grove emphasises the significance of artificial intelligence in the business landscape, stating that every company needs to incorporate AI to stay relevant. Now chairing Catcha Digital Berhad, which aims to support Malaysian tech entrepreneurs in their business development, Grove has, over the years, played a crucial role in developing Southeast Asia's digital and e-commerce ecosystem, creating businesses like iFlix, iCar Asia, Carsome, and iProperty.

Also in this week’s newsletter:

• How effective is Budget 2024 for the average Malaysian woman?
• Inside 5 Kuala Lumpur restaurants with maximalist design
• Fresh Off The Boat star Randall Park on his struggles for success
• Malaysian make-up artist Vvnloll breaks down her spooky Halloween look

This weekend, take a moment to check out Tatler Asia’s YouTube channel and TikTok.

Cheers,
Sim Wie Boon
Digital Editor

Last month, Prime minister and finance minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tabled the 2024 federal government budget, with a total allocation of RM393.8 billion, the biggest budget ever tabled. Themed “Reforming the economy, empowering the rakyat”, the budget was aimed at fixing the defects of the national economic system.

Sharm Ravindran, president of the Women’s Aid Organisation, shares her thoughts on the women-centric highlights of Budget 2024, calling attention to their implications and what areas lawmakers and budgetary measures should improve on towards the greater empowerment of women and girls in the country.

Read story.

Extra best describes these Kuala Lumpur restaurants in the best possible way because dining here transcends mere sustenance to a sensory journey through the extravagant and the opulent.

Take a peek inside these 5 maximalist restaurants in the city where more is more, and meals are served with a side of extravagance aesthetics.

Read story.

Hollywood funny man Randall Park steps behind the camera for his directorial debut with indie film Shortcomings. Now one of the industry’s most versatile players, he traverses genres and mediums in his work while taking an authentic approach to his roles and storytelling.

Read story.

Self-taught make-up artist Vivien—better known by her Instagram handle vvnloll—has become one of the most talked-about creatives in Malaysia for her extraordinary make-up looks.

Every October, Vivien participates in Peachtober, where she challenges herself to create 31 make-up looks based on prompts from Australian illustrator Sha’an d’Anthes. In line with Halloween, she gives us a rundown of how she brought her nightmarish creature to life.

Read story.