Author: Chad Merchant
Chad Merchant
As TEG Media’s Group Editor, Chad manages the editorial team and has been heading up the myriad publications and platforms of the company since joining in February 2012. He also writes for the various magazines and websites. A lifelong writer and English language enthusiast, Chad's background is primarily in business management, though he majored in education at Auburn University, and held jobs with editorial responsibility in his home country of the United States. Chad's interests extend to photography, travel, and a passion for good food and wine, along with a love of whisky, which has led to him serving as the Event Director for TEG Media’s popular WhiskyPLUS event, held annually since 2018.
A strengthening ringgit has reached its best level in almost five years, offering tangible benefits for Malaysians at home and abroad as the currency regains ground against the US dollar. In a welcome Christmas gift for Malaysians, the ringgit closed stronger against the US dollar on December 26, touching 4.0355, marking its highest level since early 2021. The move reflects shifting expectations around US monetary policy and comes after several challenging years in which the local currency struggled near historic lows, particularly against the greenback. The latest gain was driven by weaker-than-expected US consumer confidence data. According to the Conference…
Fresh international accolades have pushed Phu Quoc firmly into the global spotlight, reinforcing the Vietnamese island’s rapid rise as one of Asia’s most desirable leisure destinations. Phu Quoc has added another major international title to its growing list of accolades, being named the World’s Leading Nature Island Destination at this year’s World Travel Awards. The honour places the southern Vietnamese island ahead of established global names including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Scotland’s Isle of Skye, and Norway’s Lofoten Islands, signalling a decisive shift in how international travellers and industry professionals now view the destination. The recognition follows closely on the…
Some of Malaysia’s finest bars and bartenders are uniting behind a cause that goes well beyond the bar counter. The Angostura Charity Calendar 2026 is a heartfelt collaboration that celebrates the strength of the local cocktail scene while raising vital funds for PAWS Malaysia and its mission to give rescued animals a second chance at life. Malaysia’s cocktail industry has matured into a close-knit, collaborative community, and the launch of the Angostura Charity Calendar 2026 is a timely reminder of just how much heart sits behind the talent. Unveiled by the House of Angostura in partnership with Single & Available,…
From Southeast Asia to southern Europe and Latin America, these six cities stand out for retirees seeking value, safety, quality healthcare, and a calmer pace of life. Ranked from #6 to #1, each offers a distinct appeal for those planning their next chapter. Retirement marks a major transition, one shaped not just by financial readiness, but by where day-to-day life will unfold. For many retirees, the right city can mean the difference between merely getting by and genuinely enjoying later life. Cost of living, access to healthcare, safety, climate, and a sense of community all weigh heavily in the decision.…
As Myanmar’s military presses ahead with tightly controlled elections scheduled to begin later this month, new prosecutions, sweeping restrictions, and mounting arrests underscore why critics see the process as a calculated effort to entrench power rather than restore democracy. As Myanmar’s ruling military prepares to launch phased elections from December 28, the junta has confirmed it is seeking to prosecute more than 200 people under new laws designed to prevent any form of opposition, criticism, or protest related to the vote. Rights groups, international monitors, and opposition factions say the measures amount to a legalized campaign of repression, further discrediting…
Stay up to date with the latest in the travel and hospitality industry, from airline launches and route expansions to new trends and transportation developments shaping the way we explore the world. This is the December 2025 edition of Airline and Travel News. MALAYSIA AVIATION GROUP CONFIRMS LEADERSHIP TRANSITION FOR 2026 Malaysia Aviation Group will enter 2026 with a significant leadership change as Datuk Captain Izham Ismail retires on January 31, concluding a distinguished career spanning more than four decades. His successor, Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar – better known across the organisation as Captain Nasa – will assume the newly…
Paris leads Euromonitor International’s latest Top 100 City Destinations Index for the fifth straight year, while Kuala Lumpur secures a coveted top 10 spot for global arrivals, underscoring Southeast Asia’s surging travel momentum. Paris has once again held on to its crown. For the fifth consecutive year, the French capital has been named the world’s most attractive city in Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Index, reaffirming its unmatched pull among global travellers. With more than 18 million visitors in 2025, Paris benefited from the reopening of Notre Dame, record sports tourism following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory, and a…
Indonesia’s plan to simplify the rupiah by chopping three zeros off the currency is more than cosmetic. Done properly, it could modernize payments, boost confidence, and strengthen ASEAN’s largest economy — but only if the government wins the battle for public trust. If you’ve ever spent time in Indonesia, you know that their currency can be a real head-scratcher at times. A single rupiah on its own is virtually worthless; only when it gangs up in huge numbers does it start to mean anything. At today’s exchange rates, 1,000 rupiah is only worth 6¢ (in US currency), and for a…
Heineken sets the tone for year-end celebrations with a reminder to be present, pairing its new 5-Litre Draught Home Bar Package with a call to enjoy the moments that matter. Think of it as a reminder to be present… to enjoy authentic moments away from your screen. Heineken returns this festive season with a message that feels more relevant than ever: celebrations are better when phones take a rest. In a year when screen time often replaces face time, the brand brings a refreshing shift in focus, encouraging Malaysians to reconnect, unwind, and savour genuine moments with the people who…
ATAS at The RuMa Hotel has built a reputation for thoughtful cooking and polished execution, so our expectations for its Sunday Brunch were naturally high. What we found, though – to our delight – was not a predictable buffet spread. Instead, the kitchen leans into a hybrid format that blends à la carte signatures with a broad selection of self-serve stations, giving the experience a clear sense of intent. It feels curated rather than crowded, with dishes prepared to order and a relaxed pace that we feel suits the hotel’s understated elegance. A word must be said, too, about the…