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.
Two lifelong supporters earn the honour of delivering Malaysia’s first fan archive to the Manchester United Museum after a high-energy finale celebrating passion, pride, and generations of football devotion. Tiger Beer Malaysia has named the pair who will carry the voices of the nation’s Manchester United supporters all the way to Old Trafford. The announcement capped a spirited finale for Roar United, the brand’s fan-driven campaign that brought together hundreds of Red Devils enthusiasts to share their personal stories and celebrate a bond that stretches across families, friendships, and decades of match-day memories. Held before an enthusiastic crowd at The…
After a month of spirited competition, Ngie Kok Kiong of Frank’s Bar KL emerged as the All-Star Champion of The Wonderful Race 2025. His winning creation, “The Spice That Remembered,” captivated the judges with its creativity, craftsmanship, and distinctive character, securing the year’s top honour in this showcase of bartending excellence. Judged by an esteemed trio of industry figures – Evgeny Yashkovich (Brown Forman’s Regional Advocacy Manager), Kiki Moka (Indonesia’s top bartender from The Cocktail Club), and Scott Lee (Features and Digital Editor of Noble 名人) – the decision did not come easily. Each finalist displayed impressive technique and originality,…
Heineken Cares continues its multi-year push to uplift families in Kota Belud, focusing on sustainable water access, rural livelihoods, and community-driven development. Heineken Malaysia’s long-running Heineken Cares initiative has deepened its commitment to rural empowerment in Sabah, with its latest project delivering a fully upgraded, gravity-fed water system to Kampung Nagarai Tuguson in Kota Belud. The effort, carried out in partnership with Hopes Malaysia, has already made a tangible difference for 41 families who previously relied on distant or unreliable water sources. The new system, completed in mid-2025, now provides clean, steady water directly to every home, improving daily life…
A short hop from Kuala Lumpur brings travellers to Koh Russey, where Jati Resort offers a refined, quietly luxurious island getaway just minutes from the mainland. If you’re anything like us, Cambodia is probably not the first country that comes to mind when you think of luxe holiday travel to regional tropical islands. (You may not have even been aware that Cambodia actually has islands.) But hear us out! For Kuala Lumpur travellers looking for a genuine island retreat without the long transfers or complicated logistics, Jati Resort presents an impressively convenient and wonderfully enjoyable option – with a price…
Long known as a hardworking river port in central Sarawak, Sibu has a history shaped by fortune seekers, enterprising settlers, and the rhythm of Borneo’s longest river. Its heritage sets the stage for a destination that is far more intriguing than many first-time visitors expect. “I’m going to Sibu for holiday,” I told several friends. “Oh, Cebu… nice. I’ve never been to the Philippines.” That, or something similar, was the response more than half the time. “No, not that Cebu,: I replied. “I’m going to the Sibu in Sarawak.” Then, almost without fail, I would watch as a glazed look of confusion…
Many Malaysians under 40 – and most expats who arrived in the past few decades – may not know that Peninsular Malaysia once operated on GMT+7. A recent comment by a minister has renewed interest in whether the country is in the “right” time zone after all. Did you know that up until 1982, Peninsular Malaysia did not operate on GMT+8 as it does today? It may surprise younger Malaysians, or anyone who moved here within the last 40 years, that the Peninsula’s clocks were once more closely aligned with Thailand and western Indonesia. That all changed on January 1,…
From January 1, 2026, Malaysians below 16 will be barred from opening social media accounts unless age is verified via eKYC. The move, backed by new legislation and government-platform engagement, aims to shield young users from online harms while reshaping how the country regulates its digital spaces. Malaysia is moving toward one of its most significant digital safety shifts in recent years. Beginning in 2026, children under 16 will no longer be allowed to create social media accounts, a decision the government says is intended to give young users stronger protection from online harm. The change aligns with the rollout…
From Vietnam’s lantern-lit alleys to Bali’s once-hidden beaches and Kyoto’s crowded shrines, Asia is seeing signs of a tourism backlash. Rising arrivals are testing the balance between growth and sustainability — and local communities are beginning to push back. Increasingly during the last decade, and particularly since the end of the Covid pandemic, overtourism has often been framed primarily as a European concern. Cities like Venice, Barcelona, and Paris have made frequent headlines for the challenges posed by overwhelming visitor numbers, and even the tiny Greek island of Santorini — home to just 15,000 residents — receives a crushing two…
Indonesia has named Suharto a national hero, reopening long-simmering wounds from one of Southeast Asia’s darkest chapters. Supporters call him a stabilizing force. Survivors say it is an injustice that rewrites history. For many Indonesians, Suharto is a name that evokes both rapid development and extraordinary suffering. His 31-year rule shaped a generation, defined a region, and left deep scars that have never fully healed. So when Indonesia’s government announced this week that the former president would be posthumously honoured as a national hero, the decision did more than stir debate. It reignited a national argument over memory, accountability, and…
From bustling street stalls to refined fine-dining tables, Malaysia’s culinary landscape continues its evolution. The 2026 Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang celebrates a decade of growth, showcasing new stars, enduring favourites, and the creative spirit that makes these cities a must-visit for food lovers. The 2026 edition of the Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang showcases a dining scene that has grown in confidence, creativity, and range over the past decade. Now in its fourth edition here in Malaysia, and with an impressive 151 recognized establishments across Michelin Star, Bib Gourmand, and Selected categories, the guide showcases dining in a country where…