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.
With AirAsia exiting Subang Airport, Batik Air steps up to expand its presence, boosting flight frequencies and introducing new routes as it backs the government’s vision to transform Subang into a leading regional hub. Batik Air is poised to strengthen its foothold at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, commonly known as Subang Airport, with plans to increase flight frequencies and introduce new routes in the coming months. In a statement, the airline expressed its support for the government’s initiative to transform Subang Airport into a premier regional aviation hub. “By enhancing connectivity and accessibility, we aim to contribute to the…
M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza – or just ‘the Caffè’ to its regulars – brings a touch of refined Italian dining to the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Located in One KL, just adjacent to Suria KLCC and Mandarin Oriental, this elegant café has built a reputation for its upscale yet wholly inviting atmosphere, with plush interiors, a vibrant al fresco dining space, and a menu that balances elegant dining with approachability. Whether stopping by for a breezy brunch, a refined afternoon tea, a leisurely drinks-and-dinner session, or – if you’re feeling indulgent – a glass of wine paired with caviar (!!!),…
Ascend Airways Malaysia is readying itself for takeoff, reportedly bringing a different start-up approach to the country’s aviation market. Malaysia’s aviation sector is set to welcome a new player as Ascend Airways Malaysia Sdn Bhd prepares for takeoff, with plans to operate two Boeing B737-800s and four B737 MAX 8s by the end of 2025. Unlike previous Malaysian start-ups that struggled against industry heavyweights Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, Ascend Airways is taking a different approach. The airline will focus on providing Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) services for both passenger and cargo transport. The airline is backed by UK-based…
It’s not quite super high-speed rail, but the new electric train extension will still cut the railway travel time from KL to JB in half. The Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Track Project (Gemas-JB EDTP) represents a milestone, and a meaningful advancement in Malaysia’s rail infrastructure. Spanning 192 km, this extension will introduce 11 new stations across key Johor districts, including Segamat, Kluang, Kulai, and terminating at JB Sentral. Trains on this route are designed to operate at speeds reaching up to 140 km/h, effectively cutting the journey time between KL and JB from the current seven hours to approximately three and…
When it comes to domestic travel, Langkawi has long been one of the country’s more popular holiday destinations. Its broader international appeal, however, may lie in the richness of its UNESCO Global Geopark status. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has to date named just under 1,200 sites worldwide that hold special significance for humanity in terms of culture, heritage, and nature. These locations, set aside for protection and preservation, are called World Heritage Sites. A disproportionate number – approaching half of all sites inscribed worldwide – are in Europe, some critics have noted. In fact, with…
Kuala Lumpur’s dining scene has just welcomed a major new player, as the internationally acclaimed Ministry of Crab has officially opened its doors at TUAH 1895 in Bukit Bintang City Centre. Known globally for its dedication to premium Sri Lankan mud crabs, this legendary seafood restaurant is set to captivate local gourmands with its signature dishes and world-class hospitality. We’ll be back soon for a full review, but EatDrink was able to attend the media launch preview event just ahead of the restaurant’s official opening, and suffice it to say we came away impressed! This is truly the gold standard…
We recently paid a long-overdue return visit to Kyomo, a standout Japanese yakiniku restaurant in Desa Sri Hartamas that was once known as Shin Nihon. Under both that name and its newer Kyomo rebranding, in just a few short years, this dining hotspot has truly cemented its reputation as one of the finest Japanese charcoal grill establishments in Malaysia. The concept, service, and ambiance all hit the mark perfectly (and consistently), making it a must-visit for those who appreciate top-quality grilled meats. Given that the restaurant’s Japanese parent company operates numerous successful outlets in Tokyo – along with several more here in…
Malaysia Airlines has bolstered its fleet with the arrival of a second Airbus A330-900neo, marking a significant step in the national carrier’s ongoing modernization efforts. Malaysia Airlines has taken delivery of its second Airbus A330-900neo, further advancing its fleet renewal strategy aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and passenger experience. The aircraft, registered as 9M-MNH, completed a 12-hour journey from Airbus’s assembly facility in Toulouse, France, landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) on February 18, 2025, at 11:15am local time. This delivery is part of a broader initiative by Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, to…
In a move to enhance freedom of assembly, Malaysia is set to amend the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 by removing the requirement for site-owner approval for public gatherings. In a welcome bit of political news, Malaysia is set to take a meaningful step in expanding democratic freedoms with a forthcoming amendment to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, which will remove the requirement for rally organizers to seek prior approval from site owners before holding public gatherings. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the move on February 13, framing it as a step towards strengthening Malaysians’ right to peaceful assembly. “This means…
Perched high atop the Permata Sapura tower, Mesa on 51 is the latest addition to The Marini’s Group portfolio of upscale dining and entertainment venues. Set on the 51st floor (as you may have guessed), the rooftop destination boasts outstanding panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, including the Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park, and beyond. As we found when we first visited the outlet upon its opening, the moment you step inside, the breathtaking vistas deliver an undeniable ‘wow’ factor. “Mesa on 51 has been designed to transport guests from the city’s hustle and bustle into a rooftop haven filled…