The British retailer which was formed in 1778 is known as a truly British company inside out. The company operates 170 stores across the United Kingdom and has 69 International stores operating in other countries around the world. Debenhams occupies the most sites of any of the traditional department store groups in the UK and features a variety of uniquely British designed products. This growing international success makes Debenhams an instantly recognisable global brand name.

The company introduced 'Designers at Debenhams' in 1993 and the revolutionary idea put designer names at high street prices. Top designer brands include Jasper Conran, John Rocha, Butterfly by Matthew Williamson, H! by Henry Holland, Star By Julien Macdonald, Ted Baker and Ben De Lisi among others.

The legacy of Debenhams carries on 200 years later, bringing British fashion and designer wear to this part of the world at great Malaysian prices!

Making a special appearance in Malaysia was the Star of the night, British designer, Julien Macdonald who was flown in for the grand opening of the store. Speaking to media during the launch, Macdonald expressed his joy at being able to come to Malaysia and witness the launch of Debenhams at Starhill Gallery. “It’s a beautiful mall and I’m glad that the ‘Designers at Debenhams’ will be displayed beside all the other high-end fashion brands available here,” he said.... ›› more

YTL Communications won the Bronze award at the Global CSR Awards 2012 for Product Excellence. The Sustainability Division of YTL Corporation Bhd made this submission on behalf of The YTL Group and YTL Communications.

Thirteen companies from China, India, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore were recognised for their outstanding corporate social responsibility initiatives programs and services at the 4th Annual Global CSR Awards 2012 held in conjunction with The Global CSR 2012 Summit held on 19th April 2012 at the Shangri-La hotel, Boracay, Philippines, one of the world's top beach destinations. The competition has been the most intense this year with over 80 submissions from various companies around the world.

The event, dubbed Asia's Most Prestigious Recognition Awards programme for Corporate Social Responsibility, recognises and honours companies for outstanding, innovative and world-class products, services, projects and programmes implemented in 2011/2012. These projects demonstrate the company's leadership, sincerity and on-going commitment in incorporating ethical values, compliance with legal requirements, and respect for individuals, communities and the environment in the way they do business.

The Product Excellence Award has been given to companies that have created products that have brought alive positive impact to societies while contributing positively to the organiser's bottom line. An in-depth search and selection process has been conducted for the Awards comprising the generation of entries, initial screening, comments by advisors and final judging.... ›› more

BRITISH department store chain Debenhams will open its brand new flagship store at YTL’s Starhill Gallery at 10am on May 19. At over 37,000 sq ft, the store is the largest Debenhams in the country and also in South East Asia.

The store will be officially opened the night before with a fashion show incorporating the most popular Debenhams designer ranges such as Jasper Conran, Henry Holland, John Rocha, Matthew Williamson and The Principles range by Ben de Lisi. The highlight of the evening will be the showcase of the latest line by Julien MacDonald, who is flying in to Kuala Lumpur from the UK, especially to assist in the grand opening of the store.

MacDonald has been designing ranges under the exclusive “Designers at Debenhams” label since 2003 and his ever popular “Star by Julien Macdonald” and the more recently introduced “Diamond by Julien Macdonald” lines are amongst the best selling collections in Debenhams stores worldwide.

In conjunction with the formal opening of the YTL’s Starhill Gallery store, the first 150 customers on May 19 and 20 will receive a free Debenhams eco bag and a specially designed Union Jack themed travel umbrella with a minimum spending of RM250. Debenhams has a legacy dating back to 1785. ... ›› more

Study suggests lower death risk for coffee lovers - The Star

Older people who reported drinking a few daily cups of coffee were less likely to die over the subsequent 14 years than were those who abstained from the beverage or rarely drank it, according to a U.S. study of 400,000 people.... ›› more

This Column Is Not Sponsored by Anyone - NY Times

PORING through Harvard philosopher Michael Sandel’s new book, “What Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets,” I found myself over and over again turning pages and saying, “I had no idea.”... ›› more

Smartphones encroaching on time spent with loved ones: report - Indian Express

Smartphones have affected the private lives of people, as it is encroaching on the time spent with loved ones, a study by telecom equipment maker Ericsson said today. As per a study on mobile broadband usage in India by Ericsson ConsumerLab, 34 per cent of the respondents said smartphones have "significantly encroached on quality time with spouse/close ones".... ›› more