Crunch by Nuffnang : Issue 3

ISSUE 3 02 / 18
ONLINE DATING
IS WORTH A SHOT!
ARE YOU
SHOWING LOVE
TO YOUR CUSTOMERS?
ALL YOUR
VALENTINE’S DAY
WOES SOLVED!
MALAYSIAN FLAVOURS
COOK UP A STORM FOR CNY!

Photo Credits to our
Nuffnang Talent @careentxy
CONTENT
1. Editor’s Note
CNY Kuih Kapit vs Valentine’s Day Chocolates 03
2. Valentine’s Day Special
Why Online Dating is Worth a Shot 04
3. A Piece of Community
All your Valentine’s Day Woes Solved! 06
4. Trend Report
Are You Showing Love to Your Customers? 10
5. Talent Feature
Sprinkling Malaysian Flavour
into the Festive Season 14
6. Nuffies Corner
Meet Our Newest Hire - Choi San Yeh! 21

EDITOR’S NOTE
CNY KUIH KAPIT
VS VALENTINE’S
DAY CHOCOLATES
Ahhh February, the shortest month of the year is
here again!
This year, the inevitable has happened once more;
Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year season
are happening at the same time. Because of this
clash of Western and Eastern celebrations, some
tension could be present in the household. After
all, having to choose between going on a big
date with your girlfriend or staying home to help
prepare for your family’s CNY reunion dinner is a
big decision.
This awkward aspect aside, February signifies the
month of love. Be it with your significant other
or your family and loved ones, it’s a month to
celebrate togetherness. Instead of being forced
to choose sides, why not opt to get the best of
both worlds?
Take this time to bring your significant other back
home and visit each other’s families. Prepare a
home-cooked dinner and enjoy it together. This
way, you get the best of both worlds… And isn’t
this so much more meaningful?
In this issue, from sharing ways to show love to
your brand consumers (advertisers, this one is for
you!), exploring online dating, and even to cooking
up a storm for CNY; we will give you the best of
this festive season.
So come and join us! Curl up on your sofas,
take a bite of CNY kuih kapit together with a bite
of Valentine’s Day chocolate, and indulge in yet
another irresistible Crunch.
From your Editor-In-Chief,
Emily Goh Yi En
3

VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL
WHY
ONLINE DATING
IS WORTH A SHOT
Mention that you use Tinder, and you’ll generally
be greeted by one of two reactions; the first one
would be casual, if slightly intrigued acceptance,
and the other would be a look of disgust. Whether
you like it or not, online dating has been rising in
popularity over the years, and it’s only going to
keep rising.
But what does this increase in popularity mean
for the dating world? Does it change the way we
date? And if it does, is it for better or for worse?
Let’s dive into this topic for a bit.
Photo Credits to our Nuffie
@rinaijoachim

IT’S EASIER TO FIND A DATE
Dating has never been easy, but thanks to the
long working hours many of us have, it has gotten
tougher. This is where dating apps and sites help
us out.
For those of us who are unable to meet people
outside of our own friends (and heck, even this
can be difficult!), family and colleagues, dating
apps and sites are efficient ways to get a date.
All you have to do is find a match, and after
chatting for a while, set up a date. Technology
has made it that much easier!
RISE IN INTERRACIAL MARRIAGES
What you’d be surprised to find is that online
dating may be one of the sole contributors to the
rise in interracial marriages.
“Say what?!” you might sputter. But if you really
think about it, it makes sense. Before online
dating came to be, we were limited to the people
we know and are closest to- and these people
tend to be of the same ethnicity as us. With
online dating in the picture, it’s so much easier
to reach out to those outside of our immediate
network. Even those we have common interests
with are so much easier to find!
QUICKER TO SETTLE DOWN
The increase in interracial marriages isn’t the
only surprise online dating has brought us. As it
turns out, those who get together through online
dating are quicker to marry than their offline
counterparts! Shocker, I know.
But again, it makes sense. It is possible that
those who turn to online dating and are interested
in a proper relationship, are already in or nearly
are in a mindset to settle down. The moment they
believe they’ve found the right one for them, why
not tie the knot and make things official?
MARRIAGES LAST LONGER
Research into the strength of marriage between
married couples who met online versus those
who met traditionally has found some evidence
that will make you pause. Apparently, those who
met online have lower rates of marital breakup
than the other camp. Huh!
One can speculate the reasoning behind this
phenomenon for days and weeks on end, but it
is reasonable to believe that this could be due
to having more options. When you have a lot of
options laid out for you, you have a better chance
of avoiding the risk of “settling”. Settling is what
occurs when you settle for someone who isn’t
the best fit for you due to the belief you can’t find
anyone else.
That being said, there is also such a thing as
setting your standards too high, so don’t get
carried away with the variety of suitors you can
get at a click of a button!
Of course, online dating isn’t for everyone. Do
what you’re most comfortable with, and if that
something happens to be online dating, be sure
stay safe! Always practice caution, and never give
out personal, sensitive details to those you don’t
trust.
We wish you all the best in finding your
one true love!
This special feature is written by
Melissa Kartini Ariffin Ong
5

A PIECE OF COMMUNITY
ALL YOUR
VALENTINE’S DAY
WOES SOLVED!
February is here, which means only one thing
to everyone all over the world: Valentine’s Day.
February is the most romantic month of the year,
but it comes with a lot of stress from all the thinking
and planning to celebrate this month of love.
Should I book a fancy
restaurant for her or just go
to her favourite diner?
Hmm what should I get him,
a watch or compile photos of
us in a DIY a photo album?
I don’t even know if we
are going to celebrate
Valentine’s Day
Photo Credits to our Nuffie
@samantha.keo
All these typical questions running in your head
could cause you that unnecessary extra stress!
To rescue you from all these Valentine’s Day
woes, our team at Crunch did a few polls with our
community to solve them all!

This piece is compiled
by Afreeda Nawawi

Nuffnang wishes you a
Chinese New Year filled with
Health, Prosperity and
of course, Love
Photo Credits to our Nuffie
@jialoonow
8

WANT YOUR WORK
FEATURED ON
?
We are currently looking for quality images to be
inserted in our future issues. If you are interested, do
send us your portfolio at adminmy@nuffnang.com.
If we see it to be fit, we will be in contact with you.
You will have your work credited on our magazine
which will reach a potential readership of more than
200,000 readers.
What are you waiting for? Write to us now!

TREND REPORT
ARE YOU SHOWING
LOVE TO YOUR
CUSTOMERS?
10
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we cannot help but
to be in the mood for love. During this cheesy, affection-filled
season, is your business showing enough love to your One
True Love, your customers?
In this article, we are going to be your business’ love doctor to
help you woo your customers and make them yours.
Just like winning the heart of your crush, showing love does
not have to be through grand gestures. Sometimes all it
takes is the simplest act of kindness. And as a brand building
a relationship with your customers, it is crucial for you to
understand them.
Source: Traveloka Malaysia Youtube
A heartwarming video done by Traveloka Malaysia for a
Chinese New Year initiative. It shows the lengths
a mother would go to for her child(ren).
1. TALK THE TALK,
WALK THE WALK
Almost every relationship
advice article emphasises that
communication via the correct
medium is the key to a healthy
relationship. For example,
face-to-face communication
is always more effective than
text messaging for getting the
message across.
The same concept applies to
brands, which is why knowing
how to convey your message
through the correct medium
on social media is important.
The way you send your brand
message across helps to
“humanise” your brand.
One of the best performing
content across social media is
videos. This is simply because
everyone likes a good story that
impacts them on an emotional
level. Not only do videos deliver
messages more meaningfully,
they can also help illustrate
your company’s vision to your
customers. Best of all, videos
are the most memorable content
available, so this could make your
brand unforgettable.

2. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
Just like spending time with your significant
other over dinner, it is also important to spend
engaging quality time with your customers.
As a brand, holding events or even spending
time on social media to analyse what your
customers enjoy most about your brand
would help you understand them. Through
this, you can continuously work on improving
your products and services.
Another engaging way is hosting giveaways.
As Malaysians, we love receiving free stuff.
And who better to present gifts to than your
customers who have been supporting you all
this time?
Not only would customers be further
informed on the features of your latest
product, it will also create buzz and augment
your online brand presence.
Source: Innisfree Malaysia Facebook
On the top, a giveaway done by Innisfree Malaysia on their
Facebook page. It features a video of their new product.
3. ASK FOR FEEDBACK
In every healthy relationship, constructive
feedback is needed to improve both yourself
and the relationship. Similarly with brands,
communication and receiving feedback from
customers will provide insight into ways to
enhance your product.
A few big brands have been jumping onto the
Instagram Story poll bandwagon as it’s an
effective way to reach customers for instant
feedback. Even answers to simple questions
like “Which product do you prefer?” can go a
long way.
This initiative also shows that you truly care
about your customers and want to do what
you can to make them satisfied and happy.
Source: Icona Square
11

4. ‘HONESTY IS THE
BEST POLICY’
As predictable and cliché as
it sounds, we can’t deny that
honesty is the foundation of any
relationship. Likewise, customers
will naturally form a bond of trust
with brands that keep their word.
Even the simplest act of owning
up to a mistake by apologising
could help you gain trust and
recognition from your customers.
There are many cases where a
customer left negative feedback
on the brand’s Facebook page,
but the brand either ignored the
message completely or simply
deleted it. Instead of brushing it
off, own up to your mistakes and
you might even earn more respect.
Source: Top Detergent Malaysia Facebook
An example of TOP Detergent Malaysia replying to their
followers’ comments on their Facebook page.
At the end of the day, we want to feel loved
and appreciated by our loved ones. So do
customers- and as a brand, you should show
your appreciation by prioritising them. Such good
conduct would lead to a stellar reputation, and
news of which would inevitably spread through
word of mouth. It’s the little things that count in
the big picture.
So this Valentine’s Day, go on and take our adviceyou
might just win the hearts of your customers!
If you would like to have more advice on how to
show your love to your customers, you can always
reach out to us at adminmy@nuffnang.com and
we will try our best to help!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
This report is brought
to you by Meagan Tan
Photo Credits to our Community
member @charliecmh

Photo Credits to our Nuffie
@tbernice_
13

TALENT FEATURE
SPRINKLING
MALAYSIAN
FLAVOUR
INTO THE FESTIVE SEASON

Malaysian Flavours is made up of the petite duo,
Summerkid and Summergirl, who know all the
“selok-belok” to finding the best eats all over
Malaysia (and other countries too!). With amazing
food photography skills and a flair for writing
honest and detailed food reviews, they truly
bring you on a journey to experience the best of
Malaysian flavours.
If you find yourself lost and not knowing where to
go for your next meal, their blog,
Malaysian Flavours is the place to go for
inspiration. Oh, but fair warning, though: if you
follow them on Instagram, you may find yourself
hungry and craving all sorts of yummy food at the
most inappropriate times!
In conjunction with Valentine’s Day and CNY,
we are fortunate enough to have this wonderful
couple share their favourite recipes with us!
Read on and get cooking!
RING IN THE LUNAR NEW YEAR IN
A SCRUMPTIOUS WAY WITH YOUR
VALENTINE’S DATE
When it comes to festive celebrations, there is
always one thing these have in common other
than joyous moments, and that is FOOD.
This year, we decided to try out a few simple
recipes that can be recreated for Valentine’s Day,
Lunar New Year and beyond.
A combination of Asian and Western delights, all
these recipes are quick and easy to prepare.
So put on an apron and be the chef for your
family and or significant other this time around!
You know they deserve it.
We are already excited to get dinner ready on the
table. How about you? Give these recipes a go
and have a ball cooking!
This feature is brought to you by our
Nuffnang talent Malaysian Flavours
15

16

Traditional Chinese Herbal Chicken
One of our all-time favourites; a classic dish that is
easy to make.
• 400g boneless chicken thigh, cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon of Goji berries
• 8 red dates
• 2 sticks of Dong Gui
• 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
• 100 ml of water
• Salt to taste
1. Marinate chicken with cornstarch and soy sauce for 15
minutes.
2. Combine chicken with goji berries, red dates, dong gui and
water.
3. Steam the chicken on medium heat for 25 minutes.
4. Add salt according to your liking.
5. Dish out and serve.
Prosperity Garlic Herb Baked Salmon
Chinese New Year meals are incomplete without fish!
Here, we show you how to prepare this juicy baked salmon
that is flavoured with a garlicky kick, and a refreshing, tangy
sourness of lemon. It takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, but
the outcome is delicious! You don’t even need to marinate it.
• 300g salmon steak, cut into 2
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh English parsley
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 4 dashes of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of melted butter
• 1 lemon wedge
1. Preheat oven to 200 °C.
2. Rub salt over salmon steak.
3. Combine melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic and
chopped parsley.
4. Spoon the mixture onto salmon evenly.
5. Transfer salmon onto baking tray lined with parchment
paper.
6. Bake for 13 minutes at 200°C.
7. Dish out and serve with lemon wedges.

Tangerine Feta Cheese Salad
A colour, flavour and texture-loaded dish. Originally a Westernstyle
creation, we added tangerine slices for extra sweetness
and juiciness- and of course, to fit in with the Chinese New
Year theme!
Salad:
• 150g of mixed salad greens
• 1 tablespoon of feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon of preserved olive
• 4 tangerines (*you can also use mandarin oranges)
Vinaigrette Dressing:
• 30ml of cider vinegar
• 60ml of olive oil
• 3 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of finely chopped parsley
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 3 dashes of ground black pepper
1. Combine all salad dressing ingredients in a jar. Shake well
and refrigerate.
2. Mix salad in a large bowl.
3. Top with crumbled feta cheese.
4. Just before serving, shake the dressing well again and
pour over salad. (*amount according to your liking)
5. Toss and enjoy!
Hot Chilli Pepper Spaghetti
Our parents love spaghetti so we thought it would be good
to whip up hot chilli spaghetti for them. Top with shrimps
because you know, “Ha” stands for “shrimp” in Cantonese
and the Cantonese phrase “Xiu Ha Ha” means laughter.
Hopefully their lives will be filled with lots of laughter everyday.
• 150g of pasta
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 3 tablespoons of hot chili pepper in oil
• 6 shrimps, peel and de-vein
• Salt to taste
1. Cook spaghetti according to packaging directions.
2. While waiting for the spaghetti to cook, lightly stir-fry
minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add in shrimps and cook for about 6 minutes.
4. Remove shrimps and set aside.
5. Saute hot chilli pepper in oil.
6. Transfer cooked spaghetti into pan.
7. Toss everything together.
8. Dish out on plate. Arrange shrimps on top and serve.

Roast Potatoes with Parmesan Cheese
Who loves cheese and potatoes as much as we do?
If they’re your thing, give this recipe a try!
• 5 potatoes
• 4 tablespoons of melted butter
• 10 cloves of garlic, skin on
• 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley leaves
• ½ lemon, cut into wedges
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• Dashes of black pepper
• 5-7 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese
1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
2. Cut slits on each potato, be careful not to cut through.
3. Transfer potatoes onto baking tray lined with parchment
paper.
4. Combine melted butter, salt and black pepper, then brush
evenly on potatoes.
5. Add garlic, parsley and lemon on tray, in between the potatoes.
6. Bake potatoes for 50 minutes. Bast the surface with oil
mixture after 25 minutes.
7. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of potatoes and in
between slits.
8. Continue to bake for another 10 minutes.
9. Dish out and serve.
Pan-Grilled Chicken with
Five Spice Powder
A dish with a powerful punch of flavour and a unique
five spice scent. Goes well with rice.
• 3 chicken wings (*with drumette, flat and tips)
• 1 teaspoon of corn starch
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon of five spice powder
• ½ teaspoon of sesame oil
• ½ tablespoon of oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 2 dashes of ground white pepper
• 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds
• Pinch of salt
• ½ tablespoon of oil
1. Marinate chicken with minced garlic, oyster sauce, soy
sauce, sesame oil, sugar, five spice powder, salt, corn
starch and white pepper for at least 2 hours.
2. Heat up oil in a skillet on medium heat.
3. Pan-fry the chicken on both sides until inside is cooked
through. Turn occasionally to avoid burning the surface.
4. Dish out onto plate. Garnish with toasted sesame and
serve immediately.

Photo Credits to our Nuffie
@therealmrchoi
Photo Credits to our Nuffie
@therealmrchoi

NUFFIES CORNER
MEET OUR NEWEST HIRE -
CHOI SAN YEH!
The morning Choi was spotted
sitting in Netccentric’s
interview room, the whole
office was amped with
curiosity. Everyone wondered
who this long-bearded guy
was and why a guy with such
an unusual appearance was
there. Even the mailman who
came by couldn’t stop peeking
at Choi’s flamboyant attire.
You can guess – by the time
we knew he was hired, we
were stoked.
In all honesty, Choi may
not look like a guy who fell
from the heavens, but he is
one unique, witty gem of a
character. If you are the kind
of person who likes puns, don’t
miss out on the chance to
interact with @therealmrchoi
on Instagram. If you’re lucky,
he might shed some light
on both life in the heavens
and the secret to prosperity!
#MalaysianFattGor
Photo Credits to our Nuffie
@therealmrchoi
This report is brought
to you by Susan Yong
21

THE CRUNCH TEAM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Emily Goh Yi En
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Leanne Saw
COPY EDITOR &
PROOFREADER
Melissa Kartini Ariffin Ong
TECH COORDINATOR
Rebecca Kiew
MARKETING LEAD
Afreeda Nawawi
FEATURE WRITERS
Malaysian Flavours
Meagan Tan
Afreeda Nawawi
Susan Yong
Photo Credits to our Nuffie
@susanyg94

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