Professor Datuk Dr Jimmy Choo OBE,
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Q: Why did you decide to become TourismAmbassador of Malaysia and what do you hope it will achieve?
A: Although I have been in the UK forso many years, I am Malaysian and love to promote my country. Even before Ibecame tourism ambassador I was promoting my country. For someone like me, Iwant to give something back. It is very important to let people know aboutMalaysia and its culture. I want to promote cultural exchange between countrieslike Malaysia and the UK; two countries that already have close links -Malaysia, after all, was a British colony. The name Jimmy Choo is not only well known, but can be trusted. In factin a recent Reader’s Digest poll,Jimmy Choo was voted as one of the top 10 most trusted people in Malaysia.
Q: Jimmy Choo is synonymous with a luxuryinternational brand, worn by the wealthy. Was the idea in making you tourismambassador to attract the top-end traveller to Malaysia?
A: The idea was to encourage everyoneto visit Malaysia - we welcome absolutely everyone. I come from a very normal Malaysian family. Iwas not wealthy and I am still a simple person - to me, everyone is like abrother or sister. You must respect people first before they respect you.
Q: But you do have some great shopping inMalaysia? What can you recommend?
A: Well, you have all the brand namesfor a start and many malls - some beautiful shopping. Anything you want, you can find. Ladies mustvisit Xixily for the best bras and underwear (a recent press trip to Malaysiasaw every journalist stock up on around seven bras on average at this outlet),plus a visit to Central Market (in KL) is a must. Malaysia is great for tailoring- I get all my shirts and jackets made there with Lord’s Tailor (with ‘Jimmy Choo’hand-embroidered on each piece). But it’s not all about designer goods -Malaysia is very famous for its Batik and that is affordable for everyone. Youcan even by shoes - not like Jimmy Choo shoes - but good shoes.
Q: You are hosting a shoe exhibition inMalaysia in April (2-4) and speaking at the event yourself. What will this’Million Dollar Shoe Showcase Gallery’ achieve?
A: I am concerned that in 15 years’time, there will be no hand craft and everything will be made by machine. I wasto use this opportunity to show how we can create by hand. To me it’s veryimportant to bring back craftsmanship, particularly to Malaysia. I alreadymentor students in the UK on a volunteer basis, but what I would really like todo is open a shoe school in Malaysia. My job is to tell people about art andskill and my vision is for Malaysia to become a centre for such craftsmanship.Once we have a college in Malaysia, I hope people from all over Asia will cometo study there.
Q: Do you have a favourite shoe that you’vecreated?
A: Yes, it was a gold pump I createdfor Princess Diana. It was not , unfortunately, delivered to her before shepassed away. I respected Princess Diana for supporting British designers andpromoting her country - that’s what I want to do.
Q: You visit Malaysia very often, butmostly travel there on business. When you aren’t working, where do you stay?
A: I love Penang, which is where I grewup. I also love the Cameron Highlands and the YTL resort at Pangkor Laut - it’svery quiet and romantic - [the actress] Joan Collins was married there.
Q: Do you always fly with the nationalcarrier?
A: Yes, even if I’m travelling tosomewhere else in Asia I fly with Malaysian via KL. The airline has the bestcabin crew - they are always well briefed - plus the best satay in the sky!
Q: And if you could be anything other thana shoe couturier?
I would be ahealer or a doctor.
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