22/04/2026

LYFE WEDNESDAY | APR 22, 2026

24

STAR POWER

David Beckham for Lenovo Role: Global partnership Profession: Former football player This Lenovo partnership will see David Beckham participating in Lenovo’s work on sports-focused (aritificial intelligence) AI-driven solutions that are transforming the game for clubs, players, officials and fans, specifically related to improving performance for teams, creating better experiences for fans, enabling more efficient operations and driving new revenue streams through AI-driven innovation.

Erwin Kros for AirAsia Move Role: Partnership Profession: Professional squash athlete The partnership is to support Erwin’s travel, accommodation and gear, as he competed on international courts in Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan and Singapore. The timing is pivotal, as Malaysia looks to build upon the legendary legacy of icons such as Datuk Nicol David when squash makes its historic Olympic debut in 2028. Erwin is at the forefront of this resurgence in his category. Currently ranked first in Selangor and 20th in Asia (U19), he solidified his reputation as a formidable force in the junior circuit with his recent victory at the Sri Lanka Junior Open.

Kylian Mbappe for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Role: Ambassador Profession: Football player “Wellness Without Walls” is a landmark global campaign that redefines well-being beyond the confines of a traditional gym or spa, featuring world-renowned footballer Kylian Mbappe as its first ever wellness ambassador. Fairmont offers travellers a breadth of well-being experiences while embracing the incredible destinations, cultures and communities in which they reside.

Bella Astillah for Aptamil Kid Role: Brand ambassador Profession: Singer, actress Bella’s appointment comes at a time when C-section rates account for 26% of total births in Malaysia, exceeding the World Health Organisation’s recommended range of 10–15%. As the leading global nutrition company that brings health through food to as many as possible, Danone deepens its efforts in supporting children born via C-section with science-backed nutrition and education.

Jang Won Young for Dyson Role: Asia Pacific ambassador Profession: K-pop artiste With five consecutive million seller records and a dedicated fanbase spanning cultures and age groups, Jang has become one of Asia’s most recognised beauty and fashion icons. Her expressive performance style, paired with her signature healthy, glossy hair, has made her a natural fit for Dyson’s technology-driven approach to hair health.

Repainting is done manually to ensure

a cleaner and more detailed finish.

Reviving old hats

Fadhil is able to restore between 100 and 200 hats a month. – PICS FROM BERNAMA

RESTORING worn and faded hats or caps and giving them a new lease of life is how Ahmad Fadhil Nazeri makes his living. To him, an old hat that might otherwise be thrown away still holds value as an accessory, a collectible or a cherished memory that cannot be replaced. Fadhil, 29, said his interest in restoring hats began by chance in 2018 while working part-time at a shoe-cleaning business that also offered hat-cleaning services. “As demand grew, the shop owner asked me to focus on hats, while he

Fadhil has handled a wide range of hats, including high-value vintage pieces worth up to RM1,500 each, as well as police and pilot caps, and cowboy hats that require different restoration techniques. “Some customers bring in hats that belonged to their late fathers, asking me to restore them so they can keep them as mementos. “When they come to collect them and see the transformation, some are genuinely surprised and overjoyed… that’s the most rewarding part for me,” he said. – Bernama

the same results as manual work. Creases in old hats are sometimes easier to fix by hand,” he said, noting his services are priced below RM100 depending on the type and condition of the hat. He is able to restore between 100 and 200 hats a month. The time required to restore each hat varies, with simpler jobs completed quickly, while more complex work, such as repainting, can take up to a week. A graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science from Universiti Teknologi Mara, Shah Alam,

achieve the best results. The father of one said each hat requires a different approach depending on its material and level of damage, including the use of specialised fabric soaps and suitable brushes to avoid further harm. He added that reshaping a hat demands precision, using custom molds and steam to restore its original structure, while repainting is done manually to ensure a cleaner and more detailed finish. “Machines don’t always produce

continued handling shoes. “At the same time, I started experimenting on my own hats and those of friends to see if the results worked. When the feedback was positive and my confidence grew, I decided to open my own hat cleaning and restoration business,” he said when met at his shop in Wangsa Maju recently. Fadhil said he developed his skills gradually, learning from experienced people as well as through YouTube, before developing his own techniques through trial and error to