fennel & co.: A Neighbourhood Spot That Feels Like Home KUALA LUMPUR –
fennel & co., a new restaurant concept nestled in the leafy neighbourhood of Bukit Tunku, welcomed its first guests today for an exclusive media gathering ahead of its official public launch on 12 May 2025.
fennel & co. was thoughtfully designed to be more than just a restaurant – it is an invitation to slow down and feel at home. It’s a place where stories are told over warm plates and cups, where laughter drifts across tables, and where strangers become friends.
“We’ve built more than just a space to eat – we’ve built a space to belong,” says the founding team behind fennel & co. “From quiet mornings with a cup of coffee to late afternoons filled with brainstorming sessions and laughter, and cosy, relaxed evenings with loved ones, this restaurant is a home for both the everyday and the meaningful moments.”
fennel & co. also proudly follows halal practices – not out of obligation, but as an act of reverence. Every ingredient is selected with intention, and each dish is prepared with the same care you’d find in a well-loved home kitchen. Menu highlights include fennel & co.’s house-made creation, Maca Shuka – a comforting cross between macaroni and shakshuka; French toast à la fennel & co., made with sourdough, coconut cream, and Sarawak’s gula apong; and the Big Breakfast, featuring Spanish chicken or corned beef sausage, served with sticky onion gravy and roasted garlic mash. For those craving bolder local flavours, the Nasi Serai with tangy Assam Pedas Barramundi, full-flavoured Lamb Curry and Tomyam Prawn Spaghetti offer a spice-rich experience.
From solo diners reflecting over breakfast to families reconnecting over dinner, fennel & co. welcomes everyone exactly as they are – because here, every story matters, and there’s always room for one more at the table.
After the Highland Towers collapse in 1993, one local entrepreneur set out to make buildings safer. Today, that vision has grown into Sun Synergy Sdn Bhd—Malaysia’s leading expert in flooring safety systems.
"Every building movement, every expansion and contraction matters," says Michael Ng, Managing Director of Sun Synergy. "When these movements aren't properly accommodated, structures can fail - with devastating consequences."
Now recognised as one of SME100’s top Malaysian companies in 2023, Sun Synergy has come a long way. Thanks to partnerships with global safety brands like Latham Australia and Progress Profiles of Italy, the company brings world-class flooring solutions to Malaysia’s most high-profile developments.
You’ll find Sun Synergy’s safety systems across many of Malaysia’s most well-known locations—from the KLCC Twin Towers Skybridge to KLIA Terminal 1 and throughout the LRT and MRT networks.
Recently, the company supplied nearly 50 entrance mats and over 1,000 metres of control joints to Pavilion Damansara Heights, and more than 2,000 metres to The Exchange TRX Mall—helping ensure safety without compromising on design.
"Building safety isn't just about preventing catastrophes," explains Edwin Ng, Business Development Director and second-generation owner. "It's about creating spaces where everyone, including the visually impaired and mobility-challenged, can move confidently, independently and safely."
At Nu Sentral, Sun Synergy’s tactile indicators help visually impaired commuters navigate between the main hall and the Monorail. These small features make a big difference—and the company believes they should be standard in every public space.
"These aren't luxury features, they're essential safety elements that should be standard in every commercial space," says Edwin Ng. "Yet many developers still treat them as optional, focusing on aesthetics while overlooking this critical accessibility necessity."
Sun Synergy isn’t just a supplier—it’s a strong advocate for safer design. The company works closely with top Malaysian architecture firms like GDP, Veritas, SAA, RSP and NRY to ensure safety is part of a building’s design from day one.
Their headquarters in Petaling Jaya doubles as a showcase, featuring anti-slip tiles, full tactile systems, and solar-powered solutions that show how safety and sustainability can go hand in hand.
"Safety and sustainability go hand in hand," Michael Ng emphasises. "By investing in proper flooring systems today, we protect people and resources for future generations."
Sun Synergy is now gearing up for the Rapid Transit System (RTS) project connecting Johor to Singapore. As always, their message is simple: don’t treat flooring safety as an afterthought.
"Every building deserves the highest safety standard," concludes Michael Ng. "From expansion joints to tactile indicators, these elements aren't costly luxuries, they are investments that prevent accidents, lawsuits, and ultimately, tragedies."
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Crewstone International and Solyco Capital Announce Partnership to
Create New Investment and Acquisition Opportunities in the UK and US to be Fueled by $165M+ in Committed Capital
Crewstone International (“Crewstone”), a Malaysia-based private equity firm, is pleased to announce a Co-General Partnership with Solyco Capital (“Solyco”), a U.S.-based private equity group with 6 offices across the US and UK.
The investment is designed to open new US and UK investment opportunities to Crewstone’s growing international network and strengthen Crewstone’s position as a preeminent player in the US and UK markets.
The investment represents over $165 Million in committed capital, to be initially focused on two core initiatives:
1) Working with the newly formed Solyco UK to create or acquire an FCA-regulated financial services firm and provide access to the growing private investment market in the UK (in progress), and
2) Investment into the US via Solyco’s expanding platform, including a direct investment into Solyco SPV II, which features a curated selection of more than 15 companies across high-growth sectors including Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Biotech, SportTech, HealthTech, Energy, and Logistics, with an estimated valuation of over $1.4 Billion USD1.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in Crewstone’s international expansion, following the launch of its U.S. subsidiary, Crewstone Capital, in New York at the end of 2024. The alliance will not only strengthen Crewstone's U.S. footprint but also establish a foundational presence in the UK. Solyco US plans to work hand-in-hand with Crewstone US to provide not only an opportunity pipeline but also access to later stage transactions, from investment rounds to IPO.
As part of the initial phase, Crewstone will raise over USD 15 million through its network of limited partners via a dedicated fund structure, — the Solyco Capital Opportunistic Fund. The capital will be channeled into a UK-domiciled SPV to facilitate the acquisition or creation of a Regulated UK investment firm, opening the door to direct investment in a range of UK and European companies, and potentially participating in select Government Initiatives such as the venerated EIS program. Participating LPs will have the opportunity to acquire up to 10% equity in the SPV, subject to full subscription. The initiative is designed to create a scalable platform for broader expansion across the European financial services landscape.
In parallel, Crewstone is launching a broader fundraising initiative of up to USD 150 million, beginning with an initial USD 50 million tranche dedicated to Solyco’s Portfolio SPV II. This capital will be strategically deployed across transformational sectors with strong market relevance and long-term value creation. This phase of the partnership aims to position Crewstone and Solyco as leading cross-border private capital partners, unlocking high-impact investment opportunities across developed markets.
“The partnership with Solyco Capital marks a significant milestone in our expansion into the UK while reinforcing our U.S. presence and establishing a growth platform across transformative sectors. Our combined capabilities are set to deliver long-term value to both investors and stakeholders,” said Dato’ Izmir Mujab, CEO of Crewstone International.
“Our partnership with Crewstone is a unique and powerful fit within Solyco’s global expansion strategy. Through this alliance, Crewstone’s LPs will gain access to the distinctive value of our growing portfolio, while our companies will gain access to opportunities for global export,” said John Garcia, Founder and Managing partner of Solyco Capital. “We were drawn to the strength and reputation of Crewstone’s founders, and equally impressed by their culture of transparency, performance, and fierce dedication to protecting and serving their LPs — values that align seamlessly with our commitment to service, purpose, and impact across the assets, companies, and markets in which we invest. Together, Crewstone and Solyco Capital form a dynamic force of good, delivering a powerful combination of value creation, growth, and intentionally designed - near-and long-term liquidity - across global markets.”
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