Holiday Villa Hotel & Conference Centre Subang serves one of the best Afternoon Tea (high-tea) in town, featuring local, Western and Continental flavours....go try it at Palm Terrace Coffee House.
For those who like to feast like a king, the buffet is possibly the best option with more than 80 variety of dishes.
For a family of 10, it will cost you less than RM900 and you can enjoy the spread between 12noon to 4pm. Go try it!
(File pix) Holiday Villa Hotel & Conference Centre Subang started as a recreation club in 1987.
By Sharen Kaur - Published in NST Property, August 29, 2019
SS12 is a commercial and residential precinct in Subang Jaya, one of the older residential areas in the municipality and the most sought-after addresses there.
The neighbourhood is home to two hotels, namely Grand Dorsett Hotel and Holiday Villa Hotel & Conference Centre Subang. The properties front Jalan SS12/1 and boast views of Subang Ria Recreational lake and park when facing the Federal Highway.
Subang Jaya Medical Centre is located closer to Grand Dorsett Hotel.
There are plenty of residential units in SS12, with some well-known developments including Spring Villa, Summer Villa, The Boulevard, Laman Baiduri and Wangsa Baiduri.
The Boulevard, a twin 28-storey condominium located not too far from Holiday Villa Hotel &
Conference Centre Subang, was launched more than a decade ago, at a gross development value of RM150 million.
There are 384 condominiums with six types of standard units (floor areas of 1,227 to 1,776 sq ft) and five penthouses (2,153 to 6,448 sq ft — for duplex).
The pricing for The Boulevard was between RM185 and RM250 per sq ft (psf), or RM225,000 on average for a standard unit. The penthouses were priced from RM1.5 million to RM1.6 million.
Apart from securing a spacious apartment with lake view, buyers received a prestigious Holiday
Villa Club transferable membership worth RM12,000.
The Boulevard was developed by Emko Properties Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of RB Land Holdings Bhd, which is now known as IJM Land Bhd.
IJM Land also owns Holiday Villa Hotel & Conference Centre Subang. The management services of the hotel is provided by Holiday Villa Hotels & Resorts (formerly known as Antara Hotels & Resorts).
HOLIDAY VILLA HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE SUBANG
Holiday Villa Hotel & Conference Centre Subang is a unique business resort hotel, set on 2.75ha landscaped land in the prime area of Subang Jaya.
It started as a recreation club in 1987 and expanded into a deluxe five-star hotel in 1989.
In the early days, the hotel used to get plenty of business from Subang International Airport (now Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport).
Holiday Villa Hotel & Conference Centre Subang was enjoying the airport catchment as it was the closest hotel to the airport, being only 8km away.
But when Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) opened in Sepang in 1998, business started to slow down for the hotel.
To maximise guest experience, the hotel started to retrofit all its rooms and food and beverage (F&B) outlets. In 2014, it completed a major refurbishment, which included upgrades of guest rooms, a new hot water system, air-conditioning and brand-new elevators.
“Determined to remain as the preferred choice, the interiors are inspired by timeless retro classics and accentuated by warm earth tones,” said Holiday Villa Hotels & Resorts co-founder Puan Sri Mavis Masri.
“This mood provides a trendy and contemporary experience for all guests,” Mavis told NST Property.
(File pix) Holiday Villa Hotel & Conference Centre Subang has lush landscape and is home to Amoaras Spa.
Just 25km from Kuala Lumpur, 8km from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport and 45km from KLIA and Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2, Holiday Villa Hotel & Conference Centre Subang is conveniently accessible to discerning business travellers, she said.
It is also only minutes away from major shopping complexes, such as Sunway Pyramid, Subang Parade and Empire Gallery.
“To add to your enjoyment, it is also ideally situated 10 minutes away from Sunway Lagoon, Malaysia’s premier water theme park,” she said.
Holiday Villa Hotel & Conference Centre Subang offers 309 spacious guestrooms comprising superior, deluxe and corporate deluxe and Prima Floor rooms, five F&B outlets, 18 convention and meeting facilities, including three ballrooms, and a comprehensive range of sports and
recreational facilities.
The Victorian Ballroom, which overlooks the scenic lake, can accommodate up to 350 people (banquet setting). The Classics Ballroom, with its wooden panelling and solid chandeliers, is ideal for medium-sized meetings. It can accommodate up to 500 guests (theatre setting).
The Vintage Ballroom, by far the largest ballroom, is versatile and can accommodate up to 1,000 persons (banquet setting).
NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT
Mavis hopes the relevant authorities will invest in infrastructure to improve roads and public transportation in a bid to ease traffic congestion in Subang Jaya.
“The challenges for the location is accessibility. Subang Jaya should be more accessible as traffic can be time-consuming,” she said.
Mavis also hopes that more investments will pour into Selangor and create additional requirements
for hotel accommodation for Shah Alam, Subang and Petaling Jaya.
However, she said the number of new hotel licences should be in line with the need of the area.
(File pix) Bridal Suite at Holiday Villa Hotel & Conference Centre Subang
(File pix) Dorsett Waterfront Subang will have 1,989 fully-serviced suites that front the Subang Ria Recreational Lake and park.
By Sharen Kaur - Published in NST Property, August 29, 2019
MALAYSIA Land Properties Sdn Bhd (Mayland) expects its Dorsett Waterfront Subang project, which had stalled for seven years due to legal issues, to draw 30 per cent take-up by early next month.
The company will officially re-launch the project, which has a gross development value of over RM1 billion, on Sept 6.
Dorsett Waterfront Subang is a joint development with Dorsett Hospitality International Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Far East Consortium International Ltd, on 1.82ha of freehold land.
It consists of three 21-storey blocks with 1,989 fully-serviced suites under a commercial title, nestled between the five-star Dorsett Grand Subang hotel and Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC).
Mayland is selling the units, mostly comprising studios and one-bedroom suites with built-ups of between 399 and 570 sq ft, at an average RM1,000 per square feet (psf).
Its managing director Datuk Kevin Woo said 72 per cent, or 1,200 suites, have an indicative selling price of below RM600,000.
The rest are selling at above RM600,000 as they are much bigger units.
“The wishful thinking of a developer is good sales, good sales and good sales. I am contented that we can sell 30 per cent of the total 1,989 units with sale and purchase agreements (SPA) inked by Sept 6.
“Mayland secured 350 bookings with accumulative sales worth RM185 million at the project preview two months ago. We also have more than 400 buyers from the maiden launch in 2012 who stayed with us despite all the hurdles we faced. When we launched the project seven years ago we sold more than 1,000 units. While about 600 buyers opted for a refund after the building plans were revoked, over 400 buyers kept their deposits with us as their wish is for the project to proceed.
“So, putting together the 350 bookings and more than 400 past buyers, that is over 750 buyers. We are hastily trying to convert these into SPAs. About 20 per cent of the over 400 buyers have signed SPAs. With the official launch, I am hopeful that we will get some real (or more) sales conversions,” said Woo.
With the project’s strategic location and unrivalled value proposition, Woo is optimistic that Dorsett Waterfront Subang will garner more sales before it commences piling works this November.
Piling works will take eight months and main building works about three years, he said.
Dorsett Waterfront Subang, which is expected to be completed in four years, will offer luxury city living at an affordable price. It will also boasts concierge services through its pairing with Dorsett Hospitality International.
Woo said in addition to the natural attributes provisioned by the Subang Ria Recreational park and lake, Mayland is investing RM4 million to develop an impressive landscaped podium of 100,000 sq ft, which would include several high-end facilities.
“The purpose of this substantial investment is to create spaces for residents to pursue active and quality lifestyle goals while interacting with each other within a safe and secure environment,” he said.
(File pix) About 72 per cent of Dorsett Waterfront Subang units are priced below RM600,000.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Dorsett Waterfront Subang was first launched in 2012 but hit a snag after the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) took the developer to court for selling the units under hotel management.
The project also faced legal issues because of traffic concerns.
It all started in 2007 when the developer had applied to develop the land for apartments but was rejected by MPSJ as the project did not meet car-park requirements.
In 2008, an application for serviced apartments was also rejected as the project would add traffic to an already-highly congested area which is home to two hotels, SJMC, as well as commercial and housing units.
In 2010, Mayland applied to develop hotel suites instead. Two years later, MPSJ filed a suit against the developer for selling the units as serviced apartments without having received the appropriate permits.
The High Court ruled in favour of MPSJ in 2016, but Mayland successfully appealed against the decision in April last year. The Federal Court in November 2018 dismissed MPSJ’s application for leave to appeal against the developer.
Woo said all that is the past now, and it is a fresh beginning for Dorsett Waterfront Subang.
He said Mayland has been given the full mandate to develop the project in accordance with the building plans.
“With that in place, I see no further impediment or restraint in continuing ahead. We have overcome the biggest hurdle and our focus now is to change the mindset of potential buyers. We have re-branded the project and are offering the serviced suites at almost the same price we did when we first launched them seven years ago. There is only a slight increase in price, which is five to seven per cent... as we want the earlier buyers to feel that they have gained something.”
Woo said Mayland may consider raising the price by three per cent after the launch next month.
“We are contemplating to hike the price, but nothing is firm yet at this moment,” he said.
CORNERSTONE Partners Group is mulling over selling or leasing the commercial office spaces at YOTEL Melbourne, the company’s maiden property development project in Australia. Its chief executive officer and co-founder Jason Chong said as the project is still in the preliminary development stages, the company is still studying the options.
This Includes forecasting the economic, political and social market factors that would significantly influence the prices, marketability or leasing prospects of the new commercial development, Chong told NST Property.
“We are keeping our options open for now as we still have ample time in strategising our business plan for this project... We do not want to rush for a hasty decision to ensure we maximise the ultimate return to our shareholders. But it may likely lean towards retaining the office component ourselves for potential en-bloc divestment if the right offer comes along,” he said.
YOTEL Melbourne is set to be a one-stop centre that houses restaurants, creative co-working spaces and bespoke corporate office spaces in Southbank.
The 30-storey tower comprises a hotel and offices, totaling 15,538 sq m (sqm) in gross development area, with an estimated gross development value of RM420 million.
Chong said the commercial office spaces are about 6,400sqm (42 per cent of the overall space) and hotel component, around 9,000sqm (58 per cent).
The mix development, which is 100 per cent owned and developed by Cornerstone, is located on 63-69 of City Road in Southbank, Melbourne.
Cornerstone acquired the site from two individual sellers at the end of last year, at about A$20 million, he said.
The site is within a walking distance from the Crown Melbourne, Southbank Promenade, Arts Precinct, Federation Square, as well as surrounded by other world-class entertainment outlets, amenities and renowned education institutions, he said.
The 244-room hotel is slated to open in 2022. It occupies 23 floors in YOTEL Melbourne, from Level 7 to 29.
“It is conceptualised to take the essential elements of luxury hotels in smaller yet smartly-designed spaces, as well as deliver a sense of community equipped with areas for co-working, social gatherings and wellness.”
The hotel will be operated by YOTEL with which Cornerstone inked the Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) last month.
Chong said the HMA is for 15 years and extendable by two subsequent terms of five years at mutual concurrence.
Designed by renowned CHT Architects, the hotel will feature YOTEL’s latest generation of cabins all equipped with a SmartBed.
Its signature KOMYUNITI spaces are designed with areas for co-working, informal meetings, relaxing and socialising, serving up everything from flat whites by British specialty roaster Workshop Coffee to signature cocktails on the outdoor terrace.
“Being the effective owner of the asset, which includes land and building, Cornerstone is responsible
for monitoring the performance of YOTEL, recommending the hotelier on the business direction and managing the group’s own equity holders’ stake in the investment to realise superior shareholder value.
“For YOTEL, its management services actually started even before the hotel opens. It is responsible for technical services (consultation) on the interior design and layout of the hotel, essential components and facilities that add value to the hotel services, and recommended resolutions to the technical issues, among others,” he said.
YOTEL is also responsible in the pre-opening service that is targeted to kick in about a year before the real opening (expected in mid-2021). This includes the hiring of general manager, preparation of operations budget, and marketing planning leading up to the launch, said Chong.
In terms of room rates, Chong said tentatively, the stabilised average daily room rate is estimated to be at A$80 per night.
“YOTEL, being an experienced international hotel operator, is adopting dynamic pricing to fully capitalise on market conditions to ensure the average daily room rate is kept competitive.”
(File pix) PropertyGuru Malaysia’s country manager Sheldon Fernandez.
By NST Property - August 29, 2019
THERE is improved purchasing sentiment in the local property market, thanks to initiatives like the Home Ownership Campaign (HOC).
The PropertyGuru Market Index showed a 0.8 per cent increase to 86.2 in the second quarter of this year from 85.4 in the first quarter.
The HOC, a joint effort by the Housing and local government ministry and Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (Rehda), was unveiled early this year as one of the housing initiatives under the 2019 Budget to reduce the country’s “overhang property”.
Overhang refers to completed residential units which remain unsold or have been on the market for at least nine months.
According to the Malaysian Property Market 2018 Report, released by the National Property Information Centre, the number of overhang units last year increased 30.7 per cent to 32,313 units from the previous year.
Young working adults in Malaysia are struggling to buy a house as residential properties are getting more expensive, especially in urban areas.
The objective of the HOC is to assist first-time buyers to own a property and help reduce unsold properties in the market.
HOC 2019 only applied for properties sold between January 1 and June 30 of this year but has been extended to December 31 following strong interest in the campaign and recommendations for an extension from buyers and developers.
PropertyGuru Malaysia country manager Sheldon Fernandez said improved purchasing sentiment in the market was also due to stamp duty exemptions and Bank Negara Malaysia’s downward revision of its Overnight Policy Rate to three per cent.
Fernandez said these factors had contributed to upward ticks in asking prices for Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Selangor. However, they were not enough to overcome downward pressures in Johor, including a proposed ban on property sales to foreigners for selected projects in the third quarter
of 2018.
“This comes despite a growing overhang in Malaysia of 53,078 units as of the first quarter 2019, including 32,936 residential units worth RM19.9 billion,” he said.
TOP THREE MARKET REVIEW
1. KUALA LUMPUR
The Kuala Lumpur market index witnessed a 0.8 per cent quarter-on-quarter increase in asking prices in Q2 2019, but from the long-term perspective, there was a stable downtrend.
Fernandez attributed the wider downturn to the ongoing mismatch between property supply and
demand, where there was demand for affordable properties, but luxury projects were being launched instead.
“In general, home seekers are looking for properties below RM500,000 in Klang Valley. Sentiment is
more positive moving out from the city centre, as Q2 2019 marked Selangor’s third consecutive quarter whereby asking prices have risen,” he said.
He said a year-on-year increase in supply from Q2 2018 to Q2 2019 of 42 per cent was seen this term, reflecting that sellers are more confident in the market as demand picks up from previous terms
2. PENANG
Fernandez said the asking prices in Penang have been more volatile, with its index showing a steady decline from Q1 2016 to Q4 2017.
The Penang market, however, has remained resilient since Q4 2018 as it grew 0.2 per cent from 92.8 in Q1 2019 to 93.0 in the second quarter.
Fernandez said oversupply is less of a concern than in metropolitan areas further south, with a 28 per cent increase in supply registered during the term.
“The appetite for affordable-ranged properties continues, with units below RM250,000 continuously in demand. The state government is increasing its efforts to meet these calls,” he said.
3. JOHOR
Residential asking prices in Johor went against the grain, said Fernandez.
Johor was the only state with an upward growth trajectory since 2015, ending with a 0.5 per cent quarter-on-quarter downturn in Q2 2019. Its long-term expansion can be attributed to consistent and heavy investment in the Iskandar Malaysia economic corridor, which is reflected in the state’s 118 per cent increase in supply volume in the second quarter, he said.
“This indicates that Johor properties are experiencing good take-up rates and prices are beginning to re-adjust. Year-on-year asking prices dropped three per cent, reflecting that the market is likely to see continued self-correction.”
HOME FINANCING
Jones Lang Wootton executive director Prem Kumar said property developers have taken heed, especially in terms of the profile of market demand, and this recognition of the change in market dynamics will ultimately be the main thrust towards effective stabilisation of the real estate
residential market.
“The key economic drivers of the market, such as supply and demand, do not appear to have achieved a clear-cut equilibrium. There are still gaps which are obvious and need to be plugged before a more definitive direction of the market can be achieved,” he said.
Prem said more needs to be done for Bottom 40 per cent (B40) households.
According to Prem, B40 households continue to face challenges due to the continuing severe mismatch between property price levels and income levels.
“It is imperative that the government, together with financial institutions, formulate a specific financing structure which goes far beyond existing schemes such as the rent-to-own programme. A
comprehensive platform will have to be formulated which addresses forms of ownership, access to funding, availability of specific product types, stakeholder participation, government grants, and more.”
Prem said a well-structured platform, which takes into consideration medium-to long-term property ownership sustainability aspects, would be essential in mitigating the crux of the problem whereby B40 households in the current environment are left entirely on their own and overwhelmed by complexities related to property purchases, especially with respect to securing funding within the existing structure of the real estate market.
By NST Property - Published in NST Property, August 22, 2019
KEEPING a herb garden is easy and it gives you great stuff to use in your cooking.
Besides cooking, some of these herbs can repel mosquitoes.
There are plenty of herbs which you can grow in your garden.
Rosemary, basil, coriander, dill or thyme do not require a big space. You can grow them in small containers filled with soil or through hydroponics, and leave them at the kitchen window for sunlight.
Consider planting curry leaves, mint, lemongrass, lime and aloe vera. Your garden will also smell lovely with the combination of the plants’ fragrances.
1. Curry leaves
The curry tree is scientifically known as murraya koenigii spreng. The plant is native to India and is usually found in tropical and subtropical regions.
It is a hardy plant and grows better in warm climates.
Growing the plant is not difficult. It can be grown from cuttings or seeds.
Plant the tree in a well-drained pot with good potting mix and place it in a sunny area. When it grows slightly taller and looks healthy, you can replant it in the ground.
The plant can grow up to 4.5m high.
The leaves are sought after for their unique flavour and use in cooking, but there are also other health benefits. The fresh form is very popular for cooking and herbal medicine.
(File pix) Curry leaves.
2. Aloe vera
The aloe vera is popular and easy to grow, but you must understand the level of water and sun it needs. Too much sun and water can kill the plant. Overwatering will cause the roots and stem to rot, killing the plant.
This succulent plant holds water in the leaves, so they can go without water for a long time. The best soil for aloe vera is one that drains very quickly and doesn’t hold water.
The aloe vera is best known for the healing qualities of its gel. Use it for minor burns
and cuts, and to make soaps and lotions.
(File pix) Aloe vera.
3. Lemongrass
The lemongrass is native to Sri Lanka and South India but is grown worldwide. Its stalks are a common ingredient in Asian cooking, but it is also possible to brew lemongrass tea.
The plant has long leaves that are similar to those of seagrasses, and it repels mosquitoes.
The plant can relieve anxiety, lower cholesterol, prevent infection, relieve pain and bloating as well as boost oral health and red blood cells.
Grow your lemongrass in full sun with plenty of water in rich, well-draining soil.
Lemongrass grows best with abundant moisture, not soggy soil. Once the plant is established, it will propagate itself. New plants will start growing by the side of existing stalks.
It can grow into a hefty shrub in four to six months and will be ready for harvest. Once you get the
plants growing, you will have almost an unlimited supply of lemongrass.
(File pix) Lemongrass.
4. Mint leaves
Mint is a perennial herb with fragrant leaves. It is great for seasoning salad, cooking or adding to a cup of tea. Mint is also used as ground cover, air freshener and herbal medicine.
Mint is a tender herb with gentle stems and is easy to grow. It is shallow-rooted and thrives in light soil with good drainage.
Place a few stem cuttings in a small pot with moist soil. Keep it out of direct sunlight for about one to two weeks to allow it to root and adjust to its new environment. As the mint grows, replant it in a larger pot or in the ground.
(File pix) Mint leaves.
5. Calamansi
Calamansi is a citrus tree with fresh, plump and juicy fruits. Its fruits are small and slightly sweeter and juicier than oranges.
To plant a calamansi tree, first you remove the seeds from the fruit, dry them and plant them directly in a pot of well-draining soil.
Calamansi grows well in dry soil that doesn’t retain moisture.
Full sun is required for healthy growth. Proper exposure to sun and temperature improves productivity.
The tree will start to bear fruit after two to three years. You can harvest the fruits young, when their colour are pale green, or when they are ripe and turn orange.
(L-R): Selangor Dredging Bhd (SDB) group general manager Loong Ching Hong, managing director Teh Lip Kim and chairman Eddy Chieng Ing Huong after the company’s shareholders meeting in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. NST picture byROSELA ISMAIL
By Sharen Kaur - Published in NST Property, August 28, 2019
KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor Dredging Bhd (SDB) says it is still open to selling its five-star Hotel Maya here provided it receives a good offer.
"As a developer, if there is a very attractive offer, then we will look at it. But right now nobody is buying (hotels). What we are doing is we are refurbishing the hotel rooms. It is not a major refurbishment where we have to shut down the hotel. We are refurbishing the rooms gradually," said SDB managing director Teh Lip Kim.
Hotel Maya, which has 205 rooms ranging from studios, junior suites, deluxe suites and executive suites, begun refurbishing works in August last year. It is due to be completed by the last quarter of 2020.
So far, 57 rooms have been refurbished and 20 more are due to be refurbished this month.
Hotel Maya is located a stone's throw away from Wisma Selangor Dredging, which the company sold for RM480 million in cash in 2017, to Golden Eagle Realty Sdn Bhd, which is controlled by businessman Tan Sri Koo Yuen Kim.
Talks on SDB putting up the hotel for sale goes way back to 2014. The price started at RM300 million and the last reported price was an estimated RM230 million.
The hotel's net book value as at March 31 2016, was RM150 million.
Teh said the last major refurbishment for Hotel Maya was completed 10 years ago.
She was speaking to the New Straits Times after the company's shareholders' meeting here.
Built in 1996, Hotel Maya underwent an extensive refurbishment to start its new life as Malaysia’s first five-star boutique urban resort in Kuala Lumpur city centre.
The hotel first opened as Radisson Plaza and subsequently operated as Park Place.
The owners then decided to take over the management from the international operators and renamed it Grand Maya Hotel. It changed name to Hotel Maya after a RM45 million renovation.
Meanwhile, Teh said the local property market remains challenging and the company was focusing on reducing its inventories.
SDB's unsold inventory is valued at RM111 million while unbilled sales is RM241.9 million.
"We are looking to sell our current stock. We have sold 95% to 97%," said Teh.
For future developments, SDB is looking at launching properties below RM700,000.
"We are still studying which areas to go into," said Teh.
On the group's mining business held via its associate company, Fortress Minerals Ltd, Teh said there are plans to increase its monthly output to 30,000 tonnes for its iron ore plant in Bukit Besi Terengganu, from the current 20,000 tonnes.
Teh said SDB is positive about the mining segment, adding that the average selling price for FE65 iron ore is about US$90 a tonne currently.
SDB general manager Loong Ching Hong said the group's cost of production per tonne for its mining
division amounts to US$40, translating into a profit margin of 60-80 per cent.
Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor for the Peugeot brand in Malaysia, has kicked into high
gear for second half of 2019 through the launch of the New Peugeot 3008 SUV Plus and New Peugeot 5008 SUV Plus.
SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman & CEO, Naza Corporation Holdings said, “The New Peugeot 3008 SUV Plus and New Peugeot 5008 SUV Plus are the culmination of a joint agreement in 2018 between Naza Group and Groupe PSA to establish Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) as the Southeast Asia hub. We are excited to be celebrating this milestone with two of Peugeot’s best performing models that continue to blaze the trail for SUVs and pushing boundaries of possibility.”
“NAM has benefited greatly from progressive enhancements since Groupe PSA’s involvement, including expertise from a dedicated industrial team and technology transfer from the latter’s headquarters in France. We are excited to unveil another two SUVs produced by NAM for local distribution and regional export in the near future,” added SM Nasarudin.
Continuing their momentum into second half of 2019, Nasim is confident of a strong sales performance this year driven by demands for its SUVs.
The New Peugeot 3008 SUV Plus underscores the French marque’s expertise in crafting a highly successful SUV that is built on the principles of design and advanced technology. The global success for the winner of ‘European Car Of The Year 2017’ and ‘Malaysia Automotive Institute’s Car Of The Year 2018’ evidently resonated with Malaysian road users last year by recording the country’s highest sales volume for a European SUV.
Just as equally impressive is the New Peugeot 5008 SUV Plus whose predecessor successfully
entered the C-segment SUV territory as an expressive 7-seater that assimilates the space and practicality of an MPV with the dynamic appeal of an SUV. Now improved with upgraded creature comforts and technology, the SUV has trumped over established competition to clinch the 7-Seater SUV of the Year at the DSF.my VOTY Awards 2019 and Best Family SUV at the Cars of Malaysia 2019.
While its distinctive front face retains a floating grille design and LED Sequential Scrolling
Indicator, the vehicle dons a new roof rail design and chrome side mirrors reaffirming the vehicle’s muscular yet elegant characteristics. Both the New 3008 SUV Plus and New 5008 SUV Plus come with a new panoramic sunroof and sport 18-inch alloy wheels in two-tone diamond finish.
The sophisticated interior is an invitation to experience comfort, serenity and luxury. Once inside, occupants are welcomed by plush Claudia leather seats with either Graphite or Goa stitching that varies by the variant. Maintaining its fresh and dignified leather and fabric dashboard and door panel décor, the dashboard is further illuminated by blue mood lighting touches all around the cabin.
Committed to delivering a high-end experience, the new Peugeot i-Cockpit reflects this promise through numerous thoughtful touches. A new Navigation function is now embedded in the 8-inch Multifunction Colour touchscreen on both the New 3008 SUV Plus and New 5008 SUV Plus. The segment-leading 12.3-inch high-resolution Head-Up Digital Cluster Display becomes more customisable with the addition of ‘Onyx’ graphical style, a new ‘Driving Assistance’ display mode and new tailor-made ‘Personal’ modes. The New 5008 SUV Plus can display an additional ‘Navigation’ mode to reflect map manoeuvres right in the driver’s eye level.
Peugeot i-Cockpit Amplify adds a touch of youthfulness to the cabin by allowing the adaptation of key settings enabled by two distinctive ambiances that evoke emotional satisfaction: ‘BOOST’ for a dynamic experience or ‘RELAX’ to envelope the occupants in a serene ambiance. Activating the new Drive Sport Pack heightens the sight, touch and hearing senses for a sporty grip and feeling through stiffer assisted steering, more responsive accelerator, greater engine and gearbox agility and digitally amplified engine sound.
An ingenious motorised smart tailgate is built into both models to provide convenience in opening and closing the boot hands-free with a swift foot motion under the bumper’s centre.
To fully appreciate the capability of the New 3008 SUV Plus and New 5008 SUV Plus takes a multitude of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems such as Driver Attention Alert, Speed Limit
Recognition and Recommendation, 180 degree reverse camera with stitching function, and an upgraded Blind Spot Information System and Active Lane Departure Warning, which utilises a windscreen camera to detect road markings and automatically adjusts the vehicle’s direction slightly while alerting the driver.
Reinforcing safety are industry standard features such as 6 safety airbags, Advanced Electronic Stability Program, Advanced Grip Control, Hill Start Assist, Indirect Tyre Pressure Detection and an Electronic Stability Program which incorporates Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA), Wheel Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).
The Active base variant of the New Peugeot 3008 SUV Plus is offered at RM150,888 while the higher spec Allure variant goes for RM163,888, both on-the-road prices excluding insurance. The New Peugeot 5008 SUV Plus also comes in the Active and Allure variants, priced at RM166,888 and RM179,888 respectively.
Both models and their variants come in Nera Black, Pearl White, Amazonite Grey and the new Aster Grey colours, with the New 3008 SUV Plus receiving an exclusive Metallic Copper colour and the New 5008 SUV Plus getting the distinctive Emerald Crystal finish.
The fact is the only standard to examine the truth. You can’t change black into white. White is white, another horse l like, which is ZEBRA. When l decided to write and open a Facebook page, although l am not a historian, l pay attention to history.
Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew (pix taken from Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew's Facebook page)
History is our best teacher. l try to apply my philosophy thinking to spark those who follows my Facebook to think with good intentions, for the betterment of this country. To let those who are willing to follow my Facebook means coming into my house to have a meaningful mind exchange
and a civil conversation. Understanding the importance of what a country must repair or transform quickly , with a bit of disappointment on the delay and long awaiting of Justice which is still not delivered .
The delaying of Justice is compromising a lot of perceptions of the new government and very soon it will become a credibility issue. Although this government is very different from the old government, as l wrote before about the corruption of 1MDB.
Corruption is like the outbreak of plague that makes people sick infecting even healthy people. When the source of the plague is identified and you still can’t cure it or stop it quickly, it spreads fast and the passing of the disease will continue and the damages caused can be beyond imagination. Like Sars, if the source and the carrier is not contained, you get infected without notice, and the disease will mutate. Now a days the disease (corruption) is mutating and it will be more serious. This
is the similarities of plague and corruption.
Jho Low Belum Ditangkap and Malu Apa BossKu led me to make a mistake by changing a graphic flag colour from white to black. Am l infected or affected? This created such a big response of confrontation, controversy and my Facebook was ransacked - This has taught me a good lesson.
People and the young rejected the black - the darkness which represents corruption, the number one enemy of the country and thanks to the cyber-troopers I believe they are all young friends who visited my Facebook - my "house".
Since this is the month of Merdeka let’s discuss the meaning of the Jalur Gemilang.
To start with, the Red represents Bravery - as a human we are all not perfect. If we make mistakes, we admit it and if we are wrong we confess, ask for forgiveness. To me that is the meaning of the Red - The True Bravery.
Than the White can’t change to black as we agreed. The white represents Suci dan Bersih. Far away from corruption. You all must find a rational way to ensure a clean moral and a society with ethics.
The Star and Moon with the background of Blue, to me this links to our constitution Article 3. Islam is the religion of the federation, other religion may be practiced in PEACE and HARMONY in any part of federation. Peace and harmony is the core value of Islam. Non Muslims must appreciate and understand the value of Islam - Peace & Loving. The care of Islam in this country is under the power of the King and Ruler which is stated very clearly in the Federal constitution.
Last but not least the Yellow. When we said it represents the royal or royalties it is not good enough. We are a Monarch Democracy. Political parties comes and goes every five years and the Ruler council who appoints the King is to ensure the people of Malaysia have a good government. The King and The Rulers may have no business on how to run the government but The King and The Rulers have the responsibility to ensure the government is properly Governed for the people and country .
URUSAN SERI PADUKA BAGINDA, that is my understanding of the yellow of our Jalur Gemilang. It is the spirit of our constitution and our constitution is the best medicine for this country.
Happy Merdeka (pix from Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew's Facebook page)
This is the month of Merdeka. The theme is Bersih. White represents Bersih. Let’s celebrate Malaysia’s flag first and everything else comes second. I will fly the Jalur Gemilang high again on my Facebook. HAPPY MERDEKA!!!
*Hahaha*
*Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew*
This post first appeared on Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew's Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/tsleekimyew/
Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew (丹斯里 李金友) is best known for his role as the Founder and Chairman of Country Heights Holding Berhad, a company listed on the Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. He is an experienced and passionate Malaysian Entrepreneur and have strong belief in Chinese Philosophy. He is an established and renowned property developer with over 30 years of experience in the industry.
By Sharen Kaur - Published in NST Property, August 22, 2019
i-City convention centre (iCCC) in the capital city of Selangor is the newest event space in town and business is thriving, says I-Berhad marketing director Monica Ong.
The iCCC was launched last November as part of I-Berhad’s RM3billion tourism expansion master plan for the mega i-City development, and marks the company’s entry into the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) sector.
Ong told NST Property that since its opening, response for the convention centre booking has been favourable.
“We are getting a lot of bookings for multiple use from seminars, workshops to corporate dinner and weddings.”
The 20,000-sq-ft iCCC is located on i-City centralWalk (level 1). It can house 1,000 guests in a banquet-style seating or 2,000 guests in a theatre-style seating.
Ong said the complementing amenities in i-City like a hotel, shopping mall, theme park and offices all in one location make the iCCC very convenient.
“Furthermore it has easy access from all over with the well-connected infrastructure, including
its proximity to the airport and seaport,” she said.
Big Tree Event & Supplies business development manager Naveen Sachdev said companies and people in general are constantly looking for new and grand event spaces to host.
Naveen believes the iCCC will be popular as it has 6,500 parking bays, existing accommodation like Best Western Hotel, theme parks for leisure purposes and Central i-City Mall, the
largest shopping mall in Shah Alam.
Naveen Sachdev
The i-City development, located in the heart of Selangor’s “Golden Triangle”, will also house the four-star DoubleTree by Hilton i-City Hotel, which is scheduled to open next year with about 300 rooms.
“Companies and soon-to-wed couples, among others, are looking for an event space where there is hotel accommodation to host guests from overseas and outstation. Just like Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, which is connected to Suria KLCC for shopping, Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur and Traders Hotel, the iCCC is linked to Best Western Hotel, Central i-City Mall, theme parks and the DoubleTree by Hilton i-City Hotel. Assessibility is also important. These, for me, are unique sellling points for the convention centre,” Naveen told NST Property.
Bullish outlook for event planning
Naveen is positive on the outlook of the event planning industry and its direct economic impact to the country’s gross domestic product growth.
“If you take a good look at the business environment, there are opportunities that exist. There are great prospects to engage in brand launch parties, corporate meetings, festivals and weddings. Despite what people say about the current business environment, it is still very active. Property developers are launching housing projects every month, while other corporations are having business meetings and corporate events. People are also getting married, celebrating birthdays and
engagements, among other things.”
Naveen said the knowledge and experience Big Tree Event & Supplies has gives his team the
confidence to plan, execute and coordinate events regardless of their size and nature.
He said an interesting challenge is transforming an old venue, especially those located in the suburbs, into magical event spaces.
“We have customers who live in the suburbs and the only available space to rent are multi-purpose halls and they want it to look grand for their big day. It is how you do it that is changing the
atmosphere of a space from feeling empty into another world by focusing on the details! Even if your reception space is a rented hotel ballroom or a plain white industrial loft, it can be transformed into your dream place,” he said.
The Petaling Jaya-based company is a one-stop centre that plans, organises, executes and coordinates all facets of meetings and events. It has been doing this for over 20 years.
There are great prospects to engage in brand launch parties, corporate meetings, festivals and weddings despite the current market conditions. Big Tree Event pic
Naveen believes that MICE and banquet events, including weddings, will continue to lead the way in the event planning industry.
“What we need for the industry to thrive on are the major events like concerts by international artists and sporting events. Having these events will benefit hoteliers, convention centres, retail, F & B
operators, airlines, rail operators, transport and logistics firms,” said Naveen.
It was reported that at least 200 major events were held in between 2012 and 2017, generating a revenue of RM3.13 billion for the local economy via tourist expenditure.
The hotel and retail industries had contributed 30 per cent each to the total RM3.13 billion revenue, while 25 per cent came from the entertainment industry, namely leisure activities, food and beverages.
Transportation and tour operators contributed 15 per cent.
In terms of MICE, the market is worth a few billion ringgit. In 2016, the market generated RM1.04 billion from 153 events while the weddings industry exceeded RM7 billion in value.
According to the Statistics Department, 226,605 marriages were recorded in 2016.
MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions) and banquet events, including weddings, are a growing business for majority of convention centres in Klang Valley despite the weak market conditions.
This is good news for the event planning industry. Big Tree Event & Supplies, one of key industry players founded by veteran event planner Datuk Sunil Sachdev, expects promising times ahead.
Sunil said the industry has grown steadily in the past several years — thanks to strong demand from the public and private sectors as well as the public.
“The establishment of state-of-the-art convention centres by reputable property developers is a game-changer. We expect the industry to expand, with new business opportunities,” he said.
Good year for convention centres
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) general manager Alan Pryor said last year was a good year compared to 2017.
He is expecting another solid year from all the Centre’s business segments.
“We have a strong calendar of events for 2019 across the board, with the association meetings segment once again shaping up to be our biggest contributor,” Pryor told NST Property.
According to Pryor, the Centre has achieved 81 per cent of its revenue target for the association meetings segment.
Following closely is exhibition and corporate sales segments, which are also looking positive this year, he said.
Big Tree Event & Supplies founder Datuk Sunil Sachdev says the establishment of state-of-the-art convention centres by developers is a game changer for the event planning industry. Big Tree Event pic
The Centre is part of the KLCC development built on remaining land that was previously the Selangor Turf Club. The KLCC development encompasses the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, several other office towers, hotels and Suria KLCC shopping mall.
Last year, the Centre achieved its highest ever economic impact of RM888 million, an 80 per cent, or RM395 million, increase from 2017, by hosting 1,485 events — 17 per cent more than in 2017. It also welcomed 2.18 million participants last year, an increase of 49 per cent from 2017.
There was growth across majority of its business segments, with the association meetings segment
registering the largest rise of 22 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2017. This was followed by corporate meetings and banqueting events (corporate sales segment) with a 20 per cent
increase, and exhibitions segment with 12 per cent growth.
“We are focused on being flexible on customisation and on adapting our offerings to market conditions. This agile approach has ensured we remain competitive without compromising the quality of service we deliver to our clients, and has ensured we enhance the customer journey and participant experience,” said Pryor.
He also attributed the Centre’s performance last year to a strong business mix.
“Of particular significance was the number of international association meetings we secured. We hosted 38 association meetings mainly from the medical, transportation and oil and gas sectors. Of these, 22 were international and 16 were national,” Pryor said.
KLCC expansion opens
Pryor said this year’s excitement includes the expansion of the Centre.
Its brand-new 11,000 sq m expansion opened for business last month and the first event to utilise the multi-purpose space is its longest-standing exhibitions — ARCHIDEX.
“Following the brand-new expansion, we will provide 33,659 sq m (362,302 sq ft ) of multi-purpose function space right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. As the operator, our focus is on ensuring that the great events we host get to enjoy and make use of the new spaces being added to the centre in the most strategic location in the city,” said Pryor.
The extension enables the Centre to accommodate larger events and host more events simultaneously.
Datuk Sunil Sachdev
This purpose-built space allows clients to explore new meeting designs, networking hubs and customise their delegate experience to suit any occasion.
New additions include an expansive foyer area adjoining the Plenary Hall for networking, cocktail and social engagement activities, which can be extended into Hall 6, thus providing an
additional 2,862sqm.
Pryor said the expansion enhances the world-class reputation as Malaysia’s premier purpose-built convention centre and strengthens the country’s attractive and affordable business events proposition.
“We are finalising our plans for an extensive refurbishment of the rest of the Centre, which will be implemented in stages and ensure the decor and ambience of the original building matches that of the expansion,” he said.
Pryor said the refurbishment plans would include all the meeting spaces, seating, and food and beverage outlets as well as furniture, decor and carpets.
“In essence, we’ll be looking at how the building facilities can support and complement the events taking place by ensuring the environment is consistent with the ever-changing needs of our clients.”
Pryor said the Centre has an an ongoing scheduled maintenance programme which includes upgrades and enhancements to lighting, decor, water systems, technology solutions, air quality and environmental systems, and safety and security support infrastructure.
(File pix) Bridal Suite at Holiday Villa Hotel & Conference Centre Subang
