Category: Shopping

Lifestyle, Shopping

A European Christmas Dream Comes to Life at Suria KLCC

dixonthum

Walking into Suria KLCC’s Centre Court this festive season feels like stepping into a storybook European Christmas Village. From 22 November to 25 December 2024, the space has been transformed into a picturesque holiday market, complete with timber-framed stalls and cobblestone pathways. Lined with glittering Christmas trees, the village boasts enchanting stops like a florist, a bakery, and a toy shop, all brimming with holiday cheer.

At the florist, I joined a delightful Christmas Cupcake Decoration Workshop and Wreath Workshop, crafting a festive masterpiece to bring home. Nearby, the bakery’s DIY Donut Workshop tempted many to decorate their own sweet treats. Meanwhile, the gift shop’s festive photobooth, styled like a cozy Christmas postcard, offered a keepsake photo to capture the memories.

The star attraction? An ornate horse carriage stationed in the village, a picture-perfect spot for Instagram-worthy snaps. Outside at the Esplanade KLCC, the 100-foot Christmas tree sparkles brightly, a dazzling beacon of holiday joy. The festivities continue with Santa Claus meet-and-greets on Saturdays, Christmas carol sing-alongs on Sundays, and a lively dance performance on Christmas Day itself.

Shoppers aren’t left out of the celebration. Spend RM2,500 in two receipts and walk away with RM100 in Suria KLCC Shopping e-Vouchers. The first 50 shoppers purchasing RM1,000 e-vouchers will also be treated to an extra RM100 e-voucher.

Francis Tan, CEO of Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd, sums it up beautifully: “Suria KLCC is a place where memories are made and experiences are shared, especially during the festive season.”

Alamanda Putrajaya: Christmas Cheer in Full Bloom
Over at Alamanda Putrajaya, the festive magic extends until January 1, 2025, with its own European Christmas Village at the Centre Court. The decorations here mirror Suria KLCC’s charm, featuring twinkling Christmas trees and festive stalls.

Families will enjoy weekend entertainment, including Christmas dances, live bands, juggling acts, and magic shows running from December 14 to 25. Kids can dive into creative activities like cupcake decorating and crafting wooden ornaments. Santa himself makes a special appearance on Christmas Day, delighting children with balloon sculptures and photo opportunities.

For shoppers, rewards abound: spend RM500 and get an RM30 e-voucher, or splurge RM1,500 for an RM80 reward. Shoppers can also support a great cause with the new Alamanda Ribbon Pin initiative, benefitting mental health NGOs. Buy a pin on Christmas Day and enjoy free ice cream as a bonus!

Mesra Mall: Festive Fun in Kemaman
Mesra Mall in Kemaman is embracing the festive spirit from December 5 to 31 with its own European Christmas Village, adding local flair to the festivities.

Highlights include a Santa Hat Workshop on December 14 and a Fairy Tale Costume Competition on December 21, where children can dress up as their favorite characters for prizes. On Christmas Day, balloon giveaways add a touch of magic, while the VIKids Science Workshop from December 25 to 29 offers young minds the chance to explore fun experiments and take home a Science Experiment Kit.

Shoppers spending RM350 in two receipts can redeem an exclusive 8L Pumpkin Pot, making every purchase feel extra special.

This festive season, whether you’re in the heart of KL, Putrajaya, or Kemaman, the Suria KLCC Group ensures there’s holiday magic for everyone. Don’t miss these joyful experiences that promise to bring warmth, wonder, and rewards to your Christmas celebrations!

About Suria KLCC
Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur’s iconic experiential shopping destination, embodies the essence of retail excellence. With its tagline ‘Always Something New’, Suria KLCC invites visitors on a continuous journey of discovery within its expansive 1 million square feet complex, housing over 360 specialty stores featuring exclusive brands and the latest trends.

Beyond its diverse retail offerings, Suria KLCC boasts a vibrant culinary scene, inviting guests to explore a variety of dining options against the backdrop of a serene park and symphonic water fountain. From trendy cafes to a multitude of restaurants and food courts offering diverse cuisines, the destination ensures a delightful culinary experience for all.

Suria KLCC creates an ambiance of sophistication and serenity, seamlessly blending shopping, dining, and relaxation. It serves as a testament to refined experiences, where each visit promises memorable moments amidst a backdrop of discovery and tranquility.

About Alamanda Shopping Centre
Alamanda Shopping Centre in Putrajaya is undergoing its first major overhaul since its establishment in 2004, with construction beginning on 20 June 2023, and completion scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. The redevelopment aims to expand retail space by approximately 110,000 square feet, accommodating a wider array of retailers.

Additionally, enhanced entertainment facilities, such as a family-friendly cinema, anexpanded bowling area, and an adventure park at the Esplanade, will cater to visitors of all ages. The redevelopment seeks to enhance community engagement and support retail partners, ultimately elevating Alamanda Shopping Centre into a vibrant community hub and solidifying its
position as a preferred shopping destination in Putrajaya, delivering an experience of ‘Easy Vibrant Shopping’.

Benefiting from its strategic location and exceptional connectivity via major highways, Alamanda Shopping Centre caters to a diverse audience, including working professionals, the local community, and students.

Business as usual activities will continue during the redevelopment, ensuring minimal disruption to shoppers and tenants.

About Mesra Mall
Nestled in Kemasik, Terengganu, Mesra Mall beckons visitors to experience the vibrant East Coast of Malaysia. Encompassing more than 310,000 square feet, the mall offers a diverse array of local and international brands, establishing itself as the go-to destination for shopping, dining, leisure, and entertainment in Kertih and its neighbouring regions, including Paka, Dungun, and Kemaman.

Beyond retail therapy, Mesra Mall caters to families with a range of recreational facilities such as a 24-lane bowling alley, a futsal centre, badminton courts, and a versatile hall spanning 16,000 square feet, accommodating over 800 guests, ensuring an experience of ‘Easy Friendly Shopping’ for all visitors.

Lifestyle, Shopping

Pavilion KL and AliPay+ Team Up for Malaysia Year-End Sale

dixonthum

In partnership with Alipay+ and Tourism Malaysia, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is proud to announce the launch of the nationwide Malaysia Year-End Sale (MYES). From 21 November to 31 December 2024, this annual shopping extravaganza—back after a four-year hiatus—celebrates Malaysia as a premier shopping destination, offering travelers an enhanced shopping experience with exciting deals, enticing discounts, and irresistible sales.

The MYES campaign is expected to significantly contribute to Malaysia’s tourism revenue during the year-end travel season. Supported by shopping mall operators, hotel associations, travel agencies, airlines, KTMB, and other local tourism industry players, the MYES initiative aligns with the national sales campaign slogan, “MY Priceless Experience,” promising a valuable and enriching experience for all visitors.

Alipay+: A First-Ever Malaysia Campaign Targeting Tourists
In its debut Malaysian campaign, Chinese visitors using Alipay, an Alipay+ partner, can enjoy exclusive discounts with:

  • RMB100 discount with a minimum spend of RMB2,088 in a single transaction OR
  • RMB200 discount with a minimum spend of RMB3,888 in a single transaction

Other Alipay+ partners can benefit from exclusive discounts valued at up to RM120, with:

  • RM90 off with a minimum spend of RM1,000
  • RM5 off with a minimum spend of RM50
  • RM25 off with a minimum spend of RM400

Shoppers can redeem various discount coupons and exclusive Alipay+ merchandise by participating in interactive games at the Alipay+ booth at Level 5 Pavilion Elite until 5 January 2025. The coupons and merchandise are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“Travel plays an important role in driving shared prosperity as global consumers visit businesses big and small, and our goal is to help more Malaysian businesses benefit as tourism in Malaysia thrives,” said Mr. Edward Yue, General Manager for Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Ant International. “Through our collaboration with Pavilion KL and key industry partners, we aim to deliver a seamless and rewarding shopping experience to tourists, strengthening Malaysia’s appeal as a global tourism and shopping destination.”

Alipay+ connects merchants in Malaysia with 13 international payment partners, enabling seamless transactions for travellers from key markets such as China, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, and the Philippines. Pavilion KL has also recently enabled Alipay+ acceptance, ensuring most merchants within the mall can accommodate cross-border mobile payments.

Exclusive Offers at Pavilion KL
MYES is a nationwide effort that involves leading shopping malls and retailers across Malaysia. At Pavilion KL, visitors can explore an array of promotions from well-loved brands, including:

  • AX Armani Exchange: End of Season Sale with 40% off from 22 November to 19 December
  • GUESS & GUESS Kids: Discounts up to 50% on select items
  • Carlo Rino: Discounts up to 70%

“As Malaysia’s premier shopping destination, Pavilion KL is thrilled to be part of the Malaysia Year-End Sale, supporting retail, gastronomy, and tourism,” said Dato’ Joyce Yap, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Chief Executive Officer (Retail). “We invite tourists to experience Malaysia’s vibrant culture and festive shopping scene—a perfect way to end the year with a memorable celebration.”

About Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is an award-winning, world-class mixed-use urban development located in the heart of Bukit Bintang, the shopping district of Malaysia. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur blends the best of the international and local retail world with over 700 stores and eight themed precincts. This premier shopping destination is a duty-free shopping paradise and the defining authority in fashion, dining and urban leisure. Visit www.pavilion-kl.com for updates on the latest trends, offers and events.

About Alipay+
Alipay+ is a suite of cross-border mobile payment and digitalization technology solutions that help connect global merchants to consumers. Consumers enjoy seamless payment and a broad choice of deals using their preferred payment methods while travelling abroad. Small and medium-sized businesses may use Alipay+ digital tools to enhance efficiency and achieve omni-channel growth.  

@dixonthum

It’s time to celebrate Christmas! @pavilionkualalumpur just launched their wonderful “Christmas Enchantment” celebration yesterday and I was so lucky to be there to witness the beautiful event with my friends. Head over to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur to feel the joyous season vibes and snow now! ❄️ #pavilionKL #snowinKL #ChristmasEnchantment #christmas2024

♬ My Only Wish (This Year) – Britney Spears
Lifestyle, Shopping

TAMASHII SPOT POP UP X ULTRA HEROES 2024: A Must-Visit for ULTRAMAN Fans!

dixonthum

Hey guys! I just got back from the TAMASHII SPOT POP UP X ULTRA HEROES 2024 event, and if you’re a fan of Ultraman or love Japanese pop culture, you HAVE to check it out! Here’s the lowdown on everything you can expect, plus why you shouldn’t miss it! This event is happening from 18 – 27 October 2024 at Central Town, Ground Floor in MyTOWN Shopping Centre.

Walking into MyTOWN Shopping Centre, I could already feel the buzz of excitement. The TAMASHII SPOT POP UP has truly transformed the Central Town area with life-sized statues of Ultraman Arc and Ultraman Blazar. If you missed your chance to snap a photo with Blazar last year, now’s your chance! Trust me, the sight of these towering figures will make you feel like you’ve stepped right into a live Ultraman battle.

Ultraman Arc
Ultraman Blazar

This year, Ultraman Arc is making his first appearance in Malaysia with action-packed stage performances. The shows are longer and bigger than ever before, featuring other favorites like Ultraman Zero and Ultraman Belial! The action is slick, and the energy is infectious – they’ve extended the stage time from 5 minutes to a thrilling 20 minutes!

I watched the stage show for media, and I was hooked. The choreography, the special effects, and the sheer presence of Ultraman and the other heroes had everyone cheering. Those weekend stage shows will be on 19th, 20th, 26th, and 27th October 2024 at 1pm, 3.30pm and 6pm – it’s going to be epic! After each show, there’s a Meet & Greet session where you can snap a photo with Ultraman Arc and Zero if you spend RM 200 or purchase the S.H.Figuarts Ultraman Arc figure at the venue. Don’t wait – these tickets are limited!

Meet & Greet

Apart from the jaw-dropping live shows, the event is a treasure trove for collectors. There are exclusive Tamashii Spot figures on display, including Ultraman Arc figures from S.H.Figuarts, and exclusive items like S.H.Figuarts Ultraman Belial – Clear Color ver. and Ultraman Zero – Clear Color ver. For anime fans, there’s also a display of figures from Dragonball, One Piece, Naruto, Demon Slayer and Kaiju No.8. Seeing the craftsmanship of these figures up close is a treat, even if you’re not planning to buy one – but fair warning, it’s hard to resist!

This event is perfect for families, anime lovers, and Ultraman fans of all ages. Kids will be absolutely thrilled by the live performances, and it’s a fantastic way to introduce them to the world of Ultraman. If you’re a collector, this is also the place to meet like-minded people and geek out over the latest figures. Bring your friends, your family, or fellow enthusiasts – just make sure to bring your camera too!

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Ultraman or just love action-packed events, TAMASHII SPOT POP UP X ULTRA HEROES is one you can’t miss. The vibe, the excitement, and the exclusive merch make it a super memorable outing. Head over to MyTOWN Shopping Centre now!

Lifestyle, Shopping

Experience the Paris 2024 Olympics at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s Olympic Village Pop-Up

dixonthum

As the anticipation for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games builds, I had the pleasure of diving into the excitement at the Olympic Village Plazza of Paris by Visa pop-up at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s Centre Court during its launching. This event, running until 28 July 2024, is hosted by Visa – the official Worldwide Payment Technology Partner of the Olympic Games – and Maybank. It was an incredible experience that I just had to share!

Launching of ‘Home of Champions’ in Pavilion KL

Entering the Olympic Village
Stepping into the Olympic Village through a beautifully recreated Arc de Triomphe was a magical moment. The attention to detail was remarkable, and it set the stage for what was to come. Once inside, I found myself on an Olympic track filled with a variety of engaging games and activities. I couldn’t resist trying my hand at the Champion of Sports games, including football, basketball, bowling, and sprinting booths. The competitive spirit was contagious, and it was thrilling to participate and even win some fun rewards!

Football Freestyle Performance

French Culinary Treats
No event celebrating France would be complete without amazing food, and this one did not disappoint. The food stalls were a highlight, offering a taste of France right in Kuala Lumpur. PAUL’s pastries were irresistible. You get to treat yourself to the limited ‘PAUL Olympic Pancake’ – free with a purchase of RM120 or more. By the way, the ‘flag street,’ adorned with the flags of participating countries, made for fantastic photo opportunities, and I snapped plenty of memorable shots.

Redemption Counter of Exclusive Paris 2024 Merchandise

Exclusive Paris 2024 Merchandise
One of the best parts of the day was shopping for exclusive Paris 2024 Olympic merchandise. By spending RM300 in a single receipt with Maybank Visa Debit card, you can redeem a stylish Paris 2024 Olympic umbrella. For those spending RM800 in two cumulative receipts, you get to choose between a Paris 2024 Olympic figurine or a plush, which looked adorable and were definitely on my wishlist.

Photography Exhibition

‘Sports and Fraternity’ Photography Exhibition
The ‘Home of Champions’ activities around the mall added an extra layer of excitement. I visited the ‘Sports and Fraternity’ photography exhibition by the French Embassy, which runs until 11 August 2024. The exhibition features 24 stunning photographs from Agence France-Presse, capturing inspiring Olympic moments and celebrating unity and peace. It was a moving tribute to the spirit of the Games and left a lasting impression.

Screening of French Films at Dadi Cinema
To round off the day, you get to indulge in French arts and culture with screenings of two delightful French films at Dadi Cinema: ‘Le Petit Nicolas’ on 5 August 2024 and ‘Ride Above’ on 6 August 2024.

Guest of Honour, His excellency Axel Cruau, Ambassador of France to Malaysia

Shopping for Exclusive Collections
Don’t miss to explore the exclusive Olympic-themed collections from several renowned brands. Omega’s Olympic Games Exclusive Collection was particularly impressive, and check out the special collections from Diptyque, Armani Exchange, Sergeant Major, CARLO RINO, and Maison Margiela Replica.

Be A Part of the Olympic Festivities at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
If you haven’t yet experienced the Olympic festivities at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, I highly recommend it. Whether you’re a sports fan, a foodie, or a culture enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. Be there before 28 July 2024 to join in the magic of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games celebration in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur!

Paris 2024 Merchandise

About Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is an award-winning, world-class mixed-use urban development located in the heart of Bukit Bintang, the shopping district of Malaysia. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur blends the best of the international and local retail world with over 700 stores and eight themed precincts. This premier
shopping destination is a duty-free shopping paradise and the defining authority in fashion, dining and urban leisure. Visit www.pavilion-kl.com for updates on the latest trends, offers and events.

About Maybank
Maybank is among Asia’s leading financial groups and Southeast Asia’s fourth largest bank by asset with close to 44,000 employees worldwide. The Group has an international network of some 2,600 offices in 18 countries including all 10 ASEAN countries and also present in international financial centres such as London, New York, Hong Kong and Dubai. With a purpose to Humanise Financial
Services and guided by its M25+ strategy, Maybank provides any array of values-based solutions established on sustainable and ethical principles to meet its customers evolving needs. These extensive range of products and services, include consumer and corporate banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, stock broking, insurance and takaful and asset management.

Lifestyle, Shopping

BOH Celebrates 95th Anniversary in 1Utama

dixonthum

Stepping into the lively atmosphere of 1Utama in Petaling Jaya, the air was buzzing with excitement and a shared sense of celebration. BOH, Malaysia’s largest and most beloved tea producer, is marking a significant milestone—its 95th Anniversary. As a tea enthusiast and lover of community events, I couldn’t resist joining in on the festivities themed “95 and Brewing for Tomorrow,” which will run until 21 July 2024 (Sunday).

@dixonthum

🍃 BOH is 95 and Brewing for Tomorrow! A tea for SustainabiliTEA, CommuniTEA and Wellness. In conjunction with its 95th Anniversary, The BOH, Brewing for Tomorrow Roadshow is happening from 17-21 July 2024, at 1 Utama Shopping Centre (Centre Court outside of AEON). During the launching ceremony, popular artist, Fazura graced the event alongside with other VIPs and launched her new collection of Fazura Tudung, specially designed for BOH’s 95th Anniversary. You can also make a pledge on the BOH Wish Tree by contributing RM20 to support Urban Biodiversity efforts in collaboration with Tropical Conservation & Research Center (TRCRC). Remember to come and join the fun games & activities with your family and friends. There will also be a special performance by local artist, Azira Shafinaz on 20 July at 2pm! Don’t miss it! #BOH #BOHTea #BrewingForTomorrow #BOH95thAnniversary @bohteamalaysia

♬ original sound – Dixon Thum – Dixon Thum

A Legacy of Tea Excellence: BOH Tea’s Rich History
The story of BOH began in 1929 during the challenging times of the Great Depression. J.A. Russell, along with veteran planter A.B. Milne, founded Malaya’s first tea garden in the lush Cameron Highlands. This visionary move laid the foundation for a legacy of premium tea production. The name “BOH” itself, derived from “Bohea” hills in Fujian Province, is a nod to the rich heritage of tea cultivation.

Over the years, BOH has evolved under the leadership of visionaries like the late Datuk Tristan Russell. As part of the 95th celebrations, a limited edition canister, Tristan’s Reserve, was specially commissioned to pay tribute to him. 
Today, BOH stands as one of the world’s few fully integrated tea companies, ensuring that each cup of tea, from bush to teacup, is crafted with utmost care and quality.

Celebrating with the Community at BOH’s 95th Anniversary
The event at 1Utama was a beautiful tribute to BOH’s journey and its commitment to the community. Caroline Russell, the granddaughter of J.A. Russell and current Executive Chairman of BOH, delivered an inspiring speech. She emphasized BOH’s dedication to nurturing sustainability and fostering connections within the community—aptly coined “sustainabiliTEA” and “communiTEA.”

One of the most heartwarming initiatives at the event was the BOH Wish Tree. Attendees were invited to write their wishes for a better tomorrow on cards, which BOH would then convert into a RM 20 donation per card to the Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Center (TRCRC). The goal is to collect 1,000 cards, translating to RM 20,000 for planting 500 new seedlings to enhance urban biodiversity.

Fun Activities and Memorable Moments at BOH’s 95th Anniversary Celebration
The celebration was packed with activities that were both fun and educational. I found myself engrossed in the various games and booths that highlighted BOH’s diverse range of teas, from black and green teas to innovative blends like the newly launched Imunitea—a hazelnut-flavored instant milk tea enriched with Wellmune® to boost the immune system.

BOH’s commitment to sustainability was evident in every aspect of the event. From using biodegradable materials to promoting responsible agricultural practices, it was clear that BOH is dedicated to preserving the environment while producing top-quality tea. Jason Foo, the CEO of BOH Plantations, spoke passionately about their initiatives, including the preservation of 45% of their land as forests and the use of solar energy to reduce carbon emissions.

Special Appearances and Performances by Local Artists
The event also featured appearances by BOH’s brand ambassadors. Fazura unveiled a new collection of Fazura Tudung, specially designed for the anniversary, while Azira Shafinaz is set to perform on 20 July 2024 (Saturday) at 2pm. These moments added a touch of glamour and excitement to the celebration, drawing in fans and tea lovers alike.

Join in the Celebration
I highly recommend stopping by 1Utama to experience the BOH 95th Anniversary celebrations. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about the rich history of BOH, enjoy some delicious tea, and participate in activities that promote sustainability and community well-being.

The BOH, Brewing for Tomorrow Roadshow
Date: 17-21 July 2024
Time: 10am – 10pm
Venue: 1Utama Shopping Centre (Centre Court in front of AEON)

As we look forward to the future, let’s raise a cup of BOH tea to the spirit of SustainabiliTEA, CommuniTEA and Wellness. Here’s to another 95 years of brewing excellence!

About BOH
This year, 2024, marks a meaningful milestone as BOH commemorates our 95th year.

While we celebrate our legacy as Malaysia’s trusted tea grower of Cameron Highlands built over the last nine decades, BOH is Brewing for Tomorrow. We are guided to be future thinking, mindful to nurture sustainabiliTEA and the connection with and between our communiTEA.

Sharing a humble cup of BOH together with the ones we love is a moment of bonding; a time to connect and share our journeys and experiences. We trust that BOH’s passionately crafted teas bring us on a sensorial journey of many different Ummph moments that connect us to ourselves, our friends and family, and the Earth.

With a focus to regenerate the environment in which we grow our teas, we continue on in our commitment to embed sustainability principles through every aspect of our operations across our agricultural practices, product packaging and community engagements.

Promoting wellness through teas of unique character and exceptional flavour will always be a key motivator as we expand our range of teas to enrich our consumer experience. We aspire that generations continue to bond and share life’s meaningful moments over a cup of passionately crafted and great tasting BOH tea; all with the underlying aim of enhancing their well-being.  

We are one of the world’s few fully integrated tea companies which grows, processes, packs and markets its authentic, homegrown and fresh Malaysian teas from ‘tea bush to teacup’.

Grown on 1,000 hectares of rich agricultural land in Cameron Highlands, BOH’s three gardens, BOH, Fairlie and Sungei Palas, produce 2.8 million kilograms of tea annually. In totality, we serve 5.0 million cups of BOH tea daily.

BOH’s award-winning Tea Centre in Sungei Palas is renowned to local and international travellers for its unique ‘tea discovery’ experience and captivating panoramic views.

For more information, log on to bohtea.com, like BOH’s Facebook and follow BOH’s Instagram and BOH’s TikTok.