Travel

My Experience at Iconic Marjorie Hotel Penang – Great Location & Modern Comforts

I recently spent 3 days and 2 nights at the Iconic Marjorie Hotel, Penang – A Tribute Portfolio by Marriott Bonvoy in Bayan Lepas, and it turned out to be one of the most refreshing getaways I’ve had in a while. The 5-Star hotel strikes a great balance between comfort, elegance, and convenience — making it a solid choice for both leisure and business travelers.

Let’s start with the location. It’s strategically nestled near some of Penang’s key landmarks: Queensbay Mall, Penang International Airport, the Nibong Tebal Bus Terminal, and even George Town are just a short drive away. Whether you’re coming for shopping, flying in or out, or planning to explore the heritage city, the location works perfectly.

I stayed in the Deluxe Guest Room with a king-sized bed, and honestly, it was more than just a place to sleep. The room was spacious, clean, and thoughtfully designed with modern touches. I especially appreciated the cozy bed and the well-lit workspace — ideal for winding down or catching up on some light work. The only thing that could’ve made the stay even better would be having a bathtub.

The hotel’s facilities are another highlight. There’s a 24-hour gym that’s well-equipped for a quick workout any time of day. I also made time to relax by the swimming pool, which had a lovely view and a peaceful vibe. The steam room was a nice bonus — perfect for unwinding after a busy day. I was told they’re opening a spa called Nest Spa soon, which I think will be a great addition for guests looking to pamper themselves.

What sets Iconic Marjorie apart is its farm-to-table concept. The hotel has its own on-site farm, which supplies fresh ingredients to the kitchen. I could taste the difference during my daily breakfast at Tiffin Hall — everything felt wholesome, hearty, and flavourful. There was a wide variety of choices in the buffet spread, from local favourites to continental options, making it easy to find something for every palate. It’s a great way to start the day.

For dinner, I tried the food at Tiffin Hall, the same in-house restaurant where breakfast is served. The menu features a mix of Peranakan dishes and Western selections, offering decent variety for guests who prefer the convenience of dining within the hotel. The setting was quiet and pleasant, which made it a comfortable spot to wind down for the evening.

For those travelling for business or planning events, the hotel is also well-prepared. They offer multiple meeting rooms, conference rooms, and even a banquet hall that can cater to corporate functions, seminars, weddings or private celebrations. The environment is sleek and professional — exactly what you’d expect from a well-managed hotel.

And yes, complimentary parking is provided for all hotel guests — which is always a plus in busy areas like Penang.

Overall, my stay at Iconic Marjorie Hotel was more than just a stay — it was an experience. From the comfort of the room to the impressive facilities and warm hospitality, everything was well thought out. If you’re planning a trip to Penang — whether for work, leisure, or a mix of both — I’d definitely recommend giving this place a try.

Check out their official platforms for more info:
🌐 Website: Marriott – Iconic Marjorie Hotel
📸 IG: @iconicmarjoriehotel

Food & Drink

Courtyard by Marriott Kuala Lumpur South Celebrates 1st Anniversary & Father’s Day This June with Buffets, Cakes & RM20 Deals!

Courtyard by Marriott Kuala Lumpur South is turning one, and the entire month is packed with delicious deals, daily surprises, and a special Father’s Day celebration. Whether you’re a buffet lover, a coffee-and-cake person, or just looking for a good drink deal, there’s something for everyone across their signature venues: Substance, Courtyard Lounge, and At 137 Bar.

1. Buffet Bliss @ Substance (Level 3)
Craving something hearty? Head over to Substance for their Endless Lunch & Dinner Buffet featuring Steamed Fish in Five Flavourful Styles—a seafood celebration that runs all month long! The buffet includes an exciting spread that changes slightly with every visit, perfect for family and friends to enjoy over the weekend.

Buffet Timings:

  • Lunch: 12.30pm – 3pm (Sat & Sun)
  • Dinner: 6.30pm – 11pm (Thurs – Sun)

Price:

  • Adult: RM138 (Lunch) / RM158 (Dinner)
  • Seniors (55+): RM98 / RM108
  • Kids (6–11): RM69 / RM79

🎉 Anniversary Perks:

  • Be among the first 20 walk-ins and enjoy the buffet for just RM20.
  • Prefer planning ahead? Get BUY 1 FREE 1 when you book online!

2. Cakes & Coffee @ Courtyard Lounge (Ground Floor)
From 1–30 June 2025, treat yourself to 30 Days of Cake & Coffee. Every day features a handcrafted Cake of the Day paired with a complimentary coffee—your choice of espresso, latte, or iced brew.

Perfect for an afternoon chill between 3pm–6pm daily.
🎂 Expect flavours like Red Velvet, Cheesecake, and Chocolate Truffle—all made to impress.

3. Wine & Nachos for RM20 @ At 137 Bar (Mezzanine Floor)
Celebrate the good times with Courtyard’s signature RM20 Wine & Nachos Deal at At 137 Bar. Get 2 glasses of house pour wine and a nachos platter with special dipping sauce from 6pm – 8pm daily, all month long.

4. Father’s Day 2025 Specials – on 15 June 2025 only
Make Father’s Day unforgettable with a curated buffet at Substance, available for lunch and dinner on 15 June. Enjoy juicy gourmet burgers and a variety of delicious sides created by the talented culinary team.

📸 Snap a pic with table props, tag @CourtyardKualaLumpurSouth, and stand a chance to win an “Afternoon Tea for Two” e-certificate. Three lucky winners will be selected!

Buffet Pricing (Father’s Day):

  • Adult: RM158 (Early Bird: RM118)
  • Senior: RM108 (Early Bird: RM88)
  • Child: RM79 (Early Bird: RM58)

🥃 After your meal, head over to At 137 Bar for a 6-glass whisky tasting flight—a sophisticated way to cap off Dad’s special day.

🎉 Whether you’re in it for the flavours, the vibes, or the value, Courtyard by Marriott Kuala Lumpur is where you want to be this June 2025, especially for a special Father’s Day celebration!

📲 WhatsApp for any booking: +603 8682 8898

About Courtyard by Marriott®
Courtyard by Marriott is the hotel brand of choice for trailblazing guests who are inspired by a passion to do great things. With over 1,340 locations in over 60 countries and territories, Courtyard is passionate about empowering its guests and serving the needs of travelers everywhere, no matter the purpose of their trip. Its thoughtfully designed guestrooms provide an elevated experience to relax and recharge, complete with plush bedding and flexible workspaces. Guests are able to work, eat well, connect, and be at their best to keep moving forward to succeed. Courtyard is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. For more information or reservations, visit courtyard.marriott.com and stay connected on X, Instagram, and Facebook

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary hotel brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy MomentsTM, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott Bonvoy app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

Lifestyle

LG’s Smart Appliances Just Got More Human with Affectionate Intelligence (AI)

After the launch of LG Subscribe, the LG Convention 2025 took place at the same venue in Bangsar South, and let me tell you—it was more than just another tech showcase. This annual event by LG Electronics Malaysia has long been the place where the brand reveals its newest innovations, but this year’s theme truly stood out: Affectionate Intelligence (AI).

Rather than focusing solely on automation, LG introduced a future where technology doesn’t just respond—it understands. Their AI-powered products are built to learn from your habits and preferences, offering personalised experiences that enhance daily life. It’s a big leap from “smart” to empathetic tech.

According to Justin Choi, Managing Director of LG Malaysia, “The next frontier isn’t just smarter technology – it’s more empathetic technology.” And from what I saw at the event, LG is already ahead of the game.

Leading the lineup were the latest LG OLED TVs. They now come with enhanced AI processing that adapts picture and sound quality based on your environment and what you’re watching. Imagine watching your favourite movie and having the TV fine-tune everything in real-time for a perfect experience.

Another highlight was the LG AI Air DualCool™ air conditioner, which learns your cooling preferences and adjusts itself for optimal comfort and energy efficiency. I also checked out the new LG Washer with AIDD—it identifies fabric type and load size, adjusting the wash cycle to protect your clothes.

The one product that really caught my eye? The LG MoodUP refrigerator. With colour-changing LED door panels and built-in Bluetooth speakers, it brings fun and personality to your kitchen—definitely made for the modern Malaysian home.

Other exciting reveals included LG’s first locally-introduced microwave range, a dishwasher tailored for Malaysian households, the LG Healing-Me Arte Massage Chair (a Red Dot Design Award winner), and the LG PuriCare™ ATOM-U Water Purifier.

With everything powered by Affectionate Intelligence, LG Malaysia is clearly moving towards a future where smart homes aren’t just tech-savvy—they’re caring, intuitive, and personalised.

For more updates and full product details, head over to LG Malaysia’s website or follow them on Facebook.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics is a global innovator in technology and consumer electronics with a presence in almost every country and an international workforce of more than 75,000. LG’s four Companies – Home Appliance Solution, Media Entertainment Solution, Vehicle Solution and Eco Solution – combined for global revenue of over KRW 88 trillion in 2024. LG is a leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial products ranging from TVs, home appliances, air solutions, monitors, automotive components and solutions, and its premium LG SIGNATURE and intelligent LG ThinQ brands are familiar names world over. Visit www.LGnewsroom.com for the latest news.

Lifestyle

LG Malaysia Launches LG Subscribe with Lee Zii Jia Leading the Way

I attended the exclusive launch event of LG Subscribe, the rebranded version of LG Rent-Up by LG Electronics Malaysia, and I’m excited to share the highlights with you!

The event also featured Lee Zii Jia, Malaysia’s bronze medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympics and LG’s brand ambassador. His presence added star power to what was already a game-changing announcement. With this rebranding, Malaysia becomes the first country outside Korea to implement a full-fledged home appliance subscription model, making it easier than ever to access premium LG tech without the hefty price tag.

Why the name change?
According to Mr. Justin Choi, Managing Director of LG Electronics Malaysia, many users found the word “rent” a bit confusing—was it a temporary rental or a rent-to-own deal? To make things clearer and align with other LG subsidiaries in Thailand, India, and Singapore, Malaysia has now adopted the more intuitive name: LG Subscribe.

This change is part of LG’s bigger vision, “Future Vision 2030,” which aims to transform the brand into a Smart Life Solution Company. LG Subscribe offers greater flexibility, long-term value, and makes owning high-tech appliances a lot more accessible.

Through LG Subscribe, you can now enjoy 10 premium LG products such as:

  • LG PuriCare™ water purifiers
  • LG CordZero vacuums
  • LG ArtCool air conditioners
  • LG WashTower laundry systems

What’s more, every subscription includes professional maintenance for up to 7 years, smart integration via LG ThinQ, and flexible payment plans tailored for modern lifestyles. It’s perfect for young families or anyone looking for convenience without the financial strain.

Another exciting highlight at the event was the launch of LG PuriCare™ ATOM-U Water Purifier. This sleek, under-sink purifier blends cutting-edge water filtration with minimalist design – ideal for compact urban homes.

Lee Zii Jia said it best: “LG Subscribe reflects the same adaptable mindset we athletes live by – evolving, pushing boundaries, and staying ahead of the game.” And honestly, I couldn’t agree more.

If you’re interested in upgrading your home without burning a hole in your wallet, LG Subscribe might just be the smart move you’ve been waiting for.

👉 For more info, visit LG Malaysia’s official website or follow them on Facebook.

About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics is a global innovator in technology and consumer electronics with a presence in almost every country and an international workforce of more than 75,000. LG’s four Companies – Home Appliance Solution, Media Entertainment Solution, Vehicle Solution and Eco Solution – combined for global revenue of over KRW 88 trillion in 2024. LG is a leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial products ranging from TVs, home appliances, air solutions, monitors, automotive components and solutions, and its premium LG SIGNATURE and intelligent LG ThinQ brands are familiar names world over. Visit www.LGnewsroom.com for the latest news.

Health & Wellness

IJN Becomes First in Southeast Asia to Implant Dual-Chamber Leadless Pacemaker

From left: Datuk Dr Azlan Husin, Clinical Director Interventional Electrophysiology and Implantable Devices, Senior Consultant Cardiologist; Datuk Dr Shaiful Azmi Yahya, Chief Clinical Officer, Senior Consultant Cardiologist; Prof Dato Sri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, Group Chief Executive Officer, IJN

I attended a press conference at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) today and witnessed a groundbreaking moment in Malaysian healthcare. IJN has officially become the first medical centre in Southeast Asia to successfully implant a dual-chamber leadless pacemaker—the Abbott AVEIR™ DR. This next-generation cardiac device marks a major step forward in the treatment of patients with slow or irregular heart rhythms, also known as bradycardia.

What Is the AVEIR™ DR Dual-Chamber Leadless Pacemaker?
Unlike traditional pacemakers, which are placed under the skin with long wires (leads) running to the heart, the AVEIR™ DR system is completely leadless. It involves two small devices implanted directly inside the upper (atrium) and lower (ventricle) chambers of the heart. This configuration allows for natural, synchronized pacing—closely mimicking the heart’s own rhythm.

The system is powered by Abbott’s i2i™ communication technology, which enables the two devices to communicate wirelessly through blood signals. No physical wires are needed, reducing the risks of infections, lead dislodgement, or vein blockage—all common complications of traditional pacemakers.

What Heart Patients Need to Know About This Innovation
This advancement is especially important for people living with bradycardia or other heart rhythm disorders. The dual-chamber pacing allows more precise treatment and improves patient comfort and mobility. The AVEIR™ DR pacemaker is also minimally invasive, has long-term retrievability, and allows for future device upgrades, making it a safer, smarter solution for long-term heart care.

According to IJN’s CEO, Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, this achievement reinforces IJN’s role as a regional leader in cardiovascular treatment. With heart disease remaining a top health concern in Malaysia and beyond, innovations like this are essential for better outcomes and longer lives.

IJN’s Role in Advancing Cardiac Technology
IJN has long been a pioneer in heart care. In 2018, it was among the first hospitals outside the United States to implant the world’s smallest pacemaker, the Micra AV. Now, with the AVEIR™ DR, IJN is once again setting new standards—not just in Malaysia, but across Southeast Asia.

As of now, 18 patients have received the new device, with the first successful implantation taking place on 27 May 2025. This achievement builds upon IJN’s decade of expertise in leadless pacemaker technology, during which close to 900 patients have been treated with wireless pacing devices.

This milestone also aligns with IJN’s commitment to early intervention, patient education, and cutting-edge cardiac solutions that deliver real-world impact.

Better Quality of Life for Heart Patients in Malaysia and Southeast Asia
For patients who need dual-chamber pacing but want to avoid the complications of leads and surgical pockets, this leadless pacemaker offers a life-changing alternative. The AVEIR™ DR system provides effective rhythm management while improving patient safety, reducing hospital stays, and enhancing quality of life.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with heart rhythm disorders, I suggest you to speak to a cardiologist about this new option. Thanks to IJN’s continued innovation, world-class heart care is now available right here in Malaysia.

IJN’s website: www.ijn.com.my