Maserati Italy Appoints Naza Italia as Malaysia’s Sole Distributor

Maserati Italy, the iconic Italian luxury marque was established in Bologna in 1914, has appointed NAZA Italia Sendirian Berhad as the sole importer and distributor for Maserati bringing in its complete Quattroporte and GranTurismo ranges and services to Malaysian shores. In return Naza Italia has invested RM10 million to mark its total commitment and dedication to the long term success of the Maserati brand in Malaysia. To outline its development and expansion of NAZA Italia, the company has undertook the building of  Naza Italia showroom(45,000 sq.ft), which is situated next to NAZA Auto Mall PJ, is considered as the largest automative showroom in Malaysia (recorded in the Malaysian Book of Records).

Speaking at the media briefing, Group Chief Executive Officer of NAZA Group of Companies & NAZA Italia CEO, SM Faisal said,”…the present economic climate will provide the challenging time for Maserati, opportunity comes with right brand & timing…i believe there is a potential for this exclusive niche product in certain segment, also a strong following by loyal customers within the NAZA group…”. Maserati Asia-Pacific Managing Director, Mr. Simone Niccolai said, “…sales of Maserati cars were 8500 units, a growth of 17% from 2007…”.

Priced above RM1,000,000, the luxurious Maserati will be displayed at the centre lobby of Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur from 27th to 28th February (11am-5pm)

2009 Formula One Race: Malaysian Grand Prix is Here in Kuala Lumpur

One of the most exhilarating, electrifying and breathtaking international car race in the world; 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship, will be held at Sepang International Circuit from April 3rd to 5th.

This annually upcoming 11th edition Malaysian Grand Prix race which will be held from 3rd-5th of April at Sepang International Circuit,  will commence its final showdown of the F1 race at 5pm Malaysian time to improve television viewership in Europe.

At the launch of the event, which was held at the Ascott, KL recently, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) Chairman,Dato’ Mokhzani Mahathir and SIC Chief Executive,  Razlan Razali, had promised all F1 fans, an all-round improved package, instead of reduction in ticket prices, which are the lowest among all the Formula One races.

As the ticket prices are deemed to be the same as last year, ticket purchasers will get more for what they have paid, basically  with a complementary round of GP2 Asia series, a special performance by Jamiroquai post-race concert and a variety of  family-oriented activities throughout the racing day.

For ticket purchase and more information about Formula One race, please log on to www.sepangcircuit.com or contact +603 8778 2222

Guardian’s Tribute to Its Employees

In repaying its employees for providing exceptional service towards consumers, Guardian has organized a nationwide Customer Care campaign to identify and acknowledge its role modelled employees whom have displayed distinguish values, attitude as well as behavior in carrying out daily tasks at their workplace.

As part of the Guardian’s effort for its staffs to emulate and exemplify these good values, the campaign was initiated early this year, where store managers had divided candidates into two categories namely management level – keyholders, supervisors and executives and the staff level – cashiers and sales assistants. The best of 13 candidates were shortlisted based on greetings, decorum and persistence for going extra mile. They were chosen in a zonal basis and the final national competition were held at Suria KLCC to determine the winner (which will walk away RM1,000).

Speaking at the media briefing, Guardian Chief Operating Officer, Miss Loi Liang Tok, said,”…as a trusted pharmacy, health and beauty chain, Guardian has always strived to provide the best service to our customers. We also recognise the importance of delivering excellent customer service whilst we practice ethical dispensing and ensure that we carry good quality products and value prices…”.

Galeri Petronas Launches “Go Block: Five Contemporary Printmakers” at Suria KLCC

Art is subjective and it comes from various  form of natures and sources. Its beauty can be produced  from inexpensive materials like concrete, wood, soil, and aluminium foil that has undergone the repetitive process of casting or moulding or printmaking techniques, that carved the final outcome  into a desired shape to attract the humans’ eye.

Understanding all these various concept of art,  Galeri Petronas Malaysia has underlined the importance of  natural artwork in printmaking techniques by launching Go Block : Five Contemporary Printmakers at Suria KLCC recently. The launch  has showcased printmaking artworks by five Malaysian artists namely; Juhari Said, Ng Kim Peow, Izan Tahir, Zulkifli Yusoff and Shahrul Jamili.

Curated by Badrolhisham Mohd Tahir, the 15 artworks explores printmaking as a dynamic techniques and innovative medium that strongly impacts the Malaysian art movement today. This ongoing exhibition is to enlighten the public that there is an alternative to the usual printmaking process that only limits to the use of ink, block, paper, and stamping.

Though printmaking is consider as an inexpensive process, these  five Malaysian artists have utilised this artform and turn it into their forte. They have been responsible pushing beyond the the boundaries of printmaking, by enabling audiences to delve into their complex minds and thought process by displaying their captivating their artworks that are deftly installed into powerful narrative art pieces.

The “Go Block: Five Contemporary Printmakers” exhibition will continue to display all the five artists’  stunning printmaking artworks until 15 th March 2009 at Galeri Petronas, 3rd Floor, Suria KLCC.

The Sportier and More Stylish Honda Stream RSZ Is On The Prowl

Promising its much awaited Honda loyalists as well as all Malaysian car enthusiasts, to provide a cutting edge appeal for the Stream ’siblings’ with the  sportier and stylish appearance, Honda Malaysia has unveiled the latest Honda Stream RSZ at Bijou, Mont Kiara.

Officiating the launch, by Managing Director and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Mr. Atsushi Fujimoto, said, “…Stream RSZ is a versatile vehicle that is made for any occasion; from individual daily commutation to family outing…is the best package available in the market…”. Also present at the launch were, Mr. Azman Idris, President & Chief Operating Officer of Honda Malaysia Sendirian Berhad and Mr. Yutaka Fujiwara, representative of Automative Department, Honda Motor.

Equipped with full bodykit and redesigned RSZ front grille together with 17-inch alloy wheels, Honda Stream RSZ has also incorporated a complete package of intelligent safety feature that offers improved illumination for night driving namely the fog light, smoke auto headlight and HID (high intensity discharge) headlights.

 

The vibrant black interior is provided with leather-wrapped steering that comes with a paddle shifters and an armrest  for 5-speed auto to allow a total comfort driving experience.

Comes with a spacious 7-seater, the Stream RSZ has been lowered by 45mm to outline a sportier feature and also to provide an enhanced stability in driving.

 

Powered by 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine that pumps out maximum output of 138hp and 174Nm of torque, the new Honda Stream RSZ MPV (which will be available at all authorised Honda showrooms nationawide from 26 February onwards) comes with four variant colours namely- Premium White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic and New Red Pearl.

Winner of MPV of the Year award in New Straits Times/Maybank Car of the Year 2008 Awards under the MPC category, as well as the Best Handling MPV by Asian Auto-VCA Auto Industry Awards 2008,  the Stream has sold over 1,600 units since its debuts and  is currently priced respectably at RM155,980 (OTR w/insurance).

Touch n Go Is Making Its Presence Felt at Suria KLCC

Moving towards a cashless society as well as enhancing the convenience and efficiency of  high frequency transactions, Touch ‘n Go Sendirian Berhad has unveiled “Beyond The Roads” at Suria KLCC recently.

In its continuous effort to support government’s call towards cashless society, the launch also marks the commencement of  Electronic Payment System (EPS) usage at Suria KLCC that ables to accomodate over 5000 parking bays.

By charting  Suria KLCC as its 32nd electronic payment parking facilities, that ables to save time, unnecessary usage of  parking ticket and reduce traffic congestion within its vicinity, Touch ‘n Go plans to increase up to 60 parking sites utilising present EPS card system throughout Klang Valley. 

Speaking at the media briefing which was held at the Suria KLCC Concourse, Yg. Bhg. Dato’ Yahya Ya’acob, Chairman of Touch ‘n Go Sendirian Berhad, said, “…we are targeting young Malaysian users to instill the desire among themselves to manage better finances with the usage prepaid card…”. Chief Executive Officer of Suria KLCC, Mr. Andrew Brien, said, “…zapping way in, zapping way out in less than 5 seconds using Touch ‘n Go card really put an ease to traffic flow of Suria KLCC parking bays, if one is to take account into thousands of cars moving in and out through the parking bays…”. Also present at the event were, Puan Hasni Zarina bte. Mohamed Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Touch ‘n Go, Ir. Hashimah Hashim, General Manager of KLCC Parking Management and Malaysia’s first Cosmonaut, Yg. Bhg. Dato’ Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor.

In conjunction with launch, Touch ‘n Go Sendirian Berhad also introduced its “Beyond The Roads” limited edition Touch ‘n Go card that displays a vibrant new look caters  to youth.

Proton Malaysia Unveils the Powerful Elegant Satria Neo

Every Malaysian should be proud of their own national car, likewise the word Malaysia Boleh really fits into the picture, as Proton Malaysia has unveiled the better performance and sportier enhanced look Satria Neo hatchback that has incorporated with new powerful Campro CPS (Cam Profile Switching) engine.

Speaking at media briefing which was held at Subang recently, Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir, PROTON Holdings Berhad Managing Director, said, “…the Satria Neo is known as a performance-driven car. What we have done is to enhance the Neo by making it more powerful, responsive and attractive by giving it an improved engine and a sportier look…”.

Exterior wise, the newly enhanced Satria Neo has incorporated new inserts into its new grille, bolder side skirting, side protection moulding that is larger & runs from the front to the rear bumper, while, the rear is fitted with bigger roof spoiler. The rear muffler & pipes are bigger to accomodate the CPS higher requirement for back pressure.

The new Satria Neo’s interior is wrapped by sporty red & black leather upholstery and doors’ inserts, while , its built-in dash mounted Blaupunkt CD Radio player can also handle MP3 music through a 4-speaker stereo system.

There are some changes in performance of Satria Neo, whereby the manual Satria Neo allows CPS engine extended gearing period that enable drivers to maintain the car in longer gears transmission (shift pattern is unique on this Neo CPS), especially on open roads. Thus, the CPS system has been recalibrated to enable activation at 4,400 rpm and VIM (Variable Intake Module) switches to shorter runners at 4,800 rpm.

Runs at 1,597 cc with Campro CPS DOHC 16-valve that churns out maximum power output of 125hp at 6,500rpm as well as maximum torque of 150Nm at 4,500rpm, the Neo also provide the surprise “KICK”  as soon as it takes off. The secret lies in the recalibrated throttle (manual & automatic version) that gives the “feel” to accomodate the driver. Fuel efiiciency wise, the Neo provides a respectable 8.9 litres/100km.

Available at all Proton Showrooms with two variant colours namely solid white and tranquility black, the new Satria Neo is priced at RM57,000 (OTR) for manual transmission and RM60,800 (OTR) for automatic transmission.

Federal Hotels International Provides Lunar New Year Joy to Old Folks & Kids

The excitement of tossing King of Salad “yee sang” and fun of receiving red packet as well as goodie bags were evidently appeared in the joyous faces of children and senior citizens at Federal Hotel Kuala Lumpur recently.

For us, this yearly celebration may seem normal routine during Chinese New Year but for many unfortunates and the poors, these are the things that they do not have the chance to cherish, especially with the loved ones or with family members.

With an aim to spread cheers & smiles to old folks & children, some 100 senior citizens and children from three homes namely Ti-Ratana Welfare Society, Rumah Kanak-Kanaks Angels Kuala Lumpur and Little Sister of the Poor Old Folks Home have been invited by Federal Kuala Lumpur & Hotel Capitol Kuala Lumpur to celebrate its 7th edition of Chinese New Year celebration at SkyRoom, Federal Kuala Lumpur.

As the joyous occasion progress at SkyRoom located on15th Floor, all the audiences were treated a stunning lion dance performance by Ti-Ratana Children Lion Dance Troupe, a special Chinese New Year Prosperity Show by Ti-Ratana Choir Group and a mesmerising dance by Rumah Kanak-Kanak Angels Kuala Lumpur. Goodie bags like Gong Xi Fa Cai hampers were also presented to the three homes respectively.

Pavilion KL Tea Party Fashion is at its Best in 1st Anniversary Bash

Tea Party always give the right kind of mood for every participants to enjoy, to groove, & to brag about, but Tea Party Fashion which was held at Pavilion KL recently, which coincides with its 1st Anniversary Birthday Bash has mesmerised over 250 odd audiences to a standstill. Local celebrities with the likes of, Deborah Henry, Carmen Soo, Hansen, Henry Golding and Stephanie Chai, donned in well known sponsors outfits such as Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins, GAP, Springfield, Cortefield, Promod, Forever 21, Eclipse, Tangoo, Envee and Giordano Concept have added much spice to the joyous occasion.

General Manager Marketing Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Miss Kuan Suan Ai said,” Pavilion KL is proud to have achieved such remarkable milestone in becoming the most iconic destination within the region…”.

In conjunction with Pavilion KL’s birthday, the event was hosted by Bernie Chan and a featured fashion show by Guess, Raoul & Banana Republic.

The 4th World Halal Forum to Stage its International Halal Global Standard in May

 

Built as a platform to unify a fragmented Halal industry and to enhance the level of global Halal intergrity, this upcoming 4th edition of  World Halal Forum will set itself as an “umbrella” to globalise an international halal standard.

Speaking at the media briefing which was held at Mandarin Oriental recently, WHF Secretariat Chairman, Datuk Seri Sheikh  Saleh Abdullah Kamel said the drafted halal standards will be tabled at the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) and Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) General Assembly. And after it has been conceptualised, the halal standards will be adhered by OIC countries as well as non-OIC countries which export to OIC nations. As a consequence, manufacturers of halal products need not possess two accreditations, when, International Halal Integrity Alliance will authorise the national halal certification body in each respective Islamic country.

This year’s theme “Achieving Global Halal Integrity”, the forum will be held in Kuala Lumpur on May 18th & 19th. Meanwhile, KasehDia Sendirian Berhad, Managing Director, Jumaatun Azmi said this year’s event is expected to draw over 2,500 delegates.

A Roaring Start to the Lunar New Year at Menara Hap Seng

As this coming lunar new year greets the year of Ox, Hap Seng Land Sendirian Berhad has celebrated its Chinese New Year at the company’s 22-storey Menara Hap Seng by organising lively lion dance performance and stunning acrobatics.

Attended by unfortunate community of PJ Lovely Nursing Center, handicapped children of Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Taman Megah as well as the members from the media, Dato’ Paul Ng Kee Seng, Chief Executive-Property Division, Hap Seng Land Sendirian Berhad said, “…we would like to kick off the year on a positive note for all our stakeholders who have contributed to the success of Menara Hap Seng…”. Dato’ Paul also added that, though the present economy situation looks uncertain, Menara Hap Seng’s office tower has managed to achieve 100% occupancy and The Podium, which is the building’s unique lifestyle and commercial three-level block has successfully rented out to restaurants, retail shops, eateries and banking facilities.

Historically, Hap Seng Land bought Menara Hap Seng from MUI Properties in 2004 for RM 167 million converted into integrated office-cum-retail building and in 2007, a total of RM60 million has been pumped to refurbish the building recently.

Pavilion KL Marks Its First Anniversary with Glamorous Birthday Bash

Birthdays come once a year and as for Pavilion Kuala Lumpur located in the heart of Bukit Bintang, it is the time to be generous to repay its loyal  shoppers who have helped them to grow over a period of one year. Undoubtedly, Pavilion KL has successfully fullfilled everyones’ wish by  launching the retail mall’s  First Anniversary with a grand cake-cutting ceremony, a tuneful singing performance by Riena and a joyous toast of champagne among invited guests at its Bintang Circle podium recently.

In repaying its loyal customers’ support, the birthday bash offers the first 300 eligible (needed to spend RM10 only on the Anniversary launch day) shoppers to take part in the once-in-a lifetime offer where luxury products were being sold at only one percent of their retail price. On the other hand, Pavilion KL also hold a month long contest where prizes including a three day/two night stay at the enchanting Raffles Dubai with round trip tickets provided by World’s 5-Star Airline , Qatar Airways, EON Bank Group Pavilion Pre-loaded Prepaid Cards and other fantastic prizes worth up to RM 200,000 in total.

The celebration is timely just as the Government is encouraging people to spend albeit wisely to stimulate the local economy and to ensure retrenchment is kept at bay with innitiative of purchasing power.

With a retail lettable size of 1.37 million square feet that comes with 430 stores over 7 levels and six theme precincts, Pavilion has become Malaysia’s most recognizable mid-and up-market lifestyle shopping centre as it receives approximately 2.5 million visitors a month comprising foreign tourists as well as the locals.

 

Officiated by Tan Sri Datuk Seri Zainol bin Mahmood, Chairman of Urusharta Cemerlang Sendirian Berhad, Datin Cindy Lim, Deputy Chairman of Pavilion Malaysia Sendirian Berhad and Ms Joyce Yap, Acting Chief Executive Officer-Retail of Pavilion KL, the event was emceed by Ms Elaine Daly.

Resorts World Berhad Sponsors RM1 million to Le Tour de Langkawi 2009

This year’s upcoming 14th edition of LeTour de Langkawi 2009, will witness a stiff competition among riders, a high octaned and exchausting climb up to the peak of Genting Highlands, as Resorts World Berhad has made a generous RM1 million contribution in cash to the Le Tour de Langkawi.

Commenced on 9th of January 2009, with the participation of  20 teams from 32 countries, the LeTour de Langkawi cycling competition, will offer national cyclists a night stay at Genting Hotel worth RM1,000 if they were to win any of the seven stages. Speaking at the press conference which was held at the Wisma Genting recently, Tan Sri Alwi Jantan, Executive Director of Resorts World Berhad said,”we believe that our riders are just as capable as other cyclists and if they win any stage of the Tour, we will reward them handsomely”. Resorts World Berhad also sponsoring the King of Mountain red jersey.

Meanwhile, Malaysian rider Low Sea Keong who will be competing in the Tour for the fourth time voiced, “the Genting Highlands stage will be the toughest stage, because of the steep climb and only the expert mountain climbers will be able to overcome it”. Also present the media briefing were, Le Tour de Langkawi 2009 Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Naim Mohamad, Yg Bhg. Dato’ Rosle Jaamat, Mr. Maniam Manikkam, Kay Prakash and another Malaysian rider, Ahmad Haidar Anuwar.

AEON Malaysia Launches AEON AU2 Shopping Centre in Setiawangsa

 Its a great news for shoppers staying within the vicinity of Gombak as AEON Malaysia Berhad has successfully opened its 25th AEON AU2 Shopping Centre at Setiawangsa.

 

Officiated by Minister of Federal Territory, Y.B Dato’ Seri Zulhasnan Rafique, the 58, 716 square metres retail shopping centre offers shoppers a unique arcade-style open concept that features environmental-friendly atmosphere, surrounded by lush greeneries that is in line with AEON’s social responsible efforts towards the community and environment. Also present at the event were, Mr. Nagahisa Oyama, Managing Director of AEON Co. (M) Berhad, Yg Bhg Dato’ Abdullah Mohd Yusof, Chairman of AEON Co. (M) Berhad, Deputy Minister of Federal Territory, Dato’ K. Saravanan and Mr. Poh Ying Loo, Senior General Manager, Business Support of AEON Co. (M) Berhad.

Opens from 10am to 10pm daily, with over 1,300 parking bays, the AEON AU2 Shopping Centre, worth RM135 million, caters shoppers to a wide range of delicious Asian and international cuisine at ground floor, the latest fashionable wear as well as fun activities for children at Smart Wonder World theme park on the first floor.

Heeding the government’s call to help the local SMEs & SMIs, AEON Malaysia has also teamed up with government agencies to initiate its programme to provide local entrepreneurs  opportunities to promote and to display their homegrown products at its Setiawangsa shopping outlets. The ongoing launch at Setiawangsa AU2 has also given AEON Malaysia the opportunity to  play its part in Corporate Social Responsibilities by generously donating RM2000 each to Victorious Living Assembly, House of Matthews and National Handicap Society respectively.

Benefiting consumers with high quality yet affordable goods, Jusco Selections offer varieties of goods ranging from groceries, cookware, household to home accessories, while, Jusco Supermarket Section offers  “Fresh Fish Daily”.  This new outlet, also introduces its new organic food section as well as AEON Wellness to cater  shoppers’ health and beauty needs.