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An Epicurean exBEERience for 200 Carlsberg Smooth Draught Lovers

Published on August 19, 2022

An Epicurean exBEERience for 200 Carlsberg Smooth Draught Lovers

SHAH ALAM 27 July 2022 – The Carlsberg Smooth Draught ‘Real Spicy, Real Smooth’ dining exBEERience has been an anticipated affair ever since the news made headlines. As anxious contestants gripped the edge of their seats in fervent excitement, 100 lucky winners and their partners were awarded the coveted prize of experiencing the edgiest contemporary Indian cuisine and Carlsberg’s signature refreshing smooth brew, Carlsberg Smooth Draught, in one fiery night of gastronomic symphony.

Spearheaded by the culinary maven – two Michelin-starred Chef Mano Thevar, the exclusive food pairing event delivered not just star-studded treatment but a four-course meal that brought to life the combinations of spicy Indian cuisine complemented and infused with Carlsberg Smooth Draught. The blend of heat and spice that graciously worked the palate coupled with the refreshing and hoppy taste of Carlsberg Smooth Draught induced a medley of unexplored flavours that took diners on an epicurean journey.

According to Lye Say Hong, “I’m super excited to be able to enjoy the experience of fine dining with Carlsberg! Never in my life have I won a prize, so this means a lot to me. When I first tried Carlsberg Smooth Draught I was intrigued. It was very smooth, which got me going. I fell in love with it! I am very excited to participate in tonight’s event.”

“I’ve personally never tried beer with spicy food before, so my first thoughts were I really want to win this prize. I really love spicy food and I love Carlsberg so when I won, I was over the top. I’m enjoying every single moment of this event and I really want to thank Carlsberg for this superb experience, they really are the best beer in the world!” said Thiban Eaganathan, another lucky winner.

Kicking-off the evening with mouth-watering welcome bites, Chef Mano Thevar initiated diners with fluffy Chilli Cheese Kulcha served with a deliciously creamy Carlsberg Smooth Draught infused butter.

Once guests were seated, they were treated to the culinary performance of Chef Mano and his crew working like clockwork behind the open kitchen. The debut for the evening came in an explosion of layered flavours that encapsulated the senses with an opening snack of Beetroot Chaat, Maitake Mushroom Samosa and Chettinad Chicken Taco or Vindaloo Jackfruit Taco on the vegetarian menu.

For the appetiser, a perfectly seared Hokkaido Scallop submerged in a rich coconut sothi infused with Carlsberg Smooth Draught delivered depths of velvety essence with each mouthful, while non-meat eaters indulged in a beautiful Zucchini Blossom coated with the same sultry gravy.

The mains which offered either Saratoga Lamb Korma, Crispy Amadai or Cauliflower Malabar immersed the tastebuds with spicy earthy flavours blended with Carlsberg Smooth Draught as one of the key ingredients. Each mouthful delivered a magical fusion of hot and piquant cuisine elevated by the refreshing smoothness of Carlsberg Smooth Draught, bringing guests on a mouth-watering joyride. The meal was then strikingly concluded with Rasmalai, a Carlsberg Smooth Draught infused ice-cream, to wash down the heat induced feast.

“This was a really great campaign by Carlsberg. I’ve always been a fan of Carlsberg Smooth Draught, and this was something truly unique. I even got a chance to tap my own beer for the very first time and learn about what goes into the creation of Carlsberg Smooth Draught which was really interesting.

The fact that the food was created by a Malaysian Michelin-starred chef was really the cherry on top of the cake for my partner and I, we were very proud to be part of this experience,” mentioned Ricknesh Kishor, another winner of the dining exBEERience.

The versatility of Carlsberg Smooth Draught delivers endless new and innovative adventures that will allow drinkers to really explore the depths of its flavour. With special thanks to Chef Mano Thevar and The RuMa Hotel and Residences in making the campaign a success, Carlsberg Malaysia now looks to bringing more exciting and contemporary campaigns to the fore.

Visit https://www.probablythebest.com.my/ to find out more about our upcoming promotions in-store and be sure to ‘Like’ and ‘Follow’ @CarlsbergMY on Facebook and Instagram for Carlsberg’s latest activities and giveaways.

Of course, as part of living a safe and responsible life, we advocate responsible consumption, always remember if you drink, don’t drive – #CelebrateResponsibly.

The Hills Kuching hosts FORAGE Food Festival from 22-24 July

Published on July 19, 2022

News & Features

The Hills Kuching hosts FORAGE Food Festival from 22-24 July

Catch the Gastro-Fun at Forage Food Festival!

Kuching, Sarawak – The Hills Kuching is set to host the FORAGE Food Festival from 22nd to 24th July 2022. This landmark gastronomic event will be held in conjunction with the closing ceremony of the Sarawak Gastronomy (SAGO) Incubator 2022.

FORAGE @ The Hills is a celebration of Kuching being recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

“Kuching’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is a testament to the rich natural resources of Sarawak, our talented F&B ecosystem and the unique diversity of cultures of Sarawak,” said Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Art Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. “Food is not just a sustenance for us Sarawakians, but a celebration of our unity, our diversity and our sense of community. Forage @ The Hills is a platform to celebrate and showcase this.”

The three-day festival will showcase F&B selections by SAGO’s food-preneurs including new food innovations boasting a diversity of local flavours. In addition, there will be other food vendors, performances by local artists and activities such as workshops, cooking demonstrations, discussions and talks by key local F&B influencers. There will also be a competitions with up to RM5,000 worth of prizes to be won, including an Aglio-Olio Eating Contest, Teh O Peng Relay, Quiz Night and Social Media Creative Content Contest.

A gallery will also display Kuching’s application to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) and other highlights including the unique native ingredients of Sarawak, our relationship with food and nature, the evolution of our food culture, and a whole melting pot of diverse cultures and cuisines.

The SAGO Incubator is an 11-week intensive programme that equips food entrepreneurs with the skills and network to grow their food business and succeed in the digital economy. This year’s nine food entrepreneurs were carefully selected from more than 30 applications by SAGO’s selection committee comprised of experienced professionals from the industry. They are Claudia Nasha Chai (The Abraham’s Kitchen), Ezi Firhan (Emillies Diner), Kimberley Ling (Tacos by Bojio), Marthineus Langi Michael (Stardust Cafe), Mohd Rozairie Ramlie (Flip and Fold Grill), Nur Fadzila Sarkawi (Aek Kunyit Manjakani), Nur Shaqhima Hamden (Queen’s Kitchen by Sheemadean), Ooi See Bee (Cloud-99 Ice Cream) and Saw Yee Ken (Billy Goat Coffee). Besides mastering food innovation skills from resident mentor Chef Achang Libat, this year’s nine food-preneurs have also been learning business development and marketing know-how to elevate their food business.

FORAGE @ The Hills is organised by The Hills, WAT Sarawak and Retrospective Discovery in collaboration with the Culinary Heritage and Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS), and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, TEGAS Digital Village, Supreme Group, Pullman Kuching, Green Buddy, Kedey Kamek, SEDC, foodpanda, Suara Sarawak and New Sarawak Tribune.

For more event updates, please follow The Hills on Facebook and Instagram @thehills.kch.

Celebrating Sabah and Sarawak pride with artistic icons on Carlsberg Special Edition cans

Published on March 28, 2022

News & Features

Celebrating Sabah and Sarawak pride with artistic icons on Carlsberg Special Edition cans — Carlsberg presents Sabah and Sarawak’s special-edition packaging in appreciation of their
beautiful heritage, traditions, and natural wonders

SHAH ALAM, 28 March 2022 – Building on the success of its Gawai and Kaamatan Festivals’ limited-edition packaging last year, Carlsberg Smooth Draught presents six artistically designed special-edition
cans and bottles this year to celebrate the pride of Sabah & Sarawak. The eye-catching mural that perfectly wraps each product centres around bringing people together to appreciate and celebrate the bountiful art and culture of the stunning Borneo islands.

Sporting six unique icons in vibrant colours, the ‘Sabah & Sarawak Pride’ packaging sublimely accentuates the lush local nature and rich culture in an illustrative composition, showcasing a masterpiece of contemporary art and beer. The creative artworks feature icons such as the Orangutan, majestic mountains and Rafflesia of Sabah and the Longhouse, Hornbill and Sape of Sarawak.

Aptly themed ‘Raikan Kebanggaan Sabah & Sarawak’, this campaign pays tribute and recognition to the beautiful culture of the natives, extraordinary wildlife, and amazing natural wonders. Available in 320ml cans and 580ml bottles, these iconic Carlsberg Smooth Draught products are made exclusively for Carlsberg consumers in Sabah and Sarawak and will be introduced in three phases through island-wide consumer promotions. The first two designs were revealed in March, followed by another two in conjunction with the coming Gawai and Kaamatan festivals and the final two to be unveiled towards the last quarter of the year.

“Sabah and Sarawak are both well-known for their diverse people, languages, traditions and festivities, so is Carlsberg, a brand that celebrates, and pays homage to that distinction that the locals carry so proudly. Last year, our first-of-its-kind festive cans in conjunction with the Gawai and Kaamatan festivals had such an amazing reception. This year, we wanted to step it up a notch, by rendering some of the most notable local icons into works of art, using our products as the canvas,” said Stefano Clini, Managing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia.

Visit https://carlsbergsabahsarawak.com to find out more about promotions in-store. ‘Like’ and ‘Follow’ @CarlsbergMY on Facebook and Instagram for Carlsberg’s latest activities and giveaways.

Of course, as part of living a safe and responsible life, we advocate responsible consumption, always remember if you drink, don’t drive – #CelebrateResponsibly.

Sarawakian architects win ‘Langit’ architecture competition

Published on August 7, 2021

News & Features

Sarawakian architects win 'Langit' architecture competition — Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg presenting a plaque to Langit winner Jacinta Yii of Yii KE Architect, as HSL Managing Director Dato Yu Chee Hoe (middle) looks on. Her design collaborator for the contest, Alan Kueh, attended virtually.

KUCHING: An eco-friendly 18-storey mixed-use commercial building design clinched Langit‘s top prize for Sarawakian architects Jascinta Yii and Alan Kueh.

Practising in Kuching and Melbourne respectively, Yii and Kueh’s joint submission included public spaces, offices, apartments, plant nurseries — all designed with inter-generational living in mind.

Judges called the entry “impactful, providing high-density, yet adaptable multi-generational living and
working units”. It was also praised for promoting ideas of sustainable living with urban farming as a
feature.

Langit: Reaching for greater heights in design and living

Langit is Sarawak’s first ever national architecture contest. Hock Seng Lee, in collaboration with Next
Phase (HSL-NP), intends to build one of the winners. The project site is a compact 0.78acres at a strategic
location within Kuching’s central business district.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the results at HSL Tower here on
August 7.

“The Sarawak Government enjoys a close relationship with architects. This is clear to see in our urban
planning, public parks and institutional buildings. In Sarawak, we know cities are made for people and the
people make good cities. We know that development plans must start from the human level,” Abang Johari said.

“My friends at HSL-NP codenamed this competition Langit because in Bahasa Sarawak, ‘Lang’ means
door, and in Malay, Langit is the sky. We want to reach for greater heights together. I hope Langit will be
the prototype of, not only a new building, but a new way of thinking about development.”

Different strengths, different messages

Second place went to Just Architecture, third place to MOA Architects, and two honourary mentions to UT
Moh Architect and Arkitek LH Wong. Their designs ranged from futuristic vertical farms to 39-storey
skyscrapers.

The third-place winner, MoA Architects, uniquely, is a twin tower designed using a plot-ratio system. This
planning method is similar to those used in regional megacities like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and
Bangkok.

The plot-ratio system allowed MOA Architects’ entry to have a large and meaningful public space at the
lower levels.

Cash prizes for the top five totalled RM200,000.

The judging process was anonymous. Jury members comprised Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) president Datuk Ezumi Harzani, PAM Sarawak immediate past chairman Ivy Jong, Veritas Architects director Lilian Tay, multi-award winner and conservationist Mike Boon, and developer HSL-NP representative Yu Ji.

Challenging convention in the heart of Kuching city

“Many of the design ideas challenge conventional expectations and demonstrated refreshing approaches
in place-making in the context of Kuching. A majority of the submissions displayed clear commitment to
social and environmental sustainability,” said Jong, who was jury chair.

“The shortlisted schemes pushed various aspects of design ideas thinking and juries were impressed by
the creativity, approach and thoughts demonstrated.”

In 2021, there have been just two architecture competitions in the whole of Malaysia. The first was for
design the facade of a train station between Johor and Singapore. That competition, which the Johor
Sultan was the patron, concluded in February.

Langit began in March. Participants comprised some of Malaysia’s best known firms, including TR Hamzah
& Yeang, Design Network Architects, Dr Tan LM and Form Zero — all winners of national design accolades.
HSL-NP is the project site land owner and and competition sponsor.

HSL’s current HQ is the first privately built Green Building Index certified office in Sarawak. Located at the
200-acre La Promenade, it is the only Sarawak development to win the trifecta of awards from developers,
landscapers and architects’ institutes.

For more info, visit langitkch.com, hsl.com.my or search #LangitKch and @hslcn on social media

Watch Borneo Jazz Festival 2021 free this weekend

Published on June 25, 2021

News & Features

Watch Borneo Jazz Festival 2021 free this weekend — Pete Kallang, Clinton Jerome Chua and Nisa Addina are among the Sarawakian artistes performing during this weekend’s BJF!

Get ready for tonight because the Borneo Jazz Festival Virtual Journey will be starting this 25-27 June 2021 from 6pm to 7.30pm!

BJF 2021 will be a combination of flashbacks to past musical acts that performed at BJF as well as original pre-recorded sessions and interviews with renowned jazz musicians from Sarawak and around the world.

Viewers will be serenaded by a string of jazz musicians including Clinton Jerome Chua, O-Ha Soul Band, Nisa Addina, Borneo Jazz Talent Search 2018 winner Ta’Dan and the “Prince of Borneo” himself – Pete Kallang.

Meanwhile, the BJF2021 Virtual Journey will also feature exclusive interviews with Singapore’s ‘King of Swing’ and Asia’s Jazz Superstar Jeremy Monteiro; Dave Brewer of Dave and the Doodaddies; and John Hammond.

“Covid-19 has shown us how important digital and social media has been for artists to reach out to their audiences and maintain their fan-following throughout the pandemic. After more than a year of watching the international entertainment industry, among others, innovate on how to reach out to their target groups, we look forward to seeing fans and new audiences embrace the Borneo Jazz Festival 2021 Virtual Journey,” said Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor.

“With the BJF 2021 now bringing the Virtual Journey into people’s homes through the Borneo Jazz Festival platform, TVS and Shopee Live there could be more new audiences and jazz lovers locally and from around the world,” she said.

How do I watch it?

Borneo Jazz Festival Virtual Journey 2021 — Watch out for O-Ha Soul Band and Ta’Dan!

Through the virtual platform on www.jazzborneo.com, viewers can watch the performances, interviews and flashbacks as well as engage in conversation with other online users throughout the 90-minute events.

Borneo Jazz Festival (BJF) will be viewable on www.jazzborneo.com, TVS and on Shopee Live.

Registrants to the BJF platform will be eligible for the contest giveaways to be held during the virtual events, where you can win free tickets to next year’s festivals, discounts to selected hotels, event merchandise and much more.

Viewers can also enjoy the show on TVS, Sarawak’s very own tv station on Astro (Channel 122) and BJF’s Official Broadcast Partner.

Grab is the Official Delivery Partner for BJF. Those who register and access the musical events on www.jazzborneo.com will be able to order food and receive discounts with a special promo code.

With Shopee named as the Official E-commerce Partner, the virtual experience will also be streamed via Shopee Live, giving access to millions of households across the country to enjoy the showcase from the comforts of their own homes.

Sarawak Tourism Board has opened an official store on Shopee to feature merchandise from BJF. This includes BJF Limited Edition T-shirts, Limited Edition Batik Linut Face Mask, Limited Edition Printed Batik Face Mask, and other attractive products.

To get Limited Edition BJF merchandise, visit https://shopee.com.my/placeborneosdnbhd

11 entries shortlisted for HSL-NP design competition Langit

Published on June 3, 2021

News & Features

Picking the next best high-rise for Kuching city will be the Herculean task for the judges of ‘Langit’, a nationwide architecture competition organised by Hock Seng Lee (HSL), Next Phase (NP) and Malaysian Architecture Institute (PAM) Sarawak Chapter.

Out of 85 submissions from 112 registrations in total, the jury has shortlisted 11 entries. PAM Sarawak Chapter received 85 submissions out of 112 registrations in total, with almost two-thirds of its entries from outside Sarawak, including architecture firms in Kuala Lumpur and Sabah.

All entries are anonymous and only identified by a code number to ensure that judging is based only on merits.

Construction specialist, HSL, in collaboration with Next Phase, has also included six additional entries to be part of the free public exhibition at La Promenade Mall.

“The competition gives architects and the developer the opportunity to create the next best commercial high-rise in Malaysia. There has never ever been such a design competition before in east Malaysia. The project sponsors, HSL-NP, will get a great design for this strategic piece of land. More importantly. the people of Kuching will get a great building with some of the best design considerations put in. This is a big advancement for both architecture and real estate development,” said PAM Sarawak chairman Chai Si Yong, who is the competition convener.

The shortlisted entries range from 11 to 39 stories high. They include retail showcases, innovative home- offices and truly world-class serviced condominiums.

“The shortlist are the ones that are customised for the site. They are not generic buildings. They fit their site context. Almost all also offer very well-thought out public spaces. By and large, they are not the kind of development with a guardhouse in front, keeping the public out. Langit must be a building that offers community enhancement. Inner city living is important. Jobs, schools and even good public parks tend to be in the inner city,” said Yu Ji, a representative from competition promoters Hock Seng Lee and Next Phase.

Besides civic consideration and designs with good public spaces, other jury considerations include sustainable design, lessons learnt from Covid-19, and the economic feasibility of the designs.

HSL held this competition because the Group wants to reaffirm its status as a professional-led construction firm, which intends to build Kuching’s next icon.

“The competition will complement our existing projects, and is a signpost of where we want to be in a few years. We want to have the best ideas right from the start. For each of our current real estate projects, we try to make sure there is something outstanding. For La Promenade, it’s to be the best gated community. For Samariang Aman 3, it’s to be one of the most affordable while also making sure we can offer well planned open spaces. For Vista Industrial Park, we’ve started Sarawak’s first Rent-to-own scheme for entrepreneurs,” said Yu Ji, who is also the director of Next Phase.

Where is the future high-rise in Kuching going to be?

The site is a challenging and small 0.78acre at Jalan Tabuan, opposite the Inland Revenue Tax Academy.

It is near Kuching’s central business district areas, a stone-throw from Reservoir Park, the Kuching South City Council and some of Sarawak’s best performing schools. It is also within a kilometer to The Spring Shopping Mall and Sarawak Club.

11 entries shortlisted for HSL-NP design competition Langit

The project is named Langit because, in Bahasa Sarawak, ‘Lang’ means door, while in Malay, ‘Langit’ is the sky.

Langit’s results announcement and prize presentation (cash prizes for the competition total RM200,000) is scheduled for late June.

“A good design will mean sunpath, window placement, cross ventilation and natural lighting will be built better. Quality of life is better. Projects can actually become cheaper. Efficiency is higher. We want to try to build something that will be a relevant many years and decades from now. The best ideas are timeless,” added Yu JI, who will also be one of the five jurors for the competition.

For more info on the design competition ‘Langit’, log on to langitkch.com, hsl.com.my or search #langitkch and @hslcn on social media.

Malaysia’s future stars set to shine on TVS reality show TVSTARZ!

Published on March 2, 2021

News & Features/Entertainment

What makes a truly addictive reality talent competition? Is it the tension? The sad backstories? The thrill of seeing your favourite make it through to the finals? Now you can add TVS reality show TVSTARZ to your must-watch list.

TVS may have just unveiled the latest addition in its programme lineup on Feb 26, 2021, but TVSTARZ already garnered over 645 applicants nationwide with 6 contestants already selected and shortlisted.

Six singers, otherwise dubbed ‘The Dream Team’, will have to sing their way to the ﬁnals as they face one challenger per week.

“TVSTARZ by TVS will be a breath of fresh air to the industry. We believe that this platform can leverage and nurture talents to the next level while utilizing local creative industry players particularly in Sarawak,” said Suhaimi Sulaiman, Chief Executive Oﬃcer of TVS in its oﬃcial statement.

TVSTARZ! will be the ﬁrst 100% online talent search program made available on TV due to today’s current pandemic.
In the hopes of finding the next movers and shakers of Malaysia’s entertainment industry, TVS’ first ever reality show production is set to meet the audience over 3 nail-biting seasons. Each season will focus on a different talent, with Season 1 focusing on vocals, Season 2 on hosting and Season 3 on acting abilities.

The ﬁrst season will be aired over 10 episodes while Season 2 and 3 will each conclude after a 6-week challenge. Each season will feature diﬀerent contestants.

TVS’ producer, singer and dancer, Jay C will host the show while singing coach, Yudhi Seriestha, and powerhouse singers Ernie Zakri and Amir Jahari will be judges.

Meanwhile singer and former Miss World Malaysia 2014, Sarawak’s very own Dewi Liana Seriestha will be the show’s vocal coach as well as TVS’ very own music producer Farouq Mousthofa will act as music arranger.

The show is set to air on March 16th, 2021 on TVS Channel 122 on Astro and myFreeview.

Watch it to believe it! Making way to your screens soon, TVSTARZ’s astounding vocalists are here to take centre-stage as the most unique and entertaining talent search program!

Fancy designing a building in Kuching’s business district? ‘Langit’ is the limit

Published on February 8, 2021

News & Features

KUCHING: Hock Seng Lee (HSL), Next Phase and the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) are inviting registered architects to challenge their creativity in an architectural design competition called ‘Langit’.

Targeted for a prime piece of land in Kuching’s central business district, the plot measures about an acre along Jalan Tabuan and is within 1 km radius of Kuching Waterfront, Padungan, and tHe Spring Shopping Mall.

Fancy designing a building in Kuching's business district? 'Langit' is the limit — The architectural competition for #LangitKch — a commercial high-rise — is on a small but prime piece of land in Kuching’s CBD. It is a matured site with commercial developments including offices, condominiums, shopping malls, hotels and schools, all within a kilometre’s radius.

The competition is open to all PAM-registered corporate members with prize monies totalling RM200,000.

PAM members may collaborate with foreign architects and there is no limit to the number of entries submitted by an architect.

The first prize is RM100,000, second prize RM50,000, third prize RM25,000, and two honourable mentions. Registration opens Feb 8 and the competition closes on Apr 19.

Results will be announced in late May.

What to know about the design competition?

Hailed as the first of its kind in Sarawak, the design brief for HSL, Next Phase and PAM Sarawak Chapter’s competition calls for a commercial development for a max gross floor area of 30,000sqm. The design can be for a mixed-use commercial development, except for a hotel.

“This competition is an ‘ideas competition’. A great piece of land, in such a good location, should have a great building on it. Any commercial development is also an opportunity to do public spaces,” HSL properties development general manager Tay Chiok Kee said.

Judges will focus on community engagement to enhance both the public and users of the building, optimum building orientation and economic viability.

“We want the best ideas right from the start. Our judges will scrutinise all entries, and as the developer, we will build what is best for the location and for the people of Kuching.”

PAM Sarawak chairman Jong is thrilled with the design competition.

“This competition is forward-thinking and significant for property developers as well as architects. The industry I represent has long yearned for a competition. We want to be challenged and to be competitive,” Jong said.

“HSL will gain significantly from having the most innovative ideas and best designed plans. But, really, the ultimate beneficiary will be the public. The public stands to gain a new architectural icon, new business ventures, new job opportunities and a new public space — all at a location easily accessible to all.”

HSL’s marketing team has tentatively named the project “Langit”, which in Bahasa Malaysia is sky, while in Bahasa Sarawak, “lang” means door.

“This is an aspirational project,” said PAM Sarawak deputy chairman Chai Si Yong, who is director of PDC Design Group.

“We collaborate closely with HSL to make this skyscraper competition happen. It was over a year ago when HSL first spoke to us about a competition. As a developer, HSL is designer- and professional-led. We spoke a lot about challenges, goals and ideas. It only made sense for us to jointly organise a contest,” Chai said.

The judges include PAM Sarawak chairman Ar Ivy Jong, PAM Malaysia president Datuk Ar Ezumi Harzani Ismail, an eminent Sarawakian architect, an eminent Malaysian architect, and HSL representative.

Kuching is one of the best design cities in Malaysia. It is a city notable for many award-winning architects and unique buildings. Firms in Sarawak like Design Network Architects, Arkitek KDI, IDC Architects, Pu Architects and David Ong Architects have won national recognition for their designer mansions, hotels, convention centres and interior designs.

Kuching is also home to the iconic State Legislative building by Hijjas Kasturi, the restored Old Court House, Kuching Mosque, OCBC Building, Sarawak Syariah Court, Kuching South and North City Halls.

For the latest, visit langitkch.com and pamsc.org.my. Updates will also be available at hsl.com.my and @hslcn on social media.

Shop, ‘ngupi’ at La Promenade Mall, Kota Samarahan

Published on January 27, 2021

News & Features/Entertainment

When you hear about another shopping mall like La Promenade Mall opening up in Kota Samarahan, those living closer to central Kuching may feel undecided about crossing the Kuching-Samarahan line. It sounds ‘far’ and you might have to deal with the legendary Samarahan traffic.

Sited along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway comfortably between the established city centre and smart township of Samarahan, however, the newly-launched La Promenade Mall by Hock Seng Lee is neither too far nor out of the way.

It’s 20-25 minutes from Kuching’s golden triangle, and if you’re willing to head to Jalan Canna to wait in the drivethru for McDonald’s Prosperity Burger set, another 5 minutes’ drive to La Promenade Mall will be a cinch.

Shop, taste the difference

La Promenade Mall doesn’t aim to be just another retail-oriented shopping centre, but a neighbourhood community hub that supplies services to shoppers and residents working the daily commute that they can’t get online.

HSL’s ‘Support Local’ approach will see Sarawakian businesses like Black Bean Coffee and Tea, NOMS, Taka Patisserie, Hock King Authentic Chicken Rice, Rice King, and Mr Domus among the tenants livening up the four-storey commercial space, offering local foodies and coffee lovers a cosy retreat after the day’s work is done.

Shop, 'ngupi' at La Promenade Mall, Kota Samarahan — *Indulge your sweet tooth with Taka Patisserie’s selection of freshly baked goodies.*

For those who are looking to do some grocery shopping on their way home, browsing through the aisles of anchor tenant Choice Supermarket promises to provide shoppers a more enjoyable experience with their emphasis on fresh produce, leafy greens, imported meat, freshly baked bread and personal care section.

Designed by Australian firm BHO Interiors, Choice Supermarket’s contemporary layout will also include a food kiosk, as well as a combination of serviced cashiers and self-checkout aisles.

la promenade mall kuching — Fresh produce kiosks named after popular local wet markets give Choice Supermarket a homegrown feel.

What’s more, if you’re looking to work out while relishing the sunrise and sunset views over Kuching, you’ll be able to check in at the Sweat Factory gym and enjoy a more holistic approach to wellbeing and fitness in addition to the gym machine with the availability of instructor-focused group classes and personal training.

On top of that, La Promenade Mall has provided special leases and subsidised rental to local non-governmental organisations such as Hope Place, Intellectually Disabled Adults Society, Bodhi Counselling Centre and Helping Hands, thus providing them space for workshops, offices and storefronts, truly making it a shopping center with public service and community focus at its core.

Currently, HSL is one of Hope Place’s biggest donors, which also includes the sponsoring of an animated short. Hand drawn painstakingly over a period of 7 months by the Sarawakian creatives behind Pixbugs Studio, Hope Place aims to raise RM100,000 through the fundraising video.

La Promenade Mall and the environment

If, at first glance, you had taken in La Promenade’s glass curtain walls and just thought it was an office building… well okay, you wouldn’t be completely wrong. La Promenade Mall is just one of the components within the 10-storey HSL Tower, which also happens to be the first privately owned Green Building Index-certified building in East Malaysia, with La Promenade Mall being its second.

What does it mean? With energy-saving features like it’s 3,700 custom made triple glazed glass panels it means more natural light, less heat and less air-con, resulting in an approximate 25% reduction in energy consumption. Light shafts going down into the basement carpark also helps reduce the need for underground electric lighting.

Impatient to see what else is going to be moving in to La Promenade Mall, Kota Samarahan? Watch this space or visit hsl.com.my and lapromenademall.com.my!

Refresh your Work From Home experience with Heineken 0.0

Published on November 18, 2020

Lifestyle/News & Features

Now you can enjoy the same great taste of Heineken® by inviting Heineken 0.0 into your virtual meeting

KUALA LUMPUR – Heineken 0.0 is now available in new cans for Malaysians to enjoy, anytime, anywhere!

Boasting a slimmer, more stylish and premium look, Heineken® 0.0 was launched following the rise in in-home consumption occasions amidst the new normal.

Heineken® 0.0 serves as the perfect partner to help refresh the work from home experience, which now plays a major role in our everyday lives.

The current pandemic has forced a shift in the workforce as more businesses are adopting the work from home approach.

However, it’s rather easy for the 9-5 grind to become dull and repetitive. Days are filled with back-to-back meetings that possibly eat into break time and lunch hours.

In some cases, people might be overworked, as working and leisure hours are blurred.

This ultimately results in a rather mundane work from home experience, but with Heineken 0.0, your work hours are now happy hours!

Starting from 23 November to 31 December, now you can enjoy a beer while you work from home by simply inviting admin@heineken.com.my to your virtual meetings, at least three days in advance.

Once your calendar invite has been accepted by Heineken® 0.0, you and your meeting attendees can look forward to 4 free cans of Heineken 0.0 delivered right to your doorsteps!

Refresh your Work From Home experience with Heineken 0.0

Heineken 0.0 with brand new look

“We decided to launch Heineken 0.0 in new cans as we saw that more consumers preferred to enjoy a beer or two at home. This also goes hand in hand with our aim to open up new drinking occasions with Heineken 0.0, especially as working from home is now a new normal for many of us. So what better way to refresh your work from home experience than to kick back with a beer in hand by inviting Heineken 0.0 to your virtual meetings,” said Pablo Chabot, Marketing Director of Heineken Malaysia Berhad.

Defined by its refreshing fruity notes and soft malty body, Heineken 0.0 provides a perfectly balanced taste.

It is double brewed like Heineken® with the alcohol being gently removed and blended with natural flavours.

This provides a choice for non-Muslim consumers, aged 21 and above, who enjoy the taste of beer but not necessarily the effects of alcohol, to enjoy the same great Heineken® taste anytime, anywhere!

Taking cues from the growing cultural trend around moderate alcohol consumption and living a more balanced lifestyle, it was first introduced in 2017 in the Netherlands, Spain and Germany, followed by the UK and France.

Heineken 0.0 then made its debut in Asia in 2018, by launching in Singapore, followed by Thailand in early 2019 and Malaysia in June last year.

The drink is now serving it’s same great taste in 39 countries worldwide, including Europe, North America, and Australia.

Ready to refresh your work from home experience? Now you can relax and sip through your virtual meetings with an ice cold Heineken 0.0, in a new 330ml can that contains only 69 calories per serve. Find out more about T&C and delivery on the Heineken® website.

The all-new Heineken 0.0 can is also available nationwide, in selected hyper/supermarkets and convenience stores.

For more information and updates, log on to the Heineken® website or follow Heineken® on Instagram (@HeinekenMY) and Facebook.

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