Penang Queensbay Mall Shopping & Eat

In support of inbound tourism - Visa

In support of inbound tourism



Visa has announced its partnership with Mid Valley Megamall. At the event, (from left) Ng, Tourism Malaysia Package Development Division director Syed Yahya Syed Othman, Tourism Malaysia Package Development Division Secretariat Shopping Malaysia head, Norliza Md Zain and Mid Valley City chief executive officer Daniel Yong.

KUALA LUMPUR: In support of Visit Malaysia 2020, and its target of achieving 30 million international tourist arrivals, Visa has unrolled a series of initiatives to promote inbound tourism.

“We have year-long promotions and offers in various parts of Malaysia including Klang Valley, Johor Baru and Penang. Visa cardholders can enjoy discounts and benefits at family attractions such as Legoland, Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, and KidZania, other outlets like BH Petrol and Swarovski, as well as hospitals such as ParkCity Medical Centre and Subang Jaya Medical Centre,” says Visa country manager for Malaysia, Ng Kong Boon.

Aside from establishing partnerships with such attractions, hotels and dining outlets, the company has also established tie-ups with major shopping malls to roll out attractive promotions in an effort to play its part in promoting Visit Malaysia 2020.

To this end, Visa has announced its partnership with Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur recently on Dec 12. Being the world’s leader in digital payments, this partnership seeks to encourage tourists to use digital payment for their purchases during the festive season.

With this campaign Visa cardholders can make payment with their contactless card for purchases made at Mid Valley Megamall here and The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Baru, to be eligible for redemption gifts. To sweeten the deal, when they shop on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and on the eve of public holidays and on public holidays, they will also receive eco-friendly metal straws and pans as giveaways for transactions about RM200 and RM350 respectively.

For the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration, Visa and Mid Valley will be introducing another campaign from Jan 5, 2020 to Feb 2, 2020 where Visa cardholders will receive Toys “R” Us vouchers when they spend minimum RM350 with their contactless cards.



Ng notes a tremendous growth in adoption of digital payment.

Visa cardholders in Melaka are also in for a treat as Visa has also partnered with Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, Terminal Pahlawan and Hatten Square. From now till Jan 2, 2020 Visa cardholders will receive a specially designed Barbie canvas shopping bag when they spend minimum RM300 using their contactless cards.

According to Ng, this is part of the effort to propel adoption of digital payment, which has seen a tremendous growth due to the introduction of e-wallets. Furthermore, digital payments are a more convenient and safe way to making payment, as no physical cash is involved and tourists do not need to walk around with a big amount of local currency.

“Many people have the impression that the exchange rate applied when using their cards to make payment in a foreign currency is not as good as what they can get at a money changer. However, this is not necessarily true, as the exchange rate offered by the banks are just as competitive.

“We are extremely excited to promote Malaysia as a tourist destination, especially to our neighbours in Asia Pacific. Based on our data, Singaporeans, Indonesians and the Chinese are the top spenders when they travel to Malaysia. During this festive period, we are partnering with malls frequented by tourists to encourage them to use their payment cards, particularly contactless payments, when they make their purchases here. These promotions are designed to help boost tourism spend as part of the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign, “ Ng said.

~The Star~

NETS payment now available in KL, Melaka and Penang

NETS payment now available in KL, Melaka and Penang



Singaporean shoppers headed to Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Melaka will now be able to make purchases with their NETS ATM card.

The number of NETS acceptance points across Malaysia have increased from 4,500 to 7,400 points, and they can now be found in the three major cities in addition to Johor Bahru, said NETS and its Malaysian counterpart Payment Network Malaysia (PayNet) on Friday (Nov 29).

The service has expanded since it was first introduced in November 2018, when NETS said that Singapore consumers could use their NETS ATM cards in Johor Bahru malls like JB City Square, Sutera Mall and KSL City Mall.

Now, Singapore bank card holders who shop at KLIA 2 and Sunway Pyramid in Kuala Lumpur, Queensbay Mall in Penang as well as Makhota Parade and Dataran Pahlawan in Melaka will be able to pay with NETS.

The services will be available at multiple outlets, including retailers that are popular among Singaporeans such as Giant Hypermarket, pharmacy Guardian, medicinal store Eu Yan Sang and bak kwa chain Bee Cheng Hiang.

Malaysian travellers to Singapore may now also make purchases using MyDebit ATM cards, Malaysia’s national debit card scheme through 500 acceptance points.

MyDebit may be used through NETS' network of merchants at Bugis Village, as well as outlets like Apple retailer iStudio, Pandora, Awfully Chocolate and Salad Stop!.

The initiative was first announced in a joint statement in April by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong.

EXCHANGE RATE "ALMOST THE SAME AS" MONEY CHANGERS

In an interview with CNA, Group CEO of NETS Jeffrey Goh highlighted that exchange rates will be competitive for Singaporean visitors who can now use NETS ATM cards instead of bringing wads of cash when they shop in Malaysia.

“So for example, when Singaporeans go to the grocer, and you don’t have enough cash, (this NETS service) gives them an option. It also gives them peace of mind knowing that we don’t charge them high forex rates,” said Mr Goh.

While the exchange rate could vary with every purchase, Mr Goh said that it was "almost the same as the money changers".

“For merchants, NETS service will bring customers to them. And customers (might) make bigger orders too as it's convenient for them,” he said.

When CNA visited an optician retailer at JB City Square, a Singaporean shopper who bought contact lenses with his NETS ATM card was charged with a conversion rate of S$1 to RM3.0248.

The rate was similar to the selling rate of S$1 to RM3.03 offered at a money changer at the same mall.

Singaporean Muhd Ismail Hassan, who visited JB City Square for a day trip, told CNA that expanding the use of NETS ATM card services to Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Penang was a good idea.

“When we travel up, we don’t have to carry S$1,000 to S$2,000 of cash anymore. It’s more convenient for us when we shop at the malls in these places,” he said.

Mr Goh said that NETS is looking to increase the number of acceptance points to restaurants and shopping outlets in Malaysia that are popular among Singaporeans. He added that NETS is working with PayNet to offer QR code payments “within the next six months” for customers.

This means that Singaporean visitors to Malaysia, or Malaysian visitors to Singapore, will be able to make purchases via cashless payments services such as DBS PayLah via QR code transactions through their smartphones.

NETS was also working with partners in Indonesia and Thailand to enable cross-border instant fund transfers and QR payments in the future, he said.

Source: CNA/am(hm)

Duty-free shopping for cruise travellers

Duty-free shopping for cruise travellers



Great potential: Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal is an important entry point for international tourists in Penang, making it an obvious location for duty-free shopping.

GEORGE TOWN: Cruise ship passengers visiting Penang will be able to buy duty-free items such as perfume, liquor and chocolates come July or August.

Penang Port Commission chairman Jeffrey Chew Gim Ean said the initial shopping space at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Ter­minal of about 74sq m would be near the CIQ (Customs, Immi­gration and Quarantine) area.

“This shop will cater only to cruise ship passengers. Perfume, liquor and chocolates will be sold.

“There is a possibility of adding more outlets if space permits.

“The duty-free shop will operate behind the immigration checkpoint for this phase. Phase Two will be announced later,” he said.

Chew said the initiative was in line with the announcement by the Finance Ministry in Budget 2019.

He said this was a good start to the pier’s tourism retailing.

“Last year, there were 1.02 million passengers coming into Penang through the pier.

“With this first facility, we will also be able to attract other outlets at Phase Two to offer non-duty-free products that are produced here in Penang.

“Phase Two is set to be located in the warehouse area at the pier,” he said.

Chew said there was demand for a duty-free facility as international passengers were always on the lookout for duty-free goods and locally made products.

He said port concessionaire Penang Port Sdn Bhd was managing the Phase One duty-free operator.

Penang Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Com­mittee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said cruise tourism was an important sub-sector here as it could bring in higher-end tourists with spending power.

“In addition, we believe the facility will complement the RM155mil expansion plan to make the pier more attractive, on top of its strategic proximity to the city centre and make it a preferred cruise destination,” he said.

The RM155mil expansion is the extension of the berth and pier building to accommodate larger cruise ships.

Upon completion, the joint venture project between Penang Port Sdn Bhd (60%) and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (40%) would be able to handle 1.7 million passengers a year by 2021.

~Courtesy of The Star~

Queensbay Mall @ CNY decorations

SST: Not much difference for service sector

SST: Not much difference for service sector

The implementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) beginning this Saturday is not expected to make a major difference in the price of services.

According to tax expert Norsa’adah Ahmad, this was because the six per cent tax imposed on services such as those provided by hotels, insurance, and food catering companies was the same as that imposed by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) before this.

“There should not be much difference with the previous price...most (prices) will remain the same.

“Compared to the effect (of SST) on the price of other goods where the public is watching to see if prices increase or not, the price of services is not expected to show much difference,” she told Bernama today.

However, Norsa’adah who is also a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) did not discount the possibility of double taxation on the price of food and drinks sold in food outlets.

She said a 10 per cent sales tax is imposed on certain products like canned drinks at the production stage and it was not impossible that restaurants would increase their prices to cover the service tax.

Among the services on which the SST is imposed are those provided by night clubs, private clubs, golf clubs, casinos, lotteries, telecommunications, paid television, legal services, accounting services, forwarding agents, architects, engineers, valuers, security, parking, car rentals, advertising, domestic services, information technology services, credit cards and electrical services.

Meanwhile, hoteliers also do not expect an increase in room rates with the SST except for the usual increase during peak periods such as school holidays due to high demand.

However, executive director of the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners Shaharudin M.Saaid said if the mechanism for the tax was the same as the previous SST, the room rates are expected to decrease.

“If the mechanism is the same as SST 1.0 before the GST was imposed, then room rates should be cheaper as the SST 1.0 did not impose a six per cent tax on service charges,” he said.

He said under the GST, a six per cent tax was imposed on service charges, resulting in an increase in the price of rooms and other services.

However Shaharudin hoped the mechanism for the implementation of the new SST is explained to the hotels quickly to avoid any confusion.

“We are waiting for clarification from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department,” he said. - Bernama

Connectivity to Queensbay Mall

Malls launch free shuttle service

Malls launch free shuttle service

GURNEY Plaza and Gurney Paragon Mall, two popular shopping malls here, have introduced a free Rapid Penang loop shuttle bus service.

The service, which is fully sponsored by the two malls, offers transport between the two malls and around the Pulau Tikus area.

It is also expected to reduce traffic congestion near and around the malls, especially during peak hours and holidays.

From 8am to 11pm daily, the shuttle bus will make a total of 16 trips hourly.

It starts at Gurney Plaza and makes 19 stops along the way in Jalan Kelawai, Jalan Bagan Jermal, Jalan Burmah and Jalan Pangkor, and ends at Gurney Paragon Mall.

The bus in blue and purple is easily recognisable and distinct from the regular Rapid Penang, which is in blue and yellow.

Pulau Tikus assemblyman Yap Soo Huey, who helped initiate a two-month trial of the shuttle service last year, said the bus connected Pulau Tikus with the two malls.

“People can now park their car in Pulau Tikus and take the bus to the malls or the other way around.“

“This will give more convenience to drivers who would be able to save time looking and waiting for a place to park.

“They can also take in the sights in Pulau Tikus, especially the Wat Chayamangkalaram and Dhammikarama Siamese and Burmese temples, and sample the famous hawker food before or after visiting the malls,” she said after launching the shuttle service with state Local Government and Traffic Management committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow in Jalan Kelawai recently.

Yap praised the two malls for making the effort to ease the traffic congestion in the area and encouraging people to use public transport.

“We are trying to promote public transport with the aim of reducing air and noise pollution as well as traffic congestion,”” she said.


Chow Kon Yeow (left), Yap Soo Huey (second from left) and Rapid Penang chief operating officer Major (rtd) Mohd Shukri Abdul Rahman (fourth from left) launch the new service.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Privilege card for tourists

Privilege card for tourists

The Gurney Paragon Mall Tourist Privilege Card was recently launched to give tourists the opportunity to enjoy even more discounts and special deals at the mall.

Launched by the state's Tourism Development committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang, the programme currently has about 100 participating outlets.

Hunza Properties Bhd executive director Khor Siang Gin said this effort signified the mall's commitment towards promoting Penang as a key destination.

"Through this programme, tourists can benefit directly from the participating tenants," he said.

Law said: "I am pleased that Gurney Paragon has taken on this initiative to contribute to the tourism industry. We believe that a successful international tourist city depends on introducing new and exciting products, events and giving visitors an unforgettable experience."

In a press conference, Hunza Properties executive director Lily Tan said the programme was opened to all foreign tourists, as long as they showed their passports.

"Registration is free, and the card is renewable daily. So far, we have already given out 800 cards, and we hope to give out at least 1,000 cards each month. By Melissa Darlyne Chow 

Khor Siang Gin (left) and Danny Law Heng Kiang showing the Tourist Privilege Card launched by Gurney Paragon Mall.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Chowrasta Market: Traders await facelift

Traders await facelift

IF there is one place where rats are aplenty in Penang, it would be at the Chowrasta market in Jalan Penang.

The market, built some 120 years ago, has the dubious distinction of housing some of the biggest rats in the country.

Abu Bakar Pakir, a butcher here, said the rodents, some as big as cats, would roam the market at night.

"The rat menace is so terrible that we have to store our goods properly.

"Otherwise, our regular customers would have fallen sick," said Abu Bakar of the market, which is now undergoing a RM12.1 million facelift.

He said other than rats, which nest under the market, shortage of parking was another major concern for both traders and patrons.

"There is limited parking for vehicles in the area.

"To worsen the situation, illegal traders sell their wares at the parking lots outside the market."

Further compounding the problem, said housewife Noraini Hussain, is the scramble for parking with patrons of the various eateries near the market.

She said market-goers have to "fight" with the restaurant patrons for parking space.

"We have no choice but to get to the market early to get a parking space," said the 35-year-old.

Despite the rat situation and parking shortage, she said many people still do their shopping at the market.

"It is close to our homes and the prices for most goods are quite reasonable."

Regular patron Tan Ley Chin, 52, described the market as "quite dirty".

He said there used to be about 10 and 12 people assigned to sweep and clean the market.

"These days, one could only find two or three people working.

"I am glad the market is undergoing a major facelift. I hope the rat problem can be eradicated and the market will be cleaner."

The market renovation works, which started early this year and expected to be completed in March 2015, would provide more room for traders.

At present, some 90 traders are selling their wares at the market. When completed, the market could take in about 170 traders.

The number of traders outside the market would be reduced by almost half, from 138 to 66.

Once ready, some 120 parking lots would also be available.



The market renovation works, which is expected to be completed in March 2015, would provide more room for traders.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Street market turns 7 with fanfare

Street market turns 7 with fanfare

HUNDREDS of local and foreign tourists alike recently celebrated the seventh anniversary of Little Penang Street Market (LPSM) at Upper Penang Road, here.

LPSM coordinator Lyndy Ong said the street market, which was started in 2006, has become popular as a place for experiencing Penang culture.

"As we mark LPSM's seventh year, we are glad to see that the street market is becoming famous as one of the most happening places in the city now," she said.

"We will continue to put in efforts to ensure the street market continues to showcase the friendliness of Penangites and also enhance the people's awareness of the unique culture and heritage of Penang."

Ong noted, however, that it was not enough to just depend on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to expand and promote the market, and that it needed the support from the Penang government as well.

She hoped the state government would provide more funds to LPSM as they needed finances to set up places for performances and vendors.

"If the state government can give more allocation, we can provide more comfortable places for our vendors and visitors. We will also be able to invite more renowned artisans and craftsmen to share their works with us," she said.

More than 70 stalls presently make up the street market, each with its own unique and special handicrafts.

Among handicrafts on display are jewellery, woven crafts and hand-sewn bags, crafts made from wood and minions made from clay. There are also paintings, plants, clothing as well as Penang Nyonya food and snacks.

There is a stage for budding performers and artists to display their talents.

The LPSM is also the venue for NGOs to promote their cause and sell their products to raise funds.

The street market is held on the last Sunday of each month.



~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Market to get new facilities

Market to get new facilities

UPGRADING of the Chowrasta Market Complex in Penang Road, Pe-nang, has started and is expected to be completed by March 2015.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng believes after the makeover, it will not only be a market of excellent facilities but also a symbolic one.

“The upgraded market will definitely be a proud monument for not only the area’s residents but also for every Penangite.

“Once the RM12.1 mil upgrading work is completed, the complex will see a return of its former glory days.

“It will be equipped with modern facilities as it is the state government’s wish to see Penang achieve an international status,” he said.

Penang Municipal Council secretary Ang Aing Thye said the council had studied the area before deciding to upgrade the market.

“One of the problems is traffic congestion caused by roadside peddlers along Jalan Chowrasta, Jalan Kuala Kangsar and Lebuh Tamil.

“As a result, the market will be upgraded with a total of 123 parking lots in its complex to solve the problem,” he said, adding that illegal parking also contributed to the congestion problem.

After the upgrading is completed, the two-storey complex will have a total 229 lots for vendors.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Street market going strong

Street market going strong

THE Little Penang Street Market (LPSM) will be turning seven in July and it is showing no signs of slowing down.

Organiser James Lochhead said a recent survey showed that 60% of the market’s visitors were domestic and foreign tourists while the rest were Penangites.

“Generally, the visitors were pleased with the market.

“Considering the limited resources, it’s fantastic that the LPSM has gone on every month since its inception – clearly there’s a demand for it and it has huge potential to grow,” he said when met at the market on Sunday.

The LPSM was started to celebrate creativity and heritage, he said.

He added that going forward, the challenge was to publicise and develop the market.


Bargains galore: Visitors to the market checking out the many items on sale

“If we can get someone to do outreach work for the market and bring in new participants and talents, it will be great.

“Perhaps the state government can come up with a more coherent policy for the development of the arts, culture and festivals here so that event organisers who need more support will receive assistance,” he said.

Lochhead said future plans included having designated tents for schools to exhibit their projects and the public to show items related to the environment.

More activities for the kids are also in the pipeline.

More than 70 stalls sell a range of products at the LPSM from 10am to 5pm at Upper Penang Road in George Town every last Sunday of the month.

Asia Community Service (ACS) Stepping Stone centre supervisor Hasra Othman said its members had been selling their home-made snacks and handicraft like soap, bags and clothing at the market since day one.

The ACS booth sells over 50 items all made by people with disabilities.

“In the last three years or so, the market has become more commercialised in terms of the items sold.

“Perhaps we need to go back to the traditional craft items which are one-of-a-kind pieces to attract the crowd,” she said.

ACS member Rozihad Yahaya, who started as an apprentice, has been weaving craft items for over a decade and is now a trainer at the centre.

“Many kids who come to the market like to try their hand at weaving and I enjoy teaching them,” she said.

Artist and gallery assistant curator Jeff Jansen said the market draws an especially large crowd during long weekends.

“I’ve been here for about three years and I’ve seen traders move on as new ones come in, which is good for the market.

“For the visual arts display, we put up paintings by both locals and foreigners on display so that they are accessible to everyone including kids.

“Often, even adults feel too intimidated to visit art galleries.

“Here, anyone can just walk up and enjoy a painting – there are no walls and no doors,” he said.

For details on the market’s upcoming events, log on to www.littlepenang.com.my/wordpress/ or call 017-4290806.

~News courtesy of The Star~

6 new retailers adding to Gurney Paragon Mall

Six new retailers to be added to Gurney Paragon Mall

Gurney Paragon Mall is bringing in six new retailers to Penang which will be added to their three-storey retail podium and St Jo’s. These new retailers include Ben’s, Lunarich Pizza & Pasta, Angus House Japanese Charcoal Steak, JK Plastic Surgery Consultation Centre, My Dream Wedding and Dragon-i Signature.

Ben’s, Angus House Japanese Charcoal Steak, My Dream Wedding and Dragon-i Signature are opening their first stores in Northern region, whereas Lunarich Pizza & Pasta and JK Plastic Surgery Consultation Centre are operating their maiden Malaysian stores in Gurney Paragon.

Especially popular in Kuala Lumpur, Ben’s by the BIG Group is occupying more than 8,000 square foot of space spread over two levels of St Jo’s and is expected to open for business on 12 December 2012. The concept behind Ben’s brand is that great memories are shared over meals, thus to eat is to love. Ben’s is designed to evoke the warm, inviting kitchens and dining rooms of Ben’s family homes. From rustic-chic country clapboard to sophisticated city loft; each ‘home’ is unique in its style and personality.

Concentrating on international cuisine, the menu ranges from refreshing appetisers and salads, hearty East and West main courses, delicious snacks and luscious desserts. For more information on the restaurant, visit http://www.thebiggroup.co/bens/ .

Lunarich Pizza & Pasta has been opened since 23 November 2013. Originating from Korea, it is an Italian restaurant chain specializing in fire-pot pizzas as well as pastas and risottos. Its signature dishes include varieties of fire pot pizza such as Margherita, Gorgonzola and Luna Special; pastas such as Spaghetti Con Cozze e Pomodoro and Spaghetti alla Pescatore Cream; and Salads such, as Pollo and Salmon salads. For more information on the restaurant, visit www.lunarich.com.my.

Angus House Japanese Charcoal Steak offers and serves American and Italian cuisines delicately infused with Japanese flavours and style. It prides itself in serving the finest quality of imported beef. It is famous for the Charcoal Grilled Black Angus Beef Steak, Spaghetti with Salmon Roe & Abalone, Wagyu Beef Steak, Master KOBE and Tiramisu. Its menu also includes pastas, grilled or baked seafood platters and a list of wines, sakes and Japanese beers.

JK Plastic Surgery Consultation Centre at Gurney Paragon serves as a pre-treatment contact point where patient’s plastic surgery needs and travel arrangements are attended to before the actual treatment takes place in Korea. It provides consultation on facial contouring surgery, orthognathic or corrective jaw surgery, anti-aging, autologous, PRP fat grafting, breast augmentation, body contouring, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, hair grafting, and bone marrow stem-cell treatment and more. Visit http://english.jkplastic.com/index.html for more information.

My Dream Wedding is Malaysia’s first bridal house specialising in sending couples to top bridal houses overseas such as Hong Kong, Paris , Japan , Korea , Singapore , Macau , Taiwan and New Zealand to take their wedding photos. They also provide an exclusive collection of couture wedding gown, and services such as bridal bouquet, emcee/ DJ, flower decorations, live band performance, wedding day photography and videography. Visit www.mydreamweddinghouse.com for more information.

Dragon-i Signature serves authentic Shanghainese delicacies, and stands apart from other Dragon-i outlets with its fine-dining setting and an exclusive premium menu. Each delicacy is prepared by skilled chefs from mainland China and using high quality ingredients. Aside from catering to casual diners, Dragon-i Signature is also able to host corporate or private banquets.

~News courtesy of Visit Penang~

Malaysian Official Currency - Ringgit

Penangites celebrate all things French

Penangites celebrate all things French

SHOPPERS walking into Gurney Plaza in Penang will have a chance to be seduced by French culture.

They will be greeted by a 5.5m wooden model of the Eiffel Tower in the atrium of the new wing.

The structure is part of the shopping mall’s French Festival till June 2, which also saw the launching of a French Film Festival to complement the experience.

The festival was launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by state Domestic Trade, Consumer Affairs and Religious Affairs Committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim, Alliance Francaise Penang president Datuk Renji Sathiah, and Gurney Plaza central manager Lawrence Teh.

“Penang is aiming to be an international city, and this festival has come at the right time to show that we are not only a tourist destination but also a place for investors,” said Abdul Malik.

The French Film Festival from Thursday to May 31 will showcase six films from a variety of genres such as action and romance.

“This festival is a great way to promote French culture,” said Renji.

Gurney Plaza will also be holding a ballet and dance performance by MyDance Station and individual talents at 3pm followed by live strolling musicians at 4pm this Saturday and Sunday.

A living statue performance from 4pm to 8pm will also be held on both days.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Queensbay Mall

Penang shopping centre-Queensbay Mall

Skateboarders to show off at Galaxie contest

Skateboarders to show off at Galaxie contest

CALLING skateboarders seeking a platform to pit their skills against some of the best.

Registration for the X-Games (Go-Skate) competition is open to avid skateboarders to gauge their standard among peers at the upcoming Galaxie & Youth Carnival 2011 next month.

Skateboarding will make its debut at the festival, which will be held at Penang Times Square on April 9 and April 10.

Extreme Sports Association Malaysia (ESAM) committee member Ahmad Fuaad Mokhtar urged skateboarders to grab the opportunity and take part in the competition as such contests were hard to come by.

He said budding skateboarders who craved for action should not miss the event.

“They can have a chance to rub shoulders with some of the best,” he said, adding that 36 participants had confirmed their participation so far.

“Besides Penang, we also have contestants coming from neighbouring states such as Kedah, Perlis, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.”

Ahmad Fuaad said ESAM would provide judges and technical experts for the competition on April 9 while more than 150 skateboarders were scheduled to give a demonstration the following day.

The top three winners will take home RM1,500, RM600 and RM400 respectively.

Ahmad Fuaad, who will be one of the judges, has offered some pointers for those who wish to excel in the sport.

“Check out video clips and see what’s the latest tricks available online.

“Master the tricks through long hours of practice. There is no short cut,” he added.

Other exciting activities at the carnival are Talent Search, The George Town Amazing Race, Street Dance Competition, Shoe Painting, Paintball Target Shooting and Cosplay.

Entry forms are available at The Star offices in Bayan Lepas, Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling and Bandar Sunway, Seberang Jaya.

For details, call Timothy Lim (012-4100418), Ema (012-4107303), Soon (016-4105521) or Voon (012-5851612).

-News courtesy of The Star-

George Town anew

George Town anew

THE Penang government will adopt the Business Improvement District Scheme (BIDs) to rejuvenate the inner city.

State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the scheme was popular in many countries but would be the first for the state.

“BIDs will turn Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (Komtar) and its surrounding area into a premier shopping destination and a bustling cultural, business and social centre.

“We are looking into enhancing connectivity between the commercial enterprises there by eventually linking Komtar to shops along Macalister Road, Campbell Street and Kimberly Street with underpasses and walkways.

“The first phase will be to connect Komtar to Gama and Berjaya Times Square,” he said, adding that BIDs was about creating a safer, more comfortable environment while improving commercial activities to make the place more vibrant.

Chow said a BIDs committee chaired by Penang Development Corporation (PDC) general manager Datuk Rosli Jaafar was set up last September and the project is spearheaded by Think City Sdn Bhd and Khazanah Nasional Bhd.

He said everything was still in the conceptual stage.

Chow was speaking to reporters after opening two link bridges connecting 1st Avenue to Prangin Mall and Komtar yesterday.

On Komtar’s final phase, Rosli said the immediate plan was to clear the area of dilapidated buildings before work could start.

“We have received proposals for boutique hotels and arts and craft trades.

“We want commercial development that’s compatible with the heritage value of the place,” he said, adding that there would also be an urban park for the public.

Comprising five phases, the Komtar project undertaken by the PDC, was launched in 1974.

-News courtesy of The Star-

Coach has arrived

Coach has arrived

LUXURY accessories brand, Coach, celebrated the opening of its first Penang outlet in 1st Avenue Mall with a gala showcase of its latest pieces in a separate After Party at Suffolk House in Air Itam.

The glittering runway show highlighted the preppy-punk and bright aesthetics of the Spring 2011 Poppy Collection, the brand’s witty take on a classic spring theme.

Characterised by nautical looks, the line of exquisite handbags, accessories, jewellery, shoes and wearables lightens and brightens one up for warmer weather.

The crowd of several hundred invited guests present at the showcase also got a glimpse of the Spring 2011 Women’s and Men’s Collections — each epitomising Coach’s unique, desirable and timeless American styles.

While the former is inspired by the 70-year-old brand’s New York heritage and imbued with the modern New Yorker spirit, the latter builds on its renowned premium leather craftsmanship, combining traditional hand-finishing with modern sensibilities for an aura of cool masculinity.

Earlier that day, Coach officially opened its new, 220sqm (2,374sq ft) store — the first in the state – at the ground floor of the shopping mall in George Town, carrying the full range of its products.

Speaking du-ring the ce-remony, regional general manager Deepak Sharma said the store epitomised the brand’s new “loft” look, which incorporated high-gloss lacquer fixtures accented with polished stainless steel and mirrors, on white marble flooring.

Accessibility is what sets the brand apart, he said, for at Coach stores, customers were encouraged to come in, pick up their products, try it on and get a feel of it.

“Coach is also the only luxury brand that showcases new products every month. On the first day of each month, you’ll find that almost a third of our products are from a brand new collection.

“Our customers have always enjoyed visiting our stores, for there’s always something new for them,” he added.

According to Ashvin J. Valiram, executive director of the Valiram Group, which manages the Coach brand here, sales had far exceeded expectations since the store started business on Feb 9, and they were quite bullish about the future.

“We’re extremely proud and excited to bring Coach to Penang. We’ve seen Penangites shopping in our stores in Kuala Lumpur and it’s nice to be able to finally come to you instead,” said Valiram, who was joined by Belleview Group director Datuk Sonny Ho in the ribbon-cutting ceremony last Thursday.

The latest Coach outlet is the eighth in Malaysia, and definitely not the last. Another is set to open in the third quarter of this year at another shopping mall.

-News courtesy of The Star-