Jul 30, 2022

WINNER SCOOPS COVETED PROTON X50 FLAGSHIP PRIZE OUT OF OVER 4,000 ENTRIES IN LUCKY DRAW AT ALAMANDA

Some people get really lucky sometimes…  and winner Rabiatul Afiqah Mohd Rahim was recently one of them as she was handed the keys to her new Proton X50 Flagship after winning The Big Win lucky draw at Alamanda Shopping Centre (Alamanda)

The delighted 30-year-old who stays in Seremban, frequents Alamanda as her mother and brother stay nearby. “Alamanda is located just a few minutes away and it is convenient as I can get everything I need there,” she says.

The Big Win lucky draw ended on 26 June 2022. Every RM300 spent at specialty stores in a maximum of two receipts entitled shoppers to one shopping voucher worth RM30 and one entry form to the lucky draw, with a maximum of three forms per shopper per day.

The Proton X50 Flagship offered is the range topping variant that comes with all the bells and whistles. At an OTR price of RM103,300 (without insurance), it is the only variant with a panoramic sunroof, 1.5 TGDi turbo direct fuel injection engine and advance safety features.

Instrumental to the success of the campaign is Alamanda’s collaboration with Proton Malaysia authorised dealer, The Apple Auto Services & Tyres Sdn Bhd. Located in Bandar Baru Bangi, the service centre is one of the top authorised Proton 4S dealers offering sales, service, spare parts as well as body and paint services under one roof.

The Golden Ticket Campaign

As one exciting event comes to an end, Alamanda launches yet another with daily rewards in store. Starting today until 21 August 2022, shoppers who spend a minimum amount of RM300 in two receipts from any specialty stores at Alamanda are eligible to take part in an instant lucky draw.

Every day, there are 101 mini boxes containing Alamanda shopping vouchers to be opened—with one containing a Golden Ticket worth RM1,000. 

Even if participants do not get the Golden Ticket, they will get the White Ticket worth RM50 in the other 100 boxes. 

This way, no one goes home empty-handed! To add to the excitement, any leftover prizes from the day will be snowballed to the next day.

Shoppers will need to present their receipts to the Concierge counter on the same day of purchase. Each shopper is also limited to one prize per day, while stocks last.

“The continuous offerings by Alamanda highlight our commitment to deliver more value to our loyal customers. As economic recovery picks up, we also hope our initiatives will aid in its momentum so that we can move towards year end on a strong note,” says Andrew Brien, CEO of Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd.

Also present at the ceremony is Alamanda General Manager, Pang Sook Fong as well as CEO of The Apple Auto Services & Tyres Sdn Bhd, Vincent Phang.

For more information about the Golden Ticket campaign, please approach the Concierge staff or visit Alamanda Shopping Centre’s website at www.alamanda.com.my

Get your Boost of Blue with tasty U S Highbush Blueberries

I love blueberries… during the pandemic, I would always get some to blend with other fruits to make a fruitie smoothie and well, this king of berries is currently in season…..

The small azure fruit, the blueberry, is a superfood and a powerhouse of vitamins, so it is always good to have a  ‘Boost of Blue’ every now and then


The ‘Boost of Blue’ campaign aims to highlight how blueberries offer the perfect boost for your health, to inspire consumers to include blueberries as part of an overall healthy diet, and to motivate those consumers to enjoy more of the exceptionally tasty U.S. Highbush Blueberries.


The blueberries pack a powerful punch and contain prebiotics which can promote gut health and is packed with antioxidants and phytoflavanoids… these berries are also a source of vitamins K and C, making them the top choice for doctors and nutritionists.
 
The tiny but mighty blueberry also contains phosphorous (2% of daily value), calcium (15%), and manganese (20%). They are sweet and easily enjoyed either fresh or frozen. Beyond the actual picking of the blueberries, there isn’t an easier fruit to prepare and serve as you don’t need to peel, pit, core or cut them.
 
Blueberries, native to North America, have been part of life here for 13,000 years. The first highbush blueberry bush was successfully cultivated for commercial production in the early 1900s. Today, U.S. Highbush grow nearly 1 billion pounds of blueberries in North America each year. A delicious legacy indeed! Now everyone around the globe can enjoy these health-giving blueberries.
 
Blueberries are also tremendously versatile and can boost flavours across an entire menu. It can be used as an appetizer, a beverage, as part of the main course, or as dessert. They are often eaten fresh but can also be enjoyed frozen or dried. To hop on viral trends, you can attempt to make the latest Tik Tok breakfast craze: the baked berry oatmeal, or even give the no-bake blueberry dessert recipe a go!
 
It’s no wonder these versatile miniature jewels command such great press. Give yourself a blueberry thrill today with these tiny, juicy spheres. They are guaranteed to bring you packets of flavour that burst in your mouth, leaving you craving for more each time! Just grab a handful, rinse, and enjoy a boost of blue.
 
And when it comes to blueberries, U.S Highbush Blueberries are one of the best in the world. This very hardworking fruit not only delivers nutrients but can be conveniently consumed by people of all ages. It goes without saying that blueberries are true all-rounders.
 
So go on, grab some some quality U.S. Highbush Blueberries now from AEON, Jaya Grocer, and TF Value and experience this rich and flavourful fruit today…..

Jul 27, 2022

PAVILION KL'S TOKYO STREET CELEBRATES ITS 11TH ANNIVERSARY!!

If you are a Japanophile, it is time to celebrate all things Japanese at Tokyo Street, Pavilion KL’s award-winning themed precinct, because it is celebrating its 11th anniversary…..


In conjunction with 40 years of the Look East Policy (LEP), Tokyo Street’s celebrations this year promises plenty of Japanese activities, culture, shopping and dining, right in the heart of Bukit Bintang!

The stunning ‘Art of Kimono’ exhibition is the main highlight of Tokyo Street’s 11th Anniversary. From now until 31 July at Centre Court, the inaugural ‘Art of Kimono’ exhibition features more than 100 pieces of Japanese kimonos, yukatas and fusion Japanese dresses that blend pop culture and Malaysian batik elements. 

A selection of these beautiful pieces are showcased in a spectacular ‘Art of Kimono’ fashion show from Tuesday to Sunday at the Centre Court.

Plenty of authentic Japanese shopping awaits at Centre Court! From now until 31 July, indulge yourselves at the specially curated Japanese artisanal pop-up stores. Browse through a variety of intricately handcrafted tableware, decorative items, accessories, bags, towels, skincare and beauty products.

This Anniversary, immerse in Japanese cultural activities with experiential workshops, such as Traditional Japanese Fabric Making, Traditional Japanese Fabric Accessory Making, Japanese Lolita Accessory Making, How to use Furoshiki, and Traditional Japanese Game Katanuki experience. 

Get made up as Lolita, or try on a traditional Japanese Yukata to take photos while admiring the Japanese décor at Centre Court and Tokyo Street.

Tokyo Street’s 11th anniversary celebration was launched today at a festive event with Guest of Honour His Excellency Katsuhiko Takahashi, Japan Ambassador to Malaysia, accompanied by his wife Madam Mami Takahashi, in their first official first official visit to Pavilion KL since their official arrival in Malaysia in December 2021. 

Also present to launch the festivities were Puan Sri Cindy Lim, Executive Chairman of Kuala Lumpur Pavilion Sdn Bhd; Dato’ Maznah Jalil, Pavilion REIT Board of Director; Ms. Kung Suan Ai, Director of Marketing of Pavilion KL; and Ms. Vichelle Woon, Head of Marketing, Regional Cards, Group Community Financial Services of Maybank.

“As this year marks the 40th anniversary of Malaysia’s ‘Look East Policy’, we look forward to strengthening the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and Japan. Tokyo Street not only houses Japanese retail and F&B brands, we also collaborate with Japanese business partners to showcase Japan’s rich culture, heritage and technology,” said Kung Suan Ai, in a speech delivered on behalf of Puan Sri Cindy Lim.

Guests who attended the launch were treated to a traditional Japanese drum performance, as well as a sake barrel-breaking and cake cutting ceremony before being given an exclusive tour of the ‘Art of Kimono’ exhibition and Japanese pop-up stores at Centre Court before proceeding to Tokyo Street.

BE TRANSPORTED TO JAPAN

Since opening in 2011, the award-winning precinct has become renowned for blending traditional elements and modern facets of Japan’s dynamic culture and ambience. 

From now until August 26, shoppers will also be transported to the streets of Harajuku at Tokyo Street, where they can indulge in Japanese cuisine at pop-up booths selling sushi bentos, Yatai Ramen, green tea and beer from Asahi at Tokyo Street’s Event Atrium on Level 6.

Shoppers can immerse themselves in Japanese popular culture at one of Malaysia’s largest animation, comics and games conventions AniManGaki, held at Tokyo Street until 31 July. 

(cosplayers @Keijicoser @mintchicos_ and my daughter )

Cosplayers, anime lovers, comic enthusiasts, gamers, dancers and general shoppers can also check out AniManGaki’s cosplay,dance competitions and live musical performances on 30 and 31 July. 

Keep your eyes peeled for popular Malaysian cosplayers Hakken, YingTze and Preston in AniManGaki special meet and greet sessions!

Marvel at the spectacular display of limited-edition anime collectables, cosplay costumes, props and motorcycles featuring exclusive anime wraps. Don’t forget to shop at the AniManGaki Marketplace where shoppers can purchase limited edition figurines, handmade crafts, Ichiban Kuji and Gachapon.
 
 After exploring the exciting activities and pop-ups at Tokyo Street, sit back and enjoy a delectable Japanese meal at one of the precinct’s many restaurants. Don’t forget to check out exclusive promotions and discounts to shoppers who dine-in.

Rent a kimono or yukata at Kuma Yukata to snap photos at Tokyo Street’s famed Nakamise – a long row of quaint stores with wooden finishings, inspired by the famous Nakamise-dori Street in Japan. Or commemorate your trip to Tokyo Street with a snap by the precinct’s iconic Asakusa lanterns inspired by the Lantern of Kaminarimon (thunder gate) of Senso-ji Temple in Japan.

SHOPPER REWARDS
Shoppers who spend over RM200 through a combination of two receipts at Tokyo Street, or one receipt mall-wide, will be eligible to participate in a Lucky Draw contest and stand a chance to win more than RM160,000 worth of prizes from Isuzu, with the grand prize winner driving home a new Isuzu ride!

Those who spend RM80 in a single receipt at Tokyo Street or RM150 at Pavilion KL specialty stores will receive a Happy Gifts filled with Japanese snacks. With RM100 spent at Pavilion KL specialty stores, shoppers can redeem a RM10 Tokyo Street cash voucher. Maybank cardholders who spend RM150 at Tokyo Street or RM300 Pavilion KL specialty stores in a single receipt will be eligible to receive a free Japanese ceramic bowl with chopsticks.

For more information on Tokyo Street’s 11th anniversary events and promotions, shoppers can visit www.pavilion-kl.com or contact Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s Concierge at 03 2118 8833. Shoppers can also check real-time updates on Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s Facebook page, Twitter page or Instagram account.

Shoppers are encouraged to snap photos and take videos of the exciting Tokyo Street activities and decorations and hashtag #happyanniversarytokyostreet and #pavilionkl.

Jul 24, 2022

Next-Generation Ford Ranger debuts the New- Gen XL, XLT, XLT Plus and WildTrak

Ford Motor Company, together with its local distribution partner, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has debuted their next-generation Ford Ranger…
 
The next-generation Ranger line-up in Malaysia consists of seven different variants, including the XL, XLT, XLT Plus and WildTrak. Meanwhile, the much-anticipated high-performance Ranger Raptor will be launched in the fourth quarter this year.
 
The smartest, most versatile and most capable Ranger ever, next-generation Ranger delivers an even more desirable pickup partner customers can rely on for work, family and play,
 
SDAC has also introduced several new aftersales services to enhance the ownership experience.
 
“The Ranger has always been a trusted partner to small business owners, families, adventurers, commercial fleets and so many more in more than 180 markets around the world. With the new advanced features offering even greater capability and versatility, we believe that the next-generation Ranger will continue to revolutionise the pickup segment and build on its widening appeal in the market,” said Yukontorn ‘Vickie’ Wisadkosin President, ASEAN and Asia Pacific Distributor Markets, Ford Motor Company.
 
“The trend towards pickups for more than just work has been growing in Malaysia. This is especially true for the upwardly mobile and affluent who used to prefer SUVs but are now gravitating to the Ranger, particularly WildTrak, for its work capabilities, latest technologies, and premium sedan interior. We are confident the next-generation Ranger will fulfil the needs and wants of an even broader range of customers as an all-rounder vehicle for work, family and play,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
 
New Look, New Capabilities


Visually pleasing to the eyes, the next-generation Ranger is bold and confident, with a purposeful exterior that shares Ford’s global truck design DNA. The design features a defined new grille, and signature C-clamp headlight treatment at the front while a subtle shoulder line down the sides incorporates bolder wheel-arches that gives Ranger a sure-footed stance.
 
For the first time, Ford Ranger offers matrix LED headlights (on the WildTrak) with auto high lamp headlamp, which also comes standard on the XLT Plus. At the back, the taillights are designed in harmony with the signature graphics on the front.
 
A hydro-formed front-end structure helps future-proof the Ranger for other propulsion technologies. It also opens up the front of the pickup to allow more airflow to the radiator, which helps keep running temperatures low when towing or carrying heavy loads.
 
Improved ride and handling
 
To enhance the balance between the ride comfort and car-like performance with the tough truck and off-road performance that the Ranger is known for – engineers focused on the fundamentals.
 
A 50mm track and wheelbase increase for the next-generation Ranger offers improved stability on- and off-road. It has also improved the front approach angle to 30 degrees (up from 28.5 degrees) and rear departure angle to 23 degrees (up from 21 degrees).
 
Engineers also increased the turning range and shifted the rear suspension dampers outboard of the frame rails to give drivers and passengers a more controlled ride whether the vehicle is laden or not.
 
Traditionally the only Ranger Raptor offered selectable drive modes. Now the next-generation Ranger offers up to six, depending on the variant. The modes are: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul and Slippery for on-road and Mud/Ruts and Sand for off-road on the WildTrak. Meanwhile, variants from the XL base to the XLT Plus now come standard with four drive modes: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery. These modes adjust everything from the gearshift to throttle response, traction and stability controls, ABS and more.
 
Meanwhile, off-road recovery is made easier with prominent dual recovery hooks in the front bumper.
 
Customer-focused interior features
 
Inside, the car-like cabin of the next-generation Ranger steps up.

Recognising customers preference for a flexible, modern cockpit that is smart, functional yet feels like a premium SUV, Ford set about designing the next-generation Ranger with a high level of well-integrated technology, clever functional storage, premium soft-touch materials and visual cues so the environment feels comfortable and spacious.

The heart of the Ranger’s connective experience is the first-in-class large 10.1-inch or 12-inch touchscreen in the centre stack. It complements the fully digital instrument panel and is loaded with Ford’s latest voice-activated SYNC® 4A communications, entertainment and information system.
 
Many of the traditional driving mode controls have been moved from the dash and centre console to their own dedicated display on the SYNC screen. With one button press, drivers can go to Ranger’s dedicated screen for all off-road and drive modes where they can monitor the driveline, steering angle, vehicle pitch and roll angles and other controls.
 
The screen is also linked to a 360-degree camera in the WildTrak to make parking a breeze in tight urban spaces or to assist when negotiating particularly tricky terrain while out exploring.
 
The design team also created clever storage and useful features for owners including places to store a phone or charge it wirelessly (on the XLT Plus and WildTrak) and a large centre console bin. The door pockets have been designed to carry more, the wide dash conceals an upper glovebox and there are storage bins under and behind the rear seats.
 
Built to do more with better access, more functional space
 
Ford also saw another big improvement opportunity after observing how customers climbed up to the load box. That was the inspiration for creating an integrated side-step behind the rear tyres of the next-generation Ranger (available for the WildTrak), to create a strong, more stable way for them to access the box.
 
In addition, the Ranger team worked to ensure that a wider variety of cargo could fit and stay secure in the load box. By simply widening the truck by 50mm, customers can now load flat huge fundamental items, such as a sheet of building plywood or a full-size pallet.
 
Additional thoughtful, customer-focused touches include a new, tough plastic-moulded bedliner (on the XLT Plus and WildTrak) that helps protect both the truck bed from scratches and owner’s knees from kneeling on a steel truck bed. Extra cargo tie-down points – on strong steel tube rails – provide convenient points to secure loads. Durable, flexible load box caps around the sides of the box and across the tailgate conceal structural attachment points for canopies and other aftermarket accessories.
 
The next-generation Ranger also offers a new cargo management system designed with dividers to hold various sized items – like timber or toolboxes. Owners also can create smaller compartments to store objects, which would otherwise have to go in the cab, using a system of ultra-strong spring-loaded cleats that clip into rails bolted to each side of the cargo box. The tailgate can also double as a mobile work bench with an integrated ruler and clamp pockets to measure, grip and cut building materials.
 
Next-generation safety
 
Ford engineers spent thousands of hours developing and testing next-gen Ranger’s safety features, both via computer modelling and the most comprehensive physical testing program ever conducted by Ford outside of Europe and the US.
 
With the next-generation Ranger offering more of the latest in crash protection features and advanced driver assistance technologies, customers can feel even more secure and confident on and off the road.
 
The segment-first Evasive Steer Assist is available on the next-generation WildTrak. The system helps drivers avoid potential forward collisions by helping drivers steer with less effort when a collision cannot be avoided by braking alone.
 
The next-generation WildTrak and XLT Plus also come a new Post-Collison Braking system, which applies the brakes after a collision to reduce the risk of secondary collisions. Also new to the Ford Ranger is Adaptive Cruise Control with a Stop-and-Go feature, Cross Traffic Alert and Reverse Brake Assist on the WildTrak.
 
As part of the smart technology safety suite on next-generation Ford Ranger, the Automated Emergency Braking (AEB) system on the XLT Plus and WildTrak has been enhanced with cyclist and pedestrian detection in addition to providing AEB support at an intersection in some instances.
 
Pricing, colours and enhanced aftersales service
 
The following variants of the next-generation Ranger are available at the respective prices:

• Wildtrak – one variant, from RM168,888 (Peninsular Malaysia), from RM174,388 (East Malaysia) – On-The-Road without insurance
• XLT Plus – one variant, from RM142,888 (Peninsular Malaysia), from RM148,388 (East Malaysia) – On-The-Road without insurance

• XLT – two variants, from RM124,888 (Peninsular Malaysia), from RM129,888 (East Malaysia) – On-The-Road without insurance

• XL – two variants, from RM108,888 (Peninsular Malaysia), from RM114,888 (East Malaysia) – On-The-Road without insurance
 
The next-generation Ranger will be available in two new stunning colours – Sedona Orange and Luxe Yellow on the WildTrak – in addition to the existing colours of Arctic White, Meteor Gray, Aluminium Metallic, Lightning Blue and Absolute Black (depending on variants)
 
To ensure superior ownership experience, SDAC-Ford is also introducing new aftersales and service enhancements.
 
For a start, next-generation Ranger owners can opt for an extended service package, through which they can make upfront payments for scheduled services for up to five years. A key benefit is cost savings as they can lock-in the current price amidst rising costs and build the payments into their loan.
 
Additionally, besides the standard five-year warranty, customers can also choose an extended warranty of up to seven years for more peace of mind.
 
A more engaging and inclusive ownership experience
 
Those who purchase the next-generation Ranger will also immediately be part of the Ford Inner Circle in Malaysia – a community of like-minded individuals who enjoy pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons, contributing back to society or going for excursions like the Ford Ranger Getaways with friends and family.
 
Created exclusively for the Malaysian market, next-generation Ranger customers will receive a privilege key code which offers exclusive discounts to get them started on their Ford Ranger Getaways adventures in addition to invitations to exclusive events. They will also have access to scheduled familiarisation sessions at a Ford showroom that not only allows them to build relationships with their preferred dealer, but more importantly provides them with in-depth understanding of the features and full potential of their next-gen Rangers.
 
An industry-first, Ford Ranger Getaways is a community-based adventure platform designed to provide a richer and more immersive experience of what it means to Live the Ranger Life for customers. It brings together Ranger owners, friends and family, other like-minded people and Ford enthusiasts through a series of unique local drive and adventure experiences.
 
Besides organised scheduled adventures such as off-roading courses, customers can also go for other experiences with open schedules such as becoming a pilot for a day with like-minded thrill seekers, enjoying a leisurely day with nature or at a simple retreat with friends and family.
 
Register for an invitation to the next-generation Ranger debut tour now
 
In addition to the main debut event in Kuala Lumpur, the next-generation Ranger will be hitting selected locations in four other regions nationwide.

Ranger fans can sign up at the “Register” page here to score exclusive invitations to the debut tour at a location closest to them.
 
For more information about the next-generation Ranger, SDAC and Ford, follow the Ford Malaysia Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube channel or visit www.sdacford.com.my.