BY CLEFFAIRY

Renowned as the emerging central business district in Genting Highlands, King’s Park distinguishes itself not merely a developer but as the visionary force behind a monumental RM10 billion project, including the forthcoming Hard Rock Hotel Genting Highlands and the Accor Group’s Swissotel Genting Highlands.

Under King’s Park ESG commitment, the developer is riding high on the Year of the Dragon on a positive note by announcing that it is making a donation of a 7.75-acre land in Bentong to Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Insan (PKKII) – a home for mentally challenged children based in Kuchai Lama, today. The event held in King’s Park saw the presence of YBhg Dato’ Haji Zainal Abidin Bin Haji Sakom, Chairman, YBhg Dtin Dr Hjh Hartini Osman, Advisor and Encik Zulhairy Bin Jalaluddin, Director from Yayasan Basmi Kemiskinan, Dr Tiew Chew Ming, Founder & President of PKKII and Mr Darren Yang Managing Director of Cornell Academy. They were welcomed by Mr Hendric Lim, Director and Mr Sean Chen, Executive Vice President of King’s Park.

In his address, Hendric emphasized King’s Park’s commitment to the community betterment, especially for the vulnerable. He said, ‘We are not just giving a land; we are giving these wonderful children a new beginning, a place they can play, learn and thrive.’

He further announced, ‘To construct the new PKKII home, we are launching a fundraising initiative named the ‘Happy Nest Building Donation’. We are collaborating with Yayasan Basmi Kemiskinan (YBK) to raise RM15 million, offering donors the added incentive of tax exemption. We invite generous member from the public or organizations to come forward to help.’

To formalize the collaboration with YBK, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Mr Hendric Lim and Dato Haji Zainal Abidin Bin Haji Sakom, witness by Encik Zulhairy Bin Jalaluddin, Datin Hartini from YBK, Dr Tiew Chew Ming, Mr Wong Pau San, Mr Pay Wee Hing from PKKII and Mr Sean Chen of King’s Park.

PKKII is PKKII is a non-profit organization that shelters brain-injured children. The home located in Happy Garden, Kuchai Lama relies on public funds for daily operations, catering to over 70 youths and kids currently residing at PKKII since a tender age. The home’s monthly expenses exceed RM40,000 and conducts fundraising such as charity sales and charity dinner to keep the home in operation. Dr Tiew Chew Ming said, ‘We express our heartfelt gratitude to King’s Park for their generous land donation to PKKII. With the upcoming building, we aim to provide not only a home for more children, but prioritizing the establishment as a training and rehabilitation center.’

The occasion also took the opportunity to include King’s Park formalizing a Memorandum of Understanding with YBK, committing to sponsor 300 of their youth for an educational and skill development journey at King’s Park through the Cornell Academy program.

Speaking at the event, Mr Sean Chen, King’s Park Executive Vice President said, King’s Park is pleased to work with YBK to further develop their youth. He elaborated, ‘We firmly believe in the capacity to cultivate exceptionally talented individuals within the walls of our integrated entertainment hub. Our vision involves close collaborations with all stakeholders, nurturing talents and contributing to the creation of a highly skilled pool tailored for this dynamic industry. The paramount importance of possessing industry-relevant skills from the outset cannot be overstated, as it catalyses efficiency and productivity upon entry into the workforce. We aspire to play a pivotal role in the promising growth of this vibrant group of young individuals. We fervently hope for broader community involvement with this sponsorship initiative by engaging and supporting local development through enhanced educational and job prospects.’

Cornell Academy is a newly established institution that embodies a contemporary curriculum crafted to provide immersive experiential learning and active stakeholder engagement. All this is fostered within a nurturing, student-centered environment. Its education is certified by Universiti Sains Malaysia, Graduate School of Business, offering a myriad of professional development and skill enhancement courses in the field of Business Management, and Hospitality with many more other programs to come soon.

Dato Haji Zainal expressed his enthusiasm for the dual programs initiated by King’s Park in collaboration with YBK said, ‘YBK, with 34 years of establishment, stands as a distinguished non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating poverty. We are immensely grateful to partner with King’s Park on these projects, collaborating to raise funds and extend the support for tax exemption. We will be embarking on a series of fundraising projects and events and we welcome the public and organizations to join us on this journey in ensuring the realization of Brick with Love Building Donation’s development.’

He added, ‘In addition, our foundation nurture many children and youth in numerous programs with the aim to enhance their lives and provide them with education, nurturing them as future contributors to society. We are immensely pleased that King’s Park is sponsoring our youths and we are certain they will be looking forward to the experience and skill training in your integrated resort.’

For more information on Happy Nest Building Donation please contact Yayasan Basmi Kemiskinan at 03-7875 0036, Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Insan at www.braininjurychild.org or call 03-7982 4502, Cornell Academy, please visit www.cornellacademy.org or write to info@cornellacademy.org and King’s Park at www.kings park.com.my or call +601162216168.

A historic milestone was achieved today on 14th October 2023 as HR Resort & Residences Sdn Bhd had broken new ground with the signing of an agreement with the globally acclaimed Hard Rock brand, bringing the renowned hotel chain to King’s Park and further transforming Hard Rock Genting Highlands into the largest in Asia.

With the signing of this agreement, HR Hotel & Residences Sdn Bhd and Hard Rock International, a company known for its rock ‘n’ roll heritage, entertainment, and hospitality, have begun a collaboration for the ages. Located in the heart of the 130-million-year-old tropical jungle on the mid-hills of Genting Highlands, HR Hotel & Residences Sdn Bhd aims to introduce a world-class entertainment experience by fusing the tenacious spirit of Hard Rock with the unparalleled beauty of King’s Park, an integrated entertainment hub and the first Central Business District (CBD) at 1,000 m above the sea level with 365 days of cool weather.

Thanks to this partnership, the blueprint for the legendary Hard Rock Hotel is now set in stone in King’s Park, Genting Highlands to have 1001 of the most luxuriously appointed hotel rooms and suites in Asia.

The new partnership was announced at an event attended by Hard Rock International’s senior vice president and head of global business development, Mr Todd Hricko, King’s Park’s group chief executive officer, Datuk Wira Jayandren Subramanian, and HR Resort & Residences’ chairman, Mr Lim Kim Chai, as well as King’s Park’s executive vice president, Mr Sean Chen.

“This partnership marks a monumental milestone in the world of hospitality,” stated Sean, Executive Vice President of King’s Park. “Our focus is on creating an unforgettable adventure that fuses the best of high-end design with the freewheeling energy of rock ‘n’roll. Here at King’s Park, the soon-to-be-open Hard Rock Genting Highlands in Malaysia will represent the pinnacle of high-energy fun, luxury, and elegance for solo travelers, groups of friends, and families alike. When this spectacular hotel opens its doors in 2027, we will be sure to take centre stage alongside our wonderful partners at Hard Rock International in stunning the globe, and showing the world that indeed, the spirit of Rock is very, very much alive.”

He continued, “I too am an avid guitar player with a deep love for rock and guitar-based music. Thus, it is with enormous pride and venerable excitement that we’ve constructed a concept for Hard Rock Genting Highlands to make it the largest in Asia. There would be nowhere else that boasts this many Hard Rock branded rooms which would make it stand distinctly apart from its global equivalents. With its exquisite location at an amazing height of 1000 m above sea level, we are confident that this business will be a central pillar amongst the attractions at King’s Park and also a pioneering gem in the renowned Hard Rock tradition.

Sean went on to express confidence that the upcoming Hard Rock Genting Highlands hotel would generate a large number of jobs in fields such as room division, engineering, food and beverage, and other services, thanks to the high profile of the Hard Rock brand. This course will unquestionably spur economic growth and significantly improve the quality of life in Pahang and the surrounding states.

In his address, Todd remarked, “We take enormous delight in the fact that King’s Park will be home to another iconic property for Hard Rock, holding the distinction of the largest in Asia. This strengthens Hard Rock’s position and profile in the area. Here at Hard Rock, our success is predicated on a love of music and is the perfect synthesis of enjoyment and amusement. Our essence lies in developing the exact experiences people seek for, and I wholeheartedly believe that King’s Park, with its abundant options, would irresistibly lure persons to share in joy, savour drinks and culinary delights, and liberally indulge in adventures. We believe King’s Park to be the embodiment of these essential qualities, and we are ecstatic to have established such a pivotal cooperation with HR Resort & Residences.

The Hard Rock Genting Highlands Hotel is planning to open with an amazing 371 opulent hotel rooms and 630 suites, giving guests an exceptionally experiential stay. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s 200 square meter retail space, affectionately referred to as the “Rock Shop,” as well as the heated swimming pool, diverse dining options, Rock Spa, and nightly Rock ‘n’ Roll excitement in the hotel’s stylish lounge and bar. Visitors to this carefully chosen area will be able to purchase one- of a-kind Hard Rock souvenirs, infused with an unmistakable Hard Rock swag, to take home as a memento.

The eminent King’s Park is positioned at a practical 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur and is indeed as much a shining beacon of commercial excitement as it is a relaxing haven. As a result of its long and illustrious history, Genting Highlands has become one of Malaysia’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing in over 41 million people every year and only continuing to grow in popularity.

King’s Park Genting Highlands is a colossal mega development that takes advantage of the booming tourism industry in the region thanks to a successful partnership between Yuk Tung Group and the Association for the Promotion of Higher Education in Malaysia (APHEM). Set to become Genting Highland’s first Central Business District (CBD), it spans a massive 61 hectares of freehold land and has an integrated entertainment hub that seamlessly combines commercial experiences with recreational delights. This massive RM10 billion gross development value project is set up well to take advantage of the improving investment climate in the heart of Genting. A staggering 53 million tourists are expected to visit Genting Highlands by 2026, with a catchment area of nearly 700,000 people within a 5-kilometer radius.

Taking cues from colonial and historical architecture, the King’s Park development displays a state-of-the-art 2,000-meterlong pedestrian boulevard with a 500-meter riverside patio and a total of 360 businesses spread throughout 12 beautifully built blocks. The approximately 18,680 square meters of ‘Truly Asia Cultural Streets’ is an ode to our rich East-Asian heritage and will only add to the splendour of King’s Park. The project also plans to include a halal retail zone and a halal luxury boutique hotel that will welcome Muslim guests from all around the world. This promotes cultural awareness, inclusion and diversity by capitalizing on the expanding demand for halal-friendly vacation spots and eateries. King’s Park will have a large area set aside for eco-sports and mountain biking routes, perfect forthrill and adventureseekers alike. Other attractions such as branded theme parks and the world’s largest terrarium, which spans an astonishing 600 meters, are also within easy walking distance, adding to the charm of King’s Park.

The inauguration of Accor’s famous Swissôtel brand within King’s Park Genting Highlands in 2028 will dovetail around the much-anticipated Hard Rock Genting Highlands, which is scheduled for a grand opening in 2027. There is little doubt that King’s Park Genting Highlands, as an integrated entertainment hub and Central Business District (CBD), will have plenty of hotel rooms and exciting experiences to accommodate the discerning needs of every traveler, tourist, backpacker, or visitor.

Students in Malaysia have a lot to be excited about with the launch of Cornell Academy, a new educational institute certified by Universiti Sains Malaysia, Graduate School of Business, offering a myriad of professional development and skill enhancement courses in the field of Business Management, and Hospitality with many more other programs to come soon.

Today, in a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony between Cornell Academy and The Approved Learning Center of Graduate School of Business, USM, Cornell Academy’s Managing Director, Mr Darren Yang welcomed the Dean and Associate Professor of Graduate School of Business, USM, Dr Fathyah Hashim, its Centre for Executive Education and Development, GSB, USM, Dr Karpal Singh A/l Dara Singh and Edu Assist Sdn Bhd, Chairman, Professor Dr Nadarajah Lee at the King’s Park Gallery in Genting Highlands. Also in attendance at the event was Mr Sean Chen, Executive Vice President of King’s Park Development.
Agreement sealed.

In his warm welcome address, Mr Yang expressed, ‘We are absolutely thrilled to solidify our partnership today with the globally esteemed Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Graduate School of Business. This landmark partnership will commence by certifying Cornell Academy’s distinguished Business Management courses. As we look ahead, we envision an expansion into Diploma programs covering Food & Beverage, Retail, Business Management, and Entrepreneurship. This holistic approach will underscore a profound understanding of ESG principles, fortifying our commitment in sustainable education.’

He further emphasized, “The tourism industry is burgeoning, necessitating elevated training and a profound understanding of comprehensive business management, with a keen focus on the nuances of hospitality and delivering exceptional customer service. Cornell Academy keenly recognizes this demand. Through our collaboration with the esteemed Graduate School of Business, we aspire to elevate ambitious young talents to new heights in these domains. Our goal is to provide them not only with academic credentials but also a comprehensive understanding and practical experience in the industry, broadening their horizons.”

Underscoring its dedication, Cornell Academy has forged a significant partnership with King’s Park Genting Highlands. The latter will generously sponsor training opportunities for 1000 students at its upcoming integrated entertainment hub,set to welcome visitors from 2026 to 2028. This expansive hub will encompass retail outlets, restaurants, hotels, wellness centers,theme parks, and a plethora of other exciting attractions.

Echoing Cornell Academy’s initiatives, Dr Fathyah Hashim stated, ‘USM Graduate School of Business currently boasts close to 30 affiliations with esteemed international universities, including those from the UK, China, and Taiwan, along with globally recognized accountancy, transportation, and technology bodies. We take immense pride in certifying Cornell Academy’s programs under Graduate School of Business, USM as we consistently advocate for the advancement of knowledge and educational excellence.’

Sharing King’s Park’s dedicated pledge to sponsor 1000 students at Cornell Academy, Mr. Sean Chen emphasized, “At King’s Park, we firmly believe that we possess the resources necessary for the nurturing of exceptionally talented individuals within the walls of our integrated entertainment hub. Our vision entails close collaborations with all parties involved in order to foster these talents, contributing to the cultivation of a highly skilled talent pool tailored explicitly for this dynamic industry. The growing importance of possessing industry-relevant skills from the get-go cannot be overstated, as it kickstarts efficiency and productivity upon entry into the workforce. Our aspiration is to play an integral role in the promising growth of this vibrant group of young individuals.”

Sean further emphasized, “King’s Park fervently hopes for broader community involvement with this sponsorship initiative. We firmly believe that engaging and supporting local development will empower the region’s youth through enhanced educational and job prospects. This sponsorship’s diverse group of recipients will significantly contribute to promoting workforce diversity, fostering an inclusive culture within the industry. Our aspiration in sponsoring these individuals isto witness their transformation into invaluable assets, not only benefiting King’s Park but also enriching the entire industry.”

The commencement of course registration at Cornell Academy will start in 2025. Cornell Academy invites aspiring individuals to join its Diploma programs in Food & Beverage, Hotel Management and Business Management. Each course, priced at approximately RM36,000, for a three-year duration, integrates five days of hands-on training and one full day of classroom education per week. Students are guaranteed job opportunities upon successful course completion with no post-training bonding requirements. To explore further, details about Cornell academy and its enriching courses, visit the official website at www.cornellacademy.org

18 dazzling Miss Malaysia Tourism finalists stole the spotlight at King’s Park in Genting Highlands, stunning nearly 200 guests at the King’s Park Appreciation Night. The finalists from diverse states is scheduled to grace a number of events leading up to the grand finals on 13th October at the Berjaya Times Square.

In his heartfelt welcome, Mr Sean Chen, Executive Vice President of King’s Park remarked, “King’s Park is on the verge of becoming the epitome of an integrated entertainment hub and Central Business District (CBD) in the captivating realm of Genting Highlands. Our visionary development is destined to magnetize tourists, and we are genuinely delighted to actively contribute to the Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant, showcasing the beauty of Pahang and Malaysia.

He added, “Our involvement extends beyond the mere promotion of both institutions. We firmly believe in opportunity and empowerment, with these talented finalists serving as the catalysts for such empowerment. The aligned values of King’s Park and Ms Malaysia Tourism share that common goal of showcasing the best that Malaysia has to offer, not only in beauty and heritage, but also in social progress and shared national prosperity.”

The event showcased Malaysia’s esteemed designer, Yani Bakthiar, as the 18 finalists gracefully adorned her casual wear collection. Following this the finalists engaged in an enlightening session in Yani’s evening wear, expressing their perspectives on ‘shaping today’s lifestyle.’ This dialogue was a crucial step in the journey towards vying for the prestigious title of Miss King’s Park Lifestyle.

At the panel of judges for the esteemed Miss King’s Park Lifestyle title were Datin Sri Ezzan Othman, Datuk Jayandren Subramaniam, Group Chief Executive Officer, King’s Park, Mr Sean Chen, Mr Darren Yang, Managing Director, Cornell Academy and Mr Lee Meng Tuck, Director of Business Development King’s Park.

The competition unfolded with intense fervor as the finalists showcased their eloquence and answered the question with flying colors. Yet, amidst the exceptional pool of talent, emerged a singular victor – Age 24, Miss Shelyn Poh from Penang.

The new Miss King’s Park Lifestyle walked away with a grand voucher worth RM20,000 for her next property purchase within King’s Park, Genting Highlands and she also solidify her role as the new Brand Ambassador of King’s Park.

When asked about her victory as the new Miss King’s Park Lifestyle, she enthused, “This win is a delightful surprise, boosting my confidence for the days ahead in this competition. I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to showcase and promote King’s Park and Malaysia on a global stage.”

For more information on Miss Malaysia Tourism, please visit www.missmalaysia.com.my or King’s Park at www.kingspark.com.my.