2025 CELESTIAL TREASURES COLLECTION FROM EQ

This year, EQ’s Celestial Treasures 2025 mooncake collection brings timeless flavours and playful indulgences together, tastefully wrapped up in gift-worthy keepsake boxes.

 
Baked mooncakes like White Lotus, White Lotus with Single Yolk, the nostalgic Traditional Cantonese Mixed Nuts, Red Bean, and EQ’s own signature creation: the Pearl of Prosperity should appeal to traditionalists.

 
More contemporary snow skin variants are available too. The Golden Charcoal Musang King Durian is a drawcard for durian lovers, while the refreshing Emerald Yuzu Pandan and indulgent Mint Chocolate with Hawaiian Macadamia strike a delightful balance between tradition and innovation.

 
Sample the more inventive Butterfly Pea Flower with Vitagen White Lotus or the umami-rich Sun-dried Scallop with Mixed Nuts encased within delicate snow skin.

 
For corporate and personal gifting purposes, EQ offers four distinct collections:

Autumn Jade Collection (RM288 for 4 baked mooncakes/ RM298 for 6 snow skin) features a refined gift box in warm autumn hues.

Premium Collection (RM988 with Hennessy VSOP / RM888 with Bottega Gold Prosecco) proffers a stylish leather gift box containing mooncakes and fine spirits.

Longevity Collection (from RM128) comes in elegant and understated box designed exclusively with optional logo customisation. Only available for bulk orders.

 
Miniature Collection (RM68) – Eight bite-sized mooncakes in green tea or white lotus variants, sold exclusively at EQ’s pop-up booth at the hotel lobby.

 
Early bird deals make it even sweeter: Enjoy 20% off until 31 July and 15% off from 1–31 August (valid for Autumn Jade, Premium, and Miniature sets).
 
EQ’s Celestial Treasures 2025 mooncakes are also sold at Kampachi and IPPUDO restaurants.
 
For enquiries or to place an order, please WhatsApp 012 583 5319 or email: dineateqkl@kul.equatorial.com
 
 

MAN OF FOUR SEASONS IN KUALA LUMPUR

Simon Barnett’s career in hospitality began at the ground level—quite literally. He started out parking cars and working as a bellman, long before stepping into the polished shoes of a hotel general manager.

Now helming the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Barnett brings with him over three decades of hands-on industry experience. Despite his impressive résumé, the Sydneysider remains refreshingly grounded.

“I was drawn to hospitality because I love meeting people,” he recalls with smile. "Back then, the idea I actually got rewarded for doing a good job was incredibly appealing."

With his parents working overseas, Barnett pursued his university studies in Brisbane, where his sister was living at the time. His first hotel job was in the front office of a five-star Brisbane property where he quickly discovered a passion for the fast-paced world of luxury hospitality.

As he climbed the ranks, Barnett expanded his expertise across various departments before finding his niche in sales. His journey took him from Australia’s Gold Coast to the global cities of London and New York, strengthening his knowledge of international hotel operations.

In 2011, he joined Four Seasons Hotel Sydney as Director of Catering and Conference Services. His strong business acumen and people-first mindset saw him rise swiftly, first to Director of Marketing, and later to Hotel Manager. His dual role in Singapore—as both Hotel Manager and Director of Marketing—further sharpened his leadership skills.

Barnett’s first General Manager role was in Jakarta where he played a pivotal role in stabilising and relaunching the property post-pandemic. Before moving to Kuala Lumpur, he spearheaded the award-winning Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok.

Thanks to his astute operations and sales and marketing background, Barnett has a natural affinity for connecting with team members across the board. 

“I used to be really focused on climbing the ladder,” he reflects, “but now, I try to be more intentional about the relationships I build. Hospitality is a 24/7 industry, so creating the right structure to support our people is fundamental to ensuring our guests always have a great experience.”

Barnett is particularly passionate about nurturing young talent. “What I love about this industry is that you can come in at any level and still go far, as long as you’re committed. That kind of opportunity is very powerful—and I think it resonates with the younger generation.”

Work-life balance is another area he takes seriously. “It’s not just about taking time off—it’s about being present when you do,” he says. “There’s no point going on holiday if you’re glued to your phone the whole time. That’s why I always ask my team what they did on their days off. I want to encourage them to enjoy that time and be present for their loved ones.”

A sports enthusiast at heart, Barnett unwinds by watching the Australian Football League matches, rowing, playing rugby, and hitting the gym. Although he’s just moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia isn’t new to him.

“When I was based in Jakarta, I’d come here several times for vacations. I love the culture, the people, the food—it’s such a dynamic place,” he says, expressing his desire to explore more of the country, especially Penang and East Malaysia. His aim? To gather firsthand experiences to share with Four Seasons guests looking for something beyond the ordinary.

A strong believer in open communication, Barnett makes it a point to create safe spaces for his team to speak up. “I spend an hour each month with every department so they can share what’s on their mind. I even walk them to my office and tell them, ‘My door’s always open’ but no one has taken up my offer yet,” he laughs. “I want them to know the offer stands.”

And what’s his guiding philosophy?

“Don’t take things too seriously,” he quips. “We have high standards and as we strive to meet them, we should still find moments to laugh, to have fun, and to make the workplace an enjoyable one."

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PHOTO GALLERY MARKS SHANGRI-LA KL’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

 

A photo gallery depicting Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s (SLKL) 40 year history and evolution was unveiled recently by General Manager Daniel Kaeflein together with the hotel’s long-service team, celebrating SLKL’s 40^th Anniversary.

Opened on 19 September 1985 by former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad, the newly launched Photo Gallery walked invited guests down memory lane, celebrating four decades of heartfelt hospitality, stellar service, and cherished memories.

Titled “Where Moments Become Memories: 40 Years of Heartfelt Hospitality,” the visual journey reveals SLKL’s significant milestones and transformations throughout the decades. Many iconic moments, key refurbishment programmes, notable guests, dedicated staff, prestigious accolades and the hotel’s social responsibility and sustainability commitments are highlighted.

Speaking at the launch, General Manager Kaeflein said, "We’re not only celebrating 40 years of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur but also the extraordinary people who have been instrumental throughout the journey. This photo gallery pays tribute to the cherished memories, guests we’ve welcomed, and colleagues whose dedication ensure the Shangri-La hospitality remains unparalleled."

Aside from the traditional white silk kebaya worn by SLKL’s Guest Relations Officers to the current maroon and gold songket design, the  photo walls also gave glimpses of the hotel’s major refurbishments in 2002 and 2010 as well as ongoing transformation in 2024–2025.

Admire photos of the hotel’s distinguished guests, from royalty to international celebrities. Heartfelt testimonials of loyal team members who have served and grew with SLKL in the past 40 years are included.

In addition, the showcase includes SLKL’s Gift of Life charity initiative which has raised over RM5 million since 1985 to support children in need of life-saving medical care. Numerous accolades received by the hotel including Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards 2023 for Best Business Hotel in Kuala Lumpur and Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards No.1 Hotel in Southeast Asia among others are proudly displayed.

The celebratory event is part of the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s 40^th Anniversary highlights. Other initiatives planned will include a specially curated "Timeless Journey" Anniversary Menu at Shang Palace and Anniversary Buffet Specials at Lemon Garden.

SELANGOR SUPER SAVERS 2025 CAMPAIGN

Screenshot from Selangor Super Savers website

Tourism Selangor’s Visit Selangor Year (VSY) 2025 campaign, “Surprising Selangor” got a boost from the Malaysian Association of Hotels, Selangor Chapter (MAHSEL) and the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners (MAHO) through the Selangor Super Savers 2025 (SSS2025) campaign recently.

Officiated by YBrs Puan Chua Yee Ling, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Selangor at Dorsett Grand Subang, the SSS2025 campaign aims to showcase the best of Selangor while enhancing the working relationship among hotels, shopping malls, theme park operators and tourist attractions in the state.

Also present at the launch were Tuan Haji Shaharuddin M Saaid - Executive Director, Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners; Datin Jasmine Abdullah Heng - Chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, Selangor Chapter; B C Ong - Council Member Rep for Selangor / Central Region of the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners; Mr CK Ang – President of Malaysian Association of Theme Parks & Family Attractions and Mr William Tang - Vice President 1 of the Malaysia Shopping Malls Association.

With the launch of SSS2025, both MAHSEL and MAHO hope to support Tourism Selangor in achieving its target of 8 million tourists by this year end.

A dedicated online portal, https://selangorsupersavers.com/ was also unveiled. Highlights include stay packages offering a minimum of 10% off Best Available Rates, RM50 F & B credit and late check out till 3 pm as well as up to 10% off meeting and wedding packages by 21participating hotels in Selangor: Le Meridien Putrajaya, Marriott Putrajaya, Moxy Putrajaya, Four Points by Sheraton Puchong, Crystal Crown Hotel Harbour View Port Klang, Pegasus Hotel, Dorsett Grand Subang, Mines Beach Resort, Royale Chulan Damansara, M World Hotel and Acappella Suite Hotel among others.

Visitors staying in any of the participating hotels can enjoy extra perks and discounts at theme parks and shopping malls such as GL Play by Gamuda Land, Jungle Gym Eco-Sanctuary Mall, Jungle Gym i-City, Jungle Gym Quayside Mall, Just Farm, Wet World Shah Alam and Sunway Pyramid. 

On phase 2 of the SSS2025, MAHSEL and MAHO hope more industry players in Selangor will support the campaign until end of 2025 as a precursor to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, targetting 26.1 million tourist arrivals and a domestic spending of RM97.6 billion.

A photography and short video contest - Experience Selangor is currently open and submission should be uploaded by/on 30th April 2025. Exciting prizes courtesy of Dorsett Grand Subang, Dorsett Putrajaya, Only World Group and other participating hotels await. For full contest details as well as terms and conditions, log on to:

https://selangorsupersavers.com/experience-selangor.html

 

LONDON TEA EXCHANGE DEBUTS AT SHANGRI-LA KL

 

The Great British Affair promotion by Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur got off to a tea-rrific start with an exquisite London Tea Exchange Afternoon Tea experience at the Lobby Lounge.

 

Available now until 31 October 2024, a fine selection of premium tea from London Tea Exchange will be served to complement delicious afternoon tea treats by the Shangri-La team.

 

At an exclusive preview to mark the debut of London Tea Exchange into the South East Asian market, the luxury tea brand hosted a tea tasting session at the Shangri-La KL.

London Tea Exchange Group Chairman Sheikh Aliur Rahman who joined the event virtually via live stream from London said: “London Tea Exchange has some 3,400 some premium teas sourced from over 40 countries across the globe. Our established, longstanding relationship with many individual tea estates mean some of the rarest tea are exclusive to London Tea Exchange.”

According to Aliur, London Tea Exchange is low-key but a purveyor of fine teas to numerous royal households around the world. “We’re proud of the instrumental role London Tea Exchange played in raising the daily wage of tea plantation workers. As part of the Fair Pay Foundation, we’ve helped to raise the income threshold for tea plantation workers, almost all of them women who earn less than USD4 per day.”

 

The tea tasting session saw us beginning with English Breakfast, a classic tea popularised in 1800s. On the palate, we discerned earthy Sri Lankan tea nuanced with the maltiness of Assam tea leaves and the smokiness of Indonesian black tea.

Another quintessentially British favourite, The Earl Grey captured our hearts with its refined blend of Yunnan black tea and Ceylon tea, gently scented with pure bergamot oil from Calabria, Italy. It was an enlightening discovery as we learned more often than not, the bergamot flavour is usually sprayed onto tea leaves hence the resultant aroma and flavour tend to be heavier and overpowering on both the nose and tastebuds.

My favourite has to be Milk Oolong which comprised hand-rolled Oolong tea leaves. The withered, slightly wet tea leaves are heated in milk steam to bestow the Oolong tea with a distinct creamy taste. 

Fruity tea lovers will take an instant liking to Bora Bora, a sweet, tangy tea made with strawberries, tropical papaya and a myriad of fruits to bright, palate-pleasing tea which can be enjoyed hot or cold. 

Floral with hints of raspberries, rhubarb and cherries, the Sea of Blossoms blend incorporates an array of carefully selected exotic blossoms to produce a soothing tea.

There’s a playful and inventive side to London Tea Exchange as well. The team took over two years to develop and perfect the Pistachio & Truffle blend, paying homage to the Middle Eastern culture. Using real pistachios and chocolate truffle, the subtle nutty-rich tea proved intriguing and luxuriant on the tongue.

LONDON TEA EXCHANGE AFTERNOON TEA AT LOBBY LOUNGE

To further showcase its range of fine teas, London Tea Exchange is partnering with Shangri-La KL’s Executive Chef Scott Brands and his team to proffer a limited time Afternoon Tea (3pm-6pm) at RM220 nett per set for two persons.

Most of the savoury creations flaunted pink hues, in tribute of Pink October. We sampled delicious Savoury Snow Crab Rolls, Diced Apple and Mustard Cress, and Norwegian Salmon Pinwheel for openers.

Top marks went to the Smoked Duck and Foie Gras Croquette with Cherry but no less appealing were the Trout Caviar with Beets Brioche and Summer Truffle Egg Salad.

Rose petal and cherry accentuated Sencha Sakura tea was chosen by the chefs to imbue its delicate flavour into the creation of Rose Ivoire Chocolate Mousse Meringue whilst the Sea of Blossom Tea lent its ethereal floral-berry notes to the crisp Wild Berries Macarons.

A stellar Dark Chocolate Mousse with Paillete Feuilletine (crisp leaf-like flakes) Victoria Cake infused with Orange & Cinnamon Tea grabbed our attention at first bite. It was well seconded by the enticing Sea of Blossom Mille Feuille.

We did adequate justice to the pink-hue Dried Fruit Scone with Bora Bora Tea and Plain Scones, piling a generous amount of Raspberry Jam, Clotted Cream and Whipped Butter on them. 

The tea treats made excellent pairing with Milk Oolong but the Premium Emperor’s Palace Tea – a Fujianese green tea with subtle honey notes won’t go remiss either.

For reservations at Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, call tel: 03 2786 2378.