Showing posts with label press conference. Show all posts
Showing posts with label press conference. Show all posts

Monday, July 10, 2023

EQUATORIAL KUALA LUMPUR CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY


Opened in December 1973, Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year.

Equatorial Group CEO Donald Lim (pix above) said: “Over the past five decades, the Equatorial brand has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional service and excellent hospitality; its restaurants: the Kampachi, Chalet, Nipah Coffeeshop, Golden Phoenix, Étoile Bistro and Blue Moon lounge were household names.

 

“We’ll be celebrating our golden anniversary with our loyal customers, partners, and employees who have supported us throughout the years. Starting 5 July 2023, we will have a series of 50 commemorative events spanning a whole year, each offering a distinctive take against the historical backdrop or with an eye toward the future.”
The old Chalet restaurant remains fondly remembered by loyal guests


Highlights will include pop-ups of the famed Chalet and Golden Phoenix restaurants in August 2023 and January 2024 respectively, and a Blue Moon Night on 31 August 2023, evoking a playlist of the era. Also, in the pipeline are visiting guest chefs, winemakers, sake masters and even specially commissioned products — stay tuned for updates at www.equatorial.com/equatorial-50

 

Boxing great Joe Bugner was a guest of Hotel Equatorial KL for his fight with the legendary Muhammad Ali in 1975

A memory wall will be created in the lobby of EQ where guests can view photos of memorable events involving Equatorial 
since 1973. Guests can share their own memories on Facebook and Instagram as well.


According to Lim, Equatorial has redefined the hospitality landscape; its well-regarded restaurants has successfully gain mindshare and familiarity with the many birthdays and weddings held at the Hotel.

 

He also cited some of the groundbreaking trends set by Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur: it’s the first hotel to have electronic key cards and fire sprinklers, and WiFi connectivity — things people take for granted now.


Kampachi, the oldest Japanese restaurant in Malaysia, remains famed for its Sunday buffet. During its heydays, reservations has to be made months in advance. The brand’s endurance is unmatched and remains one of the best Japanese restaurants today.

Equatorial Group's Chief Commercial Officer Charles Lim (left), CEO Donald Lim (centre) and EQKL GM, Gerard Walker (right)

In the four years since opening in 2019, EQ has become the standard bearer among hotels in the city, having won a slew of local and international accolades, including being ranked #1 hotel in the city by Tripadvisor since August 2019. Just last month, EQ was named Hotel of the Year Asia Pacific by Preferred Hotels group, the first time any hotel from Malaysia has won the title.

 

The new 440-room property is the first and only 5-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur with a Green Building Index Gold certification. Lim explained EQ’s sustainability measures in place means a night’s stay at EQ uses far fewer resources and has less environmental impact compared to other hotel rooms. For example, the carbon output which is equivalent to a return drive from KL to Ipoh can save up to 1500 trees.

Hotel Equatorial Penang will reopen in 2 years' time

Lim said the newer EQ brand is more stylish and innovative; its premium positioning aimed at attracting today’s younger clientele whilst the Equatorial Hotel brand - recognisable among the older generation - will retain its ‘business class’ offerings. 

The Equatorial Penang is currently under renovation and is anticipated to open in 2 years’ time. He affirms should the opportunity arises, the group will consider expanding EQ and Equatorial branded properties in Malaysia or even overseas. 

For more information on EQ 50th Anniversary, visit www.equatorial.com/equatorial-50

Tuesday, December 01, 2020

SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION ON THE RISE SAYS NORWEGIAN SEAFOOD COUNCIL


Seafood consumption, driven by a shift towards a more sustainable diet, is on the rise according to a recent study* of more than 25,000 consumers across 20 markets performed by Kantar on behalf of the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC). *the study is the largest seafood consumer study of its kind

At a recent Virtual Luncheon of Norwegian Salmon and Fjord Trout hosted by the NSC, NSC Regional Director Asbjorn Warvik Rortveit (pix above), shared the following Seafood Consumer Insights: 

78% Malaysians rank sustainability as important when choosing to buy seafood

65% Malaysians state country of origin is important when buying seafood

60% Malaysians state country of origin is an indicator of quality when it comes to buying seafood

63% picks Salmon as their first choice of Sushi

50% eats Sushi at least once a month

35% picks Norway as the most preferred country of origin for salmon and 43% for fjord trout

He also said many markets in this region are reporting increased demand for processed and pre-packed seafood. “The Norwegian seafood industry is adapting to these shifts in buyer preference, and is turning its production to meet these needs. It continues its efforts to provide safe, sustainable, and nutritious seafood as keeping safe, and eating safe and healthy is the way to go during this pandemic and beyond.”

Joining the virtual event was Lars Fredrik Martinussen (pix above), Head of Communication of Nordlaks Group, who spoke about efforts undertaken by his family-owned aquaculture company to develop the sustainable aquaculture industry in the north of Norway.

Also present was Phyllis Teh, co-founder of Art of Salmó, who highlighted how her online store succeeded in “Adapting to Consumer Needs in Covid-19 Times” by delivering the finest and freshest Norwegian fjord trout with its special seasoning sachets to their doorstep.

Participating media members were treated to sumptuous “When East Meets West, Norwegian Seafood Tasting Menu” set lunches prepared by Chefs Jordash DeCruz (pix above) and Steve Chua too to complete the virtual media event experience. Calling on his experience working on the Norwegian Cruise Line and Viking Ocean Cruise, Chef Jordash DeCruz presented the following 3-course menu with inspiration from the Land of the Midnight Sun.

His starter of cured beetroot with Norwegian salmon, lemon essence and pickled daikon was accompanied by the main course of seared fjord trout with roasted vegetable and sandefjordmor (Norwegian butter sauce). Wrapping up the meal was Norwegian success cake with fresh berries.

 

Founder of Two Chefs Lab, Chef Steve Chua (pix below) who represented Malaysia as a Norwegian Seafood Council’s sponsored participant at the World Sushi Cup 2018, also rendered his Japanese starter, sushi platter and dessert. 



Seared sliced Norwegian fjord trout with truffle and grated onion dressing sprinkled with cured egg yolks was the tantalising starter, complemented by six assorted nigiri sushi creations. Azuki crepe with red beans with green tea sauce was the dessert to finish with.




The distinct finale came from the Art of Salmó, in the form of a Smoked Salmó Cheese Cake. A rather unusual sweet-savoury combo of crushed Oreo, smoked salmon, cream cheese, butter, whipping cream, ikura and smoked salmon which you either love or loathe. I’m ambivalent about this but I'm willing to give it another go should I have the chance to sample it again in future.


Interestingly, one of the key concerns arising from the seafood study is to encourage more children to increase their intake of seafood. Chef Jordash DeCruz and NSC Regional Director Asbjorn Warvik Rortveit suggested getting children involved in food preparation and getting the young ones to try eating fish and seafood early. "Get your child involved in the kitchen. Let them touch, feel and taste fresh seafood like salmon and fjord trout."

Phyllis Teh echoed similar sentiments as the popularity of her Art of Salmó products bear testament to urban consumers who seek convenience and willing to pay for quality ready-to-eat seafood like fresh Norwegian salmon and fjord trout.

Monday, June 24, 2019

GREAT MOVIE MOMENTS WITH SONY’S REEL SOCIETY


To herald the launch of Sony’s Reel Society, Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) and Sony Pictures Entertainment will be screening five specially curated movies, starting this June up to January 2020 at the GSC International Screens.
Local movie buffs who yearn for ‘thinking man’ flicks will be overjoyed to know they can catch the first movie “Best of Enemies” starting 20 June. Yours truly was grateful for the opportunity to catch it first-hand and came away thoroughly gratified.
Directed by Robin Bisell, “Best of Enemies” touched on the unlikely friendship between a black civil rights activist and the head of the Ku Klux Klan in Durham, North Carolina in the USA. Talented actress Taraji P Henson shone like a beacon in this film, reprising feisty Ann Atwater while Sam Rockwell appeared as C.P. Ellis.

Their opposing views and belligerent attitude towards each other and the communities they represent came to head one summer. However, both were unwittingly force to collaborate and subsequent circumstances arising from the communal exercise also changed their lives in the process.
Koh Mei Lee, CEO of GSC said “the GSC and Sony Pictures Entertainment partnership in launching Sony’s Reel Society aims to provide enriching cinematic experiences through technology and content for local audiences.”

She said Malaysian audiences do enjoy smart, well-written stories that are emotionally moving with universal human values. “This partnership will open a window to more engaging, heartwarming and powerful stories for film-goers. We welcome more distributors and partners to work with us in bringing such quality content to movie audiences.”

Echoing similar sentiments is Simon Foo, MD of Sony Pictures Entertainment Malaysia. “Sony Pictures Entertainment has always had a diverse genre of quality films and we try our best to make films to cater to different audiences. Through our exclusive collaboration with GSC, Sony’s Reel Society will be an avenue for discerning movie enthusiasts to catch speciality silver screen productions.”



Keep an eye out for these movie screenings: 
Late Night 1 August 1 
Ode To Joy 19 September
The Sound of Silence 3 October
A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood 20 January 2020

Sony’s Reel Society will be available exclusively at GSC Pavilion KL, GSC Mid Valley Megamall, GSC 1 Utama, GSC Gurney Plaza, Penang and GSC Paradigm JB. Follow GSCinemas on FB, Twitter or Instagram or visit www.gsc.com.my


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