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.

TWO NEW COFFEE FLAVOURS FROM OATSIDE

Caramel Macchiato and Mocha are two new flavours introduced by Oatside’s Signature Barista Blend oatmilk. Using a blend of coffee beans, Oatside launches its pocket size Caramel Macchiato and Mocha flavours at Ping Min Coffee Festival 2.0 in Kuala Lumpur recently. Purchases entitled buyers to participate in some fun-filled games on the spot.

The Caramel Macchiato is rich and subtly sweet; the pleasant coffee and caramel accents shine through the oaty milk in each sip. Mocha naturally tastes more chocolatey with a nice coffee finish amidst the oatmilk base. Personally, I find the existing Coffee variant surprisingly strong but avid coffee drinkers will find it up to expectations.

Another great point is the nifty pocket size packaging which makes for easy and convenient consumption. It’s lightweight enough to tote around and so handy when one needs a quick coffee fix without breaking the bank.

MILLENNIA VILLAGE REDEFINES SENIOR LIVING

Inspired by the emblematic "Hakka Tulou" (客家土楼), the central communal space to foster camaraderie and strengthen ties within traditional Hakka communities, Millennia Village is reputedly the first purpose-built senior living resort in Malaysia.

Nestled on a 32-acre lush enclave in Seremban, Millennia Village aims to redefine the lifestyle of seniors as "the start of more enriching and purposeful golden years”.

Surrounded by prolific greenery and native trees, the main building’s "Hakka Tulou" inspired design envisaged a collective community where residents converge, connect, communicate, and share life experiences.

According to John Chia, Founder of Millennia Village, "We believe seniors deserve more than just a place to stay. They should be in a community catering to their unique needs. We believe the golden years can be just as exciting and rewarding.”

Executive Director of Millennia Village, Diane Chia (right) adds, “Millennia Village is inspired by the principles of Blue Zones, focusing on healthy habits, togetherness and happiness. Those factors contribute to seniors’ longevity and well-being. We aim to enhance the quality of senior lifestyle by providing a safe, comfortable, and socially engaging environment. The tranquility of our location means pristine air quality, minimal traffic and noise along with an unparalleled level of privacy and security.”

We were assigned a 481 sqft Studio Suite room. Clad in white and neutral earth tones with clean, minimalist approach, the glass doors lead outside to a balcony with soothing views of the granite rock wall covered with trees and shrubbery.

Bathroom handrails, a panic button and a wall-mounted fold-up stool are found in the shower and toilet. The door is wide enough for wheelchair access although it would be nice to have a more accessible shelf for toiletries, bath sponge and spectacles.

The current recess space beside the shower cubicle seemed odd and not user-friendly. Also, the empty space in-between means water splashing out of the shower area is inevitable even though the curtain is fully drawn.

Our room layout is nice and practical featuring a long kitchen counter equipped with an induction stove top, microwave oven, electric kettle and sink. Furnishings include a couch with a coffee table, a dining table, a floor-to-ceiling closet and wooden sideboard.

Electrical appliances provided are a fridge, an induction cooker with hood, an electric kettle and a microwave oven. There’s aslo a flatscreen TV and a working desk. Fans, an air-conditioning unit and Wi-Fi access are par for the course.

Currently, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Saffron all-day dining restaurant. There’s plenty of natural daylight within the space. A private room is also available for group dining.

One floor above is Kopitiam which will be serving simple, local fare and snack items. Plans are afoot for a grab & go bakery cum convenience store of sorts.

Located at the 9th Floor of Block B, The Rooftop is ideal for lounging around with friends for drinks and conversation. The balcony seating accords panoramic vista of the nearby surroundings.

We love the saltwater infinity swimming pool where aquarobics classes can be held. Nearby is a walking trail with various fitness equipment for those who desire working out in the open.

More walking paths with a 2-acre nursery for eco-farming and zero waste practices e.g. growing organic produce and composting food waste are also available. Avid gardeners will like pottering around the raised garden beds and elevated planters. Built using permaculture principles, the fertile farm garden aims to provide edible herbs and vegetables for a farm-to-table experience.

Serene strolls along trails purpose-built by the Orang Asli wends through a regenerated forest covering 8 acres of prime land amidst the stunning vistas of a majestic rugged granite rock face.

Planned group fitness activities: tai chi, line dancing, senior yoga, physiotherapy, and stretching exercises to arts and craft and even a community kitchen should keep senior residents occupied and fulfilled. A gym, a multi-purpose studio, an airy and spacious library, a games room, a theatre and event space accommodating up to 200 persons are found onsite.

The first phase of 344 units features one- and two-bedroom units tailored for independent senior living whilst the second phase will comprise 75 units for seniors requiring assisted care. Phase three will offer larger units for independent senior living.

Millennia Village offers medium and long-term tenancies of 1 month to 3 years, with pricing depending on the stay duration. For a limited time only, Millennia Village is offering a long stay promotion at RM5,500 per month for two persons.

A trial stay of 3D/2N is also available from RM1,200 for two persons. All room packages include a fully furnished unit, housekeeping, Wi-Fi, free access to all facilities, daily breakfast and dinner. The offers are valid until 31 August 2024 and are subject to prevailing taxes.

For more information about Millennia Village, please call 06-7609677, email: dianechia@milenniavillage.com or visit www.millenniavillage.com.