Latest news with #YTLHotels
The Star
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Developer's staff psyched to take on hero's journey
A sense of adventure and one British soldier's experience on Pulau Pangkor Laut off the coast of Lumut, Perak, are the inspirations for multi-sport event The Chapman's Challenge. Now in its seventh edition, the race draws weekend warriors and thrill-seekers looking to have some fun in the sun, minus the pressure that comes with intense competition. Held at Pangkor Laut Resort, the race comprises a 3.8km run around the island, 2.4km trek through a two-million-year-old rainforest and 1km swim across Emerald Bay. The challenge is named after Colonel Freddy Spencer Chapman, who spent time in the Malayan jungles before escaping from Emerald Bay by submarine under the cover of darkness. This year marks the 80th anniversary of his escape during World War II. 'He had to hide out on the island for three years,' said YTL Hotels marketing and communications vice-president Geraldine Dreiser, who is part of the team who came up with the challenge. 'His book The Jungle is Neutral describes how he survived and escaped to safety. Amir Asyraf being congratulated by Chris at the finish line. 'We really want to bring the story to life with The Chapman's Challenge.' The company, she said, was keen on creating memorable moments for guests. 'It's truly unique to run through the jungle where Colonel Chapman was hiding out and swimming out to sea – you're reliving history. 'At the same time, we want people to enjoy the race. 'So if you're not an expert swimmer, we allow life jackets or swim buoys,' she added. Dreiser, however, did not need such equipment for the race. Her second time taking part, she completed the route faster this time than the previous year. Familiarity with the course helped but that was not the main reason for her top-20 finish. 'I have always been a runner, and I love to swim. 'I exercise every day, so I train almost seven times a week,' said the working mum, adding that she found the routine therapeutic. Khairul (right) receiving his prize from Stephen. Looking on is Dreiser. As this year also marked YTL's 70th anniversary, it was only fitting that 20 employees took part in the challenge as well. 'It's the first time we have invited employees across the group to participate and it was a nice team bonding experience. 'I met colleagues that I would not have otherwise. And now we have this shared experience that we can talk about,' said Dreiser. Chong Kar Mun, a commercial analyst from YTL Power, signed up for the race even though she was worried about swimming in the sea. With a 10km run under her belt, she thought of giving the challenge a try. What she initially feared turned into something she ultimately loved. 'After the running and hiking, which were quite difficult because of the trail's elevation, it was refreshing to get in the water. 'I thought it would be so hard to the point that I couldn't complete the route, but it wasn't,' said Chong, 25. Similarly, fitness enthusiast and YTL Power data centre operations general manager Leong Wai Loon, 42, heard that The Chapman's Challenge was physically demanding and wanted to find out for himself. 'It's different from the Ironman type of challenges that I have competed in. 'I did not expect my heart rate to keep increasing in the last stretch of the jungle trail, with steep steps leading up and then down towards the swimming portion of the race – it really pushed me to my limit.' Project development engineer Vethalingam Siva Shanmugam, 27, from YTL Power, was thrilled for the opportunity to race on the island. 'I have run a lot of races, including half marathons, but I had never tried a multi-sport event,' he said. 'The run and hike were tiring and challenging, but I was also exploring the island while racing through very scenic routes.' For senior draughtsman Amir Asyraf Redzuan, 37, from YTL Construction, it was important not to leave behind his friend, Khairul Anuar Saadon, a YTL Group IT administrator. Even though Amir Asyraf could have finished the race earlier, he opted to stay with Khairul who was trailing far behind. 'He wanted to give up but I encouraged him to keep going and take a break if he needed one,' said Amir Asyraf. Meanwhile, senior project engineer Lim Chun Yan, 32, from YTL Construction, had never taken part in anything similar but felt he was fit enough as he had been training for an indoor fitness contest. 'The Chapman's Challenge is actually beginner-friendly. 'You just have to break through any mental barrier that may keep you from joining the race,' said Lim. This year, close to 60 people vied for the top prizes, including fitness enthusiasts from Singapore, Australia and the United Kingdom. The race, which began at 7am, saw Matt Pexton winning the men's category in 55mins 15sec, while Dr Maddalena Ardissino took the women's title in a time of 1:01:31. Each received a RM12,000 Norqain watch, three-day, two-night Pangkor Laut Resort stay and RM1,000 Under Armour voucher. Also finishing early was Stephen Spencer Chapman, Colonel Chapman's grandson. At the prize-giving ceremony and barbecue later the same day, Stephen donated his first runner-up prize to 'the person who came in at the tail end, No.56's Khairul Anuar Saadon'. Stephen's father Chris Chapman congratulated all those who crossed the finish line. At the heart of this race is a family legacy, one that brings the colonel's descendants back to the island as a way to remember his bravery and exploit. Heritage and history are integral to The Chapman's Challenge, but central to that weekend also are families and friends tipping their hat to the man who inspired it all.
Hospitality Net
16-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
YTL Hotels Opens 320-Key Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown
YTL Hotels, a pioneer in innovative hospitality, has announced the opening of two new properties, Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown and AC Hotel By Marriott, Ipoh, offering travelers unique experiences in two of Malaysia's most captivating destinations. The historic Oriental Bank building on Jalan Hang Lekiu has been transformed into Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown, the first Moxy property to open in the city. Keeping its original façade, the 21-story restored landmark houses 320 rooms, each offering modern accommodations and Moxy's quintessential playfulness. The design narrative weaves in threads of Chinatown's rich tapestry, from bold crimson accents resembling traditional shophouse colors, to murals blending heritage motifs with street art flair, all accented by neon installations referencing Kuala Lumpur's famous night markets. Each guest room features modular furniture that transforms from workspace to lounge, industrial-chic lighting, and locally sourced artwork that tells Kuala Lumpur's story through visual vignettes. The hotel's location is a front-row ticket to the culture of Kuala Lumpur and the symphony of sights and smells in its Chinatown. Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown also provides the perfect counterpoint to this urban energy. The lobby doubles as a social hub where check-in includes a welcome drink at Zone In. Moxy's all-day dining spot, Zone Out, provides breakfast and space to unwind or work. The property's Bar Moxy evolves throughout the day as poolside lounging culminates in golden-hour cocktails and the soundtrack of the city's pulse gradually shifts to welcome local nightlife. Hotel website
New Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Oriental Bank restored after RM75mil makeover, reopens as 4-star hotel by YTL
KUALA LUMPUR: YTL Hotels has opened two new properties in Malaysia—Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown and AC Hotel by Marriott Ipoh—with a combined investment of nearly RM185 million, marking a major milestone in the group's ongoing expansion. These openings reflect YTL Hotels' strategic focus on revitalising heritage buildings and introducing globally recognised hospitality brands to Malaysia's key cities. Housed within the newly restored Oriental Bank building along Jalan Hang Lekiu, Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown rises 21 storeys, blending 1970s nostalgia with modern urban flair following a RM75 million investment. This is Kuala Lumpur's first Moxy, bringing 320 stylish, smartly designed rooms that channel the energy and colour of Chinatown. Datuk Mark Yeoh, chairman of YTL Hotels, previously told Business Times that Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown is one of Marriott International's most dynamic global brands, set to redefine hospitality in Kuala Lumpur/ Honouring its heritage surroundings, the hotel showcases crimson hues, eclectic murals, neon installations, and modular furniture for the modern traveller. Up north in Perak, YTL Real Estate Investment Trust acquired the former Syuen Hotel in early 2024 for RM55 million, followed by an additional RM55 million refurbishment to transform the property into AC Hotel by Marriott Ipoh. The 11-storey, four-star hotel with 291 rooms ceased operations in May 2020. Following the refurbishment, the hotel now combines European design sensibilities with Ipoh's rich heritage, offering guests refined comfort, minimalist elegance, and spaces like the Tin Mine Club—a business lounge that pays tribute to the city's mining past with panoramic city views. YTL Hotels currently holds 11 Marriott International properties among its 33 hospitality assets worldwide, making it one of Marriott's largest long-term ownership partners in Asia. Next on the horizon is the highly anticipated Moxy Niseko Village in Hokkaido, Japan. Nestled at the foot of Mount Niseko Annupuri within the renowned Niseko United ski area, the resort promises year-round appeal—from world-class ski slopes and natural hot springs in winter to golf and nature activities during the summer months.
