Malaysia Hosts First-Ever International Towerrunning Event at Merdeka 118

Malaysia has made history by hosting its first major international towerrunning event on the Towerrunning World Association (TWA) circuit. The 3rd Towerrunning Asian & Oceanian Championships 2025, locally branded as The Sky Race at Merdeka 118, took place during the Merdeka Day weekend in Kuala Lumpur.

The event was held at the iconic Merdeka 118, the world’s second-tallest building, located near the historic site where Tunku Abdul Rahman declared Malaysia’s independence on 31 August 1957. Over 5,800 participants from 70 countries registered to take on the challenge of climbing 2,845 steps to Level 118 of the tower. 

Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown: A New Urban Retreat

Kuala Lumpur’s skyline has a brand-new star. The highly anticipated Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown officially opens its doors, marking the brand’s return to the city with a blend of world-class hospitality, visionary design, and a coveted address in one of the capital’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

KLSCM 2025 Announces Official Pacer Line-Up

The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025, Malaysia’s premier running event, has officially revealed its full line-up of race pacers. These dedicated KLSCM 2025 pacers will support participants in the Pantai KL 10KM, ASICS Half Marathon, and Full Marathon categories, guiding runners to achieve their personal bests while offering encouragement throughout the race.

Luckin Coffee Malaysia Launches New Coconut Drinks

Coconut lovers, get ready! 

This August, Luckin Coffee Malaysia is bringing a burst of tropical freshness with two new coconut drinks – the Coconut Shakerato and Iced Coconut Americano.

Following the massive success of its iconic Coconut Latte – which has sold over 1.2 billion cups worldwide – Luckin Coffee is expanding its coconut-inspired lineup with these refreshing creations. Perfect for Malaysia’s warm climate, both drinks offer a bold, smooth coffee experience with an irresistible tropical twist.

The Sky Race at Merdeka 118: Conquer 118 Floors for the Best View in Kuala Lumpur

Published on 31 July 2025

Updated: 8 August 2025

This race has officially sold out. But stay tuned to their social media for a chance to win entry tickets. You can also join the waitlist in the event of any released tickets. 

Get ready to climb your way to history! Fresh Events Asia, in partnership with the Malaysia Towerrunning Association, has officially announced The Sky Race™, a first-of-its-kind vertical challenge happening on Saturday, 30 August 2025 at Merdeka 118 – the tallest building in Southeast Asia and the second tallest in the world.

Participants will take on an epic ascent of 2,845 steps across all 118 floors, ending at the exclusive Level 118, which will be open to the public for one day only. From this never-before-accessible vantage point, climbers will enjoy the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.

Toyota Start Your Impossible Outrun 2025 Continues To Drive Hope Through Mobility

 Over 6,500 runners came together yesterday for the fourth edition of the Toyota Start Your Impossible (SYI) Outrun 2025, a landmark event designed to highlight Toyota's role as a pioneering mobility company committed to uplifting communities. More than a race, the Start Your Impossible (SYI) Outrun is etched on the Start Your Impossible (SYI) branding campaign, reflecting Toyota’s dedication to innovation and societal well-being.

REDLINE Fitness Games by Nissan 2025 draws biggest crowd to MIECC

Malaysia hosted the third edition of REDLINE Fitness Games by NISSAN on 26–27 July 2025 at the MINES International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC), drawing over 10,000 fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and spectators from around the region.

Returning bigger and bolder after two successful instalments in 2023 and 2024, REDLINE 2025 has firmly positioned itself as one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most inclusive functional fitness competitions. Organised by Fresh Events Asia and powered by returning title sponsor NISSAN, the REDLINE Fitness Games continues to raise the bar for community-focused, high-performance athletic events.

Mind Over Miles: Where Resilience Meets Instinct

The cool air of Cameron Highlands carries more than just the scent of tea leaves this July — it breathes life into a new generation of endurance athletes as they tackle the Cameron Ultra 2025. Wrapped in mist and silence, the trail becomes a canvas for perseverance, painted with every stride and heartbeat. 

Among the participants this year is Syarifah Balqis, a rising name in Malaysia’s trail running scene. From completing her first ultra-marathon in 2022 to conquering a solo 100 km race at Trans Jeju, Balqis has steadily built a reputation for grit and quiet determination. 

ASICS Malaysia Champions Grassroots Sports Through ASICS MASISWA Badminton Championship 2025

ASICS Malaysia continues to demonstrate its commitment to grassroots sports development by sponsoring the ASICS MASISWA Badminton Championship 2025, which took place from 26 to 28 June at Taylor’s University Grand Hall. The prestigious three-day tournament brought together over 350 talented students from 15 private higher education institutions (IPTS) across Malaysia, competing in singles and doubles events under both the MASISWA Open and Bakat Baru (Beginner) divisions.

ASICS Launches “Little Reminders” Campaign in Southeast Asia

In conjunction with Global Running Month, ASICS has introduced a heartwarming campaign across Southeast Asia called “Little Reminders.” Designed to shift how adults view and approach physical activity, the campaign brings attention to a fundamental insight: children move simply because it makes them happy, while adults often tie movement to metrics, body image, or performance. The initiative encourages everyone to return to the pure, joyful reasons we once had for moving.

Powerman Malaysia 2025 Celebrates 20 Years as the World’s Biggest Duathlon

The highly anticipated POWERMAN Malaysia Duathlon celebrates its 20th anniversary milestone this year, with OMODA | JAECOO returning as its presenting partner. The illustrious event takes centre stage at Dataran Putrajaya from 20 to 22 June 2025, and will see participants traverse the streets of Malaysia’s administrative capital in an intense 3-day sporting spectacle that is the World’s Biggest Duathlon. 

Toyota Start Your Impossible Outrun 2025 Introduces New 21km Category

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) proudly announces the return of the Toyota Start Your Impossible (SYI) Outrun 2025, an inclusive charity run that goes beyond physical fitness to celebrate human resilience, unity, and compassion. Set for Sunday, 27 July 2025, at Dataran Wawasan, Putrajaya, the event continues to shape lives and inspire progress under Toyota’s global Start Your Impossible initiative with a newly introduced 21km category in line with the growing trend of half marathons in Malaysia. 

ASCIS GEL-KAYANO™ 32 Shoe Delivers Premium Stability with Plush Comfort

ASICS is proud to introduce the launch of the GEL-KAYANO™ 32 shoe, the latest evolution in its flagship stability running shoe series. Designed to elevate comfort and support, this new model features refined midsole design and an updated upper to provide an even smoother and more adaptive running experience.　

ASICS Shares Stories at the Ladies Pickleball Special

 On 24 May, ASICS Malaysia’s Ladies Pickleball Special 2025 saw a celebration of strength, laughter and sisterhood 96 women—mothers, daughters, career professionals and retirees—gathered on the courts, paddles in hand and smiles on their faces, united by a shared passion that has made pickleball Malaysia’s fastest-trending sport among the sporting community.

Benihana Malaysia: A New Era of Teppanyaki Dining Arrives in KLCC

World-famous Japanese teppanyaki restaurant Benihana has officially opened its doors in Suria KLCC, introducing a unique blend of bold flavours, live culinary theatre, and sophisticated design to Malaysia’s dynamic food scene.

  
A Global Dining Sensation Lands in Malaysia
With over 79 outlets worldwide, Benihana is renowned for its vibrant teppanyaki-style dining — where highly trained chefs cook on a hot iron grill right in front of guests, turning every meal into a lively performance. The opening of Benihana Malaysia marks the brand’s debut in the country, offering both locals and tourists an unforgettable culinary experience in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

ASICS Tokyo Speed Race 2025 Sets the Pace for Global Running

In a city known for its dynamic energy and cutting-edge innovation, ASICS brought the streets of Tokyo to life with the Tokyo : Speed : Race—a high-octane showcase of speed, endurance, and athletic excellence.

With 125 elite athletes and over 2,700 amateur runners, this electrifying event wasn’t just a race—it was a celebration of human potential. Held beside the iconic Japan National Stadium, the race offered a fast, flat course perfect for chasing records. And chase records they did on 3 May 2025. 

KLSCM 2025 - Sold Out in under 4 Hours!

Oh my god, Malaysian runners. You guys are scary. 

The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025 is sold out and it's all thanks to the ever growing community of runners in Malaysia! 

Public registration for the 17th edition of the marathon opened this morning at 10.00am and KLSCM 2025 reached its capacity in record time, selling out in under four hours! 

To recap how fast this is, 2017's KLSCM took 3 days to sell out and 2020 saw it selling out in 7 hours (before the Big C kicked in). But today really took the cake. 

ASICS is the official KLSCM 2025 apparel and footwear partner

In my initial toss up guess of the new brand sponsor for the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025, I speculated it was between Puma and Asics, given how strong their marketing and community efforts has been. My money was on Asics (shamelessly biased since I started using their running shoes last year) 

And it is official! 

[TL:DR] KLSCM 2025 Key Highlights

For those in need of cliff notes of KLSCM's announcements today, here you go. 

KLSCM 2025 - New Finish line at Stadium Merdeka, New Gold Sponsors and more!

Following my speculation write up last week, there is a lot of updates to unload from today's press conference so strap in, runners! 

The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) is making its much-anticipated return for its 17th edition on 4 and 5 October 2025, promising runners an upgraded race experience in the heart of Malaysia’s capital city. Organised by Dirigo Events, the country’s premier distance running event is set to reach new heights with fresh developments, exciting partnerships, and a new race route.

OREO Space Dunk: The Iconic Cookie Launches into Space with Limited Edition Spaceburst Cream

Oreo the world’s beloved cookie brand, has once again redefined playfulness — this time by reaching for the stars. In a historic, gravity-defying stunt, Oreo has successfully launched its first cookie into space with the Oreo Space Dunk campaign. This bold move celebrates imagination, curiosity, and connection, bringing fans an unforgettable journey into the Milky Way with the help of Sent Into Space, a leading space agency.

KLSCM 2025 - New Location and Brand Sponsor Reveal?

As everyone knows, Malaysia's premier running event, the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon 2025 is set to take place on 4-5 Oct 2025 in a yet to be confirmed location. For the first time in a long time, KLSCM has to change its iconic venue due to renovation works happening at Dataran Merdeka this year. 

Personally, as one who has been working closely with KLSCM for several years, I have had the privilege of speaking with the team from Dirigo. Most of the time, the delay is out of their control as they are collaborating with many crucial parties to make this happen. So cut the team a break la ya. 

Nature Valley's new Crunchy Oats & Choco Chips Bar

Looking for a snack that’s both delicious and nourishing? Nature Valley, the world’s number one granola bar brand, has just launched its latest addition to the popular Crunchy series—Oats & Choco Chips! Combining the goodness of 100% whole grain oats with rich chocolate chips, this new flavour is perfect for Malaysians who are always on the go but refuse to compromise on taste and nutrition.

Blue Bottle Coffee Debuts in Southeast Asia: First Café Opening on 3 April 2025

Malaysian coffee lovers, get ready! Blue Bottle Coffee, the globally renowned specialty coffee brand, is making its much-anticipated debut in Southeast Asia. The brand’s first café in the region will officially open its doors on Thursday, 3 April 2025, at LUMINE SINGAPORE in Raffles City.

A Legacy of Specialty Coffee Excellence

7-Days Self-Drive Itinerary around Gifu, Japan

Hello, Japan fam! I am back with another self-drive adventure through Gifu this time. 

Why do I keep doing self-drive plans in Japan? Well, it takes me away from the crowd and gives me the freedom to deviate from my plans when I feel like it. Best of all, I don't have to walk so much and have a place to keep my bags when I don't want to carry them. 

Anyway, I collected my car from Nagoya airport, a process that only took 15 minutes and off I went on a one-week long adventure across Gifu prefecture. 

KLSCM 2025 Returns on 4 & 5 October – Save the Date!

The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025 is set to take place on 4 and 5 October 2025, marking its 17th edition as Malaysia’s premier distance running event. This highly anticipated race continues to attract runners from around the globe, offering an exhilarating experience in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

At this point (11 March 2025) the venue has yet to be confirmed as KLSCM will not be holding the event at Dataran Merdeka due to renovation works for the whole year. 

Jaya Grocer Expands Private Labels with Grab Signatures Collaboration

Jaya Grocer, one of Malaysia’s leading supermarket chains, has taken a bold step in enhancing its Jaya Grocer Private Labels line-up by partnering with Grab Signatures Brands. This strategic collaboration brings exclusive products from popular local favourites like Village Park, K Fry, Inside Scoop, and KGB to Jaya Grocer stores. Now, customers can enjoy these iconic flavours not only at their favourite restaurants but also in the comfort of their own homes.

Fujisan Marathon announces new 2025 race date

After so long, the Fujisan International Marathon has changed its date from the end of November to a new date for 2025. This scenic race, known for its breathtaking autumn views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, attracts runners from around the globe.

However, the new date set for 14 December, Sunday, may result in no autumn leaves and colder temperatures. This might result in the race losing its unique appeal to runners. Supposedly the change in date offers participants a unique winter marathon experience, with potentially cooler temperatures enhancing the running conditions. 

Registration is expected to open in late April 2025, giving enthusiasts plenty of time to prepare for this iconic race. You can read about my experience running the marathon in 2023. 

For more details, visit the official website. 

Experience the Charm of a Bygone Era with Autograph Collection Hotels' First Property in Penang

Autograph Collection Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s prestigious portfolio, proudly unveils The Millen Penang, Autograph Collection. Nestled along the historic Millionaire’s Row, this 146-room designer hotel blends colonial-inspired grandeur with contemporary sophistication, creating a one-of-a-kind luxury experience in Penang.