How Grab Is Driving the Future of Tech and Community Across ASEAN

If you’ve ever ordered GrabFood after a long day, booked a Grab ride in rush hour, or sent a parcel across town, you’ve played a part in one of Southeast Asia’s biggest digital success stories. But behind every delivery and every ride, there are millions of driver- and delivery-partners who power the Grab ecosystem — and now, their stories are taking centre stage.

Celebrating the People Behind the Platform

[Race Review] Surviving KLSCM 2025 10KM's new Hilly Route

The last time I ran the 10km in the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon race was two years ago in 2023 and I did it...in a Pikachu onsie as part of my Run for a Reason promise. I ended with a 1:19 timing because I freaking overheated in that onsie!

So this time, I ran in the usual back to basic race attire. My Asics Novablast 5 shoes was my weapon of choice and I swapped the running vest for a pouch this time for sleeker photos (yes la I am vain like that). 

When asked what was my expected finishing time, I would err on the safer side and say 1:15 (7:30min/km pace) but targetted 1:10 (7min/km pace). I had recee-ed the route a week earlier and knew the second half of the race had hills all the way to the new finishline at Stadium Merdeka.

But I had a plan in place to help me survive the race in one piece. 

Day 2 KLSCM 2025: From Stadium Merdeka to Global Podiums

The second day of the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025 delivered electrifying performances and inspiring stories as thousands of runners conquered the Full Marathon and ASICS Half Marathon categories. From international champions to national heroes, the streets of Kuala Lumpur came alive with determination, endurance, and celebration.

 

Kenyan Sweep in Men’s Open
John Nzau Mwangangi finally clinched the Full Marathon Men’s Open title after two near misses, crossing the finish line in 02:17:28. The Kenyan athlete earned the US$15,000 (RM63,225) prize purse, with compatriots Kiprotich Kiru (02:17:45) and defending champion Vincent Kiprono (02:18:06) rounding off the podium.

Day 1 KLSCM 2025: 5km, Pantai KL 10km, and Kids Dash

The first day of the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025 set the city abuzz this morning, as more than 15,800 runners took part in the opening events. With the 5km Fun Run, Pantai KL 10km, and Kids Dash categories headlining Day 1, the marathon weekend once again lived up to its reputation as the “Hari Raya of running.”

15,800 Runners Take Over Kuala Lumpur

This year’s start line at Jalan Raja Laut created an iconic scene as nearly 15,400 participants ran through the heart of Kuala Lumpur, past historic landmarks, before finishing in the legendary Stadium Merdeka. For the Kids Dash, the track at Stadium Merdeka provided the stage for Malaysia’s youngest runners to shine.

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. 

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. 

KLSCM 2024: The Best Excuse for a Runcation

I am no stranger to the concept of a runcation. Heck, it's easier telling people you are flying off to Japan yet again for a marathon than it is telling them you are simply just flying off to Japan for the umpteen time for fun. 

For many foreigners outside of Malaysia, the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) is exactly just that runcation for them. 

KLSCM has firmly established itself as the premier distance running event in Malaysia, attracting thousands of runners from all corners of the globe. As we approach the 2024 edition, taking place on the 5th and 6th of October, this celebrated race promises to be bigger and better than ever. With a record-breaking 42,000 participants expected, including local and international athletes, this marathon has become a much-anticipated annual highlight.

Celebrate 13 Years of Luck at Tokyo Street's Maneki Neko Matsuri!

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and adorable lucky cats at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur's Tokyo Street!

From now until August 13th, Tokyo Street is celebrating its 13th anniversary with a purrfectly delightful "Maneki Neko Matsuri" (Lucky Cat Festival) theme. Get ready for kawaii culture, traditional charm, and endless possibilities to experience the best of Japan!

CzipLee (集 利): SOMe Market 3.0 - Stationery & Journaling Market

Rooted in tradition yet forward-looking, CzipLee, a family-run stationery and books store is synonymous with quality stationery, artistic treasures, and a passion for nurturing creativity. 

This weekend, 8 - 9 June 2024, CzipLee is proud to support the SOMe Market 3.0, a stationery & journaling market, set to feature talent from across Malaysia and beyond. This year's SOMe Market 3.0 will be held opposite Cziplee at Bangsar Village II. 

MOXY Putrajaya Hotel, perfect for Layovers and Work

I have always liken Putrajaya to the Canberra of Malaysia - all governmental office and syiok only for runs around the lakes. Having said that, Putrajaya suffers from a lack of hotels in the area that cater to the more lifestyle kind of crowd. 

But hopefully soon that will change with the opening of Moxy Putrajaya, just steps away from IOI City Mall, easily one of the biggest malls in Malaysia. With its more vibrant and creativity interior, this hotel clearly caters to those who live life on the go. The hotel is in proximity to Kuala Lumpur International Airport and major highways connecting Klang Valley and beyond, placing guests in the perfect spot to explore the area’s amenities with ease.

Kuala Lumpur's Newest Stay: Four Points by Sheraton City Center

Welcome to the vibrant heart of Kuala Lumpur, where the first-ever Four Points by Sheraton hotel is set to redefine your travel experience. Strategically located in the bustling city center and marking the fourth Sheraton property in Malaysia, Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, City Centre is opening its doors just in time for the year-end festivities, promising a perfect blend of convenience and excitement.

Tsutaya Bookstore Debuts in Southeast Asia at Intermark Mall, Kuala Lumpur

Bookworms have a new playground to visit with the opening of Tsutaya Bookstore, the dynamic junior brand of Japan’s esteemed Tsutaya Books. It celebrated the grand opening of its first Southeast Asian store at Intermark Mall in Kuala Lumpur. The event, honored by the presence of His Excellency Mr. Katsuhiko Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, signifies the enduring friendship between Japan and Malaysia and the brand's commitment to enriching Malaysia's cultural landscape.

KLSCM 2023 42km and 21km Highlights

The 15th edition of the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2023 unfolded with a cascade of records being shattered and unforgettable moments etched into the annals of distance running. Over 40,000 runners flocked to the historic Dataran Merdeka, transforming the weekend into a colossal celebration of running prowess and community spirit.

KLSCM 2023 Kicked off with a Record Breaker

I ran 10km at Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) in a Pikachu onesie but this one guy ran it with a DJ booth. Like what?? As if running 10km itself wasn't hard enough already.

15 years of Running with KLSCM 2023

When it comes to running events in Malaysia, the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) is the premier race to look out for. This 2023 heralds the 15th edition of the event when Minister of Youth and Sports, Yang Berhormat Hannah Yeoh officially launched the opening of registrations to the public on 28 April 2023. 

Malaysia’s premier distance running event, which will take place in Dataran Merdeka on 30 September and 1 October, has been awarded the prestigious Road Race Label by governing body World Athletics, making it the first running event in Malaysia and only the fifth in South East Asia to receive this recognition.

Hiking Bukit Guling Ayam

Easy hike with massive payoffs was how one of the blogs described Bukit Guling Ayam. And I agreed! 

With Bukit Tabur closed off to the public due to the danger it poses, Bukit Guling Ayam is perhaps the next best site for a hike along the quartz ridgeline. To even call it a hike seems like an overstatement but what else can I call it? 

[Roku Gin Spring Cocktails] Grapefruit at Penrose KL

The grapefruit is a large citrus fruit that originated from Barbados and is now planted across the world, especially in hotter climates. From late winter to early spring, the grapefruit turns a beautiful orange and the flesh a deep pink. This is when the fruit is at its peak of maturity, in its “shun”. Its strong citrus flavour, coupled with an intense tart and bitter finish, makes it a very unique fruit to elevate a Roku cocktail.

Penrose KL’s Founder and Head bartender, Jon Lee, opted for the tropical grapefruit as his pairing for the Roku signature cocktails this season.

Introverts can now sing their hearts out at A Quiet Place, Bukit Bintang

Calling all introverts - Get ready to yodel your heart out in the most unlikely of places. 

The newly opened A Quiet Place in the heart of Bukit Bintang offers quite the opposite of its namesake with a haven for music lovers and karaoke buffs to sing to their heart's content. Best of all, its state of the art system will soon allow introverts to roll in, all by themselves without needing to interact with people.

The StarHill Bukit Bintang: The Home of The Tastemakers

The Starhill has reopened its doors once more, bringing a new lease of life to the heart of Kuala Lumpur. With its vision of being "Home of the Tastemakers" to life, the refurbished and renewed StarHill offers refined experiences with a constant menu of engaging activities to establish its position as a key nexus of creativity, culture and style within the city centre’s renowned Bukit Bintang shopping belt. Completing the transformation of the iconic 7-storey lifestyle destination, anchor tenant eslite spectrum, the new KL’s Living Room, has finally opened its doors, joining a host of distinctive luxury brands and concept stores not found elsewhere in Malaysia.

Van Gogh Alive Kuala Lumpur, Pavilion Bukit Jalil

Van Gogh Alive is in Malaysia and you can check it out from 17 Dec 2022 to 16 March 2023. 

If you're a fan of the misunderstood artist of his time then do drop by Pavilion Bukit Jalil to be immerse and enthralled by his artworks projected in many forms. I got a sneak preview of the exhibition and here's what to expect.