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BILA 2025 honours Best of Global Business Events

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Your Stories
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KUCHING, 8 October 2025: The Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards (BILA) 2025, held as part of LEGACY360, celebrated visionary individuals and organisations driving transformative change through business events.

As one of the signature programmes under LEGACY360, the awards shine a spotlight on legacy makers whose work extends far beyond economic impact – touching communities, industries, and the environment. 

The Hon Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, representing the Premier of Sarawak, with the first winners of the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards 2025.

This initiative complements LEGACY360’s mission to implement a full cycle of impact — Learn, Act, Inspire, and Teach — ensuring that every stage of the business events journey leaves a meaningful footprint.

Crucially, the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards are open to changemakers worldwide, recognising and celebrating impactful work wherever it is taking place. What began in Sarawak has evolved into a truly global initiative, providing leaders across borders with a platform to be recognised for their legacies.

“The Sarawak Government recognises the powerful role and outcomes of business events in driving sustainable growth. With additional investment, Sarawak is committed to securing 50% more business events and ensuring at least 50% of them deliver measurable legacies by 2030,” said The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, Premier of Sarawak.

“These events and their legacy visions will contribute towards the Post COVID-Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and reinforce Sarawak’s position as the Legacy Capital of business events in Malaysia and Borneo, as well as being the preferred business events destination in the region. The Sarawak Government will continue to support the business events industry, and I call upon the government sector in Malaysia and across the world to explore the power of business events and legacies as strategic tools for building a stronger and better tomorrow.”

Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, outlined that Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards now opens its doors to the world, while continuing to recognise and celebrate Sarawak’s champions. “As industries worldwide seek new ways to create value beyond profit, we are experiencing changes in the way we organise, host, and communicate business events. This global shift showcases what business events can and should achieve. The Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards is designed to highlight this transformation — but more importantly, to honour the people who bring this vision to life.”

“Impact is a shared responsibility – that’s the lesson from LEGACY360,” said Datu Hii Chang Kee, Deputy Sarawak State Secretary (Operations) and Acting Chairman of BESarawak.“By acknowledging our legacymakers, we affirm that people are actively working to create a positive impact. Their stories, their initiatives, and their collaborations deserve to be highlighted, not only because they contribute to Sarawak’s 2030 aspirations, but also because they demonstrate how business events serve as a powerful engine for holistic growth.”

Winners were recognised across multiple categories, highlighting achievements in knowledge advancement, sustainability, community development, and cross-sector collaboration. The ceremony not only acknowledged their legacies but also served as an inspiration for others to drive long-lasting impact.

Hosted within the LEGACY360 framework, the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards continue to grow as a global initiative — giving legacy makers everywhere a platform to be celebrated, while empowering the next generation to create meaningful change.

WINNERS OF BILA 2025

Conventions and Exhibitions: Honorary

Honorary Champion: 

1st International Conference on Biotechnology, Smart Farming & Entrepreneurship For Food Security (BioSFE 2023) by Universiti Teknologi MARA Sarawak Branch

Honorary Accelerator: 

World Congress on Innovation & Technology | International Digital Economy Corporation (WCIT | IDECS 2023) by Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad

Honorary Changemaker: 

1st ASEAN Tourist Guides Conference 2024 by Sarawak Tourist Guide Association

Conventions and Exhibitions: Social

Social Champion: 

Asia for Animals Sarawak Conference (AfA 2023) by Sarawak Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (SSPCA)

Social Accelerator: 

Rabies In Borneo Conference (RIB 2023) by Place Borneo Sdn Bhd

Social Changemaker: 

International Council on Education Media Conference (ICEM 2023) by Universiti Teknologi MARA Sarawak Branch

Conventions and Exhibitions: Environmental

Environmental Champion: 

Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference & Exhibition 2024 (APGH 2024) by Borneo Business Connect (BBC) Sdn Bhd

Environmental Accelerator: 

Asia Carbon Conference 2023 by Argus Media

Environmental Changemaker: 

Congress on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (COSAFS2024) by Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPM)

Corporate Meetings Corporate Incentives: Corporate Social Responsibility

CMCI CSR Champion: 

Spogomi Team Building and Retreat 2025 by Brewspark Technologies Group

CMCI CSR Accelerator: 

GRADUAN x Gawai Cultural Bridge 2025 by the Malaysian Young Graduates Association (GRADUAN)

CMCI CSR Changemaker: 

Jubilant Annual Awards by Cat City Holidays Sdn B

Journalism

Journalism Category: 

Sabal Forest Reserve – A Living Legacy of Conservation and Ecotourism by BorneoTalk

Journalism Accelerator: 

Challenges Ahead For the CCUS Pathway 2025 by The Borneo Post

Journalism Changemaker: 

Amplifying a Legacy of Conscious & Green Leadership Across Malaysia & Beyond by The Shift Asia (Cloud E Sdn Bhd)

Sarawak Industry – Kuching

Sarawak Industry – Kuching Champion: 

Spiral Legacy Projects by Spiral Eventz Management Sdn Bhd

Sarawak Industry – Kuching Accelerator: 

Sago Incubator by Sago Group Sdn Bhd

Sarawak Industry – Miri

Sarawak Industry – Miri Champion: 

Leading the Way in Sustainable Hospitality by Mercure Miri Hotel

Sarawak Industry – Miri Accelerator: 

Landik Batik Borneo Project by Landik

For more information on business events in Sarawak, visit Business Events Sarawak. 

(Source: Your Stories — BESarawak)

More SkyOrb cabins take to the skies

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 8 October 2025: Mount Faber Leisure Group, a Singapore-based attractions operator, announced on Tuesday the addition of 13 new SkyOrb cabins to the Singapore Cable Car’s Mount Faber Line, bringing the fleet to 20 from mid-November 2025. 

In celebration of SG60, Mount Faber Leisure Group will also be rolling out a limited-time online exclusive promotion, offering SGD60 for two passengers for a Round-Trip in the SkyOrb Cabin (usual price: SGD96) on the official website, until 5 November 2025.

Photo credit: Mount Faber Leisure Group. More SkyOrb cabins lift off.

First unveiled in March 2024, the SkyOrb Cabin is the world’s first chrome-finished, spherical cable car cabin. It offers a bold, futuristic design and glass floors that provide a clear view of the scenery below and a panoramic perspective of the skyline. Each cabin is also equipped with double front and triple rear louvred windows to improve ventilation and guest comfort.

Since their debut to mark the Singapore Cable Car’s 50th anniversary last year, the SkyOrb cabins have received a strong reception for their innovation. The fleet expansion — nearly tripling capacity — reflects the strong demand and underscores Mount Faber Leisure Group’s broader commitment to refreshing its offerings, adapting to evolving guest preferences and driving innovation across its portfolio.

Photo credit: Mount Faber Leisure Group. SkyOrb cabin interior.

(Source: Mount Faber Leisure Group)

SQ taps Brussels Airlines codeshares

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SINGAPORE, 8 October 2025: The Lufthansa Group and Singapore Airlines announce an expansion of their joint venture with the addition of Brussels Airlines (SN). 

The inclusion of SN codeshare flights further strengthens the strategic partnership and enhances travel options between Europe and the Asia Pacific region.

Effective 26 October 2025, customers can book the Brussels Airlines (SN) codeshare between Singapore and Brussels operated by Singapore Airlines.  This advancement offers customers more choice and smoother connectivity between Singapore to Belgium and beyond.

Lufthansa Group Vice President Asia Pacific and Joint Ventures East, Felipe Bonifatti, commented: “The integration of Brussels Airlines into our joint venture with Singapore Airlines underlines our commitment to offering customers in APAC greater choice and seamless connectivity across Europe. This step is a natural progression of our long-standing partnership with Singapore Airlines.”

The Lufthansa Group and Singapore Airlines joint venture recently celebrated its eighth anniversary, offering customers access to joint fares across seven countries and twenty-six destinations.  Significantly, this expansion of the Lufthansa Group – Singapore Airlines Joint Venture also includes the extension of intermodal feeder routes, meaning those operated by bus or train to the carriers’ hubs in Europe.

Transnusa starts Manado to Shenzhen service

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JAKARTA, 8 October 2025: TransNusa launched its maiden flight from Manado, Indonesia, to Shenzhen last Friday, less than a month after it began commercial flights from Manado to Shanghai.

TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Bernard Francis, stated that the airline will enhance its network connectivity between Indonesia and China’s secondary tourism-based markets.

Photo credit: Transnusa. Manado is known as a diving haven with beautiful mountainous countryside, glorious beachside, and picturesque islands.

“Our main priority is to offer additional options for passengers while providing seamless, secure and fast travel,” Francis said, adding that TransNusa will also provide its passengers with options to visit other major tourist destinations from Manado, such as Bali, Indonesia.

Scheduled flight details

TransNusa is operating three flights weekly from Manado’s Sam Ratulangi International Airport to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday using the Chinese C909 jetliner. 

8B175 departs Manado at 2110 and arrives in Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport at 0100.
8B176 departs Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport at 0200 and arrives in Manado at 0550.

The Manado-Shenzhen ticket price starts as low as IDR3.499.000, CNY1.525, and USD226, one way, available for purchase on the airline’s website and online travel agent platforms worldwide.

Qatar gears up for surge in events

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Newsdesk
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DOHA, 8 October 2025: Qatar Airways has a packed calendar featuring a remarkable line-up of international events that it supports and sells holiday packages for fans.

They include the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 and the return of the QATAR AIRWAYS FORMULA 1 QATAR GRAND PRIX, to the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 and the upcoming Web Summit Qatar 2026. Each event showcases Qatar’s capability as a leading global host nation. 

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

As the national carrier, Qatar Airways provides seamless connections from over 170 destinations worldwide, ensuring that fans, delegates, and communities can experience these moments with ease and comfort.

Through the airline’s leisure arm, Qatar Airways Holidays, packages that include all primary event tickets are available, offering a wide range of activities and value-added benefits when booking a flight and hotel package, including exclusive perks for Qatar Airways Privilege Club members.

From 3 to 27 November, Qatar will host the FIFA U-17 World Cup, now expanded to 48 teams in a new annual format that delivers 104 matches across the group and knockout stages. 

The second edition of The FIFA Arab Cup will commence on 1 December, with the final taking place on Qatar National Day — 18 December, where 16 nations from across the Arab world will compete for glory. 

Meanwhile, the Qatar Airways F1 Qatar Grand Prix (28 to 30 November) will once again bring a motorsport spectacle to Lusail, with global race packages combining flights, hotels, and race tickets (including hospitality package options). 

In the realm of tech and innovation, Web Summit Qatar 2026 (1 to 4 February 2026) is set to anchor the country’s growing reputation as a hub for the digital world, with Qatar Airways supporting logistics and connectivity for delegates, speakers and attendees. And on the courts, fans can look forward to two high-profile tennis tournaments: the Qatar TotalEnergies Open (8 to 14 February 2026) and the Qatar ExxonMobil Open (16 to 21 February 2026). 

The Qatar Stopover Programme positions Qatar as a leading global destination. Starting at 14USD per person per night, travellers can now experience the nation’s famous hospitality by staying in a selection of premium four-star and luxury five-star hotels, and make their journey even more memorable. 

These upcoming events are part of Qatar Airways’ diverse portfolio of high-profile global partnerships, including the likes of FIFA, UEFA Champions League and National Team Competitions, Formula 1, Paris-Saint Germain (PSG), FC Internazionale Milano, AFC, Tennis Legend – Novak Djokovic, The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), MotoGP, the IRONMAN Triathlon Series, French Rugby Team – Section Paloise, The Brooklyn Nets NBA Team, and multiple other disciplines including Australian football, equestrian, motor racing, padel, squash, and tennis.

(Source: Qatar Airways)

Air Caledonia flies to Vanuata

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 7 October 2025: Air Calédonie, in cooperation with Aircalin, opened a new regional route on 3 October to the capital of Vanuatu, Port-Vila, departing from La Tontouta International Airport, located 50 km from New Caledonia’s capital Noumea.

Vanuatu is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, located to the northeast of Australia, west of Fiji and 580 km from Noumea with a flight time of around one hour and 30 minutes.

The new flight using a 70-seat ATR72-600 departs twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays. It is part of the broader cooperation initiated between the two airlines in March 2023 with a domestic code-share agreement and ticket sales in international markets. 

Air Calédonie CEO Daniel Houmbouy commented: “We have been working on this new international route for several months. It’s a major step for the airline to demonstrate our commitment to ensuring strong connections not only within the New Caledonia islands but also

within the Pacific region. In these challenging times, this route represents a vital opportunity to maintain jobs and sustain the level of activity necessary for the airline’s durability.”

Air Calédonie flights to Port-Vila will be operated under a code-share with Aircalin. Customers will be able to purchase a ticket either from Aircalin or Air Calédonie.

Flight schedule

Sarawak reinforces promotions at Tourism Expo Japan

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Your Stories
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KUCHING, 7 October 2025: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) reinforced its presence in Japan with a successful two-pronged initiative spanning five days across two major cities. 

After participating in the Tourism Expo Japan (TEJ) 2025 in Nagoya, Sarawak presented a Product Update Session in Tokyo to underscore Japan’s importance as a key market for Sarawak’s tourism offerings.

Mr. Jun Tanaka, Japanese Content Creator of the Sarawak Tourism Board, leading the Sarawak sharing session at the Malaysia Pavilion during Tourism Expo Japan 2025. The B2C session introduced Sarawak to Japanese audiences present at the Pavilion.

At TEJ 2025, Sarawak was showcased under the Malaysia Pavilion at Aichi Sky Expo, where the delegation connected with both industry players and Japanese consumers. The Sarawak counter served as a hub for product discovery and destination awareness, while Japanese content creator Jun Tanaka brought Sarawak’s stories to life through engaging promotional activities.

The presentation address by Catherine Huong, Marketing Manager for North Asia and New Market (delivered on behalf of Chief Executive Officer Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor) acknowledged Tourism Malaysia Tokyo’s support. It reiterated Sarawak’s long-term commitment to the Japanese market.

Second from left: Mr. Mohd Fahmi Nordin, Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia in Tokyo, and front row first from right: Ms. Catherine Huong, Marketing Manager (North Asia) of the Sarawak Tourism Board, at the Sarawak Product Sharing Session (post-TEJ) held at Hotel Groove Tokyo. The session, attended by 13 major travel agents, airlines, and representatives from Tourism Malaysia Tokyo, featured a Japanese content creator from the Sarawak Tourism Board delivering a presentation on Sarawak and its CANFF pillars, followed by a Q&A.

The momentum continued in Tokyo, where STB convened top travel agents for a half-day Product Update Session organised in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia Tokyo. The session highlighted Sarawak’s newest tourism products and travel packages, complemented by interactive exchanges designed to strengthen opportunities for future collaborations.

These initiatives were built on earlier promotional momentum, including the Serumpun Sarawak cultural showcase at Expo 2025 in Osaka, which featured Indigenous storytelling, culinary innovation, and creative arts. Together, these efforts reinforced Sarawak’s positioning as a culturally rich, nature-inspired destination while enhancing its competitive edge in a key international market.

By combining consumer engagement in Nagoya with targeted trade outreach in Tokyo, STB effectively positioned Sarawak as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia, while reinforcing its commitment to long-term partnerships with Japanese stakeholders.

For more information on Sarawak, visit: Sarawak Tourism Board. 

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)

Vietnam flies flag at IGTM Cannes

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Newsdesk
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DANANG, Vietnam, 7 October 2025: Central Vietnam’s leading golf destination is heading for the French Riviera to join the International Golf Travel Mart (IGTM) Cannes, 21 to 23 October.

Ba Na Hills Golf Club will fly the flag for Danang and the wider Vietnam Golf Coast when it joins the world’s elite at the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) in Cannes.

The course at Ba Na Hills Golf Club, Danang.

Before departing for France, Ba Na Hills Golf Club hosted the IMG Trophy Tournament last month, welcoming more than 130 golfers from Vietnam and overseas. The surge in activity underlines the region’s growing reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s premier golf hubs, where championship-calibre courses meet stunning landscapes and world-class hospitality.

As part of the prestigious IGTM stand in Cannes, Ba Na Hills Golf Club will showcase its award-winning course to a global audience of destination, resort, club, and tour operators. Designed by Ryder Cup Team Europe captain Luke Donald, the course has become one of Asia’s most talked-about layouts thanks to its creative routing, dramatic mountain setting, and Vietnam’s only fully floodlit fairways.

“Taking Ba Na Hills Golf Club to IGTM is an incredible opportunity to tell our story to a global audience,” said Ba Na Hills Golf Club General Manager Simon Mees. “This is more than just about our course — it’s also about putting Central Vietnam on the map as one of the world’s most compelling golf and travel destinations.”

The three-day IGTM is the premier global event for golf tourism, renowned for its structured pre-scheduled meetings with more than 40 targeted buyers and decision-makers. For Ba Na Hills, the event provides a unique opportunity to secure partnerships, expand distribution channels, and elevate brand recognition in key international markets.

That broader story is compelling. Danang has emerged as a premier tourism hotspot, celebrated not only for its golf but also for its world-class beaches, Michelin-approved dining, and an impressive portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts. Properties such as the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort and Novotel Danang, along with a burgeoning dining scene recognised by the Michelin Guide, underscore the region’s growing allure for sophisticated international travellers.

By participating in IGTM Cannes, Ba Na Hills Golf Club aims to strengthen existing partnerships, build new distribution channels, and reinforce Central Vietnam’s reputation as a premier destination for discerning golf travellers worldwide.

Tourism Malaysia scales up promotions

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Newsdesk
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PUTRAJAYA, 7 October 2025: Tourism Malaysia hosted the Global Tourism Meet 2025, an international tourism business event set to become a pivotal annual gathering. 

The event brought together 600 international buyers and 100 media representatives from around the world to meet 400 Malaysian sellers, including hoteliers, travel agents, airlines, and a diverse range of tourism products.

Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia. Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, opened the event.

Hosted 1 to 3 October 2025 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, the three-day programme strengthened Malaysia’s position as a preferred travel destination while paving the way for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), where the nation targets 47 million international visitor arrivals.

Throughout the event, delegates will have the opportunity to attend business-to-business (B2B) sessions, high-impact networking events, strategic business matching activities, and familiarisation trips (FAM Trips). These experiences are well-crafted to provide greater exposure to Malaysia’s rich and diverse offerings, encompassing captivating cultural experiences, breathtaking eco-tourism adventures, exquisite gastronomy, and thrilling adventure travel. 

Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, underscored the event’s significance: “Global Travel Meet 2025 is more than just an event; It is a platform where ideas are transformed into action. This event stands as a vital catalyst in igniting renewed energy and driving strong momentum into the year ahead through the collective efforts of government, industry players, and partners in realising our ambitious goals for VM2026.”

With the strong support of Malaysian-based carriers such as Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air, Global Travel Meet 2025 was organised through close collaboration with key tourism associations, including the Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association (MICA) and the Malaysian Indian Tour & Travel Association (MITTA), alongside other vital corporate partners.

In 2024, Malaysia welcomed 38 million international visitor arrivals — a 31.1% increase compared to 2023, and an 8.3% rise over pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Our top visitor-generating markets included Singapore, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Brunei, India, the Philippines, South Korea, Australia, and Chinese Taipei. 

This encouraging momentum has continued into 2025. From January to July alone, Malaysia received 24.5 million international visitors, marking a substantial 16.8% increase over the same period last year.

(Source: Tourism Malaysia)

Agoda’s pick for retail therapy

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 7 October 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda has released a hand-picked list of must-visit shopping malls in Asia for travellers to explore. 

These destinations redefine the modern travel experience, boasting striking architecture and a dazzling array of options – from diverse eateries and world-class entertainment to global and local retail brands. Catering to all ages, interests, and budgets, they offer the perfect all-weather escape, ensuring a fantastic experience come rain or shine.

Here are Agoda’s six picks for unbeatable shopping experiences in Asia:

Vincom Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Vincom Centre is a premier shopping destination featuring a wide range of international and local brands. Its modern architecture and central location make it a popular spot for both shopping and leisure activities.

Ginza Wako Department Store, Tokyo, Japan

Ginza Wako Department Store is renowned for its luxury retail offerings and iconic clock tower. Visitors can explore high-end fashion, beauty products, and exquisite jewellery. The store’s elegant architecture and prime location make it a standout destination for both shopping and sightseeing.

Emsphere, Bangkok, Thailand

Emsphere is a modern shopping complex that features a blend of international and local brands, along with a variety of dining options. Known for its contemporary design and vibrant atmosphere, it also hosts cultural events and exhibitions, making it a dynamic destination for travellers.

Hyundai Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Hyundai Seoul is a cutting-edge shopping destination renowned for its futuristic design and unique green spaces, which incorporate a touch of the natural world, featuring a 12-meter waterfall. It offers a diverse range of shops, from luxury brands to trendy local designers, and features unique attractions such as indoor gardens and art installations.

Taipei 101 Mall, Taipei, Taiwan

Located within the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper, this mall is a haven for luxury shopping enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city while exploring high-end fashion, electronics, and gourmet dining options.

Grand Indonesia Mall, Jakarta, Indonesia

As one of the largest malls in Southeast Asia, Grand Indonesia Mall offers a diverse mix of global brands, local boutiques, and a wide range of dining options. Its impressive size and unique attractions, such as a musical fountain show, provide a complete entertainment experience for visitors.

Agoda, Regional Director, North Asia, Jay Lee shared: “Shopping in Asia is not just about buying things; it’s an adventure that combines culture, innovation, and entertainment. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the iconic skyline of Taipei, these shopping destinations are cultural landmarks offering something for everyone. At Agoda, we love helping travellers discover these vibrant retail destinations, where every mall is a world of its own.”

(Source: Agoda)

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