Menara Merdeka 118 has officially been renamed Menara Merdeka Maybank from July 28, 2026. This follows Maybank’s move to make the world’s second tallest building their new headquarters. At the same time, Maybank’s previous HQ — Menara Maybank on Jalan Tun Perak — will now be known as Menara Tun Perak. Banking operations will continue to be run from Menara Tun Perak until further notice, with no impact on customers.

Maybank’s New Home

Maybank occupies 33 floors of the 118-storey tower, housing approximately 7,000 employees. As anchor tenant, the bank holds naming and signage rights — hence the new name.

The tower is also home to the luxurious Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur hotel on the upper floors, and coming soon to the precinct is the 118 Mall — a massive retail destination with over 328 stores and 12 cinema halls, set to open on August 28, 2026 — as well as The View at 118, Southeast Asia’s highest observation deck. So there’s plenty more to look forward to at this iconic address! 🏙️

Why Does the Name Merdeka Matter?

The name “Merdeka” — meaning “Independence” in Malay — is deeply significant to Malaysians. The tower stands on the former site of Merdeka Park, adjacent to the historic Merdeka Stadium where Malaysia’s first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman famously raised his fist and declared independence on August 31, 1957. The tower’s iconic asymmetrical spire is in fact designed to echo that very moment — Tunku’s raised hand against the sky.

Standing at 678.9 metres across 118 floors, Menara Merdeka Maybank is Malaysia’s tallest building, Southeast Asia’s tallest building and the world’s second tallest building — behind only Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.

The renaming has sparked fresh debate online — so what do YOU think of the name change?

Nigel Ng, more famously known for his alter ego Uncle Roger, is now officially a father.

The Malaysian comedian shared photos announcing the birth of his first child, who arrived three weeks ago.

He posted, “After a week in the NICU, bringing you home today is the most special Father’s Day. Thank you to Dr. Connie Cheng, the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff at @huntingtonhospital for looking after us and bringing this joy into our lives. Also a special thank you to @acu.by.jen for supporting Sabrina’s wellbeing through her entire pregnancy journey.”

“Somewhere I hear my Uncle whispering, “put MSG on baby, it’ll be better baby, smarter”…” he added.

Nigel married lawyer Sabrina Ahmed in July last year after popping the question in 2024. The couple announced the pregnancy earlier this year.

CUCKOO Malaysia has announced the appointment of international superstar Lee Junho as CUCKOO Global Brand Ambassador.

This milestone marks a strategic evolution of a partnership that began in Korea in June 2022, signalling a broader commitment to championing healthier, happier living on an international scale.

In this expanded role, Lee Junho will represent CUCKOO across Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the United States and other Asian countries where the brand operates. His role will focus on driving greater awareness for CUCKOO’s diverse and holistic wellness ecosystem of solutions, which includes water purifiers, air purifiers, rice cookers, dishwashers, and more.

In Malaysia, Lee Junho joins forces with the CUCKOO Malaysia’s long-standing brand ambassadors, Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza and Phei Yong. Together, the powerhouse trio unite global influence with deep local resonance to inspire more Malaysians to be #SAMASAMAHealthier.

“True excellence is born from patience and shared convictions, a belief that has seen CUCKOO’s relationship with Lee Junho mature from a Korean partnership in 2022 into a powerful global alliance today. We are thrilled to celebrate his appointment and welcome him to join the trusted presence of Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza and Phei Yong. Together, I believe they will empower our mission to inspire healthier, happier lifestyles for all Malaysians,” said CUCKOO Malaysia Chief Marketing Officer, Queenie Goh.

The elevation comes at a defining moment in Lee Junho’s career. Following his global triumph in “King the Land” (2023), he continues to captivate audiences with his recent lead roles in the 2025 Netflix series “Cashero” and the critically acclaimed tvN period drama, “Typhoon Family”.

Starbucks Malaysia has recently announced the Kopi Creator Kolektif (KCK) Class of 2026, unveiling ten emerging Malaysian artistes – five musicians and five filmmakers – selected for a creator development programme featuring industry‑led masterclasses and mentorship. The finalists will present their original music and film teasers on 16 May at Starbucks Reserve® IOI Mall Damansara, where one winner from each cohort will receive a prize valued at RM10,000.

Kopi Creator Kolektif is a creative platform by Starbucks Malaysia designed to support young Malaysian talent by connecting emerging musicians and filmmakers with creative collectives and industry mentors. Rooted in Starbucks “Third Place” philosophy, the programme serves as an incubator for creative growth, with Starbucks® coffeehouses providing the space where ideas can be developed, shared, and discovered.

“At Starbucks, we see our coffeehouses as the ‘Third Place,’ a welcoming space where Malaysians can connect, exchange ideas and feel part of something larger than themselves,” said Zakiah Hanim Md Zaki, Director of Marketing & Loyalty, Berjaya Starbucks Coffee Company Sdn Bhd. “It’s inspiring to see Malaysia’s creative talents come together through Kopi Creator Kolektif. We’re proud to support a campaign rooted in originality and connection by opening our coffeehouses for Malaysian stories to be discovered, supported and celebrated.”

“A thriving creative culture relies on having room for new voices to emerge, experiment, and grow. Platforms like KCK matter because they create that room, not only by giving young filmmakers a platform to share their work, but also by allowing audiences and communities to discover the perspectives shaping the next generation of Malaysian storytelling,” said Adam Zainal, Director, mentor for the Film Cohort, and an alumnus of Multimedia University’s Faculty of Cinematic Arts.

Malaysian artistes responded to an open call earlier this year, submitting original ideas and creative portfolios for consideration. Entries were reviewed by a panel of industry professionals, where ten standout musicians and filmmakers were selected. The finalists will go on to participate in a curated development programme designed to support their creative journey from craft to showcase.

For the music cohort, Breaking Music will lead the programme with masterclass sessions on their personal brand identity and original songwriting, helping finalists strengthen both artistry and live readiness. Music finalists will also receive access to studio time and industry-grade equipment to help develop, refine and rehearse their material for the showcase.

For the film cohort, Weekend Boys Studio and Multimedia University (MMU) Faculty of Cinematic Arts will support finalists through mentorship and guided development sessions, focusing on strengthening storytelling and production craft from concept to screen.

“We’re proud to be part of this campaign because opportunities like this can make a real difference for emerging artistes. Giving back to the creative community matters to us, and it’s a privilege to work with these five finalists over the coming weeks. There’s already a lot of promise in this Class of 2026, and I’m excited to see how they develop as they work towards the chance to record their own EP,” said Isaac Ravi, mentor for the Music Cohort, co-founder of Breaking Music.

On 16 May 2026, Starbucks Malaysia invites Malaysians to join and support the KCK Showcase as the Class of 2026 takes centre stage at Starbucks Reserve IOI Mall Damansara. At the showcase, each music finalist will perform at least one original song, while film finalists will premiere a teaser from the film concepts they pitched. This will be a moment of discovery where Malaysians can encounter new voices, and creators can step forward with work they have developed through the programme.

The winning musician will receive a four-track EP recording deal, while the winning filmmaker will receive the production of their original short film, with each prize valued at MYR 10,000.

Follow the journey of the Kopi Creator Kolektif Class of 2026 and learn more about the 16 May 2026 live showcase via Starbucks Malaysia’s official Instagram page: @mystarbucks.

Blake Shelton is finally addressing divorce rumours with Gwen Stefani, saying that it is all fake news.

The country music singer, who was asked about the ongoing speculations about his marriage with the “Don’t Speak” singer, said that he actually noticed all of the articles about them supposedly splitting up.

“‘They’re not even seeing each other anymore, they’re going through a divorce.’ And then, a week later, a picture comes out of us walking out of the grocery store…‘Oh, they’re back together again!’ And another week goes by and we’re not seen at the grocery store…’They’re divorcing,'” he said.

“I see pictures of Gwen and I that look real, but I know I don’t own that shirt. I don’t believe anything I see on the Internet anymore,” Blake added.

Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton met as coaches on “The Voice” back in 2014. The two were married at the time – Gwen to singer Gavin Rossdale, and Blake to Miranda Lambert.

Gwen has repeatedly denied the notion that they ended their marriages to their respective partners to be together.

Said the singer, “I wasn’t trying to start a relationship, I was just trying to not die. I had a horrible situation and something great came out of it.”

Match nights just got a serious upgrade. Guinness Malaysia has launched Guinness Clubhouse, a first-of-its-kind football-themed overnight experience in Kuala Lumpur that’s completely FREE.

From now until February 2026, eligible guests can book complimentary stays at this three-storey Premier League paradise, timed perfectly with the biggest matches of the season.

What’s Inside

Step into the Guinness Clubhouse, a space created for every kind of football fan, from die-hard supporters to those who simply love a good night in with friends. This three-storey haven captures the excitement of the Premier League while offering the comfort and energy of a perfect match-night hangout.

Here’s what you get:

Guests can watch live Premier League matches on a giant projector with surround sound that recreates the thrill and atmosphere of the stadium. Every cheer, chant, and goal feels larger than life.

The fully stocked kitchen and pantry come loaded with Guinness-infused snacks and all the match-night essentials you could want. It’s the perfect setup to keep everyone fueled as the action unfolds.

Upstairs, the Play Zone offers foosball, table football, and a pool table, ideal for settling scores and keeping the fun going during halftime.

When it’s time to wind down, the Clubhouse comfortably sleeps up to 20 guests in Guinness and football-themed bedrooms. Each room comes complete with Guinness Draught in a Can starter packs to keep the celebration flowing long after the final whistle.

 “Match nights are more than just about the beautiful game, they’re about the people, the banter, and a pint of Guinness that bring every kind of fan together,” said Joyce Lim, Marketing Manager at Guinness Malaysia.

How to Book

Only a handful of weekend stays are available between now and February 2026. Choose Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nights. Bookings are for one night per group. Exclusively for non-Muslims aged 21 and above.

To secure your spot for the season’s biggest games, follow @GuinnessMY on Instagram for booking announcements.

Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration or just want to watch your team battle for three points in style, Guinness Clubhouse is where matchday magic happens.

Guinness Malaysia, part of HEINEKEN Malaysia Berhad, is the official beer of the Premier League.

LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort, located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, is a family-oriented theme park featuring more than 70 attractions, a water park, and a themed hotel. Its latest addition, the LEGO® Ferrari Build & Race, offers an interactive experience that combines creativity, engineering, and the excitement of racing.

At the heart of the attraction is a life-sized LEGO Ferrari F50 model. Constructed with 421,652 bricks, weighing 1,603 kilograms, and taking 1,306 hours to complete, the model captures Ferrari’s iconic design and provides a stunning centerpiece for visitors.

The experience is divided into several zones. In the Garage Zone, guests can admire the full-size Ferrari and learn about its racing legacy. The Build Zone lets visitors assemble their own LEGO Ferrari cars, while the Test Zone evaluates each creation on three tracks that measure speed, steering, and performance.

The Virtual Race Zone adds a digital dimension. Guests can scan their LEGO cars and compete on a simulated version of Ferrari’s Pista di Fiorano circuit in Italy. Younger children can enjoy the DUPLO® Build Area, which provides larger bricks suitable for small hands.

As the first LEGO Ferrari Build & Race in Asia, the attraction introduces a new way for visitors to connect with both LEGO and Ferrari. It brings together creativity, design, and friendly competition through hands-on building and virtual racing. Each area within the attraction offers something different, inviting visitors to explore, create, and experience the excitement of speed in their own way.

Entry to the LEGO Ferrari Build & Race is included with the standard LEGOLAND Malaysia admission ticket. Ticket prices may vary depending on season and promotions. Check out their website for more information: https://www.legoland.com.my/tickets-passes/

Find out how the LEGO Ferrari F50 was built with the video down below.

For the fifth consecutive year, APOM (A Piece of Malaysia) is bringing Malaysian creativity to the forefront with their beloved #empatbelas campaign, perfectly timed to celebrate Merdeka and Malaysia Day.

This year’s theme, “Kita Banyak Pattern,” beautifully captures the rich tapestry of Malaysia’s 14 states through the artistic medium of scarves.

The 2025 campaign has generated unprecedented excitement, drawing over 70 submissions from designers across the nation. From this impressive pool of talent, 14 designers were carefully selected to represent their home states, each creating original artwork that celebrates local pride through vibrant colours, meaningful motifs, rich textures, and compelling storytelling.

Since its inception in 2021, #empatbelas has become an annual creative celebration that showcases Malaysia’s diverse states through design. Each year brings a fresh creative canvas – from stamps and pantuns to movie posters – and 2025 introduces the elegant and versatile scarf as the featured medium.

Showcase Details and Innovation

The #empatbelas 2025 showcase will run from 22 August to 16 September at MyTOWN Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur, with MyTOWN serving as the official venue sponsor. This partnership demonstrates MyTOWN’s commitment to championing local creative expression and providing Malaysia’s arts and design community with a prestigious national platform.

This year brings an exciting innovation to the merchandise lineup. While the traditional collection of scarves, T-shirts, and tote bags will be available, 2025 introduces a groundbreaking new product: the scarf bag design.

This ingenious creation transforms the scarf into a functional, foldable bag, allowing supporters to literally carry a piece of Malaysia wherever they go. This versatile item seamlessly blends style with practicality, turning bold state-inspired artwork into an everyday essential.

Celebrating Malaysian Diversity

The campaign’s theme, “Kita Banyak Pattern,” speaks to Malaysia’s incredible diversity – from the various dialects spoken across states to traditional dress, customs, and the unique quirks that make each region special. Each designer has channelled their deep connection to their home state, creating artwork that tells the story of their heritage through visual design.

The complete merchandise collection will be available at the showcase venue, in APOM stores, and online at apom.my, making these unique pieces of Malaysian creativity accessible to supporters nationwide.

APOM (A Piece of Malaysia) continues to delight audiences as a local brand known for its humorous and witty merchandise that celebrates Malaysian culture in all its quirky glory. Through #empatbelas, they’ve created more than just a campaign – it’s become a movement that brings Malaysians together in celebration of what makes each state uniquely beautiful.

Football fans in Kuala Lumpur are in for a treat this weekend as the coveted Premier League Trophy makes its appearance at Pavilion KL, sponsored by Guinness as the official beer of the Premier League.

The celebration kicked off yesterday with an extraordinary fan-first moment that had football enthusiasts talking. One hundred lucky fans were selected to form a ceremonial Guard of Honour, welcoming the Trophy in a spectacular display of unity that transcended club rivalries. Decked out in football jerseys, Guinness scarves and caps, these fans stood shoulder to shoulder for what can only be described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“It’s not about who you support, it’s about what brings us together,” said Joyce Lim, Marketing Manager at Guinness Malaysia, perfectly capturing the spirit of the moment.

Each Guard of Honour participant received a professionally captured photo with the Premier League Trophy – a privilege usually reserved for football legends – along with exclusive Guinness merchandise and a complimentary drink.

How to Join the Action

The Premier League Trophy remains on public display at Pavilion KL Connection until Sunday, 24 August, giving fans across the city a chance to get up close with football history.

But here’s where it gets even better – eligible fans can score more than just photos. With over 3,000 Guinness Draughts available for redemption throughout the weekend (while stocks last), participants can join the celebration by:

1. Wearing their favourite team’s jersey
2. Capturing a cinematic slow-motion video with the Premier League Trophy
3. Sharing the video on social media with #lovelydayforaguinness
4. Collecting their complimentary Guinness Draught

Note: Guinness promotions and activities are strictly for non-Muslims aged 21 and above only.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to get up close with one of football’s most prestigious trophies right here in KL. Whether you’re Team Red, Blue, or any colour in between, this weekend is all about celebrating the beautiful game together.

Fan Bingbing is set to return to Malaysia to make an appearance at the grand launch of her beauty brand, Fan Beauty Diary.

The emerging beauty and personal care brand has officially launched in physical Watsons stores in Malaysia, marking a new chapter in its global expansion. As a founder, the actress will personally visit Kuala Lumpur on 23 August to meet fans and share her exclusive skincare tips.

The first batch of products are now available at TRX Mall and Sunway Pyramid Watsons outlets, and feature the Spa Mask Series and Ultra-Sensitive Skincare Line. Prior to this, products such as the Sea Grape Hydrating Mask, Acids Double Cleansing Clay Mask, and the Dragon’s Blood Lentinus Fermentation Facial Treatment Mask have already captured significant market attention.

On the day of the event, customers who purchase Fan Beauty Diary products at Watsons stores will enjoy exclusive perks:

• Spend RM488 of Fan’s products to receive a limited-edition signature makeup bag (while stocks last)
• Spend RM1,288 for a chance to unlock VIP access, where the fans can meet Fan Bingbing up close.

There will also be limited-time shopping surprises during the campaign. Plus, by following the brand’s Instagram or Red Note official account and posting and tagging the fans’ Fan Beauty moment, they will stand to receive a free Fan Beauty mask and a Fan Bingbing limited photo card!