Iconic Marjorie Penang today announced the launch of an official collaboration with Sanrio Southeast Asia, a global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty and beloved characters like Kuromi and Cinnamoroll.
The collaboration will see the launch of Hello Kitty, Kuromi and Cinnamoroll-themed hotel rooms and a Sanrio characters Afternoon Tea Experience at Iconic Marjorie Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, combining Malaysia’s Peranakan heritage and Japanese pop culture to deliver an immersive, unforgettable hospitality experience. Each character will inspire a uniquely designed guestroom with Peranakan elements, contributing to an overall guest journey that extends beyond accommodation to include themed dining and interactive experiences.
Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase official Sanrio characters merchandise available at the hotel, including bathrobes, bath towels, toiletries, stationery, teapot, teacups, saucer and many more.
On Saturday, the official launch of the collaboration was held at Iconic Marjorie Penang, witnessed by YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, the Chief Minister of Penang, YBhrs. Mr Chua Choon Hwa, Deputy Secretary-General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, YB Phee Syn Tze, ADUN Sungai Puyu, Datuk Seri Phee Boon Poh, former Penang State Executive Councillor, Kohei Imai, Chief Operating Officer of Sanrio Southeast Asia, and Andree Susilo, Vice President of Hotel Development, Asia Pacific, Marriott International.
Katherine Tan, Executive Director, Iconic Marjorie Penang said:
“We are proud to announce Iconic Marjorie Penang’s official collaboration with Sanrio, which represents the first Sanrio characters Peranakan-themed rooms and afternoon tea experience in Southeast Asia.
This collaboration is the result of a trusted partnership that has grown over the past four years. Our journey with Sanrio characters began with the launch of our medical face masks, followed by festival gift sets, and later our Iconic Babycare diapers and wipes. Through these collaborations, we built a strong relationship based on mutual trust, shared values, and a commitment to quality.
As we developed the vision for Iconic Marjorie Penang, a Modern Peranakan hotel, we saw an opportunity to create something truly unique. The idea for this collaboration was initiated by Iconic and Sanrio together—to blend Penang’s rich Peranakan heritage with Sanrio’s beloved characters in a way that had never been done before.
The result is the first Sanrio characters Peranakan-themed rooms and afternoon tea experience in Southeast Asia, combining heritage, creativity, and unforgettable guest experiences.
We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to Marriott International for its support and confidence in this collaboration. Their encouragement and partnership have been instrumental in helping bring this unique concept to life.”
Kohei Imai, Chief Operating Officer of Sanrio Southeast Asia, said:
We are delighted to partner with Iconic Marjorie Penang to introduce the first Sanrio characters Peranakan-themed rooms and afternoon tea experience in Southeast Asia. By bringing together the timeless charm of Sanrio characters and Penang’s rich Peranakan heritage, this collaboration allows guests of all ages to experience our characters in a unique and memorable way.
Guided by our vision of ‘One World, Connecting Smiles,’ we hope this experience creates joyful memories while celebrating the creativity and cultural storytelling that make Penang so special.
We are grateful to Iconic Marjorie Penang for their partnership in bringing this one-of-a-kind experience to life.”
Pauline Chua, Group General Manager of Iconic Marjorie Penang, said:
“At Iconic Marjorie Penang, our identity is deeply rooted in Penang’s Peranakan heritage, celebrating culture and warm hospitality, while Sanrio characters, from Japan, has inspired generations around the world through themes of friendship, kindness, happiness and imagination.
Hence, we are excited to unveil our collaboration with Sanrio Southeast Asia, bridging two brands that share common values through hospitality.
Together, we have brought together the best of both worlds. Malaysia – represented through Iconic Marjorie Penang’s Peranakan-inspired architecture, interiors, storytelling and guest experiences – and Japan, represented through Sanrio’s iconic characters, timeless design language and joyful spirit.
With creatively designed guestrooms, curated dining experiences and storytelling, we invite our guests into a world where imagination, culture and meaningful memories come together. We look forward to welcoming families and guests of all ages to join us at Iconic Marjorie for this one-of-a-kind experience.”
Hello Kitty celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024 and is one of the world’s best-known cartoon characters. A Hello Kitty movie is set for global release in 2028, marking the character’s Hollywood debut. In recent years, newer Sanrio characters like Cinnamoroll – a gentle, dreamy and comforting blue-eyed white puppy with pink cheeks, big ears and a curly tail – and Kuromi – a girly, mischievous rabbit known for her black hood and the pink motif on her forehead, have also achieved global superstardom, bringing happiness and friendship to people of all ages.
