Hunza Group launched its all-new integrated loyalty program that brings together its retail shoppers and its residential communities into one cohesive, connected digital ecosystem. The H Circle, a mobile-based app, marks an important step in Hunza Group’s journey in integrating the value creation experience for its wide base of stakeholders within a single platform.

The H in the name represents the identity, the history and the milestones behind “Hunza” Group while the Circle reflects the sense of belonging and connection between its community of users.

At its core, H Circle is built as a collaborative platform to allow both users from both its retail and residential communities to enjoy shared perks and services. Earlier on, the app was made available to the residents of MUZE @ PICC and TreeO as a smart home companion which digitalizes the everyday building management – with features such as digital visitor passes, real-time common facility camera feed, facility booking and community messaging.

The later development expanded the app into the retail sphere by enabling the shoppers to browse Gurney Paragon Mall’s available brands, running promotions and events, as well as tracking their rewards on a real-time basis.

By folding both experiences into a single, connected platform, H Circle demonstrates a cross-collaborative approach to bring the wider community of Hunza Group together to enjoy shared rewards and information.

The launch event began yesterday morning with a convoy flag-off from Penang International Commercial City (PICC) Sales Gallery and arriving an hour later at Gurney Paragon Mall to the VIPs and the media team. The opening ceremony was decorated with fashion presentations by MLB, Michael Kors and homegrown brand Kapten Batik.

“The retail landscape is evolving faster than we could have imagined. It is increasingly competitive even in the digital sphere, as consumers seek for connection, easy access to information and greater convenience. Yet, within any retail ecosystem, loyalty remains increasingly important,” said Khor Tze Ming, Group Executive Director of Hunza.

She added, “In a setting like Hunza Group with multiple businesses, integration has always been at the heart of our aspirations. Through H Circle, we want to continue to create value for our users across the various divisions – whether retail, residential or commercial.”

The celebrations for the launch will continue through the week with a vibrant programme designed to draw both mall shoppers and the wider Hunza Group community into this exclusive circle. There will be workshops by MST Golf and fitness challenges by leading sports brand Decathlon, Jet Kinderland family carnival alongside station games in the H Circle special zone. The official mascot of H Circle, Mr. H, will also be making its debut appearance across the 4-day launch campaign.

To welcome new members and reward loyal shoppers as part of the all-new integrated platform, Gurney Paragon Mall is running a series of promotions for the campaign period.

Shoppers who spend a minimum of RM200 on a single receipt at participating outlets will stand a chance to win a grand prize of 100,000 H Circle points. The same qualifying spend will also allow shoppers to redeem RM10 Gurney Paragon Mall cash voucher with a limited 100 redemptions per day. Meanwhile, the first 2,000 shoppers to sign up as new H Circle members will automatically receive 200 points upon completion of their profile registration.

Participating tenants from Gurney Paragon Mall for the campaign include Tsukiji Sushi, Dr. Hauschka, Godiva, TWG, Kapten Batik, Putien, Ban Bu Dian, Rituals, Decathlon, MST Golf and many more.

On the residential side, the property team of Hunza Group is offering an enticing incentive for potential homeowners during this campaign period. Buyers who successfully book any eligible unit during the showcase period will stand a chance to walk away with 500,000 H Circle points. MUZE and SENZE @ PICC are on showcase, and prospective homeowners or investors could inquire further on becoming part of the growing community in PICC. The commercial hub of PICC which includes the new regional mall, GBS Tower and an international hotel is slated to break ground towards the end of this year.

YB Joshua Woo (State Assemblyman for Pulau Tikus), Dato’ Seri Khor Teng Tong (Founder and Executive Advisor of Hunza Group), and heads of media were also in attendance for the launch campaign.

The Penang government has unveiled the draft master plan for the proposed Inclusive Transit-Oriented Development (ITOD) at the Sungai Nibong Tapak Pesta site, marking a significant step towards creating what is envisioned as Malaysia’s first inclusive transit-oriented community.

Presented during the Sungai Nibong Tapak Pesta Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Draft Master Plan Stakeholder Engagement Workshop, the proposal outlines a mixed-use development spanning approximately 58 acres of state-owned land, excluding land under Penang Island City Council (MBPP). The development is planned around the future Penang LRT station and depot, integrating residential, commercial, healthcare, hospitality and public facilities within a walkable urban environment.

According to the draft master plan, the proposed development will feature affordable housing, mid-range and premium residential units, commercial spaces, hotels, a hospital, an integrated bus terminal, cultural and recreational facilities, as well as extensive green spaces. The project also aims to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists through improved walkways, cycling routes, covered sidewalks, elevated pedestrian links and underground connections.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the workshop was not merely about introducing a master plan, but also reflected the state’s commitment to engaging stakeholders before embarking on major development initiatives.

He noted that long-term planning was essential to provide confidence for both investors and the public, adding that the master plan was intended to serve future generations rather than a single government administration.

Following the current stakeholder consultation process, the state government expects to finalise the master plan by October 2026, after which attention will shift towards implementation strategies, including project management, phased development and potential public-private partnership financing models.

Chow estimated that the overall development could take 10 to 15 years to complete.

The proposal will also transform the existing Tapak Pesta grounds. While the annual fair will no longer occupy its current scale due to the introduction of the LRT station, integrated transport hub and public park, around five acres have been reserved for a new cultural and arts precinct featuring performance venues, exhibition spaces and recreational facilities. Instead of hosting activities only during the year-end fair, the area is envisioned as a year-round community destination.

The state government is also exploring alternative locations for the annual fair, with one potential site being in Seberang Perai Utara. A final decision is expected within the next few weeks.

State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the project goes beyond conventional TOD planning by focusing on inclusivity rather than simply maximising land value. Developed with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Green Cities Action Plan, the proposal seeks to create a people-centred community that caters to residents of all ages through a balanced mix of housing, public transport, public amenities, cultural spaces and green infrastructure.

German life science laboratory solutions provider Eppendorf Group is expanding its global manufacturing network with the establishment of its first production facility in Southeast Asia at the Bandar Cassia Technology Park in Batu Kawan, Penang.

The milestone was marked by the signing of a lease agreement between the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and Eppendorf. The ceremony was witnessed by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Seri Loo Lee Lian, with the agreement signed by PDC chief executive officer Abdul Latiff Abdul Aziz and Eppendorf Group chief executive officer Dr Christine Munz.

Founded in 1945 and headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, Eppendorf operates in around 30 countries with approximately 4,100 employees. The company manufactures a wide range of laboratory equipment and systems used in research, diagnostics, pharmaceutical development and quality assurance.

The proposed greenfield facility will serve as an integrated manufacturing hub for selected products from Eppendorf’s centrifuges and laboratory instruments portfolio, including centrifuges, mixers and cyclers. Construction represents an investment of approximately €40 million (around RM180 million), with production expected to commence progressively during the ramp-up phase in 2028.

The project is expected to create around 130 jobs by the end of 2029, with additional employment opportunities anticipated as operations expand.

Dr Christine Munz described the investment as a significant milestone in Eppendorf’s international growth strategy, noting that the new facility strengthens the company’s long-term commitment to Malaysia, where it has maintained a presence through its regional hub in Kuala Lumpur since 1995.

Chow said the investment reflects the continued confidence of global industry leaders in Penang’s industrial ecosystem. He added that the project will enhance the state’s capabilities in scientific and measuring equipment, supporting the growth of advanced manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences.

He also encouraged Eppendorf to collaborate with local companies through the Penang ATE Campus in areas such as technology development, supplier localisation and supply chain strengthening, further reinforcing Penang’s position as a regional hub for high-value manufacturing.

Construction of the long-awaited bridge linking Pulau Jerejak to Penang Island has finally commenced, years after the project first received approval in 2018. According to a report by Guang Ming Daily, preliminary site works are now underway near Queensbay Mall, where the construction site has been fenced up and a project information board has been installed. The board indicates that work officially began on 19 May 2025 and is scheduled for completion by 31 July 2029.

The bridge forms part of the proposed redevelopment of Pulau Jerejak, which aims to transform the island into a mixed-use destination. Based on previously announced plans, the bridge is intended primarily for pedestrians, cyclists and electric vehicles, while emergency and maintenance vehicles will also be allowed access. Earlier development proposals for the island included residential, hospitality and commercial components.

Source: Guang Ming Daily

When contacted by Guang Ming Daily, Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Fahmi Zainol said he is aware that multiple projects are currently taking place in the Queensbay area, including the bridge connection to Pulau Jerejak, but added that he had not been briefed on the latest construction progress.

The commencement of the bridge marks a significant milestone for a project that has remained dormant for several years. If completed as scheduled, the new link is expected to improve accessibility to Pulau Jerejak and pave the way for the island’s long-planned redevelopment.

About Serene Villas @ Sunway Wellesley

A freehold gated-and-guarded townhouse development comprising 210 residential units, designed to support modern family living within a secure community setting. The project features contemporary layouts and is complemented by shared facilities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, gymnasium and outdoor recreational areas. Its location near commercial centres, schools, healthcare facilities and key transport links enhances daily convenience while maintaining a calm residential environment.

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