Tourism and F&B Updates

RIYAZ International has launched KOKU Japanese Restaurant & Zen Garden at The RIYAZ Lavanya Langkawi, marking the island’s first authentic fine dining Japanese restaurant.
China Southern Airlines and Malaysia Airlines have expanded their codeshare flights to include new routes between Guangzhou-Penang, Kuala Lumpur-Beijing Daxing, and Kuala Lumpur-Shanghai Pudong, enhancing travel connectivity between the two countries.
Regent Hong Kong continues to garner accolades, being named the #1 Hong Kong City Hotel in the 2024 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, following a total transformation and rebranding.

Langkawi’s New Japanese Dining

RIYAZ International has launched KOKU Japanese Restaurant & Zen Garden at The RIYAZ Lavanya Langkawi, marking Langkawi’s first authentic fine dining Japanese restaurant.
The launch event featured an exclusive dinner preview attended by His Excellency Takahashi Katsuhiko, the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, and hosted by co-owners Dato’ Sri Shaheen Shah and Dato’ Muthukumar Ayarpadde.
KOKU, set in a curated Japanese Zen Garden, offers a unique dining experience with dishes crafted by renowned Chef Melvin Loo. Chef Melvin, with 18 years of experience, combines traditional Japanese techniques with fresh, high-quality ingredients, including ultra-premium air-flown seafood from Japan.
“I have always wanted to share my passion for authentic Japanese cuisine using only the finest ingredients crafted with precision and care. With KOKU, I believe diners will have that experience – my cuisine honours the integrity of natural ingredients coupled with distinctive preparation techniques, reflecting our commitment to quality and authenticity,” said Chef Melvin.
The menu includes dishes such as Wagyu Tataki with Spicy Yuzu Sauce, Kanpachi with Black Truffle Sauce, and Warabi Mochi with Gula Melaka for dessert. Dato’ Sri Shaheen added, “KOKU Japanese Restaurant in Langkawi adds to the allure of the island’s culinary tourism scene. KOKU aims to distinguish itself as the foremost fine dining Japanese restaurant in Langkawi, offering both locals and tourists a unique Japanese experience.”

Airlines Expand Codeshare Flights

China Southern Airlines and Malaysia Airlines have expanded their codeshare flights to include Guangzhou-Penang (CAN-PEN), Kuala Lumpur-Beijing Daxing (KUL-PKX), and Kuala Lumpur-Shanghai Pudong (KUL-PVG) routes starting today.
This move builds on their existing codeshare on the Guangzhou-Kuala Lumpur route, launched on 6 July 2023, enhancing travel connectivity between the two countries.
China Southern Airlines plans to increase its capacity in the Malaysian market to 73 flights per week, while Malaysia Airlines currently operates 54 weekly flights to China.
The expansion aims to provide enhanced connectivity and flexibility for passengers traveling for business, leisure, or other purposes.
“Under the framework of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, China Southern Airlines will continue to leverage its network advantages to explore new opportunities with Malaysia Airlines and deepen our cooperation in more fields, aiming to bring greater air travel experience for all passengers,” said Zhang Dongsheng, Deputy Director General of the Commercial Steering Committee and Senior Vice President of the Marketing Division of China Southern Airlines.
Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, Chief Executive Officer of Airlines from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), added, “By expanding our codeshare agreement, travellers can now enjoy an enhanced travel experience, seamlessly connecting to more destinations with greater convenience and flexibility. As the gateway to Asia and beyond, Malaysia Airlines provides a world of exploration and adventure for travellers on board Malaysian Hospitality.
This is especially beneficial with the current visa-free policy for Malaysian & Chinese travellers to travel between the two countries, making it easier than ever to discover and appreciate the rich cultures and attractions they have to offer.”

Regent Hong Kong Shines

Hot on the heels of winning Best Hong Kong Hotel at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024, Regent Hong Kong continues to garner global accolades. In the 2024 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, Regent Hong Kong was named the #1 Hong Kong City Hotel, #2 among the 20 Favourite City Hotels in Asia, and #7 among the 100 Hotels Voted Best in the World.
Regent Hong Kong Managing Director Michel Chertouh said, “On behalf of our incredible team at Regent Hong Kong, I am thrilled to accept this prestigious recognition from the editors and readers of Travel + Leisure. We are honoured to be at the forefront of excellence and innovation in luxury hospitality in Hong Kong, which is a dynamic destination renowned for some of the world’s most celebrated hotels.”
Following a total transformation and rebranding in November 2023, Regent Hong Kong has received numerous industry honours. It was named Best Hong Kong Hotel at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024, a Travellers’ Choice Awards Winner by TripAdvisor, and made Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Hot List and Travel + Leisure’s 2024 It List. Regionally, it was named Best Business Hotel in Hong Kong at the 2024 TTG China Travel Awards and received the Best Design Hotel accolade at the 2024 The Bund Design Hotel Awards. The newly relaunched Presidential Suite was named one of Elite Traveler’s Top New Hotel Suites.
As a dining destination, Lai Ching Heen retained two MICHELIN Stars and two Diamonds in the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide. The Steak House was named one of the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants and Best Steak House by Foodie Magazine. Qura Bar was named Best Restaurant Bar in Hong Kong by Time Out and best new bar at the Foodie Fork Awards.
He added, “From serene interiors that juxtapose unrivalled cinematic views of Victoria Harbour to exceptional dining experiences, Regent Hong Kong is a rare gem on Victoria Harbour. However, what truly sets us apart is the highly personalised service ‘on your terms’ and our unwavering commitment to quality and consistency. This accolade reflects the hard work and dedication of our colleagues, who consistently strive to create highly personalised experiences that create lasting memories for our guests. We thank our loyal guests and the travel community for enthusiastically embracing the new Regent Hong Kong and bestowing our hotel with this highly coveted award.”

Unfading Memoirs Launch

AXN Asia and Tourism Malaysia have launched a new travelogue series, “Unfading Memoirs,” available online and on television across Asia.
Hosted by Justin Bratton, Selina Lo, and Erwan Heussaff, the series explores Malaysia’s cultural tapestry and landscapes, focusing on Adventure, Culture, and Food.
George Chien, CEO of KC Global Media, praised Malaysia’s appeal, stating, “Malaysia continues to be a travellers’ paradise, with a rich historical and cultural heritage alongside a vibrant energy that drives constant reinvention and innovation.”
Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, emphasized the country’s diverse attractions: “Malaysia’s diverse attractions, from history and culture to outdoor and natural wonders, offer travellers endless options for curating the perfect holiday.”
The “Unfading Memoirs” Social Contest offers a chance to win a 3-day/2-night trip to Malaysia by posting memorable experiences or dream destinations on social media.
The contest runs from 15 July to 25 August 2024, with the winner announced on 3 September 2024.