Kuala Lumpur News

Kärcher Boosts Zoo Negara

Kuala Lumpur, Dec 22: Kärcher Cleaning Systems Sdn. Bhd. has sponsored professional cleaning equipment worth RM40,592 to Zoo Negara, marking a new partnership to upgrade the zoo’s cleaning standards with sustainable, high-performance solutions in conjunction with Kärcher’s 90th anniversary.
The handover was held on Friday, 19 December 2025, following a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity where Kärcher’s team used the sponsored machines to clean several sections of the zoo to improve cleanliness and animal living conditions.
The donated equipment includes the HD6/15 G Classic Pressure Washer, LB 930/36 BP Leaf Blower with high-performance batteries, and the Hose Trolley HT 3.420 Kit 5/8, designed to support day-to-day maintenance across enclosures, walkways, landscaped areas and service zones.
“Reaching our 90th anniversary is a proud milestone for Kärcher globally, and we wanted to commemorate it by making a meaningful contribution locally,” said a Kärcher Malaysia representative. “Supporting Zoo Negara reflects our mission to create cleaner, safer spaces through technology that respects both people and the planet.”
The formal ceremony was attended by Datuk Sr. Zaharin Md. Arif and Datuk Rosly Lana of the Malaysian Zoological Society, with Lydia Ng, Head of Marketing at Kärcher Cleaning Systems Sdn. Bhd., signing the guestbook to symbolise collaboration between both organisations.

Hektar Launches Elf Builders

Kuala Lumpur, Dec 22: Hektar Malls has rolled out its nationwide festive campaign, “Elf Builders Christmas,” across all Hektar malls in collaboration with creative building brand BRYKS, running throughout the year-end school holidays in December 2025.
The programme features hands-on Elf Builders workshops, creative play sessions, festive performances and seasonal décor, with activities such as ornament-making, elf hat design, gingerbread cookie decorating and Christmas tree decorating contests. Shoppers can also redeem exclusive BRYKS-designed commemorative keepsakes.
The campaign also marks the soft launch of Hoppers, Hektar Malls’ first Kids Club loyalty programme, aimed at building longer-term engagement with young families beyond the Christmas period. Subang Parade will additionally offer an alpaca walkabout and an indoor snow experience as special holiday attractions.
Zainal Iskandar, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hektar Asset Management, said, “At Hektar REIT, we see our malls as more than transactional spaces, they are places where families gather, children learn and communities connect. The ‘Elf Builders Christmas’ campaign reflects our ongoing focus on creating meaningful, experience-led programmes that resonate with our shoppers while supporting our tenants during key retail periods. The introduction of our Hoppers Kids Club allows us to continue engaging young families beyond the holidays reinforcing our commitment to building welcoming, vibrant and inclusive destinations for the communities we serve.”

PropertyGuru Honours Excellence

Kuala Lumpur, Dec 22: The 2025 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards recognised leading real estate achievements from Sri Lanka and the Middle East during an international luncheon held on 22 December 2025 at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, celebrating developments spanning coastal Sri Lankan cities and prime districts in the UAE.
In Sri Lanka, Home Lands Group of Companies emerged as a standout winner, taking Best Developer and Best Lifestyle Developer, alongside multiple project awards including Pentara Residencies – Thummulla Handiya, Santorini Resort Apartments & Residencies, Negombo, and Bayfonte Marina Resort Apartments & Villas, Negombo. Other honours went to Groundworth (Pvt) Ltd and Urbanspace Interiors Pvt Ltd.
Representing the Middle East, Chedi Hospitality won Best Branded Residential Development (UAE) for The Chedi Private Residences, Sheikh Zayed Road, highlighting the region’s growing appeal for luxury branded living.
Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “South Asia and the Middle East offer investors and end-users alike compelling value propositions with a variety of property types, including luxury branded residences, curated lifestyle concepts, and more.” Dr. Nirmal De Silva, chairperson of the judging panel for Sri Lanka, added: “Grounded in ambition and shaped by the island’s unique natural beauty, Sri Lanka’s real estate market deserves these moments of recognition.”
Winners from both regions later competed at the 20th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final in Bangkok, where Home Lands Group of Companies and Pentara Model Apartment by Urbanspace Interiors Pvt Ltd secured Asia-level titles, alongside The Chedi Private Residences winning Best Branded Residential Development (Asia).

Advancecon Names MD

Kuala Lumpur, Dec 24: Advancecon Holdings Berhad (Bursa: 5281) has appointed Phum Boon Eng as Managing Director, effective 22 December 2025, as part of its leadership renewal and long-term succession planning. Ms. Phum, currently Head of the Group’s Solar Division, will focus on organisational modernisation and cultural transformation, strengthening operational excellence and customer experience, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and advancing sustainable growth initiatives aligned with the Board’s strategy. She is the daughter of Deputy Executive Chairman Dato’ Phum Ang Kia, and the Board said it conducted the necessary assessments and is satisfied she meets fit and proper criteria.
Datuk Phum Ang Kia, Deputy Executive Chairman of Advancecon Holdings Berhad commented, “This appointment represents an important step in Advancecon’s long-term leadership and succession planning. As the Group matures, it is critical that we continue to refresh our leadership bench with individuals who understand both the business and the evolving expectations of our stakeholders. Boon Eng brings a fresh perspective, strong people skills, and a deep appreciation for organisational culture, which will be increasingly important as we move into the next phase of the Group’s development.”
Commenting on her appointment, Ms. Phum Boon Eng said: “I am grateful for the trust placed in me by the Board. Advancecon has been built on discipline, consistent execution, and long-standing relationships. As we move into the next phase, my focus will be on strengthening the organisation from within, encouraging thoughtful innovation, modernising processes, and ensuring our teams remain aligned and agile as the Group continues to grow.”