The Karl Lagerfeld Tower, located in Melaka, is set to revolutionise this heritage city’s profile and landscape. Ong Chin Huat attends an exclusive event hosted by Sheng Tai International to celebrate this partnership.
With a lot of pomp and breath-taking performances, visionary Malaysian developer Sheng Tai International threw an unforgettable night in Melaka to celebrate the announcement of the Karl Lagerfeld Tower at The Sail Melaka, a nine-tower sprawling development located on 27.5 acres of waterfront property, comprising nine unique towers which all will enjoy unfettered sea views of the Straits of Malacca.
Set to change the skyline of Melaka as well as giving the local economy a boost, The Sail will focus on fashion, wellness, AI and the arts and culture with the Karl Lagerfeld Tower, located within the Fashion Tower comprising a hotel and branded residence leading the way. Yet to begin construction, the Karl Lagerfeld Tower and, indeed, the entire Sail Development is expected to be completed by 2030 at an estimated cost of UD$14 billion.
This announcement was made recently at the futuristic Encore Melaka Theatre with the presence of the Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and the CEO of Karl Lagerfeld Pier Paolo Righi, who flew in specially for the event.
With other VIPs and investors from Japan, China and Hong Kong present, attendees were treated to a cocktail in the theatre’s foyer before being ushered into the actual theatre with its 360◦ rotating stage for an immersive experience.
After finding their seats, the evening’s program began with a cultural fashion show where all the traditional costumes of Malaysia were worn. A traditional Gamelan, singing by Noryn Azis and a violin performance by Dennis Lau alongside a hologram and drone show, a drum and water dance performance enthralled the crowds.
With a spectacular fireworks display over the Melaka waterfront as a finale to the evening, all the guests present were suitably impressed.
The highlight of the evening was, of course, the piano recital by Dato’ Leong Sir Ley, Chairman and President of Sheng Tai International, where she showed her musical talent to an enraptured audience.
This former lawyer with over ten years of experience in the property sector is a formidable figure in the business world, where she has invested a great deal of her energy and time to establish Melaka as a vibrant and thriving fashion city in the region.
“Making Melaka a centre for fashion while leveraging the city’s uniquely rich heritage and culture is our vision. Our long-term goal is to nurture local talent and welcome global investments, creating a wave of opportunity and prosperity in the country. We’re delighted to have Karl Lagerfeld and their forward-looking ethos on board with our plans for the future,” said Dato’ Leong.
The Sail Melaka is part of Dato’ Leong’s revolutionary ambitions for the state’s future as an international hub for fashion, wellness, AI, arts and culture. Her leadership has positioned her as the single largest shareholder of the publicly listed Yong Tai Berhad, giving her the role of Managing Director and CEO and reflecting her deep commitment to the city’s transformation.
With an impressive property portfolio spanning 165.5 acres of prime real estate in Melaka (from the combined developments of The Sail at 27.5 acres and the 138 acres of land where the Encore theatre sits) this area will form the amazing City of Hope.
The magnificent Encore Theatre is at the core of Dato’ Leong’s blueprint for the City of Hope. She promised that her groundbreaking vision of the four initiatives from The Sail – wellness, fashion, AI and art and culture, will also spill over and infuse the space where the Encore sits.
“I am honoured to present the vision behind the City of Hope, a place where dreams have the potential to transform into reality. We call it the City of Hope because, within its embrace, the power of hope is amplified. The City brings hope for youth, health, happiness, and most importantly, it enables every individual to aspire to a life of luxury, comfort, and fulfilment,” said Dato’ Leong.
According to Dato’ Leong, the hotels and Experiential Centre will be located at The Sail, while the lifestyle entertainment will take place on the Encore site.
This extraordinary endeavour sets the tone for Melaka’s future, where creativity and luxury converge in a dynamic and inspiring environment. It also serves as a testament to the city’s vision and its emergence as a true Fashion City in Southeast Asia.
“Many people have dreams, but these sometimes come to nothing. That is why we are different. At Sheng Tai International, you have my commitment that we will take our dreams and make them happen!” promises Dato’ Leong.
For further information on the Karl Lagerfeld Tower or The Sail Melaka, please visit www.shengtaiinternational.com.
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