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Architecture & Super Structure

Melaka and George Town: UNESCO Cultural Heritage Gems Along the Straits of Malacca

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca, earned recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their rich historical and cultural influences shaped by their former roles as important trading ports connecting the East and West.

These cities stand as the most comprehensive surviving historic centers along the Straits of Malacca, reflecting a multicultural living heritage rooted in trade routes from Great Britain and Europe through the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and the Malay Archipelago to China.

Both Melaka and George Town serve as living testaments to the multicultural heritage and traditions of Asia, where various religions and cultures intersected and coexisted.

Both of the cities exemplify multicultural trading towns in East and Southeast Asia, shaped by the interaction of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures and three successive European colonial powers over nearly 500 years.

Each era has left imprints on the architecture, urban layout, technology, and monumental art of these towns. Showcasing different stages of development and successive changes over an extended period, both towns complement each other in their historical narrative.

Melaka and George Town are also living witnesses to the multicultural heritage of Asia and the influence of European colonialism. The evidence of multiculturalism can be seen in the diverse array of religious buildings, ethnic quarters, languages, worship practices, festivals, dance, costumes, art, music, and daily life.

The cities also reflect a fusion of influences, creating unique architecture, culture, and townscapes in East and South Asia.

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Largest Rooftop Public Park in the Heart of the City

TRX City Park, situated atop the bustling lifestyle hub in Kuala Lumpur, stands as the largest rooftop public park in the city, covering an expansive 10 acres.

According to the Head of Retail and Project Director for the Exchange TRX at Lendlease Malaysia, the park aims to establish a gathering place for people of all backgrounds, breaking away from the conventional perception of financial districts as solely transactional spaces dominated by concrete, glass, and steel.

He emphasizes the uniqueness of TRX City Park, highlighting it as the first major urban park developed within Kuala Lumpur in the past two decades. The goal, according to Wilson, is to foster social interaction and movement, transforming the area into a vibrant and inclusive community space.

Within the park, visitors can explore a variety of features, including a playground, a unique ‘play cave’, and a garden, creating an ideal setting for contemplative evenings. For those in search of fresh air and a connection with nature, the “Forest Walk” trail provides a serene journey surrounded by lush greenery and a skyline.
Escape theme park on the island of Penang includes a 3,645-foot waterslide that has smashed world records. and the world’s longest Zip Coaster (described as a combination of a zip liner and roller coaster).

When questioned about their groundbreaking achievements, Sim Choo Kheng, the CEO of Escape’s parent company Sim Leisure Group, humbly stated that their primary aim was to create an immersive ride experience that lasts several minutes, rather than specifically aiming for a world record.

The waterslide is twice as long as the previous record holder which was in New Jersey and only stretched 1,975 feet.

During the COVID-19 lockdown in June 2020, the concept of the zip coaster was conceived, leading to an investment of approximately RM700,000 for the installation of the track. With the zip coaster’s introduction, visitors now have the opportunity to relish the sensation of free-flying on a steel track connected to the treetops

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Completion of MRSM Ranau: Pinnacle of Education in Malaysia

Perched amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the North West Coast Division of Sabah, the MARA Junior College of Science (MRSM) Ranau now stands tall as the highest MRSM in Malaysia. This educational landmark, nestled in the lap of natural diversity and rich cultural heritage, has been meticulously made to cater to the promising young minds of Sabah and Ranau, fostering an ideal setting for their academic pursuits.

Completed through a collaborative effort between the State Government, Petronas, and MARA, the 30-acre campus represents a significant milestone. The project, initiated in October 2017 under the stewardship of the former Chief Minister, Tan Sri Musa Aman, reflects a shared commitment to nurturing educational excellence in the state.

Designed with a main focus on cultivating interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the college endeavors to nurture a new generation of skilled professionals in STEM-related fields. Anticipated to accommodate 450 students, the campus boasts its facilities including academic blocks, science laboratories, hostels, multipurpose hall, sports facilities, living quarters for educators, and a surau.

MRSM Ranau serves as a beacon of hope, aims to empower young learners and pave the way for a brighter future for the students.

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Ipoh is the First City in Asia to Use an Eco-Friendly Thermowaste System

Ipoh, a city in northwestern Malaysia will soon become the pioneer in Asia by utilizing eco-friendly technology to process all of its waste. The announcement from Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin has set the city on a path to become the frontrunner in Asia for implementing 100% eco-friendly waste treatment.

According to him, the innovation involves a sterilization and cleaning procedure that applies heat, steam, and pressure to solid waste, eliminating the need for prior segregation. After undergoing a 30-minute processing period, the waste is separated into four distinct categories: biomass, plastic, metal, and inert materials.

The significance of this development extends beyond waste management alone. By successfully processing and segregating the waste, the project aims to unlock the potential value inherent in these materials. The basic commodities will be sold in the market to make sure the waste material is not totally wasted and is reusable in different forms. As reported in Bernama, Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin gave the example that solid waste that has been converted into biomass can be sold as a fuel substitute for coal in industrial applications.

He also highlighted the drawbacks of conventional landfill practices, stating that they occupy large areas of land, rendering the land unproductive. This approach aims to address these concerns while prioritizing a sustainable and efficient way to manage waste.

A collaborative effort has also been initiated between Thermowaste Mancuso Energy Sdn Bhd, Ipoh City Council (MBI), and Selekta Spektra through a memorandum of understanding signed on October 17, marking a significant milestone in the city’s journey to achieving environmental sustainability and a brighter future.

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Bidding Farewell to 14 Years of Proton Exora’s Legacy

As of October 18, 2023, the production of the Proton Exora, Malaysia’s pioneering locally developed multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), has drawn to a close. Originally introduced in April 2009, the Exora has completed an impressive 14-year journey, culminating in a total production of 195,583 units.

The Exora underwent a series of evolutionary transformations during its tenure. The concept of a Proton MPV was initially conceived in the 1990s, a time when Proton’s vehicle lineup primarily comprised sedans and hatchbacks. After numerous deliberations, the Exora project was temporarily shelved, only to be revived in mid-2006, eventually leading to the commencement of production at Proton’s Shah Alam facility in March 2009.

The official unveiling of the Proton Exora on April 15, 2009, heralded a new chapter in Malaysia’s automotive landscape, as it proudly assumed the distinction of being the nation’s first indigenously designed MPV. Its evolution continued with the Exora Bold in 2011, marking another milestone as the first Proton to integrate a turbocharged engine, featuring the CamPro Charged Fuel Efficiency (CFE) technology.

The 2017 Proton Exora (Enhanced) took the baton forward, succeeding the Exora Bold MC2 on July 23, 2017. This iteration primarily emphasized cosmetic enhancements along with significant improvements in noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels, solidifying the Exora’s reputation for refinement and comfort.

As it gracefully bids farewell, we celebrate it remarkable contributions to the automotive industry. Farewell, Exora–it is truly a well-deserved retirement.

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The Most Magnificient Islamic Museum in Southeast Asia: An Eye Opener About the Islamic Culture

According to Statista, 63.5% of the Malaysian population professed to be Islamic Faith, hence it’s not a surprise that Malaysia has a rich tradition of Islamic art and architecture everywhere in the nation.
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia or Muzium Kesenian Islam Malaysia is a museum in Kuala Lumpur which has the largest museum of Islamic arts in South East Asia with more than seven thousand artifacts from the Islamic world.
The museum consists of twelve gallery spaces spread over two levels; the first level contains galleries devoted to architecture, the Qur’an, and other manuscripts and one each for the art of India, China, and the Malay Peninsula. The second level contains galleries devoted to Arms and Armor, Textiles, Jewelry, and Coins, with the remaining three galleries consisting of artworks categorized by their materials–metal, wood, and ceramics.

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3.4km in Circumference: The Immensest Roundabout in the World is in Putrajaya

Putrajaya, Malaysia is home to the largest roundabout in the world, which has a circumference of 3.4 kilometers. The Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, which is in the center of Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia, is the name of the road that forms the roundabout.

It was opened in 2003 and was designed by renowned Malaysian architect, Hijjas Kasturi.
The road is joined by 15 entry/exit points, three of which are on the inside of the roundabout itself.
Within the centre of the roundabout is the Istana Melawati, a royal retreat for the Yang Dipertuan Agong, a monument to the birth of Putrajaya, the Putra Perdana Landmark, and a five-star hotel, the Putrajaya Shangri-La.

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Tugu Negara: The Evidence of Malaysia’s Independence

The sculpture, which stands 15 meters tall, is considered to be the tallest freestanding bronze sculpture ever built. The National Monument, known as Tugu Negara, honors Malaysia’s independence fighters as well as those who fought in World Wars I and II.
The Tugu Negara monument consists of seven soldiers representing strength, courage, unity, leadership, vigilance, suffering, and sacrifice.
The sculpture was erected in 1964 to commemorate fallen warriors who served the country during the fight for independence, especially during the World War II Japanese occupation and the ‘Malayan Emergency’–a guerilla war that took place from 1948 to 1960 between the Malayan Communists Party and British colonial troops.

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Penang Free School: The Most Ancient English-Medium School in Southeast Asia

Founded in 1816, which is 206 years ago, the Penang Free School or Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Penang Free is located at Green Lane in George Town, Penang, Malaysia, is the oldest English-medium school in Southeast Asia.
the secondary school has been an all-boy school since its inception, although girls are now admitted for Form 6.
In addition, the school has produced several notable Malaysian and Singaporean personalities, including Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, P.Ramlee, Malaysian actor, filmmaker, musician, and composer, Wu Lien-Teh, Malayan physician and Wee Chong Jin, the first chief justice of Singapore.

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World’s Longest Canopy Walk: Experience it in Pahang

Taman Negara National Park is home to the world’s longest canopy walk where it stretches for 500 meters and consists of 10 different bridge sections.

Originally built for researchers in 1992, the suspended paths are now open to the public after receiving positive reviews from visitors.

Spanning a distance of 1,738 feet or 530 meters in length is one of the most popular things to do in Taman Negara National Park.

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