Experience music, laughter, and fireworks up close and personal
Petaling Jaya, 21 December – It’s that time of the year again when everyone’s conducting their own annual performance review of bad songs to belt out in the car, destination weddings they’ve attended, and meals that look too fancy to be eaten. The year, like all years before it, seems to have gone by in a flash, and we’re already hearing the distant banging of Chinese New Year drums even before we’ve had time to jingle our bells.
There should be a proper send off for 2023.
So, before humanity completes this lap around the Sun once more, celebrate grand endings and cheer to new beginnings at CITTA Mall, which will once again be the spot to count down to a brand new year. A variety of exciting activities and treats are on the cards for shoppers and party-goers.
Baki Zainal, the firm crowd favourite, will return as the witty and charming host of the mall’s New Year’s Eve party. The glitzy host will be flanked by an equally star-studded line-up of performers, with the award-winning singer-songwriter Faizal Tahir taking centre stage, captivating fans with sensational chart-topping melodies. Faizal has masterfully crafted timeless classics like “Assalamualaikum,” “Dirgahayu,” and “Sejati.” Over the past decade, he has earned a reputation as Malaysia’s ultimate trendsetter in pop music, consistently delivering hit after hit since his remarkable debut as the first runner-up on the inaugural season of One in a Million in 2006.
Snapshots of 2022’s NYE Party
Fans of timeless tunes will be able to sing together with the band, Lost Radio, who are famous for enthralling audiences with crowd-pleasing playlists packed with chart-topping hits from the discoing 80s to the boy bands of the noughties. The stage will continue to sizzle throughout the night with instrumental anthems by White Percussion Unit and hip hop dances by the Untitled Dance Crew, while comedy magician duo Romantic Mushroom guarantees giggles with their blink-and-you’ll-miss-it double act.
Crowd favourite acts will make their annual return to CITTA Mall’s NYE Party
At the stroke of midnight, as tradition dictates, a breathtaking display of fireworks will ignite the night sky. CITTA Mall offers a uniquely up-close-and-personal experience of this annual extravaganza that never fails to delight an ecstatic crowd as they herald the arrival of a brand-new year.
So, mark your calendars for 31 December 2023 at 8:00pm and do not miss out on this incredible lineup of entertainment. It’s going to be a night to remember.
For more information about CITTA Mall and their upcoming events, please visit www.citta.com.my or follow their official Facebook page at https://web.facebook.com/CITTAMall.
The detailed programme of the New Year’s Eve party are as follows:
Petaling Jaya, 19 Dec – Once upon a time, amidst the twinkling lights and festive cheer of the holiday season, CITTA Mall became the stage for a heartwarming celebration that captured the true essence of Christmas. Their halls echoed with laughter and joy as they opened their doors to a group of special guests from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Waja Home.
Seventeen radiant faces, aged between 5 to 19, arrived at the mall, eyes wide with wonder and hearts brimming with excitement. These were the children from Waja Home, a place of refuge and care nestled in Klang, each carrying stories as diverse as the colors of the rainbow.
The day unfolded like a beautifully orchestrated symphony of generosity and goodwill. The Mall had prepared a series of delightful activities, kicking off with games that turned the halls into playgrounds of laughter. Engrossed in an arts and crafts workshop, tiny hands weaved magic, creating mementos of joy.
But the highlight, anticipated with gleaming eyes, was the scrumptious luncheon provided by Union Roastery Cafe. Plates were laden with the essence of flavour—a fragrant umami rice adorned with curry-flavored chicken that teased the palate, accompanied by the delightful surprise of curry puffs and a colorful array of fruits.
This heartwarming initiative was a result of a beautiful collaboration. The Leo Clubs of Seafield, Sri Kuala Lumpur & Sunway Metro, standing shoulder to shoulder with CITTA Mall, poured their passion into making this day a reality. Leo Isaac Gan, the organizing chairperson, wore a smile as bright as the sun, seeing the happiness dance in the children’s eyes.
The day was far from over as CITTA Mall’s tenant, GSC Cinema, opened its doors to these beaming souls. Welcomed by Nur Hidayah Binti Osman of GSC, the children stepped into a world of cinematic wonder. The movie “Wish” illuminated the screen, weaving tales that resonated with the spirit of hope and magic.
Simple acts of kindness wove a tapestry of lasting memories for these children. Grace Luke, the point of contact from Waja Home, radiated gratitude for the mall’s generosity. Her family-run home now embraced around 30 children from various backgrounds, and this day out was a treasure beyond measure.
John Tam, the general manager of CITTA Mall, beamed with pride. “It’s heartening to witness the joy we bring to these children’s lives through simple acts,” he remarked. He pledged the Mall’s ongoing commitment to meaningful contributions and extended heartfelt thanks to the tenants whose support made this jubilant occasion possible.
As the final scene flickered across the screen and the movie concluded, the echoes of laughter and the sparkle of happiness lingered in the halls of CITTA Mall. In this season of giving, they had given the greatest gift of all—a day of joy, love, and unforgettable memories.
Children from Waja Home,accompanied by their guardian Grace Luke (in pink) savoured a delightful lunch courtesy of Union Roastery, CITTA Mall.
Pure joy spread across the children’s faces as they received Christmas presents sponsored by Lion Sim Polenn from the Lions Club of Sunway Damansara Metro.
Petaling Jaya, 10 Nov – CITTA Mall, the vibrant and bustling shopping destination, once again lit up the spirit of Diwali with a colorful and creative celebration on the 4th and 5th of November, 2023. This year, the festivities were elevated by the presence of the wonderful children from Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-kanak Mata Air Kehidupan Selangor, who joined in the festivities by creating beautiful Diya lamps and Diwali icons.
These artistic creations were later installed into the island garden at the mall’s drop-off point, adding an enchanting touch to the celebration.The heartwarming event saw shoppers and their children come together, lending their support to the cause. They enthusiastically joined our dedicated volunteers and CITTA Mall staff members in painting Diwali icons, contributing to the collective efforts to make this festival of lights a memorable one.
The success of this Diwali celebration would not have been possible without the generous support and participation of the Lions Club of Cyberjaya Blue Ocean Royale, Lions Club of Selangor Dynasty, and Lions Club of KC Valley. These organisations partnered with CITTA Mall to ensure that the smiles of the children from Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-kanak Mata Air Kehidupan Selangor shone even brighter this Diwali.John Tam, the General Manager at CITTA Mall, expressed his gratitude and joy for the heartwarming collaboration, saying,
“Diwali is a time to spread happiness and love, and we are incredibly grateful to have partnered with these wonderful organisations to create a beautiful celebration for the children.”
This event was a heartwarming example of the community coming together to celebrate the Festival of Lights, spreading joy and goodwill to all. CITTA Mall remains committed to bringing the community together for memorable events and fostering a sense of togetherness and celebration during this festive season.As the celebration is approaching, CITTA Mall wishes everyone a Happy Diwali, filled with light, love, and laughter. May the warmth of this festival continue to brighten hearts and inspire acts of kindness within the community.
The painted Diwali icon boards adorn the planting island, adding a festive touch to the mall as the Festival of Lights approaches.
PETALING JAYA, 25 June 2023 – Sixteen dance crews across the peninsular met head-to-head at the K-pop Dance Cover Competition Grand Finale 2023 held at CITTA Mall. Over the past three weekends, three preliminary rounds took place at Ipoh Parade (11 June 2023), Klang Parade (18 June 2023) and CITTA Mall (24 June 2023), whereby the top 6 winners from each round converged on 25 June 2023 for the Grand Finale.At the Grand Finale, judged by Andy, Jing Han and Iylia who are all accomplished Malaysian K-pop dancers, MULAN, a team comprising of 6 female and 6 male dancers, claimed the Champion title by performing a riveting version of Oneus’ “Lit” and “No Diggity”. In an interesting plot twist, it was the female crew members who played the main parts, each one taking on a character from the boy band. They performed a highly energetic, and accurately punctuated performance, which included a flute solo and a dress change!
Below is the full list of winners from the Grand Finale: Champion: MULAN (“Lit” and “No Diggity” by Oneus) 1st Runner Up: Valerinx (“Undercover” by Craxy) 2nd Runner Up: SN19 (“Let Me Know” by Pixy) Consolation #1: Voisonous (“Swan” by Izone) Consolation #2: DANNCEROAD (“I’m a B” and “Maria” by Hwasa) Consolation #3: Charmixes (“Run2u” by STAYC)
Petaling Jaya, 22 June 2023 – Over 60 VW Beetles and Kombis gathered at the open parking lot of CITTA Mall to commemorate World Beetle Day. Helmed by Khoo Teng Sen, the crowd (from greater Kuala Lumpur and neighbouring states) resembled a community of old friends and family, who were more than happy to exchange gear-head notes and share their love for the classic car with mall visitors.
Celebrating World Beetle Day was once just an affair of sticking a sign on car windows and driving around in Malaysia. When Alexander Gromow, Brazilian VW Beetle enthusiast, reached out to Teng Sen, the celebrations took a positive turn. Teng Sen created theJune 22 – Drive Your VW to Work Day Facebook group, comprising a vast network of Beetle lovers, who now gather annually in the name of camaraderie, goodwill and good ol’ fun!
John Tam, General Manager of CITTA Mall said, “It’s the first time hosting World Beetle Day for us and we are glad to see the turn out and the enthusiasm for classic cars. The automotive world certainly has a way of bringing people together to share passion and build relationships, and we love being part of this.”
The essence of community was accurately captured during the gathering today through a birthday celebration and moment of silence for an ardent member who recently passed away. Get to know the faces of the community through these Five Stories Behind the Wheel:
“I live to drive, but ‘giving back’ drives me.” – Clifton
His passion for the Volkswagen Beetle goes beyond just getting behind the wheel and driving. Clifton drives to give back to the community – his cross-country group road trips involve raising funds, helping people from impoverished areas as well as bringing smiles to faces. “Sometimes if I see a sad or stressed face on the road, I give a friendly honk and smile at them. When they smile back, I know my job is done. It’s a good feeling.” Clifton’s Beetle has made numerous trips across Asia (including Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and the borders of Myanmar, India, and China). He purposely seeks out the toughest routes to test his mental strength and the car’s endurance; in his recent three-day cross-country drive, he gave some top-tiered branded cars a run for their money. Beetles pack some speed!
“I bought it right before Covid, and finally it’s out from the shop and the road!” – Darren
The 29-year-old endured a three-year long wait to place his hands on the beige steering wheel of his VW Beetle. Darren is a two-day old member of his local VW Beetle group and cheekily marks his car with Woody and Buzz Lightyear toys gripping the bumper for their dear lives! He looks forward to a younger generation of enthusiasts joining him in his passion for the beloved classic.
“I designed it, made it and put it together myself.” – T.C. Khoo
Khoo is an enthusiastic tinkerer, fashioning parts for his Beetle himself (and stamping his name on them too!). Being a Beetle owner for 11 years, he has taught himself to make modifications using original designs and does his best to let people know Malaysians are pretty good with their hands.
“We got married in an earlier model, but this one would have been better – it’s pink!” – Ruby and Kelvin
Ruby first fell in love with the Beetle after seeing it on a calendar while in high school, and Kelvin promised her to get one – a pink one. The happy couple got married in Teng Sen’s Kombi, and Kelvin lived up to his promise, helping Ruby become the proud owner of a 2009 VW Beetle.
“I hope we can pass this passion down to the next generation, and keep it alive, even though we are heading towards electric cars. It’s a community.” – Khoo Teng Sen
Teng Sen, who describes himself as just a VW fan, is a Malaysian World Book of Records holder for owning the largest number of VW miniature toys and memorabilia. The nucleus of multiple VW Beetle fan groups, Teng Sen has been organising 22nd June gatherings since 2015 and celebrates the beauty of people coming together, sharing their passion despite language barriers and economic status. He strives for a stronger community and familial bonds through the love for VW Beetles.
This gathering is CITTA Mall’s inaugural World Beetle Day gathering, supported by Chizu, A Beauty Secret Studio, Para Thai and Mee Hiris China Muslim.
Each year in March, ARA Asset Management (ARA) Malls are unwavering in their efforts to inculcate an appreciation for the natural world among its patrons through a series of fun and educational activities under the banner of its eco-conscious campaign, “Helping Our Planet Everyday” (or H.O.P.E.).
Campaign mainstays such as the aluminium pull-tab collection, coffee ground collection, and eco-themed arts & crafts workshops make a return to 1 Mont Kiara and CITTA Mall, while H.O.P.E.’s mascot, Mr. Plasticman, will also be making the rounds at both malls, offering to trade eco-friendly bags for plastic ones with shoppers.
“The collection of aluminium tabs will run for the entire month of March at 1 Mont Kiara and CITTA Mall,” remarked Alan Thoo, Head of Marketing. “The tabs will then be sent to prosthetic limb manufacturers through the Lions Club units that we cooperate with.”
Patrons of 1 Mont Kiara and CITTA Mall are encouraged to drop their pull tabs at the malls’ respective information counters between 12pm and 6pm throughout March.
One of the major highlights for Eco Month would be the popular Eco-Fashionista Costume Contest that has drawn the attention of many designer moms and charismatic children to Ipoh Parade and CITTA Mall, and for the first time ever, Klang Parade. A total of RM850 worth of cash and prizes are up for grabs at each mall, so contestants better come dressed in their upcycled best if they want to impress the judges.
In the past, contestants have consistently astounded a wide-eyed audience with their ingenuity, transforming yesterday’s waste into today’s fashion statement using a wide range of recycled materials such as aluminium cans, discarded cardboard, dated newspapers, and our arch-enemy, plastic. The sheer creativity that spills over the runway have only continued to inspire many others to parade their dresses of tomorrow, proving that sustainable fashion can truly start from the home.
1 Mont Kiara is the only mall to break away from this tradition, opting instead to focus on its successful H.O.P.E. Recycled Art Contest once again this year. A total of 132 art pieces were submitted for the contest by its 8 March deadline, exceeding all expectations yet also affirming the contest’s acceptance by the surrounding community. As a result of the overwhelming response, the Top 70 pieces (instead of the previous Top 50) will now be displayed at the H.O.P.E. Recycled Art Exhibition at the mall’s ground floor from 13 – 19 March.
The various sculptures and artworks paint a vivid picture of what the environment means to our youth, and they reveal our youngest generation’s aspirations for a greener future. For most of the submitted pieces, there is an urgent call-to-action to protect the singularly liveable planet that we often take for granted, while others function more like a time capsule that preserves an untainted innocence.
Further up north in Ipoh Parade is where the city’s inaugural Succulent Fair will take place from 31 March to 2 April. Hosted by Cactus Boy Nursery, who has an established base at CITTA Mall, the Succulent Fair will be the site for many colourful and exotic succulents, which have seen a surge of interest since the lockdown days due to their easy-to-care for nature and jaw-dropping diversity.
“It is a great honour to be able to work with Ipoh Parade and make this fair happen, as I have never done anything of the sort at such a scale before,” commented Koh Kuan Meng aka Cactus Boy. “I am very excited to share some of my unique discoveries with the people of Ipoh and to educate everyone on how to properly care for their succulents.”
On 1 and 2 April, visitors to the fair will be able to join personalised workshops where Koh addresses common issues about caring for succulents. Shoppers who have purchased any five succulents and a pot will also be able to learn how to make an arrangement with their selection over two sessions on both days (3:00pm and 6:00pm on 1 April; 12:00pm and 6:00pm on 2 April).
“We hope these activities help people get involved in their own way and be engaged in preserving our environment. We know this may be just a small step in addressing climate change, but we hope it will be the seed that inspires a way of living in the future,” Thoo added.
For a full breakdown of the events across the malls, please refer to the table below:
1 Mont Kiara celebrates Eco Month from 1st to 31st March
Eco-Fashionista Costume Contest will be held under H.O.P.E campaign on 26 March 2023 at Klang Parade
– Eco-Themed Arts & Crafts Workshop – Plant-A-Tree Workshop – E-Waste Interactive Games Corner
25 – 26 March
12:00pm – 6:00pm
– Mr. Plasticman Walkabout
25 – 26 March
12:00pm – 9:00pm
Ipoh Parade
– First Succulent Fair in Ipoh (by Cactus Boy Nursery)
31 March – 2 April
10:00am – 10:00pm
1-on-1 Workshops with Cactus Boy:
– Sharing Session: “What do I do when my succulents are sunburnt?” “What do I do when they become elongated?” – Hands-on Session: Buy any five succulents and learn to pot them together.
1 April 2 April
3:00pm 12:00pm
– Sharing Session: “How do I propagate succulents?” “How do I care for such young succulents?” -Hands-on Session: Buy any five succulents and learn to pot them together.
Cheerful succulent seller turned a passion project into a thriving business.
Drinks, snacks and now – succulents! The use for vending machines has been revolutionised for more than just dispensing convenient eats. Today, you can find Malaysia’s very first succulent dispensing vending machine at CITTA Mall. In collaboration with Cactus Boy Nursery, this machine houses up to 108 succulents for sale, through an accessible, cashless, and unmanned retail system.
“CITTA Mall has always prioritised being a ‘green mall’ where we try to add an element of nature to your shopping and leisure experience. Supporting novel ideas like the Cactus Boy Nursery succulent vending machine is just one of the ways we encourage entrepreneurship and increasing our green spaces within the community,” commented John Tam, General Manager of CITTA Mall.
Own new succulents at a press of a button.
The succulent vending machine is a pet project by Owner and Founder of Cactus Boy Nursery, Koh Kuan Meng, to cater to his customers’ demand for the pretty potted plants while he travels for work. “I have always desired for a retail space to sell succulents without me being on-site and having to manage the sales in person. When CITTA Mall agreed to support me in bringing my vending machine idea to life, I jumped on the opportunity immediately.”
Commercial vending machines are not designed to sell live plants; Koh had a hand in customising the design to carefully move the succulents from the display rack to the collection space in the vending machine. “It took several trials and errors, but with a few modifications, the plants can now be transported safely from all display rack levels without toppling over! My next challenge is to dispense bigger pots of plants.”
Koh’s inventive modifications has simplified sale of his succulents
“There are a few plus points to selling plants this way; I can store them at a consistent temperature, install grow lights to ensure sufficient light, automate the watering system, and also maintain the plants’ condition and monitor sales through an app. Now, plant mums and dads can come, purchase, and leave with their new plant babies without me having to be there! That’s a great victory for me,” the 31-year-old added.
The children, their caretakers, Leo Club members and sponsors capture a moment by the hand-painted mural
PETALING JAYA, 29 January 2023 – 90 children and their caretakers from Overcomer Care Centre, Salvation Kids Association, Sai Pandian Orphanage Children Home, and Promise Home celebrated the unveiling of their very own 60-foot-long mural during a Chinese New Year event hosted by CITTA Mall.
The mural painting project was led by the Metro Leo Clubs who engaged with the children’s homes (including Victory Home which was unable to attend the event) in January to paint a portion of the mural.
The highlight of the event was surprising the children with the complete mural, featuring caricatures of rabbits (the fourth Chinese zodiac) and multiple shades of auspicious red.
Deemed the “Megazoid” mural, John Tam, General Manager of CITTA Mall noted that, “This celebration is uniquely different from the usual festivities. CITTA Mall is collaboratively demonstrating to the children the power of coming together, through little effort, to create a greater and positive impact. The Megazoid artwork represents more than just a mural, it’s about communicating unity, a sense of ownership and having good fun.”
Director General of CITTA Mall, John Tam, warmly welcomes the attendees
The Megazoid mural will be displayed until the end of the week, 5 February, on the Third Floor by the GSC Cinema for our shoppers’ viewing pleasure. The children were also treated to a Yee Sang toss, ang pao presentation, a scrumptious lunch by Chilli’s, Wrappe and Happy Lemon, and gifts of Designer Pillows from MajuHome.
Children enjoying yee sang toss and grabbing a boomerang for the ‘Gram
“It was wonderful to find our like-minded partners, CITTA Mall and our sponsors, to give these children a chance to celebrate their very own artwork created by their own hands. There is something so joyous in collectively creating a thing of beauty, and I wanted to have as many children as possible experience this through their very own Megazoid artwork,” explained Andrew Teh of Leo Club Sunway Metro, the Organising Chairperson.
“I am extremely appreciative of our CITTA Mall tenants for expressing generosity during this festive season, in partnership with the Metro Leo Club members,” added John Tam, General Manager of CITTA Mall. This event was successfully put together by the Leo Clubs of Sunway Metro, INTI International College Subang Metro, Methodist College KL, SMK Seksyen 4 Bandar Kinrara, and SMK Bandar Utama 3, supported by sponsorship from Chilli’s, Wrappe, Happy Lemon and MajuHome of CITTA Mall.
The Rabbit Lunar year is upon us! There were lots of fun and exciting CNY themed workshops and performances that CITTA Mall shoppers enjoyed with their families. Here are some of the fun and exciting activities that went on last weekend:
Lion dancers greeting the shoppers
The cheeky God of Prosperity greeting the shoppers.
Lion dance performance wowing the audience.
The talented mask changing performer also dazzled the crowd.
The Chinese acrobatic performer amused the audience with his antics.
