BY JESSIE LIM

(From fourth left to right) Sunway Malls chief operating officer Kevin Tan, Cheah, Sunway REIT chief executive officer Datuk Jeffrey Ng and Chan with the senior management team of the malls celebrating Sunway Malls 20th anniversary with a cake cutting ceremony during the event. — Photos: GLENN GUAN/The Star

SUNWAY Pyramid first opened its doors in July 1997. Unfortunately, that year was also when the Asian financial crisis hit the region.

Despite the challenges, the mall survived, thrived and has since become an iconic landmark thanks to its Egyptian-inspired architecture and lion head.

Following its success, four more malls were later opened in Malaysia under the management of Sunway Malls – Sunway Carnival Mall, Sunway Giza Mall, Sunway Putra Mall, and Sunway Velocity Mall.

This year marks a huge milestone for Sunway Malls as it commemorates two decades of delivering unparalleled mall experiences to Malaysians.

Thanking them for their support and dedication that contributed to the success of Sunway Malls was Sunway Malls and Theme Parks chief executive officer HC Chan.

Stand-up comedian Douglas Lim sending the crowd into fits of laughter at the event.

“We have been making great strides and progress over the past two decades, expanding our portfolio into key urban markets across Malaysia,” he added.

“With more malls in the pipeline, Sunway Malls is set to be Malaysia’s largest mall owner and operator,” he revealed.

Aside from the extension of Sunway Pyramid and Sunway Carnival, the upcoming malls are located in Paya Terubong, Penang and Iskandar, Johor.

On Sunway Malls’ plan to expand its footprint, Chan said they would grow based on a sustainable model.

“We will continue to identify potential markets that are under-served and unlock these values to reach out to more Malaysians so that they can experience our brand.

“With the strategic advantages derived from shared resources, network, size and human capital, Sunway Malls will be in a better and stronger position to manoeuvre and navigate the ever-changing retail landscape,” he explained.

Aerialist performance by Viva Vertical during the celebrations.

Chan also said the recently completed MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang line was a game changer, bringing greater footfall as it connected Sunway Putra, Sunway Velocity, Sunway Giza and Sunway Pyramid through the MRT, LRT and the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Sunway lines.

At the event, Sunway Malls also extended their gratitude and appreciation to 39 retailers that have supported Sunway Pyramid since 20 years ago.

Presenting the recognition awards was Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, who thanked them for their trust in Sunway.

“Sunway’s journey has not always been smooth sailing but thanks to our hard work and values as well as support from our partners, we overcame the challenges and now rank as one of Malaysia’s largest and most successful conglomerates,” said Cheah in his speech.

At the celebration, guests were treated to a string of stunning performances, lucky draws and an eight-course dinner.

Further marking the significant event, the group specially invited and introduced the baby boy who was delivered outside Sunway Pyramid two years ago.

Named after the mall, adorable Kee Sun Way was at the dinner with his family.

To date, Sunway Putra Mall and Sunway Velocity Mall enjoy 95% and 98% occupancy respectively, with full occupancy to be achieved by year end. Sunway Pyramid and Sunway Carnival already have 100% occupancy.