Shamiera Osment

PAVILION KUALA LUMPUR PARTNERS WITH ISTANA BUDAYA TO CELEBRATE 67 YEARS OF MERDEKA. | Malaysia will celebrate its 67th Independence Day on 31st August, and I recently had the privilege of attending Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s ‘Pavilion Loves Sustainability’ event, which beautifully set the tone for the upcoming national celebrations. 

The event, in collaboration with Istana Budaya, showcased Malaysia’s vibrant culture and strong commitment to sustainability, with a host of eco-friendly initiatives and artistic performances. 

Pavilion Loves Sustainability’s for Malaysia’s 67th Merdeka

(from left) YBrs. Puan Zubaidah Mukhtar, Director General, Istana Budaya; and Mr. Patrick Liau, Deputy CEO of Pavilion REIT

(from left) Mr. B. Ravintharan, Head of Cards, Group CFS of Maybank; Dato' Mearia Hamzah, Pavilion REIT Board of Directors; Puan Nor Rejina, Pavilion REIT Board of Directors, Sustainability Committee Chairperson; Dato' Seri Mohamed Azahari, Pavilion REIT Board of Directors; Madam Baljeet Kaur, Pavilion REIT Board of Directors; and Mr. Patrick Liau, Deputy CEO of Pavilion REIT

Part of Pavilion REIT’s ongoing commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, the ‘Pavilion Loves Sustainability’ pop-up returns for its second year. From 12 to 18 August 2024, shoppers are invited to explore this dynamic pop-up at Pavilion KL’s Centre Court, supported by esteemed partners including Maybank, Istana Budaya, and Spritzer, along with eco-conscious tenants.

‘Pavilion Loves Sustainability’ panels on its organic fertiliser

 

In a major step towards sustainability, Pavilion KL is phasing out single-use plastic bottles for events and introducing biodegradable bottles by FLOW. Certified as home compostable by the Australasian Bioplastics Association, these bottles are crafted from 100% biodegradable materials—plant fibres, natural minerals, starch and patented adhesives. 

They can be composted at home, biodegrade naturally in landfills, or be incinerated. FLOW bottles decompose in 180 to 360 days, as compared to single-use plastics that take approximately 450 years to decompose. This initiative comes in response to Malaysia’s high microplastic consumption and research indicating potential elevated blood pressure from drinking from plastic bottles (Department of Medicine at Danube Private University, Austria).

Shoppers can engage in Pavilion KL’s sustainability movement by redeeming a complimentary FLOW bottle with a purchase of RM300 and above (or RM150 with Maybank Credit or Charge Cards) in a single receipt at specialty stores and F&B outlets. 

Additionally, visitors can adopt a plant from Midorie and The Body Shop, who are giving away 400 and 500 plants, respectively, over the weekend of 17 and 18 August.

Packaton’s DIY station

PUMA’s booth

The ‘Pavilion Loves Sustainability’ pop-up will feature an array of exciting activities:

• DIY Station by Packaton: Create unique artwork on resilient, tear-resistant paper bags and embark on a journey of sustainable shopping.
• LUSH: Discover ethical, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly products.
• PUMA x FIRST MILE Collection: Explore products from this eco-friendly collection that uses sustainable yarn made from recycled plastic
• DÔME Café: Redeem a succulent plant with any purchase and enjoy their Gashapon Games.
• The Body Shop: Explore sustainably sourced skincare and body care products, join planting activities (12-16 August), and plant giveaways (17-18 August).
• Bath & Body Works: Get a 10% voucher when you recycle used beauty bottles.
• Nespresso: Admire second-life items made from recycled capsules and participate in their lucky draw.
• Hydro Flask Malaysia: Trade in old plastic bottles for new Hydro Flask bottles and enjoy free customisation of selected products.
• Origins: Take part in the recycling program to receive a free sample and indulge in a complimentary hand massage or peace of mind ritual experience.
• National Geographic Apparel: Enjoy an adventurous shopping experience, with a portion of sales supporting the National Geographic Society nonprofit organisation.

check out origins recycle program

Check out LUSH products 

check out DÔME Café’s booth to redeem a complimentary succulent

Meanwhile, Spritzer will present several striking upcycled art installations, including a spectacular Jalur Gemilang masterpiece made from recycled bottles and the ‘Plastics Reimagined’ series featuring local artists like Artsy Daphy’s depiction of a hornbill and Rafflesia flower, and co2_karbondioksida’s transparent elephant sculpture. 

Shoppers can also learn about the second life of recycled plastics and enjoy gifts through Spritzer’s ‘Recycle & Get’ initiative.

Check out Spritzer’s booth redeem gifts through their ‘Recycle and Get’ initiative

Be sure to also check out the stunning art display along the Spanish Steps, celebrating Malaysia's 67th Independence Day. This vibrant tribute features lush Midorie plants and upcycled materials—denim for blue, egg cartons for yellow, bottles for white, and paper plates for red—mirroring the colours of the Malaysian flag.

Pavilion Loves Sustainability’s art display as tribute to Malaysia’s 67th Merdeka

At the official launch of ‘Pavilion Loves Sustainability’ on 13 August 2024, Pavilion REIT celebrated the new collaboration with Istana Budaya, marking the beginning of a meaningful partnership aimed at promoting arts and culture as part of our ESG goals.

Performance by Istana Budaya’s 24-piece Traditional Orchestra Malaysia, alongside choirs and Pavilion REIT employees

Attendees enjoyed a performance by Istana Budaya’s 24-piece Traditional Orchestra Malaysia, alongside the national anthem ‘Saya Anak Malaysia’ performed by choirs and Pavilion REIT employees, showcasing Malaysians’ patriotic spirit and unity.

It was inspiring to see how Pavilion KL seamlessly integrated environmental consciousness with national pride, highlighting the importance of preserving our heritage and planet for future generations. This experience has left me even more excited for the Merdeka festivities ahead.

About Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is an award-winning, world-class mixed-use urban development located in the heart of Bukit Bintang, the shopping district of Malaysia. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur blends the best of the international and local retail world with over 700 stores and eight themed precincts. This premier shopping destination is a duty-free shopping paradise and the defining authority in fashion, dining and urban leisure. Visit www.pavilion-kl.com for updates on the latest trends, offers and events.