KUALA LUMPUR: Sheng Tai International Sdn Bhd has revealed the Karl Lagerfeld Tower, featuring the first Karl Lagerfeld hotel in Southeast Asia and the first of its kind in Malaysia.
It is situated inside The Sail Melaka' in the Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone in Kota Laksamana and consists of a hotel and branded residences.
The Sail consist of nine towers for business, hotels, entertainment, leisure.
Pier Paolo Righi, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Karl Lagerfeld, and Datuk Leong Sir Ley, the chairman and president of Sheng Tai International, attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Karl Lagerfeld tower, which was officiated by the Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
Ab Rauf said the state administration is unwavering in its resolve to make Melaka a top tourist destination and a major centre for business.
According to him, The Sail Melaka is changing the way people travel to and invest in Melaka.
"This project is important not only for Sheng Tai, Yong Tai Bhd, or Karl Lagerfeld, but also for this historical state, its property and tourism industries, and the community at large. I believe this ingenious idea will not only boost the city's tourism industry but also bolster sales," he said.
He said that the state's strategy to entice investment included a significant role for private organisations.
The Sail Melaka is expected to transform Melaka's economy and solidify the state's standing as a robust and booming fashion metropolis in the area.
"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 not only nurture local talent but also welcome global investments, creating a wave of opportunity and prosperity in the country," said Leong.
The Sail Melaka, which houses a health hub, fashion, AI initiative, and art and culture centre, is the idea of Leong, who is also Yong Tai's CEO and managing director as well as its single largest shareholder.
With an impressive property portfolio spanning 165.5 acres 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 City of Hope, said Leong.
"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," she said.