Sydney Haymarket, 7 January 2025 – Participants of all ages and abilities are invited to explore the historical and cultural landmarks surrounding the iconic Menara Merdeka 118 precinct in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Get ready for an unprecedented event that blends arts, culture, fitness, and technology: The MOVE8 Walk-A-Hunt @ Merdeka 118 Precinct is set to launch in-person on 18 January 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with a VR360 film to launch later in the year.
Key Facts: The MOVE8 Walk-A-Hunt @ Merdeka 118 Precinct is supported by the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme, a collaboration between PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad and Think City. Additionally, it is endorsed by Tourism Malaysia, welcoming both domestic and international tourists. This initiative aims to activate and revitalise public spaces around the Merdeka 118 precinct, making it a vibrant hub for cultural activities.
Key Highlights:
Cultural Collaboration: This event is a significant co-production between Australia and Malaysia, showcasing a shared dedication to cultural enrichment and international collaboration.
Innovative Technology: Participants can enjoy a unique experience blending physical exploration with a Virtual Reality (VR) film that will be released later in the year, immersing themselves in a cutting-edge fusion of fitness and media.
Global Landmark: The walk will take participants around Kuala Lumpur's Menara Merdeka 118, the world's second-tallest tower standing at 678.9 metres.
Community Engagement: The event promotes community engagement and highlights sports equity, ensuring people from all layers of society can access sports, healthy living, and an appreciation of the rich heritage of the area. It offers a chance to connect with the local community and Malaysian culture.
Scavenger Hunt Style: Participants will engage in a scavenger hunt-style exploration of the Merdeka 118 precinct, adding an element of adventure and discovery.
Event Details
Date: Saturday 18 January 2025
Time: 7.30am – 12.30pm MYT
Location: Merdeka 118 Precinct, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (starting from Stadium Merdeka Main Gate)
Cost: Free for individuals to walk at their own pace (flights and accommodation at travellers' own cost)
Registration: Participants can register online at www.sportsfitnessfestival.com/rsvp.
Corporate & Incentive Teams: A$2,500 for up to 20 pax including lunch at a local establishment and an exclusive goodie bag (flights and accommodation at travellers' own cost). Corporate groups will be paired to walk with communities such as the Malaysian Blind Sports Association, Malaysian Federation of the Deaf and YWCA.
The MOVE8 Walk-A-Hunt @ Merdeka 118 Precinct is supported by the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme, a collaboration between PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad and Think City. Additionally, it is endorsed by Tourism Malaysia, welcoming both domestic and international tourists. This initiative aims to activate and revitalise public spaces around the Merdeka 118 precinct, making it a vibrant hub for cultural activities.
Quote 1: Dato’ Tengku Ab. Aziz, CEO of PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad.
“We are truly delighted to welcome everyone to Stadium Merdeka, a heritage site that holds a special place in Malaysia’s history as the birthplace of our journey to independence. Whether you are joining us physically or virtually, this iconic venue continues to inspire as we honour its rich legacy through meaningful and vibrant community events like this one. We look forward to hosting more initiatives that bring people together and celebrate the spirit of community and togetherness,” said Dato’ Tengku Ab. Aziz, CEO of PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad.
Quote 2: Nikki Yeo, Certified fitness trainer, founding board member of Exercise is Medicine Malaysia and cofounder of Go International Group Dotcom (Malaysia).
Impact producer, Nikki Yeo adds, "Only a small population of people can run but more people can walk. Walking is inclusive of more people and walking even short distances with somebody can make a difference in mental health. We included the VR-element to involve those who are unable to walk long distances so that they can still participate virtually using the VR film,". Nikki is also a certified fitness trainer with American Council on Exercise (ACE), founding board member of Exercise is Medicine Malaysia and cofounder of Go International Group Dotcom (Malaysia).
Quote 3: Jasmine Low, Emerging film director, cofounder of EQn Activation Studios c/o Go International Group Dotcom Pty Ltd. (Australia)
Emerging film director, Jasmine Low says, "I am thrilled to be a part of this groundbreaking project, as it marks a first Australian Malaysian VR360 film co-production. Merging creative VR technology, adaptive screenwriting and cinematic lens, we aim to bring cities like Port Macquarie, Sydney's Chinatown and Kuala Lumpur into the living rooms of more people, bringing them along with us as we map more cities around the region. We seek to enhance access to sports, fitness and wellness via futuristic film and VR technology,". A recent graduate from NIDA's Directors Studio, Jasmine is completing a Master of Arts Screen Business at the Australian Film Television and Radio School and is cofounder of the newly established EQn Activation Studios c/o Go International Group Dotcom Pty Ltd. in Sydney.
Image caption: Move8 Walk-a-Hunt @ Sydney Haymarket Chinatown with participants sponsored by Community Bank Darling Square.
Move8 Walk-a-Hunt is a significant part of the AFT International Sports Fitness Festival, a sports equity and community social inclusion project initiated by Go International Group Dotcom in 2023 in Port Macquarie and in Sydney Haymarket in 2023 and 2024 in conjunction with the City of Sydney's Sydney Streets Haymarket, supported by Community Bank Darling Square. This event is a step forward in creating a memorable experience that brings people together from all backgrounds, celebrating cultural exchange and healthy living.
Key Facts:
The MOVE8 Walk-A-Hunt @ Merdeka 118 Precinct is supported by the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme, a collaboration between PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad and Think City. Additionally, it is endorsed by Tourism Malaysia, welcoming both domestic and international tourists. This initiative aims to activate and revitalise public spaces around the Merdeka 118 precinct, making it a vibrant hub for cultural activities.
About us:
About Go International Group Dotcom Pty Ltd.:
Go International Group Dotcom Pty Ltd. via its newly formed unit, EQn Activation Film Studios is an impact production company dedicated to creating innovative and engaging films that promote community, culture and health. With a track record of successful projects in the multimedia space, the group continues to push the boundaries of creative experiential projects, focusing on inclusivity and innovation. Visit www.gointernationalgroup.com to connect with us.
About Tourism Malaysia
Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene. The next Visit Malaysia Year, set to take place in 2026, will commemorate the sustainability of the nation’s tourism industry, which is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok.
About PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad
PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad was incorporated in June 2000 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB). PNBMV is the landowner and sole custodian of both Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara. Both stadiums have been listed as “National Heritage” sites in October 2005 under the National Heritage Act 2005. Thereafter PNB Merdeka Ventures carried out meticulous conservation efforts, earning Stadium Merdeka the UNESCO Award of Excellence for Culture Heritage Conservation Programme (Asia Pacific) in 2008.
The Merdeka 118 precinct is a mixed-use development comprising premium Grade A office spaces, The View at 118 Observation deck, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, a seven-storey retail mall called 118 Mall and three premium residential towers known as ‘Merdeka Residences’. The Merdeka 118 development sits within a new 4-acre linear park known as ‘Merdeka Boulevard at 118’.
The Merdeka 118 tower was recognised as the second tallest building in the world by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) in October 2023. Subsequently, the tower was officially inaugurated on 10th January 2024 by Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. Visit www.merdeka118.com.
About Think City
Think City is an impact organisation established in 2009 to create more sustainable and equitable places for the benefit of all. Our knowledge, skills and strategies focus on urban solutions, the environment, social communities, and the cultural economy. Think City is a wholly owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad (the sovereign wealth fund of the Government of Malaysia). For more information, log on to www.thinkcity.com.my.
Contact details:
Jasmine Low
Email: jasminelow@gointernationalgroup.com
Nikki Yeo
Email: nikkiyeo@gointernationalgroup.com
