‘Gold hunt’ adds to festive joy

Media representatives including Star Media Group’s Liong (left, in red) revelling in their golden collection of chocolates during the Media Appreciation Night.

GOLD fever gripped Penang pressmen who attended Hunza Group’s Media Appreciation Night 2019 at Gurney Paragon Mall.

No cup or plate was left unturned in their hunt for gold coins around their tables during the dinner at Jade Palace restaurant.

Enterprising ones even sought ‘donations’ from colleagues and Hunza management staff in a bid to amass the biggest hoard of the shiny stuff.

It was all in good fun, as the coins were merely foil-covered chocolates. The hunt was one of several games played during the night.

There were also rounds of quizzes and charades, with shopping vouchers the reward for those with the correct answers.

Jewellery maker Vinstella was among the sponsors of the event.

In between, the hundred over guests feasted on a sumptuous eight-course Chinese menu, as well as the festive delicacy, yee sang.

The recent gathering was the fourth hosted by the property developer and real estate player since 2016.

Hunza Group founder and executive adviser Datuk Seri Khor Teng Tong said it was in appreciation of the media’s support over the years.

Hunza Group’s top management including founder Khor (middle, in coat), tossing yee sang with representatives of the local media during the Media Appreciation Night 2019 at Jade Palace in Gurney Paragon Mall.   

In his speech, he called on the government to review utility and authority assessment fees to stimulate the local real estate industry.

Such high fees, coupled with high bank interest rates as well as management and operations costs, make it challenging for mall operators.

“Not only do you have to compete with other malls, but also online shopping and e-commerce. To make Gurney Paragon Mall an attractive proposition to retailers, we’ve had to charge lower rental rates.

“But we are proud to have established our own identity and stand out from the rest. Over the past six years, we have attracted almost 100 new brands to Penang,” he highlighted.

He also shared about the group’s new development - the Penang International Commercial City (PICC) - in Bayan Baru.

“It is a strategic and suitable location for a smart city. With BPO offices, PICC will attract many multi-national corporations.

“We will also collaborate with a five-star hotel operator, have a world-class medical centre and lifestyle mall.

“Occupants will find it convenient to get around, as all buildings will be linked with passageways, thus reducing the need for vehicles.

“We will also upgrade roads in the vicinity, build an underpass from the Bayan Baru roundabout, a flyover from Bukit Gambir, and improve existing drainage to solve flooding issues.

“PICC will boost the state’s service industry and spur economic growth. Hand in hand with the state government, we hope to build a better Penang,” he added.

Among those present for the event were Star Media Group’s executive editor Rozaid Abdul Rahman and regional operations general manager (north) Simone Liong.

Many also won prizes like vouchers and hampers in the lucky draw.