A BUKIT Bintang hotel is forming a unique collaboration with a local kopitiam brand to connect guests to local food.
The partnership between Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur and Hock Kee Kopitiam starts with Phase 1 on Nov 1, where hotel guests will receive 10% dining privilege at Hock Kee outlets when they present their key card.
Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur general manager Jim Khoo said the collaboration was about more than dining privileges.
“Sometimes the best experience we can give our guests is to encourage them to step outside the hotel and discover the city for themselves,” he said during the launch.
Khoo said the partnership would also involved cross-promotion between both brands, with further initiatives being developed in phases.
He said this may include introducing selected Hock Kee dishes – such as its signature laksa – at the hotel.
Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (Promotions) Mohd Akbal Setia said kopitiam culture reflected Malaysia’s food heritage.
He welcomed collaborations that exposed visitors to local food, and said similar partnerships could be introduced.
“Not only kopitiam, maybe mamak restaurants as well.”
Mohd Akbal also presented Hock Kee founder Nick Ng with a Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 Official Strategic Partner certificate during the event.
Ng said traditional coffeeshops (kopitiam) reflected Malaysia’s multicultural way of life.
He recalled how a customer from China told him he had enjoyed the country because of its culture, food and hospitality.
“When I heard him say that, I felt very proud as a Malaysian.”
