GEORGE TOWN, Jan 14 – Following the Malaysia Book of Records award in 2014 as the “First Shopping Mall Integrated with a Heritage Building”, Gurney Paragon Mall is once again to receive the first mall in Penang to be awarded with the prestigious FIABCI Malaysia Property Award 2015 (Retail Category).
Penang State Executive Councillor (EXCO), Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation, YB Chow Kon Yeow; Penang State Tourism Development & Culture, YB Danny Law Heng Kiang; Penang State Sport Council, YB Chong Eng were present on the Evening Cocktail at Gurney Paragon Mall to celebrate towards this latest achievements.
Besides that, also present were State Religious Affairs, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kassim; Sungai Pinang Assemblywoman, YB Lim Siew Khim; Kebun Bunga Assemblyman, YB Cheah Kah Peng; Consul General of the people’s republic of China in Penang, Wu Jun; and also Founder of Hunza Group, Dato’ Khor Teng How.
“The motivation towards this latest achievements is a testament to Hunza’s successful effort to provide a fascinating shopping and lifestyles experience for both local and tourists aboard while significantly contribute to Penang’s rising international profile and enhancing its UNESCO World Heritage status,” the statement said.
“2015, the almost equal measure, has been successful as well as difficult. Winning the FIABCI Property retail award was a great honour, the GST implementation and economy situation was however challenging for us, while we are all pulled together and the terrific results we have been achieved,” said Hunza’s Group Managing Director Khor Siang Gin.
“As mall development is a maiden project for Hunza, we’ve invested a huge amount in the project, total of RM 500 million. Meanwhile, we also engaged a highly experienced and internationally renowned team of consultants who stretched their expertise to the fullest by giving us valuable support and consultation” he said.
Gurney Paragon Mall commenced development in November 2010. It was planned to be complete at the end of 2013 but the development was successfully completed ahead of the schedule and also opened on July, 23, 2016. In the meantime, he said they also proud to exclaim that Hunza is the first Penang’s property developer to develop and manage own shopping mall of this size.
“Besides that, with the excellent team performance, we’ve also managed to acquire mall occupancy of approximately 90% in within 2 years of establishment. We also bring in over 50 international and regional brands who chose to setup their first store in Penang, with many first marketing events and activities in Penang to delight the locals and tourist abroad. Our challenge as we look ahead is to maintain and build upon that positive momentum, to move ahead with confidence,” said Khor.
