Kee Hua Chee Live!: PARKSON CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY ON EPIC SCALE

KEE@FSWMAG.COM
PARKSON, MALAYSIA'S HOMEGROWN SUCCESS STORY, IS A HOUSEHOLD NAME NOT ONLY IN MALAYSIA BUT REGIONALLY AND ESPECIALLY IN CHINA WHERE IT IS THE BIGGEST AND MOST SUCCESSFUL FOREIGN-OWNED CHAIN OF DEPARTMENT STORES.

Puan Sri Chelsia Cheng, Datin Seri Rosmah Datuk Mansor, Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Tan Sri Albert Cheng and Datuk Alfred Cheng

Surprise, surprise! Top Indonesia singer Kris Dayanti appeared suddenly to sing Happy Birthday to Parkson!

Kris Dayanti wishing the directors of Parkson a Happy 25th Birthday!

Congratulatory toast from Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to Tan Sri William Cheng (Executive Chairman of Lion Group and Chairman of Parkson Holdings Bhd), Tan Sri Albert Cheng (Lion Corporation Executive Director) and younger brother Datuk Alfred Cheng (Group Managing Director of Parkson Retail Group).

Streamers cascading from the ceiling as the cake was cut and toast made

HAPPY 25TH ANNIVERSARY, PARKSON! AND MANY MORE TO COME!

So when it turned 25 years old on 22 October 2012, it hosted the largest birthday party in the history of department stores. Held at Royale Chulan hotel in KL, over 1,300 guests were invited and the tables stretched from the VIP Table in front of the stage all the way OUT of Royale Chulan's Grand Ballroom and spilled onto the covered courtyard all the way almost to the hotel entrance!

Those at the back naturally could not see the stage but there were several huge screens so they could watch the action inside. Of course those seated inside the ballroom enjoyed a better view but those out in the courtyard are the suppliers and merchants who make money from Parkson whereas those inside spend money in Parkson so all's fair.

Since I shop extensively, expansively and expensively at Parkson which is my favourite department store, of course my table was quite near the VIP Table headed by Parkson's boss Tan Sri William Cheng, Puan Sri Chelsia Cheng and the Most Important VIPs the Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and First Lady Datin Seri Rosmah Datuk Mansor.

A Celebration of 25 Years of Retail Glory

Parkson, Asia’s leading network of department stores, recently celebrated its 25^th year in the retail industry at a glittering gala dinner held at The Royale Chulan Hotel.

The Silver Jubilee Gala Night Dinner was graced by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak and wife, YABhg Datin Seri Rosmah binti Mansor who joined 1,300 guests to celebrate and commemorate Parkson’s successful corporate milestone. Guests to the event, including Parkson’s business partners, Government bodies, senior staff, Parkson employees, associates and local celebrities, were treated to a soiree of elegance and decadence.

Beautifully illuminated in a garden-themed setting, the Silver Jubilee Gala Dinner celebration started with the presentation of a corporate video chronicling Parkson’s colorful quarter of a century journey from its humble beginnings in 1987 to its expansive network of department stores across Asia serving more than 100 million customers each year today.

The video presentation was then followed by an opening speech by the Executive Chairman of Lion Group cum Chairman of Parkson Holdings Bhd, Tan Sri William Cheng and a congratulatory speech by YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak.

“Our rapid growth over the last 25 years is due to our continuous innovation, vision and customer-first philosophy. Through our collaboration with well-known international brands as well as established Asian and regional brands, we are able to offer our customers in the middle and upper middle income segment, a comprehensive range of merchandise for the whole family. We take pride in being a Malaysian brand that is recognized and trusted for offering quality products and excellent service,” shared Tan Sri William Cheng.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia in his speech commended Parkson for being a glowing example of what a home-grown company can achieve. “In twenty five years, Parkson has grown from a single shop into one of Asia’s largest department store chains. In the past decade alone, Parkson has been voted Malaysia’s most popular retailer; ranked one of our top five most valuable brands; and named ‘department store of the year’,” said YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib.

“In the quarter of a century since it started trading, Parkson has reached out across Asia, opening branches and businesses in Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and China. From just one city, to more than sixty; from just one store, to more than a hundred. A network which spans the region, but has its roots right here in Malaysia,” added the Prime Minister.

In conjunction with its Silver Jubilee celebrations, Parkson also embarked on a CSR programme in partnership with World Vision Malaysia in support of their 30-Hour Famine fund. In its efforts to give back to society, the initiative achieved a significant contribution, amounting to a sizeable amount of RM750,000 which will be channeled to assist underprivileged children to improve their lives as well as helping to build and re-build communities in need of aids.

Donations were garnered via several channels - through sale proceeds from Parkson's specially produced 25 Year merchandise; through the sale of specially produced eco-friendly totebags made from recycled plastic bottles, which was a collaborative effort with Celebrity Announcers from Capital FM and though sales contributions from Parkson's generous business partners.

Chief Executive Officer of World Vision Malaysia, Mr Liew Tong Ngan and World Vision Malaysia Ambassador, Ms Francisca Peter were at hand to receive the cheque contribution on behalf of World Vision Malaysia from Tan Sri William Cheng.

Bearing witness to the cheque presentation ceremony, YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak recognized the Lion Group’s efforts to build a better future for the country. He added, “Parkson reflects the values we wish to encourage in Malaysia. Through promotions and marketing campaigns, foundations and charity drives, Parkson is working to make our society stronger. Their efforts reflect a deeper commitment to improving the lives of the underprivileged. Parkson has recognised that a truly sustainable business is a business that sustains society.”

At the toasting and anniversary cake cutting ceremony, all eyes were on the unique cake which was a magnificent replica of Parkson’s 25^th Anniversary green shopping bag with stylish mannequins rotating around the oversized cake. Joining the Guests of Honour and Tan Sri William Cheng on stage were YBhg Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, MCA President; YBhg Tan Sri Albert Cheng, Lion Corporation Executive Director; Datuk Alfred Cheng, Group Managing Director of Parkson Retail Group; Mr Toh Peng Koon, Chief Executive Officer of Parkson Corporation; Mr Raymond Teo, Chief Operating Officer of Parkson Corporation, and Ms Natalie Cheng, General Manager of Parkson Corporation and Parkson Holdings Berhad Directors.

Indonesian singing diva Kris Dayanti made a grand entrance and astounded the VIPs on stage as she appeared to sing the Happy Birthday song, much to the surprise and delight of guests of the Silver Jubilee Gala Dinner. The singing prowess continued to entertain guests throughout the evening with a string of hit tunes including beautiful renditions of songs made famous by one of her idols, the late Whitney Houston.

Entertainment for the evening also included the eclectic and multi-talented Melissa Indot who bedazzled the crowd with her exciting repertoire of songs and energetic showmanship.

As Parkson will be launching its online shop this month to cater to the evolving market trends and customers’ need, the evening’s guests were given special privileges to enjoy when they visit parkson.com.my.

Tan Sri William Cheng shared, “The next 25 years will be an equally exciting journey for Parkson. The way people shop is becoming increasingly different. To prepare ourselves, we have embarked on efforts to create a multi-channel platform that will include Parkson online. As a keen and responsive retailer, we keep up to date with not just fashion trends but also the needs of our customers and their changing lifestyle. “

Luxury car maker, Aston Martin proudly displayed the DBS, one of the exclusive automotive models available in the country, to add a touch of luxe to the occasion. Additionally, exclusive collections from Anya Hindmarch and Kwanpen – specially created for Parkson’s 25^th Anniversary – were displayed in a special showcase during the memorable night too.

ARRIVAL OF GUESTS OF HONOUR THE HONORABLE PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA DATUK SERI NAJIB TUN RAZAK AND FIRST LADY DATIN SERI ROSMH MANSOR ACCOMPANIED BY HOSTS TAN SRI WILLIAM CHENG AND PUAN SRI CHELSIA CHENG

The arrival of Tan Sri William Cheng, boss of Parkson Group and Lion Corporation and Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who smiled at me

At the VIP Table; Tan Sri William Cheng, Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Puan Sri Chelsia Cheng

Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek, president of MCA, Tan Sri William Cheng, Prime Minister of Malaysia, First Lady of Malaysia and Puan Sri Chelsia Cheng, wife of Tan Sri William Cheng

Enjoying themselves

Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay, boss of YTL Corporation, Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek, president of MCA, Tan Sri William Cheng, boss of Lion Corporation and Parkson Group, Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, First Lady Datin Seri Rosmah Datuk Mansor and Puan Sri Chelsia Cheng

Top movers and shakers of Malaysia

Raymond Teo COO of Parkson Corporation and Danny Chai, MD of Goggles

The darkened ballroom before the action!

Tan Sri William Cheng making his welcome address

The Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak congratulating Parkson on its 25th anniversary

Tan Sri William Cheng, Prime Minister of Malaysia, veteran singer Francesca Peters (World Vision ambassador) and Liew Tong Ngan (CEO of World Vision Malaysia)

On behalf of Parkson, the Malaysian Prime Minister gave a cheque for RM 750,000 to World Vision Malaysia

Three-quarters of a million ringgit to World Vision Malaysia!

Mistress of Ceremony was Asha Gill, dressed by Melinda Looi

Initial entertainment was provided by Melissa Indot

Hot show by Melissa Indot and dancers

Tiang Chee Sung, (assistant General Manager of Parkson who has been with Parkson for 25 years!!!!), Vijay Binwani of Binwani's and Raymond Teo, COO of Parkson Retail

Tiang Chee Sung who has been with Parkson for 25 years since it started in 1987, Vijay Binwani and Raymond Teo, CEO of Parkson

THE CAKE CUTTING CEREMONY BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA AND HIS WIFE DATIN SERI ROSMAH MANSOR AND PARKSON TEAM