Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) Sdn Bhd hosted the Brunei Travel Fair 2017 last month at the Banquet Hall, International Convention Centre and yesterday was the prizes presentation to honour the winners of the lucky draw campaign that took place during that weekend.

So how did it fare? Pretty good in fact. It attracted more than 13,500 visitors to the travel fair and the bookings received increased by 24% from last year’s. That’s pretty encouraging number considering the economic climate of Brunei Darussalam.

Irene Soon, General Manager of Sabre Travel Network (Brunei), appreciated all the partners and supporters involved in making the travel fair another success.

The prize presentation ceremony took place at Emperor’s Court and it was attended by Sabre Travel Network (Brunei), Baiduri Bank, Royal Brunei Airlines and travel agencies. The prizes were sponsored by Sabre Travel Network (Brunei), Baiduri Bank, Royal Brunei Airlines and Malaysia Airlines.

The winners.

Malaysia Airlines sponsored returned tickets and the winners were Dk Majeedah Pg Hj Jeludin, a return flight ticket to Penang via Kuala Lumpur and Muna Atiqah Abdul Nadir, a return flight ticket to Langkawi via Kuala Lumpur.

Royal Brunei Airlines sponsored air tickets and Royal Skies Points and the winners were Lim Shar Lun, winning two return flight tickets to any Royal Brunei Airlines long haul destination, Mohd Saiffuddin Mohd Yusop, winning two return flight tickets to any Royal Brunei Airlines short haul destination annd Hj Shahri Hj Zainal, winning 50,000 Royal Skies points.

As for the Sabre Travel Network winners, they were Mahani Md Yussof (GoPro Hero 5), Norhayati Malai Abdullah (Matrix HD TV), Ms Chong Nyan Mee (Philips TV) and Malinee Bumrungkit (Mayer Healthy Fryer).

For the Fidget Spinner Competition organised by Royal Brunei Airlines, the winners were Md Shahirul Azuan Md Effendi for Category A and Wan Farhan Hj Ibrahim for Category B. Both of them won a return flight ticket to any Royal Brunei Airlines short haul destination.

For the Travel Agent category, all the destinations – Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and London belonged to two travel consultants from Pan Bright Travel for their top selling destinations during the travel fair.

For the top Travel Agents award, Freme Travel Services came first while Pan Bright Travel Service came second and Darussalam Holdings finished third.

Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Abdul Mun’im bin Pengiran Anak Haji Tahiruddin, the Managing Director of The Coffee Bean® Brunei with His Excellency Craig Allen, the U.S. Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam at the relaunch of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Centrepoint

With invited guests to witness the 16th anniversary of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

The Coffee Bean® celebrates their 16th Anniversary of brewing in Brunei with the renovation of their first outlet that opened in 2001 located at the Centrepoint Hotel. The new concept embraces the Southern California roots of where the American coffee franchise was born.

The new Californian look and layout engages customers with their surroundings by offering easier interactions with baristas and community message walls for patrons to localize. Frederick Milin, Brand Manager of PAR Food & Beverages Sdn. Bhd. shares, “It’s important for us to evolve and change with our customer’s needs. Based on the feedback of our regular customers, the present look is a fresher and lighter theme paying tribute to the Californian lifestyle element while the layout has increased customer seating and provides a better area for large groups that frequent our Centrepoint outlet.”

The official reopening was officiated by guest of honour Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Abdul Mun’im bin Pengiran Anak Haji Tahiruddin, the Managing Director of The Coffee Bean® Brunei with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Also present was His Excellency Craig Allen, the U.S. Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam. The ceremony began with the recitation of Doa selamat followed by welcoming remarks and was followed by a cheque presentation to three charitable organizations by public donations and contributions from The Coffee Bean®. The three organizations were namely Centre for Children with Special Needs, SMARTER Brunei and Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam with a total amount of $6,000.

The event also marked the launching of new merchandise namely the 16th Anniversary T-Shirt and the Ice Blended 16th Anniversary T-Shirt retailed at $23.00 each including the addition of two new permanent Ice Blended drinks – Berry’d Treasure, a blend of berry juice and vanilla and the ever popular Cookies & Cream which now comes in Mocha or Vanilla flavoured.

To find out more news or promotions follow The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® on Instagram at @coffeebean_brunei and like them on facebook at facebook.com/thecoffeebeanbrunei.

Guest of honour with his welcoming remarks

Handing over of donations to three charitable foundations in Brunei Darussalam

The new facelift inside Gadong outlet

Now they have an upper area. Cool 😀

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa, the Minister of Communications looking at a souvenir product at one of the souvenir shop at Brunei International Airport

The minister speaking to Vincent Hong of See Hua Daily News

It’s good to see how much Brunei International Airport has grown after the renovation back in 2012. The foundation stone laying ceremony for the Modernisation Project of the Brunei International Airport  took place back in October 2012 and it was graced by the former Minister of Communications, Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah. It was a project spearheaded by Brunei Economic Development Board and Department of Civil Aviation.

Fast forward now, the Brunei International Airport has total changed from what it was before – better access for passengers, better and efficient check-in counters, more spacious at departure hall area and many more.

It was a great to see Brunei International Airport hosted a media day with the presence of Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa, the Minister of Communications and he shared his insights of the newly renovated Brunei International Airport to the media.

Also present was Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications, Dr. Hj Supry bin Hj Awang Ladi, Mohammad Nazri Mohammad Yusof, Director for Department of Civil Aviation and other officials of DCA and stakeholders of Brunei International Airport.

The minister was quite happy with the progress made at BIA and it is ready to soar to newer heights. BIA is ready to handle at least 3 million travellers and currently BIA is handling an estimated number of 1.5 million. He believed that there is still more room for growth in terms of travellers.

The minister gave an extensive tour with the media, covering different aspects such as goods and services offered at BIA.

What I found interesting is the “Commercially Important Person (CIP) Area” – a newly introduced service offering a VIP holding area which is also available for public rental before aircraft boarding, ensuring optimum comfort and privacy for passengers who need it.

Another that caught my eye was Savy’s Hall which is located on the upper floor which is a few metres after you pass the immigration. They probably need a bigger sign so passengers are aware of their presence. I didn’t know there was one until I attended the media tour. It’s basically another eatery place apart from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

Mixmediaworx has also helped to provide revenue for BIA as the advertising agency and they will be involved in a five year plan which began last year. Azlan Ahmad, the Executive Director of Mixmediaworx shared the updates with the minister of their progress and involvement so far with BIA.

The minister is very aware of the progress of BIA as he shared updates such as transportation (taxi system and even bus system in the future) and their newly launched mobile app, iFlyBrunei Version 2.0

I’ve been traveling a lot lately and I have seen great changes at BIA ever since its renovation. Good job on BEBD on the renovations and DCA on maintaining the standards and improving whenever necessary.

The minister at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

The minister touring inside the departure hall of Brunei International Airpot

Something to look forward to very soon

The minister visiting a new eatery place called Savy’s Hall

I might just dine here one day during one of the future travels

The minister launching Junjung

The minister and the entourage at Junjung kiosk

I shall try this one day. Now available at Junjung. A good way to buy souvenirs for outgoing tourists.

Good luck to Relentless Entertainment crew for next weekend’s event

Relentless Entertainment Brunei will be holding their fifth (5th ) musical production, ‘Shrek’ The Musical.

The musical will take place for two (2) days – Saturday, 16th September (7.30pm Premier Show) and Sunday, 17th September (1.30pm Matinee show and 7.30pm evening show) at the Jerudong International School (JIS) Arts Centre Theatre.

The exciting two and a half hour show is set in a mythical ‘once upon a time’ sort of land featuring Shrek, a hulking green ogre who, after being mocked and feared his entire life retreats to a swamp to exist in happy isolation. Suddenly, a gang of homeless fairy-tale creatures (Pinocchio, The Three Bears, Ugly Duckling, Big Bad Wolf, etc.) raid his sanctuary, saying they’ve been evicted by vertically challenged Lord Farquaad. Shrek goes on a journey to get his swamp back and is given a deal to rescue Princess Fiona for his swamp back.

The musical is supported by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Brunei Tourism Board, Progresif Cellular Sdn. Bhd. , YippyTune Music School as official Vocal Coach, The Faceshop as the official make up sponsor, Dragons and Pixie Dust and Karen Then Make Up as Official Special Effects Make Up Artists, Offset Printing House as the official Print Partner and ticketing partners R&C Café and The Coffeebean & Tea Leaf.

Tickets are priced at $25 & $35 (Based on seating zones) and are available for purchase at Relentless Studios (B21, 2nd Floor, Gadong Central), R&C Café (UBD Library), The Coffeebean & Tea Leaf Times Square, Supa Save Mata Mata & Supa Save Seria outlets as well as YippyTune Music School (B19, 2nd Floor Gadong Central).

With a total of 50 talented local cast members of different age groups performing, Shrek The Musical promises to be a fun, entertaining and colourful family event.

For the past 10 years Relentless Entertainment, a local performing arts, education and events management company has worked closely with local talents and artists and hopes to develop as well as establish a vibrant creative industry for the vast amounts of talents in Brunei.

This will be the first time they are organizing two (2) musicals in a year. Earlier this they produced Musical Mania, which they also announced, will be a yearly event.

Producing and organizing theatre musicals is the company’s way of providing the many aspiring local actors, singers and dancers a platform to perform and showcase their talents, to give all stage crew members the experience of working behind the scenes on a musical production and to show that Brunei / Bruneians are capable of producing musical shows of high standard with local talents.

Relentless believes that a musical production is a positive event and will have a positive impact on the community and all involved. The cast and crew are excited about the opportunity to contribute to the growing performing arts industry in Brunei Darussalam.

For more information on Shrek the Musical or upcoming Relentless Entertainment Events, please contact 8243222 / 7186225 and follow @Relentlessbrunei on Instagram

The co-founders of Relentless Entertainment – Sumardi Hedus and Amy Cheong – during the press conference last Tuesday

Some of the main cast for Shrek the Musical – the princess, the donkey and Shrek himself

Mark Raine, Mercedes-Benz Cars vice-president of sales and marketing (Malaysia), has been active in the car scene lately, leading record sales for Mercedes last year with almost 12,000 units sold in 2016. There are many interesting factors that contributed to the growth of Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia and also in South East Asia.

What has made the premium brand a success as of late? What are their recipes to success and sustainability? I have the privilege to interview Mark Raine during my short visit to Kota Kinabalu last week. Mark is a very easy going lad and very approachable. Thank you for hosting the media and customers last week and arranging a great three day event in showcasing how Mercedes-Benz is not just a product but a lifestyle.

Interviewing Mark Raine at Shangrila’s Rasa Ria

Rano Iskandar: Can you share the growth of Mercedes-Benz and its growing presence in South East Asia?

Mark Raine: I believe we have a holistic approach in our brand, Mercedes-Benz and this has been a huge factor in our growth and being a brand leader in the premium category. We don’t only have the best car but also focusing on customer centric in a way of doing our business, to give a more positive customer experience before and after sales. Even the process of buying a Mercedes is taken into account such as having a competent website, digital approach and also the consultation process. All these are essential in the buying process so in the end, the customers are happy with their choices. This is already half the victory in catering to what the customers want.

The real deal starts after the sales and we at Mercedes emphasizes deeply in this area as this will determine our loyalty of our customers. It has proven a success and it is no doubt that the growth of Mercedes in the premium sector has increased despite the downturn in the economy in SEA.

The extension of the models from Mercedes-Benz has helped to elevate the growth of the brand in the premium sector. These are such as the SUV models – the GLEs, GLCs and GLAs being introduced in the market.

Rano Iskandar: Speaking of the trend, is this segment a huge trend in the region for Mercedes and how it came about?

Mark Raine: Yes, this is more of a global trend that SUVs have impacting the trend. However, there was little choices in the premium segment. We have a gut feeling and took a gamble in this segment and we believed that SUV is the thing of the future. This was also the key element of positioning of the Mercedes brand (in the SUV segment), focusing on lifestyle and affluent customers. This has helped to rejuvenate the brand while improving on innovation and technology.

Rano Iskandar: Why Kota Kinabalu as the prime destination for the #hungryforadventure ?

Mark Raine: The destination speaks for itself and we want to associate the mindset of our customers that our brand offers endurance, great positioning for different walks of life such as taking your children to school or on the weekend, bring your bike for a spin or going for a round of golf and lastly Kota Kinabalu gives a sense of adrenalin which resonates with our brand. We were fortunate that we have different weather conditions during our hill drive this morning at Sabah National Park and it showed what our SUVs are capable of.

We at Mercedes tend to organize events like this twice a year. We will invite our stakeholders along such as the media, the customers to showcase what SUVs are about and also being a premium brand, we want to be approachable to our customers by having a touch and feel on what Mercedes have to offer.

Rano Iskandar: Which model in Malaysia has been a top seller?

Mark Raine: It will be the C class and it targets all walks of life. However, it’s not the only model that has been popular but the compact cars and other models such as the E Class that was launched last year in Malaysia. Pretty soon we will be launching the new E 350E the latest hybrid brand. In terms of growth, it will be the SUVs and the GLC is the best selling in Malaysia and we sold over 3,000 units since its launch.

Mark Raine, Mercedes-Benz Cars vice-president of sales and marketing (Malaysia), posing with the latest Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 at Hap Seng Star showroom at Kota Kinabalu recently

Rano Iskandar: Why introducing the GLC 200 if you already have the GLC 250?

Mark Raine: We have the GLC 250 which is a brilliant product. It’s an SUV 4WD and offers great speed and comfort, positioning it as a very sporty, luxury model.

However to a certain extent, we are only capturing a lot of market but there are customers who want different qualities and traits and their mindsets are different from other customers. Hence the GLC 200 repositions itself in more exclusive luxury segment. It comes standard in on-road package or off-road package. The interior package also makes the value perception of this vehicle very, very high. The GLC 200 is just a notch below the GLC 250, hence makes it more affordable for most customers in the market. The unique selling point of the GLC 200 will be the exclusive luxurious appeal with high value perception and many features at a very competitive price.

Rano Iskandar: The GLC 200 is locally assembled in Malaysia. Is there any difference from the ones being imported?

Mark Raine: No difference at all. Same car, same quality, same quality checks. In essence, the same car. In South East Asia, we have a local production because we have tax exemptions and it makes the pricing more attractive.

Rano Iskandar: The GLE 43 Coupe OrangeArt Limited Edition. Share me more about it.

Mark Raine: It’s already available through order. It’s very limited and exclusive order. It’s very eccentric and flashy feel. It has a 21 inch AMG wheels with the OrangeArt Edition exterior package. We even have the Night Package. The eccentric and unique edition features extravagant design highlights including striking expressive decals in the orange on the front apron and the AMG wheels painted in high-gloss black and rim flange painted in orange.

The GLE 43 Coupe Orange Art Edition making it a high end personalised edition giving that special, individualized character and it’s definitely a striking appeal.

I had the privilege to test drive the GLC 200 and it will available in Brunei market hopefully by November 2017

Loving the feel and the drive. Of course, I love the AMG GLC 250 but this model is still good enough to keep me satisfied

A nice touch when I opened the door of the GLC 200

Students and the music instructors from Yippy Tune at the 24th KK Music and Dance Festival in the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort last weekend

It was quite a memorable moment for the children and parents

A total of 52 students from Yippy Tune Music School participated in the 24th KK Music and Dance Festival in the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort on the 1st & 2nd September in Kota Kinabalu. This year, the event saw a record participation of 1,600 musicians from Brunei, Singapore and Malaysia. The participants from Yippy Tune competed in the category of piano, vocal, violin and drums and pocketed a total of 90 medals, which consists of 26 Gold, 41 Silver and 23 Bronze.

Some of the students who attained outstanding results include Siena Hoon, 5 Medals (2 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze), Freda Ngu (2 Gold, 1 Silver), Ethan Officer and Jonathan Foo (2 Gold each).

This is the second year that Yippy Tune has sent students to compete in the KK Music Festival, following an initial win of 13 medals win during their first visit two years ago. “While the students came here after months of preparations and hard work, one of the main reasons for this participation was for the spirit of communion and exchange with other musicians. Deon Ong, Yippy Tune’s principal remarked, “Completing a performance is like winning a sport event! It helps to create awareness of live music performance and reflects the music school’s practice of providing a balanced and outgoing programs for students.” She added, “Coming to the event required tremendous commitment, time and effort not only from the students alone, but the undivided support from the teachers and parents whom we pay our utmost thanks and gratitude to.”

According to a parent, “The KK Music Festival created an incredibly inspiring and unique experience where my child can perform in front of an international crowd. It really humbles you to see so many talented individuals and at the same time lift everyone’s standard because of the friendly competition.” Said Delon Hon, whose daughter, Natalie received a Gold Medal in her Piano Performance.

Comparing to the previous years, the judges have elevated their expectations, tightened the number of medals they released, while assessing the contestants’ every strength and weaknesses in much greater details. “This is a welcoming change, because it lifts the standard for everyone and motivates the students to work harder in their preparation for the next year’s event. It also makes the award extra more precious for those who have won.” Said Teacher Marcel from Yippy Tune. “All our teachers are extremely proud of our students’ effort and result. Their tenacity and attitude towards music has really encouraged each of us.”

The music gathering this year was a much-anticipated event especially because the organisers stepped up the game by inviting world-class performers and judges to take part in the judging panel and conducted special group classes for the students. Renown participants included Pianist, Yen-Lin Goh whose work appeared in Vera Ivanova’s soundtrack, Wesley Johnson, a senior lecturer from UPSI, Dr. Tham Horng Kent, the recipients of Asia Yamaha Music Scholarship graduated from Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Japanese pianist Misa Yamamoto. Press release and images courtesy of Yippy Tune.

One of the gold medal recipient from Yippy Tune

Aubrey Lee receiving a medal too

Siena Hoon was one of the biggest winners with 2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze

Siena with her mother Deon Ong

Freda Ngu and Audrey Koh were also recipients during the event

Ethan Officer with his gold medal

Siena with the music instructors from Yippy Tune

The Chickenjoy toasts in opening the 15th outlet of Jollilbee in Brunei Darussalam earlier this morning

Dennis Flores, Vice-President, International Operations (Europe, Middle East & Australia) Jollibee Foods Corporation delivering his welcoming remarks and the milestone of Brunei Darussalam for Jollibee’s success

Finally the 15th store is officially opened in Brunei Darussalam. I am referring to Jollibee in Brunei Darussalam. You will be surprised that Jollibee in Brunei is more popular than other regional countries other than their home country, the Phillipines. Imagine this, Indonesia only has one outlet, Singapore has only 4 outlets, Hong Kong has only two while Malaysia has no more Jollibee outlets. The other SEA country that loved Jollibee is Vietnam with 80 outlets and counting.

So it’s safe to say that Jollibee hits the Brunei’s taste and it has been an ongoing success since it’s inception in 1987. My favourite meal from Jollibee then was the nasi lemak.. yummy… and also Jollibee’s chunky chicken burger 😀 Now both items are not available anymore in our Brunei market.. Boohoo. Hence, my favourite meal now is the spicy chicken with rice and my all time favourite Chocolate Sundae.

Enough of my ramblings about the past on Jollibee. I’m impressed that the popular franchise has been sustaining its presence for 30 years in Brunei. That’s longer than any other franchise that I know of. None of the competitors come close to the longevity of Jollibee in Brunei.

This morning the 15th outlet, perhaps the best design of the lot in Brunei, opened its door to the public and it’s located at Brunei International Airport.

The official opening was done gracefully with the presence of many – His Excellency Meynardo LB Montealegrer, Ambassador of The Philippines to Brunei Darussalam, Dennis Flores, Vice-President, International Operations (Europe, Middle East & Australia) Jollibee Foods Corporation., Abdul Razak bin Mohammad Hassan, grandson of Pehin Orang Kaya Ratna Setia Dato Setia Hj Awang Abdul Hapidz, Jollibee Franchisee Brunei, Muhammad Emmy Shamdy Khairul Kadir, Acting Deputy Director of Civil Aviation.

Also gracing the presence were Mr. Rodel Alcantara, AVP & Market Head for Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia & Europe, Jollibee Foods Corporation, Christina Ward, Operations Head of Jollibee (Brunei), Roilan Alvarez, Group Manager and Hj Md Shukry bin Hj Md Yusuf, first local restaurant manager in Jollibee (Brunei).

The airport outlet was unveiled by noon today and as usual, there was a long queue prior to the opening of the 15th outlet.

Congratulations once again to Jollibee Brunei for their milestone. Let’s spread more JOY to Brunei after 30 years and running. Thank you 😀

Jollibee mascot and his four friends at Jollibee’s Brunei International Airport outlet

With the awesome team of Jollibee Brunei

His Excellency Meynardo LB Montealegrer, Ambassador of The Philippines to Brunei Darussalam with Abdul Razak bin Mohammad Hassan and Muhammad Emmy Shamdy Khairul Kadir, Acting Deputy Director of Civil Aviation sharing a light moment

It’s quite spacious at Jollibee outlet. This will definitely be a huge hit among Bruneians

My beautiful friends – Hasmin and Pranika, attending the event today

Liyana Yus the Jollibee Ambassador

I love the interior concept of Jollibee Brunei

A long queue waiting to enter the Jollibee outlet

Kenny Ng, General Manager of Emerging Markets, Daimler South East Asia and Ho Ley Hoon, Sales Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd with selected owners of Mercedes-Benz SUVs before heading off on a road trip to Kota Kinabalu.

Jati Transport Sdn Bhd invited selected SUV owners of Mercedes-Benz and two members of the media for Mercedes-Benz SUV Endurance Road Trip to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

This was considered my fifth overseas assignment for automative in the past few years and this time it’s a road trip from Brunei to Kota Kinabalu. Yes, I’ve been on the road once but only from KK to Brunei and not back and forth. It’s an honour to have Jati Transport organizing the Mercedes-Benz SUV Endurance trip and also inviting me to be part of the media team. Thank you, thank you.

The flag off took place at 7am yesterday at the new Mercedes-Benz Autohaus at Beribi. There were a convey of 8 Mercedes-Benz and they were flagged off by Kenny Ng, General Manager of Emerging Markets, Daimler South East Asia and Ho Ley Hoon, Sales Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd before the entourage departed to Kota Kinabalu.

The trip took roughly six and a half hours before arriving at Hap Seng Star showroom (Mercedes-Benz KK). The entourage is expected to drive back from Kota Kinabalu tomorrow lunch time.

Kenny Ng doing the honours to flag off at Mercedes-Benz Autohaus

Lo Hey Loon flagging off the endurance drive

Catching the ferry at the half way point to Kota Kinabalu

The ferry must have been worth a lot since it carried 8 Mercedes-Benz vehicle and one Kijang on the one minute ride

Some parts were affected by the flood.

What was being showcase? The media from Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Cambodia and selected Mercedes-Benz owners from Brunei Darussalam were invited for the exclusive launch of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 at Hap Seng Star showroom at Kota Kinabalu.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 was unveiled by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia sales and marketing, passenger cars vice president, Mark Raine, who flew in from Kuala Lumpur for the 3 day event.

Another edition has been added to the Mecedes-Benz SUV family – the GLC 200. This is to cater to the unique lifestyle and demands of its customers with the launch of the new GLC variant: the GLC 200. It is equipped with numerous high-end features including the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, an Off-road exterior package, 19 inch 5-spoke allow wheels and LED High Performance headlamps. The interior has a luxurious appeal with a high value perception. The interior colors ranging from black, espresso brown to silk beige in combination with the exclusive brown open-pore ash wood trim and the ARTICO man-made leather dashboard underline the exclusive appearance of the premium SUV.

Malaysians had the privileged of the locally-assembled GLC 250 4MATIC and now they have brought it a new variant to underline its claim as the leader in the premium SUV segment in Malaysia and this also provide a wider avenue for their customers to choose from.

According to Mark Raine, “The introduction of Mercedes-Benz’s premium SUB range has establish this segment to the luxury market. As the No.1 premium brand, we combine ultimate driving comfort, dynamic handling and great ability, as our SUVs define new benchmarks, break conventions and provide our customers with their ultimate choice of vehicle for their unique and active lifestyle. As the locally produced GLC a crowd favourite, we are excited to bring the GLC 200 as an additional choice for those who desire and exclusive SUV.”

The GLC 200 is powered by a 2.0 liter 4 in-line engine, which produces an output of 135kW (184hp) and 300 Nm of torque. The nee-stage 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission also comes as standard on the GLC 200. Depending on the mode selected for the DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control, the automatic transmission with a torque converter boasts great agility and responsiveness.

Its interior features Exclusive line, including upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/fabric, ARTICO-covered dashboard with contrasting topstitching in three colors, seats featuring an exclusively upholstery layout, wood trim in high-gloss brown line structure lime and the 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel.

Hap Seng Star showroom at Kota Kinabalu. Nice, nice!!

Mark Raine posing with the newly launched GLC 200

Members of the media from other countries came in to witness the launch

Now this OrangeArt Edition caught my eye. Very limited too.

The Mercedes-Benz that was given for me to drive – the GLC AMG 43… Wooohooo

The interior of the AMG 43

Our hotel room at Shangrila’s Rasa Ria which was quite far from the city. Love the hotel and thank you, Mercedes-Benz, for hosting us

Let’s have fun during our endurance trip