Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Launched ‘What Women Want’ Movement with ‘Sip & Share’ Café Talk on Perimenopause

Message to all women: self-love isn’t selfish, it’s power. When you take care of you, you show the world exactly how you deserve to be treated.

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL), in collaboration with Parenthood Media’s community arm - KitaParents, successfully hosted the “Sip & Share” event, an intimate café-style talk series designed to foster open conversations about women’s health.

I was honoured to join the inaugural session, themed “Perimenopause Unfiltered,” took place on Tuesday, 17th March 2026, at Cyberjaya. This event marked the official debut of PHKL’s 2026 movement, “What Women Want (For Health),” which position PHKL as the quaternary hospital in Malaysia as a supportive space, where women can engage in safe, honest, and transparent conversations about their health journey.

Breaking the Silence on Perimenopause

For many Malaysian women, perimenopause has long been a misunderstood phase of life,
frequently dismissed as "just stress" or signs of ageing. Through this initiative, PHKL bridged
the gap between medical expertise and the everyday experiences of women in the community.

Dr Premitha Damodaran, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecologists
from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur

The evening featured Dr Premitha Damodaran, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecologists
from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and also the Board Members of International Menopause
Society (IMS), who led an interactive session, allowing attendees to seek professional guidance on symptoms that are often suffered in silence.

Lexis Golden Deals at MATTA Fair 2026

This upcoming MATTA Fair 2026, visitors can look forward to some of the most exciting travel deals of the year as Lexis Hotel Group unveils its best offers yet. From 3 – 5 April 2026, holidaymakers can visit Booth 1S25, Level 1 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur to enjoy exclusive savings of up to 32% on staycation vouchers across all Lexis properties in Port Dickson, Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

The promotion is part of Lexis Hotel Group’s highly anticipated “Book More, Save More, Win More Gold” campaign, designed to reward travellers with exceptional value and exciting prizes. In addition to discounted room vouchers, guests will enjoy zero surcharges on any stay date, offering greater flexibility to plan their dream getaway at their preferred time.

Adding to the excitement, guests who purchase these special vouchers will also stand a chance to win gold bars, exclusive merchandise and complimentary stays worth over RM20,000.

“These deals are truly amazing and offer tremendous value for money. It’s one way we can help to spur the local tourism industry while allowing Malaysians to enjoy a much-needed break,” said Dato’ Prof. Mandy Chew Siok Cheng, President, Lexis Hotel Group.

Attractive Room Voucher Deals Across Lexis Properties

The MATTA Fair promotion features a wide selection of room vouchers valid for 1 year from the date of purchase, giving travellers ample time to plan their getaway. With prices starting from just RM200 nett, guests can indulge in luxurious stays that won’t break the bank.

Exclusive MATTA Fair Deals:

Imperial Lexis Kuala Lumpur: Premium Pool Suite RM880

Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson: Sky Pool Villa RM580 | Premium Pool Villa RM680

Grand Lexis Port Dickson Deluxe Suite RM480 | Sky Pool Villa RM480 | Premium Pool Villa RM580 

Lexis Suites Penang Premium Pool Suite RM380

Lexis Port Dickson Premium Tower Room RM200 | Premium Water Chalet RM300

Introducing NOBO Soy: A New Chapter for Soy Milk

Soy milk has long been a part of everyday life in Malaysia. From kopitiams and street-side stalls, to breakfast tables in our own homes, soy milk is familiar, nostalgic and deeply woven into local food culture. Yet, the soy milk category hasbeen declining as young adults are not drinking as much soy milk.

Created by the team behind Malaysia’s much-loved oat milk brand OATSIDE, NOBO Soy is here to set a new standard for soy milk for the wellness-focused generation. NOBO Soy Milk has higher protein at 4.2g/100ml, which is almost double of typical packedsoy milk and ~40% more than dairy milk, achieved through double-extraction of non-GMO high protein Canadian soybeans. It also has less sugar (<5g/100ml) and a lower beanie taste achieved with flash-cooling technology, all while maintaining clean labels with no added oils, emulsifiers or gums.

Benedict Lim, CEO & Founder, OATSIDE said: “We spent a lot of time sourcing the right soybeans and eventually chose non-GMO, high-protein beans from Canada for their nutrition and flavour. From there, it was about developing a process that could pack more 
soybeans per pack to deliver a creamier texture and higher protein levels without adding ingredients like gums, emulsifiers, oils or protein powders.

Ultimately, our philosophy with NOBO is to be minimalist, and allow soy’s natural richness and nutrition to shine through without unnecessary additives."

Across Asia, we know that there is an increasing focus on nutrition and in particular, protein

consumption, with the wellness-generation keen on improving health and longevity.

Soybeans are a traditional staple but we tend to forget that it’s also a nutrient-dense, plant

-based superfood. They are rich in proteins with a complete essential amino acid profile, rich in fiber, antioxidants and omega 3-6-9. NOBO Soy is focused on taking a minimalist approach to letting an amazing ingredient shine through in the form of soy milk.

Alamanda Shopping Centre Spreads Festive Joy to Pertubuhan Kebajikan Amal Rukaiyah Children This Hari Raya

In observance of the holy month of Ramadan, Alamanda Shopping Centre hosted children from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Amal Rukaiyah for a day of festive shopping and community bonding. This initiative is part of Alamanda’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), ensuring that the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration is a joyful experience for underprivileged children.

The afternoon began with a personalised “Baju Raya” shopping experience at Gene Martino, where the children selected their own festive outfits. Adding to the excitement, Bata generously sponsored a new pair of shoes for each child, ensuring they are fully prepared for the upcoming celebrations.

Beyond the shopping, the children tried their hand at traditional Malaysian crafts with a Mini Wau Bulan and Ketupat weaving workshop. This hands-on experience offered them a chance to connect with their heritage while embracing the festive spirit of the season.

To bring even more smiles to the day, Alamanda Shopping Centre presented each child with duit raya to take home. In a heartwarming show of support, Browniemunch also contributed to the festivities by gifting the children with delicious cookies and brownies, along with additional duit raya to further brighten their upcoming holiday.

“Hari Raya is at its most beautiful when we share it with others,” said Francis Tan, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd. “Watching the children’s faces light up as they chose their own Baju Raya and shoes reminds us what this season is truly about. At Alamanda, we don’t just want to be a place to shop; we want to be a place where memories are made and where our community feels cared for."

Embarks on a Journey of Heritage and Artistry This Hari Raya with Suria KLCC

Suria KLCC, Malaysia’s iconic experiential shopping destination, invites shoppers to honour the nation’s rich cultural tapestry this Hari Raya Aidilfitri. From 27 February to 5 April 2026, the Suria KLCC Group will host a meaningful campaign dedicated to the promotion of tradition, heritage, and the spirit of togetherness.

This celebration extends across the entire KLCC Precinct, where the festive mood is brought to life through a holistic journey of discovery. Beyond the curated mall experiences, visitors can enjoy a seamless blend of heritage and modern leisure, from seasonal offerings and retail
experiences within the mall to moments of reflection at the KLCC Park—creating a vibrant destination where lifestyle, dining, and culture meet at KLCC The Place.

An Immersive Heritage Experience at Suria KLCC

The Centre Court and Esplanade KLCC have been transformed into a picturesque bougainvillea garden, centred by traditional Malay wakaf structures that serve as the focal point of Suria KLCC’s festive vision. In a synergistic collaboration with Sofia Iman, Suria KLCC brings the richness of Malaysian artistry to the forefront as a core pillar of the experience.

Adorning their festive space is a masterclass in artistry: 1,710 metres of hand-stamped batik, crafted by Sofia Iman specifically for this setup. This monumental fabric installation spans from
the traditional wakaf pavilions and grand hanging hoists to the majestic edifices at the
Esplanade KLCC—weaving the soul of tradition into every corner of the celebration.
One pondok wakaf serves as a dedicated craft space, hosting a special Songket Weaving
Demonstration. Visitors can witness the intricate process firsthand, brought to life by a skilled
master weaver from Terengganu—a heritage artisan specially brought to the city by Sofia Iman.

Women in Leadership and Health: Novo Nordisk Calls for Collective Action on Women-Centred Obesity Care

With Malaysia’s National Health and Morbidity Survey suggesting that more than 1 in 2 adults currently living with overweight or obesity1, the need for a unified response is more urgent. Malaysia now ranks among Southeast Asia’s highest obesity rates, affecting over half of adults. This is a trend that continues to rise and place pressure on families, healthcare systems and the nation’s long-term productivity. In conjunction with World Obesity Day and International Women’s Day, Novo Nordisk Pharma (Malaysia) brought together the voices of healthcare professionals, corporate leaders, and people living with obesity to reframe how the nation understands and addresses this chronic disease.

Anchored under the theme Women in Leadership and Health, the discussion emphasised the need for driving equity, leadership, and systemic reform for women, especially in improving outcomes for who disproportionately experience the complexities of living with overweight or obesity.

[From left to right]

Dr. Praful Chakkarwar, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma (M) Sdn.Bhd.

Ili Sulaiman, Celebrity Chef, TV Personality and Health Advocate

Shireen Kandiah, Director of Branding , Marketing, and Sustainability at the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB)

Prof. Dr. Rohana binti Abdul Ghani, President of the Malaysian Obesity Society (MYOS) and Senior Consultant Endocrinologist

Sharon Foo, Group Chief Human Resource Officer of IHH Healthcare

officiating Novo Nordisk’s Women in Leadership and Health media event in conjunction with International Women’s Day and World Obesity Day.

Obesity is increasingly recognized as a chronic, progressive disease shaped by biological, social, and environmental influences. Globally, women generally have a higher percentage of body fat content compared to men, and gender appears to be an important factor in the manifestation of central or peripheral obesity2. When it comes to weight management, studies comparing diet and exercise interventions have shown that men generally lose weight more easily than women due to differences in body composition3, as well as basal metabolic rate and energy expenditure4.

Dr. Praful Chakkarwar, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma (M) Sdn.Bhd., delivering his welcome note at Novo Nordisk’s International Women’s Day and World Obesity Day media event.

Dr. Praful Chakkarwar, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Malaysia said, “In Malaysia, women living with overweight or obesity often face a disproportionate burden, not only in terms of health outcomes, but also through persistent societal stereotypes that frame weight as a measure of discipline, appearance, or personal failure. These narratives can delay diagnosis, limit access to appropriate care, and contribute to stigma in healthcare settings, workplaces, and daily life. At Novo Nordisk, it is our commitment to support efforts that improve understanding, reduce stigma, and strengthen responsible, evidence-based obesity care in Malaysia.”