Travel Weekly Asia Names EQ, Kuala Lumpur Best Business Hotel in Asia

EQ, Kuala Lumpur has achieved a landmark recognition, winning the Best Business Hotel (Asia) title at the Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. This is EQ’s debut at this award, making the triumph a defining moment for the much lauded Malaysian hotel.

The Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards are widely recognised within the region as a leading mark of excellence in travel and hospitality. Winners are chosen by the publication’s readership — a community of seasoned travellers and travel professionals — making the awards a strong reflection of industry and consumer trust. To be singled out in this competitive arena is more than an honour; it is an affirmation of trust from both guests and peers across the region.

For EQ, this award highlights its rise as a key name in Asian hospitality. Since opening its doors in 2019, the hotel has set new standards for what a city stay in Kuala Lumpur can deliver — blending modern design and top-level service with authentic Malaysian warmth. The property’s strength lies in meeting the needs of both business and leisure guests, a balance that has fuelled its fast growth.

Positioned in the heart of the Golden Triangle, EQ offers unparalleled connectivity to Kuala Lumpur’s business and entertainment districts. The hotel’s 440 rooms and suites provide not only comfort and style but also the technology and functionality today’s travellers’ demand. The Equator Club, with its private check-in, personalised concierge, and executive lounge, has quickly become synonymous with business-friendly luxury.

At the same time, EQ recognises that business travel today is about balance. Its acclaimed dining options, award-winning wellness facilities, and iconic infinity pool allow guests to unwind without ever leaving the hotel. By blending productivity with relaxation, EQ ensures every stay is both efficient and memorable.

General Manager Justin Lee commented: “To be recognised as Best Business Hotel in Asia is both humbling and exhilarating. This award is a reflection of our team’s dedication to creating seamless experiences for guests — from boardroom to bedroom, from workday to winding down. It signals that Kuala Lumpur, and EQ, have earned their place among the top names in Asian hospitality.”

guardian Celebrates Real Choices, Real Confidence

The guardian Awards: Beauty & Wellbeing 2025 officially kicked off on 30 Apr 2025 with an inspiring launch that celebrated not just products, but the personal journeys, choices, and stories behind them.

Held at Blue Atrium in Sunway Pyramid, the event welcomed leading healthy and beauty experts, media, influencers, and guests to experience an immersive showcase of what beauty and wellbeing truly mean to Malaysians.

(From Left to Right) Cody Chua, Celebrity Hair Stylist, Dr. Shazril Shaharuddin, Medical Doctor & TV Host, Yasmin Khalid, Lawyer & Beauty Influencer, and Shiyo Joo, Celebrity Makeup Artist at guardian Awards_ Beauty

Rooted in guardian’s belief in empowerment, the awards go beyond just recognition. They honour the real needs, real lives, and real care that go into every beauty and wellness decision Malaysians make every day, with guardian as their trusted leading voice to provide the products and care they seek to achieve their own standards of beauty and self-care.

“The guardian Awards has always celebrated trust and confidence in the beauty and wellbeing products we carry. Every year, our winners are chosen by Malaysians themselves, based on real experiences and real results. These aren’t just trending items – they are products that support self-care, boost confidence, and help people look and feel their best every day. The Awards also builds on the momentum of our recent brand relaunch, as we continue to focus on what matters most to our customers: Quality, wellbeing, and the freedom to choose what works for them,” says Anna Ng, Marketing Director of guardian Malaysia.

“As the country’s leading health, beauty, and personal care chain, we are proud to offer a wide range of high-quality, reliable products that meet our customers’ needs – not just for beauty, but for holistic wellbeing.”

Honouring 2025’s Most Trusted Products: Best Sellers and Expert Picks

The event unveiled for the first time the guardian Awards 2025 winners across two key categories: Best Sellers and Expert Picks.

EQ Triumphs at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024

EQ, Malaysia’s pinnacle of luxury hospitality, has once again demonstrated its excellence by sweeping multiple prestigious awards at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024.

EQ emerged victorious in all four categories for which it was nominated, cementing its position as a leader in luxury hospitality in Malaysia. The hotel secured top honours as the No.1 City Hotel and won awards for the No.1 Hotel Pool and No.2 Hotel Spa in Malaysia. In addition, EQ's General Manager, Gerard Walker, was honoured as the No.1 Hotel General Manager in the country for the Hospitality Leadership category.

The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards are renowned for their rigorous selection process and the influential nature of their voters, drawing nominations from top properties across the Asia Pacific region. These awards underscore EQ’s unwavering commitment to quality, luxury, and exceptional service, recognised by a global audience of 36 million readers.

Donald Lim, CEO of Hotel Equatorial, praised the achievement, stating, “Gerard is one of the most transformative General Managers in the Malaysian hospitality industry. His leadership has elevated EQ to new heights of excellence.”

The guardian Awards Beauty & Wellness 2024: Discover the Best Sellers, Expert Picks & Fan Favorites!

guardian's highly anticipated annual brand appreciation event returns with an exciting new format, highlighting the beauty & wellness brands that matter most to their customers.

This year, guardian is proud to introduce several enhancements, including the unveiling of guardian's Best Sellers 2024, along with Expert Picks and the opportunity for their valued customers to vote for their favorite brands.

Anna Ng, Marketing Director of guardian Malaysia, expressed her enthusiasm, stating that guardian has emerged as the premier curator of beauty and wellness essentials, catering to the diverse needs of our clientele.

"The beauty and wellness industry has evolved into a realm driven by personalization and knowledge. With rapid advancements in technology and innovation, coupled with the influence of social media, consumers seek trusted partners like guardian to curate the ideal selection of brand offerings in this ever-expanding market," Anna remarked.

guardian’s Best Sellers 2024:

In the category of guardian’s Best Sellers 2024, guardian has meticulously curated a selection of 10 innovative and our best-selling products in each of the Cosmetic, Skin Care, Personal Care, and Health Care segments, reflecting the aggregated preferences of our discerning customers.

“The best-selling picks – ranging from choices of brands to nurture your inner health to the others that promote your outer beauty – were amongst the latest ones available in the market, having been launched between 1 November 2022 and 31 October 2023,” added Anna.

Expert Picks of trendy product segments:

Five distinguished industry experts were tasked with evaluating 54 cutting-edge products currently available in the market. These experts, renowned in their respective fields, rigorously tested and scrutinized products in Cosmetic, Skin Care, Personal Care, and Health Care categories.

PGDM Annual Digital Award 2022 Ceremony Night @ 18 Mar 2023

It was a wonderful evening at the PGDM Annual Digital Award 2022 Ceremony held on 18 March 2023 at TENERA HOTEL BANGI SELANGOR D.E.

PGDM Annual Digital Award aim to provides opportunities for recognition among the associated members of the PGDM consortium to viable mid-sized industrial companies, which was a succeed and bring greater potential for achievement in their fields of industry at homeland and abroad. In addition, PGDM also gives awards to International conglomerate companies. PGDM also wants to give recognition to government agencies and statutory bodies for their outstanding contributions to the local community and the whole of Malaysia.

As of now PGDM has collaborate with strategic partners as follows:

MAJLIS KEBUDAYAAN DAN WARISAN NUSANTARA.
UNITED NATION WORLD PEACE ASSOCIATION (UNWPA).
GOOGLE HQ USA.
BLUEQUARTZ GROUP (IN PARTNERSHIP OF GOOGLE CANADA).
PERBADANAN KEMAJUAN FILEM NASIONAL MALAYSIA (FINAS).
KOMITE PENGUSAHA MIKRO KECIL MENENGAH INDONESIA (KOPITU).
GABUNGAN PERUSAHAAN EKSPOR INDONESIA (GPEI) DKI JAKARTA.
PERSATUAN VETERAN RADIO TELEVISYEN MALAYSIA (PVRTM).
KADIS INTERNATIONAL GROUP.
UDDOKTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BANGLADESH.
BANGLADESH TEXTILES ASSOCIATION (BTA).
BANGLADESH ECONOMIC ZONE.
TURKISH CYPRIOT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (KTTO).
VIETNAM HALAL CENTER.
NEPAL-SWISS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSRIES.
MAGAYA EMPIRE GROUP.
YAYASAN SARI KARTIKA TUN GHAFAR.
PERTUBUHAN ALUMNI PENERIMA ZAKAT MALAYSIA.
PERSATUAN PENGUSAHA-PENGUSAHA AURA MANJUNG PERAK- MALAYSIA.
SWA TV BROAD CASTING & DIGITAL MEDIA (MALAYSIA).
MEATECH COLLEGE MALAYSIA.
PERTUBUHAN DRUG FREE MALAYSIA

PGDM consortium has exceeds 500,000 total associate membership, consisting of small and medium entreprise from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal, it is expected that at the beginning it will be able to have a significant and large impact in terms of the market segment of Central Asia and Southeast Asia and this should not be taken lightly and will even reach a bigger market if it is opened to other countries to join.

Key Global MNCs and Top Local Companies Honoured in Superbrands Malaysia 2018 Awards

Superbrands Malaysia 2018 celebrates its 10th edition and has selected 34 brands to pay tribute to the strongest and most valuable brands in the market in this year’s awards event.

Superbrands, the independent global authority and arbiter of branding, hosted their annual event in Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur for the key global multi national corporations (MNCs) and top local brands encompassing a wide spectrum of different industries.

Speaking about the event, Mr Mike English, Director, Superbrands said: “The Superbrands Malaysia 2018 Awards, considered as the ‘Oscars of Branding’ by the corporate world, are presented to the winning brands represented by their chief executive officers, managing directors, marketing directors and other top marketing and PR executives.

Mr Mike English, Director, Superbrands

“Superbrands will also unveil the highly anticipated and much coveted coffee-table style Superbrands book, which includes a two-page profile of each of the Superbrands at today’s tribute event.

“The awards are a wonderful showcase for brands to highlight and promote their successes, and for senior executives to get together to celebrate their Superbrands status.

The Longest Jalur Gemilang @ aquariaKLCC

In conjunction with Malaysia's 60th years of achievements and independence, and together with the Malaysian Book of Records, aquariaKLCC is celebrating an achievement of its own for Hari Merdeka!

AquariaKLCC has unveiled the Longest Jalur Gemilang in an Underwater Aquarium at the length of 60m to commemorate 60 years of Merdeka. This newest achievement will add on to their existing four Malaysian Book of Records achievements for 1s Live Underwater TV Broadcast with TV3 and 1st Live Underwater Radio Broadcast with FlyFM in 2006, 1st Underwater Board Meeting held in 2011, and Biggest Stingray in Captivity in 2014.

The launch event took place on the 30th Aug 2017 and had also feature a choir performance by the 1st Runner Up Choir Group from Ministry of Education.

AquariaKLCC will be hosting fun activities and games for their guests every day throughout the month. The activities will feature quizzes and educational content related to our beautiful Malaysia and its natural wonders, with many prizes to be won by quick and clever guests alike.

Guardian's Outstanding Brands Awards 2017 Begins on 1 SEPTEMBER

Our favorite annual brands' award - Guardian’s Outstanding Brands Award 2017 (OBA) is back! This marks the 17^th edition of its highly popular annual award for health and beauty brands.

Ms. Christina Low, Marketing Director Guardian Malaysia (left) and Ms Shirley New, Senior Marketing Manager Guardian Malaysia checking out the OBA 2017 online voting site

The annual award, first introduced by Guardian Malaysia in 2000, has been premised on connecting its millions of shoppers to all its business partners and brand owners, by having the shoppers vote for the most outstanding brand.

Ms Christina Low, Marketing Director of Guardian Health and Beauty Sdn Bhd said: “The Outstanding Brands Award is our way of celebrating with our business partners and giving recognition to brand excellence.”

She said that since it was launched 16 years ago, the Award has grown in popularity among Guardian’s shoppers, who look forward to getting their say and having the chance to win attractive prices.

“Needless to say, the Award has also evolved in keeping with changes in lifestyle, spending and shoppers’ trends. This year, the OBA will be conducted entirely in digital format. This means, all voting will be done online,” she added.

Ms Shirley New, Senior Marketing Manager Guardian Malaysia briefing the media on Most Outstanding Brands Award 2017

For OBA 2017, a total of 200 brands will be vying for 60 categories ranging from hair care, face care, cosmetics, hygiene, supplements, medication, mother and child products, and many more. There will be one most preferred brand award for each category.

For shoppers, they stand a chance to win one of the 50 prizes, totaling RM25,000 in Guardian vouchers. 

Guardian People’s Choice Awards 2016

I am a loyal supporter of Guardian People’s Choice Awards(PCA), I have been participating the voting of PCA for a few years in a row already. I am glad I was there to witness the Guardian People’s Choice Awards(PCA) 2016 winners’ announcement at Nexus Bangsar South back on 30th September 2016.

Thanks for having me at Guardian People’s Choice Awards(PCA) 2016 & Guardian 49th Anniversary Night

In conjunction with Guardian’s 49th Anniversary celebration, Guardian PCA 2016 brings the crème de la crème of brands under one roof as it awards them for their amazing products ranging from personal care and cosmetics to health care and confectionery.

The emcee of the night

The aim of the People’s Choice Awards was to award those who went above and beyond for product innovation and quality, while providing a platform for the consumers to voice out their favourites amongst the many brands in the market. Aside from rewarding recognition to the best brands and products in Malaysia, the competition also helps improve integrity for their brands as brand owners are constantly keeping up with evolving needs of customers.

“Since its first edition in 2001, The People’s Choice Awards has maintained its objective of acknowledging brands that are constantly developing amazing products that caters to our everyday needs. What started out as a platform for unbiased brand valuation by customers has now grown to become a trusted guide to quality brands.The success of these brands has helped foster our reputation as one of the main retail pharmacies in Malaysia.” said Ms. Anna Hull, Merchandise Director for Guardian Health & Beauty.

Violinist Dennis Lau opening the night with an electrifying performance

The night was definitely a merry affair as major companies and friends of Guardian had the time of their lives. Guests were treated with a scrumptious feast, special performances and even chances to bring more prizes home with a lucky draw! Initiating the glamorous night was the opening performance by the talented electric violinist Dennis Lau, who awed the audience with his musical skill and grace. Heavyweights of the health, beauty, and pharmaceutical industry received appreciation for their most popular products, where category winners took home the sought after Guardian PCA trophy.

Guardian People’s Choice Award 2016 Returns with an Exciting New Platform

Hi boys and girls, I’m so exciting to tell you that the annual Guardian People’s Choice Award is back! It is the 15^th instalment this year, and Guardian is introducing a more robust platform for us to vote for our favourite brands online! 

In year 2016, the voting system moves to an online platform, which allows us easier access and convenient to participating. 

Lovely decoration at Guardian People’s Choice Award 2016 Media Preview @ Sunway Villa

I think this move is so cool and it’s a wise move in this digital era. I have voted my favourite brands and products via the online platform, and I can tell you it’s really straight forward, simple, fast and easy to vote.

How to join?

From 28^th April 2016 to 25^th May 2016, with a purchase of RM 10 and above in a single receipt either in-store or via Guardian’s e-store, customers can logon to www.guardianpca.com.my and will be entitled to one digital entry.

As a token of appreciation, all participants partake in the contest will receive an e-voucher worth RM 10 upon completion, to be spent on e-store purchases.

Refining the contest even further, the voting system is divided into 2 categories based on gender, to ensure a more streamlined experience. 

For best results however, voters must complete at least one category field and are encouraged to answer both sets of questions to have a better chance at winning the array of amazing prizes below;

1x Grand Prize of RM 1,000 Guardian Vouchers per month over 12 months & Products from all nominated brands worth RM 16,500

10x1st Prize of RM 300 Guardian Vouchers per month over 12 months & Products from all nominated brands worth RM 8,100

2xweekly winners: Products from all nominated brands worth RM 4,500

Reminder to all participants to keep the receipt(s) for winners’ verification and prize redemption.

Digi WWWOW Awards is Back!

This is a Digital era where we can’t live without Internet, especially for a blogger and social influencer like me. Internet is so essential and it is possible to create anything there and even starting a business online.

Internet is full of endless possiblity

Digi WWWOW Awards has been introduced since five years ago to appreciate each and every creative idea. It is on the lookout for aspiring individuals who make the Internet greater, more entertaining, helpful, educational, and accessible through innovative services and new products.

Digi WWWOW Awards is back this year with prizes up to RM 10,000 for each winner from the 8 categories! Digi WWWOW Awards is Malaysia's only Internet for All Awards. It is based on 100% user-generated entries to showcase the incredible creativity, ingenuity and entrepreneurialism of ordinary Malaysians using the Internet in extraordinary ways to inspire others. 

At Digi WWWOW, they believe the best of the Internet belongs to everyone.

There are 8 categories for the awards as below;

1) Videos & Photography

2) Social Influencers 

3) Independent Publishers

4) Web commerce

5) Mobile app commerce

6) Social media commerce 

7) Social impact 

8) Social gathering

As for me, I would love to join the Social Influencers category with strong followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I wish I could have millions followers like Samantha Lee, the famous Malaysian Food Artist.

I have been following her Instagram for years, and I am always amazed with her creativity. She has inspired me to DIY food for my lovely girls at home. I hope one day I could be the inspiration to others just like her. #DGWWWOW

Win Fabulous Prizes From Guardian People's Choice Award 2015

You heard me right; Guardian People's Choice Award is Back! Guardian, the leading pharmacy, health and beauty retail chain brings back its highly popular People's Choice Award. We get to vote for our favourite brands while winning fabulous prizes from Guardian People's Choice Award, sounds cool isn't it? This year’s prizes include RM 50,000 worth of prizes including a Travel Package to Australia as the Grand Prize!

Held for the past 14 consecutive years, the Guardian People's Choice Award has recently introduced the Teens Choice Award to acknowledge a growing trend among teenagers, who take pride in making informed choices for their health, beauty and personal care items.

Guardian’s Marketing Manager, Ms. Adeline Wong said: “Since its beginning 14 years ago, Guardian People's Choice Award has grown in leaps and bounds, gaining popularity among consumers year on year.”

Guardian’s Marketing Manager, Ms. Adeline Wong

“This platform not only helps engage our customers, it also helps our business partners and brand owners stay relevant to the evolving needs of consumers,” she added.

Guardian People's Choice Award 2015 prizes include;

1 x Grand Prize : Australia Travel Package worth RM 10,000

10 x 1st Prize : RM 1,000 worth of Petronas Gift Cards

20 x 2nd Prize : RM 300 worth of Guardian Gift Vouchers

30 x 3rd Prize : RM 100 worth of Giant Gift Vouchers

50 Consolation Prizes : RM 50 worth of Guardian Gift Vouchers

Guardian People's Choice Award Contest Period : 4^th to 28^th Apr 2015

How to enter Guardian People's Choice Award? 

Customers need only make any purchase in-store or from Guardian Online. Submit your entries via contest forms available at Guardian stores nationwide, or visit www.facebook.com/guardianmalaysia to register and vote for their favourite brands online.

Important reminder: Keep the receipt for winners’ verification and prize redemption.

In the Teen Choice award category, participants must be between 13 and 19 years to be eligible to vote for their favourite products. Exciting prizes of a 13-inch MacBook Air, iPhone 6 and a PlayStation 4 worth up to RM 10,000 to be won.

Guardian People's Choice Award Teen Choice award prizes include;

1 x Grand Prize : 13-inch MacBook Air worth RM 3,499

2 x 1st Prize : iPhone 6 worth RM 2,549

1 x 2nd Prize : PlayStation 4 worth RM 1,549

How to enter Guardian People's Choice Award Teen Choice award? 

Teenagers, you just need to submit your entries via contest forms available at Guardian stores nationwide, or visit www.facebook.com/guardianmalaysia to register and vote for your favourite brands online. No purchase is required to enter Guardian People's Choice Award Teen Choice award.

What’s more? Guardian has introduced a new contest segment this year - a selfie contest with LINE Camera. With any nominated products purchased in-store or online, consumers are eligible to enter the LINE Camera Selfie Contest to win RM 10,000 worth of prizes.

Shiseido Professional Beauty Innovator Award 2014 - Artistry of Inspiring Creativity

Shiseido Professional Beauty Innovator Award – Artistry of Inspiring Creativity is the largest cross-cultural hair design photo competition of its kind. Shiseido Professional Beauty Innovator Award was happened at Connexion @ Nexus, Bangsar South for the year 2014.

I had the honour to witness the spectacular Shiseido Professional Beauty Innovator Award 2014 from the top hairstyling talents across eight countries – Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan.

Aspired to improve the performance and lift the level of the entire industry through this professional peer rivalry, Shiseido Professional dedicates itself to not only provide our hair designers with high quality hair care, but also to discover and develop new artistic team who will be the next-generation leaders in communicating the future of beauty together.

From a broader perspective towards the development of culture and lifestyle in this new era, and always seeking to create new value, Shiseido Professional is confident that this competition will push our Malaysian ‘Beauty Innovators’ to lead on the future of beauty and take the world through centre stage. The challenge against their peers and themselves will push these hair designers to go beyond their own usual limits, and Shiseido Professional is assured that this professional competition will raise professional skills at a local level, as well as international improvement within the industry.

With an overwhelming participation from hairstylist all over Malaysia, entries received were carefully evaluated and narrowed down by a panel of esteemed judges who are talented professionals from the industry.

Guardian People's Choice Award & Teens Choice Award 2014

Guardian People's Choice Award & Teens Choice Award is back for its 14th year. It is a chance for Guardian's teenage customers the opportunity to vote for their favourite brands in the inaugural Teens Choice Award.

I still remember I attended the Award presentation & buka puasa night with fellow bloggers at Mandarin Oriental Hotel last year. 

Time really flies, it's already one year past and this year Guardian People's Choice Award & Teens Choice Award 2014 was happened at Aloft Hotel KL.

Emcee of the night. L: Jojo Struys; R: Nazrudin Rahman

The winners were chosen from 400 participating products in 90 categories. Congratulates to the winners for winning the Guardian People's Choice Award & Teens Choice Award 2014! I have listed some of the winners below;

CATEGORY	Winning Product Name People's Choice
Supplement
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL	KORDELS
VITAMIN C	BLACKMORES
HEALTHCARE
OATS	BIOGROW
MUSCLE RUB / BALM	TIGER BALM
MOTHER & CHILD
KID'S SUPPLEMENT	CHAMPS
CHILDREN MILK POWDER	ENFAGROW
HAIR
HAIR COLOR	LOREAL
BODY & BATH
FRAGRANCE FOR HIM	PLAYBOY
ORAL CARE & HYGIENE
MOUTH RINSE	LISTERINE
HAND & BODY
HAND & BODY (WHITENING LOTION)	NIVEA
FACE CARE
FACE SCRUB	NEUTROGENA
MEN'S CLEANSER	GARNIER
COSMETIC
EYE SHADOW	REVLON
TEEN CHOICE AWARD
ACNE CARE	OXY
SHAMPOO	SUNSILK

The People's Choice Award is one of the highlights of Guardian's annual calendar, as it is a forum to show appreciation and give recognition to the support of its business partners. This year L'Oreal has won this Award again.

Ms. Loi Liang Tok (in red) with winning brands at the Guardian People's Choice Award & Teens Choice Award 2014