EQ Kuala Lumpur Hosts World Sake Day Celebration
EQ Kuala Lumpur marked World Sake Day with an elegant celebration at its award-winning rooftop venue Sky51 on 1 October 2025, bringing together sake enthusiasts for an evening dedicated to Japan’s iconic beverage.
The event, organised in partnership with JFC Malaysia and Japanese fine-dining restaurant Kampachi, attracted guests eager to explore the artistry and tradition behind sake production. The date holds special significance in Japanese culture, marking the beginning of the traditional brewing season that coincides with the country’s seasonal rice harvest.
Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Shikata Noriyuki attended the celebration, which featured an educational seminar led by certified sake master Ms Akane Yamada. Guests sampled a selection of premium sake varieties paired with carefully curated culinary offerings.
A highlight of the evening came at approximately 5:40 PM when attendees joined a global livestream connecting simultaneous celebrations across multiple countries. Hirose Ryuichi, Deputy General Manager of JFC Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., guided participants through the international connection, which linked locations in Aomori, Kochi, Ehime, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
The livestream featured a shared kanpai toast, allowing guests in Kuala Lumpur to participate in a coordinated celebration with sake enthusiasts worldwide. This marked Malaysia’s second year participating in the global event, following its debut at IPPUDO LaLaport BBCC in 2024.
The tradition dates back to 1978, when the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association officially designated 1 October as Sake Day. The date’s significance stems from the Japanese character for October, 酉 (tori), which originally symbolised a sake jar.
As Malaysia’s oldest Japanese restaurant, Kampachi has been instrumental in developing local appreciation for sake. The establishment serves as the exclusive Malaysian importer for several artisanal labels, including Izumibashi, a 168-year-old brewery from Ebina, Japan.
Yuichi Hashiba, Izumibashi’s sixth-generation master brewer, participated via livestream to share insights into the craftsmanship behind his brewery’s products. Among them is the Junmai Ginjo Megumi Blue Label, which earned first place among 824 entries in a 2020 competition.
The evening’s sake selection included Izumibashi Junmai Ginjo Megumi Blue Label, Hiyashibori (Daiginjo), Deshin Yuki (Junmai Ginjo), and Yoshinosugi Taru Sake. These premium varieties were accompanied by canapés from Kampachi and Sabayon, featuring items such as candied sweet potato, smoked salmon tartare, house-dried cherry tomato tart, chicken roulade, beetroot doughnuts, and chocolate macarons.
“World Sake Day is an event that has grown from strength to strength. Kampachi has been at the forefront of promoting sake and we are very proud to be able to host this event at EQ which is one of the best hotels in the world. Having it livestreamed from Sky51, itself among the Top 5 rooftop bars in Asia, gave this occasion added gravitas.”
Mr Donald Lim, Equatorial Group’s Chief Executive Officer
“Our hotel prides itself on offering exceptional experiences in one of the most exciting cities in Southeast Asia. We take great pleasure in curating events for our guests that pull together fantastic elements that individuals might not themselves have access to. An event like World Sake Day unites people with an appreciation for the best in life, with a master brewer whose ultimate goal is perfection in the sake he produces is one such example.”
Justin Lee, General Manager of EQ
EQ Kuala Lumpur Named Best Business Hotel in Asia by Travel Weekly Asia
EQ Kuala Lumpur has secured a significant industry accolade, claiming the Best Business Hotel (Asia) title at the Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. The recognition marks the Malaysian property’s first win at these prestigious awards.
The Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards represent one of the region’s most respected benchmarks for excellence in travel and hospitality. Winners are selected by the publication’s readership, comprising experienced travellers and travel industry professionals, making the honours a meaningful indicator of both industry and consumer confidence.
The award underscores EQ’s emergence as a significant player in the Asian hospitality landscape. Since opening in 2019, the property has distinguished itself by establishing new benchmarks for urban accommodations in Kuala Lumpur, combining contemporary design and premium service with Malaysian hospitality.
The hotel’s success stems from its ability to cater effectively to both business and leisure clientele, a dual focus that has driven its rapid ascent in the competitive market.
Located in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, EQ benefits from direct access to the city’s key business and entertainment districts. The property’s 440 rooms and suites deliver comfort and aesthetic appeal alongside the technological infrastructure and practical features required by modern travellers.
The Equator Club has emerged as a cornerstone of the hotel’s business offerings, providing private check-in services, personalised concierge assistance, and an executive lounge that has become closely associated with business-oriented luxury accommodations.
EQ’s approach recognises that contemporary business travel extends beyond purely professional requirements. The hotel’s dining establishments, wellness facilities, and signature infinity pool enable guests to decompress without departing the premises. This integration of productivity and relaxation aims to make each visit both effective and enjoyable.
“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.”
General Manager Justin Lee
The hotel’s recent recognition adds to an established track record of accomplishments. EQ achieved the #22 position in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2025, becoming the only Malaysian hotel on the list. The property has also maintained its status as Kuala Lumpur’s highest-rated hotel on TripAdvisor for six consecutive years beginning in 2019, and holds the #1 City Hotel designation in Malaysia for four consecutive years in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific.
EQ Hotel Gains Regional Recognition on Tatler Asia’s Best Hotels List
Malaysian luxury hotel EQ has been included in Tatler Asia’s Best 100 Hotels in Asia-Pacific 2025 list, following its earlier recognition as Best Service Hotel in Malaysia by Tatler Malaysia. The regional listing places the independent Kuala Lumpur property alongside established hotels across major Asia-Pacific destinations, including Tokyo, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Tatler Asia’s annual list is compiled by the publication’s editors, tastemakers, and travel specialists. The selection focuses on properties that demonstrate contemporary luxury through service standards, design innovation, and distinctive character. EQ was recognised for combining modern design elements with Malaysian cultural influences in its guest experience.
Since opening in 2019, EQ has received recognition from multiple hospitality publications, including Travel + Leisure, Travel Weekly Asia, and TripAdvisor. The property features rooftop restaurant Sabayon and Sanctum Spa among its amenities, and holds Green Building Index Gold certification.
“This regional recognition is a powerful testament to the Malaysian spirit of hospitality. It proves that with authenticity, innovation, and heart, an independent Malaysian hotel can not only compete but truly shine on the world stage. This honour belongs to every member of our team, who pour their passion into creating unforgettable stories for our guests each day.”
Justin Lee, General Manager of EQ
The Tatler Asia selection represents the second recognition from the Tatler brand for the property within 2025. The publication’s Best 100 Hotels list highlights properties across the Asia-Pacific region that it describes as making “travel transformative.”
The inclusion marks a notable achievement for an independent Malaysian hotel property in a competitive regional hospitality market dominated by established international hotel groups.
EQ Hotel Partners with TOHO for Godzilla Anniversary Campaign
EQ has entered into a promotional partnership with TOHO Co., Ltd., the Japanese studio behind the Godzilla franchise, marking the character’s 70th anniversary. The collaboration follows the hotel’s appearance in a commemorative video released by TOHO, in which Godzilla is shown moving through Southeast Asian cities. The Kuala Lumpur segment features EQ alongside the Petronas Towers in the city’s skyline.
To commemorate the partnership, EQ has produced limited-edition anniversary merchandise, including T-shirts and luggage stickers, which will be distributed to select guests and supporters.
The hotel’s rooftop bar Sky51 will introduce a limited-time beverage called “King of Monsters,” available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. The drink will be served exclusively at the rooftop venue.
“We were absolutely delighted to see the world-famous monster romping through Kuala Lumpur and passing by EQ in TOHO Corporation’s commemorative video. This unique cameo comes at a time when EQ has recently been in the news, being listed on the prestigious Travel + Leisure 2025 list of Top 100 Hotels in the World at #22. We are especially proud to note that EQ is the only property in Malaysia to have made that list, which includes some of the most distinguished hotels in the world. Along with this moment of pop culture, we decided to have some fun and create some souvenirs. Special thanks go out to TOHO Corporation and TOHO Entertainment Asia for allowing us to do so. We can’t wait to see what Godzilla’s next adventure might be.”
Donald Lim, Chief Executive Officer of Equatorial Group
Filoxenia Forum Explores AI and Digital Marketing in Hospitality
Award-winning hospitality consultancy Filoxenia Sdn Bhd convened industry leaders, technology partners, and sustainability experts at its inaugural forum on digital transformation in the hotel sector, held at the Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 4 September 2025.
Founded in 2017 by international hoteliers, Filoxenia specialises in white-label hospitality management and consultancy services. The company’s core team brings more than 60 years of combined experience from renowned international and regional brands across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
The half-day “Driving Hospitality to the Next Level: Next-Gen Digital Marketing & AI” forum examined how emerging technologies are reshaping guest experiences and booking processes across the hospitality industry.
The event, which took place shortly after Filoxenia received LUXlife Magazine’s “Resorts and Retreats Awards 2025: Best White Label Hospitality Management Consultancy — Asia” recognition, featured opening remarks from Michael van Ommen, Filoxenia’s Director and Chief Hospitality Officer. Datin Christina Toh, President of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, delivered welcome remarks, while Puan Norshamshida Abdul Rahman, Senior Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia’s Advertising & Digital Division, served as Guest of Honour.
The forum’s agenda featured multiple panel discussions led by industry specialists. Hannah Pearson, Founding Partner of Pear Anderson, presented market outlook projections for 2025 and 2026, which subsequently sparked extensive discussion among panellist,s including Charles Tang, Regional Sales Manager for APAC at Lighthouse; Simon Cheah, Country Manager for Malaysia at Shiji; and Kusalika Basnayake, Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing at emarketingeye.
Chris Cheong, Director of Digital Strategies at Filoxenia, moderated a session on next-generation digital marketing and AI applications, joined by panellists Jessica Tham of Rev-Logix, Adlina Borhan, CEO of Ab & Artho, Lewis Lee from PayPal’s APAC Business Development division, and Vincent Kok of MVX Multiverse.
Kingston Khoo, CEO of Eco-Steps, led discussions on sustainable hospitality trends and opportunities, with contributions from Dr. Timmy Ho of Pragmatique, Fariz Victor of Ascott International Management Malaysia, and Lim Aik Loong of Vireo Sustainable Certification Sdn Bhd. The program also included a session on AI’s implications for human resources management, presented by Jonathan Low of Global Success Learning Academy.
Van Ommen emphasised the forum’s relevance to Malaysia’s tourism objectives, stating: “As we are gearing up for the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which aims to achieve 35.6 million tourist arrivals, it is crucial that we future-proof our industry. Understanding the dynamics of AI, digital marketing, and sustainability is essential for today’s decision-makers, as these are the key drivers of visibility, guest engagement, and sustained revenue growth in a competitive landscape.”
Key sponsors STAAH, Lighthouse, Shiji, PayPal, and emarketingeye demonstrated practical applications of their platforms and explained how their solutions are transforming digital interfaces for hotel operators.
As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, Filoxenia made a contribution to Yayasan Sunbeams Home, an organisation providing shelter, education, and medical care to underprivileged children.
The forum provided networking opportunities for attendees, facilitating connections that organisers say will support growth across Malaysia’s travel and hospitality sectors.
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Photos courtesy of EQ Kuala Lumpur, Filoxenia and the author’s own
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