Sunday, 30 July 2017
KUALA LUMPUR: The Japanese sensation known for his PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen) song took centrestage at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur with a decidedly Malaysian flavour as he infused his popular little tune with nasi lemak and satay.

In his maiden visit to Malaysia, 44-year-old Pikotaro, clad brightly in his trademark shiny yellow get-up with a shawl that had leo¬pard and snake prints, gave an energetic performance before a large gathering of locals and fo¬¬reigners.

The comedian-singer swayed and danced as he belted out his signature tune and another fun song called I Like Orange Juice!.

The crowd roared with delight when he greeted them with “Apa khabar?” and later gave an en¬-core of PPAP using the favourite Malaysian food in its lyrics.

His visit here was organised by G-Yu Creative in conjunction with the inaugural three-day Japan Expo Malaysia 2017, which ends today.

Pikotaro also got his young fans onstage to perform with him during his half-hour showcase at the shopping mall yesterday.

Among his fans was Japanese Higashikawa, who was with his seven-year-old son Ko.

“Ko is a big fan. He has known Pikotaro since he was five. He enjoyed the show a lot,” said the father.

Eight-year-old Wadi Bakri said: “I love Pikotaro’s moustache and his catchy songs.” The Kuala Lumpur boy was overjoyed when he got Pikotaro’s signature on his arm.

Hisashi Takahashi, also from Japan and who brought along a pineapple, said he loves the pop singer for his quirky sense of humour.

Pikotaro rose to fame last year when PPAP went viral on YouTube.

MOST SENSATIONAL ALL-JAPAN EVENT TO DEBUT IN MALAYSIA!
The Best And Exciting Japanese Activities Await Fellow Malaysians

Kuala Lumpur, July 2017 – For the first time ever, JAPAN EXPO, the event that carries the concept of ‘Infinite Japan’ will be gathering all of Japan’s most iconic cultures and discoveries to Malaysia! Mark your calendar from 28 July (Friday) to 30 July (Sunday) 2017, and be prepared to revel in all things Japanese as JAPAN EXPO brings you unforgettable entertainment and excitement all weekend. Best of all, it is all FREE admission!

“JAPAN EXPO aims to incorporate all of Japan’s charms into one event, showcasing multiple genres of Japan’s originalities under one roof – from artistes, anime, art, culture, fashion to food, entertainment, travel and even education. Every part of this event is set to be a highlight by itself! Not forgetting, this event also commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relation between Japan and Malaysia,” said Yupharet Eakturapakal, CEO of G-Yu Creative Company, the organizer of JAPAN EXPO Thailand and Malaysia.

JAPAN EXPO will be the only event in Malaysia that gathers as many hot-hit artistes and teen idol groups from Japan to create a celebrative atmosphere for every Japanese fans. Leading the entourage will be the one and only, PIKOTARO; popular for his viral song, PPAP or better known as “Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen”, followed by famous Japanese artist, Naomichi Hanazono who will be enchanting the audience with a string of Japan’s cultural entertainment.

Fans will also be treated with a live performance by Ryoma Quartet to commemorate the establishment of diplomatic relation between Japan and Malaysia. Japanese chart toppers such as Japanese legendary singer Shigeru Matsuzaki, young artist Haruka Yamashita and Reon Kurosaki are sure turn up the heat (and screams) amongst Malaysian fans, especially the boys, with their upbeat performances. Last but not least, visitors will get the chance to rub shoulders with the famous cosplayer “Minori” who will head of the cosplayer parade during JAPAN EXPO Malaysia.

In recognition of the equally beautiful relationship between two neighboring countries -Thailand and Malaysia, JAPAN EXPO Malaysia will be graced by the attendance of Ms. Kung Saruda Nimpitakpong, iconic Thai designer who is known for her love of Japan by heart. In honour of the friendship built by both countries, Ms. Kung Saruda Nimpitakpong will be showcasing her outrageous coveted designs in a dazzling fashion show alongside her famous Thai stars, such as Hana Tassanwalai, Tungbeer Puriwat, Yada, Nene Pornnappan and Liv-Berty & Lah’Lah’Land group. Malaysian celebrity interior designer, Dr. Eric Leong, will also be displaying his work of art for the expo around Pavilion KL and Farenheit 88.

In addition, Japanese restaurants and F&B entrepreneurs as well as an array of F&B products from Yamanashi Prefecture will be present at Farenheit88 for patrons to try all the delicacies made from pure Japanese ingredients. Meanwhile, the Education section, set at Fahrenheit 88, will be the perfect spot for those who want to extend their Japanese knowledge in the land of the rising sun.

This is event is not to be missed! Be sure to visit the first All-Japan event in Malaysia JAPAN EXPO Malaysia 2017, which will be held at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Fahrenheit 88 Malaysia from 28 to 30 July 2017 (Friday to Sunday). For more information, please visit www.japanexpomalaysia.com I www.gyucreative.com I www.facebook/JapanExpoMalaysia.

9th Edition Mini Thailand Week returns,
coinciding with 60th year of Thai-Malaysian diplomatic ties

Petaling Jaya, 7 July 2017 – Calling traders, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts for all things Thai: Mini Thailand Week 2017 is back to Malaysian shores for the 9th year running, aiming to impress and delight visitors with an exciting array of premier Thai products and cultural activities!

Launched in 2009, Mini Thailand Week is organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion under the Ministry of Commerce, Thailand. It is a highly anticipated annual exhibition, serving primarily as a trading platform for Malaysian and Thai entrepreneurs to interact, transact, as well as forge new partnerships and collaborations. Since its initiation, Mini Thailand Week has attracted tens of thousands of visitors to its booths each year; facilitating numerous business leads and sales, whilst increasing awareness and appreciation of Thailand’s rich culture and tradition amongst Malaysians.

“Last year alone, Mini Thailand Week has attracted about 20,000 people to the event. This year, we aim to surpass those figures to attract 25,000 people to Mini Thailand Week, and generate at least 140 business matching transactions in our signature Business Matching Sessions. To achieve this, we have added to this year’s list of exhibitors specifically selected Thai companies with products that fulfil certain standards and requirements by our partners in Malaysia. Amongst others, this includes F&B items that has halal certification, which will enable these businesses to reach a wider group of consumers,” stated Director Patcha Wutipan Minister Councellor (Commercial) Royal Thai Embassy.

Speaking on the event, His Excellency Damrong Kraikruan, Royal Thai Ambassador to Malaysia said, “Thailand and Malaysia has long enjoyed a fruitful relationship. In fact, this marks the 60th year of diplomatic ties between our two nations — that’s 60 years of mutual commitment and cooperation in enhancing multiple sectors and industries in our countries, particularly in bilateral trade. In that, Mini Thailand Week remains a crucial platform to sustain Thai-Malaysian trade relations and bring it to yet another level. Here, both Thai and Malaysian traders and entrepreneurs can look forward to establishing new businesses and forge closer ties in their trade circles; all with a common objective of exploring opportunities and maximising business potential.”

Themed “Urban Lifestyle”, all 28 participating companies at Mini Thailand Week 2017 will showcase a wide range of Thai premier lifestyle products, which includes home ware and home decorative items, food and beverage products, as well as health and wellness items. On top of the Business Matching Sessions, the event will also feature unique cultural activities to further acquaint visitors to the Thai way of life. This includes a wooden art board painting demonstration by Tanupon En-On, a Thai artist renowned for his mastery of the E-Sarn murals technique in vibrant acrylic colours on canvas paintings. Interested visitors could purchase a blank wooden board for RM20, where they will receive guidance from the artist himself on how to paint using the technique. Those who post a picture of their finished artwork on the Mini Thailand Week Facebook page with the hashtag #minithailandweek2017 will receive a special gift from the organiser.

“This is only a small taste of what is to come in Mini Thailand Week 2017. I hope that visitors will take advantage of these four days to experience and explore in full what is on offer. I wish everyone an enjoyable and productive time ahead,” Director Patcha said in closing.

Mini Thailand Week 2017 will take place from 6-9 July 2017 at One Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya from 10am to 10pm. Admission is free for all members of the public.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/ThailandTradeShow.MY, or email thaibusinessmatching@gmail.com, or call 03-7960 5055 for more information. Managed by Siam Connection Sdn Bhd