Launch of Modern Grand Hotel – A Storytelling Live Concert

“2017 marks another milestone for The Federal Kuala Lumpur for as Malaysia celebrates our 60th Merdeka Celebrations, Federal Hotel too celebrates its 60th Diamond Jubilee years in the Malaysian Hospitality industry. As part of our Federal Hotel’s Merdeka celebrations, The Federal Kuala Lumpur and Bukit Bintang Event Spaces together with Modern Nanyang jointly launch the Modern Grand Hotel, a Story telling Live Concert on Monday, 7 August 2017 at The Verandah lobby lounge at The Federal Kuala Lumpur. We are happy to be in collaboration with Modern Nanyang to launch this meaningful concert on the Grand Dame Hotel of Kuala Lumpur.

It was patriotism that spurred the late Tan Sri Low Yat to embark to build a completely new multi million dollar Federal Hotel of International standard, the Bukit Bintang Skyscraper Hotel which was opened on 28 August 1957 to accommodate all the distinguished guests and dignitaries coming to witness the first Merdeka celebrations in 1957. The Federal Kuala Lumpur is more than a Hotel. It’s a piece of Malaysian History & Heritage, and it’s the Hotel for Merdeka. The Federal Hotel proved to be an icon and inspired others to venture into the Malaysian tourism and hospitality industry. Throughout its 60 years, The Federal Kuala Lumpur have always been at the forefront

We are happy to be in collaboration with Modern Nanyang to launch this meaningful concert on the Grand Dame Hotel of Kuala Lumpur. It was patriotism that spurred the late Tan Sri Low Yat to embark to build a completely new multi million dollar Federal Hotel of International standard, the Bukit Bintang Skyscraper Hotel which was opened on 28 August 1957 to accommodate all the distinguished guests and dignitaries coming to witness the first Merdeka celebrations in 1957. The Federal Kuala Lumpur is more than a Hotel. It’s a piece of Malaysian History & Heritage, and it’s the Hotel for Merdeka.

The Federal Hotel proved to be an icon and inspired others to venture into the Malaysian tourism and hospitality industry. Throughout its 60 years, The Federal Kuala Lumpur have always been at the forefront in the hospitality industry as we are constantly looking at the creation and evolution of its hotel products and services in order to meet the wants and needs of today’s business and leisure travelers. We are proud of the debut of The Federal Hotel’s renovated Merdeka Wing Rooms, Ballrooms, Kontiki restaurant and the Verandah lobby lounge. While we improve with the times, we are always mindful in keeping the ‘character and soul’ of The Federal Kuala Lumpur.

This will solidify our Brand’s positioning in not only providing an impeccable modern-styled living in unparalleled comfort, but also in offering a premier hospitality experience for all. We believe that our tradition of warm friendly Malaysian Hospitality and care delivered by our Federal Team will be well received by our Hotel’s guests and community as every little thing we do at our FHI Group of Hotels inspires us to create a rewarding experience for our Hotel guests, our Team members and our Communities.

The Federal Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s first 60 years read as a fascinating story of success and achievements against the many challenges of pioneering development and innovation, which now see Federal Hotels International recognized as one of Malaysia’s Pioneer Home Grown Hospitality Brand providing excellent quality hotel accommodation. Federal Hotels International (FHI) and The Federal Hotel Kuala Lumpur maintain our belief and commitment to providing our guests excellent quality hotel accommodation and consistent service, as well as our continuous commitment to meet all challenges locally and globally.

Over the span of 60 years in the Malaysian Hospitality, Federal Hotel had played host to many local and international events including the Pacific Asia Travel Association or PATA Conference, the British Movie cast and crew who stayed at the Federal Hotel for the filming of the Seventh Dawn starring William Holden, Susannah York, Capucine, Michael Goodliffe and Tetsura Tamba, which was directed by Lewis Gilbert who had also directed a number of James Bond movies such as You only live twice, The Spy who loved me and Moonraker), Pesta Merdeka where Federal Hotel was home to the footballers. Federal Hotel also became the home of badminton players participating in the Thomas Cup/Uber cup. This year, we are proud to be the host for one of the Team contingents in the coming SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur from 19th – 30th August 2017.

As The Federal Hotel celebrates 60 years of Malaysian Hospitality, it is a tribute to all our Management & Staff as well as everyone who have supported us and have worked with us to put The Federal Kuala Lumpur where we are today, a testament to the energy, hardwork and dedication who have brought this vision to life. Presented by Produced by Supported by 2 Perhaps most importantly, this is our heartfelt thanks to our thousands of guests.” said Ms Ooi Lee Ping, Director of Group Marketing, Sales & Business Development and Operations of Federal Hotels International. “Singing in a place, telling its tales” evolves on the Grand Dame of Kuala Lumpur, The Federal Hotel which opened its door in 1957; the same year as the independence of the Federation of Malaya. Also known as the first international class hotel then, todate, the Federal Hotel is still standing strong in the heart of Bukit Bintang.

The Federal Hotel had been the center of entertainment in the 1950s to 1960s era. Combining the historical elements and its nostalgic value, this has thus inspired our team to create the theme of this storytelling concert: Modern Grand Hotel. Modern Grand Hotel is a storytelling musical concert with cast of local established musicians and actors. As the title goes, narration and storytelling will be a major element of this concert. The lineup includes Nanyang Songstress – Yudi Yap, renowned Chinese dialect conservator Chong Keat Aun, actor Goh Wee Ping, from NTV 7’s Age of Glory II, award-winning acclaimed theatre director Loh Kok Man with multitalented music director Tay Cher Siang leading WVC Jazz Ensemble collaborating for this event.

This extraordinary concert will be presented in multi lingual environmental theatre by Modern Nanyang. With reputation established since the successful staging of Kopisusu the musical concert, it is aimed to incorporate unique local scene with its own stories into the medium of songs and narration, and reintroduce the peculiar Nanyang entertainment culture scene. In 2015, Modern Nanyang has presented Spring in the Market Place at Penang’s Hin Bus Art Depot, with interesting stories told in songs and narration, entertaining yet educational, receiving rave review. Based on the entertainment scene surrounding the Federal Hotel in the era of 1950’s to 1960’s. Yudi will sing and act in a story told in classic songs of Nanyang heritage. Chong Keat Aun in narration will speak of the long-forgotten stories of the entertainment scene at that time. Goh Wee Ping will play multiple characters, telling the retracting the stories of Kuala Lumpur of the past till present time.

These elements will be consolidating by Director Loh Kok Man to present them theatrically. The songs will be rearranged in Nanyang flavor by Musical Director Tay Cher Siang, performing live with Jazz ensemble WVC. In celebrations of The Federal Kuala Lumpur’s 60th Anniversary, Hotel Capitol Kuala Lumpur’s 20th Anniversary and The Grace Sydney’s 20th Anniversary, guests can now enjoy special room offers as follows:

 The Federal Kuala Lumpur’s Happy 60th Anniversary Indulgence – from RM260++ per Merdeka Wing Room per night inclusive RM60 Food & Beverage cash voucher; Anniversary Drink Special The BB at The Verandah and Complimentary wifi in a room – valid till 31 October 2017;

 Hotel Capitol Kuala Lumpur’s Happy 20th Anniversary Indulgence – from RM220+ per Deluxe room per night inclusive RM20 Food & Beverage cash voucher per room per night; Anniversary Drink Special The BB at The Verandah and Complimentary wifi in a room – valid till 31 October 2017;

 The Grace Sydney’s Happy 20th Anniversary Indulgence – from AUD220 per Superior room per night inclusive AUD20 Food & Beverage cash voucher per room per night; Anniversary Drink Special The Grace Sling at Piano Lounge and Complimentary wifi in a room – valid until 30 September 2017”.  3 Modern Grand Hotel’s show will be held at Ballroom 2 located at Level 2 of The Federal Kuala Lumpur on: Friday, 8 September to Saturday, 9 September and Friday, 15 September to Sunday, 17 September Dinner + Show: RM212nett per person (Dinner 6.30pm, Show 8.30pm) Show only: RM150nett per person 17 September Lunch + Show: RM212 nett per person (Lunch 12.30pm, Show 2.30pm) Show only: RM150nett per person About the Cast

Modern Grand Hotel’s show will be held at Ballroom 2 located at Level 2 of The Federal Kuala Lumpur on:
Friday, 8 September to Saturday, 9 September and Friday, 15 September to Sunday, 17 September
Dinner + Show: RM212nett per person (Dinner 6.30pm, Show 8.30pm) Show only: RM150nett per person 17 September Lunch + Show: RM212 nett per person (Lunch 12.30pm, Show 2.30pm) Show only: RM150nett per person

About the Cast
 Lead singer Yudi Yap, renowned local music songstress, began her career as singer composer and evolved into stage performing artist, established her own flavor of Chinese classic songs. Make her mark with Kopisusu concert with her Nanyang themed songs. These popular songs of the era will be presented in multi lingual, theatrically weaved into the stories.
 Narrator #1 Chong Keat Aun, specialises in dialect conservation, playing the role of radio presenter, narrating the stories in the community before and after independence of Malaya in different Chinese dialects and in Malay. Narrator #2 Goh Wee Ping is an acclaimed actor and television host, his narration in English bringing out the history of Federal Hotel and stories of its surrounding, the changes of people and events over the years in Kuala Lumpur.
 WVC Jazz ensemble led by Tay Cher Siang, their music style is swank and contemporary, innovative and progressive, they will be in charge of the rearrangement and performing live for the entire repertoire.

Federal Hotels International Sdn Bhd (FHI) Federal Hotels International has over six decades of experience in the Hospitality industry. Federal Hotels International manages two Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and one Hotel in Sydney namely The Federal Kuala Lumpur, Hotel Capitol Kuala Lumpur and The Grace Hotel Sydney.

Federal Hotels International is the pioneer Malaysian Hotel Management Company, established to manage the first International Hotel in Kuala Lumpur namely The Federal Kuala Lumpur which opened its door on 28 August 1957. FHI collection of Hotels are located in some sensational locations. From the heart of the City’s Central Business District to the pulse of the best shopping, entertainment to gourmet paradise, you’ll find an FHI hotel to suit your every need. From business travel to meetings, conferences to weddings, honeymoon and anniversary, or just a short weekend Shop N Shop break, or a rest & relax holiday, our fine collection of Hotels will complement your business trip or vacation gateway, ensuring it is a successful and enjoyable one. Our warm FHI hospitality, a friendly face and gentle charm, welcomes our guests, adding to that our great locations, will ensure that your stay with us will be that much more, well…truly sensational!

About Bukit Bintang Event Space
Bukit Bintang Event Space (BBES), an event management unit managed by Federal Hotels International As for organising meetings, seminars, conferences, weddings, honeymoons or anniversaries, Bukit Bintang Event Space (BBES), managed by FHI, is a one stop solutions centre for event spaces that offers our professional experience with unrivalled ease. Look no further than our award winning event spaces located in the heart of the city, in Bukit Bintang, comprising The Federal Kuala Lumpur, Hotel Capitol Kuala Lumpur, bbpark and Plaza Low Yat boulevard streets.

About The Federal Kuala Lumpur
The Federal Hotel is more than a Hotel, it’s the most iconic hotel in Malaysia, it is a piece of Malaysian history and heritage and it is the Hotel for Merdeka as the Hotel is Malaysia’s first international class hotel opened just three days before the Nation’s declaration of independence. The 90-room 10-storey Federal Hotel then provided accommodation exclusively for the foreign dignitaries and guests from overseas invited for our first Merdeka celebrations. The distinctive trade name of Federal was chosen as it is symbolic of the Hotel’s existence in the Federal capital. Now the 21-storey Federal Hotel has 450 rooms. Our first Prime Minister, the late Y.T.M. Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra officiated the 10- storey 90-room Federal Hotel on 28 August 1957, three days before our first Merdeka Grand Celebrations on 31 August 1957. The Federal Hotel was then the venue for official functions hosted by the Government and private sectors as well as the official caterer of cocktails and dinners at Parliament House.