eslite spectrum Kuala Lumpur officially opened its doors at The Starhill on 17th December 2022 and stayed open until 1 am in what it dubbed a “Sleepless Saturday” to offer book lovers an extended opportunity to experience the grand opening celebration.
First flagship store in Southeast Asia
In her welcome address, the Chairperson of eslite Corporation, Ms. Mercy Wu noted that eslite spectrum Kuala Lumpur is their first flagship store in Southeast Asia.
“Our hearts are filled with joy and gratitude. We sincerely hope that eslite spectrum Kuala Lumpur will become a place of humanistic care and fun exploration. […] I look forward to curating cross-cultural, -sector and -language experiences to realise arts and cultural exchanges in Kuala Lumpur with Malaysians,” she said.
eslite now operates 48 stores in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Suzhou, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur.
In a PR release sighted by WeirdKaya, it claims that the eslite spectrum Kuala Lumpur is a cultural venue that offers a diverse, multilingual reading experience, exclusive stationery from all over the world, unique products that are both cultural and creative, lifestyle trends, art exhibitions, and performances, as well as world-class coffee, all under one roof.
Long queue spotted on the first day
The Grand Opening of eslite spectrum also sees a long queue from members of the public.
When asked, many Malaysians shared that they are excited about the opening of eslite spectrum as a place for them to read and think.
The Starhill warmly welcomes eslite spectrum
Tan Sri Francis Yeoh, Executive Chairman of YTL Corporation also extends the company’s heartiest congratulations to eslite on the grand opening.
“We are privileged to be part of the two-year journey in setting up this creative art and cultural destination. I am confident eslite spectrum will be the top destination of choice for locals and tourists alike in search of good books and everything creative,” he said.
Located on the first floor of The Starhill in Bukit Bintang, eslite spectrum Kuala Lumpur has turned to Italo Calvino’s iconic novel, Invisible Cities, for design inspiration.
The escalator rides up into a tunnel-like entrance is a befitting prelude to the eslite adventure that awaits, beginning with artist Benrei Huang’s rabbit sculpture Nini, who stands watch over the entrance to four themed spaces, namely the City of Arches, The Floating City, the City of Rippling Waves, and the City of Eternal Day.
More than 30 art and cultural activities scheduled
It is also understood that there is more than 30 art and cultural activities have been scheduled to celebrate eslite spectrum Kuala Lumpur’s grand opening.
“First up are special talks and performances by publisher Hung-Tze, Jan, writers Betty Wu and Wei Ye, as well as singer Victor Wong during the weekend of 17th and 18th December.”
Special sharing sessions over the Christmas and New Year holidays will feature critically acclaimed Malaysian Chinese writer King Ban Hui; best-selling author Peter Su; Malaysian lawyer and writer Toh Harnniann, Malaysian miniature artist Lim Pui Wan, who once appeared on a show alongside “Deadpool” actor Ryan Reynolds; as well as Golden Horse Award Best Original Film Song Winner, Zee Avi.
These luminaries of their respective fields will share their healing, growth, and adventures gained from their individual creative journeys.
Meanwhile, making a special appearance at the New Year’s Eve “Sleepless Saturday” event will be popular writer Huang Shan Liao, who won eslite bookstore’s best-selling title of the year with his first teen romance novel “If You Never Say Goodbye”, as well as Malaysian singer Zee Avi.
They will be joined by Malaysian musician Keon Chia; world-renowned picture book illustrator and writer Jimmy Liao’s art exhibition; Christmas carols, children’s storytelling sessions, string quartets, jazz performances, handicraft workshops and many other exciting activities.
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