Pavilion Kuala Lumpur has won the prestigious Fiabci Prix d'Excellence Awards 2009 or international property award under the retail category. In the process, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur has stamped its mark as a world class retail center, further enhancing Malaysia’s position as a premier shopping paradise. In emerging as a winner, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur will gain access to unique international platforms for their projects and companies throughout the extensive Fiabci network of more than 60 member countries and over 120 professional organisations worldwide. New Fiabci World President Lisa Kurrass presented the award to Pavilion Malaysia’s Deputy Chairman Datin Cindy Lim in a grand ceremony held on Friday, May 29, 2009 here. The ceremony was witnessed by the Federal Territories Minister, Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin and Lord Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Dato’ Ahmad Fuad bin Ismail. Fiabci is the French acronym for the International Real Estate Federation. Awarded by an international panel comprising top real estate professionals and experts, the Fiabci Prix d'Excellence rewards overall merit and not just aesthetics, functionality or size. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur was chosen by a panel of internationally renowned judges to be the best outclassing 26 entries worldwide. Federal Territories Minister, Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin commended Pavilion Kuala Lumpur for the award, saying while it recognizes it as a world-class retail project, it is also a recognition of sorts for Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia. "Since its opening in 2007, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur has become an icon in the Kuala Lumpur city landscape and particularly in the city’s Golden Triangle," he said at the awards ceremony. Pavilion is well on its way in joining the ranks as those in the developed countries such as Oxford Street in London, the Ginza in Tokyo, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Champs-Elysees in Paris and Orchard Road in Singapore. This has given Malaysia’s retail economy a major boost which is crucial amid the current global economic slowdown. The award recognizes the project as having excelled in the area of architecture and design, development and construction, community benefits and environmental impact, retail mix, financial and marketing. In building what is surely an iconic landmark for the city of Kuala Lumpur, great effort were taken to ensure that all the planning, design and construction was world class and comparable with the best in the world. He also noted that the shopping mall itself was impressively designed as evident by the link bridges and access ways which make the place very pedestrian-friendly. This will help transform Kuala Lumpur into a ‘walk-able city.’ Housing 430 tenants in an area of 1.37 million sq ft nett retail space, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur which has undoubtedly made its mark on the global stage attracted about 48 million visitors since its opening in 2007. It is operating at 100 per cent occupancy. Fashion makes up 60 percent of its retail composition, 21 percent food and beverages and 19 percent urban leisure. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur has played host to numerous international and national events, a popular venue for celebrated festivities and a center for art and culture to flourish. Among notable investors in the multi-million project is the Qatar Investment Authority which has a 49 per cent stake in the world-class lifestyle destination project. It is hoped that more investors from the Gulf States will come by Malaysia’s way given the success of the Qatar Investment Authority in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian government has earmarked Pavilion Kuala Lumpur as a tourism asset. For further information, please contact: Public Relations, Kuala Lumpur Pavilion Sdn Bhd 03.2118.8888 Nikola Hassan, PR Manager nikolaraihana@pavilion-kl.com 012.209.2983 Suraya Shaipudin, PR Executive suraya@pavilion-kl.com 012.326.0215 Ailia Mustapa, PR Executive ailiani@pavilion-kl.com 012.351.7504 SOURCE: PAVILION KUALA LUMPUR