Forget the ordinary mall experience. Central i-City, the crown jewel of i-City in Shah Alam, Selangor, transcends the typical shopping destination. Since its grand opening in 2019, the sprawling 1.5 million square foot space has established itself as a premier retail haven. It boasts a vibrant mix of tenants, an experience-oriented approach, and a commitment to growth that aligns with the global vision of its parent company, Central Pattana.

Central i-City holds a pivotal position in Central Pattana's global strategy. As the company's first overseas retail venture, its establishment was not a random decision. It was a calculated move, seizing the potential of this dynamic region. Central i-City aspires to be more than just a retail haven; it aims to be a catalyst, unlocking Selangor's full potential.

"We believe Central i-City plays a vital role in unlocking Selangor's potential by creating significant job opportunities, fostering a strong sense of community, and propelling the state's economic growth," said Wallaya Chirathivat Chief Executive of Central Pattana.

Central i-City's commitment extends far beyond the shopping experience. The mall actively demonstrates its dedication to the community through partnerships with local organizations. Since last year, they have collaborated with a diverse range of groups, including Name Taste of Klang, the Selangor Seed Community, and cultural associations focused on the unique art of Diabolo. This focus on local talent extends to the artistic realm. Central i-City has already collaborated with Yeanni Khoo for Chinese New Year and Lokamade for Hari Raya, with plans for further partnerships on the horizon.

Additionally, they've actively supported the community by hosting over 20 events since last year, providing platforms for students to showcase their talents in various competitions.

Central i-City not only sits at the heart of a dynamic region but also enjoys a strategically located position within the Golden Triangle of Selangor, which contributes a significant 25% of Southeast Asia's third-largest economy. "Shah Alam and Klang boast a combined population of 1.7 million," Central i-City Shopping Centre General Manager Anthony Dylan Anak Frankie Jurem remarks.

Additionally, the mall's excellent connectivity via public transportation, including the Padang Jawa KTM station and free Selangor buses, makes Central i-City easily accessible for residents, tourists, and the growing workforce in the area, he says.

By 2025, the mall's accessibility is set for a significant boost upon commencement of Light Rail Transit Line 3 (LRT 3). The LRT line, which connects Bandar Utama to Johan Setia, with Central i-City perfectly situated at the midway of the rail link, further enhancing convenience for visitors from surrounding areas, making it an even more attractive destination.

After five years of operation, Central i-City is embarking on a transformative journey to provide a brand-new shopping experience for customers, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the ever-changing retail landscape.

Shun Wong, Regional General Manager for Central i-City and Central Pattana, emphasizes the mall's commitment to experiential retail: "We create innovative experiences that customers truly enjoy, making them cherish their visit and want to come back for more."

The transformation's focus will be reflected in a curated tenant mix featuring popular local and international brands alongside exciting entertainment options.

Shun elaborates on the growing synergy between Thailand and Malaysia operation: "This year, we're seeing a significant increase in collaboration between the two countries. This includes joint marketing, sales promotions, and knowledge sharing initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness," he says.

"We're also strengthening our existing tenant offerings while introducing new merchandising strategies and other promotion activities," Wong says.

The collaboration will lead to the creation of exciting events that benefit both the community and Central i-City's tenants; he stresses.

Through the transformation plans, the management is aiming to maintain Central i-City as the top retail destination in the region.

"We host large, impactful events that not only drive customer traffic but also contribute to the success of our tenants," Wong explains. Building on the past 40 years' experience, Central Pattana excels at identifying strategic and segmented campaigns, addressing the needs of our potential customers and the surrounding community.

"This allows us to create targeted campaigns that resonate with the local population," he shares.

With its strategic location as leverage, Central i-City vows to be pioneer in the ever-evolving retail landscape by prioritizing customer experience, embracing innovation, fostering a sense of community.

"We invite you to visit Central i-City and experience the future of retail for yourself," says Anthony. "Central i-City is not just a shopping mall; it poised to become a landmark destination in Shah Alam as well as a vibrant social hub for both tourists and family," he concludes.

Leveraging Central Pattana's extensive experience, Central i-City is poised for continued growth. Wuttikiat Techamongklapiwat, Head of Community Mall and International Business Development at Central Pattana, shares the company's vision for Central i-City. They envision the mall strengthening its growth within an ecosystem built on the strong ties between Thailand and Malaysia, connecting customers and brands to Thailand.

"At Central Pattana, we have 40 years of expertise in developing iconic buildings globally and changing the retail landscape of Thailand. We see ourselves as the pacemakers and community developers that boost people, communities, and the environment," he adds.

Central i-City takes pride in fostering cultural exchange and community building. In that spirit, they recently launched a captivating revamp initiative, kicking it off with the inaugural "Sawasdee Thailand 2024 Festival," the largest celebration of Thai culture ever held in Malaysia. The four-day extravaganza, held from April 25 to April 28, offered an immersive and authentic Thai experience for visitors, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for Central i-City.

The festival included a massive fashion showcase featuring over 11,000 products directly imported from CentralWorld Bangkok. Visitors were treated to the world-renowned Joe Louis Puppet Show, a captivating display of Thai artistry. A dedicated market brimming with authentic Thai food and products transported visitors to the heart of Thailand.

Families enjoyed traditional Songkran water splashing festivities and a giant inflatable playground for children. Cultural workshops covering floral, handicraft, and Thai painting offered a chance to learn and create. The excitement culminated in an in-mall Muay Thai championship, showcasing the power and beauty of this unique martial art.

In 2023, Central i-City saw total footfall surged by 20% and witnessed 68 new store openings from last year to the first quarter of this year.

An additional 15 brands scheduled to open by the third quarter this year.

The luxury hotel Double Tree by Hilton, situated next door, registered an 80% occupancy rate, with Maybank Tower enjoyed a 90% occupancy rate.