TOMICA Makes Its Southeast Asia Debut with a Brand Store at Suria KLCC

 TOMICA Mascot, T-Kun together with ToysRus mascot, Geoffrey the Giraffe, together with (from Left ; tan ee Chian, Carol Chua, Ochiai

If you grew up loving tiny cars with big personality, this one’s for you. TOMICA, the iconic Japanese diecast miniature car brand, has officially opened its first TOMICA Brand Store in Southeast Asia, and it’s right here in Kuala Lumpur.

Launched on 18 December 2025, the new TOMICA Brand Store is housed within the Toys“R”Us IP Flagship Collection Store at Suria KLCC, marking a major milestone not just for TOMICA fans, but for collectors and families across the region.

A First for Malaysia and Southeast Asia

The Kuala Lumpur opening represents TOMICA’s third Brand Store globally, following Shanghai (September 2024) and Beijing (September 2025). Established by TOMY Company, Ltd. (Japan) in partnership with Toys“R”Us Asia, the Malaysia store reflects TOMICA’s growing presence beyond Japan and China.

Located on Level 2, Ramlee Mall, Suria KLCC, the store adopts a Shop-in-Shop concept, designed to function both as a retail destination and an immersive information hub — a place where fans of all ages can experience TOMICA’s brand message:
“Only the Real Thing Moves.”

Step Inside the World of TOMICA

From the moment you arrive, the TOMICA Brand Store is hard to miss. The exterior is cleverly designed to resemble a giant TOMICA box, setting the tone for what’s inside. Highlights of the store include the impressive TOMICA Wall showcasing over 2,000 TOMICA diecast miniature cars, the striking Wheel Table centrepiece made of stacked wheels, the TOMICA Kidults Area dedicated to adult collectors with a playful spirit, a Recommended Corner spotlighting new and notable releases, as well as a TOMICA History Area that celebrates the brand’s rich heritage since 1970.

From Left: Carol Chua, Ochiai Kiyoshi, Saitoh Katsunori, Tan Ee Chian

Whether you’re a lifelong collector or introducing TOMICA to your children for the first time, the store is designed to spark nostalgia, curiosity, and excitement.
Celebrating 55 Years of TOMICA

First introduced in 1970 as Japan’s first palm-sized domestic diecast miniature car series, TOMICA was created with the idea of giving children miniature cars inspired by familiar Japanese makes. Over the decades, the brand has grown into a global phenomenon.

To date, more than 10,000 different TOMICA models have been released, with cumulative sales exceeding one billion cars worldwide as of December 2024, a testament to its enduring appeal across generations. The Malaysia opening also coincides with TOMICA’s 55th Anniversary, making the launch even more meaningful.

“We are pleased to open our first TOMICA Brand Store in Southeast Asia this year, which coincides with TOMICA’s 55th Anniversary. This store is certainly a must-visit showcase and experiential hub for enthusiasts and collectors to fully immerse themselves in TOMICA’s world of diecast miniature cars.”

Ochiai Kiyoshi, Managing Director of TOMY ASIA

He added that TOMY plans to continue expanding its brand store network across Asia to bring the TOMICA experience to fans worldwide.

Tan Ee Chian, Executive Director of Litt Tak Sdn Bhd, TOMICA’s official distributor in Malaysia for the past 40 years, described the opening as a significant milestone:


“The TOMICA Brand Store provides a dedicated platform to spotlight the brand’s extensive range — from timeless favourites to premium and limited-edition models — creating a more immersive and engaging experience than ever before.”

Meanwhile, Carol Chua, General Manager of Toys“R”Us (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, highlighted the partnership’s importance:


“Having TOMICA anchor our IP Flagship Collection Store at Suria KLCC elevates the entire concept, giving families, fans and collectors of all ages an inspiring destination that brings our brand promise ‘Live Toyful’ to life.”

Exclusive Merchandise & Launch Activities

Adding to the excitement, the store features two original TOMICA Brand Store products available exclusively in Malaysia, alongside selected original items from the TOMICA Shop in Japan.

Tyler Lim, 4.5yo who is a Tomica Collector

To celebrate the launch, visitors can look forward to special promotional gifts and branded giveaways, fun interactive activities such as Mosaic Art and White TOMICA Colouring, as well as Meet & Greet sessions with TOMICA mascot T-KUN, happening three times daily from 18 to 21 December 2025, with exact timings available in-store. A must-visit for fans, families and collectors alike, the TOMICA Brand Store at Suria KLCC is perfect for parents seeking meaningful toys, nostalgic adult collectors, and anyone who appreciates beautifully crafted miniatures. More than just a shop, it is a celebration of imagination, craftsmanship and a brand that has brought joy to generations for over half a century.

For more information

takaratomyasia.com | Instagram: @tomicasofficial_asia, @tomica_msia | Facebook: Tomica Malaysia

Ananti in Gangnam | The Korean Luxury Escape on My Wishlist

I’ve been in full-on planning mode for my next trip to Korea, bookmarking cafes, listing day trips, and scrolling through endless stay options. But while I usually travel smart and budget-friendly, there’s one place that’s earned a permanent spot on my “when I finally splurge” list: Ananti in Gangnam.

I first discovered it (where else?), on TikTok 😆. One random night of scrolling turned into a full-on deep dive into videos of this breathtaking place. The moment I saw that infinity pool, my jaw literally dropped. The pool looks like it stretches endlessly, surrounded by greenery and a serene city backdrop, the kind of view that just makes you want to pause life for a while. Then came the room tour… and wow. The bedroom looked absolutely massive, like a luxurious apartment rather than a hotel room. The high ceilings, warm lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows instantly gave it that I could live here forever vibe.

What makes it my ideal stay is how it perfectly balances sophistication with calm. The rooms are two-storey suites — which honestly makes it feel like you have your own private villa in the heart of Seoul. I love the idea of waking up, drawing the curtains, and seeing the skyline right from my bed. Then, heading downstairs to a cozy living space, brewing a cup of coffee, and stepping out onto a private terrace to take in the morning view of Gangnam, it sounds like the dream start to a day in the city.

And can we talk about the bathroom for a moment? Because it’s a whole experience. The design is sleek and modern, with clean marble tones and soft lighting that instantly gives spa energy. There’s a deep soaking tub right next to a large window — perfect for an evening soak while watching the city lights. The space looks so thoughtfully designed that even getting ready in the morning would feel luxurious.

Another reason I fell in love with Ananti at Gangnam is their breakfast experience. Before heading out to explore, guests can enjoy a beautiful breakfast spread filled with fresh pastries, fruits, and local dishes, all served in a calm, elegant space. It’s the kind of peaceful morning ritual that sets the tone for a slow, indulgent day ahead.

Now, let’s talk about the part that made my eyes widen just a little, the price. A night at Ananti at Gangnam can start from around ₩700,000 to ₩1,000,000 KRW (approximately USD 500–700) depending on the season and room type. Yep, definitely a splurge! But honestly, after seeing how gorgeous the space is, I totally get why people call it a “city resort.” It’s one of those stays that turns your trip into an experience, not just a place to sleep.

Ananti at Gangnam is the kind of luxury stay I’d love to experience one day, a serene sanctuary in the middle of buzzing Seoul, designed for rest, reflection, and a touch of indulgence.

So tell me, if you were planning your next trip to Korea, would Ananti in Gangnam make it onto your wishlist too? 🌊✨

Sunplay Skin Aqua Physical Sunscreen Tone Up Makes It Into the Malaysia Book of Records!

Third from Left: Siti Hajar binti Johor, Representative from the Malaysia Book Of Records

Fourth from Left: Ms Lim Mei Yuen, General Manager of Rohto-Mentholatum (M) Snd Bhd. 

When it comes to sun protection, few brands have made it as fun and inspiring as Sunplay! Recently, Sunplay, the trusted sunscreen brand under Rohto Mentholatum, made waves by earning a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR)for achieving the Most Participants in a Sunscreen Application Event! How cool is that? 🌞

Held at Lalaport Bukit Bintang City Centre, the record-breaking event brought together 250 participants, all applying the Sunplay Skin Aqua Physical Sunscreen Tone Up at the same time. With support from Watsons Malaysia, this event wasn’t just about setting a record, it was about spreading awareness on how simple and enjoyable daily sun protection can be.

What I personally love about the Sunplay Skin Aqua Physical Sunscreen Tone Up is that it’s formulated with sensitive, acne prone, and even pregnant skin in mind. It’s gentle, non irritating, and gives your skin that subtle rosy glow, the kind that makes you look fresh even on a no makeup day.
A Step Toward Better Skin Health

Sunplay’s initiative highlights something we often overlook, which is the importance of consistent sunscreen use. Whether it’s a sunny day out or a quick trip to the store, UV protection is key to long term skin health.

As shared by Lim Mei Yuen, General Manager of Mentholatum Sdn Bhd:

“This milestone reflects our commitment to making sun protection simple and effective for Malaysians. With Sunplay Skin Aqua Physical Sunscreen Tone Up, users enjoy superior protection with a natural rosy glow, lightweight comfort, lasting hydration, and a gentle formula free from harmful additives.”

Why This Sunscreen Deserves a Spot on Your Vanity

Here’s what makes the Sunplay Skin Aqua Physical Sunscreen Tone Up stand out:
🌸 Gentle and Non Irritating – Safe for sensitive, acne prone, and even pregnant skin.
✨ Instant Glow Up – The natural pink tint brightens your complexion for that effortless, fresh look.
☀️ 100 Percent Physical Sunscreen – Protects with Zinc Oxide for SPF50+ PA++++ broad spectrum coverage.
💧 5X Skincare Actives – Ceramide, Betaine, Moringa Seed Oil, Glycerin, and Rosa Damascena Flower Oil keep skin hydrated and healthy.
🌿 6X Free and Reef Friendly – No chemical UV filters, alcohol, parabens, or synthetic fragrance. Good for you and good for the planet.

Retailing at RM84.00, the Sunplay Skin Aqua Physical Sunscreen Tone Up is now available at leading pharmacies and online retailers nationwide.

So, if you’ve been looking for a sunscreen that’s light, gentle, and gives you that fresh rosy finish, this one’s definitely worth a try. After all, if it’s record breaking, it’s got to be that good, right? 😉

Find out more at Sunplay.com.my or check them out on social media:

📱 Facebook: MySUNPLAY

📸 Instagram: @sunplay_malaysia

🎵 TikTok: @sunplaymy

A Splashing Good Time at LEGOLAND Water Park with My Little Family

Travelling down from KL to Johor always feels like an adventure on its own, but this time, the journey was made even more exciting because we had one thing in mind, a full day of fun at the LEGOLAND Water Park before checking into the hotel. We left Kuala Lumpur at 7am sharp, made a quick stop in Johor for breakfast, and by 11am we were already at the entrance, ready to dive into a day of water play.

Its our first time at the Legoland Water Park

With two very energetic kids aged 6 and 4, I knew it was going to be a busy but memorable day. And honestly, it did not disappoint! From the moment we stepped in, the kids were squealing in excitement, running towards the colourful attractions.

A fun way to get wet under the sun

The jaw dropping attraction when the bucket is full.

Our first stop was the Joker Soaker, which instantly became the favourite spot for my little ones. Imagine huge splashes of water every five minutes, laughter filling the air, and kids of all ages running around. It was such a lively atmosphere that kept us there for most of the day. My 6 year old loved standing right under the big splash while my husband and I took turns watching and joining in.

He found a little pool at the tail of the crocodile

For my 4 year old, the Duple Splash Safari was the highlight. It is designed to be more baby friendly, with gentler slides and splash features, and I could see how comfortable he was just splashing around and playing without feeling overwhelmed. But what really caught his attention was the Build a Boat area. He spent so much time there, carefully piecing together his little LEGO boats and then proudly testing them on the artificial river. The look on his face as he watched them float and race down was priceless.

This was honestly my personal favourite. Just floating around without a worry.

We also spent some time at the LEGO Wave Pool, which surprised us with such a fun vibe. Instead of just floating about, it felt like a mini pool party with catchy songs, a dancing DJ energy, and even a digital coach on screen leading some fun movements. The kids were laughing, dancing, and splashing along while we joined in too.

One of the highlights for my husband and our 6 year old was the Red Rush slide. At first glance, it looks like a big scary slide, but I admired how it was toned down to a comfortable speed. This made it so much less intimidating for the kids, especially since it was her very first time on such a ride. The smile on her face at the end said it all — pure joy.

Theres a lever to release your creations down the stream

One of his favourite places to play with lego!

The Build a Raft River was another attraction we really enjoyed as a family. It takes you on a float around the entire water park, and along the way there are little surprises like splashes and playful water features. What made it extra special for me was that LEGO bricks were scattered in the water, so you could pick them up as you floated along. I even noticed some parents getting really invested, collecting the bricks and actually building rafts out of them while drifting, it was such a clever touch that brought out the creativity in both kids and adults. We also stopped by the Imagination Station, which was perfect for cooling off while letting the kids build and play at their own pace.

And for the adults, we indulged in some fried chicken!

You can never go wrong with these for the kids

By lunchtime, our tummies were rumbling, so we headed to one of the food outlets. The kids had their nuggets and cocktail sausages, while my husband and I shared fried chicken. Admittedly, the prices were a little on the steep side, but it was good enough to keep us going and give us the energy to jump back into the water.

She looks sad here cause we said we had to go. haha

We ended up leaving around 4pm, just in time to check into the LEGOLAND Hotel Resort. And let me tell you, dragging the kids out was no easy task. They had such a hard time saying goodbye because they wanted to stay longer, a clear sign that the water park had completely stolen their hearts.

Looking back, I think what made the day so special was how well the park catered to families like ours. There was something for both the kids and the adults, and it really felt like time flew by because we were having so much fun together. It was the perfect way to kickstart our LEGOLAND getaway, and I honestly cannot wait to see my kids’ faces the next time we return.

Parent Tips for Visiting LEGOLAND Water Park

Since I know many parents would appreciate a few practical notes, here are some tips based on our experience:

• Sunscreen is a must, especially with Malaysia’s hot weather. You and the kids will be under the sun most of the day.
• Bring extra clothes and your own towels. The changing rooms are convenient, but towels are not provided.
• Locker rental is available and very handy. The smallest locker costs RM35, which was enough for us to store our essentials.
• You will dry off pretty quickly under the sun, so no worries if you don’t want to carry too much.
• Protect your phone. A waterproof pouch is super useful if you plan on taking photos in the water. They do sell it at the waterpark store, but I was surprised by the price — RM149 per bag. Better to bring your own if you have one at home.
• Swimwear is also available for purchase at the park if you come unprepared, though of course, bringing your own is always the most budget friendly choice.

If you’re a parent, educator, or even a student who wants to dive deeper into what LEGOLAND is doing to spark creativity, you can always check out the LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort homepage. They also share the latest promotions and activities on Facebook, and Instagram, so it’s easy to stay updated.

Discovering the World in Miniature at LEGOLAND® Malaysia’s MINILAND

Being a Sarawak girlie, I was so happy to see the old court house!

Walking through LEGOLAND® Malaysia’s MINILAND honestly felt like stepping into a whole new world. I have always been a huge admirer of architecture and culture, and this time, I felt like I was traveling across Malaysia and beyond without ever leaving Johor. It was such a unique experience that I knew it deserved its very own post.

It's literally a whole cite of every state in Malaysia!

The very first thing that struck me was how beautifully each Malaysian destination was brought to life. Every state has its own character, and here in MINILAND, you could see it reflected in the intricate details of the builds. From historical landmarks to cultural highlights, it was like being reminded of how diverse and beautiful Malaysia truly is. I found myself pausing at every corner, appreciating how each state has its own story to tell through its architecture, festive activities, and even the little LEGO Minilanders scattered around living their everyday life. It made me even more intrigued to one day revisit some of these places in real life.

Like, it literally had every detail right from my hometown! I was mind blown!

They even had the Magunatip Dance setting

And here, we have the whole setting of the Taj Mahal. 

And then there were the regional and global icons. The Taj Mahal stood tall and majestic, capturing the elegance of one of the world’s most admired wonders. The Angkor Wat display from Siem Reap was equally breathtaking. The way the LEGO bricks captured the temple’s ancient beauty and symmetry was just mesmerizing. And of course, one of the highlights was the newly refreshed MINILAND Singapore, featuring landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer, and the Merlion fountain that even shoots out water when you press a button. Watching my kids’ eyes light up as they pressed the interactive buttons to make vehicles move or hear sound effects made the experience even more special.

Since I've visited Angkor Wat, its pretty accurate when it comes to the detailing

What really surprised me was how much effort went into making MINILAND more than just something you look at. It was immersive. There were buttons that triggered movement and sounds, making each display come alive. One of my favourite corners was the LEGO Garden, where classical music played softly in the background, and there was even a subtle sense of fragrance in the air. It appealed to all the senses, sight, sound, and even smell, making the journey so much richer and memorable.

Other than this garden being filled with Lego flowers, it even had a floral fragrant scent too!

I have to say the attention to detail completely blew me away. It is not easy to capture the essence of a building or a cultural landmark in such a small scale, and yet, here it was, meticulously recreated, brick by brick. Whether it was the shape of the domes, the symmetry of a façade, or the vibrant colours of a festival scene, every model carried its own charm. To me, this was not just play, it was an appreciation of design, heritage, and storytelling.

Here we have the kids admiring the beauty of MINILAND, they were litrally running EVERYWHERE!

What made it even more heartwarming was watching my toddlers, aged 4 and 6, exploring with so much excitement. The minute we stepped into MINILAND, they gave out the loudest “wow,” and for the entire walk, they were just as invested as I was. It is rare to find an attraction that appeals equally to both adults and kids, but this one managed to do it effortlessly. I thought it would be a quick stop, but it ended up being one of the highlights of our day at LEGOLAND.

The forbidden City in Beijing

Singapore honestly was its own attraction of the whole island

I honestly left MINILAND feeling inspired. Inspired by how beautiful Malaysia is, how rich our neighbouring countries are in culture and history, and how LEGO managed to capture it all in such a creative and interactive way. It reminded me of the power of design, how something as simple as tiny bricks could spark curiosity, encourage travel, and even educate in the most playful way possible.

I mean, the detailing of construction? I just cant! Too cute ~

Honestly, this spot is such a gem and you will definitely want to take your time wandering around. The photos I snapped along the way say it all, because no amount of words can truly capture the level of detail and artistry here. The best part? I can now cheekily say I have travelled through every state in Malaysia, ticking them off one by one, just in LEGO size this time.

If you’re a parent, educator, or even a student who wants to dive deeper into what LEGOLAND is doing to spark creativity, you can always check out the LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort homepage. They also share the latest promotions and activities on Facebook, and Instagram, so it’s easy to stay updated.