BRICKFEST 2025 at LEGOLAND® Malaysia!

May 27, 2025 by LerLer Chan

ISKANDAR PUTERI, 26 May 2025 – BRICKFEST 2025 is now in full swing at LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort — a four-month LEGO® extravaganza and the longest-running LEGO festival in Southeast Asia. Running through 21 September 2025, BRICKFEST transforms the park into a colourful world of creativity, play, and imagination — with new activities, shows, and surprises unfolding every month.

Whether you’re an expert builder or a young explorer, there’s something for every LEGO fan. From family-friendly competitions and daily park-wide missions to DIY workshops and a regional school showdown, BRICKFEST promises an ever-evolving experience that brings guests back again and again. And when you’re ready to take a break from building, dive into the fun with our signature rides and attractions — from LEGO® NINJAGO® The Ride to the Dragon Coaster and the world’s first LEGO® VR Roller Coaster.

Brick by Brick: The Festival Experience

The heart of BRICKFEST lies in the BrickFest Pass — your all-access pass to complete park-wide challenges, earn stamps, and redeem exclusive LEGO prizes. Festival highlights include:

Minifigure Trade Corner – Swap, connect and grow your minifigure collection
Creative Club – Build themed creations like “Mini Games” or “Underwater World”
LEGO Speed Champs – Build and race your own LEGO car to victory
Fun & Craft Station – Design LEGO heart keychains or help complete a giant mural
Daily Entertainment – Meet LEGO characters like Ninja Kai, pirates, wizards, and more
Bricks Adventure (DUPLO® Zone) – Perfect for little hands and big imaginations

New Every Month: BRICKFEST That Grows With You

Unlike typical events, BRICKFEST evolves each month with rotating builds, new challenges, and refreshed entertainment. You might spend one visit exploring the ancient ruins of “Legend of the Lost Kingdom” in Land of Adventure — and another decorating a flower model for the LEGO® Flower Garden at MINILAND.

“At LEGOLAND Malaysia, we believe creativity brings people together, and BRICKFEST 2025 is our biggest celebration of that yet,” said Cs Lim, Vice President of LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort. “Whether you’re visiting for the day or in for the four-month adventure, we’re inviting fans of all ages to build, play, and connect with us in the spirit of LEGO imagination and community.”

Celebrating Creativity, Culture & Champions — The BRICKFEST Finale Begins:

As August and September roll in, BRICKFEST transforms into a vibrant tribute to Malaysian pride, creativity, and community, all leading up to a spectacular finale.

Big Build Activity (1 August onwards)
Get creative in the “I ❤️ MY LEGOLAND” Big Build zone! Guests will use colourful LEGO bricks and special decorative parts to accessorize and complete a giant LEGO photo installation — built by the community, for the community.
Merdeka Celebration (31 August)
Join us on Malaysia’s Big Day! Take part in the Merdeka Costume Contest, and capture your moment next to a stunning LEGO-built Malaysian flag and map — the perfect photo opp!
Malaysia Day (16 September)
Celebrate unity in diversity with Malaysia-themed LEGO builds. Guests can contribute small creations inspired by Malaysian icons and help decorate the park’s signature LEGO built Malaysia flag and map display.
LEGOLAND’s 13th Anniversary (13–15 September)
Help us blow out the candles! Join the party with a giant LEGO cake display, park-wide games, and lucky draws with exclusive LEGO prizes.
Grand Finale: LEGOLAND School Challenge 2025
September ends with a bang as top student teams from across the region go head-to-head in a thrilling Mega Speed Build Finale — competing for the ultimate prize: a trip to Korea!

BRICKFEST Challenge: Build from Home, Win from Home

The creativity continues beyond the park! Join our #BrickFestHomeChallenge online. A new theme will be revealed weekly on social media — submit your builds using the hashtag and tag @legolandmalaysia to win prizes worth up to RM1,000.

Malaysia’s Ultimate Family Deal: Annual Pass at Day Ticket Price

Malaysians can unlock the full four-month festival (and more!) with our Annual Pass promo — get a full year of LEGOLAND fun for the price of a single day ticket.

Visit LEGOLAND Malaysia’s website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for ticketing and full event details.

by LerLer Chan lerlerchan

Follow me at Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Google+ | Linkedin

Ler Travel Diary is using Server Freak Web Hosting and Slack Social.

To be a smart saver, check out ShopBack for more information.

Enjoy SGD5 discount voucher on KLOOK by using promo code 53E7UD

Need discount for Quillbot

Asia’s Biggest LEGO® School Challenge 2025

May 26, 2025 by LerLer Chan

ISKANDAR PUTERI, 15 May 2025 – Ready, set, build! The most anticipated LEGO® school event in Asia is back—and it’s bigger, bolder, and more inspiring than ever. The LEGOLAND® Malaysia School Challenge 2025, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Education, kicks off its fourth edition with a mission to unlock the boundless creativity of students across the region.

Since its inception in 2022, the Challenge has become a regional phenomenon. Following record-breaking participation in 2024, this year promises an even more thrilling experience, packed with new features and prizes that spark imagination and ignite a passion for learning.

New Theme, New Thrills: “Build Your Dream Destination”

Now open to three age categories (7–9, 10–12, and 13–17), the 2025 edition challenges students to design their ideal travel destination using LEGO bricks. Whether it’s a futuristic underwater world, an island of imagination, or a dreamland among the stars, participants are encouraged to combine creativity, storytelling, and technical building skills to bring magical destinations to life.

What’s New in 2025?

Two major updates make this year’s Challenge truly unmissable:

Grand Prizes Go Global: Winners from the Primary and Secondary Categories will experience a trip to LEGOLAND Korea, while Junior Category champions will enjoy a getaway at LEGOLAND Malaysia.

Speed Building Showdown: For the first time, the finale will feature a high-energy Speed Building Challenge. The Top 5 finalist teams in each category will compete live in front of a judging panel and audience, racing against the clock to create an original LEGO build in just 45 minutes.

Each finalist team will also enjoy a 3D2N stay at LEGOLAND Hotel, receive exclusive LEGO trophies, exciting LEGO sets, and Annual Passes to LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort.

Inspiring Young Innovators: A Story of Growth

Among the Challenge’s most inspiring alumni is Nathanael Yap, a three-time Grand Prize winner. At the launch event, he shared:

“Being part of the LEGOLAND School Challenge for three years in a row was honestly one of the best parts of my school life. Every year, I got to team up with friends, solve problems in creative ways, and build something we were proud of — brick by brick. It taught me how fun learning can be when you get to think outside the box.

Even though I’ve graduated and can’t take part anymore, the experience has stayed with me. As I look ahead to university and start thinking more seriously about my future, I realise how much the Challenge helped shape my interests — especially in areas like design, engineering, and creative thinking. I’m excited to see what this year’s participants will build, and I hope they take the chance to push themselves and discover what they’re capable of.”

His story reflects what the Challenge is all about – empowering young minds to explore, imagine, and create.

Shaping Future Creators, One Brick at a Time

Cs Lim, Vice President of LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, remarked:

“The LEGOLAND School Challenge has always been more than just a competition. As an event centered around our LEGO DNA of learning through play, it helps cultivate essential skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and innovation in our future leaders. Since we expanded last year to include participation from schools across Asia, this has also become an avenue for cultural exchange for students and teachers alike. We look forward to welcoming more participants this year across the region and seeing their creativity unleashed.”

The 2025 Challenge is proudly supported by the Ministry of Education, Tourism Malaysia, Trip.com Group, and the LEGO Group—all sharing a common goal: to ignite the passions of the next generation of builders, dreamers, and doers.

Stephane Thong, General Manager, Trip.com Malaysia, shared:

“As a global platform, Trip.com strives to bring people from all cultures and backgrounds together, forging a better world through the power of travel. This partnership with LEGOLAND is a natural extension of our commitment to fostering communities, especially as this year’s theme of ‘Build Your Dream Destination’ resonates strongly with our brand. We’re proud to support this inspiring initiative by awarding this year’s Grand Prize winners with an unforgettable journey to Korea, and believe it will help broaden their horizons as they experience this vibrant country’s cultures and traditions. We’re excited to see how this year’s participants bring their imaginations to life!”

A yellow and green flyer with text and imagesAI-generated content may be incorrect.

Register for the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2025

The competition is open to students aged 7 to 17 across three separate categories:

Junior: Ages 7 to 9
Primary: Ages 10 to 12
Secondary: Ages 13 to 17

Each team must consist of 3-4 students and 1 teacher. Registration is open from now until 15 June 2025 via https://www.legoland.com.my/tickets-passes/day-tickets/schools/school-challenge/. Follow us for updates, tips and behind the scenes on Facebook and Instagram.

by LerLer Chan lerlerchan

Discover the World’s First LEGO® Flower Garden – Exclusively at LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort

May 2, 2025 by LerLer Chan

Step into a lively floral wonderland at LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort with the grand opening of its newest attraction, the LEGO® Flower Garden MINILAND! Covering over 4,100 square feet, this one-of-a-kind experience is set to amaze visitors of all ages starting April 28, 2025.

Meticulously assembled from more than 792,000 bricks, the LEGO Flower Garden beautifully merges the art of brick-building with the charm of nature. This vibrant and enchanting display showcases 58 different types of LEGO flowers from the LEGO Botanicals collection, including Wildflower Bouquets, Sunflowers, Orchids, Bonsai Trees, and Cherry Blossoms.

Additionally, a larger-than-life, custom LEGO model of the Rafflesia takes center stage, celebrating Southeast Asia’s iconic bloom.

Upon entering the Garden, guests will find themselves in a whimsical realm where LEGO magic meets lush greenery:

A Seamless Blend: Real plants, artificial greenery, and LEGO creations unite to form a dynamic, refreshing, and immersive landscape.

LEGO Wildlife Surprises: Enhancing the lifelike and picturesque scene, unique LEGO animals are scattered throughout the area. Beautiful butterflies perch gently among the flora, while brightly colored birds sit on branches and in nests.

Water Wonder: A stunning LEGO water feature borders the Garden, home to playful LEGO frogs and charming LEGO fish nestled among the LEGO water plants display.

The bloom continues in every corner of the LEGO Flower Garden in MINILAND:

Snap Away: Strike a pose at the colorful Feature Wall or under the whimsical Dome—it’s Instagram-ready from every angle.

Wander and Wonder: Stroll through vibrant displays, uncover fun flower facts, and spot surprise LEGO details hidden throughout the garden.

Get Hands-on Building: Learn insider tips and tricks straight from the master at the Master Model Builder Workshop, where guests will discover how to creatively repurpose old LEGO bricks into brand-new floral masterpieces.

Whether transforming the wheels of an old LEGO car into petals of a blooming rose or turning forgotten pieces into a charming bonsai tree or a bright bouquet, the possibilities are endless. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, there’s no better time to put your heart into a handmade LEGO flower—a thoughtful, unique gift built with love.

“We’re thrilled to introduce this amazing new addition to our MINILAND area, marking another milestone on our journey to establish ourselves as the ultimate family-friendly destination in the region. The LEGO Flower Garden is a work of art that showcases the endless creativity of LEGO bricks while providing an educational, immersive, and engaging experience. We look forward to welcoming families, aspiring builders, nature lovers, and visitors to come learn, play, and be inspired by the wonders of both LEGO and nature,” said Cs Lim, Vice President of LEGOLAND Malaysia.

Annual Pass holders, rejoice! The MINILAND LEGO Flower Garden will be open for an exclusive preview ahead of its official launch. Get a sneak peek into this botanical wonderland, enjoy an in-depth tour complete with behind-the-scenes insights, join special LEGO Plant building workshops, capture photo opportunities, and more before the general public.

For more information, visit the LEGOLAND Malaysia homepage or visit our Facebook and Instagram for details and tickets.

by LerLer Chan lerlerchan

Drama Emerald Hill: Xin Niang’s Blueprint for Real Estate Success in the 1970s

April 25, 2025 by LerLer Chan

The drama “Emerald Hill” captivates audiences with its rich storytelling and vibrant characters, none more intriguing than Xin Niang. As the series unfolds, viewers witness her remarkable journey from a humble junk collector to a savvy real estate investor. This blog delves into the historical and economic backdrop of Singapore during the 1970s, exploring how Xin Niang’s strategic decisions and resilience could realistically lead to her family’s success in the real estate market. By examining the transformative housing policies and economic growth of the era, we uncover the blueprint behind Xin Niang’s inspiring rise in the bustling city-state of Singapore.

History Context

During the period from 1964 to 1983, Singapore underwent a remarkable economic transformation. In 1965, about 30% of the population lived in slums and squatter housing, but by 1980, this figure had dramatically shifted, with 67% of the population residing in HDB flats, and over 80% by 1985. The Housing Development Board (HDB) played a crucial role in this transformation, constructing over 334,000 flats by 1980, a significant increase from the 21,000 units built by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) before 1960. The introduction of the Central Provident Fund (CPF) financing scheme in 1968 further boosted home ownership, with 62% of HDB flats owned by residents by 1984. This period also saw the rise of successful real estate entrepreneurs like Ng Teng Fong, CEO of Far East Organization, illustrating the potential for strategic investment in the booming real estate market.

To add on, Singapore saw significant changes in its urban landscape, driven by government-led urban renewal and redevelopment efforts. Many UK businessmen and other expatriates sold their businesses, houses, and assets, particularly in prime central areas such as the Central Business District (CBD) and adjacent districts. The Golden Shoe District, an 80-acre prime plot in the heart of the city, was a major focus of redevelopment, transforming into a financial and banking hub with modern office towers and commercial buildings. Additionally, following the British military drawdown completed by 1971, substantial tracts of land and assets formerly owned by the British forces were repurposed for civilian uses, including industrial and residential development. The government’s land acquisition policies and urban renewal programs facilitated these changes, encouraging sales to developers and transforming Singapore’s property market. This period of rapid redevelopment and asset sales provided ample opportunities for strategic real estate investments, setting the stage for potential success stories like Xin Niang’s family in the drama “Emerald Hill.”

Xin Niang Strategy

After the death of her mother Shu Qi, Xin Niang faced significant financial challenges and moved into her mother’s ancestral home. With no steady income, she resorted to collecting junk to make ends meet. In 1975, she encountered Edward, a UK boss of a wine bar, who was eager to sell his business due to the departure of the British military and his own plans to return to the UK (Episode 26 1:37). Recognizing an opportunity, Xin Niang decided to purchase the wine bar, strategically located near the Sembawang Naval Base, an area undergoing transformation from military use to civilian development (Episode 26 2:45). Leveraging her resourcefulness, she capitalized on the changing landscape, where former military lands were being repurposed for industrial and residential use. Xin Niang’s decision to invest in this business was driven by the potential for growth in the area, as well as the influx of new residents and businesses. Her ability to adapt and seize opportunities in a rapidly evolving market laid the foundation for her family’s success in real estate during the 1970s.

Why I Guess Sembawang area?

I guessed the Sembawang area for several reasons. Historically, Sembawang and the Bukit Sembawang area were known for their extensive rubber plantations, managed by the Bukit Sembawang Rubber Company. This region transitioned from gambier and pepper plantations to pineapple and rubber plantations before becoming more urbanized post-1950. Additionally, the Sembawang Naval Base, located in the northern part of Singapore, was the largest British naval facility in the region. Completed in 1938, it covered about 21 square miles and included the largest dry dock in the world at that time. After the British withdrawal in 1971, the base was handed over to the Singapore government and converted into a commercial shipyard, known as Sembawang Shipyard. The base also hosted the last British naval units until 1975 and later served as a logistics and support hub under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA). Given these historical and geographical factors, it is plausible that Xin Niang’s investment in the wine bar was strategically located in the Sembawang area, capitalizing on the region’s transition and development opportunities.

Securing Funding: Xin Niang’s Path to Real Estate

In the drama, Xin Niang mentions her plan to purchase a row of six shophouses. Based on available information, a two-storey shophouse in Sembawang during the early 1970s could have been valued at approximately SGD 3,000 per unit. This estimate aligns with anecdotal references to property prices in the area, considering its relatively undeveloped and suburban nature compared to central Singapore districts.

The departure of British forces in the early 1970s left behind colonial bungalows and properties in Sembawang, which were leased out by the HDB with modest rents. Sembawang was transitioning from a naval base and rural area to a more industrial and residential district, with commercial properties like shophouses serving local communities and workers. Given this context, the estimated price of around SGD 3,000 per shophouse is plausible.

To fund her investment, Xin Niang relied on several key contributors. The major investor for her seed funding was Jin Shu, a lifelong junk collector with substantial savings. Additionally, her mother’s maid contributed to the investment, and her eldest brother, Yao Guang, provided the remaining portion. Together, these sources of funding enabled Xin Niang to secure the necessary capital to purchase the row of shophouses, setting the stage for her family’s success in real estate.

Conclusion

Xin Niang’s journey from a junk collector to a successful real estate investor in the drama “Emerald Hill” is a testament to resilience and strategic foresight. By understanding the economic and historical context of Singapore during the 1970s, we can see how her investments were well-timed and positioned for growth. The transformation of areas like Sembawang, driven by urban renewal and the repurposing of former British military lands, provided fertile ground for real estate ventures. Xin Niang’s ability to recognize and seize opportunities in a rapidly changing market underscores the importance of adaptability and vision in achieving success. Her story not only reflects the dynamic economic landscape of Singapore but also serves as an inspiring example of how determination and strategic thinking can lead to remarkable achievements.

*This blog post has been co-authored with the assistance of Copilot and Perplexity, which were utilized for fact-checking, validating assumptions and improved grammar and clarity.

References:

by LerLer Chan lerlerchan

Discover Johor Bahru Food 2025

April 22, 2025April 12, 2025 by LerLer Chan

Get ready for an exciting month in Johor Bahru! 🌟 Professional AI Engineering classes, organized by TheLead IO, will be held on April 26-27, 2025. Following this, WordCamp Johor Bahru 2025 will take place on May 17, 2025, bringing together WordPress enthusiasts from all over the region.

As a proud Johorean, I am thrilled to share my recommendations for the best food spots and hangout places around Johor Bahru. Whether you’re attending the AI engineering classes or WordCamp, make sure to explore the culinary delights and vibrant attractions in Sutera Utama, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, and Gelang Patah. From halal, non-halal, and vegetarian restaurants to exciting destinations like the JDT Football Stadium and LEGOLAND Malaysia, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.