Motherhood

A Celebration of Love and Luxury at Marriott Bonvoy Wedding Showcase 2025, powered by AFFIN Group
Eisya Ereena
April 04, 2025
4 min
Love is in the air, and Marriott Bonvoy is set to transform wedding dreams into reality with the highly anticipated Marriott Bonvoy Wedding Showcase 2025.

Set to take place on 26 and 27 April 2025 at The Starhill Atrium, this two-day event brings together 21 Marriott Bonvoy hotels and resorts across Malaysia, offering a stunning array of wedding venues, curated experiences, and bespoke services that promise to transform every love story into a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

With the theme ‘Coastal Luxe: Waves of Romance’, this year's showcase embraces ocean-inspired beauty, blending serenity with sophistication.

For couples envisioning a grand ballroom affair, a tranquil garden ceremony, a sun-kissed beach wedding, an intimate glasshouse reception, or even an exclusive private island experience, bride and groom-to-be will discover endless possibilities to bring their fairytale nuptials to life.

Sponsored by AFFIN Group, guests will explore a bevy of wedding venues, interact with top-tier wedding vendors, and enjoy captivating experiences designed to inspire for two immersive days. Highlights include:
- - Bridal Fashion Shows by The Proposal and Gelly Wee Bridal House: Showcasing the latest in wedding couture, featuring exquisite designs from Oscar de la Renta, Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier, Vivienne Westwood, Galia Lahav, Alex Perry and Ellie Saab. Expect a stunning display of elegance, romance, and modern sophistication, bringing the finest bridal trends to life.
  - Live Performances: Surrender to the enchanting serenade of a string quartet, the soulful notes of a violinist, the evocative tones of an Er Hu, and the ethereal harmonies of a harp ensemble
  - Augmented Reality and Virtual Try-Ons: Experience the future of bridal fashion with cutting-edge experiences such as augmented reality try-ons, allowing brides to envision themselves in their dream dress with just a touch of technology. Additionally, they can explore a 360° virtual view of respective wedding venues, bringing their wedding vision to life like never before.
  - Jewelry Showcase: Discover dazzling collections, perfect for the big day.
  - Elevated Wedding Beverages: hétam+ offers interactive specialty coffee wedding pop-ups, BoomGrow elevates mocktails with sustainably grown greens, and WonderBrew Kombucha Malaysia provides organic kombucha for a healthy wedding beverage experience.
'The Marriott Bonvoy Wedding Showcase 2025 is more than just an event - it's a celebration of love and the promise of beautiful beginnings.

We are incredibly excited to witness the dreams of couples materialise.

We have meticulously curated an unparalleled experience, one that we are confident will exceed all expectations.

Couples stand a chance to win exclusive prizes, including a partially sponsored wedding by Marriott Bonvoy, luxurious honeymoon stay at our finest resort, and the opportunity to earn 250,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

This showcase reaffirms our unwavering commitment to providing truly exceptional wedding experiences, and we are eager to share this with all of Malaysia,' said Ramesh Jackson, Regional Vice President, Indonesia and Malaysia, Marriott International.
Exclusive Offers and Grand Prizes

Marriott Bonvoy is elevating the wedding planning journey with exciting rewards for couples who confirm their wedding during the showcase, including:
- Wedding on Us: Marriott Bonvoy will cover up to MYR150,000 towards a couple’s wedding package at its portfolio of hotels and resorts across Malaysia.
- Honeymoon on Us: A luxurious 4D3N honeymoon at The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, complete with business-class flights from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi for two.
- Points On Us: 250,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points, redeemable for unforgettable stays, global experiences, and even significantly, towards your dream wedding
Couples who confirm and pay for their wedding at the event will stand a chance to win these luxurious gifts in a special contest.

To qualify, couples must:
- Enroll as a Marriott Bonvoy member
- Share their love story by writing a short piece on why they wish to host their wedding with Marriott Bonvoy. Submit the story via the QR Code at the Marriott Bonvoy booth during the event
- Capture a special moment at the wedding fair
- Post it on Instagram with the event’s official hashtag #WeddingsMalaysia
A World of Wedding Possibilities

From the exquisite opulence of The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur to the island paradise of Perhentian Marriott Resort and Spa, the showcase features an unrivaled selection of Marriott Bonvoy hotels and resorts, each offering bespoke wedding packages tailored to every couple’s vision.

Participating properties include:
- Luxury & Iconic Venues: The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, W Kuala Lumpur, The St. Regis Langkawi, JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur, The Majestic KL
- Breathtaking Beach and Island Destinations: The Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa, Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa
- Elegant City and Garden Weddings: Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya Marriott Hotel, Palm Garden Hotel – A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Grand and Unique Ballrooms: Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur, The Westin Kuala Lumpur, Le Méridien Putrajaya, Sheraton Petaling Jaya, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre, Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Element Kuala Lumpur, Courtyard by Marriott Kuala Lumpur South, Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam, Courtyard by Marriott Penang, Courtyard Marriott Melaka.
Your Journey to ‘I Do’ Begins Here

Min Luna Creative Agency, the savant organiser and the imaginative force behind this year’s showcase design together with expert wedding planners, vendors, exceptional venues, and unmatched hospitality, this event is designed to bring dream weddings to life as couples begin their journey together as one.

Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of AFFIN Group, said, 'As we commemorate AFFIN’s 50th anniversary, this collaboration with Marriott Bonvoy for the prestigious wedding showcase marks a significant milestone in our AX28 transformation journey.

It reflects our commitment to delivering Unrivalled Customer Service, through strategic partnerships that align with the evolving life stages of our affluent clientele.

At AFFIN, we take pride in offering more than financial solutions, curating lasting memories steeped in elegance, service excellence, and the enduring values that have defined us for five decades.'

Save the date and embark on your journey to forever with Marriott Bonvoy this 26 & 27 April 2025.

For more information on participating hotels and vendors, check out Weddings by Marriott Bonvoy: Malaysia Showcase 2025.

Guests are invited to experience an unforgettable getaway with Marriott Bonvoy.

Members are eligible for complimentary Late Checkout, Welcome Gift, Enhanced Room Upgrade, and more. Earn and redeem points for free nights at any participating Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of hotels and resorts, at over 30 hotel brands in 10,000 global destinations.

To enrol for free, visit Join Marriott Bonvoy

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!
IHH Healthcare Malaysia Strengthens Emergency Care Through Nationwide GP - Accident and Emergency Collaboration
Eisya Ereena
April 04, 2025
2 min
IHH Healthcare Malaysia, a leading private healthcare provider with a network of 18 hospitals nationwide, has successfully rolled out a series of Accident and Emergency (A&E) Collaboration events with General Practitioners (GPs) across the Central, Northern, and Southern regions, reinforcing the role of GPs as frontline partners in emergency care.

This initiative highlights IHH Healthcare Malaysia’s commitment to deliver timely, high-quality care by fostering stronger, seamless coordination between primary care providers and hospital emergency teams across its network, which includes Gleneagles Hospitals, Island Hospital, Pantai Hospitals, Prince Court Medical Centre and Timberland Medical Centre.

To operationalise this collaboration, IHH Healthcare Malaysia has implemented several key measures to enhance patient safety, streamline A&E referrals and optimise continuity of care:
- Timely Patient Updates for GPs: GPs will receive timely clinical updates on patients referred to A&E departments across IHH Healthcare Malaysia’s hospitals, ensuring continuity of care and informed follow-up management.
- Direct Access to A&E Teams: Dedicated phone lines will allow GPs to connect directly with A&E teams for urgent referrals, enabling prompt decision-making and early intervention.
- Seamless Two-Way Communication: Structured communication channels between GPs and A&E departments will ensure smoother patient clinical handovers, real-time updates and coordinated care delivery.
- GP Masterclasses & Practical Sessions: Expert-led sessions will equip GPs with up- to-date clinical skills in emergency care, including ENT emergencies, fracture recognition, suturing techniques and ECG interpretation.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Training: To boost pre-hospital emergency readiness, GPs and their teams will receive training in CPR, AED and essential emergency response.
The inaugural events saw participation from GPs representing over 130 clinics across Malaysia, demonstrating strong interest and commitment from the primary care community in enhancing emergency response capabilities.

Jean-François Naa, CEO of IHH Healthcare Malaysia, said, 'Primary care is the foundation of a resilient healthcare system, and GPs are often the first point of contact for patients.

Through this collaboration, we are strengthening that vital role – ensuring GPs have direct access, streamlined referral pathways and timely clinical support when patients need hospital care.

Our goal is to deliver comprehensive care at every stage of the patient journey, with seamless continuity from clinic to hospital and back.'

Dr Jeewadas Baladas, Consultant Emergency Physician and Head of Emergency Services at IHH Healthcare Malaysia, said, 'From pre-hospital care to A&E admission and beyond, every step in the patient journey is vital.

Closer collaboration between GPs and our A&E teams ensures timely, evidence-based care for patients when clinically indicated.

Our 18 A&E departments follow a standardised triaging system and clinical pathways, ensuring consistent, high-quality emergency care.'

The nationwide rollout of this collaboration marks a step forward in redefining emergency care delivery in Malaysia.

By bridging the gap between GPs and emergency departments through timely access, structured communication and shared clinical responsibility, IHH Healthcare Malaysia is setting new standards for responsiveness, coordination, and excellence in patient care.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!
Malaysia’s Legacy Crisis: 85% Are Unprepared to Secure Their Family’s Future: Sun Life Malaysia Insurance Literacy Survey 2024/25
Eisya Ereena
March 28, 2025
4 min
85% of Malaysians face a looming legacy crisis without a ﬁnancial legacy plan in place.

This conclusion is highlighted in a Sun Life Malaysia’s survey 'Insure or Unsure: Sun Life Insurance Literacy Survey 2025' examining Malaysians' level of knowledge and behaviour towards insurance literacy and legacy planning.

The survey reported that only a small percentage of Malaysians have taken concrete steps towards family wealth planning, despite the majority possessing a self-perceived understanding of the subject.

The survey was conducted among 1,040 Malaysians across different income brackets and geographical locations.
A Society at Risk

Raymond Lew, President/Country Head of Sun Life Malaysia

The survey revealed a troubling disconnect: while 65% of Malaysians acknowledge the importance of legacy planning, only 15% have taken concrete steps to safeguard their family’s ﬁnancial future.

Proactive planners tend to utilise tools such as insurance/Takaful (71%), trust funds (53%), and wills (44%), yet the majority remain unprepared, leaving their families vulnerable to ﬁnancial instability, potential conﬂicts, and the absence of intergenerational wealth transfer.

'We are building upon our previous year’s survey which focused on how insurance and takaful literacy impacts ﬁnancial wellness.

In this second edition, we aim to delve deeper by exploring how ﬁnancial legacy planning impacts ﬁnancial security,' said Raymond Lew, President/Country Head of Sun Life Malaysia.

'Unfortunately, the results shine a spotlight on a worrying phenomenon.

The majority of families are unprepared, placing their loved ones at signiﬁcant risk of ﬁnancial insecurity.

With a more uniﬁed approach that respects cultural nuances and provides accessible tools, we can reverse this trend and secure brighter futures for Malaysian families.'

Among the 65% who recognise the need for legacy planning, 60% are married, 34% are single, and 6% are divorced, widowed, or separated, suggesting that married individuals with children are most aware of the need to secure wealth within their families.

Without a solid plan, however, they still risk the ﬁnancial security of their dependents.

The ﬁndings also highlight that cultural and religious beliefs signiﬁcantly shape legacy planning practices, particularly among Malay respondents who favor Islamic inheritance tools such as Hibah (a gift) and Wasiat (Islamic wills), in adherence to Shariah law.

These practices underscore the importance of culturally tailored guidance to meet the diverse needs of Malaysian families.

Encouragingly, 54% of those who have initiated legacy planning sought professional advice, indicating a growing trust in experts to navigate the complexities of legacy planning.

However, for families without clear plans, the lack of professional guidance or culturally appropriate tools increases the likelihood of disputes, especially in Malaysia’s diverse and increasingly blended family structures.
Barriers Preventing Progress

The survey revealed systemic obstacles that hinder Malaysians from prioritising legacy planning.
- Financial Constraints (41%): Low-income families face the greatest hurdles, with 68% of non-planners earning below RM5,249/month.
- Lack of Knowledge (39%): Many Malaysians remain unsure of how to begin, highlighting a lack of accessible resources and guidance.
- Competing Financial Goals (35%): Immediate needs often overshadow long-term planning, especially among single individuals and childless couples.
The Silent Wealth Divide

The ﬁndings expose a growing wealth gap in legacy planning.

Among high-income earners with more than RM5,000 monthly household income, 72% view legacy planning as critical.

Conversely, only 45% of low-income earners with less than RM2,000 monthly household income view legacy planning as important.

Additionally, among 11% of survey respondents who have not taken any steps towards legacy planning, 68% belong to the lower-income group and are completely disengaged from the topic, creating a ticking time bomb for wealth inequality.
Family Feuds on the Horizon

The lack of legacy planning exacerbates the risk of disputes among heirs, with 48% of Malaysians citing minimising conﬂicts as a top priority.

Blended and mixed-culture families, however, lead by example, with 82% actively discussing their plans compared to less proactive nuclear households.

'Without a solid plan, families are left vulnerable to ﬁnancial turmoil and relational rifts–an issue that is particularly pronounced in Malaysia’s multicultural landscape and with the growing prevalence of blended families,' added Raymond Lew.

'We often witness how the absence of proper ﬁnancial planning leads to not only ﬁnancial hardship but also strained relationships among family members left behind.

This underscores the critical need to prioritise family wealth management early to safeguard both ﬁnancial security and familial harmony.'
Improved Literacy but Not Enough

Self-perceived insurance/takaful literacy or understanding levels improved from 28% in 2023 to 35% in 2024, attributed to initiatives like Sun Life Malaysia’s year-long InsureLit campaign.

However, 23% of respondents still lack basic understanding, underscoring the need for continuous education.

'We are glad to see a rise in the number of Malaysians with positive insurance literacy levels, contributed in part by our InsureLit campaign since last year.

Nevertheless, there remains a continued need for awareness initiatives among Malaysians as we hope to ensure that every Malaysian is well-protected ﬁnancially, and insurance/takaful knowledge plays a big part in helping them achieve it,' added Raymond Lew.
United Approach to Save a Society on the Brink of a Legacy Crisis

(Left to Right) Mr Raymond Lew, President and Country Head of Sun Life Malaysia, Mr Alvis Wee, Chief Distribution & Marketing Officer, Sun Life Malaysia, Mr Yuen Tuck Siew, CEO, Jirnexu and Dr Malar Santhi Santheras

Now in its second year, the Insurelit campaign by Sun Life Malaysia aims to raise insurance literacy levels of Malaysians, particularly legacy planning, to ensure that families are prepared to face.

'Malaysia’s families are the bedrock of our society. We must empower them with the knowledge, tools and solutions needed to ensure stability and prosperity for future generations,' expressed Raymond Lew.

'There needs to be a concerted effort by ﬁnancial institutions, policymakers, community leaders and individuals to address this crisis, be it making legacy planning accessible for all income levels or offering multilingual resources to guide Malaysians in this area,' expressed Raymond Lew.

Building on the success of InsureLit Campaign 2024, Sun Life Malaysia plans to amplify its efforts in 2025 with targeted initiatives, including digital and social educational resources, roadshows, explainer video series, youth ﬁnancial literacy programme and more.

In 2024, the Insurelit campaign included educational programs to promote ﬁnancial literacy among children, brand activations such as a wellness festival to instill health and wellness habits, innovative product launches, and nationwide roadshows, all designed to enhance ﬁnancial and insurance literacy while empowering Malaysians to take control of their ﬁnancial wellbeing.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!
Here's How You Can Protect Your Family's Future
Zakwan Shah
March 28, 2025
10 min
In a world full of uncertainties, us parents worry everyday about the fate of our loved ones.

Whether that’s our children, our spouse or our family members, the future can be a scary place that we cannot predict.

But that doesn’t mean we are helpless to protect those who are near and dear to our hearts.

Should we no longer be around to take care of them, there are ways to ensure that they are well looked after.

AIA offers this protection for your next of kin in the event of your passing.
Safeguard Your Little One’s Future

Our children are our prized possessions, one of the only lasting legacy we leave behind when our time comes. It is every parent’s deepest desire to give their little ones a fighting chance.

If we can, we’d put up protections straight from the cradle. But you don’t have to stop there!

There’s a way to ensure your child’s financial safety even before they enter the world.
A-Life Joy Xtra

Looking for a guardian angel to watch over your little one throughout their lives? A-Life Joy Xtra offers financial protection to your child from the womb.

This flexible investment-linked plan provides insurance coverage and savings opportunities for your child. Protection starts as early as pregnancy (13 to 35 weeks) and between 14 days to 15 years old.

Here are other the benefits of this package:
- Coverage period up to 70, 80 or 100 years old
- Coverage will automatically be doubled when your child turns 18
- Build an education savings fund for your child (qualified for tax relief)
- Your child gets lump sum payment should you suffer death or permanent disability before they turn 25.
*Terms and conditions apply
Malaysian Mums Love AIA

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Get Your Affairs in Order

None of us want to think the unthinkable, and yet the unthinkable happens everyday.

While we may not know what happens to us in the near (or far) future, it’s good to get your ducks in a row just in case.

Just like signing a will, life insurance ensures that our families is taken care of should we meet an early death.

AIA offers such a benefit with their life insurance package A-Life Idaman.
A-Life Idaman

Even with our children financially protected, we may have other family members who depend on us. Our spouse, our parents, and even our siblings. A-Life Idaman makes this wish possible by offering insurance for your entire family.

Protect your family with a financial safety net in the unfortunate event of your passing or total and permanent disability with this family takaful plan.

Here are the benefits of this package:
- Your family will receive a lump sum payment in the event of your demise
- Get 200% of the sum covered for your death due to an accident
- Your family will receive RM5000 to arrange for Badal Hajj on your behalf should you pass away
- Your coverage will automatically extend to 100 years when your reach 70 or 80
*Terms and conditions apply
Muslim Mums Approve

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Planning for Uncertainties

It's important to lay the groundwork for your family’s financial wellbeing decades into the future even in your absence.

With A-Life Joy Xtra you can protect your child’s future. With A-Life Idaman, you can ensure that the loved ones you leave behind are taken care off should you no longer be around to look after them.

Sign up for A-Life Joy Xtra and A-Life Idaman today. Plan for you and your loved ones’ future now.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!
From Blocks to Real Life: A Minecraft Family Experience Like No Other
Eisya Ereena
April 04, 2025
4 min

Family fun day alert, parents!

Get ready for one that’s packed with fun, creativity, and just the right amount of pixelated adventure!

Sunway Pyramid is bringing the magic of Minecraft to life with 'A Minecraft Movie' – a fully immersive experience where both kids and adults can step into the iconic world of blocks, bees and brilliant builds.

Inspired by the new Minecraft movie, this one-of-a-kind setup promises exploration, teamwork and hands-on fun that mirrors the spirit of the game; but this time, in real life!

Whether your little ones are already mini Minecraft masters or just curious about the hype, this event is a must-visit for families looking to create new memories together.

Join in the fun from 28 March 2025 until 13 April 2025 at LG2 Blue Concourse, Sunway Pyramid!

Here's all you need to know.

Let the Adventure Begin: Step Into a Real-Life Minecraft Playground

The magic begins the moment you step into the pixelated wonderland of Minecraft brought to life.

Think towering mushrooms, life-sized blocks, and immersive zones that blur the line between game and reality.

Whether you’re a curious kid, a hands-on parent, or an explorer at heart – there’s a quest here just for you!

Here’s a sneak peek at your mission options:

For the Little Builders: Start your journey under the giant Minecraft mushroom where younger adventurers can dive into a foam block play zone. With Duplo bricks and plenty of space to create, it’s the perfect starting point for tiny hands and big imaginations.

For the Master Crafter: Step up to the crafting grid, just like in the game! At Craft Your World, you’ll get to mix and match ‘ingredients’ in a real-life 3×3 grid to create your very own Minecraft-inspired tool which is all about imagination and fun!

For the LEGO Engineer: Fancy bringing a bee to life? At the LEGO Minecraft Bee Build, you’ll build your very own buzzing buddy using LEGO blocks. It's hands-on fun with a pixel-perfect twist!

For the Art Hunter: Feel like a true explorer in Defend Your Home as you uncover a hidden Minecraft-inspired artwork tucked somewhere in the zone. Discover it and you’ll walk away with a stamp and bragging rights.

For the Treasure Digger: Time to dig deep! Enter the Minecraft Mattel Mining Quests and collect glowing diamonds in a sensor-powered mining zone.

For the Sharp-Eyed Scout: Keep your eyes peeled in the Count the Bees Contest! Spot the buzzing bees hiding in the tree and submit your answer through the Sunway Malls app. Get it right, and you might just land yourself a mysterious prize.

And what’s a great quest without a reward?

Don't miss your chance to collect exclusive enamel pins by joining in the fun activities!

You can get your hands on the awesome Leo Enamel Pin and majestic Lion Head Enamel Pin available on different weeks! There's even a chance of restocking if there's a HUGE demand.

Fellow adventurers, be sure to mark your calendars to return from 8 April to 13 April 2025, when the majestic Lion Head Enamel Pin makes its debut.
- Week 1 (28 March 2025 – 1 April 2025): Leona Enamel Pin (fully redeemed)
- Week 2 (2 April 2025 – 7 April 2025): Leo Enamel Pin
- Week 3 (8 April 2025 – 13 April 2025): Lion Head Enamel Pin
A Weekend of Family Fun, Right in the Heart of Sunway Pyramid

From building challenges and creative quests to adorable bees and limited edition collectables, Sunway Pyramid is bringing on a full celebration of imagination, exploration, and togetherness!

Come for the activities, stay for the movie and leave with wonderful memories (and maybe a few enamel pins!) to mark the journey.

With new weekly rewards and fun for all ages, there’s always something fresh to discover.

So, parents, what are you waiting for? Round up the kiddos and make it a full-on family day out!

The world of Minecraft is ready for exploration at Sunway Pyramid.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!