Arthur Yap, Founder of Slope Master, Inks Deal with Hextar World to Launch Malaysia’s Largest Indoor Ski & Snowboard Training Centre at Empire City, Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – March 13, 2025 – Slope
Master, a premier ski training provider, has partnered with Hextar World to
establish Malaysia’s largest indoor ski training facility at Empire City in
Kuala Lumpur. This collaboration marks a transformative moment for winter
sports in Southeast Asia, aiming to make skiing and snowboarding accessible to
people of all ages and skill levels.

Arthur Yap (Yap Ghai Pang), Founder
and CEO of Slope Master, expressed his excitement about the partnership, which
aims to make indoor skiing a mainstream activity in Southeast Asia. “This
partnership is a historic step for Malaysia’s winter sports culture. We hope to
provide top-tier training opportunities for athletes while making indoor skiing
accessible to all,” said Arthur Yap.

Arthur Yap (Yap Ghai Pang), an avid snowboarder and
passionate winter sports advocate, identified the potential for indoor skiing
in Malaysia despite the tropical climate. “Sports culture in Southeast
Asia is growing, and skiing is becoming a part of that shift. As someone who
has experienced the positive impact of sports, our goal is to inspire people
across Southeast Asia to take up skiing and snowboarding,” Arthur Yap (Yap
Ghai Pang) added.

Building a Ski Culture in Southeast Asia

Slope Master’s mission extends beyond providing a training
facility—it’s about fostering a lasting ski culture in Malaysia and the broader
Southeast Asia region. The state-of-the-art indoor center will cater to all
levels of skiers, from beginners to professional athletes, offering year-round
training in a climate-controlled environment.

“We’ve spoken to many young Malaysians eager to pursue
winter sports but lacking regular training opportunities. This facility will
provide year-round training, whether they aim to compete professionally or
enjoy skiing recreationally,” said Arthur Yap (Yap Ghai Pang). He also
emphasized that the facility would nurture future champions in winter sports by
offering a consistent platform for athletes to improve their skills.

“This is a game-changer for Malaysia, where winter sports
opportunities have been limited,” Arthur Yap (Yap Ghai Pang) added. The new
center will help close the gap for aspiring athletes, eliminating the need to
travel abroad for training.

(From left) NomNom Brands Sdn Bhd CEO Tan Huang Ming, CEO of Slope Master Arthur Yap (Yap Ghai Pang), Group CEO of Hextar Group Datuk Eddie Ong Choo Meng, Chairman of Koperasi Industri Sukan Atlet Malaysia Bhd Datuk Mohamad Fadzli Johan, CEO of Hextar Luckin (M) Sdn Bhd, Dr Jeff Lim Chee Lip and COO of Cuisine Delight Sdn Bhd Ng Wei Shen

Strategic Location and Partnership with Hextar World

Slope Master chose to partner with Hextar World due to the strategic
location of Empire City in Kuala Lumpur. “Empire City is a
dynamic, vibrant hub that attracts diverse groups, from tourists to families to
athletes. Its environment is ideal for an indoor ski facility, and we believe
it will offer a world-class experience for our visitors,” Arthur Yap (Yap
Ghai Pang) explained.

Hextar World, a new entertainment destination, will include
a wide variety of attractions, including shopping, dining, and leisure options.
Empire City’s prime location in the heart of Kuala Lumpur makes it a perfect
fit for the indoor ski facility, drawing visitors from across Malaysia and
beyond. “Empire City is the perfect place for Slope Master’s flagship facility.
The location offers ample opportunities for collaboration with other
entertainment ventures,” Arthur Yap (Yap Ghai Pang) added.

Empire City is a dynamic, vibrant hub that attracts diverse groups, from tourists, families to athletes. Its environment is ideal for an indoor ski facility, and we believe it offers a world-class experience for our visitors,” Arthur Yap explained.

A Hub for Athletes, Families, and Enthusiasts

The indoor ski facility will cater to skiers of all levels, offering equipment rentals, professional lessons, and a retail space for ski and
snowboarding gear. It will also host events, competitions, and training camps
to elevate the sport of skiing in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

“We want to make indoor skiing a fun and accessible family
activity. The facility will provide something for everyone—whether it’s a child
experiencing snow for the first time or an athlete training for competition,”
Arthur Yap (Yap Ghai Pang) said. The center will also introduce programs for
schools, youth organizations, and families, aiming to encourage widespread
participation in winter sports.

Arthur Yap (Yap Ghai Pang) emphasized that the facility
would be instrumental in developing young talent. “The right environment
is crucial for athletes to thrive. This facility will give Malaysian youth the
chance to reach their full potential, and we believe it will be a launchpad for
future Olympians in skiing.”

Hextar World: Transforming Malaysia’s Entertainment
Landscape


Hextar World is set to redefine Malaysia’s entertainment sector with a
diverse range of attractions, including entertainment complexes, retail
outlets, and food venues. This variety makes it a key player in Malaysia’s
entertainment and leisure market.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Slope Master as one of our first
major tenants,” said a spokesperson for Hextar World. “This collaboration is an
integral part of our vision to create a world-class  entertainment destination.
We believe the indoor ski facility will be a main attraction, drawing visitors
from across Malaysia and beyond.”

Looking Ahead

The indoor ski training center is expected to open in late 2025,
becoming a key part of Empire City’s vibrant attraction ecosystem. Yap is
optimistic about the future of skiing in Southeast Asia and the role Slope
Master will play in making the sport more accessible.

“This is just the beginning. We’re excited about the future
of skiing in Southeast Asia and the impact this facility will have on the
sport. We’re proud to be part of Hextar World and look forward to creating
something truly special for Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and beyond,” Yap
concluded.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES