Another Historic Moment as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building Lights Up in Pink for the Estee Lauder Companies’ Global Landmarks Illumination Initiative, Kuala Lumpur – 5 Oct 2010
By Dr Evelyn Ho It was truly an historic moment when the Sultan Abdul Samad (SAS) Building was illuminated in pink as part of the Estee Lauder Companies' Illumination Campaign for 2010. In 1957, independence for Malaysia was declared at the Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) in front of the SAS Building. The KL Tower was also simultaneously lighted up in pink for the 3rd consecutive year and this was viewed at the Dataran Merdeka via video link. The Illumination was graced by YB Senator Datuk Maglin Dennis D’Cruz, Deputy Minister II, Ministry of Information, Communications & Culture Malaysia. Mr Loo Kai Nan, Managing Director of The Estee Lauder Companies (ELC) welcomed all the guests to the event.
2010 marks the 4th year of Malaysia’s participation in this global initiative. In 2007, Malaysia proudly illuminated the then newly-opened Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. This was followed by the illumination of the KL Tower in 2008 and 2009.
About the Illumination Initiative
This unique illumination project is part of Estee Lauder Companies’ Global Landmarks Illumination Initiative. The brainchild of Evelyn Lauder, its mission is to focus attention and spread awareness about breast cancer and the message that early detection saves lives. Now, in its 11th year, the Company has illuminated hundreds of famous buildings, monuments and landmarks in glowing pink light in over 70 countries around the world. Highlights include the Taipei 101 Tower in Taiwan, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in USA, Millennium Monument in China, Vancouver Art Gallery in Canada, Paris City Hall in France, The Arena in Italy, Tokyo Tower in Japan and many more.
As breast cancer is being detected earlier, treatment is starting sooner and the rate of survival is steadily increasing. Women around the world are realizing that knowledge is power and the fear that once surrounded breast cancer is diminishing. Ablaze in pink light, these world-famous monuments have become international symbols of hope and they continue to empower and enlighten millions of women everywhere.
In 2010, the Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign illuminated a total of 38 global historic landmarks in pink lights over a 24-hour period of time, creating a new category and achieving a new Guinness World Record entitled: “Most Landmarks Illuminated for a Cause in 24 Hours.” The 24-hour period began at 12:00 pm EST on Thursday, 30 September and ended 12:00 pm EST on Friday, 1 October. This award was announced and presented to Evelyn Lauder, Corporate Vice President of the ELC and Elizabeth Hurley, Spokesmodel for ELC and the breast cancer awareness campaign at the illumination of the Empire State Building, commemorating an effort that began 11 years ago at the same New York City landmark on 1 October 2010.
About Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad
Designed and built between 1894 –1897 and stretching 400 feet along Jalan Raja Kuala Lumpur, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad is one of Malaysia’s historical sites. In front of this building is the Dataran Merdeka and it was here, the Union Jack flag was lowered and the then Malayan flag was hoisted for the very first time at midnight on 30 August 1957. Topped by a shiny copper dome and a 40m high clock tower, it serves as the backdrop for many important events over the years such as the National Day Parade on August 31 and the ushering in of the New Year. Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad is definitely the centrepiece of the colonial architecture in Kuala Lumpur. This heritage building was constructed of red bricks with imitation stone dressing with a tited roof. The exposed red brick with the white plaster lined arches and striped courses became known as the blood and bandages style. This magnificent monument will definitely help us to create awareness in the minds of all women (and men) around the world towards our cause.
About Menara Kuala Lumpur
Standing at 421 meters and 94 meters above ground sea level, Menara Kuala Lumpur is the fifth tallest telecommunications tower in the word (after CN Tower Canada, Ostankino Tower Russia, Oriental Pearl Tower China, Borj-e Milad Iran). Built to enhance the quality of telecommunication services and the clarity in broadcasting, Menara Kuala Lumpur also stands to be the symbol of Kuala Lumpur, the Garden City of Wondrous Lights.
Hwa Tai Industries Berhad, Esteemed Partner
ELC was able to manage this ambitious feat of illuminating not one, but two iconic buildings in Malaysia this year due to the excellent partnership with a local public listed company, Hwa Tai Industries Berhad, who are lending their support to the breast cancer awareness campaign, making it the most successful illumination ever, to raise awareness that early detection saves lives.
For more information please visit : www.elcbca.com.my |
