Hextar World at Empire City signs marquee tenants ahead of 4Q2025 launch, including MYNISS and Malaysia’s largest indoor water park

Hextar World at Empire City is poised to redefine the city’s retail, entertainment, and lifestyle landscape as it readies for a strategic 4Q2025 soft opening, bringing together a curated mix of world-class sporting facilities, dining experiences, and immersive entertainment under one expansive, interconnected hub.

Overview and strategic significance

Hextar World at Empire City stands as a transformative, mixed-use development designed to serve as a vibrant anchor in Kuala Lumpur’s evolving urban tapestry. The signing ceremony held in mid-March signaled a clear commitment from a roster of major tenants who will anchor the project’s initial phase, underscoring the project’s ambition to blend sport, shopping, dining, and entertainment into a cohesive, destination-driven experience. At the heart of this initiative is a bold, multi-faceted strategy to create a seamless, all-encompassing environment where locals and visitors alike can shop, dine, relax, and participate in a spectrum of activities without leaving the complex.

Strategically located with seamless access to major highways and a thriving surrounding community, Hextar World is envisioned as a dynamic hub that consolidates retail, entertainment, and experiential experiences in one place. The project’s soft opening in 4Q2025 is designed to showcase its capability to host a wide range of brands and concepts, while gradually expanding with new offerings and experiences that enhance its appeal as an iconic destination. The retail and lifestyle hub will be managed by Alliance Empire Sdn Bhd, reflecting a collaborative framework among Alliance Premier Sdn Bhd, EXSIM Holdings Sdn Bhd, JT Momentum Sdn Bhd, and Hextar Healthcare Bhd. Together, these organizations bring a blend of expertise in retail management, urban development, construction, and healthcare, positioning Hextar World as a model for contemporary, value-driven urban living.

With a net lettable area (NLA) of 1.8 million square feet, Hextar World is designed to host six distinct zones, encompassing more than 600 retail, entertainment, and dining outlets. The development envisions a European- and American-inspired High Street experience, featuring a covered street mall, tram connectivity, and a sizeable supermarket spanning 28,000 square feet. The entertainment portion is expansive, with more than 450,000 square feet dedicated to immersive experiences and leisure, including a bowling centre, a sports-and-bar street, and edutainment attractions that blend learning with fun. The site will provide parking capacity for 9,100 vehicles, ensuring convenient access for daily visitors as well as larger crowds for weekend family outings and special events.

Beyond the sheer scale of space and offerings, Hextar World aims to leverage its location by serving as a gateway to a broader urban ecosystem. The development is connected to 18 townships within a 10-kilometre radius and has direct access to major arteries, notably the Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP) and the Penchala Link via Sprint Highway. This connectivity enables easy ingress and egress for residents from neighboring districts and supports robust footfall for tenants. The collaboration that underpins the project reflects a deliberate alignment of capabilities: Hextar Healthcare Bhd contributes expertise in diagnostics and wellness; EXSIM is known for modern, sustainable urban developments; JT Momentum brings construction and project execution proficiency under the leadership of Datuk Jackson Tan Kak Seng; and Alliance Premier provides financial acumen and ongoing management oversight. This fusion of strengths is intended to ensure not only a successful launch but also long-term operational excellence and adaptability in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

The Exploratorium concept anchors the project’s long-term value proposition and underlines its mission to deliver innovative consumer experiences. Built on four pillars—Discovery & Innovation, Connection & Community, Entertainment & Adventure, and Wellness & Active Living—the Exploratorium is designed to continuously evolve by integrating emerging brands, social spaces, fitness centers, and immersive edutainment. The overarching aim is to create a shopper journey that evolves with the times, offering ongoing reasons for visitors to return, explore new offerings, and engage with the broader community in meaningful ways. In this context, Hextar World is positioned not merely as a retail destination but as a living laboratory for how modern urban developments can blend commerce, culture, and learning in a holistic, accessible format.

The initial tenant lineup and the overall design philosophy are intended to set a benchmark for future mixed-use developments in Malaysia and the broader region. The project’s emphasis on a curated mix of anchor tenants, experiential spaces, and dynamic food and beverage concepts reflects a growing consumer preference for destinations where a full spectrum of activities can be enjoyed in a single visit. This approach also aligns with contemporary urban planning trends that prioritize walkability, varied entertainment options, and a sense of place, all of which contribute to higher visitor dwell times, increased per-visit spend, and stronger long-term loyalty to the destination.

Anchor tenants and flagship experiences

A cornerstone of Hextar World’s strategy is the inclusion of high-profile anchor tenants that immediately convey the development’s breadth and ambition. One of the most transformative components is the Malaysia National Ice Skating Stadium (MYNISS), operated by Koperasi Industri Sukan Atlet Malaysia Bhd. MYNISS represents an Olympic-sized facility that elevates Malaysia’s sporting infrastructure, enabling elite practice, community engagement, and national sport development. Its presence signals a commitment to world-class sports facilities that can attract regional tournaments, training camps, and a diverse audience of athletes, enthusiasts, and families who seek diverse, aspirational experiences beyond standard shopping.

Another pivotal anchor is the inclusion of Malaysia’s largest indoor water park, a feature that directly broadens the appeal for families and thrill-seekers alike. Indoor water parks offer year-round recreational opportunities, irrespective of weather, enabling sustained visitor engagement and reliable household demand. This addition complements Hextar World’s broader entertainment and leisure ecosystem, reinforcing its status as a year-round destination rather than a seasonal or event-driven venue.

Slope Master, the country’s largest indoor ski training facility, further expands the attraction mix by introducing snow sports training and experiential activities that are accessible to a wide audience. Indoor ski facilities provide a unique offering in a tropical climate, positioning Hextar World as a venue that can host both recreational experiences and skill development programs. The combination of these anchor assets—MYNISS, the indoor water park, and Slope Master—establishes a distinctive identity for the development and supports the longer-term objective of attracting visitors across demographics and geographies who are seeking diverse, high-caliber experiences under one roof.

The food and beverage landscape within Hextar World is equally strategic, featuring Luckin Coffee as a key anchor in the beverage segment. Luckin Coffee, recognized as China’s fastest-growing coffee chain, brings a contemporary, mobility-friendly coffee concept that resonates with urban commuters and shoppers who value quick, high-quality coffee offerings integrated into a busy shopping itinerary. Complementing Luckin Coffee is NomNom Food Hall, a digitally integrated dining hub designed to centralize a curated assortment of culinary concepts and brands in a single, accessible location. NomNom Food Hall is positioned to become a hub for social dining, digital convenience, and a dynamic food scene that can adapt to evolving consumer preferences.

Senkyaku Banrai adds a Japanese-themed food street element that contributes to the global street-food experience by offering a curated array of Japanese-inspired eateries and concepts. The inclusion of a Japanese culinary street format aligns with the broader trend of authentic, immersive dining experiences within mixed-use developments, enabling visitors to explore diverse flavors and dining formats in a compact, pedestrian-friendly area. Discussions with Metrojaya to finalize participation indicate ongoing efforts to strengthen the project’s retail and fashion mix with a premier department store that can anchor shopping campaigns, fashion events, and exclusive brand collaborations—further enhancing the destination’s appeal.

The anchor tenant strategy is complemented by a wider roster of tenants and brands across the six zones, intending to deliver a balanced mix of entertainment, dining, fashion, lifestyle, and experiential offerings. This multi-brand approach supports a steady stream of foot traffic, encouraging longer dwell times and higher cross-shopping potential. The integration of digital tools and seamless operations across NomNom Food Hall and other dining venues reflects a broader commitment to modern retail experiences, where digital touchpoints, contactless payments, and experiential interfaces enhance convenience and engagement for visitors. In all, the anchor tenants establish a strong foundation for the center’s early success while setting the stage for ongoing expansion and diversification in subsequent phases.

The Exploratorium: Discovery, Connection, Entertainment, and Wellness

Central to Hextar World’s long-term vision is The Exploratorium, a concept built around four pillars that guide the development’s experiential strategy. The Discovery & Innovation pillar emphasizes the constant introduction of new brands, immersive formats, and technology-enabled experiences that invite guests to explore, learn, and participate in hands-on activities. This pillar is designed to transform shopping into an exploratory journey where visitors can discover novel products, engage with creative demonstrations, and participate in interactive exhibits or demonstrations that illuminate how products and services work in practice.

The Connection & Community pillar focuses on social spaces and communal engagement, recognizing that modern consumers increasingly seek destinations that foster social interaction and shared experiences. By designing common areas, interactive zones, and flexible spaces that encourage collaboration and conversation, Hextar World aims to become a natural gathering point for families, friends, colleagues, and communities. The Entertainment & Adventure pillar elevates the range of activities available beyond traditional retail and dining, incorporating dynamic experiences, themed installations, and immersive storytelling that sustain visitor interest and generate repeat visits. The Wellness & Active Living pillar reflects a broader health- and wellness-forward emphasis, integrating fitness facilities, wellness programs, and active lifestyle offerings that contribute to a holistic consumer journey and promote long-term well-being among guests.

The Exploratorium concept is designed to be adaptive, allowing for the incorporation of emerging brands, evolving entertainment formats, and shifting consumer preferences. This adaptability is essential in an environment where consumer expectations are continually shaped by digital technologies, experiential marketing, and social media-driven trends. The Exploratorium’s pillars collectively aim to create a compelling, multi-dimensional experience that transcends conventional shopping centers, transforming Hextar World into a living ecosystem that remains relevant through ongoing innovation, collaboration with partners, and responsive programming.

From a practical standpoint, the Exploratorium can be realized through a mix of permanent installations, temporary exhibitions, pop-up retail concepts, and interactive venues that emphasize education, community engagement, and creativity. The concept supports cross-pollination between tenants, encouraging partnerships that leverage synergies between sporting facilities, dining venues, entertainment spaces, and educational experiences. Visitors can anticipate new installations and shifts in programming aligned with seasonal events, special campaigns, and strategic partnerships, ensuring that Hextar World remains a dynamic, magnetized destination that encourages frequent returns and word-of-mouth recommendations within the region.

Tenant mix, management, and operational excellence

The operational framework for Hextar World reflects a carefully crafted approach to tenant management, property operations, and ongoing optimization of the consumer experience. Alliance Empire Sdn Bhd serves as the retail and lifestyle hub manager, coordinating with the collaboration among Alliance Premier Sdn Bhd, EXSIM Holdings Sdn Bhd, JT Momentum Sdn Bhd, and Hextar Healthcare Bhd to deliver a high standard of service, strategic leasing, and cohesive branding across the six zones. This governance structure is designed to align investment, development, and leasing activities with the overall vision for Hextar World while ensuring transparent accountability and effective decision-making in relation to tenant relations, promotions, and long-term planning.

The partnership brings together complementary capabilities in property development, retail operations, construction, and healthcare services. Hextar Healthcare Bhd’s focus on diagnostics and wellness complements EXSIM’s emphasis on sustainable urban developments, helping to position the project as a health-conscious, forward-thinking destination. JT Momentum brings a track record of project execution and quality construction, contributing to reliable delivery timelines and high standards of build quality. Alliance Premier’s financial acumen provides essential governance and capital discipline, supporting the project’s ability to attract and retain diverse tenants, manage capital expenditure, and optimize the financial performance of the development over time. Together, these entities create a robust, multi-disciplinary foundation that supports both the short-term objectives of a successful launch and the long-term ambition of sustaining a leading retail and lifestyle destination.

From an occupancy perspective, the 1.8 million square feet of net lettable area will be distributed across six zones designed to optimize foot traffic patterns, tenant visibility, and shopper journeys. The six zones are expected to offer a balance of fashion, lifestyle, dining, and entertainment components, with a curated mix that provides cross-shopping opportunities and encourages visitors to spend extended periods within the complex. The inclusion of six distinct zones allows for staggered tenant signings, promotional events, and thematic experiences that reflect seasonal trends and market demand, contributing to a more resilient, adaptable retail ecosystem. The flexible design also accommodates potential future green initiatives, interactive experiences, and additional amenities that could be integrated as occupancy grows and consumer preferences evolve.

In terms of shopper amenities and accessibility, Hextar World emphasizes a European- and American-inspired High Street aesthetic combined with a modern, covered street mall, tram connectivity, and a substantial supermarket footprint. The tram system not only adds a distinctive mobility feature but also helps to create a sense of movement and energy within the complex, encouraging visitors to explore multiple zones in a single visit. The 28,000 square-foot supermarket anchors the daily needs category, supporting regular footfall and reinforcing the value proposition of a one-stop destination where people can shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment in a single location. With 9,100 parking bays, the development also ensures convenient access for families, workers, and tourists who may rely on personal vehicles or shared transportation to visit the center.

The surrounding urban context is a critical component of Hextar World’s anticipated success. The project’s proximity to 18 townships within a 10-kilometre radius and direct access to major highways like the LDP and Penchala Link via Sprint Highway place it within easy reach of a broad residential and business base. This positioning supports both catchment relevance and regional draw, signaling the potential for high visitation rates from nearby communities and beyond. The combination of anchor brands, experiential offerings, and strategic accessibility positions Hextar World as a landmark project capable of shaping consumer patterns and contributing to the broader economic vitality of Kuala Lumpur and its environs.

The development team and strategic collaborators

Hextar World benefits from the combined know-how of some of Malaysia’s most experienced players in healthcare, real estate development, construction, and financial management. Hextar Healthcare Bhd, with its emphasis on diagnostics and wellness, contributes a health-centric dimension to the project, expanding its appeal to wellness-minded consumers and healthcare professionals who value integrated services, fitness facilities, and health-oriented experiences within a single destination. EXSIM Holdings Sdn Bhd brings a track record of modern, sustainable urban developments, offering expertise in design, zoning, and sustainability measurements that inform the project’s long-term resilience and environmental stewardship. JT Momentum Sdn Bhd, led by Datuk Jackson Tan Kak Seng, brings proven capabilities in quality construction, delivery timelines, and project execution, supporting the development’s ability to meet ambitious milestones on time and within budget. Alliance Premier Sdn Bhd provides financial engineering and advisory oversight, enabling sustainable capital management, risk control, and structured leasing strategies that can optimize occupancy, rent structures, and investment returns over the lifecycle of the development.

This consortium’s integrated approach enables Hextar World to pursue ambitious objectives while maintaining a focus on quality, safety, and visitor experience. The collaboration is designed to deliver a cohesive, well-managed asset that can adapt to changing market dynamics, tenant needs, and consumer preferences. The leadership team’s combined expertise is also expected to facilitate ongoing engagement with tenants, government authorities, and community stakeholders to ensure that the development’s growth aligns with regulatory expectations, urban planning goals, and social objectives. In essence, the development team’s depth and breadth are intended to translate concept into reality with a disciplined, strategic approach that sustains momentum from pre-opening activities through post-launch operations and beyond.

Infrastructure, access, and urban integration

Hextar World’s design prioritizes seamless mobility, accessibility, and urban integration to ensure high levels of visitor flow and ease of use. The project’s transport connections are a central pillar of its appeal, offering direct access to major highways such as the LDP and the Penchala Link via Sprint Highway. This strategic positioning helps minimize travel time for guests traveling by car from multiple directions and supports high-frequency visitation patterns, especially during peak shopping periods and weekend leisure. By embedding a tram connectivity feature, the development adds a distinctive transportation layer that can enhance the overall visitor experience and create a sense of a connected, pedestrian-friendly urban district.

The proximity to 18 townships within a 10-kilometre radius expands the potential catchment area and reinforces the center’s role as a regional attractor. This broad reach supports a diversified tenant mix and a steady stream of customers who may combine retail, dining, entertainment, and wellness activities in a single trip. The project’s size—1.8 million square feet of NLA—alongside a 28,000-square-foot supermarket and an extensive entertainment footprint, is designed to offer a complete, self-contained experience that appeals to families, professionals, students, and visitors seeking a comprehensive day-out.

The development’s urban design seeks to harmonize a European- and American-inspired High Street aesthetic with modern, climate-conscious building practices and efficient circulation patterns. A covered street mall provides weather protection while sustaining a dynamic outdoor ambiance, encouraging extended stays and social interactions. The inclusion of tram connectivity supports sustainable mobility goals and offers an additional layer of convenience for visitors who prefer public or active transportation options. These design choices reflect a broader trend in contemporary urban developments that emphasize walkability, experiential richness, and a sense of place—elements that can help Hextar World stand out in a competitive market.

Retail, entertainment, and value proposition

Hextar World’s retail strategy centers on delivering a diversified, high-quality mix that can attract a steady stream of visitors across seasons and events. With six zones designed to optimize shopper flow and cross-merchandising, the development intends to balance fashion, lifestyle, gastronomy, and experiential spaces in a way that motivates sustained exploration and discovery. The 600-plus tenant footprint is designed to enable both anchor brand collaborations and nimble, agile pop-up concepts that can respond rapidly to market opportunities and consumer preferences. The aim is to create a living ecosystem where brands can thrive through shared footfall, co-marketing initiatives, and synergistic programming.

The 28,000-square-foot supermarket anchors daily needs and convenience, providing a reliable draw for families and workers who may combine shopping with dining and entertainment in a single trip. The large-scale entertainment component, measuring more than 450,000 square feet, is a core differentiator for Hextar World, enabling a wide array of activities from sports and leisure to immersive experiences that can be leveraged for events, promotions, and themed campaigns. The combination of 600 outlets, a broad entertainment footprint, and a curated dining lineup—including Luckin Coffee, NomNom Food Hall, and Senkyaku Banrai—creates a compelling value proposition for visitors seeking a one-stop destination that offers convenience, variety, and memorable moments.

The inclusion of Luckin Coffee aligns with the broader trend of prominent coffee concepts anchoring modern retail destinations. Luckin Coffee’s emphasis on speed, quality, and convenience complements the flow of shoppers who want quick caffeine boosts while on their way to other activities within the complex. NomNom Food Hall represents a digitally integrated dining hub, reflecting how technology-enabled dining can streamline ordering, payment, and experience personalization. Senkyaku Banrai introduces a Japanese-themed street food environment that adds to the cultural diversity of the food landscape, allowing visitors to explore a spectrum of culinary traditions in a single area. The discussions with Metrojaya to finalize involvement indicate that the center’s retail mix will continue to evolve, potentially adding a premier department store to anchor fashion, home goods, and lifestyle categories—further enhancing the center’s draw.

The overall strategy for the tenant mix emphasizes cross-category synergies that enhance dwell time and basket size. A diversified mix of anchors, mid-market brands, and experiential tenants is designed to reduce concentration risk and deliver a resilient revenue model that can withstand market fluctuations. The interplay between sports facilities, family-friendly attractions, dining experiences, and retail offerings is intended to foster a dynamic cadence of activity across the week, with peak periods aligned to events, school holidays, and international travel seasons. This approach is expected to attract a broad audience, including local residents, regional travelers, students, and professionals seeking a vibrant urban environment where multiple activities can be pursued in a single outing.

Economic impact, community benefits, and long-term potential

Beyond its immediate commercial objectives, Hextar World is positioned to contribute to the broader economic landscape by generating employment opportunities, stimulating ancillary businesses, and enriching the cultural fabric of the city. The scale of the development and the diversity of its offerings create a strong potential to attract visitors from across the region, which can positively influence hospitality, transportation, and service sectors. Local businesses may benefit from increased foot traffic, while the presence of major anchors and high-profile brands can spur ancillary opportunities, such as partnerships with educational institutions, sponsorships for community sports programs, and collaboration with local creatives for events and pop-up experiences.

The Exploratorium’s four-pillar framework is designed to foster a culture of experimentation, collaboration, and lifelong learning. By supporting Discovery & Innovation, Connection & Community, Entertainment & Adventure, and Wellness & Active Living, the project seeks to cultivate a holistic visitor experience that resonates with families, professionals, and students alike. This emphasis on education, social connection, and well-being aligns with broader urban development trends that prioritize quality of life and inclusive, community-oriented spaces. In this context, Hextar World could become a catalyst for local talent development, tourism, and brand partnerships that extend beyond the center’s physical footprint, reinforcing Malaysia’s standing as a hub for modern, sustainable urban living.

The signing of key tenants ahead of the 4Q2025 opening signals a strong market response and demonstrates confidence in the project’s ability to deliver a compelling, long-lasting retail and lifestyle experience. As occupancy progresses and new tenants come onboard, the center will benefit from ongoing programming, seasonal activations, and experiential campaigns designed to maintain momentum and attract diverse audiences. The alliances among the developers and operators are expected to yield a resilient asset that can adapt to evolving consumer preferences, regulatory landscapes, and technological innovations, ensuring steady organic growth, sustainable occupancy, and the potential for capital appreciation over time.

In terms of sustainability and future-proofing, the project’s emphasis on modern, renewable-friendly urban development practices positions it to align with increasingly stringent environmental standards and consumer expectations for responsible corporate behavior. The EXSIM-led focus on sustainable design, coupled with the project’s ability to integrate new, energy-efficient technologies and operations, can help reduce long-term operating costs while delivering an enhanced visitor experience. As the retail and leisure landscape continues to evolve, Hextar World’s integrated approach—combining world-class anchors, immersive experiences, and a thoughtful, multi-zonal layout—offers a robust platform for continued growth, adaptation, and leadership in Malaysia’s rapidly changing urban economy.

Timeline, milestones, and what comes next

With the signing of major tenants and the nearing 4Q2025 soft opening, the project is expected to advance through critical phases that will shape its early reception and long-term trajectory. The immediate focus will be on completing fit-outs, coordinating tenant handovers, and fine-tuning operational systems that support seamless guest experiences. A well-executed rollout will be essential to establishing Hextar World as a credible, aspirational destination, capable of delivering consistent value to tenants and visitors, while meeting the financial and performance expectations of its stakeholders.

As the Exploratorium concept matures, visitors can anticipate a continuous stream of new installations, interactive displays, and experiential programs designed to reinforce the center’s identity as a living, evolving platform for discovery, social connection, and well-being. The ongoing collaboration with Metrojaya and other potential partners will further diversify the center’s shopping and fashion appeal, ensuring that the retail mix remains fresh, competitive, and aligned with consumer demand. Long-term planning will likely include strategic adjustments to tenant mix, programming calendars, and event-driven campaigns that maximize occupancy and drive incremental revenue across all six zones.

The project’s proximity to major highways and 18 nearby townships ensures a broad catchment that can be leveraged through targeted marketing, community engagement, and partnerships with local institutions. The combination of direct accessibility, a comprehensive mix of anchors, and a dynamic, experience-driven approach positions Hextar World to sustain high levels of interest, footfall, and spend in the years ahead. As the soft opening approaches, stakeholders will be watching closely how the development translates its ambitions into tangible benefits for tenants, visitors, and the broader communities it touches.

Conclusion

Hextar World at Empire City embodies a ambitious, multi-venue, mixed-use paradigm that seeks to harmonize sport, retail, dining, and immersive experiences within a single, connected destination. The project’s anchor tenants—an Olympic-sized MYNISS facility, Malaysia’s largest indoor water park, and Slope Master’s indoor ski training—form a strong foundation for broad-based appeal, while Luckin Coffee, NomNom Food Hall, and Senkyaku Banrai contribute a contemporary, international dining footprint. The ongoing discussions with Metrojaya add to the potential for a premier department store anchor, expanding the center’s retail hierarchy and shopper appeal.

Managed by Alliance Empire Sdn Bhd and backed by a consortium that includes Alliance Premier, EXSIM, JT Momentum, and Hextar Healthcare, Hextar World is structured to deliver not only a compelling initial phase but also long-term resilience through a balanced tenant mix, robust infrastructure, and a forward-looking Exploratorium concept. The development’s scale—1.8 million square feet of NLA, six zones, 600 retail/dining/entertainment outlets, 28,000 square feet of supermarket space, and 9,100 parking bays—reflects a deliberate strategy to create a true destination, capable of attracting a diverse audience from across Kuala Lumpur and the broader region.

Strategically located near major highways, with tram connectivity and proximity to 18 townships within a 10-kilometre radius, Hextar World is well-positioned to become a landmark urban hub. The collaboration among seasoned industry players, with Hextar Healthcare’s diagnostics and wellness strengths, EXSIM’s sustainable urban development expertise, JT Momentum’s construction excellence, and Alliance Premier’s financial acumen, is set to translate ambitious plans into a vibrant, enduring reality. The Exploratorium’s four-pillar framework—Discovery & Innovation, Connection & Community, Entertainment & Adventure, and Wellness & Active Living—will guide ongoing programming and tenant collaboration, ensuring that Hextar World remains not only a shopping destination but a living, evolving community and learning space. As the 4Q2025 soft opening approaches, the market will watch with interest to see how these plans convert into sustained visitor engagement, strong tenancy, and meaningful economic impact for Malaysia’s urban landscape.