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.
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.
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.
