Escapy Escape Into A World Of Travel & Adventure
Legoland Special Edition Legoland Malaysia A Land Of Awesome Fun
Legoland’s Future Ride
Ninjago The Ride, Brick Laying Ceremony
Flashback
Legoland Star Wars Month
Legoland Hotel Fun, Fun, and More Fun
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Dear friends, First and foremost, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to our friends celebrating the Hari Raya. Maaf zahir dan batin. Welcome to Legoland Special Edition issue of Escapy, your free travel digital magazine and “Pockezine�. This special issue is all about Legoland, it rides, the different sections, etc. It is not a comprehensive guide but it is as comprehensive as we could get it to be for now. We are planning another one for the future; covering more rides that we unfortunately missed in this issue. Do share this issue with your friends and get them to subscribe too by sharing the link below. This helps keep us free. http://www.theasianpublisher.com/magazine/escapy/escapy-interstitial.html Thank you and happy reading. Do enjoy this issue and do visit Legoland and plan a stay at the Legoland Hotel. I had a blast of a time and I am sure that you will have too.
Cheers, Phil Foo Editor In Chief
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For All Your Office Needs
Stone-Mashe Sdn. Bhd.
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Contents
Click To Go Directly To Article
Legoland Malaysia Theme Park Page: 6 Legoland Hotel Malaysia Page: 74 Star Wars Month At Ninjago, The Legoland Malaysia Ride Brick Laying Ceremony Page: 118 Page:110 My Own Creation Star Wars LEGO Contest Page: 132 Star Wars Parade Anticipating Clubs Page: 158
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Contents Page located at end page of all articles. 5
Travel Guide
Legoland Malaysia Philemon Foo
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heme parks are all fun and enjoyment, the fountain of youth for adults, and a haven for kids. More so if the said theme park is closely related to the toys that one grew up playing. I grew up playing LEGO blocks, the building blocks of the mind; when Legoland landed in Malaysia I was ecstatic. 7
Legoland is not something new. The first Legoland is Legoland Billund in Denmark. The park opened its doors in 1968 with 10 different worlds and has been one of the sources of fun for over 1.6 million visitors annually.
The other Legolands are Legoland Windsor (since 1996), California (since 1999), Deutschland (since 2002), Florida (since 2011), and Malaysia which opened its doors back in 15th November 2012. 9
Fun Zones
Legoland
Miniland
This section of the park is where over a hundred LEGO crazy builders and master builders from around the world showcase their amazing works made up of the many landmarks in Asia such as the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, Singapore’s Merlion Park, India’s Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat, etc. covering 17 different cities and countries at a scale of 1:20. > Replica of the Singapore Flyer. 11
The Miniland project in Malaysia is the largest ever built for a new park taking more than three years to complete. Many of the models are animated such as boats, trains, lorries, etc. My favourite is that of a battle scene where a boat shoots its canons trying to hit target on land and vice versa.
Many of the models were built in Malaysia at Legoland’s model shop in Nusa Cemerlang, Johor Bahru. Others were constructed in the USA, Denmark, Germany, and the Czech Republic before being transported over. 13
> A LEGO model of Istana Bukit Serene (Serene Hill Palace); the official residence of the Sultan of Johor.
> Models of buildings around Johor Bahru such as the old train station, the church of Immaculate Conception, Tabung Haji, etc.
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> Models of various landmarks in Singapore such as The Fullerton Hotel, One Fullerton, the Singapore Flyer.
> Model of a Shipyard.
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> Model of Karaweik Hall, Yangon, Myanmar,
> Model of Wat Arun “Temple of the Morning Light”, Bangkok, Thailand.
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> Model of the Tanah Lot temple, Bali, Indonesia.
> Model of Putrajaya, Malaysia.
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LEGO City
(Driving Chool, Junior Driving School, Boating School, LEGO City Airport, Legoland Express, The Shipyard)
LEGO City is where children take control with rides associated with things in the city such as the airport with a merry-go-round airplane ride, driving school, boating, a train that goes round LEGO City and Mainland, LEGO City Fire Station, a theatre that is currently showing Ninjago Live, etc. >Legoland Express train station & fountain.
The Driving School offers children an opportunity to drive on a circuit that simulates real driving experiences where they will drive LEGO cars past traffic signs, traffic lights, etc. This qualifies them for a “drivers license� after learning the rules of the road. There is also a Junior Driving School with slower single pedal cars for smaller children. 23
Ahoy Matey! Families of three can take control of a boat and sail together around a boating circuit. These boats are battery powered and so there is no need to worry about wind directions and all the other stuffs associated with sailing. Just climb on board and go on your way.
> The Logeland Express, the train that goes round LEGO City and a section of Miniland.
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> Inside the Legoland Express train station.
> The Shipyard, a places where children can climb, slide, and be the captian of a ship.
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> Fire Fighters in training at the LEGO City Fire Station.
> LEGO City Rescue Academy.
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>Preparing for fire rescue training.
>The Rescue Academy.
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> LEGO City Airport.
> Flying a LEGO plane at the LEGO City Airport.
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>LEGO City Airport security.
>The LEGO City Stage theatre.
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> The LEGO City Stage, currently showing LEGO Ninjago, The Realm Of Shadow.
> Ninjago ninja warriors on a mission.
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Land Of Adventure
(Dino Island, Lost Kingdom, Beetle Bounce, Pharaoh’s Revenge)
This is where the courageous wander into the ancient LEGO Worlds. The rides here are more exhilarating such as the Lost Kingdom Adventure where one climbs into a jeep and become an adventure hero blasting lasers for hidden treasures while discovering the secrets of an ancient temple. >Entrance to the Lost Kingdom Adventure.
Other than treasure hunting, heroes will also need to battle evil mummies, skeletons, etc. and dodge deadly traps as one goes on this adventure. The Lost Kingdom is certainly a fun filled and exciting ride not to be missed.
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> The entrance to the Land Of Adventure.
Dino Island
This here is one ride that will get you wet. If you love water don’t miss this ride that takes you on an adventure through a forgotten time in, a canoe. You will cruise through rocky outcrops with man eating plants, and come face to face with dinosaurs. Your only way out of the island is to go down a 12 metre waterfall. 41
Beetle Bounce launches children up and down a 15 feet tower, almost touching the gigantic LEGO beetle. Certainly not a ride for children who have a fear of heights.
>Bouncing beetles and having fun.
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>Dino Island’s temple and waterfall.
LEGO Kingdoms
(The Dragon, The Dragon’s Apprentice, The Forestman’s Hideout, Merlin’s Challenge, Royal Joust, Castle Stage)
This section takes you back to the middle ages where knights and dragons rule. My favourite ride here is The Dragon. The Dragon is a roller coaster that takes you inside the castle through the middle ages, riding on a dragon. It may not be as scary as many of the world’s roller coasters which means, more people get to enjoy the ride.
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>Entrance to The Dragon roller coaster.
>Riding past Merlin’s lab with The Dragon.
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> Riding The Dragon through various parts of the castle.
The Dragon’s Apprentice offers younger guests a taste of the faster and more exhilarating roller coaster, The Dragon. Makes sense as there is a minimum requirement that one needs to meet before one gets to ride on The Dragon. If one does not meet them, worry not. Here is its apprentice. 49
>LEGO hounds at the Kingdom.
>A LEGO guard caught sleeping on the job.
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LEGO Technic
(Aquazone Wave Racer, LEGO Mindstorms, LEGO Academy, Project X, Technic Twister)
The highlight in this section is the Project X, the park’s fastest ride. Project X is a roller coaster with a steep switchback track. Each car takes up to four riders on a wild ride up to 18 metres above ground as it pushes them through the G forces. >The Project X roller coaster; high speed fun and thrills.
> The screams from Project X can be heard all the way from the water park.
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Imagination
(The Build & Test Centre, DUPLO Express, Observation Tower, DUPLO Playtown, Kid’s Power Tower, LEGO Studios)
This section is where LEGO fans get to bring their imaginations to life especially at the Build and Test Centre where thousands of LEGO bricks awaits to be built. But my personal favourite is the Observation Tower that gives visitors an aerial view of the park from a position 41 metres above ground.
>LEGO Observation Tower offers a lovely view.
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Legoland Water Park
The Legoland Water Park was officially opened on 21st October 2013. It has over 20 unique water based rides both interactive and non interactive, and is the place to go to should one intend to get soaking wet. >Entrance to the Legoland Water Park.
There is the Joker Soaker fun interactive play structure where children get to shoot each other with water cannons, Built-A-Raft River, where children build their own rafts out of soft LEGO bricks before floating down the river, and much more.
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Fancy some waves? The LEGO Wave Pool is one place where families can sit back and allow therapeutic waves to caress one’s body. Alternatively one can decide to go wild splashing about in the wave pool. Simply put, it is all about fun.
> The Legoland Joker Soaker; lots of wet fun awaits.
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> The Red Rush slides where groups can ride the 312 feet long slide all the way from the top to the bottom.
>More slides; Splash N’ Swirl, and Brick Blaster.
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>A LEGOman splashes swimmers at the river.
>LEGO people are having fun too...
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So You’re Hungry
There are food outlets that serve a variety of food. My favourite is the Market Restaurant that is located near the shopping area also known as The Beginning. The air-conditioning offers a cool respite from the hot Malaysian weather. >Entrance to the Market Restaurant.
The Market Restaurant serves a mix of local and western meals and desserts. I love the tender lamb shank and the very tasty chicken briyani. A dessert not to be missed is the ABC also known as Ice Kacang (nuts); a bowl of shaved ice with syrup, lots on condiments, topped with a scoop of ice cream.
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>A tasty sweet dessert; ABC or Ice Kacang.
>Collecting a meal at the various food counters.
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Other food outlets include Pizza Mania, The Cafe, King’s Grill, Asian Deli, Burger Junction, Snack Corner, Kebab Hut, Castle Fried Chicken, and Fire Rescue Bistro. At the water park there are two more outlets called Beach Grill and Brick Cafe.
>The Burger Junction and a stall selling ice-cream.
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Come Visit Legoland Malaysia
Should you visit Singapore or Malaysia and have a few days to spare, do visit Legoland and “build� yourself a fun and exciting time. One tip though, it can get really hot. A fan is highly recommended and do remember to drink lots of water, something one tends to forget when one is having too much fun.
Additional Information
Open Daily: 9.00am - 7.00pm, Malaysia time Tel: +607 597 8888 Email: info@LEGOLAND.my Entrance Fees: Click link below http://www.legoland.com.my/Plan/Prices-and-Tickets/ Getting there: Click link below... http://www.legoland.com.my/Plan/Direction/ 71
>A place to care for babies.
>The entrance to Legoland Malaysia.
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Where to Stay
Philemon Foo
Legoland Hotel Malaysia
I
have been a hotelier for quite a few years and I have visited and experienced many hotels and resorts for both business and leisure. I must say that the Legoland Hotel is amongst if not the most fun hotel rooms that one can stay at. I love the rooms. >A Huge LEGO Indiana Jones gives a warm welcome at the side entrance (from the theme park). 75
LEGO Fun Lobby
Walk through the main entrance and you’re in the world of LEGO. A castle on your right with a mote filled with LEGO bricks for you to play with. On your left is a bug LEGO Pirate ship. Up in the air is a LEGO airship, the wall behind the front desk is filled with LEGO characters. LEGO haven is what this place is. >LEGO airship flying above.
>The LEGO castle at the lobby.
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>A LEGO skeleton plays the prisonner in the castle.
>The back of the LEGO castle.
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> A whole wall of LEGO people and a large LEGOman riding a bicycle along the wall makes up the backdrop of the reception area.
>LEGO Pirate ship on a sea of LEGO blocks. 81
> The reception counters at the lobby.
>Legoland Hotel’s front entrance.
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LEGO Play Area
Heads towards the restaurant and you will come to a play area filled with LEGO bricks. Some of them are big LEGO bricks. Not the usual larger than the usual size bricks. The bricks are large although made of foam. There is also an interactive dance game to entertain families. >Parents and children having fun playing with LEGO bricks that are larger in size.
>Large size LEGO bricks made of softer material.
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>Children and adults playing an interactive dancing game.
Step into one of the elevators and suddenly you are hit with disco music and disco lights. The wall of the elevator is disco themed with a disco dancing LEGOman. This is probably the most fun elevator within the hotel industry. 87
LEGO Themed Hotel Rooms
What’s so fun about the rooms is that they are themed. The themes are Pirate, Adventure, and Kingdom. I stayed at the Adventure room and I had one heck of an adventure. The entire room is covered with pictures, items, LEGO characters, etc. From the LEGO Adventure themed wall paper, to the carpets, bed sheets, ceilings, etc. they all go according to theme.
I felt like I was sleeping in the pyramids and it was absolutely fun. The bed and pillows are comfortable. I love the air-conditioning (I like my room temperature cold). There is even a treasure within the room that one can embark on to unlock a treasure chest and win some prizes.
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The room has a king sized bed with a comforter set that goes along with the theme. There is a semiprivate area for up to three children consisting of a bunk bed with a pull out bed; all designed according to theme. There is an entertainment unit in the kids room. The room is simply outstanding.
>Children’s bed amd wall paper. Simply awesome.
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>Awesome wallpaper. Room theme is “Adventure.“
>Treasure hunting map; the carpet.
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>Carpet with Egyptian hieroglyphics.
>Most certainly a room for the kids (wallpaper).
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>TV and game centre in the children’s room.
> Study area of the adult’s room.
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>A box of LEGO bricks to play with (green box).
>A huge LEGO dragonfly hangs out on the wall.
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LEGO Themed Dining
When one feels a “rumbly” in one’s tummy, just head down to the Bricks Family Restaurant for a variety of cuisines that will cater to every palate (buffet style). I enjoyed the smoked duck, greasy bacon, and the free flow of ice cream.
There are lots of characters and items built out of LEGO bricks placed about the restaurant adding to the LEGO themed ambience. Children will absolutely love the restaurant too. The Bricks Family Restaurant has a capacity for up to 465 guests. 101
Should you prefer a quieter dining experience, the Mattoni will be more to your liking. Di Mattoni’s concept is A la Carte with space for lesser amounts of guest hence the quieter ambience. Di Mattoni sits about 50 guests.
>LEGO chef catching seafood for the buffet at The Bricks Family Restaurant. 103
>LEGO chef and his giant LEGO ice cream.
>LEGO Ratatouille spotted at The Bricks Family Restaurant. 105
>LEGO shop at the hotel.
Heaps Of Fun
The Legoland Hotel Malaysia is heaps of fun. I love every bit of it especially the rooms. Some hotel rooms have such an appeal that guest want to spend some time in them maybe because of the ambience. The Legoland Hotel rooms are certainly rooms that are designed to keep you in. I love them and I am very sure that kids will love them a lot more. >Even adults cannot resist the or “calling� of LEGO blocks. 107
Additional Information
Bookings can be made by either by “walk-in� or online at www.LEGOLAND.com.my/hotel/home or by phone at +607 597 8888. (Daily, 9.00am - 7.00pm, Malaysia time) >A giant LEGO knight guards the entrance to Legoland Hotel.
>LEGO monkey and me in our Adventure themed room.
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HAPPENINGS
Philemon Foo
Ninjago The Ride
Brick Laying Ceremony
T
here is a new and exciting ride coming to Legoland Malaysia this November (November 2016) It is called Ninjago, The Ride. Ninjago is a cartoon series featuring ninja Lego characters as well as monsterous enemies made up of Lego blocks. The main characters are Kai, Cole, Zane, Jay, Nya, and Masyer Wu. 111
Ninjago, The Ride is set to be placed at the Ninjago World section of Legoland Malaysia. The RM40 million ride is a 4D (four dimensional) ride that incorporates smoke, wind, heat,and 3D (three dimensional) imagery; with high tech hand movement sensors. Riders climb into a vehicle taking on the rolls of Ninjago ninja warriors in training with various powers shooting fireballs, lightning shockwaves, and ice as they go through the 3 and a half minutes adventure. >Ninjago’s Ninja Warrior, Kai in action.
A LEGO Ninjago The Ride, Brick Laying ceremony was recently held at the grounds where the new ride will be built. Legoland invited members of the press and media, a few lucky annual pass holders, and VIPs to the ceremony. During the ceremony, Legoland Parks Managing Director Hans Aksel Pedersen, said that Ninjago, The Ride will be a game changer for theme parks around the world. >Hans Aksel Pederson, Legoland Parks Managing Director. 113
First In Asia
Ninjago, The Ride was first installed at Legoland Billund in Denmark followed by Legoland California April this year (2016). Legoland Malaysia will be the 3rd Legoland to have it making Legoland Malaysia the first theme park in Asia to have a ride this kind. >Legoland Executives and VIPs behind with bricks, ready for the Brick Laying.
Ninjago, The Ride is developed by Triotech, a company based in Toronto, Canada that specializes in multi-sensori interactive attractions since the 1999 creating rides for many theme parks such as Canada’s Wonderland, Knott’s Berry Farm in the USA, and many more. They are the world leaders in multisensori interactive attractions and has developed “Maestro” technology of which will be used in the Ninjago, The Ride. >Bricks have been laid. Now time for a group photo. 115
First In Asia
So, are you ready to be trained as a Ninjago ninja warrior? If you are, do visit Legoland Malaysia in November this year and experience the new Ninjago, The Ride. >Group photo with Legoland Executives, VIPs, and Ninja warriors.
Watch Ninjago The Ride
PDF Reader: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfFeUHrrWmM
Contents Page
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HAPPENINGS
Escapy - Republish
Star Wars Month At LEGOLAND Malaysia
T
he month of May was Star Wars month at LEGOLAND Malaysia. A Star Wars character appearance and parade was held with members of Star Wars fan clubs from around Asia called 501st Legions, Garrisons, and outpost; coming together to put on one heck of a show around the entire theme park.
Darth Vader and his troops seen wandering about at LEGOLAND Malaysia. 119
Putting Battle Aside
We attended the Star Wars parade where characters from the Star Wars movie franchise came to live. Perhaps for the first time in the history of Star Wars, both the Galactic Empire and The Rebel Alliance came together working hand in hand to entertain fans of Star Wars and visitors to Legoland without shooting at one and other.
All participating Note though thatStar rabbits Warsgenerally Club members do not wore like tocosbe picked that tumes up and lookthey exactly can get like quite thoseaggressive used in thetomovfree themselves ies. Mr Evan especially Loh, the Public whenRelations they feelOfficer threatened to the or when 501st Malaysia handledOutpost in the wrong said during way, of thewhich presscould conharm both ference that theevery person member’s who picked costume up themust rabbitmeet and the rabbit certain standards itself. of which is an almost identical costume to the one’s in the movie. 121
The Emperor (Sheev Palpatine) and Darth Vader, the farther of the dark side lead the march with the troops from the Empire, followed by the Rebel Alliance, while loud speakers that have been placed around the park blast the famous Star Wars theme song. The impact it created was simply amazing.
Stormtroopers marching towards the LEGOLAND Malaysia theme park. 123
They paraded from the LEGOLAND Resort to the LEGOLAND Malaysia theme park’s indoor Star Wars exhibits where over 2,000 Star Wars LEGO Models from various locations around the world including Malaysia, Germany, and Czech Republic was built. The exhibit showcases scenes from each Star Wars movie.
TIE Fighter pilots marching towards the LEGOLAND Malaysia theme park. 125
Darth Revan looking menacing amongst the crowd of Star Wars fans.
After the parade, the characters broke out into groups and spent the day walking around the park posing and taking photos with visitors. They were after all the main attraction and the stars of the event. 127
The Largest Millennium Falcon
LEGOLAND Malaysia brought in father and son Master Builder team; Daniel Steininger and Christopher Steininger to build the largest LEGO Millennium Falcon in the world using over 200,000 bricks. Visitors to the park got to build one too but of a much smaller size and only during the weekend for the entire month of May.
A LEGO TIE Fighter model on display at the LEGOLAND Malaysia theme Park. 129
Jawas hanging out with the Stormtroopers outside the LEGOLAND Resort.
This limited edition LEGO block is given to all who completed the Star Wars Trail in May 2016.
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131
HAPPENINGS
Escapy
My Own Creation Star Wars LEGO Contest
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n conjunction with the Star Wars Month, Star Wars LEGO fans from Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, etc. gathered here at LEGOLAND Malaysia to compete in a contest to build the most unique and creative Star Wars LEGO creation. The contest was broken into three categories being kids (7-15 years old), Open (above 15), and Family (parent and child team).
Winners Category: Open
1st Place: Wong Wing Yew - The Force Is Strong With This One. 133
2nd Place: Yeo Wei Shoong - Kampung Star Wars (Star Wars Village)
3rd Place: Ling Wei Ko - Geonosis Droid Factory
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4th Place: Bruce Lee Chiau Han - Star Wars Racing
5th Place: Gan Soo Aik - Redesign Air Speeder
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Winners of the Adult Category and their przes from LEGO Malaysia.
Winners Category: Family
1st Place: Wong Tze Hin and Thomas Wong – I Am R2D2 139
2nd Place: Yong Meng Kwong –Star Wars Carousel
3rd Place: Eric Ong Ling Siang and Ong Siong Kuan –Hoth Remnant 141
4th Place: Siti Arfah and Noreez Azmirah –Star Wars Café
5th Place: Ng Yiwen and Ng Seng Guan –Stolen Data Hunt
143
Winners Category: Kids
1st Place: Tan Xi Honn –Ewok Extreme Park
2nd Place: Cassius Lai –Edge of DeathStar
1st Place: Wong Tze Hin and Thomas Wong – I Am R2D2 145
3rd Place: Candace Chow –The Forcecar Awakens
4th Place: Carmen Cheah –Battle Front Ride at LEGOLAND
147
5th Place: Tan Chen Ping –Battle of the Xs
Winners Category: Hong Kong
Adrian –Star Wars Ep. 8 Scene 1–Kids Category Winner 149
Chau Hin Ly Sander -First Order Base B –Open Category
Cheung Shing Kit and Cheung Chiu Kai–Family Category 151
Winners Category: Taiwan
Chi Hsin Wei –You don’t know the power of the Dark Side – Open Category
Chi Hsin Wei and Chi An Yu –Republic Friendship – Family Category
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Lee Nuo–R2D2 Symphony interstellar dreams – Kids Category
Winners Category: Indonesia
Evanina –Star Wars Elves –Kids Category
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Dianawaty –Death Star Section – Open Category
Evanina –Star Wars Chess– Family Category
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Participating Clubs
Rebel Legion Malaysian Outpost, 501st Singapore Garrison, Cathar Outpost - Rebel Legion Singapore, 501st Legion Indonesia Outpost, 501st Thailand, Rebel Legion Thailand Utapau Outpost, Philippine Garrison, The 501st Legion - Macau Outpost, The Rebel Legion Hong Kong Base, 501st Taiwan Formosa Outpost, The Rebel Legion Taiwan Outpost, 501st Japanese Garrison , Redback Garrison 501st Legion, 501st Legion Brunei Outpost.
Mr Evan Loh, the Public Relations Officer to the 501st Malaysia Outpost. 159
Star Wars Cafe. The place to hangout.
Playing chess with the dark side.
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