The world’s best are in Stadium Putra, Bukit Jalil from today to 15 January 2012 as Maybank ramped up the occasion in its inaugural year as the title sponsor.
Maybank has transformed the Stadium into a badminton “village” for the week, with pride of place being the new, state-of-the-art, augmented reality video game set to be released during the tournament. “Powersmash” Game is a digital interactive game, combining augmented reality and a mobile application.
Players will be able to test their smash and challenge the current world record for the fastest smash, held by Malaysia’s Tan Boon Heong, with a ‘smashing’ movement, using a mobile device. Each smash is measured, and the result will appear on a screen. To create more excitement, a leader chart will be displayed throughout the tournament and the two players with the highest scores on Saturday and Sunday respectively will receive an iPod each.
With Tan himself having given his time up to create the game, the interactive experience is sure to be a hit with the crowds.
Maybank has also acquired a top of the range "speed gun" to measure willing participants’ best real-life smashing abilities. The public will be able to test their smashing skills and stand a chance to win the attractive prizes throughout the week for a nominal fee of RM1 at the “Fastest Smash” game. Maybank Foundation will also be pledging a cash contribution in addition to the amount collected from the game. Proceeds from the game will be donated to the Maybank Group Liver Transplant Centre at Hospital Selayang in Batu Caves.
Mohamed Adam Wee, Chief Marketing Officer of Maybank said, “This year’s tournament is set to be an enticing affair for badminton aficionados. We are introducing an array of fun activities for the whole family based around badminton.Through the Maybank Foundation, we are pledging to contribute to the Liver Transplant Center in Selayang in addition to the amount we will collect from the “Fastest Smash” game. As a responsible corporate citizen, we are committed to working hand-in-hand with the community to support the society,” concluded Adam.
Also on site will be the stars of Maybank’s “Smashing Dance-minton” flash mob, who recently entertained unsuspecting members around KL with their routine. The dancers will be taking any eager spectators through the moves for a final spectacular show incorporating members of the public to be performed at the event.
Proton will also be offering deals on their latest models with special Maybank financing packages on site and Etiqa will be joining the party too, with Bijak Malaysia being offered throughout the week.
With all the extra activities, it would be easy to forget that the main event is taking place inside. However, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), has released the finalised draw for the event:-
Malaysia’s home-grown favourite and world number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei, will have to defeat number 3 seed Chen Long, if he intends to make the final and then potentially set up the dream tie against China’s Lin Dan to gain his 5th title in a row here in Kuala Lumpur.
Speculation had been rife as to whether Lin Dan would finally make it to Malaysia having pulled out at the last minute over the last couple of years. However it is confirmed he will attend this year and will be the number two seed behind Lee Chong Wei at the tournament.
To view the “Smashing Dance-minton” stars in action, please visit Maybank’s Youtube site at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40ahBUFOpUM
For more information on the Maybank Malaysia Open, log on to www.Maybankbadmintonopen.com.
For tickets, please visit www.ticketpro.com.my