Pullman Kuching opened its doors for its annual Christmas Tree Light Up on Monday, welcoming esteemed representatives from the community, corporate guests, media, and influencers to its newly renovated lobby. Close to 200 specially invited guests attended to mark the joyous occasion.
The Christmas Tree Light Up has long been one of the most anticipated traditions at the iconic hotel. This year’s celebration was made even more special as, alongside the unveiling of its seasonal dining and promotions, Pullman Kuching announced its Christmas Diversity, Equality and Inclusivity (DEI) campaign in collaboration with the Kuching Autistic Association (KAA). The partnership brought children and families from KAA into a cheerful, festive gathering filled with meaningful shared moments and togetherness.
The newly refreshed lobby was designed as a welcoming space for guests to meet and connect. Every corner was thoughtfully created to inspire, energise, and embrace community spirit — and the evening’s celebration truly brought that vision to life.
With its refreshed identity, Pullman Kuching invited guests to “check in where Kuching rises,” a place where connection, collaboration, and togetherness take centre stage. The presence of KAA’s children and family members added a heartfelt energy to the celebration, reminding guests of the compassion and inclusivity the season represents.
A Celebration Rooted in Community and Togetherness
“Hospitality, at its heart, is about people — about community and care. Christmas at Pullman Kuching has always been more than lights and décor. It is about togetherness, shared experiences, and the joy of celebrating as one community. Tonight, that spirit shines brighter than ever,” said Mr. Sunardi Song, General Manager of Pullman Kuching.
“This evening marked something very close to our hearts. Diversity, equity, and inclusivity have always been core pillars of our culture. Tonight, we were honoured to launch our support for the Kuching Autistic Association (KAA), an organisation that tirelessly empowers people with autism to achieve their full potential and live independent, fulfilling lives,” he added during his welcoming speech.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed each other’s company while melodic Christmas music filled the air. The lobby showcased artwork and festive merchandise created by KAA children, transforming the space into a vibrant display of creativity and joy. Their creations offered guests a thoughtful reminder of the value of understanding, patience, and shared celebration during the festive season.
Festive Initiatives Supporting Kuching Autistic Association (KAA)
As part of its DEI efforts, Pullman Kuching introduced two initiatives in support of KAA’s programmes with autistic children:
· Festive fundraising: A portion of proceeds from the Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner was contributed to KAA’s educational and developmental programmes.
· KAA Merchandise Corner: A dedicated space in the hotel’s lobby showcased seasonal merchandise and artwork created by KAA children, with 100% of sales supporting the organisation.
“Many of our children expressed themselves through creativity — through colour, texture, and the small details that reflected how they experienced the world. Sharing their artwork in Pullman Kuching gave families a space to exchange stories about their children as we eased into the festive season,” said Mr. Duane Reggie, Secretary of the Kuching Autistic Association.
“Moments like these helped others understand the different ways our children communicated, and that understanding made a meaningful difference,” he further shared.
This year’s partnership with KAA was part of Pullman Kuching’s broader commitment to the communities around it, extending the same spirit that guided its long‑running support of the Penan Women Project. Through the project, traditional Penan weaving was preserved, and Penan women received scholarship and income support, with their handwoven pieces thoughtfully woven into the guest experience as a nod to Sarawak’s heritage.
Culinary Delights: In the Spirit of Togetherness and Giving
Pullman Kuching invites guests to celebrate the spirit of homecoming at the newly refreshed Culina Restaurant, where the warmth of Sarawakian hospitality met a vibrant array of festive dining experiences and unexpected pairings.
The Christmas Eve Buffet shall feature festive classics such as roasted turkey and traditional holiday favourites, while the New Year’s Eve celebration shall highlight Pan‑Asian flavours, fresh seafood, and Sarawakian signatures.
Whether guests are home for the holidays or creating new festive memories, Pullman Kuching is the place to gather with loved ones, made even more meaningful by the support that it will extend to the community. Find out more about it at https://www.pullmankuching.com/special-offers/