We Marked IWD With Shangri-La KL And Lush MY For An Afternoon Dedicated To Celebrating Women

A gathering, in collaboration with Palate and Women of Excellence, that moved beyond ceremony into conversation, connection, and possibility.

There are dinners—and then there are gatherings that foster something deeper. At Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Palate hosted an intimate buka puasa at the Garden Room in conjunction with International Women’s Day. The dinner brought together the 2025 honourees and partners of Women of Excellence—not for ceremony, but for connection in its most natural form.

There was, by design, no real agenda. A short welcome by Group General Manager Tengku Zai set the tone before the evening eased into conversation. Around the room, introductions gave way to shared ideas, and shared ideas to something more enduring.

With just 27 guests along a single viking table, the atmosphere was deliberately intimate and generous in spirit. The culinary experience, specially conceived for the evening by Executive Sous Chef Annie Yam with the support of Executive Chef Eric Fettke, reflected that same level of care. It began with a lobster salad layered with carpaccio, crispy shrimp, and a delicate lobster aioli—an opening the chefs describe as delicate and feminine.

Seared Hokkaido scallops followed, paired with cauliflower purée, orange beurre blanc, and herb oil, before giving way to a main course of Black Angus done two ways: grilled and braised, accompanied by a confit bon bon, stuffed morel, and a rich mustard jus. Dessert arrived as a composed hazelnut royale with salted caramel crémeux, honeycomb ice cream, and mango gelée—a thoughtful finish to a menu that existed only for that night.

Adding a tactile, playful layer to the night, Lush Malaysia hosted a hands-on soap-making station. An unexpected but fitting touch that invited guests to create, linger, and engage beyond the dinner table.

What resulted was not just a dinner, but a quiet affirmation of what Women of Excellence has always stood for. Many of these women first met through the platform and have since gone on to collaborate in meaningful ways. That evening, new connections were formed just as effortlessly—plans were made, follow-ups promised, and the beginnings of future projects set in motion. No panels, no pressure. Just a roomful of remarkable women, showing up, breaking fast, and finding common ground.

Shangri-La KL