Yalinie Mathan
IPC Shopping Centre in Malaysia has launched a sustainable balloon installation named “Ocean Heroes to the Rescue” to raise awareness about ocean conservation and sustainability education.
This installation is the largest sustainable balloon installation in the country, featuring 85,000 pieces of biodegradable Qualatex balloons forming an underwater landscape, complete with five endangered marine species, including the Hammerhead Shark, Orca Whale, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Dugong, and Giant Manta Ray.
The exhibition will run until March 5th, 2023, and aims to educate adults and young visitors. The centre’s concourse has morphed into an “Ocean Playground” where visitors can immerse themselves in a larger-than-life intricate balloon sculpture that celebrates the beauty of marine life.
IPC Shopping Centre has partnered with 20 world-renowned balloon sculpture artists from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, and Malaysia, led by Malaysian Balloon Master Joseph Ho and Taiwan’s Godfather of Balloons, Ho Kun Leong.
“Malaysia is one of the top plastic ocean polluters, and it is not something to be proud of. We need immediate action collectively to better care for our ocean and marine life.
“This Ocean Playground is our way of raising awareness on the importance of preserving our ocean for the livelihoods of marine lives and with hopes of cultivating our next generation Ocean Heroes,” said Karyn Lim, General Manager of IPC Shopping Centre.
Joseph Ho, Malaysian Balloon Master, expressed his excitement at being part of the project: “I am thrilled to be part of the first and only sustainable balloon installation in Malaysia.
“The pandemic affected all large-scale balloon exhibitions, so I hope more shopping centres in Malaysia will follow suit and be more sustainable in-malls so that together we can create a greater impact on our people and planet.”
IPC Shopping Centre also hosts educative on-ground activities and complimentary sustainability-driven workshops at the Atrium, Level G, for children aged 12 years old and below on a first come-first serve basis, with priority given to Små Club members.
The activities include Balloon Mascot Walkabout, Paper Plate Painting Kids Workshop, Storytelling Session by Hong Jie Jie, and Balloon Making Kids Workshop.
In conclusion, IPC Shopping Centre’s “Ocean Heroes to the Rescue” installation and related activities aim to promote awareness and encourage the next generation to become Ocean Heroes, emphasizing the importance of preserving the oceans for marine life and livelihoods.
The installation has been well-received by visitors and will significantly impact promoting sustainable practices and preserving the environment.
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