SHAH ALAM: i-City, Malaysia's premier digital city, has unveiled SkyCity Tower, the country's highest glass water slide standing at 60 metres.

This new attraction, coupled with the existing tourism products in i-City, is expected to play a crucial role in the success of Visit Selangor 2025 by drawing about five million local and international tourists next year, said Tengku Datuk Seri Ahmad Shah Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, chairman of i-City Selangor.

He believes that i-City's efforts will help Selangor surpass its seven million tourist target in 2025.

Tengku Ahmad Shah said that i-City has a long-standing reputation for being at the forefront of urban development and tourism in Selangor.

He noted that i-City plays a vital role in supporting the tourism industry through leisure and hospitality activities that reflect a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

"Today, i-City serves as a hub where local businesses can thrive, benefiting from the influx of tourists and the vibrant economy it supports. The One Shah Alam, One Destination initiative launched last year is a clear demonstration of our commitment to supporting the local tourism industry.

"It showcases the best of Shah Alam in one destination, and SkyCity will continue the impact of this programme for the local tourism industry," he said.

Recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia as a prime destination for both international and local tourists, i-City consistently provides unique and memorable experiences to visitors worldwide, he said during the ground-breaking ceremony of SkyCity Tower today.

The event was officiated by Selangor Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

Tengku Ahmad Shah said that the 60-metre SkyCity tower, featuring a 600-meter glass slide, will soon become a distinctive feature of Shah Alam's skyline.

He added that this new landmark will not only enhance the cityscape but also attract tourists from near and far, further boosting the appeal of i-City and Selangor as top-tier destinations.

"Our City of Digital Lights, with over one million LED lights, has been celebrated by CNN Travel as one of the world's top 25 brightest and most colourful places globally. This accolade is a testament to our dedication to infusing technology into creating attractions that captivate and inspire," he said.

SkyCity is set to open on Dec 11, 2024, coinciding with the birthday of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

Tengku Ahmad Shah said that this auspicious occasion will not only honour the legacy and leadership of the Selangor Ruler but also mark the start of "Visit Selangor Year 2025."

"With the tagline, Swim in Sky. Fly on Water, we aim to celebrate the opening of SkyCity in December by benefitting some 2,000 people with the experience of swimming in the sky as they glide down the 600-meter glass slide from the height of a 60-metre tower," he said.

Meanwhile, Amiruddin said that Selangor is working diligently to enhance the state's tourism.

He hoped that SkyCity would become a highlight of Selangor's tourism campaigns.

"i-City is targeting 2,000 tourists to try this glass slide on its opening day. If this momentum continues into next year, I am confident that i-City, with the attractiveness of SkyCity, City of Digital Lights, DoubleTree by Hilton i-City, Best Western Hotel, and Central i-City Mall, will be able to become a solid contributor to the success of Visit Selangor 2025," he said.