by NURUL SUHAIDI / pic by BLOOMBERG

LANGKAWI will open a new attraction which offers unique exploration using the ‘Virtual Reality’ (VR) and ‘Augmented Reality’ (AR) technologies.

VR Universal Langkawi (VRUL), the first virtual reality theme park, will have 12 unique attractions along with more than 100 various game content for visitors’ immersion.

Introduced by RFK Technologies Sdn Bhd, VRUL is set to bring the latest digital technology to Malaysia to appeal especially to the younger generation.

Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar said apart from increasing the interest of VR and AR in the education sector, this project also offers “Edutainment” to the state.

The development of VR and AR in the country can also be seen through studios and local start-ups that develop video games for international companies from Taiwan, Japan and China.

“Looking at this positive development, the government through Medac (Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Ministry) has created several ‘game incubators’ that provide opportunities for those interested to experiment with various VR and AR development kits,” Noh said in a statement yesterday.

Meanwhile, RFK Technologies Sdn Bhd executive chairman Datuk Rosni Zahari said with the help of Medac and SME Bank, VRUL has succeeded in creating a leading VR theme park not only in Malaysia but also the world.

VRUL is the only 100% VR park that has a theme for each attraction, has the world’s first free-roaming VR Mortal Blitz game in the dome and is listed among four companies in the world licensed for the “Beat Saber” attraction by Facebook.

Meanwhile, the VRUL’s “VR Gyro” attraction is the third after Korea and Dubai.

Rosni also stated that with Medac and its agencies, VRUL plans to open a VR Universal Friends Park in Kuala Lumpur in mid-2022.

Additionally, a study conducted by Growth from Knowledge found that 59% of respondents aged 20 to 29 and 57% of respondents aged 30 to 39 agreed that experience is more important than owning VR and AR gadgets at home as they are more likely to socialise, which cannot be experienced at home.

Rosni said adopting the concept of “retailtainment”, the opening of VRUL in Langkawi can also open opportunities and space for tourists from within and outside Malaysia.