One with the force

LAST Saturday, Legoland Malaysia played host to the biggest Imperial March in the region.
The march was part of the month-long Lego Star Wars Days celebration, in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of this epic saga.
The event saw over 100 participants in costumes from the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion, representing the Dark Side and the Light Side of the Force, respectively.
The groups' members came from Malaysia, Singapore and other Asia Pacific countries, showcasing the diverse fandom of the Star Wars franchise.
They were joined by a group of children who had come to the theme park in costume, and who appeared delighted to be walking alongside their heroes.
Despite a sudden shower soon after it started, the march largely went off without a hitch, and members of the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion were seen throughout the park later on, gamely posing for photographs with fans, and even going on several of the rides at the park.
One of the biggest draws for the event was the Lego Star Wars Miniland, which featured guided tours for visitors to listen to stories about some of the biggest battles and key moments from the Star Wars films or cartoon series.
Legoland Malaysia Resort operations director Casper Bonavent shared prior to the march, that the Lego Star Wars Miniland, which opened in 2014, was one of the park's biggest attractions.
He said: "We are proud to be able to bring together so many fans of this extraordinary [franchise], and we hope that everyone will be able to enjoy the many Star Wars-themed activities that we have throughout Legoland Malaysia."
Bonavent later joined Johor state tourism, domestic trade and consumerism executive councillor Datuk Tee Siew Kong in the unveiling of a special Lego mural dedicated to Princess Leia, who was played by the late Carrie Fisher.
Also present at the launch were Lego Group SEA marketing brand director Vera Ivanova, Tourism Malaysia Johor State Office deputy director Aaron Gan, as well as Legoland Malaysia Resort's finance director C.S. Lim and human resources director Murni Masrom.
Guests to Legoland Malaysia will be able to enjoy a range of daily Star Wars activities as part of Lego Star Wars Days, which ends on May 31.
Among these are various building activities such as Star Wars World, R2-D2 Challenge, Speed Building, Star Wars model build, and even creating their own Star Wars set.
There will also be photo opportunities with several iconic characters, including the menacing Lego Darth Vader.
Visitors will also be entertained by Stormtrooper dance performances at various locations throughout the park.
The younger ones can also train to become Jedi at the Jedi Academy, under the tutelage of a Master Jedi.
They will also be given a Legoland Star Wars passport, which they can get stamped during the various activities, and be rewarded with a special commemorative brick when they collect all the stamps.
For more, visit the Legoland Malaysia Resort website.