Spark your imagination with IKEA

 

To celebrate the safe landing of AFTONSPARV, the new space-themed kid’s collection at IKEA stores throughout the nation since November 9, Malaysia’s first astronaut, Dato’ Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar, will make special appearances to share his experience in space exploration to inspire shoppers and space enthusiasts.

 

This way to the AFTONSPARV collection
at IKEA Tebrau, Johor Baru

With a mission to nurture the next generation of space explorers, IKEA Malaysia is partnering with Dato’ Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar in a nationwide tour that kicked off on November 8 with an official launch at IPC Shopping Centre in collaboration with IKEA Damansara, followed by an appearance at IKEA in Cheras on November 10.

 

On November 19, I was among the crowd, eagerly anticipating his appearance at IKEA Tebrau in a special event that coincided with the sixth anniversary of the store’s opening in Johor Baru.

 

To me, it was very special indeed to meet the nation’s first astronaut in person, rather than to just see him from photographs in newspapers, magazines or posters.

 

Entrance to the Space Station at IKEA Tebrau

The event started with a brief introduction of the products in the AFTONSPARV collection that are designed to bring the wonders of outer space into the home.

 

IKEA believes that the best way for children to learn, grow, and develop is through play, and that home was their most important playground.

 

And there was no better way for kids to learn about the wonders of space exploration than firsthand, from the first Malaysian who had been there and back.

 

Created in collaboration with young children aged three to seven, AFTONSPARV offers endless opportunities for creative play and role-playing, that will ignite the youngsters’ enthusiasm and love for space.

 

Space themed bed linen, decor
and curtains

The products ranged from jigsaw puzzles, cuddly soft toys to cardboard spaceships and tent rockets that aims to spark imagination, creativity and a sense of adventure among budding astronauts and explorers.

 

The AFTONSPARV collection encourages children to explore their curiosity for outer space while being designed with sustainability in mind.

 

This aligns with the IKEA commitment to make its play solutions as sustainable as they are safe and fun.

 

Soft toys like Space Teddy, Space Kitty, Space Bunny and Green Alien, in the new space range are made of recycled polyester. Meanwhile, cardboard in the rocket play tent contains at least 70% recycled materials.

 

AFTONSPARV Space inspired soft toys

It was simply wonderful that IKEA Malaysia presented this one-of-a-kind opportunity to shoppers and space enthusiasts to meet with Malaysia’s first astronaut, as part of its mission to make a positive difference in people’s lives through new experiences and to help people dream bigger.

 

To add more excitement, adult-size mascots dressed in costumes for Space Teddy, Space Kitty, Space Bunny and Green Alien, made an appearance at the event.

 

Earlier on when the MC chatted with the children – dubbed Space Rangers – he asked them individually for their age and their ambition. We heard various replies, sensible ones along with the hilarious.

 

Kids enjoy colouring sheets of
space-themed designs

Several kids claimed that they wanted to become astronauts but one child was adamant about becoming a doctor.

 

“Why?” asked the MC and the child firmly replied, “Because I want to help people.”

 

One child who wanted to be an astronaut was also asked, “Why?”

 

His prompt reply, “Because I want to go to the moon,” and continued, “and eat it!”

 

Space-inspired face and arm painting for kids

The MC was stumped but quickly recovered to clarify that in our multi-cultural community that celebrates a Mid-Autumn Festival, this child was probably familiar with eating mooncakes!

 

My thoughts flashed back to six years ago, when I was among another crowd who witnessed the opening day of IKEA Tebrau on November 16, 2017.

 

Then in 2018, I was here for the announcement about the plan to build Toppen, the shopping mall linked to IKEA Tebrau.

 

Space-themed desk and chair set for kids

In June 2019, I was invited for a peek into the progress of the building construction and then on 13 November 2019, I was again among the privileged few who witnessed the opening of Toppen Shopping Centre.

 

My musings came to a halt when I heard the MC announce that Dato’ Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar was already in the building and making his way to the event…

 

It took a while before the man finally arrived – my guess was – he was happily delayed by the enthusiastic welcome of star-struck shoppers who could not resist stopping him to snap souvenir photographs.

 

The MC led the chit-chat with Malaysia's
first astronaut, Dato' Dr Sheikh Muszaphar

And then he was in front of the gathered crowd, warmly welcomed by loud applause.

 

“I am eager to meet fellow Malaysians, including parents and their children at IKEA stores across the country, and am thrilled to partner with IKEA to inspire a love of space exploration—something I’ve always been passionate about,” said Dato’ Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar.

 

In his replies to the questions raised by the MC, Dato’ Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar spoke in English interspersed with Malay, for an informative and engaging time together.

 

Sharing a high-five greeting with the youngsters

I believe it was not just the children who were in awe of this fine figure of a man who discussed – among other things – the basic qualities required to qualify for being shortlisted to join the astronaut training programme.

 

I also believe that child who aspired to become a doctor, was much encouraged to know that our first astronaut was a qualified medical doctor by profession, before he was selected for astronaut training.

 

In closing, Dato’ Dr Sheikh Muszaphar encouraged the youngsters and everyone in the crowd, to work hard to achieve their goals.

 

The event poster at the Swedish restaurant

“Imagination is the fuel that propels us to dream big and reach for the stars.

 

By sharing my experience, I hope to encourage young kids and Malaysians everywhere to pursue their passions, no matter how big or small,” he said.

 

And when he said that the nation has the desire to send another astronaut, this time maybe the first female astronaut, the crowd responded with thunderous applause.

At the end of the event, Dato' Dr Sheikh Muszaphar was presented with a token of appreciation by the Space Teddy mascot. When the MC asked for a souvenir photograph to be taken with the IKEA Tebrau Store Manager, there was a request for him to come forward. 

It was funny when the Space Teddy whipped off his mask to reveal that it was in fact, the Store Manager, Tony Dumitru Vatuiu, wearing that mascot costume.

 

IKEA Tebrau Store Manager,
Tony Dumitru Vatuiu, with
Dato' Dr Sheikh Muszaphar

After his time at IKEA Tebrau that day, Dato’ Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar’s next appearance will be on November 25 at IKEA Batu Kawan.

 

The IKEA AFTONSPARV collection that aims to inspire next generation space explorers, will be available at IKEA stores from 9 November 2023.

 

IKEA is the world’s largest home furnishing retailer with 460 stores across more than 60 countries.

 

IKEA Malaysia is part of Ikano Retail, one of 12 IKEA franchisees and the only one owned by the family of Ingvar Kamprad, who founded IKEA in 1943.

 

IKEA Malaysia creates a better everyday life by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low, that as many people as possible can afford them.

 

Ikano Handel Sdn. Bhd. owns and operates four omnichannel stores in Malaysia, including IKEA Damansara, IKEA Cheras, IKEA Tebrau and IKEA Batu Kawan.

 

To learn more, visit IKEA.my.