The History of Tanjong Golden Village (TGV) - Journey of Big Screens
Discover the history of TGV Cinemas, from its first multiplex in 1995 to IMAX, Flexound audio, and Malaysia’s first luxury bed cinema.
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TGV Cinemas isn’t just another cinema chain, it’s a Malaysian icon that’s been redefining the movie-going experience for nearly three decades. From humble beginnings in 1995 to today’s jaw-dropping IMAX with Laser and luxury bed cinemas, TGV has mastered the art of turning a simple night at the movies into a memorable event.
From Humble Screens to a National Spotlight
Back in 1994, Tanjong Golden Village was born from a collaboration between Tanjong PLC (Malaysia), Golden Harvest (Hong Kong), and Village Roadshow (Australia). A year later, Klang’s Bukit Raja Shopping Centre became home to the very first TGV multiplex, a shiny new playground for movie fans that offered more choice, more comfort, and a serious upgrade from the old single-screen days.
By the mid-2000s, TGV had more than 30 locations across Malaysia, each buzzing with the smell of popcorn and the thrill of opening nights. In 2008, Tanjong PLC took full ownership, streamlining decision-making and accelerating strategic expansion.
Raising the Curtain on Premium Experiences
TGV has a knack for being first. It introduced Malaysians to IMAX in the early 2010s, kicking things off at Sunway Pyramid. It wasn’t just about a bigger screen, it was about blowing audiences away with crystal-clear visuals and thunderous sound. Soon, cities from Penang to Johor Bahru had their own IMAX halls, and watching a movie was felt like stepping straight into the movie world.
The creation of TGV Pictures, its film distribution arm, opened the doors for more English, Malay, Indonesian, and Asian films to reach Malaysian audiences, supporting both local filmmakers and international releases.
Then in 2015 came INDULGE, the dine-in luxury cinema at 1 Utama that made popcorn seem almost too ordinary. Think plush reclining seats, private lounges, and menus that could rival a good restaurant. It was a new benchmark for premium movie-going experience in Malaysia.
Immersion Like Never Before
TGV doesn’t just keep up with trends but creates them. Its Johor Bahru Toppen Shopping Centre megaplex debuted the world’s largest Flexound Augmented Audio hall, a revolutionary format with speakers built into every seat for unparalleled sound quality.
In 2023, TGV proudly unveiled Malaysia’s first IMAX with Laser at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, offering 4K laser projection, enhanced brightness, dazzling colours, and room-shaking 12-channel immersive audio. This was quickly followed by further upgrades across select locations.
And in 2024, TGV went all out with INDULGE Coway Berex at Suria KLCC – the first bed cinema in Malaysia, complete with smart mattresses, massage functions, adjustable privacy panels, and Dolby Atmos sound. Watching a movie in bed? Yes, please.
TGV is Still the Star of the Show
Now boasting 40 multiplexes and 328 screens nationwide, TGV remains Malaysia’s second-largest cinema chain but it’s first in the hearts of countless movie fans. Its history is a reel of bold choices, unforgettable firsts, and a constant push to make every screening an experience worth talking about. Whether it’s blockbusters, indie gems, or live screenings, TGV continues to turn going to the movies into an experience worth dressing up for.