COVER STORY The Science <strong>of</strong> Sleep Previously working within the construction industry, the science <strong>of</strong> sleep was a whole new ball game for Mr Marco Righi; yet his visions are bringing Slumberland into the future Words by Karsha Green Images by Brian & M8 Studio Joining Hilding Anders in March 2018 as the Asia Pacific Regional President <strong>of</strong> the global company’s Slumberland Division, Mr Marco Righi understood that he was diving into a new world, one far from his previous work with building materials. What Marco quickly realised however, was the goal was still the same – providing the end customer with a better ‘way <strong>of</strong> life’. Originally founded in England in 1919, Slumberland has grown its worldwide reputation, introducing itself to Malaysia in 1981. Since its establishment in the Asia Pacific region, Slumberland has four manufacturing plants and supplies its products to Malaysia, Singapore, China, Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau, Brunei, Taiwan, Japan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and beyond. Right after joining Slumberland, Marco’s first task was to learn the position that the company held both internally and externally. The results from his focus groups revealed that Slumberland was a well-respected brand both with its employees and its customers. However, Marco still had big plans for the mattress manufacturer with intentions to grow its digital space, expand in the areas <strong>of</strong> technology and innovation, and invest in its people and their knowledge <strong>of</strong> sleep; with the goal <strong>of</strong> becoming a global sleep educator. “After air and water, sleep is most important to human survival.” Says Marco Righi. While man can survive three days without water and three weeks without food, in merely 24 hours <strong>of</strong> sleep deprivation, one will experience headaches. And in just 72 hours, memory is impaired and reality is distorted. Aware <strong>of</strong> this human need for good quality sleep, Slumberland has developed its signature innerspring mattress, as a special blend <strong>of</strong> horse hair TM | MAY/JUNE <strong>2019</strong> 24
Stylist: Kenneth Lo Makeup: Cindy Chin Photographer: Aaron (M8 Studio) Fashion: Calvin Klein & Hugo Boss, Robinsons Kuala Lumpur Location: Dalia Residences Showhouse @ Bandar <strong>Tropicana</strong> Aman 25 MARCH/APRIL MAY/JUNE <strong>2019</strong> | TM