Tuesday, August 26, 2025
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Betagro Ventures partners with allies to back BiomEdit’s Groundbreaking Poultry Bacteria Product in Series B Round

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Bangkok – 11 August 2025 – Betagro Public Company (BTG), a leading integrated food company in Thailand, through its venture arm, Betagro Ventures, has partnered with global allies to fund BiomEdit, a U.S.-based pioneering animal health biotechnology company, in its Series B round. The investment will support BE-101, BiomEdit’s lead candidate for preventing necrotic enteritis (NE) – related mortality in broiler chickens, with the goal of sustainably improving poultry production efficiency.

BE-101, to be marketed as “Optavant™” upon full licensure, is the first-of-its-kind probiotic vectored antibody (pvAb™) product designed to help poultry producers combat necrotic enteritis in poultry by neutralizing Clostridium perfringens toxins. This non-antibiotics solution offers a novel way to address a disease primarily caused by these toxins – responsible for an estimated $6 billion in global annual losses due to productivity decline, illness, and mortality. The product is currently in the final phrase of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) conditional licensure process and is set for commercial launch in 2026. 

Chayadhorn Taepaisitphongse, President – Animal Nutrition & New Ventures of Betagro said: “We are proud to support BiomEdit in advancing its cutting-edge biologics platform and bringing a first-of-its-kind animal health solution to market. This partnership underscores our commitment to innovation-driven solutions that proactively address new challenges posed by animal disease outbreaks, effectively serve market needs, thereby enhancing animal health, boosting productivity across the livestock industry, and growing the overall industry sustainably. Furthermore, this collaboration will provide us with access to leading advancements in novel feed and animal health products, acting as a catalyst for co-developing innovative solutions for the future.”

BiomEdit announced the successful close of its Series B financing, led by Anterra Capital, with follow-on investment from Nutreco. Betagro Ventures was among the new participants in this oversubscribed round (~$18.4M), which also included AgriZeroNZ, and Indiana’s Elevate Ventures, providing sufficient capital to fund BiomEdit through conditional licensure and into the commercial launch of BE-101.

“This is an exciting chapter for BiomEdit,” said Aaron Schacht, CEO of BiomEdit. “We are bringing a transformational poultry solution to U.S. broiler producers and pushing the frontiers of sustainable livestock production. In just three years since our founding, we are poised to deliver products to market, bolstered by new financing and investor support, including Betagro Ventures, and well-suited for the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

AFFIN Bank Marks 50th Anniversary with Launch of AFFIN INVIKTA™ TOP50 Women of Excellence Awards 2025

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Signing of the MOU between YBhg. Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah Bin Wan Ali President & Group Chief Executive Officer, Affin Bank Berhad and Mr. Kishvin Sirinavin, Founder and Managing Director of TOP50 Media Synergy witnessed by YB Puan Nurul Izzah Anwar, Encik Hanif bin Ghulam Mohammed Executive Director, Group Treasury and Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri M. Kayveas, Principal-Advisor of Top 50 Media Sdn Bhd

KUALA LUMPUR – AFFIN Group (“AFFIN” or “the Group”) – In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Group, through its premier banking arm AFFIN INVIKTA™, has joined forces with TOP50 Media Synergy Sdn Bhd to launch the AFFIN INVIKTA™ TOP50 Women of Excellence Awards 2025, a prestigious national platform honouring Malaysia’s most inspiring women leaders.

The awards programme was officially launched today at Menara AFFIN @ TRX by, Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, President & Group Chief Executive Officer of AFFIN Group, alongside Mr. Kishvin Sirinavin, Founder and Chairman of TOP50 Media Synergy. The event was graced by key partners and members of the media.

This landmark initiative honours 50 outstanding Malaysian women from diverse sectors, ranging from finance, science, entrepreneurship, education, public service, and the arts. It is more than an awards programme, it is a national movement to celebrate impact, champion inclusion, and inspire the next generation of changemakers.

Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, President & Group Chief Executive Officer of AFFIN Group said, “This is more than just recognition, but it is a movement. At AFFIN, we honour women not only for their achievements, but for the future they are shaping. Women form the backbone of our SME and retail segments and empowering them is not only our responsibility, but also essential to driving national progress.”

He added, “This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to Responsible Banking with Impact. It is anchored in the AFFIN Axelerate 2028 (AX28) Strategic Plan and what we stand for as a purpose-driven organisation. We are not merely celebrating trailblazers, we are walking alongside them to shape a more inclusive and empowered Malaysia.”

The campaign will conclude in a Grand Awards Gala on 28 November 2025 where the nation’s most influential leaders and changemakers will gather in celebration. Leading up to the awards, a series of dynamic engagements will be rolled out until March 2026 to amplify reach and impact including the following: –

  • INSPIRE Series
  • Curated pocket events
  • The publication of a commemorative TOP50 Magazine.

Mr. Kishvin Sirinavin, Founder and Chairman of TOP50 Media Synergy said, “This collaboration with AFFIN Group, especially in such a meaningful milestone year, is a testament to what’s possible when purpose meets platform. Together, we are championing a new era of excellence and leadership”.

TOP50 Women of Excellence Awards 2025 are now open and can be submitted through https://top50awardsmalaysia.com/. The deadline for submissions is 30 September 2025.

 

Vinamilk launches Vietnam’s first 6-month brewed kombucha

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Vinamilk introduces HAY ĐẤY Kombucha—Vietnam’s first kombucha slow-brewed for six months, delivering up to 30 times more digestion-friendly organic acids. Available in two vibrant flavours, Butterfly Pea Flower and Black Tea, each sip is packed with rich tea aroma, gentle fizz, and a refreshing tang that’s smooth and satisfying.

HAY ĐẤY Kombucha stands out in Vietnam’s kombucha market thanks to its unique 6-month slow-brewing process.

Vinamilk’s move into the kombucha category underscores the growing consumer interest in gut-friendly beverages. While taste remains a hurdle for many kombucha brands, crafting a more approachable flavour profile is key to broader adoption.

Fuwa Fuwa Mamon: where Japanese fluff meets Filipino comfort

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Fuwa Fuwa, inspired by the Japanese word for “fluffy,” brings a delightful twist to the beloved Filipino mamon—a soft, airy sponge or chiffon cake known for its gentle sweetness. By infusing Japanese baking finesse, Fuwa Fuwa elevates this local favorite to new heights of pillowy perfection.

Available in Classic Mamon and Cheese Mamon, each piece is baked with real goodness and crafted for comfort. Every fluffy bite delivers that warm, melt-in-your-mouth joy that feels like a cozy hug in cake form.

Goodday Friz fizzes into the spotlight with CLOUD 7 and a healthier take on soda

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Goodday Friz, a recently launched beverage in the Philippines, offers a refreshing take on soda with a health-conscious twist. It blends the fizzy zest of soda with the smooth, tangy flavor of cultured milk, and is enriched with Lac-Shield™ paraprobiotics to help support immune health.

Available in two low-calorie flavors—Original and Orange—Goodday Friz brings indulgence without the guilt. Adding star power to the launch, P-pop sensation CLOUD 7 has been named the brand’s very first ambassador.

 

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has partnered with Asahi Beverages Philippines (ABP) to introduce Goodday, a healthier beverage option for Filipinos. In the Philippines, Goodday Cultured Milk is available in three delicious flavours: Original, Strawberry, and Mango. The newest addition to the lineup is Goodday Friz, offering a fizzy twist to the cultured milk experience.

TH Group sets new standard with 39-day shelf life pasteurized milk

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Vietnam’s TH Group has unveiled a new line of pasteurized fresh milk, proudly carrying the tagline “Fresh, Delicious, Truly Natural.” Offered in two options—original (unsweetened) and lightly sweetened—this milk is crafted exclusively from clean, pure farm-fresh milk, completely free of preservatives.

Thanks to cutting-edge pasteurization technology, the milk preserves its natural taste and full nutritional profile while boasting an impressive shelf life of up to 39 days—a standout achievement in Vietnam’s preservative-free milk category.

Each 950ml carton is priced at VND 46,100 and comes in a high-quality six-layer Tetra Pak paper box, ensuring optimal freshness and consumer convenience.

Beyond the Aisles: The Food Purveyor’s Inspirational Impact on Malaysian Retail

By
Tan Heng Hong
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SINGAPORE, July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Food Purveyor, a leading Malaysian grocer, has demonstrated remarkable success through its strategic multi-brand approach, operating Village Grocer, Ben’s Independent Grocer (B.I.G.), B.S.C. Fine Foods, Pasaraya OTK, and the “Bites Shop” e-commerce platform. The company has cultivated customer loyalty through its “Bites” membership program and by offering a diverse range of high-quality, locally and internationally sourced products across its 41 stores in key regions like Penang, Klang Valley, and Johor Bahru.

This inspiring journey of growth, customer focus, and innovative solutions makes The Food Purveyor a deserving recipient of the Inspirational Brand Award at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2025 Malaysia Chapter. This company’s dedication to understanding consumer needs, proactively addressing market challenges, and fostering genuine engagement has not only driven its success but also set a commendable standard within the industry.

Recognizing shifts in consumer behavior during the economic climate of late 2023, The Food Purveyor proactively adapted by prioritizing customer understanding and implementing innovative strategies to enhance value while maintaining competitive pricing. This customer-centric approach extends to its engaging social media presence, fostering genuine interaction and building trust with its audience.

A significant achievement for The Food Purveyor has been its successful foray into house brands with the launch of “Savoir.” This locally sourced line, beginning with chicken eggs, quickly gained significant market share, addressing supply chain challenges and providing affordable, quality protein. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to meeting consumer needs and promoting sustainable practices. Coupled with the strategic opening of three new supermarket locations, these accomplishments highlight The Food Purveyor’s dynamic growth and impactful presence in the Malaysian grocery sector.

Looking ahead, The Food Purveyor aims to further expand its reach across Malaysia, focusing on increasing its presence in the northern, southern, and Klang Valley areas, as well as venturing into promising secondary cities like Seremban, Melaka, and Ipoh. This strategic direction reflects the company’s ambition to serve a wider range of communities and solidify its position as a leading and innovative food provider in the nation.

Acecook Vietnam unveils innovation strategy to mark 30th anniversary

By
Tan Heng Hong
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On the occasion of its 30th anniversary, Acecook Vietnam has launched a new development strategy titled “Cook Happiness Through Innovation”, aimed at enhancing quality of life and delivering long-term value to consumers, employees, and society, reported tuoitre.vn.

From 2025 to 2030, Acecook will invest in infrastructure, expand production capacity, and upgrade its factories to international standards (ISO 22000, HACCP, BRCGS, IFS). The company also plans to accelerate digital transformation, automation, and green development, including biomass fuel use and eco-friendly packaging.

Product innovation will focus on three pillars:

  • Nutrition and convenience, with items like calcium-enriched Hảo Hảo and vitamin B12-infused Miến Phú Hương
  • Japanese technology, such as melt-in-your-mouth cheese sauce in Siukay noodles and DALAGO noodles, made from Da Lat vegetables, launching August 2025
  • Cultural authenticity, adapting traditional Vietnamese flavors for global appeal

Over the past 30 years, Acecook has achieved market leadership in instant noodles with the Hảo Hảo brand and established a vast distribution network with nearly 160,000 sales points nationwide. The company will gradually expand into adjacent categories such as convenient seasonings, ready-to-eat foods, and snacks that can replace main meals.

Acecook is building a modern R&D center, expected to be completed in 2026.

The company is also investing in a comprehensive green transformation:

  • 54% of its factories currently use biomass fuel, with a goal of reaching 80% by 2030
  • 90% of packaging for cups, bowls, and trays has transitioned to eco-friendly paper

 

Walking With Purpose: Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad Leads with Compassion in Sarawak

By
Tan Heng Hong
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The DLMI management team in a group photo with the cheerful pupils and dedicated teachers of SK Beliong

SARAWAK, 7 August 2025: Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad (DLMI) is turning
words into action, showing what purposeful corporate responsibility looks like in
practice.

At Sekolah Kebangsaan Beliong in rural Sarawak, the company’s top leadership led by Managing Director Veronika Utami, stood shoulder to shoulder with schoolchildren and
educators, not just to distribute milk, but to fulfil a promise made in both, contract and conscience.

Under the Sarawak School Milk Programme 2025–2029, DLMI will deliver 73 million
packs of milk to 77,000 students across the state over five years, but for DLMI, this
is far more than a logistical exercise. It is a living example of the company’s deep
belief that nourishing a generation starts with being present; physically, purposefully
and compassionately.

Veronika Utami, Managing Director of Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad (DLMI), delivering her speech at the company’s CSR event at Sekolah Kebangsaan Beliong, Sarawak

“Our journey didn’t start today,” said Utami. “From 2011 to 2024, Dutch Lady
delivered over 228 million packs of milk to schoolchildren nationwide. That track
record has built trust with parents, educators and policymakers. Now in Sarawak,
we’re going beyond compliance by fulfilling our responsibility with heart and
presence.”

DLMI’s management team was visibly engaged throughout the event, reinforcing the
company’s philosophy that leadership is not confined to boardrooms. Whether in urban
centres or remote villages, DLMI is making its purpose felt on the ground by showing
up, listening and working hand-in-hand with communities.

This commitment goes beyond nutrition. DLMI is also expanding its Program Murid
Angkat, an initiative launched in 2024 that offers sustained academic and personal
development support for underperforming students from Malaysia’s B40 income
group. The programme reflects DLMI’s holistic approach by recognising that children
need both, nourishment and opportunity to thrive.

“This is our proactive step to ensure no child is left behind,” added Utami. “Every child
deserves not only healthy nutrition but a real chance to succeed in school and life.
That’s the future we’re investing in.”

DLMI is setting a benchmark for what it means to be a values-driven corporate partner
by combining quality dairy nutrition with targeted educational support to shape a
healthier, more confident and capable generation of Malaysians.

“We’re not just delivering milk, we are showing up for our communities. We’re building
the Malaysia of tomorrow by helping to shape a generation that is prepared for the
future. And that is a future worth building”,” Utami concluded.

This statement not only reinforces DLMI’s immediate contributions in Sarawak, but
positions the company as a nation-building partner with a clear, long-term vision.

UNIQLO Mid Valley Megamall Store Reopens August 29

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Enjoy an enhanced shopping experience, exclusive opening offers, and new in-store concept 

8 August 2025, Kuala Lumpur – Global apparel retailer UNIQLO is set to reopen its store at Mid Valley Megamall on August 29, following an extensive renovation and expansion. Positioned as the one-stop destination within the Mid Valley City neighbourhood, the revitalised store offers an expanded product range, refreshed interior concept, and enhanced in-store experience, reflecting UNIQLO’s commitment to meeting the evolving everyday needs of Malaysian customers.

The newly expanded UNIQLO Mid Valley Megamall store welcomes shoppers with a refreshed two-level layout and a more comprehensive LifeWear experience. The store is refreshed with the local community in mind, with interior that incorporates natural textures, warm tones, and open layouts to create a space that is calming to browse, for a better shopping experience.

The store aims to reflect and serve the lifestyle of a fast-paced yet community-driven lifestyle of the Mid Valley City neighbourhood, welcoming working professionals, students, families, and tourists alike.

Customers can explore the lineup across Men’s, Women’s, and Kids’ collections that are carefully curated to reflect UNIQLO’s Made For All philosophy, which celebrates simplicity, quality, and inclusivity by offering thoughtfully designed clothing for everyone, every day.

Opening week highlights and giveaways 

Opening on August 29 timed to coincide with National Day celebrations, the newly expanded UNIQLO Mid Valley store invites shoppers to be among the first to explore the refreshed space and enjoy exclusive giveaways, special promotions, and engaging in-store activities to make the occasion.

  • Be Early, Be Rewarded (29 August – 1 September)

The first 300 customers each day will receive an exclusive UNIQLO keychain, specially designed to mark the store’s grand reopening. The perfect collectible for true LifeWear fans!

  • Limited-edition UNIQLO City Tote Bag (29 August – 1 September)

Spend a minimum of RM250 in a single receipt and take home a limited-edition “Kuala Lumpur” UNIQLO City Tote Bag, a celebration of the city’s vibrant energy and style.
*Redemption while stocks last.

  • The Sanrio characters UT Flower Cart (29 August – 1 September)

Celebrate the charm of UNIQLO’s Sanrio character UT collection with a delightful floral surprise. Purchase any 2 Sanrio characters UT T-Shirts at original price and receive a mini bouquet, crafted to bring a smile. 

*Limited daily bouquets available.

  • Think You’re a Folding Pro? Join the Challenge!
    From 25 – 28 August, test your LifeWear folding skills in a fun competition. Show off your speed and precision, with daily winners walking away with RM20 UNIQLO vouchers, redeemable during the opening weekend.
    *Up to 180 winners per day, don’t miss out!

The reopening of UNIQLO Mid Valley Megamall marks the brand’s continued commitment to offering high quality and thoughtfully designed clothing that is accessible to everyone. In conjunction with UNIQLO’s 15th anniversary in Malaysia, this milestone store celebrates the brand’s journey of growing together with its customers and communities.

Join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter. For more information on UNIQLO, please visit www.uniqlo.com/my.

Official Opening August 29, 2025
Address UNIQLO Mid Valley (G-JA1C & F-JA2A)

G-JA1C & F-JA2A, Ground & First Floor, Mid Valley Megamall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours 10AM – 10PM
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