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Sun Life Malaysia to Equip Over 1,000 Students with Vital Financial Knowledge through InsureLit School Programme

The InsureLit School Programme officially kicked off at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Sri Damansara 1 on 25 September 2024

Sun Life Malaysia, Wealth of Life Children and MyPerintis introduce Financial Concepts with interactive InsureLit Board Game to Students

Kuala Lumpur, 8 November 2024 — In alignment with its vision of fostering financial resilience nationwide, Sun Life Malaysia has partnered with Wealth of Life Children, a children financial education provider and, MyPerintis, a youth-driven non-profit organisation, to empower the next generation with essential financial literacy skills through the InsureLit School Programme. Targeting students aged 9 to 11, the programme will reach over 1,000 children across 25 primary schools in the Klang Valley from September until November 2024.

Raymond Lew, CEO and President_Country Head of Sun Life Malaysia

“We are absolutely thrilled to join forces with Wealth of Life Children and MyPerintis that share our commitment to empowering the next generation,” said Raymond Lew, CEO and President/Country Head of Sun Life Malaysia. “Financial literacy is not just a skill – it’s a foundation to secure a financially fit future. By bringing this vital learning into schools, we’re equipping children with the knowledge they need to take control of their financial future, starting from a young age. It’s about nurturing a mindset of responsibility, resilience, and foresight.”

rom Left: Encik Sham bin Mohd Yusof, YDP PIBG; Encik Mohamad Ilham bin Hanifah, Principal of SK Bandar Sri Damansara 1; Tricia Loh, Sun Life Malaysia, Chief Marketing Officer; Puan Mariam Hafizah binti Ahmad Bakhtiar, Penolong Kanan Pentadbiran; and Encik Fadzli bin Mohd. Saleh, Penolong Kanan HEM

The InsureLit School Programme officially kicked off at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Sri Damansara 1 on 25 September 2024, marking the beginning of a series of workshops that will be conducted in schools across Klang Valley. Central to these workshops is the newly launched “InsureLit: Earn, Save and Protect” board game, designed to teach young learners the fundamentals of earning, saving, and protecting their money while instilling core values of integrity. This engaging game guides children through a financial adventure, presenting challenges and dilemmas that reflect real-life scenarios.

“I am deeply grateful to Sun Life and MyPerintis for organising this invaluable programme for our students. Financial literacy has never been more important, and initiatives like the InsureLit School Programme equip our children with essential life skills. I hope to see similar cooperative networking programmes extended across schools in Malaysia, empowering even more students with this knowledge and creating a lasting positive impact,” shared Mohammad Ilham Bin Hanifah, Principal of SK Bandar Sri Damansara.

Sun Life’s “InsureLit Earn, Save and Protect” board game inspires the next generation to embark on their financial journey in a fun and impactful way

“Our belief is simple: financial literacy should start early, and it should be part of every child’s education. That’s why we created this board game–to make the core concepts of earning, saving and protecting money not just understandable but engaging. We’re here to inspire the next generation to embark on their financial journey in a way that’s both fun and impactful”, explained Lew.

As of the end of October, the Programme has reached over 520 students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Melawati 1, Sekolah Kebangsaan (T) Batu Caves and Sekolah Kebangasaan Tun Hussein Onn.

For more information about Sun Life Malaysia’s InsureLit campaign, visit https://www.sunlifemalaysia.com/campaigns/insurelit/

Viral Dubai Chocolate is inspiring new launches

A new global sensation, Dubai Chocolate, has taken the world by storm, including South Korea, Germany, Turkey and Malaysia. The Dubai Chocolate Bar is actually a fairly simple combination of three components: pistachio, crispy kataifi (kunafa/knafeh) and chocolate. Knafeh is a crispy, shredded phyllo dough that adds a unique texture.

The trend first emerged following the outburst in popularity of Dubai-based Fix Dessert Chocolatier’s “Can’t Get Knafeh of It“. The bar features crispy kataifi, pistachio and tahini paste, all wrapped up in a casing of milk chocolate.

We have seen many variations emerged in South Korea with convenience store operators such as GS 25 and 7-Eleven cashing in on the craze with Dubai chocolate-inspired private label products such as macaron pie, bread pudding, sandwich, chocolate and even ice cream.

Middle Eastern chocolate brands such as Vlinder Chocolate is also offering six flavours including Crispy Kunafa & Pistachio in South Korea.

In Germany, Lindt has launched the limited edition Dubai Chocolate where only 1,000 bars are available. The Lindt Maîtres Chocolatiers take consumers on a journey into the astonishing, luxurious world of Dubai Chocolate, where tradition and innovation merge.

In Malaysia, artisan ice cream maker Inside Scoop has released Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Ice Cream Bar layered with crispy pistachio kunafa and coated with velvety dark chocolate, which is now out of stock. Cocoraw’s Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate, first launched in May 2024, is also out of stock at the time of writing.

Riding on the wave of Dubai chocolate’s popularity, brands may explore incorporating this flavour into their everyday product lines, moving it from a premium treat to a more accessible indulgence. This could also be a strategic move to introduce a novel flavour for the upcoming Ramadan season.

Brands are expanding the Dubai chocolate flavor profile into various product categories, including beverages, ice cream, and spreads.

Another consequence of the Dubai chocolate trend is the increased popularity of pistachio flavor, a key ingredient in many of the trending Dubai chocolates.

Lactel Bliss now with reduced sugar

Lactel Malaysia has introduced Lactel Bliss Less Sugar, a healthier yogurt option. The new product has 25% less sugar and is free from added sweeteners. Lactel Bliss Less Sugar comes in two delicious flavours Strawberry and Mixed Berries and are made with real fruit juices.

Wolves Fitness and Jobbie launch new protein peanut spread

Wolves Fitness, a leading protein supplement brand in Malaysia, has teamed up with local peanut butter maker Jobbie to create a new protein-packed peanut spread. This innovative product boasts 28g of protein per 100g, offering the classic taste of peanut butter with the added benefits of protein. The product uses pasture raised, grass-fed whey.

Full Ingredient List: Whey Protein Concentrate (12.4%), Roasted Peanuts (74.4%), Sugar (12.4%), Salt (0.8%).

Buy here now.

This collaboration sets a precedent for future partnerships between protein supplement brands and food manufacturers. Given the growing demand for protein-rich foods, we may witness similar collaborations, such as the one in the UK between German dairy giant MĂĽller and UK-based sports nutrition brand Myprotein, which resulted in a range of high-protein yogurts and desserts.

 

Hausboom brings Roti Bakar to 7-Eleven slurpees

Hausboom, a popular soft drink brand, has teamed up with 7-Eleven Malaysia to introduce a new Slurpee flavor inspired by the beloved Malaysian treat, Roti Bakar or toast bread. This limited-edition Slurpee is now available at all 7-Eleven outlets nationwide. Hausboom first launched the limited edition Roti Bakar flavour in 2019 to pay homage to the Malaysian delight.

Plantae upgrades Leanfast to Plantae Lite with new formulation

Plant-based protein brand Plantae has launched Plantae Lite, an upgrade to Leanfast. The new collection boosts metabolism with four transforming steps and a unique ingredient clinically proven to be twice as effective and absorbable as regular L-carnitine*.

Plantae Lite is available in Belgian Chocolate and Acai Berry.

*Research has shown that L-Carnitine L-tartrate reaches peak blood concentrations in 3.5 hours, compared to 7 hours for other forms of L-Carnitine, indicating faster absorption.

Vitaday showcases the relevance of its new functional vitamin C drink

Vitaday has launched a new vitamin C drink with 1,000mg of pharmaceutical-grade Vitamin C for better absorption. This functional drink is free from calories and sugar and has a new label design completely covers the bottle to protect vitamin quality.

To promote its new vitamin C drink, Vitaday has educated consumers about the importance of daily vitamin C intake. Highlighting the need for 1,000mg of vitamin C per day, the brand emphasises the convenience of its sugar-free drink, as consuming 14 oranges to meet this requirement would be impractical. Eating one guava only offers 160mg of vitamin C, while an orange has only 70mg.

Vitaday also highlights the benefits of combining vitamin C with other nutrients to enhance overall health.

  • Improve skin health: By boosting collagen production and promoting a brighter complexion.
  • Strengthen the immune system: By increasing antioxidant protection.
  • Aid in recovery: By reducing inflammation and enhancing the body’s repair process.
  • Optimize nutrient absorption: By improving the absorption of iron, a crucial mineral for carrying oxygen in the blood.

Vitaday emphasises the importance of vitamin C for individuals exposed to pollution, those who exercise regularly and those who have inadequate sleep.

Frequent Exercisers: Sweating during workouts can lead to the loss of essential minerals and vitamins. Vitamin C: Helps repair muscles and boost the immune system.

People in Polluted Areas: Accumulated pollutants increase the risk of diseases like lung cancer. Vitamin C: Helps protect the lungs from pollution-related damage.

People in Enclosed Spaces: Dust and mold in the air can increase the risk of allergies. Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system to protect against diseases caused by dust and mold.

People with Insufficient Sleep: A weak immune system makes you more susceptible to illness. Vitamin C: Strengthens the immune system and helps the body recover.

The brand demonstrates how vitamin C can address the unique health needs of various age groups.

  • 20s: As your body becomes more active, your immune system can weaken. Vitamin C can help strengthen your immune system and protect you from common colds.
  • 30s: Collagen levels start to decline, slowing down your body’s repair process. Vitamin C helps repair skin, reduce wrinkles, and restore your youthful glow.
  • 40s: The risk of heart disease and chronic illnesses increases. Vitamin C can help reduce these risks and strengthen your immune system.
  • 50+: Nutrient absorption decreases with age. Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption and help prevent diseases.

Restaurant group in Thailand commits to only use eggs from cage-free hens by 2028

Zen Corporation Group becomes the largest Thai restaurant group in the country to embrace higher welfare standards for hens

Thursday 07 November 2024 – Humane Society International in Thailand celebrates Zen Corporation Group for its commitment to use eggs from cage-free hens by 2028. With 11 restaurant brands and more than 240 outlets, Zen Corporation Group has become Thailand’s largest restaurant group to join the global cage-free movement. In 2024, the group already reached the 80% mark of its egg supply coming from cage-free hens, demonstrating its commitment to improving the lives of thousands of hens. By the 2028 deadline, all eggs used across Zen Corporation Group’s restaurants will come from hens kept in cage-free systems where they can engage in natural behaviors like perching and nesting.

This commitment is the result of close collaboration with Humane Society International, which began in 2023. HSI worked with Zen Corporation Group by providing expert guidance, facilitating key connections with local suppliers, organizing cage-free farm site visits, providing team training on the benefits of cage-free systems, and many other full supports on any related aspects of cage-free eggs policy.

In Thailand, where most of the country’s 95.8 million egg-laying hens are confined to tiny wire cages, Zen Corporation Group’s decision signals a major shift in the industry. By adopting a cage-free procurement policy, Zen Corporation Group is taking a critical step to reduce suffering and drive a change in the market. In a cage-free environment, hens can move more freely, perch, nest, and dustbathe, leading to significantly improved welfare and better lives.

“The group has been driven by strong passion of professional and expertise to develop creative menu and unique dining experience with love not only to the customers but every life related to us. Responsible consumption in our supply chain involving animal welfare is an essential element for our corporate social responsibility goals and sustainable development. Thus, cage-free eggs are one of the main programs we would like to move forward to successful implementation soon. This action is one of our goals to support local producers for sustainable business”, said Miss. Jomkwan Chirathivat, General Manager, Sustainable Development of Zen Corporation Group.

“Zen Corporation Group’s leadership will have a lasting impact on both the welfare of animals and the expectations of consumers in Thailand. As one of the largest Thai companies to adopt a cage-free policy, the team has dedicated time, shown the will and worked diligently to begin implementing these higher welfare standards. Thanks to their hard work, countless hens will have the space to spread their wings and a better life”, said Lalada Tangjerdjaras, Thailand Program Manager, Farm Animal Welfare and Protection for Humane Society International.

Zen Corporation Group’s commitment is part of a national and global trend moving away from keeping hens in cages in egg production. It joins nearly 80 other national and multinational companies in Thailand such as AccorHotels, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Sodexo, Nestle and Mondelez International that are all committed to only supplying cage-free eggs. As consumer demand for more ethical and sustainable food options increases, companies like Zen Corporation Group are leading the charge for positive change.

Lazada Launches AI Lazzie Just in Time for Its 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year

Consumers can now shop smarter and access a host of exclusive deals during Southeast Asia’s largest sale event

KUALA LUMPUR, 7 NOVEMBER 2024 – As Lazada’s 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year approaches, Lazada Malaysia is excited to introduce AI Lazzie – a new, integrated shopping assistant that transforms how shoppers navigate, discover, and shop on the platform. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the debut of AI Lazzie aligns with Lazada’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge experiences with the best prices, meeting the needs of Southeast Asia’s digital-savvy shoppers. Alongside this technological innovation, Lazada has also released a whitepaper exploring AI adoption across Southeast Asia, revealing key insights into how AI is changing the online shopping experience for consumers. 

Jointly developed with Kantar, the whitepaper “Artificial Intelligence Adoption in eCommerce in Southeast Asia” surveyed more than 6,000 shoppers across six Southeast Asian markets in which Lazada operates – including Malaysia – to comprehend the usage and adoption of AI on eCommerce platforms by analysing awareness, trust and preferences, shopping behaviours, as well as consumer pain points.

The study revealed that 88% of consumers make purchase decisions based on AI-generated content and recommendations, demonstrating a high level of trust in AI-driven insights. At least half of the respondents (52%) also cited convenient shopping as a top reason for embracing AI in their personal lives, underscoring the value they see in it for providing ease and efficiency in their shopping experiences. Notably, over one-third of the respondents have rated AI features such as chatbots (47%), visual product searches (40%), and translations (40%) as features that help address their shopping needs.

Of those who actively use AI features, 92% consumers appreciate the personalised recommendations, while 90% value AI’s role in summarising product information, illustrating the demand for AI solutions in simplifying the shopping journey and streamlining decision-making. Half of the respondents (49%) have also expressed that AI improves discovery, customer service, and increases enjoyment during online shopping.

With 80% of respondents using AI features on eCommerce apps at least once a week, AI integration in eCommerce platforms are poised to deliver more holistic and exceptional shopping experiences.

Introducing AI Lazzie, your new Smart Shopping Companion 

In response to the demand for advanced, personalised shopping experiences, Lazada has launched a suite of AI upgrades that aim to enhance four critical dimensions (4Ds) of the user experience: discovery, dependability, deals, and decision-making. This ensures that consumers can enjoy a high-quality shopping experience, relying on Lazada’s AI to efficiently find the best assortments, value, and services tailored to their needs.

The suite of AI upgrades includes AI Lazzie – an interactive, conversational personal shopper that provides 24/7 tailored assistance for a range of shopping needs. A first-of-its kind eCommerce AI chatbot powered by OpenAI ChatGPT, AI Lazzie is accessible through the Message+ feature on the Lazada app and can offer users contextual responses, product recommendations, and access to exclusive deals, vouchers, and discounts. Whether it’s guiding users to the best deals or helping them select the perfect product, AI Lazzie transforms the shopping experience into a smooth, intuitive journey.

Lazada’s new AI features spans a wide range of consumer and seller benefits including:

  • Smart Recommendations: Based on user interactions, purchase history, and personal preferences, AI Lazzie is able to curate a selection of personalised product suggestions, offering everything from budget-friendly essentials to high-end picks.
  • Try-on Models: Fashion enthusiasts can now select virtual models to visualise clothing fits and sizes generated from product images, with Lazada’s AI even capable off recommending clothing sizes based on the AI model. For sellers, this feature can help reduce marketing and operation costs for sellers, improving sales efficiency.
  • AI-generated Summaries: Lazada’s AI can summarise customer feedback, providing quick overviews of product review, helping consumers make informed shopping decisions quickly. Additionally, it can even produce engaging and informational product listings to highlight key product features.

To celebrate the launch of AI Lazzie, consumers can now take a cheeky personality quiz called “What’s Your Spirit Animal”. Embarking on an intriguing journey through a series of playful questions, participants will eventually discover their unique shopper persona, personified as a spirit animal. From the suspicious llama to the hyperactive fennec fox, each spirit animal will reward participants with a limited exclusive code that they can type into Message+ to redeem a LazCash voucher for their 11.11 purchases. 

Unlocking Exclusive Deals for Lazada’s Biggest Sale of the Year

With AI Lazzie as the ultimate shopping companion, consumers can enjoy unmatched savings across a wide array of categories during Lazada’s 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year, running from 10 November (8pm) until 13 November. Highlights of this year’s sale include:

  • RM11 Crazy Deals: From 10 to 13 November, lucky shoppers will have the opportunity to participate in this special daily event where select products valued up to RM16,000 will be available for only RM11. Over RM100,000 worth of products, including the latest smartphones, luxury massage chairs, and state-of-the-art TVs, will be available from brands such as Dreame, Fitness Concept, GETHA, Gintell, HONOR, NeckPro, OGAWA, Samsung, SellinCost, TCL, Tineco, and Xiaomi.

  • Exclusive Products and Special Deals on Livestream: Fans of LABUBU collectibles can look forward to exclusive drops of Pop Mart’s The Monsters blind boxes, featuring the brand-new “Have a Seat” collection launching on 8 November. These products, along with skincare from Kiehl’s at a 50% discount on Sasa, will be available exclusively through livestream events starting 10 November.
  • Save up to RM1,111 on Your Shopping: From 7 to 13 November, shoppers can collect a campaign voucher offering RM1,111 off with a minimum spend of RM4,000. This voucher can be redeemed throughout the campaign period for massive savings, so start building your cart to maximise this discount. 

  • Trendy Clothing from Taobao Fashion: A new channel for fashion enthusiasts, Taobao Fashion offers a diverse selection of stylish apparel and accessories at competitive prices. With a special “Buy 3 at 20% off” promotion, shoppers can build their dream wardrobe for less, benefiting from free shipping and free returns from China for added peace of mind.
  • Lowest Price Guarantee: Spend less time comparing prices and shop confidently with Lazada’s Lowest Price Guarantee. If a shopper finds a lower price elsewhere, they can submit a claim to Lazada for a 120% refund on the difference in LazCash, ensuring they’re always getting the best deal.

With heavy discounts from platform and seller vouchers, platform-wide free shipping across all stores, LazFlash deals of up to 90% off and so much more, there is no better time to shop than now. Whether it’s to find the perfect holiday gift, restock on your essentials and favourites, or snag the latest gadgets or must-haves on your wishlist, Lazada’s 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year combines AI-Powered convenience with unbeatable deals, making it the reason consumers should switch to the shopping event of the season.

For more information on the AI Lazzie or the 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year, visit www.lazada.com.my. Check out the hashtags #LazadaMY1111Sale, #LowyaltyEra, and #LazadaMY on social media for the latest updates.

Pause, Rest and Be Better with Coway BEREX

From left: Ryan Jung, Head of Marketing and Product Division of Coway Malaysia, Kyle Choi, CEO of Coway Malaysia and Edna Ho, BEREX Product Specialist posing with Coway BEREX product lineups, during the official launch of Coway BEREX.

A new era of luxurious wellness awaits, designed to transform your home into a sanctuary of relaxation for Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR, 7 NOVEMBER 2024 – Coway, the Best Life Solution Company, has marked a new milestone with the launch of its highly anticipated innovative rest and wellness brand, Coway BEREX, crafted to elevate Malaysians’ resting experience in the comfort of their own homes. Rooted in the essence of “Bed & Relax“, the brand seamlessly intertwines advanced solutions with cutting-edge technology and sophisticated design to propel Malaysians forward into a new era of unwinding and relaxation that goes beyond the ordinary.

At the heart of Coway BEREX lies a bold mission to elevate rest to a new level in Malaysian households by introducing a new dimension of comfort for all. Coway BEREX aims to rejuvenate, restore, and empower Malaysians amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. In the pursuit of stress relief and relaxation, Coway BEREX sets a new benchmark for holistic home comfort, embodying a future where rest and relaxation are not just fleeting luxuries but essential to your daily well-being.

With innovation at the core of its creations, Coway BEREX’s inaugural product lineup includes PEBBLE and MINE massage chairs as well as the innovative MASSAGE BED, each catering to various rest and relaxation needs.

Available in a stylish palette of Mystic Gray, Sand Beige, Hazy Blue, and Terracotta Pink, PEBBLE is a hybrid massage chair boasting a cocoon-shaped design, offering 11 massage modes with adjustable 3D massage rollers for greater intensity and elevated home massage experience. Equipped with a body scan sensor and adjustable airbag settings, the PEBBLE ensures tailored comfort, complemented by 2-zone heat therapy for the back and hips, while its wireless heated massage cushion provides extra comfort precisely where you need it. Designed with an ergonomic SL frame, the chair contours perfectly to your body, using an S-line track to relieve fatigue from neck to waist, while the L-line track from waist to thighs.

MINE is a compact massage chair designed for a comprehensive full-body massage experience. It is Malaysia’s first compact massage chair that offers convertible knee-to-calf massage therapy. With 12 massage modes, advanced body scanning technology, 3-zone heat treatment, adjustable roller positions and reflexology features like foot rollers and airbags; all in a sleek, space-saving design. The MINE massage chair comes in three elegant colours, Champagne Beige, Rose Brown and Ink Black, it would truly be a delight to have in any home.

MASSAGE BED offers high-powered full-body massage with a 90cm-long flat track massage concept targeting the entire spine down to the tailbone. Featuring up to 30 massage modes and 12 intensity levels, along with a heated massage cushion for enhanced comfort, its advanced 3D thermal massage system includes heated rollers and adjustable roller positions for targeted relief. Plus, the Bluetooth feature enhances the experience with soothing audio, while a complimentary leg massager delivers professional-level relief for sore calves and thighs. The sophisticated MASSAGE BED can be converted into an ottoman-style seat while not in use, fitting into any contemporary home design with its Champagne Beige and Ink Black colour options.

Kyle Choi, Chief Executive Officer of Coway Malaysia shared, “At the intersection of technology and luxury, Coway BEREX aims to create a harmonious sanctuary that transforms every home into a space of comfort and rejuvenation. Reaffirming our beliefs in the importance of quality rest and that everyone deserves a moment to pause, rest, and ultimately be better.”

From left: Kyle Choi, CEO of Coway Malaysia and Ryan Jung, Head of Marketing and Product Division of Coway Malaysia with the Coway BEREX truck which will be hitting the streets for an experiential tour at several locations in Klang Valley which are Publika, Lot 10, Desa Park City and The Exchange TRX throughout November 2024.

This November, Coway BEREX is hitting the streets with an experiential truck tour, making stops at popular spots like Publika from 8th to 10th November, TRX Exchange from 15th to 17th November 2024, Lot 10 from 18th to 24th November and Desa Park City on 30th November. Malaysians are invited to explore Coway BEREX’s “revolution in relaxation” firsthand by trying out the PEBBLE, MINE, and MASSAGE BED. Adding a fun and interactive element, the tour will also feature games where Malaysians can participate to win pre-mixed tea or perfume blends from the Perfume Bar and Tea Bar which aim to create a memorable, personal touch in their journey towards relaxation.

The launch of Coway BEREX marks a significant chapter in Coway’s mission to enhance the quality of life for Malaysians. With a focus on innovation and wellness, Coway continues to set new standards in home comfort and relaxation. Beyond the initial offerings, more innovative products will be launched under Coway BEREX, further expanding the landscape of restful living. For more information, visit www.coway.com.my/products/berex.

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