Home Blog Page 170

Astro Shaw and Mirinda Share The Blessings Of Ramadan by Celebrating With Those In Need

Cast Members from ‘Keluang Man’, ‘Abah Saya Uncle Mike’, ‘One Cent Thief 2’, and
‘First Wives’ Bring Joy to Children of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Ehsan Ash-Shakur

March 23, 2025, Kuala Lumpur – Embracing the spirit of Ramadan, Astro Shaw and Mirinda extended their goodwill by celebrating with 40 orphans from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Ehsan Ash-Shakur in Rawang, Selangor. The Iftar gathering, held today, was graced by the presence of Amy Gan, Vice President of Marketing, Etika Sdn Bhd, and Norsalvina Alwee, Head of Branding, Marketing & Distribution, Astro Shaw. As part of the celebration, duit raya and gift hampers were given to the children, making the evening even more memorable as they enjoyed a heartwarming buka puasa meal together.

This meaningful occasion was further supported by 7UP, Wonda Coffee, and Goodday Charge and enlivened by the presence of cast members from various Astro Shaw productions, including Nas Muammar Zar, Anwaar Beg Moghal, and Shweta Sekhon from Keluang Man; Andy Teh, Idan Aedan, Nor Merah, and Umar Shakur from Abah Saya Uncle Mike; Azira Shafinaz, Syarul Ezani, and Trisha Ooi from One Cent Thief 2; and Malek Mccrone and Charles Roberts from First Wives. Adding an even deeper emotional touch to the event, the real-life inspiration behind Abah Saya Uncle Mike, Michael Tong Wai Siong also known as Uncle Mike, attended the event with his three children, Rafei, Rasyid, and Rahman, making the celebration all the more special.

Raja Jastina Raja Arshad, Head of Astro Shaw, shared, “Astro Shaw is honoured to collaborate closely with Etika through our films and premium series. This partnership not only strengthens both brands but also brings us closer to the community, creating meaningful and inspiring experiences. In this sacred month, our greatest joy comes from
sharing our blessings and bringing happiness to those in need while engaging in activities alongside celebrities. This experience allows us to interact with and immerse ourselves in the community.”

As part of the event, Mirinda also premiered its exclusive Raya trailer, Balik Rayaaahhh, for the upcoming film Abah Saya Uncle Mike. Based on a true story, the film follows a Chinese father and his three adopted Malay sons, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of
Malaysia. The official Raya trailer, featuring the movie’s lead cast, is now available on
social media platforms.

“Our collaboration with Astro Shaw is not only to convey the spirit of Raya and togetherness to the audience, but also to bring festive cheer to the children at Pertubuhan Kebajikan Ehsan Ash-Shakur during this Majlis Berbuka Puasa event. Through this gathering, we can feel the joy and camaraderie that strengthens the bonds amongst all of us here. At Etika, we remain committed to serving the community through initiatives like this, ensuring that every moment becomes a sweet memory reflecting the values of unity and compassion.

For decades, Mirinda has been Malaysia’s favourite beverage during festive seasons. The cheer and freshness that Mirinda brings truly embodies the spirit of Raya—vibrant, and filled with happiness. The spirit of Raya is the spirit of this brand, and we are proud to be part of every celebration that brings family and friends together,” said Amy Gan, Vice President of Marketing, Etika Sdn Bhd.

Bringing Festive Cheer with Community Engagements

To further celebrate the spirit of Ramadan and Syawal, Astro Shaw and Mirinda are launching a series of interactive sessions and community-centric activities. These initiatives not only serve as promotional efforts for upcoming films like Keluang Man and Abah Saya Uncle Mike, as well as premium Astro Originals series like One Cent Thief 2 and First Wives, but also foster stronger connections with audiences and fans.

Mirinda Riang Raya: Meet-and-Greet Sessions with Cast Members

Fans had the exclusive opportunity to meet the stars of Keluang Man, Abah Saya Uncle Mike, One Cent Thief 2, and First Wives through a series of meet-and-greet sessions across key retail locations.

At these events, attendees enjoyed autograph signing sessions, exclusive behind-the-scenes screenings, and photo opportunities with their favourite stars. The first 25 fans who purchased a minimum of RM20 worth of participating brands, including Mirinda, 7up, Goodday Charge, and Wonda, were awarded with exclusive one-on-one meet-and-greet sessions with the celebrities.

A Chance to Shine in ‘Bad Cop’

Adding to the excitement, all four supermarket locations also served as audition venues for the Astro Originals’ upcoming premium drama, Bad Cop. The first 50 individuals who spent a minimum of RM20 on participating brands gained express entry to the audition line, offering a golden opportunity to be part of this highly anticipated production.

Festive Rewards from Mirinda

Embodying the spirit of giving, Mirinda is making this Raya season even more special with an e-Duit Raya giveaway worth RM260,000. With every RM15 purchase of Mirinda & participating brands in a single receipt, consumers stand a chance to win cash rewards.
This campaign runs from March 1 through the end of April, ensuring a joyous and prosperous celebration for all. For more details, visit the Mirinda Riang Raya Bersama-Sama contest page.

Don’t miss the highly anticipated action film Keluang Man, set to premiere in cinemas on May 29, 2025, while the heartwarming film, Abah Saya Uncle Mike hits the silver screen this August, while the latest premium drama First Wives, debuts on April 11, 2025, exclusively on Astro Go, On Demand, and Astro Ria at 9:00 PM. Stay updated on Astro Shaw’s latest films and series by following their social media platforms on Instagram, X,
Facebook, and TikTok.

#AbahSayaUncleMike #MirindaBalikRayaaahhh
#MirindaRiangRayaBersamaSama

Say Hello to Vimto – A Global Flavourite Now In Malaysia, Its First Southeast Asian Market

Vimto Mix Fruit Cordial

Fruity Mix and halal-certified, Vimto Mixed Fruit Cordial ensures a perfect blend of
tradition and localising global taste for every Malaysian palate

KUALA LUMPUR, 24 MARCH 2025 – Building on one hundred and ten years of global heritage, an extensive worldwide presence and a sustained commitment to quality, Vimto, the iconic fruity beverage, that originated in Manchester, England, is officially launching in Malaysia. Renowned globally for its distinctive fruit blend recipe that is a well-kept secret, Vimto is delighted to offer a halal-certified unique three-fruit blend refreshment tailored to Malaysia’s palate. This launch makes Malaysia the first country in South East Asia where Vimto has established a presence. The company has bold plans for the region to cater to the market of over 600 million people living in ASEAN.

Matt Nichols (Vimto’s International Commercial Director)

Vimto’s success story continues under the leadership of Matt Nichols, the International Commercial Director and fourth-generation leader from the founding family. Nichols has driven Vimto’s impressive global expansion, making it a household name in over 60 countries. His vision is clear in continuing to evolve the brand to various customer segments and formats, while staying deeply connected to its roots.

A Vision Rooted in Legacy, Innovation and Growth

From Left to Right: Ryan Bedford, Matt Nichols, Susanna Kow and John Gray

“Vimto’s success is built on long-term commitment and meaningful partnerships,” said Matt Nichols, Vimto’s International Commercial Director. “We don’t just enter markets—we invest in them. Malaysia’s diversity and vibrancy make it a strategic hub for our Southeast Asian expansion.

For Vimto, Malaysia is more than a launchpad—it embodies inclusivity, celebration, and community. With a strong food culture, established retail network, and demand for quality halal-certified products, it is an ideal market.

Vimto has long been a Middle Eastern favourite, particularly during Ramadan, with over 135 million litres 1 sold annually. Now, Malaysians can enjoy this iconic beverage, thoughtfully crafted to complement local traditions.

“Malaysia embodies togetherness and tradition, while Vimto’s rich heritage and commitment to quality make it a natural fit for festive occasions,” explains Matt. “As we mark our 102nd Ramadan in the Middle East, we are excited to celebrate our first in Malaysia with our signature blackcurrant, grape, and raspberry blend. And this is just the beginning of our journey in becoming part of the nation’s celebrations.

While rooted in heritage, Vimto continues to evolve. “Growth is about refining and adapting to consumer needs while maintaining our distinctive taste,” says Matt. “Whether enhancing recipes or introducing new flavours, the brand remains committed to excellence and consumer satisfaction.”

Building Long-term Partnerships

Vimto’s journey has been shaped by family values, adaptability, and a drive to bring people together. As it enters the Malaysian market, the brand is committed to creating lasting connections through its refreshing, halal-certified beverage—made for Malaysia’s tastes, and the world’s joy.

In Malaysia, Vimto has built a strong foundation by working with Socma Trading (M) Sdn. Bhd. as the official distributor and Universal NutriBeverage Sdn. Bhd. as the local manufacturer. This strategic partnership ensures the highest quality production standards while making Vimto widely accessible across the country.

Vimto’s strategic approach to growth focuses on long-term, sustainable relationships with distributors and retailers across Malaysia. By prioritising these partnerships, Vimto ensures its presence across the nation, making it accessible to all.

“We’re excited to be part of Vimto’s official entry into Malaysia,” said Eugene Yeo, Executive Director of Socma Trading (M) Sdn. Bhd., “Vimto’s rich heritage and refreshing taste resonate with Malaysia’s festive culture and diverse consumer preferences. This partnership presents a valuable opportunity to introduce a globally cherished brand to Malaysian homes, complementing the evolving tastes of Malaysian consumers. We are dedicated to ensuring its widespread availability across the country.”

According to Terence Kuah, Director of Universal NutriBeverage Sdn. Bhd., “We’re proud to work in partnership with Vimto International as their authorised local manufacturer in Malaysia. We have more than 50 years of beverage manufacturing experience, embracing high quality standards and strict halal standards. We are committed to adhering to the stringent quality standards of Vimto and making Vimto a staple for Malaysian consumers”.

Since its initial entry through 99 Speedmart in October 2024, Vimto has rapidly expanded to major retailers such as AEON, Giant, Mydin, TF Value-Mart, Seibu, Sogo, Isetan and many more supermarkets making it easily accessible to consumers across the country.

For more information and festive promotions, please visit Vimto Malaysia’s webpage or their social pages on Instagram and Facebook.

 

The 12th Shanghai International Fashion Drinks Competition Final & 2025 World Fashion Drinks Elite Competition

The 12th Shanghai International Fashion Drinks Competition Final & 2025 World Fashion Drinks Elite Competition will be held in the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from March 30 to April 2, 2025.

The 12th Shanghai International Fashion Drinks Competition Final

Since 2014, the Shanghai International Fashion Drinks Competition (abbreviated as: Fashion Drinks Competition), initiated and organized by Shanghai Sinoexpo Informa Markets International Exhibition Co., Ltd., has gained recognition from both tea drinks industry and the public after 11 consecutive editions.

Fashion Drinks Competition of the year 2024 has held preliminary contests in eight cities, including Chengdu, Nanning, Hangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Quanzhou, and Sanya. A total of 32 highly creative drinks contestants have been selected. They will gather at the national final competition venue to compete for the honor of the Chinese national champion in an exciting contest!

Not only has an overseas division been established for the first time, but it will also see the crowning of the first World Fashion Drinks Champion! At that time, the top six contestants from the 12th Fashion Drinks Competition will compete on the same stage with overseas fashion drinks competitors from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and other places. They will exchange skills and showcase the charm and strength of Chinese trendy beverages on the world stage. Let’s take a look at the lineups of these two top-level fashion drinks competitions.

Chengdu Division

Nanning Division

Hangzhou Division

Beijing Division

Shanghai Division

Shenzhen Division

Quanzhou Division

Sanya Division

2025 World Fashion Drinks Elite Competition

The 12th season of the Fashion Drinks Competition has, for the first time, added an overseas division: the Thailand Division. At the 2025 World Fashion Drinks Elite Competition, in addition to the top contestants from the national finals of the 12th season of the Fashion Drinks Competition and the top contestants from Thailand, confirmed participants also include drinks-making experts from Malaysia and Singapore. They will all gather on the Fashion Drinks stage to compete for the championship honor of the “2025 World Fashion Drinks Elite Competition.”

The 2025 World Fashion Drinks Elite Competition is not only an international platform for overseas and domestic drinks-making experts to compete and showcase the charm and strength of tea beverages, but also provides a rare opportunity for observation and dialogue in the context of industry exchange and product innovation breakthroughs, as the ready-made tea drinks industry rides the wave of going global.

Let’s unveil the lineup of contestants.

Register here to join us on site: https://reg.hotelex.cn/zh-cn/user/register?utm_medium=events&utm_source=cyds&utm_campaign=hot25

Hopster Signature offers refined alcohol-free option

Thailand’s TC Pharmaceutical Industries (TCP) has recently introduced Hopster Signature Hop Soda during Dry January, a period where people abstain from consuming alcohol for the entire month of January. This new drink is strategically positioned as a sophisticated non-alcoholic alternative, with packaging that mirrors the aesthetic of traditional alcoholic beverages, distinguishing it from the existing, more vibrantly packaged Hopster range (Raspberry Rose, Japanese Plum and Original).

Hopster Signature Hop Soda offers a guilt-free experience with zero sugar, calories, and alcohol, while still retaining the signature hop flavour found in all Hopster beverages.

Key takeaways: crafted to be a direct and compelling alternative to alcoholic drinks

Goody launches Cela guilt-free sparkling soda with kombucha & fibre

Goody Group, known for brands like Star Kombucha, Mamapop, and Chill Cocktail, has launched Cela, a low-sugar, easy-to-drink sparkling beverage in Tropical Orange, Lime, Classic Cola and Berry Grape flavours.

Cela combines 8% kombucha with six types of fibre (Dextrin, FOS, chicory root, angelica root, chamomile and kudzu root) and Vitamin C, promoting digestive, gut health and immunity. The company positions Cela as a guilt-free soda, catering to the growing consumer demand for healthier beverage options.

Cela’s lime flavour is derived from genuine lime extracts, ensuring an authentic taste unlike synthetic alternatives.

Cela’s packaging boasts a modern, minimalist design with vibrant colours for a clean and energetic look, while its aluminum cans reflect a commitment to sustainability through high recyclability.

Goody’s approach in innovation is to improve existing products over creating entirely new ones, combining familiar ingredients to maintain great taste, while enhancing health benefits.

Click here to buy.

Key takeaways: low-sugar healthy soda with kombucha, fibre and vitamin C

est Cola encourages consumers to Rise Up again with every sip

Est Cola in Thailand has released new packaging with positive messages on the pack, designed to be read upside down, encouraging people to “Rise Up” again with every sip. The packaging also features a serene blue sky and cloud motif. This new campaign reinforces the brand’s “Born to be Awesome” concept, further cementing the brand’s appeal among Gen Z.

For this summer, “est Cola, Look Up Together” invites Gen Z to create a “Look Up” culture, seek new experiences and find new inspirations. Est Cola has enlisted top-tier presenters representing all aspects of Gen Z culture: Thai singer and actor Jeff Satur, Thai model and actor Meen Nichkhun and Thai YouTuber SpriteDer SPD, to ignite excitement and create a comprehensive marketing connection with Gen Z.

Est Cola is amplifying its Gen Z engagement through cutting-edge AI technology, enabling users to create personalized songs by scanning their cans and inputting their unique style.

Suphorn Denpaisarn, First Vice President and Chief of Non-alcoholic Beverage Business – Thailand, stated that the rebranding with the ‘Born to be Awesome’ concept has been consistently successful, enabling est Cola to capture hearts and become a well-received carbonated beverage brand, particularly among Gen Z customers. This has led to est Cola experiencing consistently strong sales growth over the past two years, with a 19% increase in volume sales compared to the previous year (data from NielsenIQ, February 2024 – January 2025).

Hooray! Protein Coffee offers energy and 21g protein

Consumers in Thailand can now enjoy a protein-packed pick-me-up with the new Hooray! Coffee Protein, delivering both caffeine and 21g of protein. This drink specifically targets the morning occasion with a coffee drink made from 100% real Arabica coffee beans and is free from added sugar and lactose.

Hooray! Coffee Protein is perfect for on-the-go consumers, providing a quick and satisfying morning meal with 21g of protein for sustained energy and fullness. Hooray!, renowned for its protein-rich beverages, stresses the use of real Arabica beans to communicate the drink’s identity as authentic coffee, rather than simply a dairy-free beverage with coffee flavouring.

Key takeaways: coffee drink with high protein

Tao Kae Noi’s Pizza & Truffle Seaweed hits 7-Eleven

Thai seaweed snack brand Tao Kae Noi has released two new flavours – Chicken Deluxe Pizza and Black Truffle. Consumers throughout Thailand can now find these new and exciting flavour options at their local 7-Eleven stores.

The seaweed snack player has also launched tempura seaweed in two flavours – original and spicy. The more you shake, the more perfect it becomes.

Key takeaways: culinary-inspired flavours

Selecta Philippines drops sweet summer lineup

Filipino summer just got sweeter! Selecta has released a limited-time lineup of ice cream flavours: Coco Mango, Ube Cake, Langkasuy and Cornetto Apple Crumble. Grab them now via GrabFood, GrabMart, or your local stores including at 7-Eleven. Langkasuy refers to a Filipino ice cream flavor combining jackfruit (langka) and cashew (kasuy).

Image credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10212778228568462&set=a.1105887305298

The Cornetto Apple Crumble ice cream is also available in Thailand.

Image credit: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551087387672

Additionally, three more Selecta ice cream products are now available in the Philippines: Wonder Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich, Selecta Boom Boom Max Berry Crunchy and Selecta Boom Boom Cheese.

Image credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10212783504300352&set=a.1105887305298
Image credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1167745071816044&set=pcb.1167512361839315

Key takeaways: summer local treats

 

Dutchie’s summer splash: watermelon & lychee yogurt

The Dutchie yogurt brand of Thailand’s Dutch Mill has launched yogurt (90g) in refreshing watermelon and lychee summer flavours. The yogurt is packed with chewy coconut jelly for a fun texture, and the refreshing fruit flavours are complemented by the added health benefits of inulin fiber, which supports healthy digestion.

Key takeaways: summer flavours

HOT NEWS

Cadbury Dairy Milk’s Kuih Raya Dari Hati campaign with MYDIN makes...

0
KUALA LUMPUR, 11 APRIL 2023 - Cadbury Dairy Milk has successfully concluded its Kuih Raya Dari Hati event in collaboration with MYDIN across four...

MUST READ

QSR showcases new range of Ayamas Kitchen frozen meals

0
QSR Trading Sdn Bhd showcased its latest frozen meal selections at the recently concluded 5th Selangor International Expo 2019 on 10-13 October 2019. The...