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Sun Life Malaysia Launches Sun Save Future, Offering High Guaranteed Cash Payout Benefits

By
Tan Heng Hong
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(From right) Ho Teck Seng, President & Country Head of Sun Life Malaysia and Vincent Nga, Chief Agency Officer, Sun Life Malaysia unveiling Sun Save Future, a new savings and protection plan that helps Malaysia’s sandwich generation build long term wealth while enjoying early liquidity to meet evolving financial needs.

A simple, guaranteed-acceptance savings and protection plan designed to help Malaysian families build their financial future with early liquidity and flexible premiums starting from RM250 a month.

Kuala Lumpur, 13 February 2026 – Sun Life Malaysia Assurance Berhad (Sun Life Malaysia), a life insurance company today launches Sun Save Future, a new guaranteed-acceptance savings and protection plan designed to give policyholders earlier access to their savings without compromising long-term financial goals.

Unlike traditional savings plans that lock funds away until maturity, Sun Save Future caters to Malaysian families facing rising living costs and multi-generational responsibilities. The plan offers guaranteed yearly cash payouts of up to 50% of annual premiums, beginning from the end of the second policy year, providing early liquidity to help the sandwich generation manage current financial needs while continuing to build future wealth.

Recent insights from Sun Life’s Retirement Reimagined study highlight the growing need for flexible financial solutions: 64% of Malaysians expect to work beyond retirement age, with 63% citing income needs as the main reason. These findings reflect increasing concern over cash flow resilience and the ability to stay financially prepared through different life stages.

Sun Save Future addresses these realities by combining early liquidity, protection, and potential long-term growth within a single plan. Policyholders can choose flexible premium payment terms, from as short as five years, or extended options of 20, 25 or 30 years, with coverage of up to 30 years allowing families to align their commitments with their financial capacity over time.

Ho Teck Seng, President and Country Head of Sun Life Malaysia, said, “Financial resilience today is about access and choice, not a fixed milestone. Many Malaysians need savings solutions that fit real-life cash flow while safeguarding long-term goals. Sun Save Future offers families that balance – providing early access to funds when needed, with flexible payments and predictable payouts – so Malaysians can stay financially resilient and see working longer as an option, not a necessity.”

Sun Save Future offers flexibility, accessibility, and potential for growth. Policyholders may access early payouts from reinvested guaranteed yearly cash payments or allow them to continue accumulating in their preferred investment-linked funds, subject to fund performance.

The plan also provides optional fund switches and withdrawals based on evolving needs, helping families respond to market changes or unexpected expenses. No medical checks or underwriting are required, and entry is open from 30 days to 65 years, making it easy for families to secure savings and protection across generations.

Key features of Sun Save Future** at-a-glance:

  • Guaranteed acceptance – no medical checks or underwriting required for entry ages from 30 days to 65 years.
  • Early Guaranteed cash payouts up to 50% of annual premium – from the end of the second policy year to support ongoing financial needs.
  • Flexible premiums – Payment terms from 5 to 30 years to suit different life stages and financial capacities.
  • Long-term growth potential – automatic reinvestment of payouts into investment-linked funds, with the option to switch or withdraw (fund values are not guaranteed).
  • Comprehensive protection – coverage for death and total and permanent disability.

**Subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.

For more information, please visit www.sunlifemalaysia.com or speak to a Sun Life Malaysia advisor.

The Seletar Mall Launches Late-Night Hours with Overnight ‘Downmall’ Cycling Challenge

By
Tan Heng Hong
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A new late-night operating model. An overnight cycling race through its corridors and down its escalators. A line-up of after-dark games, a Night Bazaar, and special rewards. From 28 February, The Seletar Mall turns into a day-to-night destination — and proves that suburban retail doesn’t have to play it safe

SINGAPORE, 19 February 2026 — Suburban malls are best known for convenience and accessibility — but The Seletar Mall, a suburban mall in Sengkang that is part of Allgreen Malls, is raising the bar.

From 28 February to 28 June, the mall will open for 18 hours a day, seven days a week, marking a fresh move for a suburban retail destination — and one that signals confidence in a new kind of night-time experience beyond the city centre.

The move from Allgreen Malls reflects a strategic shift for both the industry and among consumers. In Singapore, a city that never sleeps, late hours aren’t just a niche segment for night owls and shift workers. Flexible schedules, midnight cravings, social plans that don’t check the clock, and a growing appetite for new after-dark experiences beyond traditional nightlife: Today’s consumers expect that their neighbourhoods match their pace of living, and The Seletar Mall is evolving right alongside them.

To celebrate the new late-night hours, The Seletar Mall is rolling out a slate of after-dark experiences and promotions designed to keep the mall buzzing long after the sun sets, giving visitors even more ways to shop, dine, and have fun together.

Kicking things off is the Downmall Challenge, a one-of-a-kind overnight cycling spectacle that boldly reimagines the mall’s corridors and escalators into a high-energy race course. By day, the atrium welcomes families and curious first-timers with fun cycling activities — but by night, the real action begins.

Taking place from 28 February to 1 March and sanctioned by the Singapore Cycling Federation, The Seletar Mall Downmall Challenge 2026 is a two-day cycling showcase that blends family-friendly fun, high-octane action, and late-night thrills, transforming the suburban mall into a dynamic playground for riders and spectators alike.

And that’s just the opening act: The Downmall Challenge marks the first large-scale event to celebrate the new late-night hours, with more events to be announced in the coming months.

Additionally, shoppers can look forward to After Dark activities of a fun Floor is Lava game and a Night Bazaar happening from 2 to 9 March. Think immersive challenges, arcade-style thrills, and delectable treats to keep supper cravings sorted late into the night. Layered on top are new nighttime spending promotions that make every late night visit even more rewarding.

Ms Jacqueline Tan, Cluster Head, JB City Square & The Seletar Mall, says: “The launch of our late-night operating hours marks a new chapter for The Seletar Mall and for suburban retail in Singapore. Malls today must go beyond shopping; they should be vibrant community spaces that evolve with changing lifestyles. The Downmall Challenge brings this to life by transforming our mall into a race course after dark, blending sport, entertainment and community in a bold and memorable way. By extending our hours, we are creating more opportunities for residents to connect, unwind and experience something different, even late into the night.”

Mr Dominic Loh, General Secretary of the Singapore Cycling Federation, says: “Events like the Downmall Challenge help make cycling more accessible by bringing it into everyday spaces and meeting people where they already are. We’re looking forward to doing just that at The Seletar Mall, a vibrant space which is located in the heart of the Sengkang residential area, as it shows how spaces in Singapore can be creatively used to offer new formats of our sport and support active lifestyles.”

With its new operating hours, when the sun goes down, The Seletar Mall is just getting started.

The Seletar Mall Downmall Challenge 2026

From adrenaline-fuelled stunts, kid-friendly activities, and an overnight cycling race through the mall itself, The Seletar Mall’s Downmall Challenge offers a packed programme that unfolds across two days and well into the night.

The centrepiece is the Downmall Biking race, which will be held overnight from February 28 to March 1. The race transforms the mall’s interior into a ride-through course from Level 4 to the Level 1 Atrium. It features four race categories — Weekend Warrior, Open, Masters, and Women’s Open — welcoming participants with varying levels of experience, from first-time Downmall riders to seasoned competitors who have raced in local or overseas Downmall races.

By day, the atrium shifts gears: Complementing the overnight race are two full-day activities perfect for all ages, ranging from families with kids to young adults looking to try something new. On Saturday, 28 February, the Atrium will come alive with an adrenaline-pumping BikeTrial activity and demonstration. Riders will perform impressive balance and control stunts over custom-built obstacles in the Atrium, while inviting thrillseekers to give it a try on a simpler, modified course.

The next day, on Sunday, 1 March will welcome a fresh Push Bike activity designed for younger kids to take their first steps into cycling in a safe and engaging environment.

After Dark, the Buzz Continues with these Fun Activities

When night falls, the fun keeps going at the Level 1 Atrium with a bevy of lively activities! From 2 to 9 March, look forward to a fast-paced Floor is Lava game or dive into one of the many arcade games available. Afterwards, refresh yourself and keep the fun going with a tasty snack from the Night Bazaar.

Floor is Lava & Arcade Games
2 – 9 March 2026 | Daily from 6pm – 3am; last day of operations close at 9pm

Dive into an after-dark playground, featuring an interactive Floor is Lava zone, as well as fast-paced arcade games like F1 simulator rides and dart machines, that turn the Level 1 Atrium into a high-energy zone for thrill-seeking night owls.

For entry before 9pm, simply spend $20 in a single receipt at any store in The Seletar Mall. For entry after 9pm, all you need to do is make a purchase at the Night Bazaar and flash your receipt to enter!

Night Bazaar
2 – 9 March 2026 | Daily from 11am – 3am (selected stalls) – last day of operations close at 10pm

Feeling hungry after all that fun? Be spoilt for choice with a wide array of delectable street snacks and goodies that are sure to satisfy any supper cravings!

Night Owl Lockers Surprise!
20 March – 17 May 2026

Late-night shoppers, listen up – this one’s for you! Spend a minimum of $30* in a single same-day receipt between 10pm to 3am and get a chance to win an exciting prize from the mystery lockers, which range from massage chairs to cash vouchers.

*Limited to the first 300 redemptions monthly. Limited to one redemption per day per Great Rewards Member.

18/7 Spend & Redeem Promotion
28 February – 28 June 2026

Shop at participating tenants during The Seletar Mall’s extended hours and be rewarded! Spend a minimum of $100* from 9pm – 4am for a sure-win game chance that includes prizes such as Great Rewards Points, and e-Vouchers worth up to $10.

*Limited to the first 600 redemptions per month. Limited to one redemption per day per Great Rewards Member

Late-Night Retail and Dining Options at The Seletar Mall

From 28 February to 28 June, a curated mix of tenants at The Seletar Mall will operate till late daily, giving shoppers even greater flexibility and access to dining, wellness, and everyday essentials beyond typical operating hours.

They include:

  • 24/7 Fitness
  • Cow Play Cow Moo
  • FairPrice Finest
  • Fun Claw
  • Hai Di Lao Hot Pot
  • HaveFun Karaoke
  • Hi Claw
  • McDonald’s
  • Pontian Wanton Noodle
  • Popeyes
  • Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks
  • Shiok Burger / Delibowl
  • Sukiya
  • Texas Chicken

With its new shift to late-night operations and experiential events, The Seletar Mall aims to offer shoppers even more ways to use and enjoy the space at different times of the day, with more activities to be announced in the coming months.

ASEAN Foundation Launches ASEAN Digital Outlook and the First Look at AI Readiness Research

By
Tan Heng Hong
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From left to right: H.E. Amb. Sarah Al Bakri Devadason, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the ASEAN Foundation and Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN; Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation; Debbie Jean Centeno-Dijamco, Undersecretary of Education of the Republic of the Philippines

New regional studies provide evidence on AI adoption, digital readiness, and governance gaps across ASEAN Member States.

Kuala Lumpur, 19 February 2026 – ASEAN Foundation, supported by Google.org, officially launched the ASEAN Digital Outlook today, alongside a first look at the AI Ready ASEAN Research, during the AI Ready ASEAN 3rd Regional Policy Convening in Manila, Philippines.

Developed jointly with the ASEAN Digital Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADGSOM), the ASEAN Digital Outlook aligns closely with ASEAN-wide digital governance priorities, offering a regional perspective on digital maturity, infrastructure development, and institutional preparedness. Together with the AI Ready ASEAN Research, it builds on the progress of the AI Ready ASEAN programme, which has already reached more than 5 million beneficiaries upskilled in AI literacy, enabled over 100,000 learners to complete in-depth AI training, and empowered more than 3,000 Master Trainers across the region.

These efforts come at a time of rapid change. Digitalisation and artificial intelligence are reshaping ASEAN’s economies, education systems, and public services at unprecedented speed. With a population exceeding 660 million people, nearly one-third of whom are under the age of 20, the region’s ability to adopt AI responsibly will play a decisive role in shaping future skills development, employment opportunities, and social inclusion.

At the same time, ASEAN’s digital economy is projected to grow from USD 300 billion to USD 1 trillion by 2030, creating immense potential alongside increasingly complex risks. As AI adoption accelerates across sectors, the need for inclusive, responsible, and well-governed AI use has become an urgent priority for governments, institutions, and communities across the region. The two studies respond directly to this urgency by shifting the focus beyond access and adoption toward a clearer understanding of readiness, governance, and long-term impact.

“Across ASEAN, we are seeing AI use grow faster than our systems’ ability to guide it,” said Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation. “These studies move the conversation beyond if AI is being used to help us understand whether our institutions, educators, and communities are truly prepared. Evidence like this is essential to designing policies that protect trust, strengthen skills, and ensure AI benefits people, not just economies.” 

The ASEAN Digital Outlook provides a broader regional assessment of digital and AI infrastructure, governance, and cybersecurity readiness across ASEAN Member States. While several countries have made progress in strengthening digital infrastructure, the study points to uneven levels of digital maturity and institutional capacity across the region. Persistent gaps in digital skills, public trust, cybersecurity preparedness, and responsible technology use underscore the limitations of fragmented national approaches.

On the other hand, the AI Ready ASEAN Research assesses AI readiness across ten ASEAN Member States, focusing on education communities and examining students, educators, and parents as key actors shaping how AI is adopted, understood, and governed. The findings reveal a consistent gap between high levels of AI usage and actual readiness, particularly in AI literacy, ethical understanding, and institutional support. While students often emerge as early adopters of AI tools, educators and parents face greater barriers related to confidence, guidance, and access to structured training.

Based on the findings, more than 50% of educators in Malaysia have completed AI-related courses, while approximately 75.73% of students report no formal AI training. Educators and parents in the country rank among the highest in AI literacy across ASEAN, despite underestimating their own readiness. In contrast, students display higher confidence than actual literacy, revealing a perception capability gap that may lead to improper use of AI tools.

Taken together, the findings from both studies show that across ASEAN, AI and digital adoption are advancing faster than institutional, ethical, and community readiness. Students are the most active users of AI tools, while educators and parents report lower confidence and literacy. At the same time, growing risks, including online scams, deepfake-enabled fraud, misinformation, and data breaches, are undermining trust in digital systems and reinforcing the need for stronger governance frameworks.

“Access to AI tools alone is not enough,” said Marija Ralic, Head of Google.org APAC. “Real readiness requires people to understand how AI works, where its limits lie, and how it can be used ethically. These findings reinforce why investments in AI literacy, especially for educators and communities, are critical to ensuring that technological progress translates into inclusive opportunity.”

Through the launch of the AI Ready ASEAN Research and the ASEAN Digital Outlook, ASEAN Foundation contributes data-driven insights to support informed policy dialogue on digital and AI transformation across the region. The studies are intended to serve as key references for policymakers, educators, and development partners in designing interventions that strengthen digital literacy, institutional readiness, and inclusive growth.

Singapore’s MAD Coffee launches four oat‑based RTD coffee drinks in Malaysia

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Singapore’s MAD Coffee has launched four ready‑to‑drink (RTD) oat‑based coffee beverages in Malaysia, now available at CU and myNEWS convenience stores.

Dairy‑free and free from added sugar, the lineup features Original, Double Double, Kaya Toast, and MAD Dinosaur — with the latter two offering indulgent, uniquely local‑inspired flavours.

Nongfu Spring’s Cha Pai Tea breaks into Malaysia nationwide with 99 Speedmart listing

By
Tan Heng Hong
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China’s Nongfu Spring has secured a major milestone in Malaysia with the nationwide listing of its Cha Pai (茶π) ready‑to‑drink fruit‑flavoured tea series at 99 Speedmart. For an imported brand still relatively unfamiliar to most Malaysians outside the local Chinese community, gaining placement in 99 Speedmart — the country’s largest minimarket chain with over 3,000 outlets — represents a significant achievement.

While Cha Pai had previously been available mainly through specialty stores, this new distribution channel ensures visibility and accessibility across Malaysia.

Nongfu Spring has localised the packaging of Cha Pai to better suit the Malaysian market, underscoring the importance of adapting packaging as a crucial first step in market entry. Produced in China, the drink carries halal certification from Shaanxi Shang Pin Yuan Halal Food & Restaurant Management (SSPY), an organisation officially recognized by JAKIM.

Social media has been flooded with posts, particularly from Malay consumers, who were impressed by the taste of Cha Pai and enthusiastically recommended it to their followers. This wave of positive sentiment highlights the success of Nongfu Spring’s strategy.

Nongfu Spring has introduced three Cha Pai flavours at 99 Speedmart, with each 500ml bottle priced at RM3.90.

  • Grapefruit Jasmine Tea
  • Green Grape Oolong Tea
  • Peach Oolong Tea

Pacific West brings four new air fryer‑ready seafood delights to Malaysia

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Pacific West has introduced four new processed seafood products to the Malaysian market. Designed for convenience and easy preparation, the range includes Breaded Oyster, Tempura Barramundi Fish Fillet, Crispy Battered Snapper Fish Fillets, and Crumbled Hoki Fish Fillets. These products are also compatible with air fryers, a kitchen appliance that has gained popularity not only in Malaysia but worldwide.

Realfood teams up with Catherine Sumitri to launch trend‑inspired cereal drinks

By
Tan Heng Hong
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PT Realfood Winta Asia, a company specialising in premium swiftlet products, has collaborated with Indonesian entrepreneur, beauty influencer, and marketing professional Catherine Sumitri to launch a cereal drink in pouch format.

Inspired by the Korean meal replacement trend, Realfood’s latest cereal drink comes in three comforting flavours: Earl Grey Milk Tea, Thai Milk Tea, and Hojicha Milk Tea.

BOH Malaysia unveils indulgent creations Masala Chai Latte and Chocolate Tea Latte

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

BOH Malaysia has released two new instant tea products namely Masala Chai Latte and Cocoa Tea Latte. BOH Masala Chai Latte combines the warmth of aromatic spices with the creaminess of milk tea, offering a comforting and indulgent experience.

BOH Chocolate Tea Latte delivers a uniquely indulgent fusion of milk tea and rich chocolate, resulting in an irresistibly delicious taste.

Acaraki reimagines jamu in modern capsule format

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Acaraki, a modern café concept specializing in Indonesia’s traditional herbal drink jamu, has introduced jamu in a contemporary capsule format. Already known for reimagining jamu through modern preparation methods such as the French press, the company continues to innovate in how this heritage beverage can be enjoyed.

Acaraki’s latest jamu capsules are available in the following varieties:

  • Turmeric – The golden spice
  • Shades of Gold – a signature composition of turmeric, temulawak and ginger
  • All About Ginger – a balanced blend of Indonesian gingers

Acaraki Jamu Capsule is available in store as well as online.

Chinese energy drink producer Eastroc signs agreement with Salim Group for energy drink joint venture

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
Image from the web

Eastroc Beverage (Group) (Dongpeng), one of China’s leading energy drink producers, signed an agreement with Indonesia’s Salim Group on 30 January 2026. The joint venture involved the building of a production base and conducting sales operations in Indonesia.

The Chinese beverage producer had previously announced its investment plans for Indonesia in early 2025. Eastroc’s latest move will see the company invest up to USD 200 million in Indonesia, marking a key step in its overseas expansion with Southeast Asia as a priority market.

Eastroc revealed its products have already entered more than 30 countries and regions. The company has initially established localised teams in Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the US. For other countries, they mainly operate through foreign trade, working with strong local distributors to open up sales channels. Recently, the company has also been developing other markets, including the Middle East and Central Asia. Eastroc participated at the recently concluded Gulfood 2026 in Dubai.

In addition to its core energy drink business, Eastroc has expanded into sports drinks and RTD tea and other drinks as part of its ambition to become a total beverage company.

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