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Kampung Ta-ee Gawai Parade 2024: A Vibrant Celebration of Dayak Culture Attracts Thousands

George Oscar, his committee and the people of Kampung Ta-ee ready to welcome visitors to the Kampung Ta-ee Gawai 2024 celebrations

Serian, June 2, 2024 – The long-standing tradition of the Gawai parade in Kampung Ta-ee has once again drawn over 1,000 locals and visitors, celebrating the unique and vibrant Dayak culture.

The procession began with a creatively constructed float made from bamboo, followed by the Bi-Bukar Bidayuh community dressed in traditional and warrior costumes. Visitors who joined the procession danced joyfully to the music while admiring the beauty of the village along the 2-kilometer route.

The organizing chairman, Mr. George Oscar, expressed his delight, stating, “We are elated to welcome thousands of local and international visitors who have come together to celebrate Gawai with our community. This event transcends a mere parade; it is a vibrant showcase of the arts, culture, traditional dances, and music of the Bukar Sadong group of the Bidayuhs.

Throughout the festival, the community offered visitors the most exquisite traditional cuisines and the 2024 Limited Edition Harvest Festival Pepsi Cans.’ Mr. Oscar added, “We aspire for all attendees to leave with cherished memories that they can share with their friends and family.”

Gratitude was also extended to Pepsi Malaysia, the main sponsor of the Kampung Ta-ee Gawai Parade 2024. Pepsi proudly sponsored the construction of a grand stage for Kampung Ta-ee’s performers and the creation of the float for the procession. The float, shaped like a rice field, symbolizes the long-standing tradition of honoring Borneo’s rich cultural heritage and is dedicated to fostering unity and artistic appreciation. “Pepsi has provided an invaluable platform for our local community to promote our culture to the world,” Mr. Oscar remarked.

Amy Gan, Vice President of Marketing at Etika, expressed, “We are delighted to be part of Kampung Ta-ee Gawai, as Pepsi’s journey in East Malaysia is driven by a sincere commitment to preserving and promoting the unique traditions and artistic heritage of the region.”

“We are honored to support and uplift the local creative community. This year, we produced a captivating music video and song titled ‘Pepsi Harvest Festival Anthem.’ Witnessing both visitors and the Kampung Ta-ee community dance to our music during the parade was truly heartwarming.”

To celebrate diversity and unity, Pepsi has unveiled the 2024 Limited Edition Harvest Festival Pepsi Cans, exclusively available in East Malaysia. These cans, crafted by talented East Malaysian artists Daphne Siaw and Charles Mawan, showcase intricate patterns and symbols indigenous to Sarawak and Sabah. Seamlessly blending diverse cultural motifs, beloved by all, they symbolize the spirit of unity and celebration.

Looking ahead, the Kampung Ta-ee community will proudly participate in the 2024 state-level Gawai Dayak Parade on June 15 in Kuching City. We invite everyone to mark their calendars for this event to witness the stunning float, sponsored Pepsi and crafted by the Kampung Ta-ee community. Visitors will also be able to collect the 2024 Limited Edition Harvest Festival Pepsi Cans during the state-level Gawai Dayak Parade.

 

lululemon Empowers Malaysians to Embrace the Wellbeing Journey with the Opening of the Gardens Mall Store and Community Event

lululemon ambassador, Amotti, Winner of Physical: 100 Season 2 – Underground, in Zeroed In Short

lululemon will be hosting a distinctive Get Into It Community Event for a double celebration of the Iconic Bottoms campaign and the store opening

KUALA LUMPUR, 31 May 2024 – lululemon, technical athletic apparel, footwear and accessories company for yoga, running, training is thrilled to announce its expansion in Malaysia with the store opening at The Gardens Mall on June 13, 2024. This marks lululemon’s latest addition to its continued international expansion and commitment to fostering community as well as encouraging Malaysians to embark their first step on their fitness and wellbeing journeys.

To mark this momentous occasion, lululemon will also be launching its latest collection, captivating new colour variations for its innovative dual-gender hero products, including the Pace Breaker Short Zeroed in Short, Align Short, License to Train Short, and Hotty Hot Short for all-gender.

lululemon ambassador, Tania, in Align Short

Introducing the All-Gender Bottoms Collection where Versatility Meets Function

Featuring five key looks, each piece in the collection embodies versatility, comfort, and reliability making it suitable for yoga, running, training and more.

This collection showcases lululemon’s dedication to providing high-quality attire that meets the demands of diverse preferences, interests and active lifestyles. Embracing a philosophy of inclusivity within the health and wellbeing domain, these products are tailored for all genders and local communities.  This also includes their hijabs made from lightweight Nulu™ fabric.

Get Into It Community Event

lululemon invites Malaysians to embrace the joy of movement by joining the Get Into It Community Event on June 15 and 16. Aimed at cultivating the #sweatlife culture and fostering a deeper sense of community spirit, lululemon partnered with PassionFit, F45 Damansara Heights, Club Aloha and Bro Lab to offer a variety of group workout experiences, including spin, running, training sessions and more. This event promotes holistic wellbeing, addressing physical, social, and mental while embracing an inclusive approach for all genders.

Through the fitness sessions and workshops, participants will embark on a journey designed to as well as having a chance to explore the versatility, comfort and reliability of lululemon’s products firsthand. The event also provides a valuable opportunity for fitness enthusiasts to connect with like-minded individuals and build a supportive network centered around wellbeing, reflecting the brand’s commitment to enhancing the wellness journey and creating a thriving community.

Registration starts from 1st June 2024, discover more details about the Get Into It Community Event and be sure to secure your spot today here with limited spaces available. An RM20 from each ticket sale will be donated to lululemon’s Here to Be partner, Buku Jalanan Chow Kit, an organisation dedicated to supporting education and creating a healthy environment for underprivileged children.

Additionally, the first 50 shoppers who visit the new store at The Gardens Mall with a minimum spend of RM1,500 will receive an exclusive lululemon water bottle that can be personalised onsite from June 13 to 16. So, be sure to drop by lululemon’s store at The Gardens Mall, where you can explore their latest collections and experience lululemon’s lifestyle.

Malaysia Store Addresses

Store Address Contact Number
The Gardens Mall The Gardens, Lot F-218 & 219, 1st Floor, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur  
KLCC Store Lot 167, Level 1, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur 03-2789 1871
Pavilion Store Lot 3.100.00, Elite Pavilion, Pavilion, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur 03-2110 6765
The Exchange TRX Store Unit No. L1.81.0 & L1.82.0, Plaza The Exchange TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, Kuala Lumpur 03-2386 3644

 

1664 Welcomes Beer Lovers to Discover the New Side of Blue with 1664 BRUT!

Get ready for a completely new offering from 1664 as it brings lager lovers a new crisp, golden brew perfect for a night out in town!

SHAH ALAM, 6 June 2024 – Beer lovers are invited to Discover the New Side of Blue with the arrival of 1664 BRUT, a crisp, golden premium lager that transcends the ordinary with its easy drinking and refreshing taste. Made for contemporary beer enthusiasts, 1664 BRUT offers a symphony of sensations, boasting a refreshing and crisp taste that leaves any beer lover wanting more.

True to its brand promise, 1664 turns simple pleasures into extraordinary experiences. The latest innovation, 1664 BRUT, continues this offering, enhancing every drinking occasion with its refreshingly crisp golden lager with a sparkling twist.

Olga Pulyaeva, Marketing Director at Carlsberg Malaysia

“We are thrilled to introduce 1664 BRUT to Malaysian beer enthusiasts. As a premium wheat beer, 1664 is already well-recognised in the market. Our new campaign, ‘Discover the New Side of Blue,’ invites Malaysians to experience a fresh offering from 1664 – a crisp, golden premium lager. This innovation enriches our premium brew portfolio and complements our existing 1664 range, which includes 1664 Blanc, 1664 Rosé, and now 1664 BRUT, providing a diverse selection from wheat beer to lager,” said Olga Pulyaeva, Marketing Director at Carlsberg Malaysia. “We are particularly proud that we are the first South-East Asian country to launch this exciting product. With its refreshingly crisp taste and iconic blue bottle, 1664 BRUT is the perfect companion to elevate any occasion.”

As 1664 BRUT makes its way nationwide in pints, cans, and draught at ABV 4.5%, it brings with it a promise to make every drinking occasion extraordinary Redefining sleek and stylish packaging, its gold label against the iconic blue backdrop perfectly reflects the vibrant spirit it embodies. Whether it is a regular hangout session or crushing weekend clubbing adventures, 1664 BRUT is bound to add that extra twist to any occasion.

1664 BRUT will debut in Kuala Lumpur with its first consumer activation at APW Bangsar from June 6 to 9, inviting guests to discover the New Side of Blue. Transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences, attendees will embark on a journey to explore this crisp, golden lager. The event features a stylish photo zone, personalised graffiti t-shirts, arcade games, and more. Guests will enjoy a refreshing pint of 1664 BRUT, setting the stage for an exciting party with great music. A daily line-up of local and international artists, including VaVa, JB, Cesqeaux, Babychair, and others, will elevate the evening into an unforgettable celebration.

So, step over to the New Side of Blue with 1664 BRUT – one refreshing sip at a time and experience the extraordinary.

To find out more about what’s in store, be sure to like and follow https://www.facebook.com/1664MY/ on Facebook and https://www.instagram.com/1664malaysia on Instagram or visit www.newsideofblue.com for more details. All activities are open to non-Muslims aged 21 and above.

When purchasing and enjoying 1664, remember to always #CELEBRATERESPONSIBLY – if you drink, don’t drive!

Yili Dairy’s Joyday ice cream is in Malaysia

Image credit: Minimeinsights.com

Yili Dairy’s Joyday ice cream has been available in Malaysia since 2023. Kajang-based Elitgo Sdn Bhd distributes the Joyday ice cream in the country. Yili’s halal-certified ice cream Joyday is produced in its Indonesian factory, which exports Joyday to various markets overseas including to the Philippines and Tanzania.

Image credit: Minimeinsights.com

Right now, Joyday ice cream is available at selected grocery stores. At one of the grocery stores that sells Joyday, the freezer contains both Joyday ice cream and Cremo ice cream, which Yili also owns through the acquisition of Thailand-based Chomthana.

Image credit: Minimeinsights.com

Joyday’s ice cream is unique and affordable, including pineapple- or corn-shaped ice cream sticks and mochi ice cream. The products sold in Malaysia are priced between RM 1.00 and RM 7.50 (tub).

The key to winning in the ice cream segment is distribution and the ease with which consumers can access the products. Joyday doesn’t promote itself in the local market, which has resulted in poor consumer awareness. Having an attractive program that incentivizes vendors to shift to Joyday can improve product availability.

The brand can also make its products available online, especially on food delivery platforms, to make Joyday more accessible to consumers who buy in bulk for party needs or stocking up on their pantries. However, it is still important to ensure there are more vendors selling Joyday in physical brick-and-mortar outlets and that Joyday’s Indonesian or Philippine models can be replicated here in Malaysia.

Fast and immediate relief of constipation with new Taylor Deep Water Original at Guardian Malaysia

Image credit: Guardian Malaysia

Taylor Deep Water Original is a new prune juice that will soon be available at Guardian in Malaysia. Produced in South Korea by Taylor Farms Inc., the company sources its prunes from Taylor Brothers Farms Inc., the world’s largest organic prune grower and processor. The South Korea-based Taylor Farms Inc. is in charge of processing and exporting Taylor prune products to Asia and Oceania. 

Deep Water is a product developed to provide fast and straight constipation relief. Adding sorbitol and lactulose to prune’s constipation relief effect relieves constipation much faster and immediately. It is an adult constipation relief product for people who suffer from constipation and think about a whole-intestine cleanse.

Ingredients: Prune Concentrate 15% (made in USA), D-Sorbitol Solution 15%, Lactulose, Purified Water.

In addition to Taylor Deep Water, Guardian is also selling Taylor After Deep Water Coco Jelly in Peach, Apple and Shine Muscat flavours.

Taylor After Deep Water Coco Jelly delivers the same effect as Taylor Deep Water for fast and straight constipation relief. It contains nata de coco, a natural coconut jelly made with coconut juice, which provides twice as much satiety as konjac jelly. It is also a low-calorie meal alternative.

Pos Laju Senders & Receivers Win RM238,000 in Prizes in Pos Malaysia’s Unbox the WOW! 2.0 Campaign

Pos Malaysia Berhad (“Pos Malaysia” or the “Group”), the national post and parcel service provider held a winners’ reveal event for the second phase of the Unbox the WOW! 2.0 Campaign that ran from 1 March to 30 April 2024 at the Jewel Sonic Proton Showroom in Putrajaya.

A total of 24 winners were in the running for the prize draw. They claimed prizes including two Proton S70 flagship models, two Modenas Pulsar NS200 ABS motorcycles and 20 gold wafers (5g each) valued at a total of RM238,000.

The Unbox the WOW! 2.0 campaign was launched for the festive Raya season, where both senders and receivers who used Pos Laju services to send or receive domestic parcels nationwide through official Pos Malaysia channels (post offices, Pos Laju branches, authorised agents, Pos Mini, SendParcel and contracts) were automatically eligible to enter the contest.

From 1 May to 31 July 2024, Pos Malaysia is back with a new campaign, Peraduan Labur dan Menang contest where Malaysian Bumiputeras can invest a minimum of RM200 in their ASB or ASB 2 accounts for a chance to multiply their investments. Available exclusively in five (5) states – Selangor, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah, and Sarawak – participants will automatically be entered into a draw for a chance to win cash prizes totalling RM17,500.

According to the Courier Challenge Survey by Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Pos Malaysia achieved an impressive 96% guaranteed delivery performance, significantly surpassing the industry benchmark of 78%. This outstanding achievement reaffirms Pos Malaysia’s position as the nation’s premier post and parcel service provider. Passionate about building trust and connecting lives and businesses for a better tomorrow, Pos Malaysia is fully committed to excellence in service delivery, and continuously strives to set new industry standards, ensuring unparalleled service for the rakyat.

Stay connected with Pos Malaysia via www.pos.com.my, or follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Japanese-taste Sora Umeshu now available at Lotus’s, Donki Mall and Makro

Sora Umeshu is now available at Lotus’s, Donki Mall and Makro in Thailand. Sora Umeshu (750ml) is an umeshu with a sweet and sour taste distinguished by Japanese plums’ clear flavor and aroma. Brewing umeshu involves fermenting the plums in tightly sealed jars, stored in a dark and cool place for a minimum of 6 months to one year. Sora Umeshu was displayed at the Singha booth at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2024.

Plantae expands into the pre- and post-workout space

Plantae, one of Thailand’s leading plant-based lifestyle nutrition brands, has expanded into the pre- and post-workout space with the launch of Plantae Performance

The new Plantae performance enhances sports performance and exercise efficiency.

The strawberry-flavoured Pre-Workout contains 5,000mg of creatine monohydrate, a blend of four electrolytes, vitamin B complex, green tea-caffeine and protein. The Post-Workout, in its original flavour, has 5,000mg of glutamine, zinc (40mg), magnesium (530mg), vitamin B6, tart cherry juice concentrate (1,250mg) and protein.

 

WonderPuff popcorn has two new flavours: dried mango and dried cranberries

Heritage Group has recently released two new flavours for its WonderPuff popcorn: dried mango and dried cranberries. The WonderPuff brand added these ingredients to create a new texture and flavor experience. In the past, WonderPuff was unique for combining gourmet popcorn with various premium nuts, such as macadamias, almonds, and cashews.

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2024 Surges with International Exhibitors and Visitors

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2024 exceeded expectations by attracting 85,850 unique trade visitors during the food and beverage extravaganza. This year’s event highlighted the show’s international reach, with 2,024 foreign exhibitors, 1,935 carefully selected hosted buyers and nearly 20,000 international visitors attending the show, representing 131 countries & regions.

Thailand, Bangkok, 5 June 2024 – The most extensive and impactful edition of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2024 has concluded, solidifying its position as Asia’s premier food and beverage trade show. This year’s event, themed “Beyond Food Experience,” showcased groundbreaking innovations, facilitated international partnerships, and brought forth the industry’s future trends.

Attendance at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2024 hit a new record with 3,133 exhibitors from 52 countries or regions and 85,850 visitors from 131 countries/regions, of which 19,984 were foreign (an increase of 21.6% over 2023). Of the exhibitors, 2,024 were international, including participants from 9 new countries, including Bolivia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Macedonia, Mexico, Yemen, Kazakhstan, and Oman, making their debut at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia. International exhibitors extended across 12% more floor space than any other edition of the trade show, and the number of countries/provincial groups that exhibited at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia increased from 39 in 2023 to 57 in 2024.

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia has once again proven its international significance, drawing participants from across the globe and fostering meaningful industry connections,” said Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director and VP Asia-Pacific, Koelnmesse. “For the past 100 years, Koelnmesse has been instrumental in building trade relations. Events like THAIFEX – Anuga Asia continue to build bridges between businesses, people, and nations.”

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2024 featured 11 signature trade shows, 11 trends, 6 special shows, and 3 supporting programmes, including the Hosted Buyer Programme, the Future Food Experience+ talks and the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge.

International Expansion in 2025

We see tremendous interest from international exhibitors at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia to expand their footprint significantly at the show in 2025, driven by the immense benefits and successful outcomes they’ve experienced at the event this year,” said Wendy Lim, General Manager – Food & Food Technology Exhibitions Asia-Pacific, Koelnmesse.

The Italian pavilion aims to double its floor space to showcase 50-100 brands, driven by the tremendous interest in Italian food in Thailand and expanding business from Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The Malaysia Business Group plans to increase its space from 270 sqm to 432 sqm. Macau SAR pavilion, organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, a first-time exhibitor, also plans to double its space in 2025, reflecting the value it places on the partnerships built at this year’s event. 

Dealmaking

This is the most promising trade show I’ve attended in some time,” claimed Jannis Theileis, General Manager of Powermints, an exhibitor at the German pavilion. 

A key reason for the keen interest from country pavilions is the sheer number of quality buyers their brands are interacting with from across the world. THAIFEX – Anuga Asia curated and sponsored 1,935 hosted buyers from 46 countries/regions to attend the show.

One of the buyers, Joel Leong, Regional Business Head of Surya Foods, said, “I’ve been to THAIFEX – Anuga Asia more than 10 times now, and it’s a very fulfilling experience, even compared to the other exhibitions we attend around the world. We source from over 50 suppliers at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia, so we come over here to meet our suppliers rather than travel to different countries to meet them.”

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) exhibitors said they had generated leads with buyers not only from Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Vietnam but also from Germany, Dubai, and other European countries. Additionally, other exhibitors mentioned interactions with buyers from Australia and New Zealand, Africa and America. 

Partnership Developments

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2024 was a hub for forging new partnerships and collaborations. Notable announcements included the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) endorsing THAIFEX – Anuga Asia as an official trade partner from 2025 to strengthen and expand international trade opportunities for US food and beverage companies in the Asian market. The United States pavilion will double in size to feature a cafe and showcase a wider range of high-quality American products and innovative solutions. 

Poland reinforced its robust bilateral relations with Thailand by sending a large delegation and conducting strategic business matching sessions this year. Norbert Bak, Bangkok Bureau Chief of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, remarked, “We are thrilled to see the show exceed our expectations in size and quality leads. The organisation here is simply perfect.” 

The Norwegian Seafood Council’s pavilion expanded to include 22 Norwegian exporters and released its fourth annual ‘Top Seafood Consumer Trends’ report, Oceans of Change. They reported a 10% growth in overall Norwegian seafood exports to Thailand compared to the same period in 2023, valued at THB 3.6 billion. 

Innovative Trends

There were many opportunities at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2024 to explore the future of food. At the Future Food Experience+ program, 33 guest speakers and 13 startup presenters led 28 sessions of talks and panel sessions. Topics included advancements in nutrition, sustainable processing, deep tech innovations, and F&B trends.

The tasteInnovation Show, the Alternative Protein Flavour & Taste Contest, and the THAIFEX – Anuga Startup Pavilion demonstrated developments in plant-based foods and alternative proteins (derived from mushrooms, for example), which are being incorporated into ready-to-eat meals and snacks without altering taste or texture.

Halal-certified foods comprised 20% of the exhibited products, with 1,035 items displayed across the trade show. Additionally, over 900 ready-to-eat products, including nutrient-fortified snacks and meals, made up 19% of the exhibited products.

Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC)

One of Asia’s most prestigious culinary competitions, TUCC brought together over 434 chefs to compete across 23 categories, judged by a panel of 46 international experts. Six were crowned Thailand’s Ultimate Chef for their category. The winners were: 

  • Best Ultimate Pastry Chef Award went to Ju Yeon Anh (Korea);
  • Best Ultimate Junior Chef Award went to Natthapol Khunyodying (Chiang Mai Chefs Association);
  • Best Ultimate Professional Chef Award went to Jaturong Mayurowas (Chiang Mai Chefs Association);
  • Best Ultimate Asian Chef Award went to Anuchit Saeng-On (Vinum Wine & Bistro);
  • Best Ultimate Establishment Award went to Chiang Mai Chefs Association;
  • Best Ultimate Asian Gourmet Challenge Award went to Chitralada Technology Institute.

Economic and Regional Impact

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and development, significantly contributing to the local economy through increased tourism and hospitality sector engagement. Business matching sessions facilitated valuable partnerships and collaborations, furthering the reach of participating companies.

Mark Law, secretary of the Malaysia Business Group, remarked that Malaysian exhibitors across the show had closed USD 10 million in deals over the first three days of the show. Nam Seng Food Industries Sdn Bhd closed a USD 300,000 deal with a Canadian buyer on the show’s first day. Malaysia was the third largest country pavilion at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia.

First-time exhibitor Mr. Alexander Ljusic, Operations Manager from SOKO Gorica dooel Macedonia, was delighted with the show. “As the only Macedonia company presenting these products in the drinks sector, we’ve received significant interest and leads. Many companies have visited our booth to taste our products, which has led to promising business opportunities. Given the high number of leads, we are optimistic about turning these into concrete business deals, which will likely bring us back next year,” he said.

Based in Thailand, THAIFEX – Anuga also offers opportunities for Thai companies like King CoffeeNSL Foods, and Laitram Machinery to broaden their product reach and forge new partnerships at the show. A spokesperson for Laitram Machinery said: “This event provides us with a platform to connect with industry leaders, explore new business opportunities in new regions, and demonstrate our commitment to driving excellence in food processing.”

Joel Leong further emphasised that attending THAIFEX – Anuga Asia is a worthwhile investment: “We have grown our business to greater heights with THAIFEX – Anuga Asia. I manage oriental procurements for our company, which has a turnover of USD 300 million, and this year we spent about US 10 million dollars at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia alone.”

THAIFEX — Anuga Asia 2024 continues to set benchmarks in the F&B industry, providing a platform for innovation, partnership, and growth. The event underscores Thailand’s strategic importance in accessing the regional and global F&B landscape.

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia is returning from 27-31 May 2025. For more information and updates on upcoming events, visit the THAIFEX – Anuga Asia website.

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