Monde Nissin’s Lucky Me! instant noodle brand has released the new Lucky Me! featuring two favorites in one pack. Now you can enjoy Chicken na Chicken + Chilimansi or Beef na Beef + Chilimansi together in a pack.
The company has also unveiled the new Lucky Me! Spicy Labuyo Beef and Spicy Labuyo Chicken, which are tastier and spicier than the previous formulation.
Vida World Sdn Bhd, known for its Vida sparkling drinks and Yobick yogurt drinks, has expanded its product line with the introduction of Vida Water in Malaysia. This new flavoured water comes in three refreshing flavors: Salty Lychee, Lemon, and Lime.
Vida Water is packaged in a convenient 500ml PET bottle and is both sugar-free and calorie-free, sweetened with erythritol and sucralose. Vida Water is available initially in selected Petronas Kedai Mesra petromarts.
This product caters to health-conscious consumers who are looking for sugar-free refreshing flavoured water that tastes good.
Monday 30 September 2024 – Thai Union has officially opened its Innovation Hub in Wageningen, Netherlands, marking the latest expansion of its global innovation network. The Innovation Hub focuses on product and packaging innovation for the Group’s ambient seafood brands. Around 40 product, process and packaging developers, nutritionists, sensory and consumer scientists, and innovators are working at or for the Innovation Hub, collaborating closely with Thai Union’s brands and the Global Innovation Center (GIC) in Bangkok.
Thai Union has invested into a state-of-the-art innovation facility dedicated to market-driven innovation and product development. It will serve all the Group’s shelf-stable seafood brands and support our consumers’ need for tasty, nutritious and sustainable diets.
Thiraphong Chansiri, CEO and President of Thai Union Group, said: “With the Innovation Hub here in the Netherlands, we are strengthening our global innovation capabilities. Our GIC in Thailand focuses on fundamental research, especially on utilizing and valorizing our raw material. This work directly benefits our Innovation Hub in Wageningen, where we can quickly respond to the pulse of our markets through collaboration with our brands, our customers, and our consumers. Alongside our SeaChange(R) 2030 sustainability strategy, innovation will be our key differentiator to revitalize our products in our markets.”
Patrick Tassignon, Senior Innovation Director Ambient Seafood, said: “We strategically chose Wageningen for its excellence in food science and nutrition. By partnering with Wageningen University & Research, start-ups, and other companies, we aim to embrace their knowledge and innovative spirit. This environment will inspire us to create groundbreaking innovations, driving our ambition to become the world’s leading marine health and nutrition company.”
Professor Ellen Kampman, Chair holder Nutrition & Disease at Wageningen University & Research, said: “Being able to collaborate with Wageningen University & Research, Europe’s no. 1 university in nutrition and food science has attracted many multinational food companies to establish innovation centers here. Thai Union as one of the world’s major seafood companies adds a marine protein element to the ecosystem of Wageningen – and we look forward to collaborative research with them. Welcome to Wageningen.”
Capabilities of the Innovation Hub
The Innovation Hub is designed to drive innovation across Thai Union’s brands and regions, offering advanced facilities to support the entire process from concept to market. Key features include:
Several product innovation projects Thai Union conceived or finalized in the Innovation Hub are already entering key markets, such as John West’s ECOTWIST(R), the biggest packaging innovation in the category in the United Kingdom, which packs the same amount of tuna into a redesigned and lighter can, saving over 400 tons of steel, 1,500 tons of ingredients that consumers typically don’t use, and avoiding around 65 tons of plastic shrink wrap or 300 tons of cardboard each year.
Now open, the Innovation Hub team will soon begin welcoming consumers, academia, partners, and customers for potential collaborations.
September 27, 2024
In late August 2024, Kaspersky experts identified a new version of the Necro Trojan that had infiltrated several popular applications on Google Play and modified applications on unofficial platforms, including Spotify, WhatsApp and Minecraft. Necro is an Android downloader that downloads and runs other malicious components on infected devices based on commands issued by the Trojan’s creators. Kaspersky’s solutions recorded* Necro attacks targeting users in Russia, Brazil, Vietnam, Ecuador, and Mexico as part of this malicious campaign.
Capabilities of the Necro Trojan
The variant of Necro discovered by Kaspersky experts can download modules onto infected smartphones that display ads in invisible windows and click on them, download executable files, install third-party applications, and open arbitrary links in invisible WebView windows to execute JavaScript code. Based on its technical characteristics, the Trojan is also likely capable of subscribing users to paid services. Additionally, the downloaded modules allow attackers to redirect internet traffic through the victim’s device. This enables cybercriminals to visit prohibited or desired resources using the victim’s device, potentially utilizing it as part of a proxy botnet.
Infected Apps on Unofficial Platforms
The first discovery of Necro by company’s experts was in a modified version of Spotify Plus. The creators of the app claimed that it was safe for devices and offered additional features not found in the official music streaming app. Subsequently, experts also found a modified version of WhatsApp containing the Necro downloader, followed by infected versions of popular games, including Minecraft, Stumble Guys, and Car Parking Multiplayer. Necro was embedded into these applications via an unverified ad module.
Infected Apps on Google Play
The Necro campaign extended beyond third-party platforms and was also discovered on Google Play. The malicious downloader was found in the Wuta Camera app and Max Browser. According to Google Play statistics, the combined downloads of these apps exceeded 11 million. On this platform, Necro was also distributed via an unverified ad module. Following Kaspersky Lab’s report to Google, the malicious code was removed from Wuta Camera, and Max Browser was taken down from the store. However, users still risk encountering Necro on unofficial platforms.
“Users often download unofficial, modified apps to bypass restrictions in official applications or to access additional free features. Cybercriminals exploit this behavior, spreading malware with these apps as there is no moderation on third-party platforms,” comments Dmitry Kalinin, cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky. “It is also noteworthy that the version of Necro embedded in these applications used steganography techniques, hiding its payload within images to remain undetected – a very rare method for mobile malware.”
Kaspersky’s security solutions protect against Necro and detect the downloader as Trojan-Downloader.AndroidOS.Necro.f and Trojan-Downloader.AndroidOS.Necro.h, with the malicious components identified as Trojan.AndroidOS.Necro.
To learn more about Necro Trojan, visit Securelist.com.
To protect against this and other Android cyber threats, Kaspersky experts also recommend:
** Data based on anonymized statistics of Kaspersky solutions for August 26 – September 15, 2024.
KUALA LUMPUR, 30 September 2024 – For Malaysian SMEs like Magic Pocket and ByReefa, thriving in the competitive e-commerce landscape requires a delicate balance between maintaining their distinctive local charm and reaching a broader audience. Shopee’s recent study, ‘Sayangi Malaysia, Jom Rai Lokal’*, highlights that 98% of Malaysians believe in supporting local businesses and are 15 times more likely to choose local entrepreneurs over international brands.
Supported by robust policies, flexible return options, and an emphasis on fulfilment efficiency, Magic Pocket and ByReefa have navigated challenges and capitalised on market trends. Their strategic approach has turned obstacles into significant achievements, resonating with 9 in 10 Malaysians who trust local sellers more for fulfilling orders and addressing questions*. This commitment to enhancing customer experience and staying ahead of trends has set a new benchmark in the competitive e-commerce arena.
Magic Pocket: A Passion for the Outdoors Meets E-Commerce Innovation
For Kelvin Lee Ka Seng, Director of Magic Pocket, the mission was always clear: to inspire every Malaysian to embrace the outdoors and connect with nature. Post-pandemic outdoor activities surged in popularity, especially among young Malaysians; Kelvin recognised that these consumers faced significant challenges accessing specialised camping gear. High-quality equipment was often scarce in smaller towns, and many potential customers hesitated to invest in gear as they were camping beginners. Kelvin saw an opportunity to address these barriers and foster a love for the outdoors.
To meet these challenges, Kelvin focused on reaching out and educating his customers. Leveraging Shopee’s live chat and Shopee Live features, he and his team of experienced campers provided real-time, personalised advice. This direct engagement addressed concerns about product quality and suitability, helping customers feel confident in their purchases. Kelvin also harnessed Shopee’s advertising tools, including interactive product ads and Shopee Video, to amplify their reach and build a community of outdoor enthusiasts around Magic Pocket.
Recognising the importance of a seamless buying experience, Kelvin opted into the Cash on Delivery (COD) and buyer self-collection programmes to offer flexible order fulfilment options for his audience. This approach was particularly beneficial for customers from smaller towns and further supported the rising trend of group camping trips among Gen Z. By making it easier for customers to access and inspect their gear, Kelvin catered to a growing demand for bulk purchases and ensured that customers had the equipment they needed, when and where they needed it.
Magic Pocket’s participation in the ’15 Days Free Returns’ program was another strategic move to alleviate buyer anxiety. Knowing that customers might be hesitant to purchase specialised gear, this program aided in alleviating buyers’ fears and providing additional assurance during their shopping journey. Customers could return items within 15 days if they changed their minds, which encouraged them to explore Magic Pocket’s range without fear of making a wrong choice.
“Shopee’s platform provided us with the tools to truly connect with our customers,” Kelvin reflects. “The ‘15 Days Free Returns’ program and ‘On-Time Guarantee’ were pivotal in building trust with our customers and enhancing our reputation.”
The ‘On-Time Guarantee’ program ensured that orders arrived within the delivery timeline promised, resulting in a more enhanced shopping experience for buyers. This was crucial for customers planning outdoor activities around their purchases, delivering excellent service quality that aligned with Kelvin’s mission to make outdoor life accessible and enjoyable.
This strategic approach has paid off significantly. From January to July 2024, Magic Pocket’s store performance soared by a remarkable 226%. Kelvin attributes this success to the robust support and innovative features the e-commerce platform provided, stating, “Our partnership with Shopee has been transformative. Their support and features have enabled us to meet diverse customer needs and connect with outdoor enthusiasts across Malaysia.”
ByReefa: From Perlis with Love—Crafting Boutique Fashion for Malaysians
Ira, General Manager of ByReefa, a Muslimah fashion brand embodying the pride of Perlis, believes that the path to success involves overcoming common small business challenges: reaching beyond local markets while preserving cultural heritage. Surrounded by the vibrant textiles and traditional attire of Perlis from a young age, Ira recognised the potential for their unique designs to appeal to a wider audience—but only by addressing the scepticism many customers have about online shopping.
Shopee’s 15 Days Free Returns program was a game-changer for ByReefa, as they saw a remarkable surge in orders from new customers. This feature allowed the brand to create a seamless and worry-free shopping experience, especially for those unfamiliar with shopping for fashion online. For many customers, knowing they could return items without questions gave them the confidence to take that first step—and now, those one-time shoppers have become regulars, showcasing the deep trust ByReefa has built with their audience.
“We wanted our customers to feel as secure shopping online with us as they would in a physical store,” Ira explained. “Shopee’s return policy gave them the freedom to try our products without any second thoughts, and that was a huge turning point for us.”
The brand also leveraged on Shopee’s On-Time Guarantee program, a feature that ensured fast and reliable delivery. Many customers left glowing reviews on their storefront about the swift service, reinforcing the store’s reputation for efficiency. In the world of online shopping, reliability can make all the difference, and ByReefa’s commitment to timely deliveries has helped them stand out, earning positive feedback and repeat customers.
Not stopping there, ByReefa also tapped into Shopee Live to host engaging livestream sessions, showcasing their Baju Kurung, Jubah, and Tudung Bawal collections in a way that resonates with younger shoppers, especially Gen Z, who appreciate authentic, interactive content. Through these sessions, the brand has been able to tell the story behind each design, fostering a deeper connection with their audience. Coupled with Shopee’s Affiliate Marketing Solutions (AMS) and Shopee Ads, ByReefa has significantly boosted its visibility and achieved impressive sales growth, proving that a blend of tradition and modernity continues to attract new customers.
Ira highlights the transformation Shopee has brought to ByReefa: “Shopee opened up a vast new market for us, exposing us to millions of potential customers across Malaysia and beyond. The platform’s extensive user base and customer-centric features allowed us to reach buyers we could never have through previous channels.”
Empowering Malaysian SMEs
“At Shopee, we’re on a mission to empower local businesses like Magic Pocket and ByReefa, giving them the support they need to flourish. Kelvin and Ira don’t just get their audiences; they’re all about embracing cutting-edge digital strategies to connect with them meaningfully,” said Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia.
For small and growing businesses, building strong customer relationships is essential to success. Recognising this importance, Shopee developed customer-first programs and features that take a holistic approach, benefiting both sellers and buyers on the platform.
“As more Malaysians support local brands, the success of our sellers reflect how small and medium enterprises can capture demand and build trust in today’s marketplace. While our tools and support programs, such as Shopee Live, Shopee Video, Free Shipping, the ’15 Days Free Returns’ policy, and ‘On-Time Guarantee’ have contributed to their growth, it is ultimately their dedication to customer service that drives their success,” Tan concludes.
Shopee remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering local SMEs and providing them with the tools and resources necessary to achieve unprecedented growth. By prioritising exceptional service quality, Shopee offers end-to-end fulfilment practices and reliable logistics solutions, ensuring that businesses can seamlessly meet the demands of their customers.
Goody Group, the company behind the Star Kombucha drink in Vietnam, has recently launched MaMaPop.
This new better-for-you drink is a sparkling juice drink that combines with kombucha and vitamin C. The company describes it as “just like mama made it!”. Vitamin C supports immunity, while kombucha aids digestion.
MaMaPop is seen as a drink that provides consumers with an easy-to-drink option but still contains the goodness of kombucha.
MaMaPop is available in the following flavours: Pink Guava, Pink Grapefruit, Ginger Beer 0.0, Orange and Peach, Mango Kiwi and Yuzu Orange.
NOM Frozen Poptails, made with distilled coconut spirit, are now available in the Philippines. NOM is 100% crafted in the Philippines.
NOM’s alcohol base is crafted from distilled Philippine Coconut Nectar, locally known as Lambanog, sourced from Lakan Farm in Lipa, Batangas Laguna. This Lambanog is then infused with familiar flavours and packaged at the company’s manufacturing facility in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
The frozen poptails are made with high-quality ingredients, including real fruit juices, filtered water, and natural flavours. NOM is dairy-free for those with dietary restrictions. One 65mL stick has around 10-14 calories. NOM is best consumed frozen at -18 degrees, or served in a cocktail glass with ice.
NOM frozen poptails are available online, in all Unimart branches, Robinsons, Metro Store and at 7-Eleven outlets.
Thailand’s Siam Winery has released the new Spy High with 7% alcoholic content to high up your night with classic cocktail experience. Spy High is available in two flavours: Long Island Ice Tea and Strawberry Daiquiri.
Strawberry Daiquiri is a refreshing blend of sweet and juicy strawberry flavor with a delightful aroma, perfect for enjoying in hot weather.
Long Island Ice Tea is known for its rich and intense taste of variant spirits flavour including Cola and lemon, perfect for a fun-filled night.
Experience the authentic taste of Vietnamese coffee with Sai Ngon Traditional Vietnamese Coffee, now available in 7-Eleven stores in Malaysia. Enjoy a refreshing black coffee or a creamy milk coffee, both halal and ready-to-drink. These Vietnamese coffees are imported and distributed by Bestari Food Trading Sdn Bhd.
According to the product description at the back of the packaging, “At Sai Ngon, we have selected the best Robusta coffee beans from the central highlands of Vietnam and created a blend to give you the smooth taste of Sai Ngon coffee – thoughtfully brewed and conveniently packaged, ready for you to enjoy anytime, anywhere.”
Sai Ngon Traditional Vietnamese Coffee is produced by Aseana Trillions Co Ltd, based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Aseana Group has partnered with Goody Group to expand the reach of Star Kombucha beyond Vietnam, including Malaysia and Indonesia. Additionally, Aseana Trillions has secured distribution for its halal RTD coffee, Sai Ngon, in Brunei through PPCo.
While Vietnamese coffee is readily available in instant mix form through foodservice in Malaysia, there has been a void in the market for ready-to-drink (RTD) Vietnamese coffee. The launch of Sai Ngon arrives at an opportune time, offering a halal-certified RTD Vietnamese coffee option for Malaysian consumers.
Kuala Lumpur, 26 September 2024 — Logitech G, a brand of Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) and leading innovator of gaming technologies and gear, announced today at Logi Play the Logitech G915 X Gaming Keyboard. Standing at an incredible 23mm high, this is one of the Company’s thinnest low-profile wireless gaming keyboards. Combining the latest gaming technology with a meticulously crafted design and premium materials, the new G915 X is a flagship gaming keyboard with a sleek and modern aesthetic and a premium gaming experience for the most discerning gamers and high-end users.
“We’re really excited to bring the G915 X to gamers, especially because it’s been shaped by the feedback we’ve heard from our community. Back in 2019, the G913 LIGHTSPEED keyboard introduced many to the world of low-profile gaming keyboards, and since then, we’ve been listening closely to what our users loved and what they wanted improved. With the G915 X, we’ve made those enhancements—from faster actuation to better durability and more customisation options. It’s a keyboard designed for gamers who care about performance and control, and we can’t wait to see it in action in gaming setups everywhere,” states KP Sim, Head of Gaming Products, Emerging Markets Europe, Asia, Middle East & Africa Region at Logitech G.
The G915 X features a completely redesigned galvanic switch. The original switches’ hook-style stem were replaced with a new POM, cross-style stem. This new design improves the overall stability of the key for a better and quieter typing experience and simplifies the replacement or customisation of your keycaps.
In addition, the switches’ actuation point was reduced from 1.5 to 1.3mm, resulting in quicker actuation. PBT keycaps were added and upgraded from ABS to double-shot, shine-through PBT, which offers better resistance to wear and reduces the visibility of potential oil from your fingers.
The build quality is key to a superior typing experience. The aluminium top plate thickness was increased from 1.2 to 1.5 mm, improving the product’s structural strength and adding the final touch of improvement to an already-loved typing experience.
The G915 X LIGHTSPEED retains the original’s tri-mode connectivity and features our ultrafast LIGHTSPEED wireless, Bluetooth®, and USB-wired connectivity.
Moreover, the battery life was improved compared to the original without compromising performance. With backlighting off, the full-size version of the G915 X LIGHTSPEED delivers up to 800 hours of battery life. At a hundred percent RGB brightness and on LIGHTSPEED, it offers up to 36 hours of continuous use, a twenty percent improvement over the original. The tenkeyless version offers up to 1000 hours with lighting off and 42 hours of battery life at 100 percent brightness.
In addition to the original volume roller, G key, and media buttons, the G915 X adds another powerful tool for control and customisation. With KEYCONTROL, any key can become a powerful macro that combines multiple commands into a single keypress. Turn the numpad into a full gaming command centre or combine it with the G shift key on your mouse to give all the keys on your keyboard a different set of commands.
Additional features of the G915 X Series include:
Pricing and Availability
The G915 X Series includes:
All wireless options are black and white, and the wired are black. They are available at Logitech G authorised resellers, Lazada Logitech G official store, and Shopee Logitech G official store.
