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Puro makes available CREAPRO Creatine Monohydrate in unflavoured versions

Puro Indonesia has made its creatine in an unflavoured version so consumers can add it how they like it. The new CREAPRO Creatine Monohydrate is available in two variants. Creapure contains premium-quality ingredients from Germany, while the other is made from ingredients from China. Creapure is more expensive than the ones from China. Creatine is often used by athletes involved in high-intensity intermittent activities that require a rapid recovery during training and competition.

We see the trend of such brands, including L-Men, launching unflavoured versions so users can mix the content into their favourite meals or drinks.

URC refreshes the packaging of Chill Spiked Spirit

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has given its Chill Spiked Spirit, first launched in 2022,  a new look. Consumers can still enjoy the same Chill taste they love but with a new look. Chill Spiked Spirit contains 5% double-distilled alcohol, real fruit extract and soda water without trans fats and artificial sweeteners.

Chill Spiked Spirit represents URC’s foray into the alcoholic drink category, offering consumers a drink with the same alcohol strength as a regular beer but a more refreshing taste.

Old packaging. Image credit: URC

The new packaging highlights the double-distilling process and has a better layout to convey the product attributes.

Chill Spiked Spirit is available in 330ml cans and comes in red apple, lemon lime and lychee.

Tealive brings the refreshing taste of Hokkaido melon to Malaysia

Tealive Malaysia is bringing the taste of Japan to Malaysia with the new refreshing Hokkaido Melon series. The Hokkaido Melon range comprises Hokkaido Melon Tea Latte, Cream Cloud Hokkaido Melon Smoothie, Hokkaido Melon Coco and Bang Bang Hokkaido Melon Milk with Oatside. Try it for yourself now.

PlayMade new Rose series include Rose Oat Milk Tea curated with Oatside

PlayMade has introduced Rose Oat Milk Tea that’s lovingly curated with Oatside Oat Milk as part of the new Rose series in Singapore. The other drinks in the new range include Rose Milk Tea and Lychee Rose Tea as well as new topping: little red dot bobas.

PlayMade has collaborated with Somersby to introduce a refreshing twist featuring Somersby 0.0 with two new drinks: Somersby 0.0 Apple Tea and Somersby 0.0 Apple Milk Tea.

Café Amazon expands in Penang, eyes national growth

Image credit: Café Amazon Malaysia

CafĂ© Amazon Malaysia has recently opened two new branches in Penang, at Gurney Drive and Auto City, joining their existing location. This expansion doesn’t stop at Penang – CafĂ© Amazon, owned by PTT Public Company Limited, has plans to open 11 more outlets across the country.

Image credit: Café Amazon Malaysia

Malaysians have high expectations for Café Amazon outlets in the country to be on par with the level of quality and service to that of Café Amazon in Thailand. This will be one of the essential ingredients to fuel the expansion of the chain in the country.

Thai Union launches tuna slices made using HPP innovation

Image credit: Brand Inside

Thai Union has recently launched tuna slices made using the high-pressure processing (HPP) innovation, the first in the seafood processing industry. Launched under the QFresh Lite brand, the tuna slices are available in Tuna Slices Smoked and Tuna Slices Paprika flavours.

HPP helps lock in the tuna’s natural protein, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium. Plus, QFresh Lite tuna slices are low in fat and free from MSG, making them a healthy and convenient option for a delicious snack or meal.

 

Beyond Brick & Mortar: How E-commerce is Making Malaysian Businesses Shine

Within the Malaysian economy, a network of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) plays a crucial role.  These businesses form the nation’s backbone, accounting for a remarkable 97.4% of all enterprises and contributing a significant 38% to the country’s GDP. MSMEs drive innovation, preserve cultural heritage, and foster local prosperity through job creation and community engagement. However, their path to sustainable growth faces challenges such as rising competition and resource constraints, even more so for businesses outside major urban centres.

Fortunately, digitalisation offers a promising solution. E-commerce, a cornerstone of digitalisation, presents a powerful platform for MSMEs to overcome these obstacles. It can help businesses reduce overhead costs, transcend geographical limitations, and unlock new customer bases. Moreover, e-commerce platforms often offer tools and features that enhance customer engagement and foster brand loyalty, creating a more interactive and personalised shopping experience. Ultimately, by embracing e-commerce, MSMEs can become more competitive in the marketplace, paving the way for long-term success.

Supercharging Growth Through Meaningful Real-Time Connections

ZEKE Store Founder, Mr. Lai Ya Long

Starting as a small business in Selangor and Kedah, ZEKE Store had big dreams of showcasing their clothing’s craftsmanship and distinctive designs to Malaysians nationwide. However, like many MSMEs, they had limited resources and faced fierce competition. Choosing the right platform was crucial, and for ZEKE Store, Shopee was a game-changer.

ZEKE Store uses Shopee Live to showcase the quality, texture, and unique style of its clothing in real time

ZEKE Store’s success is partly due to its strategic mastery of Shopee Live. This innovative livestreaming feature transformed the retailer’s customer engagement strategy. No longer confined to static product images, ZEKE Store now uses Shopee Live to showcase the quality, texture, and unique style of its clothing in real time. This dynamic approach deepens connections with viewers, enabling interaction with clothes and questions, fostering trust and nurturing lasting customer relationships.

“We’re not just selling products—we’re forging meaningful connections with our customers through Shopee Live,” shared Lai Ya Long, Founder of ZEKE Store. Overcoming typical barriers to purchase, such as wanting to test or feel the product before purchasing, Shopee helped achieve remarkable results for the homegrown seller, resulting in a 65% increase in overall store performance. During the 6.6 campaign in 2024, their success soared further, with an impressive 85% growth compared to the same period a year earlier.

For ZEKE Store, Shopee has become more than just an e-commerce platform; it’s a key element of their success. Through the strategic use of Shopee Live, they’ve strengthened customer bonds, showcased their brand, and brought Mr Lai’s vision to life. 

A New Chapter:  Leveraging E-commerce to Reach Bookworms Nationwide

Mr. Yong Kon Teck, Founder of Funbook with some of his books

In 2020, Mr Yong Kon Teck, formerly of a beloved local bookstore, ventured into the world of e-commerce fueled by his deep love for books and a vision to reshape the book-selling landscape in Malaysia. Leaving behind the traditional physical bookstore model, Mr Yong founded Funbook to offer readers a vast array of books nationwide.

However, transitioning to the digital world was no easy feat. Mr Yong, a seasoned bookseller but an e-commerce novice, faced limited online visibility and a lack of digital marketing expertise. This translated to sluggish sales—a common concern for any new business venture. Determined to succeed, Mr Yong sought a strategic partner.

Recognising the need for a different approach, Mr Yong decided to work with Shopee, utilising its robust seller features to propel growth. Shopee Ads proved to be a critical factor in Funbook’s success. Through targeted campaigns and strategic ad placement, Shopee Ads significantly increased Funbook’s visibility on the platform. Book enthusiasts searching for their next literary fix could now easily discover Funbook’s extensive and curated selection. Within a year, Funbook experienced a remarkable 2,789.52% increase in sales, marking a pivotal turning point in their journey. Today, Funbook continues to flourish, offering an even more comprehensive selection of books reaching readers across Malaysia with the help of Shopee’s extensive network of logistics partners.

“Shopee has been absolutely transformative for our business. Thanks to Shopee Ads, we’ve gained unprecedented visibility and reach, allowing us to grow exponentially and connect with readers across Malaysia,” remarked Mr Yong.

Funbook’s journey isn’t unique. Shopee helps SMEs thrive in the digital age by offering tools, resources, and support. From seller features to marketing tools like Shopee Ads and integrated logistics support, the platform provides solutions for businesses like Funbook to build an online presence, reach customers, and grow sustainably.

Robust Arsenal of Tools for MSMEs to Reach Greater Heights 

For Shopee, the leading e-commerce marketplace in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, prioritising the development of strategies and solutions to help local Malaysian businesses overcome challenges has consistently been a core focus.

Continuously innovating, Shopee recently launched Shopee Video, which provides customers with entertaining and insightful short videos from content creators. Similar to Shopee Live, this new feature helps sellers generate positive word-of-mouth reviews and recommendations for their products, leading to greater awareness and reach for their brands and products. 

“At Shopee, we’re all about empowering local businesses like Funbook and ZEKE Store,” says Ming Kit Tan, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia. “We’re not just a platform, we’re a partner. We provide them with tools such as Shopee Ads, Shopee Live, integrated logistics, and features that help them elevate customer service, like fuss-free returns and delivery guarantees. We handle the tech so they can focus on what they do best, whether curating the perfect book selection like Funbook or showcasing unique fashion finds like ZEKE Store.”

Customer Focus: Happy Shoppers, Thriving Businesses

For many MSMEs, fostering strong customer relationships is vital to success. Shopee understands this, and its recent launch of customer-centric programmes and features isn’t just about keeping shoppers happy—it’s also driving growth for sellers.

Since March 2024, Shopee has expanded its Change of Mind policy, offering hassle-free returns on a wider range of products to give customers peace of mind when exploring new offerings while ensuring sellers retain satisfied customers with quick and easy returns. Additionally, Shopee’s best-in-class Return and Refund process can be completed within two days for payments via ShopeePay —significantly faster than the industry average of seven days.

Fast and reliable deliveries are another priority as part of Shopee’s commitment to excellent service quality, with programmes like Instant Delivery, Next Day Delivery, and the On-Time Guarantee. The On-Time Guarantee even offers customers an RM5 voucher if an order arrives late, incentivising prompt deliveries and building trust with buyers—a crucial factor for any seller’s success.

In partnership with its network of third-party logistics partners (3PLs), Shopee is also rolling out platform-wide free shipping from July 2024 onwards to further add value to customers and provide them with the best shopping experience. 

“Customers are the lifeblood for both MSMEs and Shopee. Delivering a high level of service is Shopee’s top priority, which will undoubtedly also benefit the sellers on our platform by providing greater customer satisfaction, loyalty, and repeat purchases,” said Tan. 

By prioritising customer satisfaction through these initiatives, Shopee enables Malaysian MSMEs to reach a broader customer base and achieve sustainable growth. It’s a win-win situation for both sellers and shoppers – a satisfied customer becomes a loyal one, and Shopee’s dedication to a smooth shopping experience nurtures precisely that.

Indulge in Beans Mania, The Versatile Super Food Choice of Smart Mamas

Add Bean-y Goodness to Your Family’s Meals with Ayam Brand™ Baked Beans, a Good Source of Fiber & Plant-Based Protein

Shah Alam, July 19, 2024 – Is your family getting the fiber they need for optimal health? According to the national Health & Morbidity Survey 2023[1] a whopping 95.1% of Malaysian consume inadequate fruit & vegetables daily.

Did you know that baked beans, that classic pantry staple is a good source of fiber, and contains plant protein too?  Smart mamas it’s time to indulge in beans mania by adding baked beans to your family’s diet as they are a nutrient-rich super food, beneficial for health and well-being, affordable, fun and ready-to-eat straight from the can! 

Baked beans come canned in a flavorful tomato sauce, a combination that packs a nutritional punch. Ayam Brand™ makes one of Malaysia’s favorite baked beans using the best big northern haricot beans imported from the United States of America.

Traditionally Malaysians associate baked beans with breakfast but there are so many delicious, creative and fun ways to incorporate them into main meals and snacks from curries, pasta sauces, soups, omelets, bean muffins (!), dips and so much more.

Ayam Brand™ Baked Beans come in two sizes – the 425g family size, and the 230g size, and three deliciously nutritious variants.  Choose from classic Ayam Brand Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce, Ayam Brand Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce with Cheese that is enriched with yummy real parmesan cheese for a creamier fun taste and even more protein, or Ayam Brand™ Baked Beans in Light Tomato Sauce that has the same great taste but is formulated with 48% reduced sugar compared to classic Ayam Brand Baked Beans.

Here are the facts on why Ayam Brand™ Baked Beans in tomato sauce should be on every smart mama’s top ten list for super versatile super fun foods.

All Ayam Brand Baked Beans variants are good sources of fiber. The high fiber content in baked beans helps to slow down the absorption of blood sugar, provides a feeling of satiety and gives a steady stream of energy throughout the day[2]. A can of Ayam Brand Baked Beans makes for a can-do day!

The plant protein in baked beans helps with muscle growth, increasing strength, recovery and repair after a workout[3]. Ideal for a snack for growing children, pregnant women or fitness-focused people, after a workout.

Due to the content of protein, baked beans could be an alternative to meat for vegetarians. A cup of baked beans (240grams) contains 10 grams of protein that is equal to the amount of protein in 50 grams of steak!

Ayam Brand Baked Beans are low in fat – a delicious way of reducing the risk of heart disease.

Baked beans in tomato sauce is a rich source of iron[4]. Ideal for vegetarians, vegan and for women with low iron levels. Iron helps our body to produce healthier blood. Iron deficiency may lead to feeling tired, lack of focus and low energy levels and in severe cases could result in anemia. Smart mamas know that adding baked beans to their family’s diet brings so many benefits.

It is rich in lycopene – an antioxidant extracted from the tomato. Lycopene[5] can reduce cell damage through its antioxidant benefits.  For future smart mamas planning their pregnancy, adding baked beans to your diet three months before conception can add folate[6] which helps to naturally increase vitamin B levels. Folate has been shown to reduce the probability of neural tube defects in babies.

Join the Beans Mania Game on Ayam Brand’s Instagram @ayambrandmy to win fun prizes between July 17th to July 30th . Go bean crazy for less by purchasing any Ayam Brand products worth RM40 and above from Ayam Brand Shopee or Ayam Brand Lazada to enjoy free shipping. Add some Ayam Brand Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce in the variant of your choice at just RM4.60 for the large 425g can or RM3.35 for the 230g can.

Serving suggestions

Ayam Brand Baked Beans are a convenient snack eaten straight from the can. For super versatile, super easy to cook superfoods nothing beats the combination of baked beans and eggs. Add Ayam Brand Baked Beans as a base for pasta sauces, as a quick minestrone-type bean soup, or even to curries!

Ayam Brand™ products are widely available from your friendly local provision stores, Aeon, Aeon Big, Econsave, Giant, selected Hero, Jaya Grocer, Lotuss, Mydin, Village Grocer, OTK, Checkers, Matahari, NSK, Pasaraya Econjaya, Sabasun, Pantai Timor, Billion, Sunshine, Nirwana, Tunas Manja, Pasaraya Hwa Thai, Maslee, Target, CS Brothers, Family Store or visit the Ayam Brand™ Official stores on Shopee and Lazada.

[3] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/26-muscle-building-foods#foods-to-avoid

[4] https://www.livescience.com/eight-sources-of-iron-to-include-in-your-diet

[5] https://www.checkyourfood.com/micronutrients/micronutrient/61/lycopene

[6] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-in-folate-folic-acid

Capitol Singapore and CHIJMES Celebrate the Singapore Spirit with Festivities for National Day and the Olympic Games

From 26 July to 11 August, choose from an exciting lineup of activities, including live performances, sport-themed activities, and spending promotions

Singapore, 19 July 2024 – Capitol Singapore and CHIJMES, two of Singapore’s iconic lifestyle destinations set in storied monuments, are thrilled to announce a series of special events and promotions that celebrate the Singapore spirit in commemoration of National Day and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Known for their rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere within the Civic District, the two developments will host a variety of activities that combine the spirit of national pride with the excitement of the Olympics.

Celebrate Local: Events and activities to celebrate all things Singapore

SingNation! 2024

3 Aug, Sat | 7.15pm – 8.15pm | Capitol Singapore, Outdoor Plaza

The annual National Day Sing-a-long at Capitol Singapore returns for its fifth edition. This free-to-join event is jointly presented by Voices of Singapore (VOS) and Capitol Singapore, with live sing-alongs of NDP songs led by The Passerby, Joyce Ang from VOS Ladies’ Choir, and Sean Foo and Ke Bangyan from VOS Youth Choir. Experience an evening filled with trivia games, stories about our shared heritage, and vibrant sing-alongs. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display from the nearby National Day Parade celebrations at 8.15pm. SingNation! offers the perfect opportunity for families and friends to celebrate Singapore.

Kopitiam Collectible Redemption

26 Jul – 4 Aug | 5pm – 10pm | CHIJMES, outside Lei Garden

5 – 11 Aug | 12pm – 8pm | Capitol Singapore, Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski

Receive a special Singapore Heritage Series Kopitiam building block set worth $19.90 when you spend a minimum of $59 in a single receipt within 26 July to 11 August at Capitol Singapore or CHIJMES. Discover a piece of Singapore’s heritage by assembling this miniature replica of the traditional coffee shop in Singapore. This unique gift is limited in stock!

Live Illustration with PuffingMuffin

3 – 4 Aug | 5pm – 8pm | CHIJMES, outside Lei Garden

9 – 10 Aug | 5pm – 8pm | Capitol Singapore, Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski

Both developments will also host a pop-up with local artist and illustrator PuffingMuffin to customise pouches with quirky, hyperlocal designs. To redeem a pouch for customisation, shoppers simply need to spend a minimum of $30 in a single receipt within 26 July to 10 August at Capitol Singapore or CHIJMES.

National Day Parade Live Screening

9 Aug, Fri | 6pm – 8pm | Capitol Singapore, Outdoor Plaza, Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, CHIJMES Main Lawn and Basement 1

The National Day festivities will culminate in a live screening of the National Day Parade. Shoppers can fully immerse themselves in the celebratory atmosphere with fellow Singaporeans in unity as the aerial display soars above while watching the spectacular live telecast of the NDP performances.

Olympic Games Festivities: Supporting our Homegrown Athletes 

Olympics Games Paris Live Screening

26 Jul – 11 Aug | All games as scheduled | Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, CHIJMES Main Lawn and Basement 1

Bring the spirit of the Games to life with a series of adrenaline pumping activities happening at Capitol Singapore and CHIJMES. Cheer on Singapore’s athletes with live streams of the Paris Olympics. Come together with fellow fans to support our local athletes reaching momentous milestones on the global stage!

Mini Golf Course

26 Jul – 11 Aug | 5pm – 10pm | CHIJMES Main Lawn

Enjoy a free round at our Olympics-themed mini golf course! Simply spend a minimum of $59 in a single receipt within 26 July to 11 August at either Capitol Singapore or CHIJMES to redeem a game, for up to four persons per game. Dive into the swimming pool course and have the ball do laps up and down the swimming lanes. Try weaving the golf ball through an ocean-inspired course with rolling waves and sail boats. Attempt a smash hit at the miniature table tennis court by hitting the golf ball up the racket ramp and into the hole across the net. Shoppers of all ages can enjoy a leisurely round of mini golf in between their shopping or dining, adding a touch of excitement during the Olympic festivities.

REVL Outdoor Workout Class

REVL Outdoor Workout Class

3 Aug, Sat | 8.45am – 10.45am | Capitol Singapore, Outdoor Plaza

Visitors can participate in free outdoor workout sessions with REVL, dressed in red or white for the occasion. Be inspired by the sporting excellence of the athletes as experienced trainers help to push you to the next level in your fitness journey. Set against a beautiful and refreshing setting, these sessions are a way for shoppers of all fitness levels to have fun and be empowered. There are limited slots available, so do sign up here!

These activities are perfect for families, friends, and like-minded communities to come together, have fun, and celebrate the Singapore spirit. Mark your calendars and embark on an exciting journey to celebrate local talents and national pride at Capitol Singapore and CHIJMES!

Malaysian CropLife & Public Health Association Calls for Action Against Illegal Pesticides

SELANGOR, Malaysia, July 18, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The Malaysian CropLife & Public Health Association (MCPA), a national association representing the plant science and public health industries of Malaysia, calls for action against illegal pesticides after the tragic poisoning incidents of two young boys and the hospitalization of a teenager upon consumption of rat poison-laced snacks, as reported in the media. These heartbreaking events underscore the urgent need for stringent measures against the use and sale of illegal pesticides.

“The use of illegal and unregistered pesticides poses significant risks not just to public health but also to the environment and economies. We strongly condemn the use of such products,” said Ms. Marie Goh Chooi Fong, Associate Director, Malaysian CropLife & Public Health Association (MCPA).

“Furthermore, the proliferation of unregistered and illegal pesticides through online platforms is a growing concern. We urge the authorities to intensify efforts to govern the online sale of pesticides. Ensuring that all pesticides sold online are properly registered and comply with safety standards is crucial to prevent further tragedies,” she added.

Pesticides are some of the most tested and regulated products in the world. Likewise, in Malaysia, the pesticide industry is rigorously regulated by the Pesticides Board (PB) of the Department of Agriculture (DOA). Only pesticides that comply with stringent safety, toxicology, bio-efficacy, and other standards are approved by PB for sale. MCPA members, as registrants, strictly adhere to the Act, rules, and guidelines provided by PB to ensure safety while supporting national needs, including food security. Additionally, MCPA members adhere to the International Code of Conduct on Pesticides Management (ICOC) by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN).

MCPA and its members have been actively promoting Good Agriculture Practice (GAP) and stewardship programs for decades. These stewardship programs include educating users and promoting practices that encourage the responsible, safe and efficient use of pesticides. This is undertaken within the context of promoting an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy and forms an important part of the industry’s life-cycle approach to product stewardship. MCPA also partners with the food value chain and government agencies to ensure food safety.

MCPA remains committed to supporting farmers and advancing the use of innovative agricultural technologies for a safe, affordable and secure food supply.

About Malaysian CropLife & Public Health Association (MCPA)

MCPA is a non-profit trade association, the voice of the plant science and public health industry in Malaysia. We advocate a safe, secure food supply, and our vision is food security enabled by innovative agriculture. MCPA is one of the 15 national associations under CropLife Asia, based in Singapore. For more information, visit us at https://mcpa.org.my/ .

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