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Enchanting Valentine’s Day dinners with The Marini’s Group

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Marini’s on 57: Filetto

KUALA LUMPUR (3 February 2025) – Experience a picture perfect evening with The Marini’s Group this Valentine’s Day. Dine in style and savour fine flavours while you and your sweetheart take in the dazzling views of the city and its iconic buildings during your romantic dinner at Marini’s on 57, or Mesa on 51.

Each establishment has its own specially curated prix-fixe menu, with contemporary Italian offerings for Marini’s on 57, and exciting Spanish flavours at Mesa on 51.

Marini’s on 57 Restaurant

A romantic dinner at Marini’s on 57 gives guests the chance to whisk their sweethearts to a luxurious rooftop restaurant high above the city to enjoy a Michelin Selected experience and KL’s closest view of the Petronas Twin Towers and panoramic views.

Valentine’s Day dinner at the Marini’s on 57 Restaurant begins with Uova, a signature dish of delicate scrambled eggs with Parmigiano foam and winter black truffle shavings. This is then followed by trio of starters – Ostrica, Fegato and Gnocco Fritto – to tickle the tastebuds.

Ostrica brightens the briny yet sweet flavours of plump Gallagher oysters with lemon pearls and Osietra caviar while Fegato is a bite-sized portion of pan-seared foie gras on a toasted brioche paired with mixed berries and star anise purée for a buttery bite punctuated with vibrant flavour. Rounding off the dish is Gnocco Fritto, which has beetroot cured salmon and horseradish cream ensconced in a fried focaccia and garnished with dill.

Next is Raviolone, where heart-shaped lobster raviolo stuffed with sumptuous lobster and burrata is served with a light lobster bisque and lobster espuma.

Marini’s on 57: Valentine’s Mains – Agnello & Filetto

It’s a personal choice of protein for the main course. Choose between Agnello, Filetto and Merluzzo. Agnello is a pistachio-crusted lamb rack rich in flavour and served with rosemary jus, carrots in two textures, creamy mashed potatoes with truffle paste and fried kale while the heartier Filetto is a Wagyu Tenderloin Score 9 with crispy garlic parmesan cheese potato, braised mixed mushroom, Barolo wine sauce and winter black truffle shavings.

For a lighter dish, opt for the Merluzzo, a pan-seared cod fish with a side of celeriac purée topped with green peas and fava beans, and served with lemon butter sauce and salmon roe.

Cocktail: Love Potion

For the pre-dessert, enjoy a delightful Passion Fruit Cremeux with mixed berries pavlova, followed by our White Chocolate Mousse mini cake with a raspberry rose compote centre, and lychee sorbet, almond crumble, white chocolate feuilletine and crystalised rose petals.

The Marini’s on 57 Valentine’s Set Dinner is priced at RM1,998++ per couple for non-window seating and RM2,188++ per couple for window seating. Marini’s on 57 is located at Level 57, Petronas Tower 3. For reservations, contact +603 2386 6030, +6017-688 0167, email reservations@marinisgroup.com or visit https://reservations.marinisgroup.com/.

Mesa on 51 Restaurant

Amuse Bouche_Foie Gras Mini Burger and Marinated Ocean Trout

Experience breathtaking city views and bold Spanish flavours above ground level for your romantic dinner at Mesa on 51. Our specially curated menu for the evening offers a delightful amuse-bouche duo to whet the appetite – Foie Gras Mini Burger with mango shallot chutney and truffle, and Marinated Ocean Trout atop a mixed seeds cracker with almond beetroot ajo blanco sauce and Avruga caviar.

Tapas: Tiradito De Ostras

For the starters, enjoy tapas with sweet and mildly briny flavours of oysters and scallops with a Mesa on 51 twist. The Tiradito de Ostras is an offering of bright flavours, where fresh oysters are served with passion fruit Leche de Tigre and garnished with sweet corn kernels. The Vieiras, on the other hand, combines umami flavours of seared Hokkaido scallops topped with trout roe and served with cauliflower and beetroot cream and preserved lemon foam.

Next is Meloso de Marisco y Alcachofa, a rice dish of creamy paella rice with the savoury seafood flavours of cuttlefish and pink prawns and the earthiness of artichokes.

Bacalao

For your personal main, choose between the hearty Wagyu Entrecôte, a Wagyu striploin Score 7 with caramelised parsnip purèe, grilled asparagus and truffle mushroom sauce, and the Bacalao, a seared cod fish with caviar saffron jus and glazed celeriac.

The sweet ending for the dinner is Passion Tropical, a heart-shaped mango and passion fruit mousse entremet with coconut ganache and coconut almond crumbles.

Cocktails: Love Potion 51

The Mesa on 51 Valentine’s Day set dinner is priced at RM1,299++ per couple for non-window seating and RM1,499++ per couple for window seating. Mesa on 51 is located on Level 51, Permata Sapura Tower. For reservations, contact +603 2386 6030, +6017-688 0167, email reservations@marinisgroup.com or visit https://reservations.marinisgroup.com/.

M MARINI GRAND CAFFÈ & TERRAZZA

At M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza, guests will be able to enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day evening in the elegant settings of an Italian caffe.

M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza: Dessert – Chocolate Heart Choux

Dinner starts with a Mini Beef Burger, followed by a Prawn Cocktail with boiled tiger prawn served with classic aioli sauce and garden greens.

For the first main, M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza is serving Orecchiette Pasta with Smoked Duck Bacon that has a symphony of umami flavours accented with the brightness of cherry tomatoes and unique edge of rocket salad, all combined with a truffle butter sage sauce. 

For the main course, choose between a Boneless Lamb Shank that has been braised to perfection and served with truffle mashed potatoes and vegetables, or a Salmon Trout that has been carefully pan-seared and is served with roasted mini potatoes, marinated cherry tomatoes and Hollandaise sauce.

Then indulge in our sweet treat, Chocolate Heart Choux, which comprises delectable mini choux puffs filled with smooth chocolate cream and served with vanilla gelato atop a bed of crumble.

The M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza Valentine’s Day set dinner is priced at RM398++ per couple and comes with two glasses of prosecco. M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza is located at Ground Floor, ONE KL. For reservations, contact +603 2386 6030, +6017 6880167, email reservations@marinisgroup.com or visit https://reservations.marinisgroup.com/.

 

McDonald’s Malaysia Announces RM1 Billion Investment to Power Nationwide Growth and Youth Development

By
Tan Heng Hong
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(From left to right) Hamid Ahmad, Vice President & Chief Development Officer, McDonald’s Malaysia, Wong Xinru, Restaurant General Manager, McDonald’s Titiwangsa, Dato’ Haji Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director & Local Operating Partner, McDonald’s Malaysia and Melati Abdul Hai, Senior Vice President & Chief Impact Officer, McDonald’s Malaysia in front of the reopened McDonald’s Titiwangsa Drive-Thru restaurant featuring the new Luna design.

Expansion plans include opening 100 new restaurants and creating more than 10,000 job opportunities nationwide

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 FEBRUARY 2026 – McDonald’s Malaysia today announced a RM1 billion investment plan over the next five years, strengthening its commitment to restaurant expansion, job creation, youth employability across the country. The investment reflects the company’s long-term vision to build a strong, future-ready Malaysian workforce while continuing to modernise its nationwide restaurant network.

Night view of the transformed McDonald’s Titiwangsa Drive-Thru showcasing vibrant Luna façade

The announcement coincided with the reopening of McDonald’s Titiwangsa Drive-Thru at Jalan Pahang, the first McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant in Malaysia, which reopens with a new identity as the nation’s first Luna concept restaurant and the second in Asia. 

McDonald’s Malaysia recorded 26 percent year-on-year growth in 2025, despite operating amid a challenging business environment. This performance was driven by sustained customer demand, value offerings, continuous menu innovation and a strong focus on operational excellence across its restaurant operations nationwide. 

With more than 370 restaurants currently in operation, the quick service restaurant plans to open 100 new outlets over the next five years. This expansion is expected to create more than 10,000 new job opportunities for Malaysians, in line with the company’s commitment to local hiring and long-term career growth within the organisation.

McDonald’s Malaysia also supports a predominantly local supply chain, with 75 percent of its products being locally sourced and produced. By supporting local suppliers at scale, the company contributes to strengthening the domestic supply chain and helping to boost the local economy.

“Our growth has been built through discipline, dedication and a clear focus on investing in the areas that matter most, which are our restaurants, our people and our communities,” said Dato’ Haji Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald’s Malaysia. As we expand further, we remain committed to creating stable jobs and real career opportunities for Malaysians nationwide.”

McDonald’s Malaysia currently employs more than 16,000 Malaysians and maintains a 100 percent local hiring policy. Crew members receive structured on-the-job training and development support that enable them to progress into supervisory and management roles.

“We understand that for many young Malaysians, McDonald’s is their first working experience,” Azmir said. “We take this responsibility seriously. A first job can be transformational when supported with training, coaching and opportunities to grow.”

A key component of the RM1 billion investment is the continued expansion of the McDonald’s Vocational Academy, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources (MoHR) through the National Dual Training System (SLDN).

The programme combines hands-on restaurant training with structured classroom learning to prepare youths for long-term careers and internationally relevant skills. Participants earn Malaysian Skills Certificates (SKM) and Malaysian Skills Diplomas (DKM).

Since 2018, the programme has trained more than 5,000 youths, with over 80 percent choosing to build their careers within McDonald’s Malaysia. The Academy has been particularly impactful for underprivileged groups including B40 youths, persons with disabilities and Orang Asli communities.

In addition to people and restaurant development, the RM1 billion investment plan also includes continued investment in technology to strengthen operational efficiency and customer engagement. This includes improvements to point-of-sale systems, digital platforms such as the McDonald’s app, and loyalty programmes that support smoother operations and enhanced customer experience.

As part of its long-term operational strategy, McDonald’s Malaysia continues to invest in more efficient and responsible restaurant operations, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. Sustainability initiatives include the installation of solar panels across more than 100 restaurants nationwide, with plans to extend this to another 100 stores by end of 2026. The initiative supports improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. The company is also moving towards eliminating plastic usage in its restaurants and already uses recyclable materials for its packaging.

Beyond business expansion, McDonald’s Malaysia continues to invest in community well-being across the country. The company organises over 10,000 activities annually including Ramadan support programmes with mosque and surau communities, festive celebrations, visits to orphanages and welfare homes, as well as initiatives that focus on children’s health and education in collaboration with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC Malaysia).

“As a company committed towards feeding and fostering the community, giving back is a natural and fundamental part of who we are,” Azmir said. “We are a Malaysian company, and it is important to us that our success creates meaningful impact in the communities we serve.” 

With continued investment in restaurant expansion, structured youth development and community-focused programmes, McDonald’s Malaysia is poised for sustained growth and long-term contribution to the nation. 

IKEA Malaysia Invites Malaysians to Let Their Homes Come Out and Play with GREJSIMOJS

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

IKEA introduces GREJSIMOJS, a 33-piece collection designed to celebrate the joy and importance of play for everyone at every age, in every home

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 February 2026 – At IKEA, play is not just for children. It is a natural part of everyday life that helps people unwind, connect and express themselves. With the launch of GREJSIMOJS (a colloquial term meaning “thingamajig”), IKEA brings playful design into Malaysian homes through a collection of everyday objects designed to spark imagination and moments of joy.

Inspired by insights from the IKEA Play Report, which highlights how play can reduce stress, boost creativity and bring people together, the GREJSIMOJS collection embraces tactile textures, expressive shapes and cheerful colours. Each piece is designed to add personality to the home while remaining practical, functional and easy to live with.

From familiar favourites to unexpected details, the collection encourages playful interaction throughout the home. The iconic MAMMUT chair, first introduced 30 years ago, gets a whimsical update with furry chair covers in bright pink or blue. Storage solutions take on the form of friendly cats, while speaker designs are inspired by playful mice in purple or green. A classic storage pouffe reveals a cheeky inner “monster” when opened, and a rocking horse reimagined as a bird blurs the line between sculpture and toy.

“In Malaysia, our homes are where we spend time together, unwind after long days and create everyday moments with the people we care about,” said Malcolm Pruys, Country Retail Director, IKEA Malaysia. “GREJSIMOJS reflects our belief that play should feel natural and accessible, not something extra or complicated. Through playful yet functional design at affordable prices, we hope to inspire Malaysians to create homes that feel more expressive, comfortable and full of life for children and adults alike.”

Designed to be seen, touched and enjoyed, GREJSIMOJS pieces are made to blend seamlessly into the home, long after playtime is over.

“GREJSIMOJS is meant to be a visible part of the home furnishing, with objects that are beautifully designed to fit the home, even after the children have gone to bed,” said Anna Granath, Range Identity Leader for IKEA. “Our designers had the freedom to play when creating this collection, bringing together both adult and child perspectives – from a statement rug that doubles as a landscape for crawling children, to objects that invite curiosity at any age.”

The designers also drew from their own childhood memories, some remembering the objects in the home they wanted to play with but were not allowed to touch, recreating them for a home where nothing is off limits. Others were inspired by the function of an object, for instance how the turn of a lamp began to resemble the head of a gentle giraffe casting a soft night light.

The Freedom to Play

GREJSIMOJS is rooted in extensive research on how people play and why it matters. While children and adults today spend less time on physical play, the IKEA Play Report shows that many parents want to play more with their children but face challenges such as limited time, space and inspiration.

To address this, IKEA developed IKEA Playtypes, a framework that identifies five natural ways people engage with play: Explore, Create, Imagine, Move and Compete. Designed with these playtypes in mind, the GREJSIMOJS collection helps create an environment that encourages play organically with objects that invite touch, movement and curiosity, in a home that is meant to be lived in.

The IKEA GREJSIMOJS collection will be available across all IKEA Malaysia stores at IKEA Damansara, IKEA Cheras, IKEA Tebrau and IKEA Batu Kawan as well as online at IKEA.my from 12 February 2026.

HEINEKEN Malaysia Reports 2025 Results

By
Tan Heng Hong
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L: Martijn van Keulen, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, R: Jana Hanneman, Finance Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia at the financial briefing.

Group Delivers Steady Performance Through Disciplined Execution, Consistent Dividend Payout and Unveils EverGreen 2030 Value Creation Strategy

  • Revenue held steady at RM2.8 billion (FY24: RM2.8 billion)
  • Profit Before Tax (PBT) increased by 4% to RM607.7 million (FY24: RM584.3 million)
  • Net profit moderated by 2% to RM459.3 million (FY24: RM466.7 million)

Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia) today announced its financial results for the full year ended 31 December 2025 (FY25), delivering a broadly stable performance amid a challenging operating environment.

The Group’s FY25 revenue reached RM2.8 billion, reflecting a slight uplift from FY24. This performance underscores the Group’s ability to sustain topline performance despite challenging operating environment and softer consumer sentiment.

Profit Before Tax (PBT) rose by 4% year-on-year to RM607.7 million, supported by disciplined cost management and consistent operational execution across the business.

Net profit for the year eased 2% to RM459.3 million, primarily driven by the non‑recurrence of reinvestment tax allowance that benefited FY24 performance. Excluding this one-off factor, the Group’s underlying profitability would have shown an improvement of approximately 4%.

For the fourth quarter ended 31 December 2025 (4QFY25), revenue increased by 2% to RM839 million compared to the same period last year, mainly driven by excise duty increase in November 2025, further supported by effective revenue management and distribution efforts, as well as strategic commercial initiatives. PBT for the quarter rose by 8%, reflecting improved revenue performance and sustained cost discipline.

Commenting on the results, Martijn van Keulen, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, said, “HEINEKEN Malaysia delivered a steady performance in 2025, underpinned by robust revenue strategies and efficient cost management. Despite challenging operating environment and softer consumer sentiment, we maintained solid profitability, demonstrating the resilience of our business fundamentals and the steadfast commitment of our people.”

Reflecting this performance, the Board has declared a single-tier final dividend of 112 sen per stock unit for FY25, subject to shareholders’ approval at the upcoming 62nd Annual General Meeting. Upon approval, this will bring the total declared dividend for FY25 to 152 sen per stock unit. The dividend payout ratio for the year is 100%.

The Group boosted brand engagement in 2025, earning four Putra Brand and Putra Aria awards — Platinum for Heineken®, Gold for Tiger Beer and Guinness and Bronze for Edelweiss. Brand highlights in last quarter of the year include:

  • Guinness Clubhouse, Malaysia’s first football-themed stay experience in Kuala Lumpur, leveraging Guinness’ role as the official beer of the Premier League.
  • Heineken® Phones Off, Tap On, reinforces that celebrations are better when phones take a break, introducing a new 5-Litre Draught Home Bar Package to spark real-life connections.
  • Edelweiss Lemon Honey, a limited-edition flavour expanding the brand’s lighter, flavour-led offering.
  • Star Academy 2025 trained 1,500 bartenders nationwide and celebrated a historic milestone with the naming of its first female champion.

The Group’s focus on talent excellence and sustainability earned recognitions in 2025, including:

  • Inclusion in Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For™ Southeast Asia 2025
  • Recognitions on the UN Global Compact Malaysia & Brunei (UNGC MYB) ESG Select List 2025 for water stewardship, climate action and circularity
  • Awarded top honour for the Nature and Biodiversity category at the UNGC MYB 2025 Awards.

Looking ahead, Martijn added: “We expect external conditions to be more challenging, with macroeconomic uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and the impact of excise duty increase in November 2025 on beer likely to continue weighing on consumer sentiment and demand. We remain focused on productivity improvements and operational efficiency, strengthening our core business through portfolio and channel optimisation, and the acceleration of our digital transformation to deliver long-term value.”

He highlighted: “We acknowledge and appreciate the Royal Malaysian Customs Department for stepping up its enforcement efforts against illicit trade, which strengthens the industry ecosystem and safeguards legitimate industry players.”

The conclusion of the EverGreen 2025 strategy cycle marks the Group’s transition to EverGreen 2030, a sharpened five‑year strategy that provides a clear roadmap for sustainable, long‑term value creation. The EverGreen 2030 is anchored on three strategic pillars:

  • Accelerating Growth by strengthening our brand portfolios, driving innovation and elevating consumers and customers centricity.
  • Stepping Up Productivity by driving cost efficiency and generating value for growth.
  • Becoming Future Fit by advancing digital transformation, sustainability leadership, and a high performance, people driven culture.

These priorities remain aligned with HEINEKEN’s global ambition to future-proof the business while delivering balanced growth for long term value. Visit www.heinekenmalaysia.com for more.

Luckin Coffee Malaysia celebrates CNY 2026 with Pineapple Creamy Latte

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Luckin Coffee Malaysia has launched its latest seasonal creation for Chinese New Year 2026 — the Pineapple Creamy Latte. This festive drink blends tangy golden pineapple with silky milk and Luckin’s award‑winning espresso, resulting in a creamy, refreshing sip that perfectly captures the holiday spirit.

In Singapore, Luckin Coffee’s Chinese New Year creation is known as Ong Lai Latte.

Korea Travel Fair 2026: Experience K‑Culture Like Never Before

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Now Boarding Korea: Your Journey into K-Culture

Singapore, 9 February 2026 – Get ready to step into the world of K-culture! Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) proudly presents Korea Travel Fair 2026, taking place from 6 to 8 March 2026 (Friday to Sunday) at Plaza Singapura, from 10:30am to 9:00pm daily.

Building on last year’s celebration of 50 years of Korea–Singapore diplomatic ties, this year’s edition promises three days of immersive experiences, exclusive travel deals, hands-on cultural activities, and star-studded highlights designed for K-culture enthusiasts of all ages.

“Korea Travel Fair 2026 is designed as more than a travel showcase – it’s an invitation to experience Korea through its culture, creativity, and lifestyle,” said Ms Ahn Hyo-won, Director of the Singapore Office at Korea Tourism Organization. “From regional travel inspiration to K-pop performances and culinary experiences, we hope visitors leave inspired to explore Korea in their own way.

A Lifestyle Showcase Of Korea’s Travel, Culture And Trends

The Korea Travel Fair is an annual highlight for Singaporeans eager to explore the best of Korean tourism in one place. Serving as a one-stop gateway to Korean travel, the fair brings together destinations, travel inspiration, hands-on cultural experiences, and exclusive promotions under one roof.

This year, visitors can explore offerings from more than 20 exhibitors, including Regional TourismOrganizations (RTOs) from Jeju, Busan, and Gangwon, alongside major travel agents with limited-timepromotions and exclusive packages available only during the event.

Adding to the excitement, the Opening Ceremony on 7 March will feature a special appearance by Hallyu star Ji Chang-wook, highlighting the powerful connection between Korean pop culture and travel inspiration.

Discover Korea, One Region At A Time

Explore Korea through its vibrant landscapes, unique traditions, and regional flavours:

Jeju – The Island of Natural Wonders From volcanic terrain and UNESCO heritage sites to
fragrant tangerine orchards, Jeju offers a serene escape rooted in nature and island traditions.

Busan – The Vibrant Coastal Metropolis Korea’s iconic port city pulses with energy, blending scenic beaches, lively street markets, and a dynamic food culture shaped by the sea.

Gangwon – Mountains Meet the Sea Known for its alpine scenery, scenic hiking trails,
and peaceful retreats, Gangwon is a playground for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Visitors can discover these regions at dedicated RTO booths, discovering signature experiences, travel routes, and exclusive promotions.

Participating travel agents – including ASA Holidays, Chan Brothers Travel, CTC Travel, EU Holidays, Hong Thai Travel, Jun-Air Travel, L.G.E Travel, Nam Ho Travel, SA Tours, Super Travels and WTS Travel – will also offer event-only packages, with bookings eligible for a gift redemption.

Immerse Yourself in K‑Culture Across Three Event Zones

Spanning three event areas at Plaza Singapura – the Main Atrium, The Alley, and Canopy Plaza, Korea Travel Fair 2026 brings K-culture to life with interactive zones, themed workshops, and live showcases.

Taste Your Way Through Korea 

K-food takes centre stage at the fair! At the Colours of Korea: K-Travel Energy Finder, visitors can uncover their ideal travel destinations and discover representative dishes from 10 different Korean regions, complete with a personalised result slip, a K-food promotional voucher from SEORAE.

Foodies can also enjoy a SEORAE JIB food truck, offering tastings and on-site sales, and catch the Celebrity Chef Showcase on Sunday, 8 March, featuring live culinary demonstrations.

Glow Up, K-Style

The K-Beauty Zone features skincare consultations by INNISFREE and interactive experiences by BEAUTY PLAY. Daily K-Beauty shows on stage highlight live skincare and makeup demonstrations by BEAUTY PLAY and JUNGSAEMMOOL, giving visitors a front-row look at the latest Korean beauty trends and techniques.

Power Up With K-Wellness

K-wellness will also be in the spotlight with KOLMAR, a proud partner of KTO, which will present a dedicated K-Wellness Room at the Main Atrium and an activation zone at The Alley. Visitors can explore on-site promotions and sales for CONDITION, take part in a simple 3-step stamp mission for a sure-win lucky dip, and stand a chance to win
bonus prizes by visiting the photo zone with Ji Chang-wook and sharing the photos on social media.

Create, Craft, And Take Home A Piece of Korea

Among the fair’s creative highlights is the Shoe Charm Making Workshop by MY CHOI, presented by KTO and happening on Friday, 6 March. Visitors can design and craft their own playful shoe charms inspired by contemporary Korean aesthetics – perfect for adding a pop of Korean flair to sneakers or bags.

On Saturday, 7 March, the Paper Flower Making Workshop by FLOFI invites participants to create elegant paper blooms using delicate folding and layering techniques. The finished creations make meaningful gifts for International Women’s Day or beautiful keepsakes for the home.

Beyond these signature workshops, visitors can dive into a line-up of hands-on activities inspired by Korean culture and creativity. Highlights include the Norigae Making Workshop by SUUM KNOT, where participants can craft a traditional Korean accessory using threads, beads, and charms; the DIY Musical Box Making Workshop by Jeju Tourism Organization, where participants can craft a charming Jeju-themed musical box as a keepsake; the DIY Gwangan Bridge Colouring Workshop by Busan Tourism Organization, which invites visitors to bring Busan’s iconic seaside landmark to life with their own creative touches; and the DIY Hand Fan Sticker Decoration Workshop by Gangwon State, where guests can design a personalised hand fan using playful stickers inspired by Gangwon’s scenic landscapes. Together, these workshops offer an engaging way to experience the unique charm of Korea’s regions – all in one place.

Opening Ceremony Highlights: Ji Chang‑Wook

The Opening Ceremony on 7 March kicks off with a welcome address by KTO and His Excellency Hong Jin-wook, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Singapore, followed by a high-energy performance by the hit Korean musical Dream High.

Based on the beloved Korean drama, Dream High brings K-pop energy to the stage with live vocals, dynamic choreography, and an inspiring story about ambition and friendship. The all-star cast includes Luna (f(x)), Kim Dong-hyun (Golden Child), Kang Seung-sik and Lim Se-jun – making it a standout highlight for fans of K-music and musical theatre

As part of its global momentum, Dream High will light up the fair across all three days of the fair from 6 to 8 March 2026, ahead of the original Seoul run of Dream High Reboot (Season 3) from 18 July to 27 September 2026, followed by performances in Gongju in November.

Another unmissable highlight is the Celebrity Travel Talk with Ji Chang-wook, global brand ambassador of CONDITION under KOLMAR Global who continues to make a strong impact on the international stage. In this session, Ji Chang-wook will connect with fans in Singapore as he shares personal travel stories, recommends must-visit destinations, and spotlights iconic Korean dishes. The session offers a rare and intimate opportunity to discover the tastes, journeys, and inspirations that shape the actor beyond the camera.

Ji Chang-wook is best known for his performances in hit dramas such as Healer (2014–2015), The K2 (2016), The Worst of Evil (2023), and The Manipulated (2025), and is set to appear in the upcoming drama The Scandal (2026) and film Colony (2026).

Culinary Showcase: A Feast For The Senses

On 8 March 2026, food enthusiasts can enjoy a live Culinary Showcase, featuring star chefs from Chef & My Fridge and Culinary Class Wars.

Jung Ji-sun

Renowned chefs Jung Ji-sun and Jung Ho-young will present signature dishes, sharing
the stories, inspirations, and techniques behind Korea’s vibrant culinary scene.

Jung Ho-young

Complete, Collect and Win

The Boarding Pass Challenge invites visitors to complete five interactive touchpoints, showcasing Korea’s culture and travel highlights. Participants who finish all challenges can redeem a specially curated gift.

Daily lucky draws offer prizes including luggage, dining vouchers, and even round-trip air tickets to Korea for two.

Admission to Korea Travel Fair 2026 is free.

Cimory adds trendy matcha twist to Eat Milk series

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Cimory has expanded its Eat Milk series in Indonesia with the launch of a trendy new Matcha flavour. Eat Milk offers consumers a novel way to enjoy milk in the form of a delightful pudding that’s best served chilled. It can be enjoyed on its own, used as a topping, or even as a filling.

With Eat Milk Matcha, Cimory introduces a refreshing twist that delivers a unique way to experience matcha.

The current Eat Milk lineup includes the following flavours: Chocolate, Chocolate Hazelnut and Marie Biscuits.

LOF Kun Indonesia debuts first chocolate malt drink with jelly

By
Tan Heng Hong
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LOF Kun Indonesia has introduced the country’s first chocolate malt drink with jelly — the new LOF Kun Malt Jelly. Enriched with vitamins A, B1, and B6, the drink is designed to support children’s daily energy and activities. Its fun jelly texture adds a playful twist, making it especially appealing to young consumers.

LOF Kun, a dairy brand originally from Vietnam, is now expanding its footprint in Indonesia with innovative products tailored to children’s tastes and nutritional needs.

Riding into the Year of the Horse with the limited‑edition Tealive Mangold

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Tealive has chosen mango as the key ingredient for its Chinese New Year drink in 2025. Riding into the Year of the Horse with a touch of gold, the limited‑edition Tealive Mangold lineup includes:

Mango Pomelo Smoothie 杨枝甘露 – Smooth, creamy mango with pomelo bits, topped with diced mango, konjac, and coconut jelly. A tropical classic in every sip. (Selected stores)

Mango Burst Smoothie – Creamy mango smoothie with real mango fruit, topped with diced mango, konjac, and coconut jelly for a rich, fruity treat.

Mango Ice Shaken Tea – Real mango shaken with fragrant jasmine tea. Light, refreshing, and perfect for sunny days.

Tealive Mangold will be available starting 7 February 2026.

NaiSnow’s Orange‑C Bottle brings festive citrus boost to Malaysia and Singapore

By
Tan Heng Hong
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NaiSnow Malaysia has unveiled its Chinese New Year Seasonal Special, the Orange‑C Bottle. Crafted with seasonal mandarin orange and tangerine, the drink is perfectly paired with NaiSnow’s gold award‑winning jasmine tea. The result is a refreshing, citrus‑forward blend that delivers a double boost of Vitamin C — a festive, health‑conscious twist designed to capture the spirit of the season. The same drink is available in Singapore.

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