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Julie’s Turns Up the Charm with a Biscuit-Inspired Clutch

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Close-up of the Julie’s Charm biscuit-inspired clutch, a stylish fashion accessory for everyday use.

Get your hands on this new fashion-forward item for FREE by purchasing any two packets of Julie’s Charm from now until 31 May!

Kuala Lumpur, 9 May 2025 – Turn on your charm with Julie’s latest creation – the Charm Clutch. Inspired by its signature luxury dessert biscuit, Charm, this clutch is the next must-have fashion accessory for style and snack lovers. Designed to mirror the look of a Charm biscuit, this limited-edition clutch is more than just a fashion statement, it is built for functionality too. Shoppers can redeem one Charm Clutch by purchasing any two packets of the Charm Biscuit (172g) during the campaign period from 1–31 May, while stocks last.

The stylish Charm Clutch, where food meets fashion

“Charm was designed for the modern palate – indulgent yet refined. Two years on, it has grown into more than just a biscuit; it’s become part of our consumers’ daily rituals. The Charm Velvet Clutch is our way of honouring that connection, by transforming a beloved snack into a fashion statement that speaks to style, playfulness, and the little luxuries we live for,” said Tzy Horng Sai, Director of Julie’s Biscuits.

A “charming” bodyguard on duty, protecting the Charm Clutch display at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

Tapping into the growing food-meets-fashion trend, the Charm Clutch design captures the rich chocolate textures of the Charm biscuit, crafted with a velvety material that adds a touch of elegance. To create buzz for this campaign, Julie’s staged a guerilla marketing activation at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur today, featuring a “charming” and sharply dressed bodyguard standing watch over the display of the Charm Clutch, guarding it like a high-fashion exhibit. The unexpected scene creating curiosity, drew crowds, and had shoppers wondering what all the charm was about. Adding to the buzz, those who approached the bodyguard were treated to exclusive details about the Charm Clutch.

The creative agency’s Executive Creative Director, Kevin Poh from GOVT Singapore, who helped bring Julie’s Charm Clutch campaign to life, shared his thoughts on the campaign activation, “When it comes to GWPs (Gifts with Purchase), it’s usually a cookie-cutter affair, pun intended. So instead of handing out a coupon or stopping just at shelf-talkers, we decided to turn the giveaway into an even bigger deal—by staging it like you would a high-end diamond piece right in the heart of KL’s shopping district. Which is an apt way to create talkability and inject a sense of taste to a category that’s all about it.”

Receive a complimentary Charm Clutch with every purchase of two packets of Julie’s Charm Biscuits.

To keep the charm going for this campaign, Julie’s is also organising multiple pop-up booths at selected TF Value-Mart outlets from 1-14 May, and AEON stores from 8-21 May. Shoppers can look forward to getting free balloons, redeem the Charm Clutch, and weekend appearances by the bodyguards, adding some fun while customers shop. View the full list of participating locations for the pop-up booths by visiting our campaign page here.

Julie’s Charm biscuits is available in two indulgent flavours such as Double Chocolate and Tiramisu. These bite-sized biscuits are conveniently packed into one portable to go packaging that consists of eight packs of two biscuit pieces. Charm can be enjoyed as a standalone snack, paired with coffee or tea, or used as an ingredient for creating desserts like puddings and cakes.

Get your Charm Clutch today by purchasing any two packets of Charm Biscuits through Julie’s official e-commerce platform on Shopee, Lazada, PG Mall and TikTok. Alternatively, you may purchase the Charm biscuits and redeem the clutch in-store at participating retailers like AEON Group and TF Value-Mart in West Malaysia only.

To get continuous updates on Julie’s latest promotions, contests, and activities, visit our website or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JuliesBiscuits and Instagram at www.instagram.com/juliesbiscuits.

SUSHI KING MARKS 30 DELICIOUS YEARS WITH EXCITING PLANS AHEAD

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Honouring 30 Years of Sushi Mastery with New Flavors and Classic Perfection.

Putrajaya, 9 May 2025 – In conjunction with its 30th Anniversary, Sushi King, a pioneer in the fast-food Japanese restaurant industry in Malaysia, will be rolling out a series of exciting offerings this year with a fresh new outlook! As Malaysia’s largest Halal Japanese Kaiten Concept Chain of restaurants, Sushi King will also be introducing a refreshed menu, commemorating three decades of culinary perfection to reinforce its commitment to providing quality halal Japanese food that caters to all Malaysians. To top it off, the brand will announce the launch of Sushi King’s Biggest Bonanza in history to celebrate this monumental milestone.

The refreshed version of Sushi King’s Grand Menu (in-store menu) will be officially launched on 14 of May! To host its fresh new series of diversified halal-certified menus, Sushi King offers various Yakimono and Agemono, as well as bentos, donburi, Japanese curries, ramen, and udon–on top of over 60 types of sushi on its Kaiten belt. This sums up to an impressive variety of almost 200 items, the brand continues to reinforce its commitment to delivering authentic Halal-certified Japanese cuisine in a wide variety. Of this extensive menu, 10 new items that have been wasabi-infused will be introduced to bring a new, refreshing flavour to their classic dishes, available from 2 May to 30 June.

“It has been a privilege to watch Sushi King grow into the chain it is today. What started as a passion for making Japanese cuisine accessible to all, I am proud to say that we achieved this by becoming Halal certified in 2016. As we celebrate our third decade of service, I look forward to the potential to serve Malaysians all over the country with the true quality and authenticity of Japanese culinary excellence,” said Tan Sri Dato’ Seri (Dr.) Fumihiko Konishi, Founder of Sushi King Sdn Bhd. A prominent figure in Malaysia’s business landscape, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri (Dr.) Fumihiko Konishi moved to Malaysia as a chemist in 1968, where he later founded Texchem Group in 1973. In 1995, he founded Sushi King as a product of his passion, where he continues to strive for accessible, authentic Japanese cuisine for all.

Since opening in 1995, Sushi King has become Malaysia’s largest Halal Japanese restaurant chain, known for its modern and vibrant appeal. Celebrating 30 years of culinary expertise, the brand will host Sushi King’s Biggest Bonanza, featuring over 60 mouthwatering items. This annual event, which started in 2009, offers loyal customers a variety of dishes at affordable prices. Join Sushi King this May to experience the Biggest Bonanza and their commitment to providing affordable, quality Japanese food for all Malaysians.

Guests can anticipate exciting new additions at the Biggest Bonanza at Centre Court (CC), Lower Ground Floor, Alamanda Putrajaya Shopping Centre from 16-18 May 2025, and at Sushi King outlets nationwide from 20-23 May 2025.

For more information, log on to their Instagram, Facebook, or visit their website at https://sushi-king.com/.

Lactalis Introduces PRIDE Family Milk Powder in Malaysia – Nourishing Stronger Bones and More Active Lives for the Whole Family

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Lactalis Introduces PRIDE Family Milk Powder in Malaysia – Nourishing Stronger Bones and More Active Lives for the Whole Family

Formulated with high Calcium, Vitamin D & Magnesium, PRIDE helps address Malaysia’s bone health gap where 95.5% of children lack daily calcium, and 1 in 3 seniors suffer from osteoporosis

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Malaysian families seeking a delicious and nutritious milk powder just got a new reason to smile! Lactalis, the world’s leading dairy company, proudly announces the launch of the PRIDE Family Milk Powder in Malaysia – marking a key milestone in its mission to nurture the future generations through quality, everyday nutrition.

PRIDE is a trusted household brand in Saudi Arabia, with over 25 years of heritage in providing nourishing dairy to families. Now part of the Lactalis umbrella, this well-loved brand brings its signature creamy taste and essential nutrients to Malaysian homes.

Designed for everyone in the family, PRIDE Family Milk Powder offers more than just nutrition –  it is an affordable and versatile choice that seamlessly integrates into daily life. Its smooth, creamy taste and easily dissolving formula, even in cold water, make it perfect for drinks, cooking, and baking.

In Malaysia, bone health is an increasing concern across all age groups. From children who need strong foundations for growth, to adults maintaining active lifestyles, and seniors preserving mobility, strong bones matter at every stage of life. Yet, many are not getting enough key nutrients:

  • 94% of boys and 97% of girls do not meet daily calcium needs
  • Vitamin D deficiency is widespread, especially among women, reducing calcium absorption by up to 80%
  • 15.3% of Malaysians and 1 in 3 seniors (32.6%) suffer from osteoporosis

That’s where PRIDE Family Milk Powder steps in – an affordable, everyday solution to support stronger bones and better health for the whole family. At just RM1 per cup, two cups a day (with a balanced diet) help meet the recommended 700mg – 1000mg calcium intake.

Why families prefer PRIDE:

  • Rich, creamy taste – The preferred recipe*, chosen for its superior flavour in blind taste test
  • High in Calcium & Vitamin D, with Magnesium – Promotes strong bone health and healthy teeth. Just two cups daily (as part of a balanced diet) help meet the recommended calcium intake of 700mg for children and 1000mg for adults. Vitamin D and Magnesium also supports better calcium absorption.
  • Rich in protein – Supports muscle growth and repair
  • Includes Vitamins A, B2, D and E – Boosts immunity, maintains energy levels, and supports healthy skin
  • Easy to dissolve formula, even in cold water, making it versatile for drinking, cooking, and baking
  • Affordable nutrition with quality at a family-friendly price
  • Family friendly – Safe and nutritious for all family members aged 1+

“At Lactalis, nourishing families isn’t just our mission, it’s our legacy and our responsibility”, said Paul Cazes, General Manager of Lactalis Malaysia. “As the world’s leading dairy company, we believe dairy plays a vital role in supporting growth, health, and overall well-being – not just today, but for generations to come.”

“In Malaysia, dairy consumption is still low, and the availability of high-quality dairy options is limited. That’s why we’re here – to bring the goodness of dairy to families across the country. We believe everyone should have access to the best dairy, regardless of background. As the global leader and experts in the field, we are committed to nurturing a responsible future by providing the highest quality dairy products to support growth and well-being for all.”

From building strong bones in growing kids, to supporting active adults and preserving mobility in seniors, PRIDE makes better bone health simple, delicious and affordable.

Now available in two pack sizes: 450g at RM13.80 and 800g at RM22.40, PRIDE Family Milk Powder can be found in AEON, Asiamart, and mini markets nationwide. For more information, please visit our Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

About Pride

With heritage of over 25 years, Pride is a trusted brand offers a wide variety of dairy products mostly produced in Saudi Arabia such as: processed cheddar blocks, slices (retail pack & slices on slices food service pack), white cheese, mozzarella, triangles, spreadable cream and blended butter. Strive to deliver for Arab housewives & for professionals to make their cooking easy.

Pride symbolizes the pride we take in providing accessible, value for money dairy products for the whole family. The Pride logo, in the shape of a medal & ribbon, highlights our commitment to excellence. Our goal is to provide nutritious dairy products that help keep you & family healthy and energetic.

About Lactalis

Lactalis Group is one of the world’s largest dairy companies, headquartered in Laval, France. Founded in 1933 by André Besnier, the company today operates in over 94 countries, employing more than 85,000 people and owning over 300 brands. Some of the international brands are: President, Galbani, Lactel, Parmalat, Kraft.

*Based on internal blind taste test conducted with 175 respondents, where Pride Milk Powder was preferred over a leading competitor by 66% of its participants.

Share Happiness with a Crunchy Mouthful of Milky Goodness

By
Tan Heng Hong
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New Pocky Milk is made with premium Hokkaido Milk for delicious flavour, enriched with calcium and fibre 

Kuala Lumpur, 6 May 2025 – Milk gets a makeover with the #CrunchyandHealthyMilk with New Pocky Milk Campaign! Launched by Glico Malaysia with the aim of making nutrition more fun and engaging, the new Pocky Milk offers children a new way to enjoy the goodness of milk – in a crunchy, fibre-enriched biscuit stick coated in cream made with premium Hokkaido milk. Representing the finest of Japanese dairy, Hokkaido Milk is renowned for its delicious creamy taste, silky smoothness and high-quality nutrition along with a unique, mild vanilla flavour. In addition to infusing fun and crunch to consuming milk, the #CrunchyandHealthyMilk with New Pocky Milk Campaign also highlights the importance of a healthy, wholesome diet, which helps lay the foundation for good health.

Malaysians consume about 80 million litres of milk each year  and many Malaysian children grow up drinking milk – after all, there’s nothing more refreshing and nutritious than a cold glass of milk on a hot afternoon. However, studies show that children drink less milk as they grow older, affecting their intake of calcium,  and the majority do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, which are important sources of dietary fibre.  What are busy parents to do? Over 81% believe that milk is important for their child’s overall nutrition, and it is difficult to ensure they eat their fruits and vegetables, especially while their children are in the care of others.

“Many parents appreciate the goodness of milk for their child, and Glico has introduced a new and fun way for children to enjoy milk – the new Pocky Milk that offers goodness with a crunch.  Our fibre-enriched biscuit stick that is coated with creamy and tasty Hokkaido Milk makes Pocky Milk a wholesome treat, combining tastiness with goodness,” said Lee Yeen Theng, Managing Director of Glico Malaysia & International Cluster.

“The new Pocky Milk, which balances great taste and good health, joins the ranks of our Pocky core range. We are heartened to see Pocky’s long heritage and enduring appeal also playing a part to unite families in a shared experience, as parents’ fond memories of enjoying Pocky in their childhood are carried forward to the present. Parents can share happiness with their children and build memories together through the simple joy of a well-loved childhood snack,” added Lee.

Lending support to parents who want their children to develop a positive relationship with food, popular mommy celebrity Yana Samsudin said, “I know how hard it can be for parents when it comes to nutrition – children may be picky eaters or prefer a limited range of foods. Therefore, I am always looking for new ways to make meals and snacks more fun and interesting, while making sure they are packed with nutrition as well. Along the way, I have learnt lots of tips and tricks, and I find this Pocky campaign a perfect opportunity for me to share more with other parents about providing children with healthier food options, including fun ways to incorporate milk into their daily diet.”

The #CrunchyandHealthyMilk with New Pocky Milk Campaign will also spread the word and lots of fun on social media through popular mommy influencers and also ground-level activities, visiting 50 schools across the Klang Valley to bring nutritional education and a new appreciation for the goodness of milk.

In this day and age of augmented reality and cinematic multiverses, Pocky takes engagement to the next level, creating the Pocky Nutriverse, an immersive virtual game world that resonates with teenage Gen Z consumers who are digital natives. In this extraordinary digital world, fun and games await, and wholesome nutritious goodness powers one up for more enjoyment and more happiness.

Connecting Pocky’s strong heritage with the future, Pocky Milk is born out of Glico’s aspiration to provide “Great Taste and Good Health”, combining creativity and high-quality ingredients to create wholesome treats that can be enjoyed by all ages.

To experience the delicious new flavour of Pocky Milk made from premium Hokkaido Milk, look out for it at leading supermarkets and convenience stores, from RM3.40 and online on Shopee. Don’t miss the Pocky Milk Nutriverse video, watch it here: https://web.facebook.com/watch/?v=2386492978393068

Berjaya Food International Signs MOU with Bluemoon Group to Bring Krispy Kreme to Mongolia

By
Tan Heng Hong
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[L-R] Mr. Luis Daniel, Director of Berjaya Food International; Group CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad; Mr. Sanjjav Tseveen-Ochir, Group Chairman and President of BlueMon Group and Ms. Tsogzul Bold, Chief Financial Officer and Head of F&B Division of BlueMon Group

KUALA LUMPUR (8 MAY 2025) – Berjaya Food International Sdn. Bhd. (BFI), a subsidiary of Berjaya Food Berhad (BFood), has taken another step forward in its global growth strategy by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mongalia-based BlueMon Group. This partnership sets the stage for the highly anticipated arrival of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in Mongolia, marking the brand’s entry into a dynamic and fast-evolving consumer market.

Krispy Kreme currently has a strong presence across key regions including North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with a growing global footprint that continues to delight customers worldwide. The collaboration brings together BFI’s expertise in building international food & beverage brands and BlueMon Group’s local market strength. With this partnership, both companies aim to introduce the globally recognised Krispy Kreme taste, known for its signature Original Glazed® doughnuts and warm, welcoming store environment to Mongolian consumers for the very first time.

The first Krispy Kreme outlet in Mongolia is expected to launch in the near future, with further details to be revealed soon. As Mongolia continues to diversify its economy and invest in modern urban and retail infrastructure, this expansion is well-timed with the nation’s growth trajectory. The entry of a globally beloved brand like Krispy Kreme aligns with rising consumer demand and supports the country’s broader vision of transforming Ulaanbaatar into a thriving metropolitan hub.

“We are pleased to join forces with BlueMon Group to expand Krispy Kreme’s presence into Mongolia. Mongolia presents a promising market with a rising appetite for quality food experiences and we believe Krispy Kreme’s iconic offerings, and strong brand equity will resonate deeply with consumers there. Together, we are committed to delivering a world-class experience that aligns with the evolving tastes and aspirations of the Mongolian market”, said Dato’ Sydney Quays, Group CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad.

Mr. Sanjjav Tseveen-Ochir, Group Chairman and President of BlueMon Group added, “This MoU represents a key step in our ambition to elevate Mongolia’s consumer landscape with globally respected brands. As the country continues to embrace modern dining and lifestyle trends, we believe Krispy Kreme’s iconic appeal and quality offerings will strongly resonate with Mongolian consumers. Our partnership with BFI reflects a long-term commitment to shaping the future of retail and food culture in Mongolia.”

The debut of Krispy Kreme’s outlet in Mongolia is expected to be unveiled in the near future, with further details to be announced soon. This expansion builds on BFood’s momentum in broadening its international footprint, following recent ventures across ASEAN, the Nordic region and the Middle East.

Dusit Foods joins Thai Airways to expand the success of the ‘Streets to Sky’ project

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Bangkok, 8 May 2025 – Bangkok, Thailand – Dusit Foods Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is expanding its collaboration with Thai Airways International Public Company Limited to continue the success of the ‘Streets to Sky’ project.

First launched in August 2024, the initiative saw Dusit Foods become the first partner to bring Thailand’s most beloved street food dishes—curated from the Pinto Hub platform—onboard Thai Airways’ Economy Class for international routes. Pinto Hub is a culinary innovation platform co-developed by Dusit Foods and Farm to Plate Processor Co., Ltd. (F2P). Following strong positive feedback from passengers, Dusit Foods and Thai Airways have now launched four additional dishes to further showcase the diversity of authentic Thai cuisine to the world.

New menus being served onboard international routes include:

  • Chicken Gravy with Rice – from Jeib Rod Dee Ded, a legendary Thai eatery known for over 50 years for its iconic beef and chicken rice.
  • Duck Noodles – from Xia Noodle, a famed street vendor in Bang Rak, celebrated for its tender duck, flavourful soup, and springy noodles.
  • Hokkien Stir-Fried Noodles with Seafood – from Krua Jongjit, a bold, flavourful Phuket-style noodle dish.
  • Choo-Chee Fish Curry – from Baan Yeesarn, a traditional Thai curry crafted by Chef Tukta with a rich, sweet-spicy herbal taste.

These new additions will complement the existing menus introduced earlier in the project:

  • Massaman Chicken and Basil Chicken with Fried Egg – from Baan Yeesarn Thai Cuisine
  • Crispy Noodles with Chicken Gravy – from Namthien by Khanta
  • Khao Soi Chicken – from Khao Soi Lamduan Fa Ham, a legendary Northern Thai restaurant based in Chiang Mai

The Streets to Sky project is part of Thai Airways’ broader vision to elevate Thai cuisine as a global soft power through exceptional inflight dining. It aligns with the airline’s previous initiative Taste of Thai Tales, which brought refined Thai menus to premium cabins. With Dusit Foods now playing a pivotal role, Streets to Sky has expanded this culinary journey to Economy Class—making quality Thai meals accessible to international travellers across all routes.

This collaboration also supports Dusit Foods’ mission to “Bring Asian Food to the World,” leveraging food as a cultural ambassador to promote Thai culinary excellence globally.

Pinto Hub, developed by Dusit Foods and F2P, is a platform that brings together celebrated Thai street food dishes—especially from small and medium-sized restaurants that traditionally lack access to large-scale distribution. Though these establishments are not large chains, they offer distinct flavours, meaningful stories, and rare traditional recipes that deserve to reach wider audiences.

Manisa Mitpaibul, Managing Director, Dusit Foods

“We remain committed to our vision of bringing Asian food to the world,” said Ms Manisa Mitpaibul, Managing Director, Dusit Foods. “This partnership with Thai Airways allows us to introduce signature street food from Thailand’s most iconic local restaurants into Economy Class meals on every international flight. Each dish is carefully prepared to capture the authentic taste and experience of dining at the original restaurants. Our goal is to support SME restaurants that may not have the scale of large chains but possess rich culinary heritage and character.”

The project also strengthens the local economy by integrating quality ingredients from Thai farmers into the production process—generating income, supporting careers, and improving livelihoods across the supply chain.

“Streets to Sky is a deeply meaningful project for Dusit Foods,” Ms Mitpaibul added. “It combines Thai culinary pride with tangible social impact—supporting SMEs and agricultural communities while promoting Thai cuisine as a global cultural force.”

JAECOO Malaysia Refreshes Brand to OMODA ꟾ JAECOO Malaysia, Forges a New Era of Performance and Lifestyle Experiences

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Brand Marks 1st Anniversary In Malaysia, Previews The OMODA C7 Neo Crossover

Kuala Lumpur, 8 May 2025 – JAECOO marked its first anniversary at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 (MAS2025) with a refreshed brand image and will hereafter be known as OMODA ꟾ JAECOO.

“This brand refresh signals our optimism for the market and the growth opportunities here. As a dynamic brand with a finger on the pulse of consumers’ preferences and needs, we are ready to elevate the way people experience the OMODA ꟾ JAECOO brand. Together with our sleek and high-performing vehicles, we are passionate about delivering a personalised lifestyle experience as Malaysia’s challenger premium off-road SUV brand,” said OMODA ꟾ JAECOO Vice President, Emily Lek, at the unveiling.

Clocking a record-setting year, the brand’s notable milestones include growing a respectable demand of over 12,000 registrations for its premium off-road Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Hybrid SUVs and establishing a strategic network of 45 authorised dealerships nationwide to support its growing customer base. On the international stage, the OMODA ꟾ JAECOO brand has successfully built a presence in 42 countries and regions, established over 1,300 global showrooms, and garnered the trust of a remarkable 500,000 global users.

OMODA ꟾ JAECOO continues along the path of a challenger brand, appealing now to a wider generation of users, namely the youthful generation of technology savvy enthusiasts and the performance-driven urban and off-road adventurers.

Sneak Peek Of The OMODA C7 Neo Crossover

Kicking off the brand refresh in high gear, OMODA ꟾ JAECOO teased the market with a sneak peek of the OMODA C7 Neo Crossover at MAS2025. The C7 is expected to shake up the C-segment Crossover segment in Malaysia.

OMODA ꟾ JAECOO recently debuted its line-up of New Energy Vehicles (NEV), highlighting the brand’s rapid progress in innovating more efficient, intelligent and sustainable mobility solutions. In a bid to continue sharing the possibilities of its NEV vision, OMODA ꟾ JAECOO organised a special knowledge sharing session at MAS2025 featuring Chery Automobile Co. Ltd., Chief Engineer of Product Development Management and Director of Pre-research and Vehicle Architecture Institute, Dr. David Xianqiang Lu. Dr. Lu is better known as the innovator behind the Super Hybrid System (SHS).

The SHS, previously introduced in Malaysia with the launch of the J7 PHEV, delivers the best of both worlds in terms of performance and fuel efficiency. Vehicles with the SHS have been put to the test by OMODA ꟾ JAECOO both in Malaysia and globally which have resulted in a consistent ability to travel over 1,300km on a single full charge and tank of fuel.

Test Drive The OMODA ꟾ JAECOO SUVs Including The JAECOO J8

In conjunction with MAS2025, the public can look forward to viewing and test driving OMODA ꟾ JAECOO’s current line-up of SUVs including the JAECOO J7, J7 PHEV, and C9. MAS2025 will also be the first ever opportunity for the public to test drive the JAECOO J8 SUV since its preview in March.

Vehicle bookings made for the JAECOO J7 AWD and 2WD variants at MAS2025 will enjoy an option of free service for the first five years or an attractive loan interest rate of 0.8%. Meanwhile, bookings for the JAECOO J7 PHEV will enjoy a 10-year warranty* or up to 1,000,000km* mileage extended engine and high voltage battery warranty. Additionally, all bookings made at MAS2025 are entitled to a limited-edition OMODA ꟾ JAECOO Touch ‘n Go card.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Visitors can also look forward to activities at the OMODA ꟾ JAECOO pavilion including a live digital printing tote bag station, and redemption of sweet treats after completing a simple survey. Limited-edition OMODA ꟾ JAECOO Touch ‘n Go cards and charms will also be on sale.

Big Stories, Small Screens: Do Drama Debuts to Bring Bite-Sized Local Dramas for Malaysians On-the-Go

By
Tan Heng Hong
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From L-R: Aidilfitri Mohamed Yunos (Director of Paku Hatiku); Mia Lim (General Manager of Drama Byte); Eric Tam (Director of Drama Byte); Pekin Ibrahim (Producer of Rumah Pusaka)

Malaysia’s first homegrown short drama platform, delivering Malay and Chinese series designed for mobile viewing

Kuala Lumpur, 8 May 2025: Malaysians now have a new way to watch local dramas — one that fits perfectly into their fast-paced, mobile-first lifestyles. Do Drama, Malaysia’s first dedicated short drama app, officially launches today, offering a refreshing take on drama consumption with vertical-format short series available in both Malay and Chinese.

Developed by Drama Byte Sdn Bhd, Do Drama is a homegrown platform created by Malaysians for Malaysians. It caters to audiences who crave snappy, emotionally engaging stories but have limited time for long-form episodes. From seasoned drama lovers to Gen Z viewers, the app is designed for those who prefer to watch content on-the-go — in between meetings, on their commute, or before bed.

The app is now available for free on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, introducing an entirely new content ecosystem made for the mobile devices.

“With Do Drama, we’re not just launching an app — we’re introducing a new way for Malaysians to experience local stories. It’s mobile-first, culturally grounded, and made for viewers who want drama that fits into their daily lives, no matter where they are. This platform is about reimagining how stories are told and consumed — in a way that’s fast, impactful and relevant,” said Eric Tam, Director for Drama Byte Sdn Bhd.

The launch of Do Drama comes at a time when short-form, vertical video content is thriving across the globe. Taking inspiration from China’s booming short drama platforms, the app embraces a similar format — short dramas that are just a few minutes per episode, delivered in a vertical screen ratio for seamless mobile viewing. This format has proven successful in capturing viewers’ attention in short bursts, while still building emotional connection over time.

With Malaysia’s population estimated at approximately 35.9 million in 2025, Do Drama is strategically positioned to capture a significant share of the local mobile-first entertainment market. With a conservative engagement of 5-10% of the population, the platform is poised to generate close to RM 2.1 billion in recurring annual revenue through subscriptions and top-up purchases. This substantial revenue stream holds the potential to significantly invigorate the entertainment industry, fostering the creation of more diverse content and, importantly, offering increased avenues and platforms for Malaysian actors and talent to gain valuable screen exposure and contribute to a thriving ecosystem.

A glimpse behind the scenes! Here’s the esteemed cast and hard-working production crew bringing you a fantastic lineup of short dramas, all debuting on Do Drama – Malaysia’s first dedicated short drama app.

At the launch, Do Drama debuts with eight original short drama series, developed in collaboration with local filmmakers and creatives. Amongst the line-up is “Paku Hatiku”, directed by Aidilfitri Mohamad Yunos, known for his distinctive storytelling style and emotional depth. Another two series, “Rumah Pusaka” and “Magika! Bulan Mengembang”, are produced by Pekin Ibrahim, with the latter also featuring his wife, Mona Allen, as one of the main casts. Spanning genres such as romance, family drama, suspense, and slice-of-life, each series is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the richness and relatability of Malaysian stories.

Bringing stories to life together. Pekin Ibrahim, producer of “Rumah Pusaka” and “Magika! Bulan Mengembang,” which features the brilliant Mona Allen.

What sets Do Drama apart is not just its format, but its immersive app experience. Designed with user engagement in mind, the platform introduces a range of features that make watching even more interactive and rewarding. These include multilingual subtitle support, a built-in reward system to encourage consistent viewing, and most notably, on-screen bullet comments — a live-commentary feature that allows viewers to share reactions in real-time, creating a social viewing atmosphere even when watching solo. This makes Do Drama the first Malaysian short drama platform to offer this kind of feature.

As viewing habits evolve, Do Drama positions itself at the forefront of mobile content innovation, offering a space for local creators to tell shorter, sharper stories without compromising on emotional depth. It’s a new chapter for drama entertainment — and it starts with the smartphone screen.

Do Drama is available now for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

For more information, visit https://dodrama.com, or follow their social media:

Facebook : https://facebook.com/dodrama.my

Instagram : https://instagram.com/dodrama.my

Tiktok : https://tiktok.com/@dodrama.my

Malaysia is one of top destinations for Chinese travellers – China’s 2025 Labour Day Sees Surge in Inbound and Outbound Travel Spending via Alipay and Other Alipay+ Partner Payment Apps

By
Tan Heng Hong
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  • Malaysia is one of the top destinations for Chinese travellers, based on total Alipay spending.
  • The top destinations for outbound Chinese travellers based on total Alipay spending are Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Macao SAR, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, France, Canada, and Italy.
  • Inbound travel to China saw a remarkable boost, with both the number of transactions and total spending by travellers using their 13 home e-wallets supported by the Alipay+ solution rising by over 100% year-on-year.

Hangzhou, May 5th, 2025 – Data from Alipay and other Alipay+ partner payment apps indicates a notable increase in both outbound and inbound tourism spending in China during the 2025 Labour Day holiday (Golden Week).

Outbound Travel: Chinese tourists explore local experiences through digital platforms in overseas destinations

Through Alipay+, a unified wallet gateway with cross-border payment and digitisation services developed by Ant International, users of 36 e-wallets in Asia and Europe—including Chinese travellers—can use their own home payment apps across over 70 markets without the need to exchange currency or carry cash. During China’s Labour Day holiday, global Alipay+ merchants have joined Alipay in an exclusive campaign to lure travellers.

The top destinations for Chinese travellers, based on total Alipay spending, are Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Macao SAR, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, France, Canada, and Italy.

Thanks to Alipay+’s 100 million-strong and diverse global merchant network, Chinese tourists are increasingly seeking more personalised, local experiences. Switzerland recorded the highest average Alipay spending per user, while in South Korea, average spending exceeded USD 100—driven in part by the growing trend of traveling for cosmetic surgery. In addition, the growing desire for immersive local travel experiences is driving increased use of local transportation, with Alipay transactions rising 53% year-over-year. Public transit has become the most frequently used Alipay service among travellers. Taking buses and subways with Alipay is especially popular in Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, where travellers are already familiar with using it for daily commutes. Other emerging trends include buying train tickets in Europe and unlocking shared bikes in Japan with Alipay.

Furthermore, Alipay’s real-time tax refund service saw a 33% year-on-year increase in the refund value per transaction, while the number of claims for Alipay’s instant discount offer increased by 46% compared to the New Year’s Day holiday.

Inbound Travel: Visa-free entry, updated tax refund policies, and new payment options attract international travellers 

Since September 2023, the Alipay+ solutions have supported 13 leading payment apps in Asia to serve their roaming users across Alipay’s extensive merchant network in China.

Thanks to China’s updated tax refund and visa-free policies, more international travellers are heading to the country. During the Labour Day holiday, both the number of transactions and the total spending by travellers using the 13 overseas e-wallets rose by over 100% year-on-year. AlipayHK topped the list for total spending, followed by Malaysia’s Touch ’n Go e-Wallet, Kazakhstan’s Kaspi.kz, Macao SAR’s MPay, and Thailand’s TrueMoney.

With Alipay+, international travellers may also bind their Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Discover®, Diners Club International®, and UnionPay International credit or debit cards to Alipay for a seamless travel experience in China. This enables smooth payments and access to a wide range of digital services on the Alipay platform, including ride-hailing, hotel bookings, and plane or train ticket purchases.

Alipay Tap!—a contactless payment and customer engagement solution introduced by Alipay in China in June 2024—has also quickly become a preferred payment method among international travellers to China. The solution is essentially a simplified QR-code method that enables users to access services hosted on Alipay simply by tapping a merchant’s terminal or an Alipay Tap! Tag, without needing to open an app, scan a code, or navigate multiple screens. As of April 2025, Alipay Tap! had attracted over 100 million users in China within just 11 months of launch. During the Labour Day holiday, travellers from the 54 countries covered by China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy spent 50% more via Alipay Tap! compared to the same period in April.

1. The 13 payment apps include AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China), Kaspi.kz (Kazakhstan), MPay (Macao SAR, China), Touch ’n Go eWallet (Malaysia), Hipay (Mongolia), NayaPay (Pakistan), Changi Pay (Singapore), OCBC Digital (Singapore), Kakao Pay (South Korea), Naver Pay (South Korea), Toss Pay (South Korea), TrueMoney (Thailand), GCash (The Philippines).

Coca-Cola Appoints Reetima Rakyan New Vice President and General Manager for Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Bangkok, 8 May 2025 – Coca-Cola (Thailand) Ltd. has announced the appointment of Reetima Rakyan as Vice President and General Manager for Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. In this role, Reetima will lead the company’s strategic agenda across the four countries, with a focus on further strengthening Coca-Cola’s position as a total beverage company.

Reetima’s appointment reflects Coca-Cola’s continued commitment to refreshing the world and making a difference through innovation, consumer-centricity and sustainability. She will be responsible for accelerating growth by developing a diverse beverage portfolio that aligns with evolving consumer preferences. Under her leadership, Coca-Cola will deepen consumer engagement by delivering differentiated experiences through category development, portfolio expansion and cutting-edge marketing campaigns. She will continue to closely collaborate with bottling partners who have built a strong foundation in these markets.

Prior to this role, Reetima led the Customer & Commercial Leadership function of the ASEAN and South Pacific Operating Unit. Under her leadership, the team elevated the company’s commercial strategy by expanding physical, digital, and chilled availability, advancing the affordability agenda through returnable and affordable single-serve packs, and enhancing category attractiveness at the point of sale through end-to-end integrated programs. She was instrumental in the development and scaling of the System Commercial Capability Academy, laying a strong foundation for the future growth in the region.

With over twenty years of experience across FMCG, Banking, and Retail, Reetima brings deep functional expertise across people development, partner management, and channel marketing. Since joining Coca-Cola in 2013, she has held roles of increasing responsibility across geographies India, Southwest Asia, including Regional Marketing, Operations, Alternate Channel Development, Key Account Management, Customer & Commercial Leadership and Franchise Management.

Reetima’s strategic vision and dynamic leadership will play a key role in driving Coca-Cola’s continued growth in the region. Her strong consumer-first mindset and emphasis on executional excellence will ensure that the company remains a leader in innovation, sustainability and system collaboration.

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