Tien Long Woon (L), managing director of FedEx Express Malaysia, passing the FedEx parcel to Yusni Yahya (R), the FedEx courier who will be driving the electric vehicle as part of the companyâs first cross-border electric vehicle delivery trial from Malaysia to Singapore.
Complementing FedEx goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, February 27, 2024 â FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and one of the worldâs largest express transportation companies, announced the launch of the companyâs first cross-border delivery trial from Malaysia to Singapore using an electric vehicle (EV). This initiative is part of FedEx continuous exploration of ways to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable logistics.
The journey will be made by a âMaxus eDeliver 7â from a FedEx station in Shah Alam to a FedEx facility at Changi Airport in Singapore covering a total distance of 406 kilometres. The estimated reduction of tailpipe CO2 emission for this trial journey is approximately 100 kilograms compared to diesel-powered vans.
FedEx is using this trial as an initial assessment of the operational effectiveness for future cross-border pick-up and delivery operations. The insights gained will be pivotal in shaping the future of FedEx operations, which will not only benefit the environment, but also help improve the efficiency of its fleet, while providing excellent service to its customers.
âOur efforts to reduce emissions throughout our business means we need to think strategically about all of our ground operations, not just last-mile delivery,â said Kawal Preet, president, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region at FedEx. âThis cross-border trial is a proof of concept that will help inform and advance our fleet electrification program in the region, in line with our customersâ desire for sustainable time-definite delivery.â
“Making this cross-border attempt with a zero-tailpipe emissions vehicle goes beyond a logistical achievement, and represents a bold step in beginning to redefine industry standards,â said Tien Long Woon, managing director of FedEx Express Malaysia. âFedEx is committed to innovating and leveraging technologies that enable improvements to the efficiency of our operations, as well as provide better and more sustainable service to our customers in Malaysia.â
The company recently launched a cloud-based carbon emissions reporting tool, FedExÂź Sustainability Insights, giving customers in Malaysia access to historical emissions information on their shipments within the FedEx network. FedEx customers can use the data to make informed decisions on their future shipping strategy to reduce their impact to the environment.
To learn more about FedEx sustainability programs, please click here.
From Left to Right, Karsten Folkerts, Finance Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia; Roland Bala, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia; and Renuka Indrarajah, Corporate Affairs & Legal Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia.
HEINEKEN Malaysia Results Reflects Market Corrections Post Strong Rebound from the Pandemic in 2022
Revenue decreased by 8% to RM2.64 billion (FY22: RM2.86 billion)
Profit Before Tax (PBT) decreased by 14% to RM510.88 million (FY22: RM594.50 million)
Net profit decreased by 6% to RM386.80 million (FY22: RM412.82 million)
27 February 2024 – Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia) announced its financial results for the full year ended 31 December 2023 (FY23), reporting a decline in revenue and profit as compared to the same period in 2022 (FY22). Comparatively, the Group had a strong base in 2022 following the re-opening of the economy at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the rebound in FY22, the Group views its FY23 performance as a form of market correction.
HEINEKEN Malaysiaâs revenue decreased by 8% to RM2.64 billion compared to the previous year (FY22). This was mainly due to weak consumer sentiment attributed to growing macroeconomic concerns in 2023. In perspective, the Group also underwent a notable recovery in 2022 (Revenue +44% versus the fourth quarter of 2021) post the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Â Correspondingly, Group PBT decreased by 14% principally due to lower revenue while the Groupâs net profit decreased by 6% due to the absence of the one-off Prosperity Tax in 2023.
In the fourth quarter ended 31 December 2023 (4QFY23), Group revenue decreased by 8% to RM728.62 million versus the same quarter in 2022 (4QFY22). This reflects the lower sales arising from weak consumer sentiment driven by rising cost of living and macroeconomic concerns. Group PBT in this quarter also declined by 14% primarily driven by lower revenue. Similarly, net profit for the quarter also decreased by 5% with the absence of the one-off Prosperity Tax.
Roland Bala, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia
Commenting on the results, Roland Bala, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, said, “2023 has been a challenging year with the market experiencing corrections following the strong rebound observed in 2022. I would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank our team and our trade partners for remaining agile and resilient amidst a volatile market. Despite the challenging environment, we continued to execute and deliver our EverGreen strategy to drive premium growth with a consumer-first mindset, whilst accelerating digitalisation, developing our talents, and making progress towards our sustainability ambitions.â
In 2023, HEINEKEN Malaysia continued to invest in its core brands and innovations, maintaining its winning streak with four wins at the Putra Brand Awards and Putra Aria Brand Awards 2023. Demonstrating ongoing excellence, HeinekenÂź and Tiger Beer secured Gold, while Guinness received a Bronze. Notably, Edelweiss claimed its first award since its 2021 entry into the market, earning a Bronze at the Putra Aria Brands Awards. Notable campaigns during the year include:
HeinekenÂźïž Ghosted Bar – In collaboration with global K-Drama star Park Hyung Sik, HeinekenÂź’s Work Responsibly campaign aimed to address Malaysia’s prevalent overworking culture, fostering a balanced approach. The Ghosted Bar received 1 Bronze lion in the Film category at the prestigious Cannes Lion Festival in 2023.
Tiger Beer Boldly Asian, Globally Acclaimed – Tiger rolled out the Tiger Den activation as the brand celebrated its remarkable journey of being born in the streets of Asia and how the bold lager had made its mark in over 60 countries and counting.
Guinness Flavour by Fire – Guinness Malaysia invited fans and food enthusiasts to join the Flavour by Fire festival, featuring local renowned chefs and Guinness-infused culinary creations for fans to indulge in bold and exciting flavours.
Edelweiss Weekend Unwind â Edelweiss encouraged Malaysians to break from their demanding schedules and embrace the simple joys of life through an activation that allowed fans to explore and experience activities at pop-up markets, workshops, as well as music and experiential events.
The Board has proposed a single tier final dividend of 88 per stock unit for the year ended 31 December 2023 (FY22 : 98 sen per stock unit, single tier). The total dividend for the year amounts to 128 sen per stock unit comprising:
a single tier interim dividend of 40 sen per stock unit which was paid on 10 November 2023; and
a proposed single tier final dividend of 88 sen per stock unit.
Subject to the approval of shareholders at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, the proposed final dividend will be paid on 25 July 2024 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 28 June 2024.
On outlook, Roland shared, “With a soft beer market in 2023, we maintain a cautious approach and expect the business environment in 2024 to remain challenging. This alongside the rising cost of living, geopolitical uncertainties, and weakening Ringgit could have a negative impact on consumer sentiment and spending. We will continue to adopt an agile approach in delivering our 2024 ambition. This year, we will remain committed to our EverGreen strategy, focusing on delivering superior and balanced growth amidst these dynamic conditions.â
Drive superior growth â With consumer centricity, we shape and lead the premium category and continue investing behind our brands.
Fund the growth â Cost and value to drive efficiency to enable reinvestments into our brands and business.
Raise the bar on sustainability and responsibility â Full commitment to deliver on our ambition to become net zero carbon in Scope 1 & 2 by 2030 and the full value chain by 2040.
Become the best connected brewer â Accelerate digital and technology to create a Unified Customer Ecosystem with a customer and consumer-first approach.
Unlock the full potential of our people â Promote a high-performance culture that boosts our strategic capabilities, nurture the best talents, and foster an organisation where people thrive.
Roland added, âWe welcome the stance taken by the Government not to increase excise duties on beer in its latest Budget 2024, as any hike in excise rates will drive greater demand for illicit alcohol. The Group will continue to monitor and support the authorities in addressing this issue through comprehensive efforts and promoting greater awareness in the market.â
HEINEKEN Malaysia strongly believes that its operations can only thrive if the planet and its surrounding communities thrive. Throughout the year, the Group was widely recognised for the progress it continues to make on its Brew a Better World (BaBW) sustainability ambitions. Some key awards include:
UN Global Compact Network Malaysia and Brunei (UNGCMYB) Forward Faster Sustainability Awards – HEINEKEN Malaysia won in the Water Resilience category, acknowledging the brewerâs achievement in its Towards Healthy Watersheds program, which enabled it to fully balance water used in its products since 2020.
Star Media Group Positive Impact Awards â HEINEKEN Malaysia was awarded the Most Outstanding ESG Initiative at the ESG Positive Impact Awards, besides winning Gold in the categories of Waste Management and Innovative Partnership in recognition of its Zero Waste to Landfill programme and Water Stewardship partnership respectively.
PwC Malaysia Building Trust Awards – Heineken Malaysia Berhad was among the Top 20 finalists for PwC Malaysia’s Building Trust Awards 2023 and received a special mention for the PwC Malaysia-Asia School of Business’s Trust and Leadership Survey (FBM Mid 70 Index) category.
For more information on HEINEKEN Malaysia and the Groupâs initiatives, please visit www.heinekenmalaysia.com.
KUALA LUMPUR, 26 February 2024 â The KL Tigers Rugby Football Club is thrilled to announce the return of the International Rugby 10s tournament, set to take place on the 2nd and 3rd March 2024 at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian Club. This incredible âfeast of rugbyâ event promises to bring together over 160 teams from both Malaysia and overseas, showcasing the talents of young athletes across various age groups from U6 to U18, a vets match and including a girls’ Touch Rugby section.
This year’s tournament is expected to attract more than 5,000 players and spectators, making it one of the region’s largest gatherings of rugby enthusiasts. Participants from across Asia Pacific will compete in a friendly yet competitive tournament with an emphasis on the rugby values of integrity, passion, teamwork, discipline, and respect.
The event will not only feature exciting rugby action but also serve as a platform for life-long friendships. The KL Tigers International Rugby 10s is supported by a broad spectrum of partners, including:
Platinum: Edaran Otomobil Nasional (EON) & Pos Malaysia
Gold: Yinson Green Tech & UEM Sunrise
Silver: Bank Muamalat, Visa & Arena
Bronze: Oceaneering, AGS, Boost Juice, The Baron, MFE, Milawa, Kukreja & Co
Supported By: Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) from Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia
These partnerships underscore the wide-reaching impact and appeal of the tournament, not just within the rugby community but also across Malaysian society and beyond.
KL Tigers Rugby Football Club is inviting members of the public to join them at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian Club on 2nd â 3rd of March 2024, from 8:00am to 3:30pm to experience the excitement of the KL Tigers International Rugby 10s. Whether you’re a rugby aficionado or looking for a weekend of fun, this event promises a vibrant atmosphere, thrilling matches, great food and a chance to support young athletes as they display their skills on the international stage.
For more information on the KL Tigers International Rugby 10s 2024, including event details and schedules, please visit www.kltigersrfc.com.
Pos Malaysia Berhad, the nation’s premier post and parcel service provider and exclusive licensee for Universal Postal Services (UPU), is inviting Malaysian students who are Malaysian citizens aged between 9 to 15 years old as of 31st December 2024 to participate in a national letter-writing competition.
Participants will stand a chance to win cash prizes and the honour of representing Malaysia in the 53rd UPU International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People 2024.
The competition aims to instill awareness among students regarding the pivotal role of postal services in society. Furthermore, it seeks to nurture skills in composition, encourage the ability to express thoughts clearly, and foster a genuine enjoyment of letter-writing while promoting international friendship.
This year’s theme, “At 150 years old, the UPU has served people around the world for more than eight generations. The world has changed enormously since then. Write a letter to future generations about the world you hope they inherit.â invites children to write a letter not exceeding 800 words in English. All entries must be submitted in a letter (written or typed) and may include accompanying illustrations.
The judging criteria for the competition includes assessing the structure as a letter, adherence to the theme, creativity, and the use of language.
Prizes include:
âą Grand Prize (1 winner): RM1,000 & digital certificate of appreciation.
âą 1st Runner Up (1 winner): RM300 & digital certificate of appreciation.
âą 2nd Runner Up (1 winner): RM200 & digital certificate of appreciation.
âą Consolation Prizes (2 winners): RM100 each & digital certificate of appreciation.
The Grand Prize winner will proudly represent Malaysia in the 53rd UPU International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People (2024).
All entries must also be accompanied by a printed registration form and mailed to the address below by 1 April 2024: 53rd UPU International Letter Writing Competition for Young People (2024) Locked Bag 00002, GPO Kuala Lumpur, 50990 Kuala Lumpur.Â
For more information and submission details, please email corpcomm@pos.com.my (Mondays to Fridays â 8.30am to 5.00pm).
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to showcase your writing skills and represent Malaysia on the international stage!
Koppiku is adding a newcomer to their growing roster of affordable specialty drinks â the Koppiku Coconut Latte (RSP R:RM10.90, L:12.90). The homegrown coffee brand is giving their best-selling Koppiku Latte a tropical twist, letting you experience their smooth blends in a whole new way.Â
Brewed with richly flavourful beans from Brazil and Papua New Guinea, this latte has a smooth coconut milk base sweetened with gula melaka syrup. Refreshingly unique and curiously creamy, itâs a must-try for any coffee lover.
To celebrate the launch, theyâre offering a special treat â a Koppiku Coconut Latte for just RM1! This offer is available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 28th at their Subang Square SS15 and Busana @ Menara Mara branches, or on February 29th at their Plaza Mont Kiara location.
Take a break from the ordinary and savour the tropical goodness of Koppikuâs new Coconut Latte. Having trouble tracking them down? Head to their Instagram page for a step-by-step guide, or just keep a look out for their signature light green exterior.
Thailand-based Asiatic Agro Industry has launched its latest Cocomax Coconut Shake to shake the heat out of you. Shake it before you drink it; Cocomax Coconut Shake is ideal as a food accompaniment or drink it on its own to refresh during summer.Â
Thai seaweed snack maker Taokaenoi has released a new tomato-flavoured seaweed snack in Thailand. Taokaenoi has also launched two popcorn flavoured seaweed snacks in collaboration with Major Cineplex’s Popcorn Major.Â
The company also introduced the Taokaenoi Thai Series Street Food for export and local markets to capture consumer interest in Thai flavours including Pad Thai, Thai Papaya Salad with Salted Egg and Stir Fried Chicken with Basil.
In another development, Taokaenoi utilises the power of AI to create new dishes featuring seaweed. The purpose of turning to AI is to communicate the versatility and compatibility of seaweed in everyday dishes, thus creating more avenues of consumption. Taokaenoi has taken the step in the right direction by encouraging consumers to use seaweed as a topping.
Halls, the candy brand of Mondelez International, has made the new Halls XS Cola Chill available in Thailand. The new sugar-free candy helps consumers cool off and refresh during the hot summer.Â
In early 2023, Mondelez launched the refreshing Halls Icy Strawberry Syrup inspired by the local Thai dessert.
Other new launches in the past few months by Halls:
Halls XS Double Trouble offers instant cooling and flavor (Fresh Freezing/Hot Spicy) with the Harley Quinn Edition pack.
Halls XS Duo Flavors Limited Edition – enjoy ultimate coolness with the fruity aroma of watermelon and freshness from blueberries launched in conjunction with the release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse movie.
Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) is actively providing treated water from its layer complexesâ biogas production system to assist local farmers in growing their crops. This effort is part of the ‘Recycled Water Sharing’ program, designed to mitigate the impact of water scarcity during drought season.
Mr. Somkid Wannalukkhee, the Head of the Layer Business at CP Foods, acknowledges the severe water shortages faced by farmers nearby the Layer Complexes, which involve layer hen farming and egg sorting operations. In response, the layer business units of CP Foods have supplied biogas-treated wastewater for crop irrigation. In 2023, five-layer complexes distributed approximately 181,000 cubic meters of water, benefiting crops over an area exceeding 145 rai, including oil palm, watermelon, pumpkin, sugarcane, corn, and Napier grass. This initiative has played a crucial role in ensuring a reliable water source for the farming communities.
CP Foods adheres to a ‘Zero Discharge’ policy, preventing the release of treated wastewater from its poultry farms and processing plants. The company utilizes the recycled water for watering trees and gardens within its operations. The operations also share the treated water to nearby farmers to sustain their crops through tough drought conditions.
The farmers have experienced this treated water from biogas system have nutrient-rich as ‘Fertilizer Water,’ containing three key organic nutrients vital for crop growth. This has led to increased crop productivity and reduced fertilizer costs.
One of the beneficiaries, La Dunai, who manages 10 rai of oil palm trees, has experienced a 20% boost in yield and income by watering his crops from the Chana Layer Complex. He aims to extend the use of the recycled water to his watermelon fields for similar benefits.
Wirot Jaiduong, a Napier grass farmer in Sankamphaeng District, Chiang Mai, uses the treated wastewater from Sankamphaengâs Layer Complex for his six rai of crops, enabling up to four harvests a year and significantly lowering his fertilizer expenses. He has expressed gratitude towards CP Foods for this support, which has significantly increased his yields and alleviated the effects of drought.
For over two decades, CP Foods has launched its “Recycled Water Sharing” project, which began by distributing treated water from biogas production systems at its pig farms. The initiative has since expanded to layer operations and processing plants, further assisting farmers. This project is aligned with the company’s dedication to the 3Rs principleâReduce, Reuse, Recycleâwith the aim of maximizing water resource efficiency throughout its operations. Biogas systems are employed to manage waste from operations, effectively reducing odors and converting wastewater into renewable energy to be used within operations. The recycled water from biogas system is utilized for watering plantâs purpose and provided to farmers during periods of drought.
Homegrown Malaysian Entrepreneur Disrupts Industry With StreetwearÂ
KUALA LUMPUR, 22 February 2024 – One homegrown Shopee Live entrepreneur has disrupted the Malaysian sleepwear market by targeting customers searching for trendy, modest, and affordable pyjamas that can be worn publicly. Bella Hazaha Pyjamas, launched in September 2023, has carved out a unique space in ready-to-wear pyjama fashion, by selling over 500 pyjamas daily and becoming a top seller on Shopee Live.
“Shopee Live has been a game-changer,” says founder Bella. “Gone are the days of niche social media advertising. Now, I connect directly with customers, showcasing products in real time. It’s like having a personal shopping assistant â the platform tracks orders while the host explains each pyjama’s details. This has streamlined operations and boosted my business significantly. I even opened a physical office and warehouse to meet demand!”
Redefining Sleepwear Beyond the Bedroom
Going beyond traditional sleepwear, Bella Hazaha shatters stereotypes with bold prints, vibrant colours, and playful patterns. Their best-selling Kaftan Dress, designed by Bella herself, resonates with women who crave both comfort and self-expression, boasting over 36,600 pieces sold. The collection consists of 16 stunning patterns, ensuring every woman finds her perfect match, from âDaisyâ to âLeopard printâ.
Bella Hazaha’s Pyjamas suitable for a relaxing day by the beach
âOur customers are owning their individuality,â she explains. âWhile satin and silk sleepwear offer undeniable luxury and sensuality, their hefty price tag can be a barrier for many. We strive to create affordable luxury fashion pieces without compromising on quality. Thatâs why we use cotton mix for our sleepwear. This material isn’t just budget-friendly, but it also provides comfort and practicality, offering low maintenance and easy care.â
Harnessing the power of live streaming, Bella revolutionises the way customers connect and shop. During a recent session with over 3,400 viewers, a viewer asked, “What size is right for me? I’m 151cm and 60kg.” The host, demonstrating quick thinking and product expertise, promptly recommended a size âSâ and went on to explain the brand’s sizing guide in detail, giving viewers confidence in their purchase decision. The brand goes live daily at 12PM, offering Malaysians not just affordable pyjamas below RM30 but also a friendly and informative shopping companion.
Personalising Audience Experience
To maintain brand consistency, Bella handpicks and trains each host as a brand ambassador. âI believe that livestream hosts are not just tasked to answer questions â they are the face of our brand. I ensure that my hosts are trained far beyond scripts, standardising everything from makeup and headscarf styles to host-audience interaction. Itâs a demanding approach, but what truly sets us apart is our ability to captivate viewers with both stunning fashion and genuine connection.
Bella Hazahaâs live team drives a sevenfold increase in sales through captivating Shopee Live sessions. Since its launch, the brand has strategically expanded its team from three to eight hosts, attributing a significant portion of its sales success to their lively streams that build trust and drive conversions.
“Maintaining energy and engagement during our four to eight hour daily streams demands a lot from our hosts,” says Bella. “To ensure their well-being and maximise viewer interaction, we rotate between two hosts per stream, allowing for short breaks and recharged energy. Peak sales periods on Shopee can be intense, with viewership spiking over sevenfold from an average of 36,000 views. We prioritise addressing every comment, fostering a sense of community and ensuring no viewer feels neglected.” she concluded.
