In response to the healthy eating trend, Unilever has launched Bango Less Sugar to help consumers reduce their sugar and sodium intake in food. Bango is an authentic Indonesian soy sauce brand established in 1928.
Bango Less Sugar is the new name of Bango Light, sweetened with stevia, first launched in 2017.
Bango Less Sugar has 45% less sugar and 50% less salt compared to the regular Bango Kecap Manis.
PT Marimas Putera Kencana, the company known for its powdered drink Marimas, Mariteh and Cocorio, has launched Marimas Rice Cracker Seaweed. The rice crackers are baked, not fried and come in 50% more content offering more value for money.
PT Glico Indonesia has introduced the Alfie brand in Indonesia. Alfie has been a long-selling product in Thailand since 1977. It is a casual chocolate bar with a unique texture from crushed pretzel or cocoa black cookies inside.
With the tagline ‘crunchy in every bite,’ Alfie is available in the following flavours: Milk Chocolate, Strawberry Milk and Peanut.
Quality you can’t resist with the goodness of vitamin C for a healthy boost this year-end festivities and holiday season
Singapore, 14 December 2023 – Sunkist, the most eminent name in the citrus world, prides itself on offering consumers fresh, delicious, and premium fruit, filled with the goodness of vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) for a healthy boost especially during the year-end festivities and holiday season.
This commitment to health and wellness is a cornerstone of the Sunkist brand, allowing consumers to incorporate vitamin C into their daily diet, and enhance their nutritional intake and overall health. This nutrient serves everyone’s wellbeing, allowing them to fully enjoy the holiday celebrations and end-of-year festivities with the confidence that they are supporting their health effectively.
Sunkist Orange Juice is rich in vitamins A, C, and E – powerful antioxidants that help to strengthen your immune system and protect your body against infections. Antioxidants shield healthy cells from free-radical damage, while the high Vitamin C content in the juice promotes the production of white blood cells, which are essential to a healthy immune system.
Sunkist is proud to celebrate 125 years of providing unparalleled quality and delicious taste as it upholds its tagline, ‘Quality You Can’t Resist’. It remains a household name as the world’s expert in oranges, offering consumers a taste of heritage, reliability, and nutritional goodness.
As the world continues to enjoy the juiciest fruits and thirst-quenching cups of orange juice by Sunkist, growers of citrus groves across sunny California and Arizona use both time-honoured family farm growing practices and innovative techniques to produce high-quality and irresistible quality products that families worldwide can enjoy.
Such growing and production practices result in trusted Sunkist quality, where every fruit is hand-picked with care and inspected for quality and consistency to ensure that the produce complies with the strictest regulations for food safety, packaging, and labelling.
Consumers can savour Sunkist‘s delights and nutritional goodness in more ways than one. They can enjoy the refreshing taste of Sunkist, not just tantalising juice in a chilled tall glass, but also a deliciously creamy bowl of ice cream with a zesty touch on the tastebuds.
Strengthen your immune system this holiday season and stand a chance to win a trip for two to San Francisco, California, worth $S5,000
From now to 31 December, stand a chance to win two return Singapore Airlines economy air tickets from Singapore to the city of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco in California, worth S$5,000. Purchase S$12.00 worth of Sunkist Juice and/or Sunkist Ice Cream, and visit www.sunkist-contest.com to upload your receipt as proof of purchase of the said Sunkist product(s). This promotion is exclusively held in Singapore. Terms & conditions apply.
The all-time favourite Sunkist range of products are high in vitamin C, halal-certified, and can be found in the major supermarkets, hypermarkets and convenience stores all around Singapore with the respective Recommended Selling Price:
For more information, please visit https://sg.fnlife.com/sunkist. Follow Sunkist Juice Singapore @sunkistjuices on Instagram for more updates.
PETALING JAYA, 15th December 2023 — KFC Malaysia is inviting you to San-Thai this holiday season with three mouthwatering additions. The KFC San-Thai Crunch, KFC San-Thai Burger, and the muchanticipated return of the Hot & Spicy Shrimp will be available for a limited time, from 15th December 2023.
The KFC San-Thai Crunch is a gourmet twist to the all-time favourite fried chicken, featuring a rich blend of Thai seasonings, while the KFC San-Thai Burger is layered with rich Thai sauces and an assortment of Thai spices, making it the perfect zing for the holiday season.
Bringing back a crowd favourite, the Hot & Spicy Shrimp features bouncy whole shrimp meat marinated in KFC’s signature Hot & Spicy flavours. The Hot & Spicy Shrimp comes with every Holiday Bucket, making it an ideal addition to your holiday feasting.
“The Thai cuisine is extremely versatile and is a favourite among Malaysians. Being able to innovate and incorporate these rich flavours into our offerings is exciting for us and is a testament to our commitment of offering a diverse range of flavours for our customers,” said KFC Malaysia’s Chief Marketing Officer Premnath Unnikrishnan.
He added that the Holiday Bucket paired with the all-new Hot & Spicy shrimp would be the perfect side to fulfilling meal this year end.
Make sure to experience your very own San-Thai culinary journey with these new offerings at all KFC outlets starting 15th December 2023. For more information log on to kfc.com.my.
A Love Letter to Malaysian Entrepreneurs Online
KUALA LUMPUR, 15 December 2023 – The groundbreaking documentary “Shopee Rai Lokal” premiered last night at Shopee Super Awards 2023, held at the Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The film follows the stories of three homegrown sellers who have shattered barriers and achieved success on e-commerce.
“This film is a love letter to Malaysian entrepreneurs,” said Shopee Head of Marketing, Kenneth Soh. “We want to remind Malaysians buying local that behind the online storefronts, there are many people and communities who our sellers support; this documentary is a testament to their intelligence, resilience, and values.”
“Shopee Rai Lokal” is an inspiring and thought-provoking look at the challenges and triumphs of sellers in their journey to finding their niche online. The film features interviews with Edward Wong of HomeDecoStore, Felicia Tan of Mamami Shoppe, and Mohd Zaid of Lampu Cherita. They share their personal stories of overcoming obstacles, starting small, and achieving sustained growth in their respective fields.
The documentary, Shopee’s first in Malaysia, was produced in collaboration with Khairil M. Bahar, an award-winning indie filmmaker who is known for Ciplak (2006), Relationship Status (2012), Cuak (2014) and Kickflip (2020). His work has been featured at numerous film festivals, television, and streaming networks.
“By sharing this documentary, we hope to inspire others to reach for their dreams online. We are also making it easy for Malaysians to shop local by spotlighting super star sellers and capturing their stories,” said Soh.
Shopee Super Awards 2023 is a major e-commerce industry awards held annually in Kuala Lumpur proving the win-win relationship between online communities driving economic inclusion on e-commerce and Shopee’s role in enabling that. The event, attended by Ainul Aishah, Ceddy Ang, Dato’ Jovian, Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza, Dolla, Neelofa, Nuex Rosli, Zoey Rahman, and more, celebrated the achievements of 100 beloved brands, homegrown sellers, and outstanding talents that achieved exceptional growth in online sales.
Award winners excelled on e-commerce by consistently taking part in Shopee’s upskilling programmes: attending free courses on Shopee University, networking at Shopee Seller Summit, leveraging Shopee Marketing Solutions, participating in free educational KOL masterclasses, exchanging ideas at Shopee House, and growing their personal brand via Shopee Live.
Edward Wong, the founder of HomeDecoStore, discovered his entrepreneurial calling on Shopee after being forced to give up his job as a flight instructor due to the pandemic. Teaching himself how to operate all aspects of his startup, he explored various ventures online before stumbling upon a unique opportunity when he collaborated with his E-commerce Assistant, Asmanissa Kamaruzaman: the mini sejadah (prayer mat). Edward’s customer engagement on Shopee Live transcends cultural barriers, allowing him to integrate customer preferences into his sejadah designs seamlessly while respecting religious sensitivities. HDS Sejadah Muka has become HomeDecoStore’s best-selling item, bulk purchases of up to 10,000 pieces in two to three weeks, for special occasions like kenduri (banquet/feast). To Edward, these prayer mats symbolise appreciation for Malaysia’s cultural diversity and traditions.
“I want to highlight the fact that young fresh grads go above and beyond to stake our long-term careers on the power of online marketing. Yet we are very much an unappreciated category of sellers compared to more well-known multinationals. I hope we spark a wider conversation on what it’s like to have local entrepreneurs represented on camera. Everyone’s journey matters as much as the end goal; we need to enjoy the journey and adapt if anything comes up along the way. The support and recognition we receive on Shopee is truly valuable, as our average bulk orders range from 200 to 300 pieces, and we sell approximately 1,000 pieces in a week. This success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team,” said Edward Wong, founder of HomeDecoStore.
In 2008, Mamami Shoppe was formally established as a tribute to Felicia Tan’s mother, affectionately known as “Mama,” who instilled a deep appreciation for healthy living within the family. Inspired by Mama’s teachings, Felicia embarked on a mission to share this wholesome lifestyle with the wider community. Mamami Shoppe’s foray into e-commerce in 2017 marked a significant milestone in its journey. By establishing a presence on Shopee, the company gained access to a wider audience, enabling it to connect with health-conscious consumers across Malaysia. The company’s growth trajectory was further propelled by the positive word-of-mouth recommendations of its loyal customer base. Today, Mamami Shoppe employs over 50% women and has positively impacted the livelihoods of approximately 30 locals, 20 local vendors, and their dependents.
“In today’s society, it’s so rare to just have three neighbourhood sellers talk, isn’t it? I feel so fortunate to have this emotionally intelligent team from Shopee come in and genuinely uncover our journey in transitioning from traditional to digital… We didn’t stage anything. We just walked the aisles and they found our gems.” said Felicia Tan, founder-owner of Mamami Shoppe.
“I am grateful to be supported by a loving family, who has allowed me to grow this business that started off from a home-office as I grappled with the delicate dance of balancing business demands and family ties. Today, we have grown to have over six warehouses, and it is our hope that we can continue to expand our nourishing touch to new horizons in Latin America and the Middle East in the future,” added Felicia.
After nine years of searching for his true calling, Mohd Zaid of Lampu Cherita bravely picked himself up after several failed attempts at starting a business online when he discovered his passion for candle making. Guided by his observation that Malaysians spent hundreds of ringgit on scents, and that there was no real affordable option in the market for people like him, he founded Lampu Cherita. With the support of his family and two part-time staff, he meticulously hand-poured and custom-created 50 to 100 candles daily from his home-based operations in Kajang. Despite losing valuable inventory to floods and financial constraints that forced him to operate from home, Mohd Zaid remained undeterred, interacting with his customers on Shopee, gathering feedback, and taking personalised orders on Shopee Live. In addition to running his business, he actively engages and supports other sellers as a Shopee Bintang member.
“It’s the power of storytelling. I’ve spent the last few years figuring out how many different businesses failed while I was at Astro before I finally found my niche online with candles. I’ve had rainstorms flood my inventory and put out the lights on my savings. I know what it means to use livestream and storytelling online to get through some tough times. It is my dream that every home in Malaysia will be filled with the scent of Lampu Cherita candles,” said Mohd Zaid, founder of Lampu Cherita.
Shopee Rai Lokal is part of a series of authentic stories told across channels to spotlight local sellers and raise awareness for buying local. It is part of Shopee’s commitment to drive greater inclusion in the marketplace and use technology to help build communities.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 15 December 2023 – FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has been awarded ‘Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2023’ by HR Asia for three years in a row for strong employee engagement within its corporate culture and exemplary human resource management practices. FedEx received a second ‘Asia Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)’ award, honoring the company’s efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In addition, FedEx was also honored with the ‘2023 MY AMCHAM Cares’ award presented by the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) in Malaysia for the fourth consecutive year.
Winners of the HR Asia awards were evaluated based on a set of criteria spanning three categories – leadership and organization, emotional engagement and team dynamics in which team members were asked to rate the company. The HR Asia awards aims at identifying Asia’s employers of choice across thirteen countries/territories in the region. Its purpose is to recognize companies based on HR practices, and also companies that demonstrate high levels of employee engagement coupled by excellent workplace cultures.
“We are privileged to be recognized with these esteemed awards that reflect our dedication to cultivating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace for our team members,” said Tien Long Woon, managing director of FedEx Express Malaysia. “Anchored in our People-first philosophy, we continue to focus on empowering and supporting our team members to create an impact, learn and grow, and spread their wings. As we commemorate our 30th anniversary in Malaysia, these accolades symbolize the enduring commitment and exceptional performance of our team members in creating an environment where they are inspired to deliver the Purple Promise, to make every FedEx experience outstanding and deliver service excellence.”
In addition, FedEx was recognized by AMCHAM Malaysia for its continuous commitment to propelling corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the country. For two years in a row, FedEx received the recognition of ‘Champion Level’ for fostering positive societal impact spanning five key areas: Sustainability, Strategy, Measurability, Communications and Partnerships. A significant part of these initiatives include the FedEx / JA International Trade Challenge, which has benefitted more than 8,600 students for the past fifteen years by nurturing young talents to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset geared toward international trade. FedEx also supports local communities through initiatives such as the vegetable farming program, demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainability and community well-being as part of the global FedEx Cares initiative. Continuing this momentum, FedEx employees celebrated the company’s 30th year in Malaysia through planting 100 trees in Penang and Johor. This initiative helps preserve Malaysia’s natural heritage and promotes sustainable food practices through the creation of a food forest and seed bank.
Attention, food and beverage visionaries! Mini Me Insights is thrilled to announce Mini Me Muse (Minimemuse), a platform where the next big food/drink idea could become reality. Inspired by your endless requests for new product inspiration, we’re finally opening our vault of delicious secrets. No matter how wacky or wonderful the idea is, do join in the conversation with comments below. Remember, every comment is a potential spark for the next food sensation.
Bitter Gourd: A Cooling Powerhouse for Summer (and Beyond)
Traditionally revered in Chinese medicine for its cooling properties, the bitter gourd isn’t just a unique vegetable, it’s a summertime superhero. Its bitterness helps combat internal heat, providing relief from the scorching days and reducing inflammation.
We can harness the gourd’s power without the intense bite by incorporating it into delicious dishes. Imagine instant noodles infused with the subtle bitterness of dehydrated bitter gourd, or a flavorful soup where the gourd’s cooling essence mingles with other ingredients.
Forget boring potato chips! These babies pack a punch with the unexpected pairing of bitter gourd’s earthy coolness and classic salty crunch. Are you brave enough for the bitter bite?
KUALA LUMPUR, 14 DECEMBER 2023 – The Coca-Cola system in Malaysia is taking a significant step toward circularity in plastic packaging with the nationwide launch of Coca-Cola® Original Taste and Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar 500ml bottles made from 100% recycled plastic bottles (excluding caps and labels).
Coca-Cola currently offers at least one brand made from 100% recycled plastic bottles in over 40 countries worldwide, including Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and now Malaysia.
The 100% recycled PET plastic bottles maintain the high-quality consumers expect, adhering to The Coca-Cola Company’s stringent global standards for food-grade, 100% recycled plastic bottle packaging. Additionally, they are Halal-Certified by the Halal Inspection Body recognized by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
Kirsten van Zandwijk, Sustainability & Partnerships Director, ASEAN & South Pacific, The Coca-Cola Company stated, “Recognizing the urgency and complexity of the plastic waste challenge in Malaysia, we acknowledge the collaborative efforts needed to address this issue. In line with our commitment to building a circular economy in the country, we are introducing innovative packaging designs like our new 100% recycled plastic bottles. These bottles align with our brand philosophy of ‘Dari Botol Jadi Botol,’ emphasizing that every bottle has a second life. We are also expanding collection and recycling programs and deepening stakeholder and industry partnerships. Leveraging the Coca-Cola brand’s influence and reach, we actively engage Malaysian consumers in recycling initiatives, encouraging them to embrace the concept that every bottle can transform and contribute to a sustainable future.
This initiative aligns with The Coca-Cola Company’s global sustainable packaging strategy, aiming to use at least 50% recycled content in its packaging by 2030 globally.
“The launch of 100% recycled plastic bottles in Malaysia underscores our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. Recognizing the critical role businesses play in fostering positive change, we remain dedicated to supporting and boosting the collection of post-consumer packaging. Our goal is to continue utilizing recycled materials, contributing significantly to Malaysia’s environmental objectives. By actively engaging in sustainable practices and promoting the circular economy, we strive to make enduring contributions towards a more sustainable future,” notes Khairul Anwar Ab. Gahani, Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Director, Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei, Coca-Cola Bottlers Malaysia.
Together with its bottling arms, Coca-Cola Bottlers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Coca-Cola is driving innovations in packaging and enhancing collection recycling capacity in Malaysia. The 100% recycled plastic bottles undergo local processing and manufacturing in the Coca-Cola bottling plant at Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan, proudly symbolizing their Malaysian origin. This commitment echoes Coca-Cola’s dedication to sustainability, reflecting that these bottles are “made in Malaysia, by Malaysians, for Malaysians.” The bottles prominently feature the slogan “Dari Botol Jadi Botol,” signifying the transformative journey each bottle takes.
COCA-COLA MALAYSIA ‘RECYCLE ME!’ CAMPAIGN
Prior to the launch of the 100% rPET Bottles, Coca-Cola Malaysia once again initiated its ‘Recycle Me’ Campaign for the second consecutive year, aiming to raise awareness and drive action regarding the importance of plastic segregation and recycling.
The sustainability initiative, in collaboration with AEON Malaysia, Hiroyuki Industries, and Trash4Cash, intends to promote public awareness around the value of recycling.
Consumers are encouraged to collect PET bottles in exchange for cash rewards based on their contributions. For every 10 bottles deposited, participants are eligible for a RM0.10 Trash4Cash buy-back incentive, complemented by Coca-Cola products. Consumers can now scan the QR code on the Smart Recycle Bin to provide their details, facilitating a seamless and efficient experience for all participants.
This year, Coca-Cola Malaysia and its partners are expanding their efforts to 15 AEON malls across five states – Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor. Collected bottles are then transported to the leading recycler, Hiroyuki Industries, where they undergo a process to be transformed into another bottle at a later stage.
For more information about sustainability initiatives and future announcements from Coca-Cola Malaysia, please visit its Facebook and Instagram pages, or check out the Coca-Cola Malaysia Website.
Exhibition tickets starting from only RM18*
KUALA LUMPUR, December 14, 2023 – Malaysia’s First NARUTO Exhibition, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the iconic anime series, is now offering a limited-time price reduction on tickets as it enters its final month. The promotion begins today and lasts until the end of December 2023, with ticket prices starting as low as RM18 for selected categories. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating world of NARUTO at Pavilion Bukit Jalil!
Experience the Unforgettable at NARUTO TV Animation 20th Anniversary Exhibition Malaysia
As the first-ever NARUTO exhibition in Malaysia, the “NARUTO TV Animation 20th Anniversary Exhibition Malaysia” has captivated fans of all ages since its opening. Now, as the exhibition enters its final month, organisers are offering a special price reduction on tickets, making it even more accessible for Malaysians to experience this immersive event.
Here’s why you shouldn’t miss out on the NARUTO TV Animation 20th Anniversary Exhibition Malaysia:
Step into the World of NARUTO: Dive into the captivating world of NARUTO through breathtaking 3D sets, galleries showcasing ninja tools, and an exhilarating virtual reality experience. Immerse yourself in the iconic scenes and relive your favorite moments from the series.
Explore Thematic Zones: Embark on a 45-minute tour of 21 thematic zones, including the Hidden Leaf Village, Hokage Rock, Ninja Training Ground, and more. Each zone offers a unique and interactive experience that will transport you into the heart of the NARUTO universe.
Unforgettable Photo Opportunities: Capture memories at the iconic Hokage Rock, stand in front of life-sized replicas of key locations like Ichiraku Ramen and the Academy, and test your skills at the Ninja Training Ground. The exhibition provides numerous photo opportunities to commemorate your visit.
Discover the Uchiha Clan and Boruto’s World: Explore the rich history and powerful abilities of the Uchiha Clan, and step into the world of Boruto with interactive exhibits and a mind-blowing virtual reality experience. Delve deeper into the NARUTO universe and uncover new dimensions of the story.
Exclusive Merchandise: Indulge in your love for NARUTO by shopping for exclusive merchandise, including collectibles, apparel, and accessories. Take home a piece of the NARUTO legacy and proudly showcase your fandom.
Ticketing Details
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the NARUTO TV Animation 20th Anniversary Exhibition Malaysia before it closes its doors. With the limited-time price reduction, tickets for adults are now available online or at the door starting at RM38 (originally RM68) or RM68 (originally RM98) for the package (Exhibition Ticket + VR Ticket)*. Tickets for children under the age of 12 are available at RM18 (originally RM28) or RM38 (originally RM48) for the package (Exhibition Ticket + VR Ticket).
For more information regarding ticket options, please visit https://my.bookmyshow.com/e/N20EXMYS or contact mmic_entertainment@outlook.com.
*Please note that ticket prices exclude the RM4 booking fee.
