Vitamilk Philippines has introduced its newest melon-flavoured soy milk, available exclusively at 7-Eleven stores nationwide.
Meanwhile, Vitamilk Ube, originally launched in 2024, is now hitting shelves in major retailers across the country. Ube, a native purple yam of the Philippines, continues to captivate tastebuds with its unique flavour and vibrant hue. Vitamilk Ube exemplifies successful flavour localisation, showcasing how regional tastes can be embraced in product innovation.
OT Group in Indonesia has unveiled a vibrant new packaging for its Tango Kido UHT flavoured milk. Now with an enhanced formula, it delivers nine essential vitamins, is rich in calcium, and provides a good source of phosphorus—all while offering reduced sugar content. Tango Kido comes in a variety of delicious flavors including Banana, Strawberry, Chocolate, Full Cream and Honey
OT Group has introduced a new blackcurrant variant to its iconic Teh Gelas ready-to-drink tea lineup in an affordable cup format in Indonesia. Plus, consumers stand a chance to win exciting instant prizes hidden beneath the bottle cap.
At the 2025 Jakarta Fair, OT Group is unveiling a new beverage in an adorable bear-shaped bottle. Branded as ChaChaGo, this special drink comes in four delightful flavours: Jasmine Milk Tea, Roasted Oolong Milk Tea, Cappuccino Sago Tea and Sunset Peach Tea.
In a fun new twist, OT Group’s Vita Jelly has introduced four playful characters—Viri, Vije, Guvi and Javi—on its packaging to add a burst of personality and uplift the mood. Vita Jelly is a deliciously refreshing and satisfying jelly drink packed with high fibre and essential vitamins B3, B6 and C. Crafted to hydrate, energize, and keep hunger at bay, it is available in a variety of tasty flavors including orange, strawberry, grape and guava.
Organisers of Unicorn Media and One Hope Charity, with Baby Reese and her mum Rachel at the Race to Save launch
“Launch of SMA Foundation Aims to Provide Hope and Resources for Children with SMA”
Kuala Lumpur, 26 June, 2025 – In a powerful story of hope, resilience and collective compassion, five-year-old Reese Tan Rui Xin fondly known as Baby Reese has successfully received RM9 million in lifesaving gene therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 (SMA Type 2), thanks to nationwide support and the dedicated efforts of several charitable organizations and creative agencies.
Diagnosed in September 2022, Baby Reese suffered severe muscle weakness due to SMA, a rare and often fatal genetic disorder. At the time, she was unable to crawl, stand or walk and needed respiratory assistance to eat and breathe, conditions that placed her life at critical risk.
Baby Reese and mum, Rachel at the Race to Save launch
Under urgent medical advice to administer the Zolgensma gene therapy before the age of two, her family turned to One Hope Charity and Welfare for help. Together with Unicorn Media and Hexarus Creative Agency, an ambitious nationwide fundraising campaign was launched and the nation responded. Through a wave of public generosity and strategic storytelling, the RM9 million goal was achieved, enabling Baby Reese to undergo treatment at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).
Today, Baby Reese is in stable and satisfactory condition, with encouraging medical results marking a major milestone in her recovery.
Catch Her Story on Astro – “Race to Save”
Baby Reese’s inspiring journey will be featured in a 30-minute episode of Astro’s “Race to Save” program, airing on Channel 306 this 28th June at 9pm. This episode will capture the emotional and medical battle she endured, the nationwide fundraising efforts and her recovery progress post-treatment.
“We hope this broadcast inspires families and raises awareness about SMA,” said Romeo Tan, CEO of Unicorn Media. “Reese’s story showed us how digital storytelling can mobilize real-world action. Unicorn Media is proud to be part of this journey and we will continue to fight for children like Reese through the upcoming SMA Foundation.”
Foundation Launch and Awareness Mission
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is the leading genetic cause of infant mortality and a rare, inherited neuromuscular disorder that affects muscle strength and movement¹ Globally, SMA occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 live births, with birth prevalence rates varying from 1 in 6,000 to 1 in 16,000 depending on region.²
In Malaysia, although comprehensive national registries are lacking, the estimated incidence is around 1 per 20,000 live births (roughly 4.9 per 100,000), translating to 20 to 30 new cases annually.³ A local study projects that about 50 infants are born with SMA each year based on Malaysia’s annual birth population.⁴
SMA is still a little-known disease in Malaysia, impacting newborns to adolescence. Many parents are clueless how to manage this disease which is on the rise in the country.
Building on the momentum of Baby Reese’s case, Baby Reese’s mother will establish a dedicated SMA Foundation next year to raise greater awareness of SMA and support more children affected by this rare disease. The foundation aims to provide financial assistance, educational resources, and promote pre-pregnancy genetic screening to help families detect genetic risks early.
“Nothing prepares a parent for hearing that your child may not survive without a treatment you can’t afford. I am forever grateful to everyone who prayed, donated and stood with us. Reese is alive today because of you all. Now, we want to help other families walk this path with hope, not fear,” said Rachel Chung, Baby Reese’s mother.
“There are still many public misperceptions surrounding SMA, including its causes, symptoms and how families can manage the condition. Traditionally, there was no cure or hope for children diagnosed with SMA, and families had to rely entirely on supportive care to manage the symptoms,” said Professor Dr. Thong Meow Keong, UMMC’s leading geneticist and paediatrician.
“Medical advancements have offered new hope in the fight against SMA. Zolgensma is a breakthrough treatment, but timing is everything. Zolgensma is a one-time gene therapy used to treat Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic disorder that affects muscle strength and movement. Zolgensma works by replacing the missing or faulty gene (called SMN1) that causes SMA, helping the body produce the protein needed for muscle control and movement,” explained Professor Dr. Thong Meow Keong. The earlier a child receives it, the better the outcomes. We urge all parents planning a family to undergo pre-pregnancy genetic screening. Early detection saves lives and Baby Reese is living proof.”
Steven Yang (second from right) launching Malaysia’s Biggest-Capacity Refrigerator officially certified by the Malaysia Book of Records (2)
Kuala Lumpur, 25 June 2025 – Toshiba Sales & Services Sdn. Bhd. proudly unveils its latest innovation—the NaturePURE Series 820L Refrigerator, officially certified by the Malaysia Book of Records as the biggest-capacity refrigerator in Malaysia. This landmark launch marks a significant milestone in celebration of Toshiba’s 95th anniversary, honoring nearly a century of leadership in innovation, reliability and customer-focused excellence.
Managing Director Steven Yang with the newly-launched Toshiba NaturePURE Series 820L Refrigerator
“In 2025, Toshiba continues to chart strong growth by expanding our diversified product portfolio to reflect the evolving needs and values of today’s consumers,” said Mr. Steven Yang, Managing Director of Toshiba Sales & Services Sdn. Bhd. Steven added that Toshiba Malaysia is targeting 25% year-on-year growth compared to 2024, driven by rising consumer demand for technologically advanced and aesthetically refined home appliances.
Sustained Market Leadership Across Core Categories
As of Q1 2025, Toshiba Malaysia has achieved significant market share across its key home appliance segments:
Refrigerators: 16.7% (Ranked No. 2)
Washing Machines: 13.6% (Ranked No. 2)
Microwave Ovens: 10.5% (Ranked No. 5)
Toshiba’s market share continues to expand steadily across all product categories, driven by rising demand for smart, functional and energy-efficient home solutions. This results reflect the brand’s continued strength in delivering lifestyle-enhancing solutions that resonate with Malaysian households.
In the broader ASEAN region, Toshiba continues to deepen its market footprint, with Thailand maintaining strong performance and Japan, its home market, continuing to lead in brand dominance and customer loyalty.
Expanding Retail Footprint in Malaysia
To enhance accessibility and brand experience, Toshiba opened its first brand store in Kuala Lumpur in 2024 to overwhelming consumer response. This success has led to rapid expansion, with:
14 brand stores currently operating nationwide
A goal of opening 1 flagship store and establishing 50 Shop-in-Shop (SIS) outlets by the end of 2025
NaturePURE 820L: Redefining Refrigeration at Scale
Toshiba NaturePURE Series 820L Refrigerator officially certified by the Malaysia Book of Records as the biggest-capacity refrigerator in Malaysia
The NaturePURE 820L Refrigerator is ASEAN’s first four-door, side-by-side refrigerator with a capacity exceeding 820 litres. Designed for multi-generational households, the appliance offers expansive and compartmentalized storage—ideal for organizing everything from baby food and fresh produce to skincare items and frozen essentials.
Powered by High-Capacity Technology, the NaturePURE features super-thin insulation and component miniaturization to maximize internal storage without increasing external size.
Key Features Include:
PureAIR Sterilization System: Eliminates 99.99% of bacteria and 99% of odors through hourly active purification—ideal for families with infants or health-sensitive needs.
PureAIR Turbo Mode: Purifies 3× faster than standard mode—perfect for traditional or strong-smelling dishes.
Pure ICE 3-Level System: Delivers hygienic, odorless ice with FDA-certified water systems and integrated sterilization.
Magic 2 Sizes Ice Maker: Industry-first dual-mode ice maker producing cubed and half-cubed ice, up to 2kg in 95 minutes.
Superior Cooling with R290 Refrigerant: Offers 30% faster cooling while using eco-friendly refrigerants for reduced environmental impact.
Looking Ahead: Japandi-Inspired Product Expansion
Toshiba’s innovation roadmap includes the continued rollout of its signature “Japandi” Series—a harmonious fusion of Japanese craftsmanship and Scandinavian design sensibilities. Following the debut of the first Japandi refrigerator in 2024, Toshiba will expand the concept to include dishwashers, water purifiers, and other home appliances—bringing seamless design and intuitive functionality into modern Malaysian homes.
Indonesia’s Mayora Indah has introduced an exciting new fusion product: Energen with Beng Beng Balls, a delicious twist on their classic instant cereal drink. This innovative variant blends the wholesome goodness of Energen’s cereal-based nutrition with the indulgent crunch of Beng Beng Balls, creating a richer, more satisfying mouthfeel in every sip.
By combining the comfort of Energen with the iconic crunch of Beng Beng, Mayora is aiming to offer a new kind of breakfast or snack experience, one that is nutritious, flavourful and fun.
The new Energen Vanilla-flavoured with Roma Malkist topping is also now available.
Energen, Roma Malkist and Beng Beng are owned by Mayora Indah.
Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the leader of health enrichment products under the BRAND’S trademark in Thailand and Asia, launched “BRAND’S BRAIN CAMP 2025,” a project designed to equip Thai high school students with essential knowledge and skills for future careers.
Omer Malik, CEO for Thailand & Indochina at Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd. stated, “At Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand), we highly prioritize our corporate value of ‘Giving Back to Society,’ with education and youth development as one of our key focus areas. “BRAND’S BRAIN CAMP,” our latest initiative, was a tremendous success last year, attracting over 30,000 students from across the nation and awarding scholarships to winners of the project’s coding competition. These successes also highlighted the remarkable potential of Thai youth and inspired us to further improve the project’s effectiveness in equipping them with digital skills.
“This year’s project seeks to empower high school students on their upcoming university journey and progress towards their dream careers, in line with the commitment of BRAND’S Essence of Chicken to help Gen Z unlock their full potential. Thanks to the benefits of Carnosine and Vitamin B12 which contributes to the normal function of the brain and nervous system, BRAND’S Essence of Chicken will support their self-development and preparation for future challenges. “BRAND’S BRAIN CAMP 2025” is comprised of three main activities:
BRAND’S Career Explorer – An online show “Job Journey” will feature inspiring success stories, including career path and insights from various professionals, such as medical doctors, lawyers, film directors, and people in other emerging careers. Special guests include Boss – Naruebet Kuno, a renowned film director, and Pun – Sornawat Pichaironnarongsongkram, a talented artist. The episodes will be available on “BRAND’S World Thailand” YouTube channel and at brandsbraincamp.com
BRAND’S BRAIN CAMP – A roadshow to major cities nationwide will bring industry experts to share their experiences with the students, focusing on building well-rounded understanding of different careers and sharing an overview of the skills needed. Featured speakers include Toy – Kasidis Satangmongkol, Data Analytics expert from DataRockie, and Nune – Budsirin Yingkeadtikun, anchor and reporter from Thai PBS. With the support of depa, speakers from the agency will educate the attendees about essential digital skills for various professions through workshops and career guidance sessions. The roadshow will kick off in Bangkok on July 5 and 6, 2025 at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), followed Khon Kaen on July 19, 2025, at KICE International Convention and Exhibition Center (KICE), Chiang Mai on August 9, 2025, at Central Chiangmai Airport, and Songkhla on August 16, 2025, at The 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne International Convention Center (ICC HAT YAI)
BRAND’S ProXperience – An internship program will give the students an opportunity to experience their interested jobs in Thailand’s leading companies, introducing them to real-world work environment and skills development for their future careers.
Chatchai Khunpitiluck, Senior Executive Vice President of Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), emphasized the agency’s commitment to capability development of Thailand’s digital workforce. “We support Thai people’s access to digital technologies, innovations, and learning resources to encourage practical application, especially among children and youth. At the same time, we will continue to drive our Digital Skill Roadmap across its three frameworks—Digital Skills for All, Digital-driven Careers, and Digital Professionals—to establish Thailand as a digital nation both in terms of economy and society.”
“Digital technology is evolving very quickly, resulting in high demand for tech-skilled people in all sectors. The partnership with Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) through “BRAND’S BRAIN CAMP” presents an excellent opportunity for us to prepare Thailand’s future digital workforce. depa will be represented in the team of speakers to share the knowledge, skills, and experiences in digital-related careers, in line with our Digital Skills Roadmap. We are confident that this partnership will be a new milestone in capability development of Thai youth, ensuring that they are well-equipped for the career world of tomorrow,”
Interested high school students can learn more about BRAND’S BRAIN CAMP 2025 and sign up for participation on www.brandsbraincamp.com or BRAND’S World Thailand Facebook page.
New programmes and opening celebrations are announced ahead of the oceanarium’s public opening on 24 July.
SINGAPORE, 26 June 2025 – Resorts World Sentosa (RWS, 圣淘沙名胜世界) has announced that ticket sales have launched for Singapore Oceanarium (新加坡海洋生态馆), which will officially welcome public guests from 24 July 2025 after an official closed-door opening ceremony on 23 July 2025. This marks the public’s first opportunity to experience a transformative, world-class marine experience where storytelling, marine science and meaningful engagement come together to spark knowledge, love and action for our oceans.
To celebrate the launch, Singapore Oceanarium will present a season of opening celebrations featuring a curated series of showcases and a variety of activities by distinguished local talents — encompassing hands-on workshops, installations, presentations and more, designed for visitors of all ages to discover their role in ocean stewardship. Beyond these special celebrations, the oceanarium has also unveiled an expanded suite of purpose-driven public programmes that can be added on to the oceanarium’s day experience.
Opening celebrations: A season of stories and discovery
PHOTO CREDIT: Singapore Oceanarium, Resorts World Sentosa.
A highlight of the opening is Research & Learning Week, taking place from 25 to 27 July 2025 within the Singapore Oceanarium’s dedicated Research and Learning Centre (研究与学习中心). Curated for individuals interested in ocean stewardship, the programme features a range of expert-led talks, hands-on workshops, and curated installations — delivered by both institutional partners and in-house specialists — that showcase ongoing research and advance ocean literacy.
Among the featured showcases is the Living Oceans Exhibition, an insightful look at the diversity and beauty of our blue planet. Presented in collaboration with the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), this showcase features curated specimens from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and research posters from the RWS-NUS Living Laboratory partnership. Together, they underscore the rich biodiversity of marine ecosystems and highlight the importance of protecting our shared ocean heritage.
Ties That Bind, a compelling photo gallery by internationally acclaimed Singaporean photographers Toh Xing Jie and Michael Aw, takes centre stage at the oceanarium. Situated within the Spirit of Exploration zone, the installation highlights the intricate relationships that sustain ocean life, offering an emotive visual narrative of interdependence, resilience and hope.
As part of SG60 National Day celebrations, Ties That Bind highlights the works of Singaporean photographers, showcasing their passion for the ocean and efforts to inspire greater awareness and action for marine conservation. The showcase also has a dedicated section that features marine animals native to Singapore waters, emphasising the rich biodiversity of our local marine environment.
Purpose-driven programmes: Experiences that inspire wonder and action
PHOTO CREDIT: Singapore Oceanarium, Resorts World Sentosa.
Adding to the excitement, Singapore Oceanarium introduces a comprehensive suite of signature programmes designed to deepen engagement with marine science and conservation.
The Singapore Oceanarium Insider Experience offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes journey into the heart of the oceanarium’s operations. Designed to deepen appreciation for marine care and conservation, this expert-guided experience reveals how the oceanarium maintains its immersive habitats and supports the wellbeing of its marine animals, offering meaningful insights into the wonders of marine life.
The Fossilist Workshop, conducted at the Research and Learning Centre, offers participants an eye-opening exploration of fossil formation and scientific significance. Designed for adults and families, the programme includes hands-on excavation activities where participants can unearth and retain their prehistoric discoveries.
The educational journey continues with a curated series of marine animal-themed spotlight programmes.
Animal Spotlight: Sea Jellies Here, guests encounter ancient drifters whose pulsating grace has remained unchanged for over 500 million years. The experience includes a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the Aquarist Lab, where guests observe sea jelly husbandry and breeding efforts, witness a live feeding session and see aquarists in action.
Animal Spotlight: Corals This exclusive behind-the-scenes tour turns attention to the living architects of the reef, revealing their critical role in sustaining marine biodiversity and the efforts underway to protect them. Visitors can also observe our aquarists in action and learn about their coral propagation efforts firsthand.
Ocean in Focus: Into the Abyss This is an in-depth guided tour that offers a closer look into how deep-dwelling animals have not just adapted and survived but thrived in the harshest of conditions. This tour offers private access to support areas where specialised care is provided for these elusive, yet intriguing animals.
Empowering engagement through technology and storytelling
Launching on 23 July 2025, the Singapore Oceanarium mobile app unlocks an entirely new level of interactivity for guests. With augmented and virtual reality features, users can dive deeper into the marine experience, purchase tickets, participate in volunteer activities and access exclusive content to enrich their visit. Guests with valid admission tickets can enjoy priority lane access to enter the oceanarium and unlock free access to Pier Adventure (worth S$10, valid till 31 August 2025), simply by downloading the app and creating an account. Pier Adventure is a suspended web that offers a fresh, elevated view of the Jewel of Muscat, a replica of a ninth-century Arabian dhow from the former Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium, and its surrounding areas.
The journey further invites guests to become co-stewards of the ocean through interactive pledges and story-driven zones that show how small actions can make a big impact. Guests can submit personal commitments via their device and see them displayed in real time on a dynamic digital pledge board — a living visual of collective action, inspired by the fluid motion of ocean waves. Each pledge is also emailed as a personalised digital card, creating a lasting reminder of one’s commitment.
“Singapore Oceanarium represents years of dedicated work by our team – driven by passion, deep research and a commitment to innovation,” said Ms. Lee Shi Ruh, CEO of Resorts World Sentosa. “As we open our doors, we invite guests into a transformative space where science meets wonder, and every encounter sparks knowledge, love, and action for the ocean. From immersive storytelling to awe-inspiring habitats, Singapore Oceanarium reflects our vision of a leading ocean institute that deepens understanding of our blue planet and fosters a lasting commitment to its protection.”
Ms. Lam Xue Ying, Vice President of Singapore Oceanarium, added: “At Singapore Oceanarium, we believe that inspiration stems from insight. Beyond our immersive habitats, guests can now uncover the unseen through behind-the-scenes programmes that bring our conservation efforts to life. From walking alongside our aquarists and witnessing marine animal care in action, to engaging with marine scientists through hands-on workshops, every experience offers a deeper understanding of our oceans and the role we can play in protecting them.”
Tickets to Singapore Oceanarium are now available for purchase at www.singaporeoceanarium.com. Guests are encouraged to book early for the opening celebrations and to explore the exciting lineup of installations, workshops and conservation talks scheduled throughout the launch period. Please refer to Annex D for ticketing details and special offers.
Pos Malaysia Berhad (“Pos Malaysia”), the national post and parcel service provider, unveils the “Fossil Discoveries in Malaysia” stamp collection, commemorating the nation’s remarkable palaeontological heritage and scientific milestones that have shaped our understanding of prehistoric life.
Fossils serve as invaluable records of Earth’s prehistoric past, offering direct evidence of the evolution of life, environmental shifts, and the biodiversity of long-extinct ecosystems. Malaysia’s fossil record, whilst still emerging, holds considerable scientific significance. Archaeological work in Niah Cave, Sarawak, revealed animal fossils including extinct megafauna such as the Giant Pangolin and prehistoric tiger. In 2014, an Iguanodon fossil was unearthed in Terengganu, suggesting the region was once part of a dynamic, dinosaur-inhabited world. A fossilised tooth of the Stegodon – a type of prehistoric elephant – was discovered in Perak’s Kinta Valley Geopark area in 2020.
The “Fossil Discoveries in Malaysia” stamp collection features four distinct prehistoric discoveries spanning from the Cretaceous period (around 145-66 million years) to the Pleistocene epoch (around 2.58 million-11,700 years). The collection showcases the Stegodon fossil tooth discovered in Kinta Valley Geopark, Gopeng, Perak (2020), the Giant Pangolin bone from Niah Caves, Sarawak (1954-1958), the Iguanodon tooth from Gunung Gagau, Terengganu (2014), and the Tiger tooth from Niah Caves, Sarawak (1958).
The Limited-Edition collection includes setenant stamps with four different designs, First Day Cover with stamps, and a folder. In conjunction with this release, three Pos Malaysia branches— GPO Kuching, GPO Ipoh, and GPO Kuala Terengganu—will offer special date cancellations on 30 June from 9am to 5pm featuring the fossil discovery locations in their respective states: Niah Cave, Kinta Valley Geopark, and Gunung Gagau.
For collectors and scholars alike, the stamps offer a thoughtful intersection of science, culture and education, reflecting not only the passage of geological time but also the enduring value of fossil discoveries in shaping our understanding of natural history. Priced at RM50.50, this exclusive collection is available starting 30 June 2025 at the Stamp & Philatelic Counter, Level 1, Pos Malaysia Headquarters, Kuala Lumpur, online at https://shop.pos.com.my, and at Philatelic Bureaus nationwide, while stocks last.
Stay connected with Pos Malaysia via www.pos.com.my, or follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Streaming exclusively on iQIYI starting 18 July, the documentary captures the journey of 13 trailblazing entrepreneurs from the 2024 BizSmart® Challenge: Accelerator Edition.
Kuala Lumpur, 26 June 2025 – In a unique and landmark convergence of business, storytelling, and digital streaming, Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad today launched The Ultimate Elevator Pitch — Malaysia’s first feature-length SME business pitch film focused on SME entrepreneurship in conjunction with World MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) Day. The movie premiers exclusively on iQIYI, one of Asia’s leading OTT platforms. Alliance Bank also announced the return of the BizSmart® Business Conference (ABBBC) — the Bank’s annual flagship event under the BizSmart® ecosystem, now in its second year.
The documentary-style movie offers unprecedented, behind-the-scenes access to the Accelerator Edition of the BizSmart® Challenge — Alliance Bank’s flagship SME development programme which celebrated 10 years in 2024. Viewers will experience the raw emotions, high-stakes pitches, intense questioning and pivotal breakthroughs that capture the real-life drama of building a business in today’s fast-paced, volatile environment.
Launched in 2013, the BizSmart® Challenge was created to empower local entrepreneurs with access to funding, mentorship, and market exposure. In 2024, the Challenge introduced the 60-second Elevator Pitch as a new and dynamic addition, reinforcing its reputation as a trailblazing platform within Malaysia’s SME ecosystem. Furthermore, strengthening its credentials as the pioneering partner of SMEs, Alliance Bank became the first bank to go beyond offering loans to SMEs and offer venture capital through 1337 Ventures and 5X Capital, as well as cash prizes through Cradle MYStartup and Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (CGC).
From Left to Right: Kelly Kam (Group Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad), Natalie Tan (Partner 5X Capital), Bikesh Lakhmichand (CEO & Founding Partner, 1337 Ventures)
“For over a decade, we’ve supported entrepreneurs beyond financial services,” said Kellee Kam, Group Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Bank. “This movie is Malaysia’s first feature-length SME business pitch film that invites the public to witness the grit, vulnerability, and determination behind Malaysia’s SME founders. It’s a portrait of resilience and ambition — and a celebration of the changemakers building our future.”
The 2024 Alliance BizSmart® Challenge awarded RM550,000 in cash prizes to 13 outstanding winners. Among them, BioLoop, Gula Cakery, and HiiVolt emerged as the top three, standing out for their innovation, business acumen, and growth potential.
“These winners reflect the creativity, perseverance, and ambition that define Malaysia’s SME sector,” shared Kellee Kam. “We’ve gone beyond just providing bank funds — together with our esteemed partners CGC, Cradle’s MYStartup , 1337 Ventures , and 5X Capital, we now offer a range of financial solutions from loans to venture funding. We’ll continue to support SMEs with funding, mentoring, and visibility. As The Bank For Life, our mission is to empower entrepreneurs to make a lasting impact across industries and communities. We’re proud to remain pioneers in this space — just as we were a decade ago when we launched the BizSmart® Challenge.”
A Movie with Purpose, Made for Today’s Audience
The idea for The Ultimate Elevator Pitch was sparked by a single insight: entrepreneurship isn’t just strategy — it’s deeply emotional. It’s best understood through the lived experience of founders. With audiences increasingly drawn to authentic, documentary-style content, the Bank saw an opportunity to bring these stories to life in a way that’s both exciting and real, to inspire the next cohort of Malaysian entrepreneurs.
Partnering with multi-awarded local agency Ampersand Advisory, the film blends cinematic storytelling with entrepreneurial depth — capturing moments that rarely make the headlines but define the heart of business building.
“We see entrepreneurs as heroes, and that’s how we approached this movie. Our client was open-minded and the idea of a movie came in a large part from them. The audience gets a rare front-row seat to some of the struggles and high points that define a founder’s journey,” said Sandeep Joseph, Co-Founder and CEO of Ampersand Advisory, who also directed the film. “You’ll see the unguarded moments, the investor debates, and the mentorship that shapes growth. It’s raw, relatable, and relevant. These are the stories of Malaysia’s future business leaders, told without filter.”
Filmed during the intensive BizSmart® Challenge journey, the film offers never-before-seen access to mentorship sessions, last-minute pitch prep, emotional highs and lows — and the real stakes faced by entrepreneurs chasing funding and recognition, while managing personal pressures and daily business challenges. “This is more than a celebration of success. It’s a visual archive and story of what it takes to build a business in today’s Malaysia”, added Sandeep. “We’re delighted that a local home-grown bank wanted to make a heartwarming film about local entrepreneurs, and picked a local agency like ours to do so. As an entrepreneur I can resonate with the journey of these courageous and diverse founders.”
Streaming Where Malaysians Watch: The iQIYI Partnership
In keeping with today’s digital-first habits, iQIYI and Alliance Bank proudly partnered to host Malaysia’s first-ever film centred around a business pitch programme — a bold, original concept that celebrates the ambition, innovation, and resilience of local entrepreneurs. The documentary reinforces both brands’ commitment to supporting homegrown talent and inspiring content. Watch it exclusively on iQIYI from 18 July 2025, making it accessible to entrepreneurs, students, and aspiring founders across Malaysia, anytime and anywhere.
“This is the first time a bank-led SME initiative has been transformed into a cinematic experience that balances heart and ambition, It proves entrepreneurship isn’t reserved for boardrooms — it highlights the highs, lows and spirit of local founders who are taking bold steps to shape their future to make it more meaningful,” said Evangeline Song, Head of Brand Partnerships, APAC & Middle East at iQIYI. “We’re excited to bring such authentic, homegrown stories to a wider audience through this collaboration.”
Celebrating 10 Years of the BizSmart® Challenge
2024 also marked a milestone 10th anniversary for the BizSmart® Challenge, with the introduction of the Accelerator Edition. This 2024 edition attracted a record-breaking 593 submissions — the highest since the programme began in 2013 — reflecting the vibrancy and competitiveness of Malaysia’s SME landscape.
The finalists went through months of the programme , including a 4-day Accelerator Programme, business coaching, a 5-minute business pitch, 60-second Elevator Pitch, and the final 3-minute pitch to a panel of industry leaders. The programme ensured each entrepreneur received valuable exposure, insights, and support.
In a first, every finalist from last year walked away with a prize — reinforcing Alliance Bank’s commitment to inclusive growth and support for the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A Prelude to the 2025 BizSmart® Business Conference (ABBBC)
Taking place on 7 October 2025 at W Kuala Lumpur, this year’s BizSmart® Business Conference (ABBBC) conference is themed “Boundaries Reimagined” and will feature over 35 speakers, including high-growth founders, visionary investors, and BizSmart® alumni who’ve scaled their businesses across sectors and regions. This year’s line-up includes industry leaders such as CEO of Colony Timothy Tiah, Founder of A Cut Above Winnie Loo, HYGR Co-founders Ivor and Meng, Kee Nguyễn Vietnam Coffee Co-founder and director Radius Khor and , past BizSmart® Challenge winners finalists BioLoop CEO Mah Jun Kit, Gula Cakery founder Nor Arieni and HiiVolt Founder Dr. Jay.
The agenda will cover real-world topics such as cross-border business expansion, digital disruption, brand-building under pressure, business model evolution, and how SMEs can thrive through change. Participants can also look forward to curated networking, business-matching opportunities, and access to industry-shaping insights.
To mark World MSME Day, a special early bird ticket price of RM88 is available until 3 July 2025 — underscoring the Bank’s commitment to making high-impact knowledge and access more inclusive for entrepreneurs at every stage.
For more information about the Alliance Bank BizSmart® Challenge visit www.bizsmart.com.my.
To watch The Ultimate Elevator Pitch movie, visit [insert the link for iQIYI} which goes live on 18 July 2025. Tickets information and other insights to the BizSmart® Business Conference (ABBBC) 2025, visit www.alliancebank.com.my/abbbc.
Green Rebel Foods, a Southeast Asian food tech startup based in Indonesia that makes whole-cut plant-based beef, chicken and cheese from plants, with rebelliously good...
