HARIBO, the global market leader in gummies has extended its sour (“ZOURR”) range with two new products – Mix ZOURR and limited edition Soda Party ZOURR. Mix ZOURR is a tangy remix of HARIBO’s bestsellers featuring a variety of gummy shapes, while Soda Party ZOURR – HARIBO’s newest limited edition – features refreshing beverage flavours such as Orange Soda and Lemon Cola.
Both products will join the existing HARIBO ZOURR range of Happy-Cola ZOURR and Worms ZOURR. Best known for its refreshing sour-sweet burst of flavours which provides maximum enjoyment from start to finish, the HARIBO ZOURR sour gummies will be particularly enjoyed and sought after by teens, young adults and the young at heart.
Image credit: Facebook/Sunway Pyramid
Ongoing Now: The HARIBO ZOURR World
14 – 20 Aug 2023: Sunway Pyramid @ LG2 Central Avenue
4 – 10 Sept 2023: One Utama @ Promenade
Time: 10am – 10pm daily
Enter the world of HARIBO ZOURR at Sunway Pyramid and One Utama to celebrate the new launches! Many exciting activities such as games, prizes, photobooth and more awaits at the HARIBO ZOURR world! Admission is Free!
Image credit: Facebook/Sunway Pyramid
Come and celebrate with photos and selfies at the neon Instagrammable corner adorned with captivating colours and gummy motives! Snap a photo and upload on Instagram with hashtag #HARIBOMY to stand a chance to win a limited edition HARIBO x Casio collaboration watch.
Next, proceed to the exciting game zone! Have fun at ‘Hit the Target!’ where you are challenged to take aim at a giant dart board. And test your reflexes at the thrilling ‘Catch ‘Em’ game by catching as many sticks as you can as they fall randomly from the top!
Lastly, be sure to try out the sure-win Gashapon machine! Simply purchase any 3 HARIBO products in a single receipt to receive exclusive branded merchandise such as an adorable Goldbear plush toy or gummy tote bag!
Discover The HARIBO ZOURR Gummy Range
The HARIBO ZOURR range consist of four sour varieties that will uplift your spirits and provide maximum refreshment.
Mix ZOURR is a fizzy remix of HARIBO’s bestsellers – Happy-Cola, Worms, Happy Cherries and more – all in one bag for maximum enjoyment.
The new limited edition Soda Party ZOURR is a refreshing new way to enjoy well-loved drinks such as Lemon Cola, Peach Iced Tea, Orange Soda and more. Quench your thirst with these refreshing beverage-shaped gummies!
Worms ZOURR – Each worm gummy comes with two different fruity flavours, making them impossible to resist! Taste the sour burst of flavours no matter which end of the worm you bite first! Get your hands on a packet of Worms ZOURR today!
Happy-Cola ZOURR is a zesty twist on the classic cola flavour that is sure to lift your spirits and give maximum refreshment.
All HARIBO ZOURR products can now be purchased at leading retailers nationwide.
Discover HARIBO’s sour range today and visit the HARIBO ZOURR World at Sunway Pyramid and One Utama.
One cannot emphasise more on how important children’s eye health is in contributing to their development and well-being. During their childhood years, their eyes and brain undergo a critical period of development. Therefore, it is important for every parent and guardian to keep an eye on their children’s eye health to ensure normal maturation process of their visual system.
While parents diligently keep a watchful eye on their children, the pandemic happened, causing various social disruptions, and affected many, including children, in diverse ways.
Dr Chin Pik Kee, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City’s Paediatric Ophthalmologist
“There are data from other countries which shows that the rates of myopia, or near-sightedness, a common eyesight condition where near objects are seen clearly while distant objects look blurry, increased during the pandemic when lockdowns were implemented and schooling went virtual,” said Dr Chin Pik Kee, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City’s Paediatric Ophthalmologist.
“The increasing incidence of myopia among children is a growing concern worldwide. Apart from genetics, myopia is also caused by environmental factors such as urbanisation of rural communities and the modern lifestyle. These changes result in activities of living shifting indoors and increasing amount of time doing near work,” Dr Chin explained.
Myopia and the impact of Covid-19 are just a couple of the on-going concerns when it comes to children’s eye health. Other concerns include:
Digital Eye Strain caused by digital devices and increased screen time. Among the symptoms are eye fatigue, dry eyes, eyestrain, headaches and blurred vision.
Eye Injury caused by sharp objects, projectiles (e.g. toy guns), firecrackers, as well as bites or scratches from pets and other animals.
Childhood obesity, which increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes and diabetic eye disease.
Lack of awareness on the importance of regular eye screenings, which can result in the delayed diagnosis of important vision problems.
Dr Chin further shared, “Some occurrence may be unavoidable, for instance, the usage of computers or tablets for classes and homework. However, there are ways to help reduce the symptoms by instilling good habits among the children. These include looking away from the screen and into the distance every 20 minutes, remembering to blink often, sitting with a good posture and taking short breaks at regular intervals. Also, it is just sensible to reduce recreational screen time accordingly if the child already spends a lot of screen time for studies.”
On the appropriate amount of screen time, Dr Chin said, “My recommendation is for children to not start playing with digital gadgets until they reach 2 years old. After that, they may engage in screen-based activities together with their parents or carers, not alone and unsupervised. As for children below 10 years old, I suggest limiting recreational screen time to a maximum of 2 hours a day, with breaks in between.”
Dr Chin emphasised that children need time for creative play, physical activities and outdoor time, all of which are important for holistic growth and development of a child. “Studies have consistently identified outdoor time as an important factor for normal eye growth in childhood. Children who spend at least 2 hours outdoors daily are less likely to develop myopia. They also start to need glasses for myopia at an older age, if they need them at all.”
Here are more proactive steps that parents can take to maintain their children’s eye health:
Eye screenings as this is the best way to detect vision problems. Infants and young children can seem to see normally even when they have serious eye condition. Hence, parents may not notice any concerns until at a later stage.
Encourage outdoor activities and ensure they cut down their gadget use and screen time.
Provide children with a healthy, balanced diet. Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables and fruits, like carrots, leafy greens, fish, and citrus fruits, contain nutrients that support eye health.
Education on eye safety and prevention of injuries, such as from sharp objects, projectiles (e.g., toy guns), firecrackers and bites or scratches from pets.
Dr Chin, however, cautioned that taking dietary supplements in the absence of a deficiency does not improve vision. “Excessive intake of certain vitamins may even be harmful,” she reminded.
As the eyes are our windows to the world, it is important to stay updated with the latest research and recommendations from eye care professionals. Parents should always stay vigilant for any signs of vision problems or discomfort in their children and bring them to see an eye doctor if they notice anything unusual about their child’s eyes or vision.
About Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City
Sunway Medical Centre is the largest private quaternary hospital in Malaysia with 724 licensed beds and is committed to becoming an international healthcare institution of choice. The hospital offers a comprehensive range of medical services, which include state-of-the-art facilities and advanced medical technologies for outpatient and inpatient speciality care, health and wellness programmes and 24-hour emergency services. These are supported by a strong system comprising more than 3,300 dedicated healthcare and hospitality professionals.
Recognising the increasing sophisticated needs in healthcare, Sunway Medical Centre has developed niche areas of medical service, from the field of neurosciences to advanced cancer treatment, and from clinical research to bio-medical technology. Some of the core speciality areas include Cancer, Women and Children, Neuroscience, Heart and Lung, Bone and Joint, and Digestive Health services. Its areas of expertise also include kidney, bone marrow and cornea transplants as well as cell-based and gene-based therapies.
Sunway Medical Centre, the flagship hospital of Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG), is well recognised for an accolade of achievements. The hospital is accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) and Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH), and won Frost & Sullivan’s Malaysia Smart Hospital Company of the Year for two years in a row. Sunway Medical Centre is poised to set new standards of service with an exciting growth to an over 1,000 hospital beds from its current 724 beds.
Nature’s Own, the leading brand for instant brown rice powder in Malaysia, has launched OATKAY Oat Milk. OATKAY Oat Milk is a blended plant-based beverage formulated to provide the energy needed to support daily activities.
OATKAY Oat Milk is dairy-free and can be served as a light meal replacement. What’s special about OATKAY Oat Milk is its inclusion of lutein, which improves eye health. Additionally, OATKAY Oat Milk contains beta-glucan, beneficial for heart health, as well as protein, calcium, and inulin, which contributes to improved gut health.
Experiences are Millennials and Gen Z’s new travel currency, with 63% prioritising booking experiences before they fly
Social media is the #1 holiday inspiration tool, overtaking traditional search engines and online guides
Travellers are increasingly intentional and plan in advance, opting for more short-haul trips focusing on exploration within the region
Singapore, 7 August 2023 — Travel is no longer about crossing destinations off a checklist for Millennials and Gen Zs in Asia Pacific. Experiences are now the first consideration factor when planning for a holiday, trumping accommodation and flight options for this group, and they’re willing to spend on it too.
According to a survey (1) conducted by leading travel and experiences platform Klook,
travellers are ready to spend big on travel. 1 in 3 Millennial and Gen Z travellers are willing to spend more than double of the average monthly income in Asia (US$1,069)
(2) on their next holiday, which amounts to US$2,000 and more.
Eric Gnock Fah, COO and co-founder of Klook, says “Embracing a new era of travel, experiences have emerged as a new coveted currency for the next generation of travellers, particularly among Millennials and Gen Zs. Unique experiences and activities take precedence in their travel plans as the first thing they look at, with 85% of travellers willing to invest in experiences during their holidays. This remarkable shift is a testament to their increasing desire for authentic experiences, with their decisions fueled by social media over traditional sources like search engines and travel guides before embarking on their next travel adventure.”
Experiences are Millennials’ and Gen Zs’ new travel currency
As travel becomes more intentional, a majority of travellers are also prioritising experiences and making them a focal point of their trip, with 63% booking their experiences before they fly.
More than 90% of Millennials and Gen Zs place importance on unique and memorable
experiences during their travels, with 85% signalling a willingness to invest in them during their holiday. Notably, 83% of travellers from Singapore are willing to invest in experiences, with a strong desire to spend more on nature and outdoor experiences like nature and outdoor activities (63%), theme parks (51%), massages and hot springs (56%).
Surprisingly, Gen Zs, who are just beginning to embark on their careers, are not far behind their Millennial counterparts in splurging on travel. 1 in 5 Gen Zs are willing to spend over US$3,000, slightly trailing 1 in 4 Millennials who share the same sentiment.
Social media will soon overtake traditional sources as the #1 holiday inspiration tool for Millennials and Gen Zs
Social media is the top inspiration tool for Gen Z travellers, with more than half using the
platform to discover new destinations and experiences, favouring it over search engines and travel guides. While Millennials still prefer to use search engines (59%), social media comes a very close second (55%) indicating its rising influence over how travellers seek out information.
In fact, 9 out of 10 millennials and Gen Zs check online reviews before making their bookings, and rely on travel content recommendations on social media when planning holidays. Findings show that creating social media-worthy content is of utmost importance for a large majority of travellers (87%) especially for travellers from India, the Philippines and Mainland China, and one of the main reasons for travel.
“The rise of social media as a travel inspiration and planning tool is largely due to their interactive nature, especially with short-form videos and mobile apps,” says Eric Gnock Fah. “It has undeniably become a powerful and dynamic source of travel inspiration among Millennials and Gen Zs. This lies in its ability to offer authentic storytelling and personalised real-time recommendations. This paradigm shift is indicative for the demographic’s desire for meaningful connections and seamless exploration.”
Millennials and Gen Zs are organised planners, opting for more intentional short-haul trips
Majority of Millennials and Gen Zs across Asia Pacific are becoming more intentional travel planners, with 65% planning their holidays at least two to six months in advance. Travellers ranking highest among this bracket come from Singapore (74%) and Australia (57%), while nearly half of travellers from Mainland China, Vietnam, and Thailand prefer to make holiday plans in less than two months.
Additionally, Millennials and Gen Zs are increasingly opting to travel closer to home
domestically (27%) or within Asia Pacific (52%), with the top three destinations on the travel list as Japan (41%), Malaysia (33%) and Korea (25%). These findings indicate a rising trend of younger explorers putting focus on the desire to explore and seek new experiences over the actual destination itself.
(From Left to Right) Karsten Folkerts, Finance Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia; Roland Bala, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia; and Renuka Indrarajah, Corporate Affairs and Legal Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia
HEINEKEN Malaysia Remains Adaptive Amidst Challenging Market Outlook
2QFY23 Results:
Revenue decreased by 12% to RM569.2 million (2QFY22 RM644.6 million)
Profit Before Tax (PBT) decreased by 7% to RM118.9 million (2QFY22: RM127.8 million)
Net profit increased by 5% to RM90.5 million (2QFY22: RM86.1 million)
1HFY23 Results:
Revenue decreased by 2% to RM1.31 billion (1HFY22: RM1.34 billion)
Profit Before Tax (PBT) decreased by 7% to RM263.5 million (1HFY22: RM282.9 million)
Net profit increased by 1% to RM200.4 million (1HFY22: RM199.5 million)
15 August 2023 – Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia) announced its financial results for the second quarter and half year ended 30 June 2023, reporting net profit growth amidst challenging market conditions leading to a decrease in sales.
In the second quarter of 2023, Group revenue decreased by 12% as compared to the same quarter in 2022, mainly due to lower sales attributed to weak consumer sentiment driven by rising cost of living and currency volatility. The Group had a strong base in the second quarter of 2022 as the market had an upsurge in sales (Revenue +84% versus the second quarter of 2021) following the re-opening of the economy and international borders at the start of the endemic phase. The Group views this quarter’s performance as a form of market correction. Group profit before tax (“PBT”) decreased by 7% alongside lower revenue, mitigated by efficiency gains through cost and value initiatives.
For the first half of 2023, Group revenue was 2% lower, mainly due to the market correction as mentioned above, buffered by higher sales in the first quarter due to early Chinese New Year (“CNY”) festive period in January 2023. In the period under review, persistent soft market sentiment has impacted the sales performance of the Group. Group PBT declined by 7% due to lower revenue and relatively higher promotional and marketing expenses as the Group continued to invest behind its brands.
Commenting on the results, Roland Bala, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, said, “The first half of 2023 remained challenging as the market goes through corrections following a huge rebound in 2022 and weaker consumer sentiments due to macroeconomic concerns. We remained focused on our EverGreen strategy to deliver long-term sustainable and superior growth.”
“We continue to invest behind our strategic brands and innovations and in the first half of 2023, HEINEKEN Malaysia initiated a series of activations to engage and connect with our consumers. Our brand Heineken®’s Ghosted Bar campaign won a Cannes Bronze Lion, which is the first time in history that work done from the APAC region on the brand was recognised at the world’s most prestigious marketing and advertising awards. We are inspired by this and thank our consumers for their continued support as we stay committed to our purpose of brewing the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world,” Roland added.
During the quarter, HEINEKEN Malaysia’s brands launched:
Heineken®️’s Ghosted Bar – Heineken®’s Work Responsibly campaign addresses the prevalent culture of overworking by encouraging healthier work-life balance through activations at participating outlets and inviting consumers to leave work on time to socialise and avoid ‘ghosting’ their friends.
Edelweiss Weekend Unwind – Through Edelweiss Weekend Unwind, the brand invited consumers to take a break from their hectic routines to enjoy activities featuring pop-up markets, workshops, music performances, and experiential events over a series of four weekends.
2023 National Star Academy Championship and Regional Quality Training – With a mission to elevate and equip bartenders, the yearly Star Academy programme trained participating bartenders across Malaysia to deliver quality pints of Heineken® and Guinness.
Guinness Celebrates the Harvest Festival – Celebrating with its East Malaysian fans, Guinness launched a series of exciting activations and giveaways to spread the festive cheer to its loyal fans.
Celebrate 150 years of Good Times with Heineken® – As the Heineken® brand turns 150 this year, Heineken® invites consumers to showcase their unique ways of celebrating good times.
Tiger Beer’s Boldly Asian – Tiger rolled out the exciting Tiger Den activation where fans were taken through an immersive journey featuring the brand’s journey and celebrate its future.
The Board has declared a single tier interim dividend of 40 sen per stock unit for the financial year ending 31 December 2023 (Six months ended 30 June 2022: 40 sen) to be paid on 10 November 2023. The entitlement date for the dividend payment is 20 October 2023.
On outlook, Roland shared, “In light of cautious consumer spending due to macroeconomic concerns, we anticipate the market to remain challenging. We will stay agile to the volatile business environment and continue to focus on our EverGreen strategy to future-proof our business. We will continue to drive efficiency through cost optimisation across the organisation while investing in our brands and innovations. In the absence of the one-off prosperity tax, we look forward to a positive impact on our group net profit this year.”
Drive superior growth – With consumer centricity, we shape and lead the premium category and continue investing behind our brands.
Fund the growth – Cost and value to drive efficiency to enable reinvestments into our brands and business.
Raise the bar on sustainability and responsibility – Full commitment to deliver on our ambition to become net zero carbon in our productions by 2030 and the full value chain by 2040.
Become the best connected brewer – Accelerate digital and technology to create a Unified Customer Ecosystem with a customer and consumer-first approach.
Unlock the full potential of our people – Promote a high-performance culture that boosts our strategic capabilities, nurture the best talents, and foster an organisation where people thrive.
In terms of challenges, the Group’s ongoing concern revolves around illicit alcohol. HEINEKEN Malaysia views illicit alcohol seriously and remains committed to supporting the authorities in addressing illicit trade through comprehensive efforts, which encompass bolstering enforcement measures and promoting greater awareness within the market.
For more information on HEINEKEN Malaysia and the Group’s initiatives, please visit www.heinekenmalaysia.com.
In Singapore, CP has launched CP Selection, which is a range of cage-free chicken meat. The chicken is raised in a Biosecurity Hi-Tech farm by animal welfare specialists and are fed with an all-natural probiotics-infused feed. The company also utilizes modified atmosphere packaging to ensure consumers receive the freshest chicken possible. CP Selection is only available at selected FairPrice outlets.
Alongside CP Selection, CP has unveiled its latest creation: Thai Spicy Shrimp Wonton Noodles. Inspired by the renowned Thai Drunken Noodle (Pad Kee Mao), this new wonton noodle bowl is presented in a dry version, featuring a specially blended Thai sauce that delivers a kick while keeping you sober. Moreover, it is garnished with CP’s signature whole shrimp wontons.
CP has also launched CP fresh eggs at FairPrice. These eggs are both fresh and hygienic, boasting 100% traceability and enriched with vitamins A and E. Raised on high bio-security and sustainable farms, CP’s chickens produce eggs of the utmost quality and safety.
Furthermore, CP offers its CP Signature Chicken Ribs and CP Signature Hot & Spicy Chicken Ribs for those seeking additional delectable options.
In-joy Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd, the marketing arm of Malaysia’s Guan Tong Industries Sdn Bhd, showcased its latest popcorn snacks at Tastefully Food Expo held at Mid Valley on 11-13 August 2023.
The new product, C’MON CORN, uses 100% non-GMO corn kernels from the US. C’MON CORN is available in flavours such as Smoky Barbeque, Himalayan Salt, Sourcream and Onion, and Dark Chocolate..
In addition to Malaysia, C’MON CORN is already available in markets like Singapore and Taiwan.
T.A.C. Consumer Public Company Limited launched Triva Powder at the Thailand Coffee Fest 2023 held from July 13-16 2023. Triva Powder consists of 7 flavours including Thai tea, Earl Grey, and Taiwanese tea.
Image credit: TAC
The company also brought its Triva concentrated fruit syrup to participate in Thailand Coffee Fest 2023. Triva concentrated fruit syrup comprises Mango, Lychee, Peach, Yuzu, Mixed Berry and Redfruit.
Uni-President (Thailand) Ltd (Unif) has launched a new functional drink, Unif All You Need YOUNG. According to the company, the secret to maintaining youthfulness lies in acai, which contains beta carotene. The drink is also packed with vitamin A, B, C and E, and is also packed with high fiber content of up to 10,000mg to aid in digestion.
Helen’s is offering a fantastic opportunity for lucky individuals in Singapore to enjoy complimentary low-alcoholic fruit beers. Twelve lucky winners will each receive a random box of fruity beer, collectively valued at SGD 93.60. These delightful packages contain 24 cans per box.
The giveaway is set to conclude on August 27, 2023. It is accessible to participants of legal drinking age in Singapore (18+). For more details, kindly refer to this link.
These low-alcoholic beers possess an alcohol content ranging from 2.2% to 2.5% and are infused with authentic fruit juice. They are available in three irresistible flavors: White Peach, Grape, and Strawberry.
Helen’s, China’s largest pub chain, has established its initial outlet in Singapore at Orchard Sentral. This promotion is regarded as a precursor to the possible launch of its low-alcoholic fruity beers via 7-Eleven.
Key Highlights:
11street to further enhance the customer shopping experience and make significant contributions to the digital economy in Malaysia under new leadership.
11street...
Bangkok Produce Public Company Limited (BKP), a key raw material supplier for Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods), has inaugurated a campaign...
