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StarCruises Welcomes RMHC Malaysia Families Aboard the Star Voyager

Families from Ronald McDonald House (RMH) at Tunku Azizah Hospital, together with the StarCruises crew, celebrated a full day of joy aboard the Star Voyager at Port Klang

Special Event Brings Joy to Children and Families Ahead of Port Klang Sailing Season

20 December 2025 | Kuala Lumpur — StarCruises, in collaboration with the Ronald McDonald House Charities Malaysia (RMHC Malaysia), today hosted nearly 200 families and paediatric patients aboard the Star Voyager cruise ship during a special port-stay event. The patients and their families are beneficiaries of the Ronald McDonald House (RMH), a facility that serves as a “home away from home” for families accompanying their children while receiving treatment at Hospital Tunku Azizah, Kuala Lumpur.

A tour of interesting places and facilities aboard the Star Voyager with families and RMHC staff, guided by the ship’s crew

This event marks the maiden voyage of the Star Voyager for the 2025/2026 season from Port Klang, operating from 19 December 2025 to 2 February 2026, with destinations including Phuket, Singapore and Bintan.

This event reflects StarCruises’ ongoing commitment to supporting and engaging with local communities. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme under the theme “Bringing Hope and Happiness Onboard and Beyond,” the initiative underscores the company’s dedication to fostering meaningful collaborations across various ports and destinations throughout Asia.

In line with this spirit, StarCruises is proud to collaborate with RMHC Malaysia, which provides temporary accommodation through the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) for families with children undergoing medical treatment, offering comfort and support during challenging times.

Special memento exchange between StarCruises and RMHC Malaysia. From left to right: StarCruises mascot, Pin Pin; Mr. Michael Goh (President, StarCruises); Mr. Nasri Md. Nordin (General Manager, RMHC Malaysia); Mr. Mithun Shetty (Hotel Director, Star Voyager); and McDonald’s mascot, Hamburglar.

“On behalf of StarCruises, we are delighted to have the RMHC families with us aboard the Star Voyager. As we begin our Port Klang deployment this season, it was a joy for our crew to spend the day with the children and their families, sharing smiles, laughter and memorable moments together. We hope this day has brought happiness to everyone involved and created lasting memories,” said Michael Goh, President, StarDream Cruises.

This special event brought together families, crew members and special guests for a joyful experience, featuring appearances by the StarCruises and McDonald’s mascots, as well as family-friendly acrobatic performances, magic shows and dance performances by the Star Voyager team.

Adding to the joy of the event, StarCruises further surprised RMHC families by gifting selected families with complimentary cruise packages, giving them something special to look forward to — a future cruise holiday aboard Star Voyager or her sister ship, Genting Dream under Dream Cruises, departing from Port Klang.

RMH families were also treated to a delightful Halal afternoon tea at The Lido restaurant, the ship’s inclusive dining venue featuring a dedicated Halal-certified section. Children were entertained with balloon art, clown performances, and creative craft activities. Crew members also took them on tours of the ship, showcasing its recreational facilities and onboard attractions. The ship’s crew engaged warmly with the young patients, making the experience full of joy and happiness.

“StarCruises and RMHC Malaysia hope that collaborations like this can serve as an example for other companies to support families facing challenges while accompanying their children undergoing long-term medical treatment in hospitals. Experiences like these provide families with the opportunity to take a temporary break from the stressful hospital environment. Companies and the community can also assist families by contributing through RMHC Malaysia,” said Mohd Nasri Mohd Nordin, General Manager of RMHC Malaysia.

“Aryan was very excited to have the opportunity to visit the cruise ship. It was something we never imagined, especially after going through challenging times. My husband and I once slept in the hospital lobby while Aryan underwent surgery. So, we are truly grateful to RMHC for providing comfortable accommodation and to StarCruises for brightening our lives with this special event. This joyful once-in-a-lifetime experience will surely be remembered by Aryan forever,” said Mrs. Rohaya, mother of Aryan Haiqal, who was born with a serious congenital condition.

StarCruises’ mission is also aligned with RMHC Malaysia’s, as it is committed to continuously supporting and contributing to local communities, in line with the company’s efforts to make the cruising experience a platform that delivers benefits and positive impact to society.

To support families with children undergoing medical treatment, donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Malaysia can be made at: https://rmhc-malaysia.my/

 

Vinamilk expands its A2 lineup

Vinamilk ADM, the fortified and sterilized nutritional milk from Vietnam’s Vinamilk, now comes in a new A2 variant. ADM A2 delivers 23 essential nutrients for children — including Vitamin A, D3, Calcium, Zinc, and Selenium — in a low‑sugar formulation. With the inclusion of A2 protein, the milk is easier to absorb and digest.

ADM A2 (plain low sugar variant) is now part of the ADM lineup, alongside the plain low‑sugar variant, plain with sugar, strawberry flavour and chocolate flavour.

Vinamilk has further expanded its pillow milk portfolio with a low‑sugar milk enriched with 100% A2 protein sourced from the US. Unlike A1 protein, A2 protein is more easily absorbed and digested, making it better suited for children’s sensitive digestive systems. Enhanced with essential micronutrients including Vitamin A, D3, Calcium and soluble fibre, the formulation supports healthy vision, strong bones and gentle digestion.

Vinamilk rolls out new flavoured milks, upgraded chocolate and new look for its high-calcium milk

Vinamilk 100% Fresh Milk has introduced two new varieties — Mediterranean Melon and Sweet American Corn — offering UHT fresh milk with irresistible taste.

The Vietnamese dairy player has also upgraded its 100% fresh chocolate milk to be richer, thicker and more indulgent. The new formulation offers 2.5 times more chocolate and 21% less fat compared with Vinamilk 100% Fresh Sterilised Chocolate Milk.

Alongside its new flavoured milk releases, Vinamilk has refreshed the packaging of its high‑calcium Vinamilk Flex, giving it a modern and vibrant look. The product contains 70% more calcium than Vinamilk No‑Sugar Nutritional Milk, is fortified with vitamin D3 to boost calcium absorption, and offers 50% less fat — making it a smart choice for those mindful of their weight. Vinamilk Flex is also free from added sugar and lactose.

 

Vinamilk Dielac Grow Plus RTD now in two new fruity flavours

Vinamilk Dielac Grow Plus in ready-to-drink format is now available in two new flavours: banana and strawberry. Dielac Grow Plus contains nutrients to support height and stature thanks to 37 nutrients combined with whey protein.

Nucleotides and HMO enhance immunity

Helps boost immunity and reduce pathogens with HMO (2′-FL), Nucleotides(2), and 24-hour colostrum(3) from the USA.

(2) Combined with vitamin A, selenium, and zinc.
(3) Cow’s milk collected within the first 24 hours after birth.

Supports brain development

A specialized nutrient set for brain development including DHA, Linoleic acid, Alpha-Linolenic acid, Taurine & Choline.

Supports height growth with Calcium, Vitamin K2 & D3

Provides 100% Calcium, Vitamin K2, and D3(1) to support bone and height development.

(1) Three servings per day provide: 100% of the EFSA-recommended vitamin K2 for children aged 1–4; 100% of the recommended calcium and vitamin D3 intake by the Ministry of Health for children aged 1–6.

 

Bibigo Vietnam elevates Korean Hotteok with cheese‑loaded flavours

Bibigo Vietnam has released three new cheese-loaded Korean-style Hotteok, a popular Korean street food pancakes known for their crispy exterior, chewy interior and sweet filling.

  • Pizza Hotteok – gooey cheese blended with fragrant pizza sauce, one bite and the flavour explodes instantly
  • Mozzarella Hotteok – stuffed full of mozzarella cheese, with that satisfying stretchy pull
  • Melty Cheese Hotteok – thin crispy crust with rich, creamy melted cheese filling

Bibigo is elevating its Korean‑style hotteok with cheese fillings, tailoring the flavours to suit Vietnamese tastes.

 

Vinamilk new Optimum A2 Pro+ boosts brain–gut–immune development

Vinamilk has introduced Optimum A2 Pro+, a ready‑to‑drink milk designed to support children’s early development by strengthening the brain–gut–immune axis.

The formula contains:

  • MFGM + DHA: The “neural connection” duo that sharpens thinking and enhances cognition — unlocking intellectual potential right from the early years.
  • A2 Protein: With a structure similar to that found in breast milk, it supports easy digestion, full absorption, and helps say “no” to bloating or irritation.
  • 6 HMO: The third most abundant nutrient in breast milk, nourishing beneficial bacteria while blocking harmful agents, thereby strengthening natural immunity from within.

 

Vinamilk unveils cocktail‑inspired milk flavours to spark festive indulgence

Vinamilk has launched three new flavours for its 100% sterilised fresh milk in Vietnam, marking a creative year‑end release. The limited‑edition lineup draws inspiration from festive cocktails and mocktails, bringing indulgent seasonal tastes into the dairy segment.

The three flavours include:

  • Bourbon Banana Peanut Butter: ripe banana “immersed” in the warm aroma of whiskey
  • Pina Colada: refreshing pineapple blended with delicious fresh coconut
  • Irish Coffee: rich coffee flavour in true Irish style

This innovative approach not only refreshes the image of milk but also positions it as a versatile beverage that can compete with the allure of café drinks and seasonal specials. Yet, for dairy brands, the broader challenge remains: encouraging consumers — particularly adults — to drink more milk at a time when foodservice beverages are increasingly preferred.

Wall’s Indonesia rolls out limited‑edition Avocado Brownie, Matcha Strawberry and new Solero Lava

Wall’s Indonesia has introduced two new tub ice cream in limited edition flavours — Avocado Brownie and Matcha Strawberry. The Avocado Brownie variant is topped with Kartika Sari’s signature brownie, adding an indulgent twist to the experience. The Matcha Strawberry, meanwhile, is made with quality matcha to tap into the current matcha craze.

Wall’s Solero Lava is a recent launch in Indonesia. Solero Lava delivers the comforting creaminess of milk tea with indulgent layers that elevate the experience. Each bite combines smooth milk tea ice cream wrapped in luscious white chocolate, enriched with a savoury cheese sauce and finished with a burst of refreshing berry flavour.

 

Farm Fresh expands into Cambodia with new dairy farm and factory plans

Image credit: Farm Fresh Cambodia

Farm Fresh Berhad, Malaysia’s leading integrated dairy company, is deepening its presence in Cambodia’s dairy market after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with local partner Alpha Group in October 2025. The agreement outlines plans to establish a large‑scale dairy farm along with manufacturing facilities for dairy products in the country.

Farm Fresh will be partnering with a local partner to set up a dairy factory at Srok Angsnoul, Kandal Province, which is located 40 minutes from the capital city Phnom Penh, and will be slated to become operational in the first half of 2026. The dairy farm, meanwhile, will be located either at Kampung Speu or Kampung Thom.

Notwithstanding the fact that the move will help improve Cambodia’s dairy self‑sufficiency, it also helps the country reduce its reliance on dairy imports from neighbouring Thailand, where geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties could disrupt future supply.

Ongoing geopolitical tensions in Cambodia are creating opportunities not only for Malaysian dairy producers, but also for established players from Vietnam, such as Vinamilk, and potentially for Chinese companies to expand their operations and market presence.

 

Moola Kaw Ice Cream debuts at 99 Speedmart as Farm Fresh bets on ice cream

Farm Fresh has introduced Moola Kaw, an ice cream inspired by its nutritious chocolate malt drink, Moola ChocoMalt Kaw. In local slang, ‘Kaw’ signifies a bolder, more intense flavour. Farm Fresh Moola Kaw Ice Cream is now available at 99 Speedmart.

Ice cream offers high margin for Farm Fresh but ice cream sales in the second quarter of FY2026 grew marginally to RM 36.4 million from RM 33 million in the first quarter of FY2026, according to Farm Fresh Berhad’s Q2 FY26 Results Briefing. Farm Fresh’s fiscal year ends on March 31st each year.

The dairy giant currently manufactures ice cream at its Taiping facility but plans to shift part of the production to its new Enstek factory in Selangor. Large‑scale operations are set to begin at the Enstek factory in the first quarter of 2026, with a daily capacity of about one million ice cream pieces.

Farm Fresh has ambitious plans for its ice cream business. The company intends to expand its presence in petromarts from 636 outlets to all 3,150 available stores, while also entering major convenience chains.

By the fourth quarter of FY2026, it aims to grow its product range from three to at least five lines to boost freezer yield.

Currently focused on stick formats, Farm Fresh will introduce cones — a segment that makes up 25% of impulse ice cream sales. The company also plans OEM production and exports to ASEAN markets.

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