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

By
Tan Heng Hong
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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.

Thailand’s Supermarket Cage-Free Ranking 2025, Urging Greater Corporate Transparency and Animal Welfare Standards

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Sinergia Animal Thailand today announced the release of Thailand’s Supermarket Cage-Free Ranking 2025, the first comprehensive assessment evaluating 14 major supermarket and retail chains on their transparency, commitments, and progress toward sourcing cage-free eggs.

Thursday 18 December – This landmark ranking aims to elevate public awareness, drive corporate accountability, and accelerate Thailand’s transition toward humane and sustainable food systems. The assessment—based solely on publicly available information—highlights both promising leadership and significant gaps within the country’s retail sector.

Key Findings

The evaluation, based on six criteria with a maximum score of 18 points, reveals that only five out of fourteen retailers have published policies or demonstrated initiatives related to cage-free egg sourcing.

The top performers are:

  • Sunshine Market – 83% (Rank A), with a strong public policy covering all brands and branches, including a clear transition timeline.
  • Rimping – 72% (Rank A), with comprehensive coverage and commitments supported by an official declaration.
  • Tops, Makro, and Lotus’s – each scoring 55% (Rank B), reflecting partial progress and defined transition periods, though gaps remain in coverage and reporting.

Meanwhile, several large-scale and influential retailers including 7-Eleven, Big C, Villa Market, Foodland, Lawson 108, MaxValu, and Gourmet Market received a score of 0%, indicating no publicly available cage-free sourcing policy.

A Wake-Up Call for Thailand’s Retail Leaders

Thailand currently has over 54 million hens confined in battery cages, many restricted to less space than an A4 sheet of paper. Such extreme confinement deprives hens of basic natural behaviors such as wing stretching, nesting, or dust bathing.

“This ranking provides a clear, data-driven picture of where Thailand’s retailers stand in their cage-free commitments. While some companies demonstrate promising leadership, the overall landscape shows considerable room for improvement. Retailers play a pivotal role in shaping responsible markets, and their sourcing policies must reflect this responsibility.” Saneekan Rosamontri, Managing Director, Sinergia Animal Thailand

Partial Progress Is Not Enough

The ranking also uncovers striking inconsistencies within major corporate groups. For example, while Makro and Lotus’s, under CP Axtra, scored relatively well, the group’s affiliated company CP All, which manages 7-Eleven, has no public cage-free policy, reflecting a lack of unified standards within the same corporate ecosystem.

“Retailers, regardless of size, can make measurable progress by setting clear timelines, ensuring comprehensive coverage, and reporting transparently. Incremental steps, when implemented consistently, can transform industry standards and consumer expectations.” Hatai Limprayoonyong, Manager of Programs, Sinergia Animal Thailand

A Global Imperative

Countries such as Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, Iceland, and several others have already enacted bans on battery cages, while leading international companies have committed to eliminating cages from their supply chains worldwide.

“Moving toward cage-free sourcing is aligned with global best practices and is increasingly expected by consumers, investors, and regulators worldwide. Thailand’s retail sector now has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in Southeast Asia by adopting unified, time-bound cage-free commitments.” said Carolina Galvani, Executive Director, Sinergia Animal.

A Call for Unified Action

Sinergia Animal urges Thailand’s major retailers and convenience store chains to adopt sector-wide cage-free commitments, especially those with large market shares and influence. By doing so, they can help shift the entire industry toward a more humane, sustainable model.

The full Supermarket Cage-Free Ranking 2025 is available at: https://www.breakingfreefromcages.com/

Milku embraces iconic Marie biscuit in new flavoured milk

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Indonesia’s Wings Food Milku has finally embraced the popular biscuit, which is a popular limited-edition flavour in the flavoured milk category in the country. The new Milku Marie features the marie biscuit flavour. Marie biscuits in Indonesia are a popular type of plain, lightly sweetened biscuit, with the most iconic local brand being Marie Regal.

 

KFC Malaysia releases limited-edition pistachios series

By
Tan Heng Hong
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KFC Malaysia has introduced a new Treats Series spotlighting the trending pistachio flavour. Available for a limited time, the lineup features three indulgent options — Iced Pistachio Crème, Iced Pistachio Latte and Hot Pistachio Latte — offering consumers a nutty, flavour‑forward twist on classic café‑style beverages.

While foodservice has embraced the pistachio flavour, it has yet to be successfully translated into packaged drinks in Southeast Asia.

Five Thoughtful Bedtime Essentials to Gift Your Loved Ones this Christmas

By
Tan Heng Hong
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The Woosa Silk Eye Mask

With Christmas and the new year just around the corner, we would like to interest you in five bedtime essentials from homegrown premier mattress brand Woosa. After a long year, there is no better present than the gift of good sleep.

This festive season, invest in these thoughtful gifts that go beyond the ordinary. These gifts are perfect for treating yourselves or showing your loved ones just how much you care, as you head into the new year refreshed and recharged.

The Woosa Silk Eye Mask

Price: From $39

The Woosa Silk Eye Mask is a beauty sleep essential that is made from the finest grade of silk, delivering deep relaxation and a sense of tranquility. Gentle on your skin, it limits light exposure to support deeper sleep, while its hypoallergenic properties are safe for sensitive skin.

Available in four different colours (Black, Navy, Rose Gold, and White), the Woosa Silk Eye Mask combines elegance with function, making it a stylish yet practical addition to any bedtime routine.

The Woosa Pillow 

Price: From $169

The Woosa Pillow is designed to be your everyday go-to for restful, restorative sleep. Expertly engineered with Woosa’s innovative Cloud Foam developed in Belgium, this pillow strikes the perfect balance between plush comfort and ergonomic support that adapts to back and side sleepers alike.

Its Italian-made Microtencel fabric cover not only feels luxuriously soft against your skin but also helps regulate temperature and wick away moisture for cooler, uninterrupted nights.

Designed for long-lasting comfort, the Woosa Pillow maintains its structure and cushioning over time, gently contouring to your head and neck to relieve pressure and support optimal alignment for a consistently restful sleep.

The Woosa Bolster

Price: From $149

The Woosa Bolster is the ultimate sleep companion, offering a unique and ergonomic dual-zone structure that delivers both comfort and supportive hug-like embrace throughout the night. The upper section features a resilient natural latex core that provides firm support for the upper body, while the lower half is filled with soft organic cotton for gentle leg support.

Encased in Woosa’s signature hypoallergenic Microtencel fabric, the bolster remains breathable and moisture-wicking for a cool, comfortable sleep experience, making it an ideal companion for restful nights, relaxed lounging, or winding down after a long day.

The Egyptian Cotton Bedding Set

Price: From $299

Made using 100% pure Egyptian Giza cotton, these sheets feel luxuriously soft and only get better with time. Crafted in Portugal and designed in Singapore, the set features a 600 single-ply thread count with a sateen weave for a silky, buttery-smooth finish that gently embraces your body for a truly comfortable night’s sleep.

Its long staple fibres enhance durability and breathability, allowing air to circulate freely and helping to keep you cool and comfortable all night long.

Thoughtful details like snug elastic on fitted sheets, zipper closures on duvet covers, and easy-care machine washability make this bedding set as practical as it is indulgent.

The Lenzing TENCEL™ Lyocell Bedding Set

Price: From $219

Crafted for those who value comfort, breathability, and sustainability, these sheets offer a silky-soft touch that glides smoothly against the skin, thanks to its 500 thread count for a perfect balance of softness and durability. Their naturally moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties ensure you stay cool and comfortable throughout the night, while the hypoallergenic fibres make them gentle on even the most sensitive skin.

Made from sustainably sourced eucalyptus fibres, this bedding set feels exceptionally soft and smooth against the skin while remaining highly breathable to help regulate temperature throughout the night.

With Woosa’s carefully curated bedtime essentials, giving the gift of restful, rejuvenating sleep has never been easier. This festive season, treat yourself or your loved ones to the ultimate in sleep luxury — because a good night’s sleep is the gift that keeps on giving, helping you wake up refreshed, recharged, and ready to embrace the year ahead.

Woosa’s products can be found at The Dreamery located in T Space, #01-01, or Tan Boon Liat Building, #03-03.

For the images used in this pitch and other assets, please refer to this link.

Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions and we’d be happy to assist. Have a wonderful day ahead!

Carlsberg Malaysia’s Top Ten Charity Campaign surpasses RM600 million milestone in education funds

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Empowering over 700 schools nationwide, Top Ten continues to strengthen vernacular education and champion sustainability across generations.

SHAH ALAM, 15 December 2025 – Starting as a small fundraiser nearly forty years ago, Carlsberg Malaysia’s Top Ten Charity Campaign (Top Ten) has become a nationwide initiative supported by Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) committees, donors, media partners and members of the public, all dedicating towards strengthening vernacular education. To-date, Top Ten celebrates a major milestone, having raised RM600 million since 1987, following the Rm14.8 million funds raised this year, further reaffirming its role as Malaysia’s longest-running and most impactful Chinese charity fundraising platform.

Pearl Lai, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director of Carlsberg Malaysia

“Vernacular schools play an essential role in shaping the country’s multicultural education system, providing future leaders with access to quality education. However, many schools often seek public donations to upkeep and upgrade schools’ facilities — a purposeful endeavour that Top Ten has been championing for nearly four decades” Pearl Lai, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director of Carlsberg Malaysia.

Top Ten is highly regarded as the fund-raising platform that brought together people from all walks of life to support the development of primary schools, benefitting over 700 schools across Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. The campaign has improved learning environments, from upgraded facilities to AI-enabled smart classrooms and more. In doing so, it has not only broadened access to quality education but also safeguarded the country’s multi-lingual learnings.

“The support from Top Ten has made a meaningful difference to our school,” said Datuk Haw Chin Teck, Chairman of SJKC Chung Hwa Sungai Sendok in Johor, which raised the most donations among participating schools this year. “The proceeds received have enabled us to improve our facilities and create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning. Beyond proving a fund-raising platform, what truly stands out is how Top Ten brings the community together with parents, artistes and partners united for a shared belief that our children’s future is a responsibility we all share.”

Permanent Honorary Chairman Mr. Tan Cheng Teng shared that Lahad Datu Middle School has hosted the Top Ten Charity Campaign for three years, raising RM6 million. The funds supported the redevelopment of a single storey building with labs, offices, a dance studio, and a cooking room, improving spaces for teaching and activities. These enhancements have optimised our teaching capabilities and recreational spaces capacity. We are grateful Carlsberg Malaysia in funding all expenditures of the fund-raising event.”

For the last two years, Top Ten has also extended to higher education institutions such as UTAR Hospital, reflecting on its broader mission of advancing education beyond vernacular schools but also higher education institutions.

“Top Ten has played an instrumental role in supporting UTAR’s mission to advance education and healthcare for the community,” Yang Berbahagia Ir. Professor Dato’ Dr. Ewe Hong Tat, UTAR President affirmed. “Funds raised through the campaign have helped us upgrading teaching facilities, medical equipment, and patient welfare at UTAR Hospital. We thank Carlsberg Malaysia for its continued support, which has helped us improve learning and healthcare facilities for future medical officers.”

Championing Green Futures through Student-Led Sustainability Initiatives

Driven by a vision for long-term impact, Top Ten goes beyond improving school facilities, it also placed strong emphasis on cultivating environmental responsibility among students. Through its Go Green initiative, Top Ten has empowered nine schools nationwide to undertake hands-on projects, producing more than 228 litres of eco-enzymes and creating close to 538 kg of eco-bricks, equipping students with practical skills and environmental knowledge.

These collective efforts not only advocate greener mindsets and habits but also nurture a generation of climate conscious and actions for positive change.

“We believe that education and sustainability go hand-in-hand. Through Top Ten, we are committed to championing education today for a greener tomorrow by cultivating interest on among the curious minds and encouraging them to get involved today as a step for creating impacts in shaping a greener, better, brighter Malaysia,” Lai said.

This milestone underscores Carlsberg Malaysia’s long-standing commitment to education and community support, and lasting sustainability impact. True to its Together Towards ZERO and Beyond sustainability programme, the brewer continues to advance efforts that uplift communities and promote environmental responsibility, aligning with the UN SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), contributing to a more inclusive and resilient Malaysia.

To learn more about this impactful initiative, visit Carlsberg Malaysia Instagram or Facebook for the full schedule of Top Ten roadshows and join us in this meaningful journey. More information about the Top Ten Charity Campaign can be found at:

https://carlsbergmalaysia.com.my/sustainability/social/community-relations/.

F&N MAGNOLIA HERSHEY’S unveil Mini ice cream sticks and cones for delightful bite-sized indulgence

By
Tan Heng Hong
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The seasonal offerings comprise new Mini multipacks, combining creamy ice cream, rich chocolate and tasty goodness for joyful year-end celebrations!

Singapore, 16 December 2025  – The year-end festivities mark the debut of the limited-edition F&N MAGNOLIA HERSHEY’S Mini, featuring new Mini ice cream sticks and Mini cones that combine the tasty goodness of F&N MAGNOLIA ice cream with the irresistible taste of HERSHEY’S chocolate. Presented in convenient multipacks, the Mini format adds a charming, playful touch to festive gatherings, cosy year-end moments, and everyday treat occasions.

For over three decades, the familiar chime of HERSHEY’S Christmas Bells has reigned in the cherished holiday tradition and the pure, simple joy of the season. Rooted in the shared spirit of joy, indulgence, and connection, this collaboration brings together F&N MAGNOLIA’s creamy ice cream innovation with HERSHEY’S iconic rich, velvety chocolate signature, creating a decadent treat that delights all senses. Whether enjoyed at home, savoured during a break, or shared among friends and family, the new Mini indulgence is crafted to melt everyone’s heart.

Since 1894, HERSHEY’S has become synonymous with warmth, sweetness and a spirit of connection, a tradition that continues to inspire moments of indulgence. Each bite of HERSHEY’S chocolate is crafted to evoke comfort and joy, whether savoured in quiet moments or shared among loved ones. Complementing this is the uplifting pleasure of F&N MAGNOLIA ice cream, equally cherished for creating ice cream that adds joy to everyday life, with its signature tasty goodness of F&N MAGNOLIA ice cream has long been associated with uplifting, enjoyable moments, offering flavours and novelties that brighten the day with its signature tasty goodness. 

Bringing both brands together, F&N MAGNOLIA HERSHEY’S Mini delivers the same beloved indulgence in a compact size suited for light, convenient enjoyment. The new Mini sticks and Mini cones combine creamy ice cream and chocolate richness in smaller portions that fit naturally into enjoyable snacking occasions. 

F&N MAGNOLIA HERSHEY’S Chocolate Almond Mini Stick

Enveloped in a sumptuous chocolate coat made with HERSHEY’S cocoa powder, the cool treat exudes a rich chocolate flavour with every bite. Beneath the luxurious coating are crunchy almond nuts that add a hint of nutty goodness, while a luscious chocolate fudge ripple rests within the ice cream, offering a creamy layer of decadence that melts smoothly in the mouth. The F&N MAGNOLIA HERSHEY’S Chocolate Almond Mini Stick is available in multipacks at a Recommended Selling Price of S$11.20. 

F&N MAGNOLIA HERSHEY’S Chocolate Overload Mini Cone

A rich chocolate sauce crafted with HERSHEY’S cocoa powder forms the heart of this indulgent Mini cone. An overload of luscious chocolate curls crowns the ice cream, adding a delightful crunch, while generous chocolate flakes blended throughout ensure each cone is filled with chocolaty goodness from start to finish. The F&N MAGNOLIA HERSHEY’S Chocolate Overload Mini Cone is available in multipacks at a Recommended Selling Price of S$11.20.

The F&N MAGNOLIA HERSHEY’S range of ice cream products is halal-certified and available at major supermarkets and hypermarkets islandwide. 

Gift-with-Purchase Promotion

Above: F&N MAGNOLIA HERSHEY’S Puffy Pouch

From now, while stocks last, a gift-with-purchase promotion will be available at selected stores. Shoppers who purchase any two F&N MAGNOLIA HERSHEY’S multipacks products will receive a HERSHEY’S Puffy Pouch, a festive keepsake available at selected stores.

For more information, please visit the following official websites and social media platforms: 

●      Official website: www.magnolia.com.sg  

●      F&N Life: https://sg.fnlife.com/magnolia  

●      Instagram: www.instagram.com/fnnmagnolia

●      Facebook: www.facebook.com/magnoliasg  

After Germany and India, ‘Bad Cop’ Gets A Malaysian Adaptation for Astro Originals Premium Series

By
Tan Heng Hong
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A Gripping Crime Action Series with Local Nuance, Powered by a Strategic Collaboration with Goodday Charge

Kuala Lumpur, 17 December 2025 – Following the success of Generasi: Perfect 10, Astro Originals proudly presents its latest premium series, Bad Cop, an adaptation of the acclaimed 2017 German crime drama. The original series also achieved international recognition with its Indian adaptation in 2024.

Bad Cop will premiere on 19 December 2025, with episodes available every Friday at 12:00 a.m. on OnDemand and sooka. Viewers can also catch it on Astro Citra (Channel 108) every Friday at 9:00 p.m., and on Astro Ria (Channel 104) every Saturday at 10:30 p.m.

For the Malaysian adaptation, Bad Cop stars Aiman Hakim, who takes on the unique challenge of portraying two distinct characters—protagonist and antagonist—showcasing his full range of acting versatility. The series also features a stellar ensemble cast, including Siti Saleha, Harvinth Skin, Razib Salimin, Tony Eusoff, Whulandary Herman, Melissa Campbell, and Alvin Wong. Each episode includes special appearances by popular stars, adding extra excitement for viewers.

The series follows a case-of-the-week format, with all eight episodes presenting new cases and exploring social issues such as identity fraud, marginalisation of rural communities, pressures on modern men, and domestic abuse. This approach allows Bad Cop to tackle socially relevant topics in a nuanced way, beyond typical family conflicts.

Produced by Astro Shaw, the series is helmed by showrunner Kavivarmen Vigneswaran and directed by Jason Chong, who brings premium visual storytelling and the signature style of Astro Originals.

Bad Cop revolves around Emir Khalid, a small-time criminal who unexpectedly crosses paths with his estranged twin brother, Imar, a police inspector. Their reunion takes an emotional turn when Imar is shot, entrusting Emir with his police identity as a way to escape, while asking him to fulfill a promise.

According to Raja Jastina Raja Arshad, Executive Producer of Bad Cop and Head of Astro Shaw, “Following the triumph of Liar in 2023, an adaptation of an award-winning international thriller, Bad Cop marks the next chapter in Astro Originals’ journey of delivering premium, high-stakes storytelling. Adapted from the celebrated 2017 German series, it promises to captivate Malaysian audiences. For the local version, the series is led by Astro Shaw showrunner Kavivarmen Vigneswaran and directed by the experienced Jason Chong, who also directed Liar. We are confident that Bad Cop will resonate with Malaysian audiences, as police narratives are deeply relatable locally, and the infusion of local elements makes this adaptation more relevant, authentic, and engaging. We hope Bad Cop sets a new benchmark for premium local series, continuing the success it has enjoyed in Germany and India.”

Catch the first two episodes on 19 December 2025 via OnDemand and sooka. Bad Cop airs every Friday at 12:00 a.m. on OnDemand, Astro Citra (Channel 108) at 9:00 p.m., and Astro Ria (Channel 104) every Saturday at 10:30 p.m.

Strategic Collaboration with Goodday Charge

“Our collaboration with Astro Originals is designed to go beyond traditional sponsorship — it is a narrative-led partnership that positions Goodday Charge as the energy platform behind five premium worlds told throughout the year,” said Amy Gan, Vice President of Marketing.

She continues, “Guided by our brand message, ‘memang ada yang hebat, sehingga munculnya yang terhebat,’ these series reflect different expressions of inner strength — from resilience and courage to discipline and integrity. Together, they celebrate the energy that drives Malaysians to rise, persevere, and become the best version of themselves.

As Malaysia’s first enriched milk with 10 essential nutrients, Goodday Charge plays an active role in powering stories that go beyond entertainment — championing courage, resilience, creativity, and the true spirit of Malaysians. While each story unfolds in a unique world, they are all united by one belief: the strength to become TERHEBAT already exists within all of us.

As part of this strategic collaboration, Goodday Charge supported five premium Astro Originals titles in 2025, each showcasing a distinct expression of inner strength:

  • One Cent Thief (Season 2) – Resilience in the face of cybercrime
  • First Wives – Strength found in unbreakable friendships
  • Honey Trap – Courage under pressure in the world of espionage
  • Generasi: Perfect 10 – Discipline, grit, and relentless pursuit of excellence
  • Bad Cop – Integrity and moral conviction

Together, these stories form a connected journey, reinforcing Goodday Charge’s belief that while everyone has the potential to be great, there is always room to become TERHEBAT. On 24 January 2026, audiences can look forward to a special moment that brings these worlds together, with RM20,000 worth of prizes to be won. Full details will be announced soon.

For the latest updates and exclusive content, follow Goodday Charge on TikTok (@gooddaychargemy), and stay connected with Astro Gempak and Astro Shaw’s Official social media platforms on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.

Bad Cop premieres on 19 December 2025, with the first two episodes available from 12:00 a.m. on OnDemand and sooka. New episodes will stream every Friday at 12:00 a.m., and air on Astro Citra (Channel 108) every Friday at 9:00 p.m., as well as on Astro Ria (Channel 104) every Saturday at 10:30 p.m

Subscribe to Astro One for only RM49.99/month for endless entertainment for the whole family. Enhance your streaming experience with Astro Fibre 500Mbps plus the Entertainment Pack for only RM139.99/month. To subscribe or upgrade to Astro One, visit www.astro.com.my or WhatsApp ‘Hi’ to 03 9543 3838.

Togetherland by World Christmas Market 2025 Introduces Free Entry Till 4 January 2026, Amid Weather Conditions

By
Tan Heng Hong
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SINGAPORE, 17 December 2025 – With Christmas just around the corner, Togetherland by World Christmas Market 2025 is now a free-entry, non-ticketed festival (*except Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve), in view of wet weather conditions expected across December 2025. Operating hours remain unchanged, including the daily happy hour until 7pm, allowing guests to drop in anytime – and as many times as they wish – to soak in the festive atmosphere. Guests who have already purchased tickets can receive a full refund in festive vouchers of equivalent value upon presentation at the on-site registration counter.

Both local visitors and international tourists can now enjoy greater flexibility to experience the festival’s nine zones, over 100 vendors (40 F&B and 60 retail), and the original-script musical The Brightest Christmas Star, performed nightly from 7:45pm throughout the festival period. Evenings are further enlivened by live performances from a dynamic line-up of local acts, including O.K READY!, Daniel Sid & One Mic Stand, The Jukeleles, Skibidies, and Roulette.

With 19 days left to experience Togetherland, a must-see highlight is the Gateway of Stars – a shimmering light tunnel lined with kinetic sculptures and twinkling arches that transports visitors into the festive grounds. The journey opens into Constellation Town Square, where an 8-metre real Christmas tree adorned with 1,500 mirrorballs anchors the space as a star-like centrepiece.

For those seeking hands-on weekend activities, Donner’s Heartlight Haven offers interactive workshops led by White Canvas Studio, including painting sessions, Christmas coaster decorating, candle making and playful food art jams. The zone also features The Art Faculty, a social enterprise by Autism Resource Centre (Singapore), showcasing curated gifts and merchandise created by young artists on the autism spectrum — adding an inclusive and meaningful dimension to the festival experience.

Togetherland’s festive spirit extends to Singland Festival concertgoers as well. As part of the collaboration, Togetherland will offer visitors chances to win tickets to the concert series on 31 December 2025 and 2 to 3 January 2026, featuring Terry Lin, Rain and Henry Lau. For more information, visit Singland Festival’s website www.singlandfestival.com.

Capping off the festive season, Togetherland also stands out as a key destination for both
Christmas and New Year’s Eve, with extended operating hours as part of the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2026. The festival will run from 4pm to 11pm on Christmas Eve and
Christmas Day, and from 4pm to 1am on New Year’s Eve, offering visitors more time to enjoy the festive installations, live performances and year-end celebrations (fireworks included) in the heart of Marina Bay. There’s even a special celebration package available for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, with further details to be announced.

For daily schedules and festival updates, please visit www.togetherland.world and follow
@togetherland.sg on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for the latest announcements.

Bask Bear Coffee & Toasties sponsors Itam: A Sun Bear Story

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director-General Samuel Lee (third from left), together with (from left) Head of Secretariat Visit Malaysia 2026, Mohd Akbal Setia; Vice Chancellor APU, Prof. Dr. Ho Chin Kuan; Brainchild Pictures Malaysia Sdn Bhd Director Raymond Tan; Bask Bear Senior Brand Manager April Augustin; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Development & Strategy) Prof. Ts. Dr. Murali A/L Raman and Head of School of Media Art and Design Debbie Liew.

Tourism Malaysia helps promote nation’s 1st sun bear documentary-feature

KUALA LUMPUR, 17 December 2025 – Bask Bear Coffee & Toasties, Malaysia’s fastest-growing coffee chain, is the official Food & Beverage (F&B) sponsor for Itam: A Sun Bear Story, Malaysia’s first feature-length documentary on the endangered Malayan sun bear.

This announcement was made during a media event unveiling the collaboration between producers Brainchild Pictures Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Tourism Malaysia to promote the film as part of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director-General Samuel Lee (centre), Vice Chancellor APU Prof. Dr. Ho Chin Kuan (left) and Brainchild Pictures Malaysia Sdn Bhd Director Raymond Tan, symbolically received Charcoal Toasties from Bask Bear mascot Brader BLE, flanked by VM2026 mascots, Wira and Manja.

Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director-General Samuel Lee and Brainchild Pictures Director Raymond Tan both symbolically received Charcoal Toasties from Bask Bear mascot Brader BLE flanked by VM2026 mascots, Wira and Manja.

This presentation of the brand’s Limited-Time-Offer (LTO) Charcoal Toastie marked its official sponsorship of the film, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainability, conservation and Malaysian storytelling. This LTO ends on Jan 21, 2026.

Bask Bear’s sponsorship of Itam: A Sun Bear Story marks a “full-circle” moment, as the brand drew its identity from the Malayan Sun Bear, known locally as Beruang Matahari

This sponsorship marks a “full-circle” moment, as the brand drew its identity from the Malayan Sun Bear, known locally as Beruang Matahari. The species, unique to Southeast Asia, symbolises the courage and warmth that have defined the brand since its inception.

For Bryan Loo, Founder and CEO of Loob Holding Sdn Bhd, the partnership represents a natural alignment between brand purpose and national conservation efforts. 

“Bask Bear was inspired by the Malayan sun bear from day one, so supporting Itam is deeply personal for us,” said Loo. “This collaboration allows us to extend that inspiration beyond our cafés, turning awareness into action while celebrating a uniquely Malaysian story on a national and international stage.” 

“We are proud to support Itam, which Tourism Malaysia has recognised, and to acknowledge the vital work of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) in Sandakan in protecting this endangered species,” he adds. 

Produced by Brainchild Pictures, Itam: A Sun Bear Story chronicles the rehabilitation and release journey of a rescued sun bear under the care of BSBCC. Through intimate storytelling

and striking cinematography, the film highlights the urgent need to protect one of Southeast Asia’s most endangered species and its fragile rainforest habitat. 

In response, Tan said collaborations with brands such as Bask Bear help broaden the film’s reach beyond traditional cinema audiences. 

“Itam: A Sun Bear Story is much more than a documentary; it is a call to protect one of Malaysia’s most vulnerable wildlife species. Itam’s journey from trauma to freedom mirrors the challenges faced by countless animals whose habitats are disappearing.  

“We are grateful to partners like Bask Bear for helping bring this conservation message to the public in a meaningful and accessible way,” he added. 

As part of its involvement, Bask Bear has rolled out an ongoing, ITAM-themed LTO menu inspired by the sun bear and Malaysia’s tropical forests, available until Jan 21, 2026. The offerings include its first-ever charcoal toasties and signature Aren® palm sugar beverages, sourced from local farmers in Borneo, reinforcing the brand’s ongoing support for local ingredients and environmental awareness. 

Bask Bear Coffee & Toasties’ ITAM-themed LTO menu, featuring its first-ever charcoal toast, draws visual inspiration from the sun bear’s dark coat and the lush sweetness of the tropical forest it calls home

The new line-up of food includes:

  • Cheezy Chicken Charcoal Toastie
  • Spicy Aren Chicken Charcoal Toastie
  • Spicy Aren Beef Charcoal Toastie
  • Cheezy Chicken Rice Bowl
  • Cheezy Fries & Tenders Bowl

In addition, the exclusive Aren beverages on offer:

  • Aren Aerocano
  • Aren Latte
  • Aren Cocoa

In tandem, Bask Bear will roll out a special collection of merchandise featuring its mascot, Brader BLE. The items, available nationwide for a limited time while stocks last, continue the brand’s tradition of turning cultural collaborations into collectable moments for fans. 

This initiative builds on Bask Bear’s previous conservation efforts, including its 2023 ‘Save Our Sun Bear’ adoption and awareness campaign in support of BSBCC. Collectively, these efforts reflect a growing movement among Malaysian brands to integrate sustainability into business innovation. 

The collaboration between Brainchild Pictures and Tourism Malaysia positions Itam: A Sun Bear Story as a national symbol for ecotourism leading into VM2026.

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