Home Blog Page 44

Seven in Ten Travelers Miss Cherry Blossoms Despite Timing Their Trip Around It: Klook’s New Guarantee Ensures Blooms or Your Money Back

Kuala Lumpur, 17 March 2025 – Spring is the season of fleeting beauty and new beginnings where travelers chase the magic of cherry blossoms, but for seven in ten travelers from Malaysia, the dream of witnessing sakura in full bloom turns into disappointment, according to a survey by Klook. Despite planning their trips around the forecasts, the unpredictable shifting weather can affect bloom conditions – which means many arrive too early or too late. This year, Klook is looking to solve the biggest frustration of cherry blossom chasers with an industry-first “No Gloom No Bloom” guarantee.

Travelers Feel Hopeful This Spring to Catch the Cherry Blossoms

The charm of cherry blossoms is evident, with 9 in 10 travelers planning to catch them this year.

Travelers are most excited about

  • Scenic Natural Beauty
  • Photo Opportunities
  • Historic Landmarks with Blossoms

Japan remains as the ultimate destination for cherry blossoms this year, favoured by 78% of travelers. However, the influencing powers of social media have inspired 68% to consider other destinations for their next cherry blossom trip, such as South Korea, Taiwan and Mainland China. According to the latest Klook Travel Pulse survey, Mainland China saw a seven-fold increase compared to previous years and emerged as a top destination for 2025, just slightly behind Japan. Interestingly, Klook found more than half of spring travelers from Malaysia (57%) are unaware that Mainland China boasts its own season of cherry blossom, a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

The Cherry Blossom Struggle: Why Catching the Bloom is Harder Than It Looks

Even with forecasts, cherry blossoms have only a 10-day viewing window, compounded by the recent temperature fluctuations experienced by travelers last year. Japan saw unusual weather patterns, including warmer summers and delayed winters in 2024. This caused Japan’s cherry blossoms to bloom 15 days later, and Mount Fuji—Japan’s iconic symbol—was snowless in November, a first in its 130 years of recorded history. Travelers this year are planning with uncertainty.

Top Challenges When Planning a Cherry Blossom Trip

  • Predicting the bloom timing
  • Finding best spots for bloom
  • Dealing with crowded locations

Despite these challenges, the desire for fleeting experiences is much to be desired for this era of travelers who prioritise on experiences during their travels. Klook tracked a 33% increase in spring bookings to North Asia in March 2025, making it one of the most popular seasons to visit. One in three travelers from Malaysia (35%) are also willing to spend at least 20% more on cherry blossom experiences compared to other activities.

Popular Cherry Blossom Experiences

Region AID Name
Kyoto 142543 Kyoto Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya & Kyoto Gassho Village Miyama Thatched House Day Tour (Departing from Osaka)
Fuji Mountain 142790 [Sakura Limited] Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossom Viewing Day Tour|Yagizaki Park & Oshino Hakkai & Sengen Park & Meguro River Cherry Blossom Trees / Ueno Park (Depart from Tokyo)
Tokyo 142755 [Cherry Blossom Season Limited Lunch Included] Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, and Meguro River Night Cherry Blossom Viewing Day Tour (Depart from Tokyo)

“No Gloom, No Bloom”—Klook Takes the Guesswork Out of Cherry Blossom Season

For this upcoming season, Klook offers travelers peace of mind with an industry-first cherry blossom guarantee.

How It Works:

  • Book one of our seasonal Japan tours found on the “No Bloom No Gloom” campaign page.
  • If you do not see any cherry blossoms during your tour despite the forecasted bloom schedule, snap a picture.
  • Submit your photo to Klook via the form provided in the campaign page, alongside requested details by 6 April 2025, 23:59 (GMT+8:00) for verification.
  • Eligible users will receive a promo code of up to 50% off your next tour booking with a 1 year validity period (applicable to all Klook tours, capped at USD$25*[1] [approximately RM112).

Klook is also offering up to 4x KlookCash for tours, hotel, car rental, and transportation bookings in select destinations during the campaign. Learn more https://www.klook.com/en-MY/tetris/promo/nobloomnogloom/.

[1] *T&Cs apply

MILO® Collaborates with Yayasan Didik Negara to Nourish Communities Nationwide at “Jaulah Ramadan 2025”

Official group photo marking the launch of the annual Jaulah Ramadan initiative, led by Yayasan Didik Negara through Ministry of Education, supported by MILO® and MAGGI® Malaysia, at Sekolah Menengah Agama Naim Lil-Banat embodying the spirit of unity.

Continuing a legacy of care and shared sustenance during Ramadan

Kota Bahru, 10 March 2025 – Embodying the spirit of unity and compassion, the annual Jaulah Ramadan initiative, led by the Yayasan Didik Negara and supported by MILO®, will reach schools and families across the nation, starting in Kelantan on 9-10 March 2025, followed by Sabah, Kedah, Sarawak, Pulau Pinang and Putrajaya.

While in Kota Bahru, Jaulah Ramadan 2025 hosted the iftar and sahur gathering at Sekolah Menengah Agama Naim Lil-Banat. The event brought together over 900 students, who shared a meal in an atmosphere of unity and togetherness. Through this initiative, Jaulah Ramadan 2025 aims to instil empathy and resilience in students by fostering shared experiences. Additionally, the programme seeks to cultivate the spirit of giving and strengthen community bonds, in line with the blessings of the holy month of Ramadan.

Teachers and students of SMKA Naim Lil-Banat, together with the MILO® and MAGGI® teams, came together for a Gotong-Royong and Bubur Lambuk cook-up, fostering community bonds during Ramadan.

MILO®’s support for Jaulah Ramadan 2025 program extends notably through the distribution of 1,100 “Bakul Ramadan” kits. These kits are designed to deliver valuable nutritional support to communities in need during Ramadan. Each kit includes MILO® 1L packs and MILO® powder, ensuring students have access to nourishing beverages. This initiative underscores MILO®’s commitment to enhancing community well-being through both nutrition and education, in collaboration with the Yayasan Didik Negara’s efforts. Additionally, MAGGI® also contributed cooking essentials for the ‘Bakul Ramadan’ kits as well as the preparation of bubur lambuk as part of the communal cooking, further igniting the spirit of togetherness in this blessed month.

Jaulah Ramadan 2025 reflects the Yayasan Didik Negara’s commitment to nurturing not just academic excellence, but also values of empathy, resilience, and community spirit. Through this initiative, we aim to provide meaningful support to students and families in need, ensuring they have the essential resources to sustain them during this sacred month. The generosity of our partners strengthens our collective efforts, allowing us to foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility in improving the well-being of our communities,” said Mohd Razi Bin Jaafar, Chief Financial Officer, Yayasan Didik Negara.

“In a year that marks a significant milestone for MILO®, celebrating 75 years of nourishing Malaysian communities, we remain deeply committed to uplifting those in need. Our collaboration with the Yayasan Didik Negara for Jaulah Ramadan 2025 reflects our enduring commitment to the welfare of communities during this sacred month. More than just physical sustenance, this initiative is about fostering connection and strengthening community bonds,” said Norkhayati Mohamed Hashini, Business Executive Officer of Nestlé Ready-To-Drink Malaysia.

Raja Nurmaria Murni Raja Nur Azmi, Executive Director, Group Corporate Affairs, Nestlé Malaysia & Singapore; Ng Su Yen, Business Executive Officer, MILO® Malaysia; Ivy Tan Link Cheh, Business Executive Officer, MAGGI® Malaysia; Norkhayati Mohamed Hashini, Business Executive Officer, Nestlé Ready-to-Drink (RTD) and YB Fadhlina Sidek, Minister of Education, serving Bubur Lambuk together, embracing the spirit of Ramadan.

YB Fadhlina Sidek, Minister of Education, together with key MoE management personnel, as well as Nestlé representatives, Raja Nurmaria Murni Raja Nur Azmi, Executive Director, Group Corporate Affairs Nestlé Malaysia & Singapore, Ng Su Yen, Business Executive Officer of MILO® Malaysia, Ivy Tan Link Cheh, Business Executive Officer of MAGGI® Malaysia, and Norkhayati Mohamed Hashini, Business Executive Officer of Nestlé Ready-to-Drink Malaysia led the program to engage with the communities of Kota Bahru, underscoring the importance of collective action and the power of shared compassion.

This collaborative effort between MILO® and the Yayasan Didik Negara demonstrates the power of partnership in creating meaningful experiences and providing essential support during the holy month of Ramadan. MILO®’s specially formulation of barley malt, milk, and cocoa, essential vitamins and minerals will help to sustain energy levels, which is particularly important throughout the fasting period during Ramadan. It also meets the Ministry of Health’s Healthier Choice Logo nutrient criteria, ensuring lower fat and sugar content compared to non-HCL chocolate malted beverages, without compromising on taste. This makes MILO® not just a delicious choice but a nutritious one for sahur or iftar.

Lemonilo Expansion to Qatar, Bringing Healthier Instant Noodles to the Market

(PRNewsfoto/Lemonilo)

JAKARTA, IndonesiaMarch 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lemonilo, Indonesia’s leading brand for healthier consumer food, is proud to announce its expansion into the Qatar market. Starting from the first week of March 2025, Lemonilo’s highly popular instant noodle varieties from Indonesia, with its tagline “Honestly Tasty” —Mi Goreng, Curry, Onion Chicken Soup, and Spicy Fire—will be available for consumers across the country.

This strategic expansion is made possible through the partnership with major retail chains, including the key account Al Meera, followed by Carrefour, Lulu, Monoprix, Oqod, and will also be conveniently accessible online via Rafeeq. By bringing its no-added MSG, preservatives and artificial coloring-free noodles to Qatar, Lemonilo aims to provide wider access to healthier consumer food options for everyone.

“Our presence in Qatar marks an important milestone in our journey to introduce better instant noodle experience to more people in the Middle East region, starting here, in Qatar. We are excited to serve the Qatari market with our innovative and guilt-free instant noodles that offer great taste without compromising on ingredients”, said Shinta Nurfauzia, Co-CEO & Co-Founder of Lemonilo. In addition to Shinta’s statement, “Lemonilo’s mission has always been to make a healthier lifestyle easy and tasty for everyone,”, completed by Ronald Widjaja, Co-CEO & Co-Founder of the company.

(PRNewsfoto/Lemonilo)

Lemonilo’s grand entrance into Qatar is fully supported by the Ministry of Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, underscoring a strong commitment to foster international trade and economic collaboration. The minister, Teuku Riefky Harsha, has expressed his appreciation for Lemonilo’s achievement in introducing Indonesian signature products to the international market. He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the expansion of local brands onto the global stage.

“Congratulations to Lemonilo on its success in bringing Indonesian products to the world market. This achievement demonstrates the strong competitiveness of local brands. Through the “Indonesia Spice Up the World” programme, Lemonilo’s expansion into Qatar marks a significant step towards promoting Indonesian culinary heritage on a global scale,” he stated through this video link.

The Qatari stakeholders have also extended a warm welcome, recognizing the value of diverse, high-quality food options for its growing consumer market. With a growing global presence, Lemonilo continues to redefine consumer packaged food by providing better alternatives from the compromised ones in the market. The brand looks forward to expanding its reach in the Middle East and ensuring that more consumers can enjoy the benefits of healthier food without sacrificing convenience or flavor.

A&W Indonesia launches Spicy Chicken Chunks & Korean Buldak Bedug

A&W Indonesia has recently launched Korean Buldak Bedug where the Golden Aroma Chicken is combined with the savoury, sweet, and spicy Korean Buldak sauce. Besides Korean Buldak Chicken, there’s also the Double Beef Buldak Burger variant. A perfect menu choice to accompany your snacking time anytime, anywhere.

For those craving a spicy kick, A&W now offers Spicy Chicken Chunks: tender, crispy chicken bites coated in a savoury and fiery chili flake mix. Perfect for a quick snack or side.

Lokalate’s Strawberry coffee targets adventurous taste buds

Nutrifood’s Lokalate is expanding its innovative flavour profile in Indonesia with a new strawberry instant coffee mix, aiming to capture the palates of young, adventurous coffee drinkers seeking unique taste experiences beyond traditional caffeine.

This launch follows Lokalate’s history of introducing unconventional, locally-inspired flavours like grilled banana (pisang bakar epe) and fermented glutinous rice (tape ketan) as well as snack-inspired flavour such as popcorn.

Key takeaways: innovate the instant coffee mix category with exciting and novel flavours

Introducing Munchy’s All-New Munchy’s LEXUS Salted Chocolate Biscuit Sandwich with Roasted Peanut Cream

Creating Moments of Joy of Togetherness with Every Shared Bite

Selangor, 28 February 2025 — Malaysians love indulging in delicious snacks, especially those that bring family and friends together. LEXUS, one of Munchy’s prominent and trusted brands known for its creamy, flavourful sandwich crackers, introduces an exciting new treat — Munchy’s LEXUS Salted Chocolate Biscuit Sandwich with Roasted Peanut Cream! This latest addition to the LEXUS lineup is a mouth-watering fusion of sweet and savoury, combining the rich flavours of chocolate biscuit and roasted peanut cream in a perfectly balanced bite. 

LEXUS is known for its sandwich crackers packed with smooth, creamy fillings, offering the perfect blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Now, LEXUS proudly introduces Munchy’s LEXUS Salted Chocolate Biscuit Sandwich with Roasted Peanut Cream.

 

Every biscuit in the new Munchy’s LEXUS Salted Chocolate Biscuit Sandwich with Roasted Peanut Cream is carefully crafted for ultimate indulgence:

  • The Crunchy Chocolate Biscuit is infused with a sprinkle of Himalayan salt for a satisfying contrast of savoury and sweet flavours.
  • Sandwiched between two chocolate biscuits is a smooth, aromatic roasted peanut cream made from real peanuts to deliver an irresistible nutty richness.
  • The sandwich is conveniently packed in sachets and made for easy enjoyment anytime, anywhere.

Whether you’re taking a break, sharing a snack with loved ones, or looking for the perfect treat to satisfy those in-between meal cravings, the Munchy’s LEXUS Salted Chocolate Biscuit Sandwich with Roasted Peanut Cream makes a perfect choice for these moments.

LEXUS: Indulge in the joy of togetherness with every crunchy, peanut-creamy bite!

Snacking isn’t just about eating—it’s about creating cherished moments with those who matter most. With the new Munchy’s LEXUS Salted Chocolate Biscuit Sandwich with Roasted Peanut Cream, you and your family can enjoy a delightful blend of flavours that enhances every bonding moment.

The new Munchy’s LEXUS Salted Chocolate Biscuit Sandwich with Roasted Peanut Cream (190g) is now available at major supermarkets and hypermarkets nationwide at a recommended consumer price (RCP) of RM6.20.

For more information, visit Munchy’s official website (http://www.munchys.com/) or follow Munchy’s on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/munchys.my/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Munchys/) for the latest updates. 

Marrybrown’s Meriah Bucket: 30% Off Family Feasts This Ramadan & Raya!

Image credit: Minimeinsights.com

This Ramadan and Raya, Marrybrown invites everyone to celebrate with the Meriah Bucket. Enjoy a 30% discount on a delicious family meal, crafted with the authentic ‘Rasa Malaysia, Pilihan Kita’ flavours Malaysians cherish.

As a proud Malaysian Halal brand, Marrybrown aims to bring families together with quality food at a great price, making every meal a celebration of togetherness.

Purchase a Marrybrown Meriah Bucket and receive a free pack of 5 Raya packets (each with 5 unique designs and exclusive coupons). Offer valid while supplies last.

This offer is for a limited time only.

Meriah Bucket Menu & Promo:

6-pc Bucket
● 6-pc Ayam Goreng MB
● Cheesy Wedges
● 2x Strawberry Custard Pie
● 2x Fanta® Strawberry (R)

9-pc Bucket
● 9-pc Ayam Goreng MB
● Cheesy Wedges
● 2x Strawberry Custard Pie
● 4x Fanta® Strawberry (R)

12-pc Bucket
● 12-pc Ayam Goreng MB
● Cheesy Wedges
● 2x Strawberry Custard Pie
● 4x Fanta® Strawberry (R)

#MarrybrownMY
#MBMeriahBucket
#SomethingDifferent
#MBMadeInMalaysia
#MemangBuatanMalaysia

 

WonderBrew launches exclusive Kombucha bundle and flavours for Raya

WonderBrew Kombucha has launched the Wonder Raya Bundle, a unique beverage experience designed to complement your festive feasts. Featuring the exclusive Kurma Honey and Honey Plum Kombucha flavours, this bundle offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing notes.

Grab the Wonder Raya Bundle at the early-bird price of RM 64.50 (originally RM 69.50) between March 3rd and 23rd only.

 

Boost Bank and CGC Digital Partner to Financially Empower MSMEs with RM130 million Funding

(L-R) Fozia Amanulla, CEO of Boost Bank, and Yushida Husin, CEO of CGC Digital, officiated the agreement between Boost Bank and CGC Digital to empower MSMEs with RM130 million in funding.
  • RM130 million allocated to Boost Bank’s financing solutions – Term Loan and Revolving Credit facilities which offer fast, flexible, accessible financing
  • CGC Digital will offer CGC’s Guarantee Cover and develop digital guarantee products in tandem with Boost Bank’s MSME financing solutions
  • Thousands of MSMEs across Malaysia to benefit from tailored financing solutions, with more innovations in the pipeline

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 MARCH 2025 – Boost Bank, the nation’s first homegrown digital bank has partnered with CGC Digital, a fintech subsidiary of Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (“CGC”) to enhance support for eligible underserved Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Malaysia. Under this partnership, a total of RM130 million has been earmarked for Boost Bank’s financing solutions – Term Loan facility and Revolving Credit facility.

CGC Digital will provide CGC’s guarantee cover through bundling with Boost Bank’s MSME financing solutions to further strengthen MSME access to finance. This offering aims to reach out to thousands of MSMEs and bridge the critical financing gap these businesses face, while enabling businesses to enhance operations and capitalise on growth opportunities.

Boost Bank’s Term Loan financing offers MSMEs a convenient application process with minimal documentation required for loan amounts from RM50,000. The facility features a financing tenure of up to 36 months with no early settlement fees, facilitating effective cash flow management by MSME borrowers. Businesses can also enjoy flexible repayment options to be more in sync with their cash flow needs without incurring any penalty.

The Revolving Credit financing offers MSMEs flexibility to manage their cash flow and rise to business opportunities with ease with its swift financing disbursement feature, which enables businesses to receive funds in as fast as two working days upon approval of the loan.

Fozia Amanulla, CEO of Boost Bank, shared, “At Boost Bank, we understand the unique needs of MSMEs and the critical role financing plays in their growth. In line with our mission to drive financial inclusion and growth for underserved communities, we are committed to providing a platform that opens doors to growth, empowering businesses to overcome challenges and achieve success. This partnership with CGC Digital strengthens our ability to offer seamless, fast, and accessible financing solutions, empowering MSMEs to overcome challenges and seize growth opportunities. We will continue to innovate transformative offerings that will elevate the MSME landscape in Malaysia.”

“Boost Bank is our first digital bank partner, marking a significant milestone in our journey towards facilitating access to financing with digital-first partners. By collaborating with Boost Bank, we can offer seamless, efficient, and accessible financial products that cater to the unique needs of MSMEs,” said Yushida Husin, CEO of CGC Digital. “This partnership is a significant step forward in our mission to support underserved MSMEs by providing them with the financing they need to succeed. It also aligns perfectly with the purpose for which CGC Digital was established—collaborating with digital-first partners. We are excited about the potential this partnership holds and are eager to explore further collaborations with other digital-first players in the industry. Our goal is to continuously enhance our offerings, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of financial innovation.”

Boost Bank and CGC Digital are committed to addressing the needs of underserved MSMEs and promoting financial inclusion while ensuring MSMEs receive the support they need to thrive in today’s economy.

To learn more about Boost Bank, please visit www.myboostbank.co. For more information about CGC Digital, please visit www.cgcdigital.com.my.

Sun Life Malaysia Revives the Spirit of Raya Giving with “Baju Raya Lama Baharu” Campaign

Alif Satar and Sun Life Malaysia, together with the children at Rumah Kasih Harmoni during the symbolic handover ceremony of their new Baju Raya.

Pre-Loved Raya Wear Transformed into Festive Dreams for 100 Children, in Collaboration with KLOTH Cares, INTI International College Subang, and AEON BiG

Kuala Lumpur, 20 March 2025 — Sun Life Malaysia, a life insurance and family takaful provider, is bringing the joy of Raya to 100 children at Rumah Kasih Harmoni with the heartwarming “Baju Raya Lama Baharu” campaign.

Held in collaboration with KLOTH Cares, a textile recycling social enterprise, INTI International College Subang, and AEON BiG, the campaign promotes the values of sharing and gratitude, while supporting a more sustainable Raya through giving new life to cherished garments.

Commenting on the Raya 2025 campaign, Raymond Lew, President/Country Head of Sun Life Malaysia, said, “This campaign goes beyond simply giving – it is about creating meaningful and brighter life moments – just as our brand’s tagline: Life is brighter under the sun. By reviving pre-loved garments, nurturing young designers, and supporting underprivileged children, we bring joy, creativity, and care this festive season.”

Public donating their Baju Raya at selected AEON BiG outlets in Klang Valley

Led by Sun Life Malaysia’s brand ambassador, renowned celebrity and entrepreneur, Alif Satar, the campaign invited Malaysians to donate their gently used “Baju Raya” at designated collection points across Sun Life Malaysia offices and selected AEON BiG outlets, from February – March 2025.

To date, a total of 520kg worth of pre-loved garments were collected, with 100 pairs being brought to life by talented students from INTI, while the remaining will be upcycled by KLOTH.

Alif Satar, brand ambassador of Sun Life Malaysia, bringing festive cheer to the children at Rumah Kasih Harmoni with their new Baju Raya

During the campaign, Alif Satar also visited Rumah Kasih Harmoni, engaging with the children and helping them sketch their dream “Baju Raya” designs.  “This “Baju Raya Lama Baharu” campaign proves that even the smallest contribution, when given with sincerity, can bring happiness to many during Hari Raya,” said Alif.

“We are thrilled to be part of this initiative that not only champions environmental and social sustainability but also provides an avenue for young designers to make a meaningful impact,” said Nik Suzila Hassan, co-founder, KLOTH Cares.

Students at INTI Centre of Art and Design, INTI International College Subang transforming the donated clothes to new Baju Raya

“Seeing these garments transformed into beautiful, personalised Raya outfits has been an incredibly fulfilling experience for our students,” said Goh Suet Lin, lecturer of Diploma in Fashion Design – INTI Centre of Art and Design at INTI International College Subang.

“We are proud to partner with Sun Life Malaysia for this meaningful Raya initiative. By donating used Raya clothing at AEON BiG stores, we are giving these garments a second life and spreading joy to those in need. It is a small gesture with a big impact,” said Head of Marketing AEON BiG, Nazwan Effendy Choong.

To celebrate these heartwarming moments, Sun Life Malaysia has released a special video capturing the children’s excitement as they see their dream outfits come to life. The video, featuring Alif Satar, highlights the joy and gratitude of the children while showcasing the creativity and dedication of the young designers involved.

Watch the video here:
Facebook: https://fb.watch/yqip8Nx_3e/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHYBIf4hxrJ/
Tik Tok: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSMwumWhK/

For more information about Sun Life Malaysia, visit www.sunlifemalaysia.com

HOT NEWS

International Chocolatiers Quanta and Piccadeli Celebrate Malaysian Launch with Malaysia’s Unique...

0
 Premium chocolates made in Dubai are now available at convenience stores, supermarkets, and petrol stations nationwide Quanta and Piccadeli to complement classic fan...

MUST READ

JerHigh X Cullen & P’Jung Introduce grain-free diets for Your Beloved...

0
JerHigh, a leading brand in the pet food sector, is introducing JerHigh MORE, a grain-free formula for dogs. Alongside this launch comes the introduction...