‘TIS THE SEASON WHERE TREASURED MOMENTS MEET EXQUISITE CULINARY EXPERIENCES

By

-

2nd December 2022

The Westin Kuala Lumpur Christmas and New Year Buffet

Jolly good times await at Marriott Bonvoy Hotels and Resorts in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, 1 December 2022 – Marriott Bonvoy Hotels and Resorts embrace the festive season with an assortment of dining offers and seasonal treats. Bond with loved ones during this magical time, discover festive specialties, and dig into these culinary highlights at participating Marriott Bonvoy Hotels and Resorts.

Stylish seasonal menu

Indulge in a luxurious Christmas menu at W Hotel Kuala Lumpur with a delightful 4-course meal specially curated by the talented chefs at Flock. The 4-course meal features Confit Duck Legs with Herb Roast Kohlrabi, Pomegranate Gastrique Sauce, Pan Roasted Salmon with Scallops, Edamame, and White Wine sauce and is paired with sweet mouthwatering desserts. Aside from the 4-course meal, Flock also offers the Holly Jolly Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner, The Jingle Feast Buffet Brunch, and the Christmas Fete Buffet Dinner. Keep the celebratory vibes up with Living Room Live Christmas Eve Edition featuring Stankonnexions once the lights go down from 9pm until late to usher in the yuletide joy this Christmas Eve.

Dine with a view

‘Tis the season to treat yourself and your loved ones within luxurious settings and surroundings decked in ribbons and festive surprises. Pantai Grill at The St. Regis Langkawi offers the perfect setting with a breathtaking view of the Andaman Sea as you tuck into your Christmas barbeque, where diners may enjoy a Christmas Eve Sizzling Barbecued Gourmet or a Christmas Day BBQ. A Family Style Sharing Set Menu is available at L’Orangerie or if brunch is your thing, Caroline Aster’s Diamond Brunch at Kayuputi awaits. For the ultimate feast, indulge in the 7-Course Degustation Menu!

Christmas around the world

The Westin Kuala Lumpur Bar Lounge Festive Beverages

Embark on a culinary journey from The Living Room, in The Westin Kuala Lumpur, to discover diverse delicacies from over 10 countries. Their festive buffet features international favourites, from Spanish Seafood Paella Seafood, to Jamaican Spiced Braised Oxtails. Vegetarians are not left out at the Vegetarians of the World corner serving up dishes like French Cauliflower Gratin, German Braised Red Cabbage and more. To make the festive buffet experience even more magical, there will be an exhilarating magic show by a fun and engaging magician walking to diners’ tables on 24, 25, and 31 December.

Enjoy a local twist

Savour a Christmas meal celebrating local flavours at Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown. At Quan’s Kitchen, Executive Chef Gerald Chong created signature dishes such as Slow Roast “Rojak Nyonya” Lamb of Leg, Marmite Roasted Lamb of Leg Kapitan, and Marinated Beef Striploin. Whether its Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner, Christmas Day Luncheon, or Buffet Dinner, a memorable meal is guaranteed. With the festive spirit upon us, the hotel also offers a delicious spread ranging from festive buffets to takeaway menus, Christmas-themed afternoon teas, gift hampers, cocktails, and more.

European Epicurean delights

For classic European flavours this Christmas, specially curated set lunches and dinners are prepared by the skilled chefs at Prego! at The Westin, Desaru. Three-course lunch set menus on Christmas Eve and Christmas day feature dishes such as Salmon Fillet served with Dauphinoise Potato, French Beans and Saffron Butter Sauce; succulent Grilled Angus Tenderloin served with Sauté Spinach, and Roasted Garlic and Beef Jus, complete with the Prego holiday-exclusive dessert, the Natadelizia: a Panettone Sponge Cake with Soft Cream Cheese and Caramelized pear topped with Espresso Sauce to end on a high note. For dinner, guests and diners can rediscover festive tales by enjoying Prego’s 4-course dinner with a glass of Kir Royale or Sparkling Wine.

Variety is the spice of life

At Le Méridien Putrajaya, Christmas is celebrated with an array of choices. At Latest Recipe, discover Christmas Roasted Premium Pineapple Chicken with Bread and Chestnut Stuffing, Roasted Rib Eye Beef, Rosemary Crumbed Rack of Lamb, and the Christmas Baked Salmon with Tapenade all in one buffet. For seafood lovers, a selection of seafood on ice includes sashimi and western and local dishes. For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on sweet delights to end off the wine and dine experience with its specialties, such as the Illy Coffee Yule Log, Christmas Mince Pie, and the chef’s special Christmas Cookies. To ensure a complete celebration, diners will be serenaded by a carolling performance, and kids under 4 can dine in for free, while those aged 5 to 12 are entitled to 50% off.

For Meat Lovers

PRIME: Christmas Eve Classic Baked Turkey Roulade

Close off the year and indulge in holiday festivities with special dining offers from award-winning restaurant PRIME at Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively, visit Gastro Sentral for a creative feast where Citrus Infused Slow-Cooked Turkey Marble Roulade & Seared Foie Gras and Grass-Fed Beef Loin with Truffles are part of the set menu. Not forgetting, Latest Recipe, topping the list of buffets in Kuala Lumpur, features a medley of over 150 selections, including tapas creations, Slow-Roasted Rib Eye and Roasted Turkey on the carving station, as well as desserts.

Gastro Sentral: Christmas Eve Grass Fed Beef Loin in Golden Puff

Classic All Rounder

Le Méridien Petaling Jaya Festive Take-Away Roast Beef

At Le Méridien Petaling Jaya, spend the holidays dining on hearty feasts at Pasar Baru and PJ’s Bar & Grill, where you will be spoilt for choice. From classic festive dishes to local favourites, this is an excellent option to spend Christmas, especially if you have kids, as The Denim Ninja will be gracing diners with a live performance on Christmas Eve.

Splurge on Seafood

Relish in seafood galore at Palm Garden Hotel, Putrajaya, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is where their Festive Buffet Dinners wow with a selection of New Zealand Oysters, Half Shell Mussels and Flower Crabs. The spread also features other varieties, including Saddle of Lamb, Roast Striploin and Roast Chicken with all the trimmings you could imagine. Complete the evening with Christmas fruit cakes and cookies, puddings, French pastries, apple pies and other sweet delights. Customers can opt for a lighter choice with the Festive Hi-Tea on the 25th and 26th of December, exclusively at Palms Café. Expect Christmas carollers and the appearance of Santa with festive goodies when you dine in on the 24th and 25th of December.

For more information and reservations, visit:

https://marriottbonvoyasia.com/R+B/local-discount/MalaysiaFestive

Love, Bonito to Open its Sixth Store in Singapore at Waterway Point

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

1st December 2022

28112022_LoveBonito_Colossal_RAW_Clean_002 (1) — Love Bonito at Waterway Point

SINGAPORE, 25 NOVEMBER 2022 – This December, Love, Bonito is wrapping up 2022 with a bang as it celebrates the opening of its sixth store in Singapore at Waterway Point. This outlet boasts a holistic assortment of the latest and trendiest fashion drops that aims to grow with and engage the Love, Bonito community living in the North-East region, uniting families, working adults and the younger generation in one common space.

From 2 December, everyone is welcome at Love, Bonito’s Waterway Point store to enjoy a host of exciting in-store activities and also check out its very own family-friendly and mystical Enchanted Garden pop-up located at the Atrium Space near the West Wing entrance of the mall.

“Alongside the continuous optimisation of our online experience, we’re always looking to expand our omnichannel presence by opening more brick-and-mortar stores both locally and globally. With the rebound in offline retail and growing consumer preferences to experience products in-person, our sixth store in Waterway Point serves as a destination for the family-oriented go-getter, due to a large percentage of mall-goers being families and female shoppers,” says Yilyn Tan, VP of Retail and Country Director at Love, Bonito. “We’re confident that Love, Bonito will deliver a refreshing shopping experience for families, and women across all stages and moments of their journeys.”

A Fashion Destination For The Family-Oriented Go-Getter

Lylas – Aleesha Padded Bustier Fit & Flare Dress in Butternut

Conveniently located a stone’s throw away from the Punggol MRT/LRT station and bus interchange, the 3,550 sqft store offers an expansive range of collections that will appeal to young families and ladies from all walks of life.

Fuelled by the brand’s commitment to create thoughtful designs that cater to every stage of a woman’s life, the store will carry collections such as The Staples, LYLAS: Bridesmaid, Embrace: Maternity and its recently launched activewear line cheak, with exclusive Love, Bonito colours such as Fern, Wink and Blush; and also the upcoming Festive Collection.

As an exciting fashion-forward retail space, customers will be greeted by the familiar and classic Love, Bonito modern design elements as they step into the store – including its first SG store featuring fitting rooms with swing doors for increased privacy.

The Enchanted Garden at Waterway Point’s Atrium Space

Enchanted Garden

The Love, Bonito Enchanted Garden comprises miniature landscaping inspired by the lush greenery and beautiful water frontage of the Punggol Waterway Park. By recreating this scene, the brand envisions with the launch of the new store that generations will be delighted with the pieces created to celebrate and journey with women through their different milestones – from mummy twinning outfits, everyday staple pieces, to bridesmaid collections and maternity styles. From 28 November to 4 December, first 500 visitors who post a photo on Instagram and tag @lovebonitosg, hashtag #LBEnchantedGarden will be entitled to a $10 Love, Bonito gift card. Simply present the social post to any Love, Bonito staff between 12pm to 8pm at Waterway Point’s Atrium Space to redeem it.

In addition, Love, Bonito has partnered with Tiong Bahru Bakery to reward customers with delightful treats! The first 300 customers at Tiong Bahru Bakery Waterway Point (#01-66) will be able to redeem a $5 Love, Bonito gift card and 10% off All Day Dining vouchers from Tiong Bahru Bakery when they flash @lovebonitosg’s Instagram post (published on 1 December) to the staff onsite. No purchase required.

In-Store Opening Activations

To commemorate the opening of Love, Bonito’s new home, an exciting list of activities await from 2 to 11 December!

Kids Drop-Off Corner

- To all the mummies who are looking to shop peacefully, this one’s for you! Love, Bonito has specially prepared a kids drop-off corner to keep your children engaged with a picnic basket, some colouring activities and reading time with the brand’s first children’s storybook Lili the Lioness & Friends at the carpets and cushions provided while the mummies shop away.

Kakkow x Love, Bonito Chocolate Bonbons

Love, Bonito and Kakkow bonbons co-branded treat box

Perfect for your garden party munch, Love, Bonito and Kakkow are offering shoppers a co-branded treat box with a minimum spend of $100 at Love, Bonito’s Waterway Point store. Kakkow, an artisanal chocolate brand co-founded by Chef Derek Cheong, the winner of MasterChef Singapore Season 2, specially partnered Love, Bonito for its opening with their delicately hand-painted chocolate – featuring vibrant colours to represent the feminine palettes of Love, Bonito.
Here are all the delicious goodness inside the box:

- - Pistachio Lime Green – Rich, roasted floral nuttiness from pistachio coupled with bright citrus acidity
  - Miso & Genmaicha – Earthy, Rich & Savoury
  - Burnt Vanilla & Cookies – Sweet AKA atas cookies & cream

Love, Bonito Enchanted Garden Terrarium DIY Kit

Love In A Bottle x Love, Bonito Terrarium

Get crafty and bring home your own mini Love, Bonito Enchanted Garden! With a minimum spend of $120 at Love, Bonito’s Waterway Point store, build your own terrarium with the exclusive DIY kit.
Each DIY Kit includes: 1x 500ml glass bottle with lid, 1x bottom drainage gravel, 1x terrarium mix soil, 1x decorative colourful sand, 1x assorted colour fittonia plant, 1x working tools (chopsticks/spoon), 1x Totoro figurine (4-5 types variety), 1x paper carry bag

Love, Bonito’s in-store photo booth

- Grab a photo at Love, Bonito’s in-store Enchanted Garden Backdrop with floral monograms for free!

Gold LBCommunity+ members Exclusive

- Exclusive to Gold LBCommunity+ members, receive a $5 Love, Bonito gift card and a jewellery case with any purchase in-store and no minimum spend.

Get Festive with Love, Bonito’s Festive 2022 Collection For Every Holiday Mood

Festive 2022 – Tierra Ruffle Tiered Midi Dress in Maroon

Let us rejoice in the magic of the holiday season and head into the New Year in style. Beginning 28 November, Love, Bonito will feature its festive year-end 80-piece collection of cosy knits, elegant dresses and rompers, along with its For Every Holiday Mood campaign. Customers can get into the holiday spirit with curated looks from notable fashion inspirations, including its Singaporean co-founder Rachel Lim, TV host and entrepreneur Grace Chan, entrepreneur, Bling Empire star and producer Kelly Mi Li, and actress and entrepreneur Sofia Andres.

Love, Bonito’s sixth store in Singapore – at #01-61B of Waterway Point, 83 Punggol Central, Singapore 828761 – is open daily from 11am to 10pm. Prices of apparels range from $33.90 to $115.00.

FOOD MALAYSIANS LOVE TO EAT MOST

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

1st December 2022

ShopeeFood users reveal their best-rated restaurants across locations in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 NOVEMBER 2022 The cultural diversity of Malaysia in many ways has influenced our unique flavours and ingredients. An amalgamation of Chinese, Indian, Malay and Borneo flavours, our taste buds are constantly tickled by a variety matched perhaps by no other place on earth.

Which brought ShopeeFood to survey our cities for the best five-star cuisines as rated by ShopeeFood users. During its last three major campaigns, such as the 9.9 Shopping Day, 10.10 Brand Sale and 11.11 Big Sale, ShopeeFood gathered data on food trends to find out what Malaysians loved to eat. Measured based on the most frequently ordered items on the ShopeeFood app, the survey showed two clear favourites: rice-based dishes and fried chicken.

There is no denying that rice is the heartland of this country. Aside from the multitudes of paddy fields across the nation, rice is our staple food, incorporated in our baby food, snacks, desserts and almost every meal. Whether it’s Chinese-style bowls of steaming rice, or the ever-famous Indian banana leaf meal, and not forgetting our beloved Malaysian Nasi Lemak, rice is in the DNA of Malaysia and its people.

While Roti Canai may have hit the top spot on ShopeeFood’s top five cuisines survey, rice-based dishes and some form of fried chicken are abundantly featured in our food trends.

Chicken dishes especially fried chicken not surprisingly also came out top in the best five stars cuisine found on the ShopeeFood app. Fried chicken is a treat savoured by young and old alike.

For some, fried chicken was a treat enjoyed during large weekly family gatherings or just as a workday lunch or dinner.

According to a survey in 2021, Malaysians are the third highest chicken consumers in the world with almost 50 kilograms of chicken consumed per year, per person^[1]. While it does not close in on the 82.3 kilograms of rice a Malaysian eats per year^[2], for a population of just over 32 million people to be the 3^rd highest chicken consumer in the world goes to show how much Malaysians love their chicken.

And we are not biassed either. Whether it’s Ayam Goreng Berempah or the latest Korean-style fried chicken, Malaysians love their chicken in every way they can get it. Today we have hundreds of different styles of chicken at our fingertips – whether in person or online at ShopeeFood, the list is endless.

What ShopeeFood Order Trends Say

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysians made the move towards delivery platforms to get their meals safely and easily. Given the convenience and wide variety of food options available at their fingertips, Malaysians increasingly prefer online food delivery. There are over 2,000 cuisines to choose from depending on your mood and taste for the day.

“People are becoming increasingly reliant and comfortable with digital services. Malaysians have readily adopted food delivery as it provides convenience, value, and variety. At ShopeeFood we are equally committed to helping more merchants whether enterprise or local heroes to benefit from Shopee’s large ecosystem and adopt new ways of doing business and gaining new customers,” said Kwa Yin Leng, Head of Operations for ShopeeFood Malaysia.

“We are very excited with this survey as it shows what we love most as Malaysians when it comes to food. During our peak promotion periods like 9.9, 10.10 and 11.11, rice-based dishes had approximately 3x uplift in terms of orders compared to an average day. This shows that Malaysians not only enjoy rice as a staple food but are also keen to take advantage of the sale period to get the best value for their orders,” she added.

ShopeeFood was established in 2021 to help its users benefit from a convenient and hassle-free food delivery experience by providing numerous eateries, from popular joints to local street food stalls, at the best value. As part of Shopee’s existing ecosystem that includes the mobile wallet ShopeePay, along with amazing deals and promotions all year round, Malaysians have a secure, and rewarding payment and delivery experience with ShopeeFood.

ShopeeFood Users Rate Their Favourite Five-Star Restaurants

ShopeeFood surveyed its users’ choices to find out the best rice dishes and fried chicken in Kuala, Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor, Penang, Johor, Ipoh and Kota Kinabalu. While the all-time favourites included Nasi Lemak, Bubur Ayam, Nasi Kukus and fried chicken – we observed that users loved variety when it comes to preparations such as Middle Eastern, Korean, International and Japanese.

Here’s a list of the top five restaurants from all over Malaysia picked by ShopeeFood users as the best places to get your rice dishes and a variety of fried chicken fixes from.

Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya

Whether it’s Nasi Campur or Chinese cuisine, these folks know where to go for good food. For the best five-star rated rice dishes and fried chicken, just click on the links below and ShopeeFood users will show you the way.

Restaurants – Voted five-stars for rice dishes

Restaurants – Voted five-stars for fried chicken dishes

Penang

Up north at our very own food haven Penang, besides the distinct Penang food, users also enjoy Middle Eastern food such as Mandi Chicken and juicy fried chicken burgers.

Restaurants – Voted five-stars for rice dishes

Restaurants – Voted five-stars for fried chicken dishes

Johor

Johorians love their traditional fried chicken with rice. Apart from that, Johorians picked ‘hotpot’ soup to go with their rice, deep-fried chicken with herbs and spices and some amazing curry and rice.

Shu Da Xia Hotpot @ Taman Sutera Utama Skudai

Restaurants – Voted five-stars for rice dishes

Restaurants – Voted five-stars for fried chicken dishes

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Middle Eastern, Japanese, and local cuisines – diverse Sabahans love a variety and their top picks will leave you spoilt for choice.

Restaurants – Voted five-stars for rice dishes

Restaurants – Voted five-stars for fried chicken dishes

Ipoh, Perak

Known for its Hakka culture, cave temples and colonial old town, Ipoh is most definitely famous for its food. Along with its heritage dishes, nasi lemak, fried chicken chop and Korean fried chicken are some of the dishes that made it to the top of Ipoh’s favourite list.

Restaurants – Voted five-stars for rice dishes

Restaurants – Voted five-stars for fried chicken dishes

Selangor

And finally, users in Selangor have a thing for Asam Pedas with rice, old-time favourite Ayamas fried chicken and a fancy for Korean chicken.

Restaurants – Voted five-stars for rice dishes

Restaurants – Voted five-stars for fried chicken dishes

Hungry Already? Here’s a 12.12 Promo Sale for You!

The year-end 12.12 sale is finally here! Get exclusive deals from a wide range of restaurants and order all your favourite food with these super offers:

Free Delivery with RM0 min spend
Super Deals up to 50% OFF on selected merchants such as Thong Kee Cafe, Little KL Food Hall, Tea Can Tin, Pop Meals, Kee Nguyen – Vietnam Coffee, Nasi Lemak Saleha and much more.
Shocking Sale at RM12 starting from 6th – 12th December 2022

^[1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/756920/malaysia-meat-consumption-per-capita-by-type/

^[2] https://rice-processing.com/analysis-on-rice-industry-in-malaysia.html

PolicyStreet and foodpanda Malaysia Joins Forces to Digitise Delivery Partners’ Insurance for Better Protection

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

1st December 2022

food panda policy street 1 — From left to right: Darren Chong, Chief of Technology Management for PolicyStreet; Andrew Ang Hean Teck, Chief Financial Officer for foodpanda Malaysia; Wilson Beh, Cofounder of PolicyStreet, and Kelvin Chan, Director of Operations for foodpanda Malaysia met up to officialise the launch of the nation's first Gig Workers' Claims Portal

Through PolicyStreet’s newly launched Gig Workers’ Claims Portal, foodpanda Malaysia’s delivery partners can monitor their insurance coverage and submit claims while on the go.

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 November 2022 – All of foodpanda Malaysia’s delivery partners classified as gig workers nationwide will be enjoying simplified insurance processes as part of PolicyStreet’s commitment to close the insurance protection gap among gig workers. The benefit set to affect the tens of thousands of delivery partners is an extension of PolicyStreet and foodpanda Malaysia’s efforts to insure and protect delivery partners’ social and financial welfare, which began in 2020.

Through PolicyStreet’s latest digital solution– the Gig Workers’ Claims Portal, delivery partners can monitor their insurance coverage status, submit, and monitor their claims’ progress while on the go. Developed to ease the insurance operations and processes, the proprietary technology can be rolled out to p-hailing companies nationwide in Malaysia and neighbouring countries such as Singapore and Australia.

“While the growth of the digital economy has made life infinitely easier for consumers, the delivery partners who power the industry bear the brunt of the risk of financial insecurity due to the industry’s protection gap. By developing innovative digital solutions, With the launch of this new solution, we hope to work towards ensuring the digital economy will remain sustainable for the long term by protecting the social and financial welfare of gig workers,” says Lee Yen Ming, Chief Executive Officer of PolicyStreet.

“We understand that delivery partners are fluid in the p-hailing service provider they serve, oftentimes having to serve more than one p-hailing service provider to make ends meet. We are working to onboard more p-hailing service providers onto the platform so gig workers can monitor their various insurance policies from their coverages across different various employers, all from one portal,” added Yen Ming.

Leading the way as a responsible employer within the gig economy space, foodpanda Malaysia is among the first p-hailing companies to adopt the technology. Delivery partners from foodpanda Malaysia can rest assured knowing that in addition to being insured while on the job, the processes to monitor and claim have been made simple for them and their next of kin.

“foodpanda Malaysia is proud to collaborate with PolicyStreet in protecting our delivery partners as they carry out the arduous and sometimes dangerous task of delivering food, groceries, and other conveniences to our customers. The partnership with PolicyStreet is a longstanding one, and the existence of the Gig Workers’ Claims Portal was borne out of constant collaboration and feedback from both ends,” says Kelvin Chan, Director of Operations for foodpanda Malaysia.

“The parallel and symbiotic growth of PolicyStreet and foodpanda Malaysia is a paragon of the Malaysian tech ecosystem, and without them, we wouldn’t have been able to progress so far ahead in insuring our delivery partners,” he added.

Traditionally, delivery partners who receive insurance cannot monitor their coverage status and must undergo a complicated and time-consuming process to submit their insurance claims manually. This inefficiency results in opportunity costs for delivery partners and impacts their trust in the insurance coverage promised to them.

“When I contracted COVID-19, the first thing that came to mind was how it may affect my livelihood and my family. I understood that foodpanda offers insurance coverage for partners affected by COVID-19, but I was concerned that the reimbursement process would take too long and jeopardise my family’s financial situation. I’m glad that there is a new digital solution to expedite the claims process for gig workers,” says foodpanda delivery partner, Raudin Rashid Wan Idris.

“After getting into an accident and breaking my collarbone, I’ve found that this new digital solution will make the claim process both seamless and easy. I appreciate foodpanda and PolicyStreet’s efforts to care for us delivery partners’ wellbeing, and I’m looking forward to improved insurance operations and services with the upcoming Gig Workers’ Claims Portal,” adds foodpanda delivery partner, Muhammad Amir Bin Mohamad Asri.

From 29 November onwards, foodpanda Malaysia’s delivery partners can monitor and make insurance claims by logging onto foodpanda-claims.policystreet.com. To get in touch with us to adopt the Gig Workers’ Claims Portal, please contact PolicyStreet at policystreet.com/contact-us.

Celebrate Christmas with tokidoki at NEX from 24 November – 26 December

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

30th November 2022

SINGAPORE, 30 November 2022 — The colourful world of tokidoki has arrived at NEX just in time for Christmas! tokidoki, which translates to “sometimes” in Japanese, is an internationally recognised and beloved lifestyle brand. Since its debut in 2005, tokidoki has amassed a cult-like following for its eye-catching aesthetic and adorable characters.

NEX, in collaboration with tokidoki, celebrates the spirit of giving with a series of tokidoki-themed events and rewards happening from 24 November to 26 December. Shoppers can look forward to exclusive tokidoki Eco Bags, tokidoki character displays, caricature portrait drawing, and even a meet & greet with the creative mind behind tokidoki at the media preview on 30 November. Whether you’re a long time fan of tokidoki or admirers of the larger-than-life characters, their adorable characters will definitely steal your heart and keep you coming back for more!

Here are some of the highlights to keep an eye out for.

Immerse Yourself in the tokidoki Holiday Experience

Walk through NEX Atrium, Level 1 to immerse yourself in the tokidoki fun holiday experience from 1 – 11 December, 11 am to 9pm daily. Spot the colourful tokidoki characters Donutella & her sweet friends, Cactus Friends, Unicorno, Mermicorno and Kaiju on display, adding a shot of cuteness to this year’s festive season. After snapping Instagrammable moments with the characters, head over to the pop-up retail space to shop for tokidoki merchandise which are perfect Christmas gifts for your loved ones.

Get up close and personal with fan-favourite tokidoki characters, Donutella and SANDy, from 2 – 4 December and 9 – 11 December. Open to the first 30 groups of 4 for each session, the mascots will be holding meet and greet sessions at 1pm, 4pm and 7pm daily. Grab your camera and don’t miss out on this opportunity to get a beautiful family photo with the delightful characters.

Collect Exclusive tokidoki Eco Bags

Calling all tokidoki fans – here’s your chance to redeem a limited edition tokidoki Eco Bag if you are a NEXrewards member! The tokidoki Eco Bag is available in 4 unique collectible designs and a design will be released every week from 24 November to 26 December. To receive the bag, shoppers need to scan NEXrewards member QR with a minimum spending of $150 or $200 (if including supermarket transaction) at participating stores.

Enjoy additional rewards for Citi Credit Cardmembers when shoppers charge a minimum of $300 to their Citi Credit Card to receive an additional $20 eNEXvoucher. *Terms and conditions apply.

Receive a Personalised Caricature Portrait for NEXrewards Members

Exclusive to NEXrewards Members, receive a personalised caricature portrait of yourself and a friend from 2 – 4 December and 9 – 11 December! Simply scan your NEXrewards member QR code with a minimum spend of $50 in a single transaction at participating stores. The talented artist will be at the NEX Atrium, Level 1 ready to sketch a memorable art piece that will capture the essence of your personality. Terms and conditions apply.

Session 1	11am to 3pm (Redemption from 10:30am)
Session 2	4pm to 8pm (Redemption from 3:30pm)

Meet tokidoki’s Artist Simone Legno for an Autograph Session

In the leadup to the tokidoki festivities, NEX will be holding a media event on 30 November where invited attendees will also be able to meet Simone Legno, the creative director and co-founder of tokidoki, who will be flying into Singapore specially for an autograph session. Simone’s deep love of Japan and fascination with world cultures came alive in his art passion which led to the eventual creation of tokidoki.

Simone says: “Tokidoki is the hope, the hidden energy that everyone has inside. It gives us the strength to face a new day and dream about something positive and the hope that something magical will happen to us.”

Make sure to head down to NEX from 24 November to 26 December 2022 for a fabulous time with tokidoki! Visit NEX’s website and Facebook for more information about the NEX x tokidoki Christmas campaign.

Green Rebel, Indonesia’s Leading Plant-Based Food Tech Start-Up Has Officially Launched in Malaysia!

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

30th November 2022

From left to right: Helga Angelina Tjahjadi, CEO & Co-Founder of Green Rebel, Chef Kalidevan Murugaya, Brand Ambassador of Green Rebel & Max Mandias, Chief Innovation Officer & Co-Founder of Green Rebel

Malaysians can now enjoy plant-based meat alternatives that are rich in Southeast Asian flavours

Kuala Lumpur, 29 November 2022 – Green Rebel, Indonesia’s leading alternative-protein startup has spread its wings to Malaysia as the second market expansion outside of Indonesia and Singapore. Green Rebel offers whole-cut plant-based meat alternatives for Southeast Asian consumers in search of a healthier flexitarian diet. Green Rebel’s products are thoughtfully curated by chefs, nutritionists and food technologists to provide the optimal nutrition and taste profile while minimising carbon footprint.

Green Rebel’s products are ready-to-cook and will only take less than six minutes from fridge to table, and can last up to 12 months in the freezer, which include chicken and beef alternatives, veggie protein and cheese. This has been designed for those who lead busy schedules and live fast-paced lifestyles as it is a more convenient option that many families have started adopting in their daily meal preparations.

Green Rebel Malaysian Style Beefless Satay

Helga Angelina Tjahjadi, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder said, “We are excited to officially launch in Malaysia as Malaysians are known as foodies who enjoy trying new products with strong flavours. Prior to officially unveiling our products today, we have held soft launches in the past months through our participation in the Malaysian Veg Fest and also through our partnership with Hijau Kuala Lumpur to see the receptiveness of our products. We are happy to report that Malaysians have been very welcoming. The feedback we’ve received has been great, especially for our signature range s.a. Beefless Rendang & Satay as the flavours hit the spot and the meat-like texture has been perfected. This is a testament to our R&D capability to create products that are delicious, healthy and sustainable. Swapping to a flexitarian lifestyle is that much easier with our ready-to-cook frozen products.”

Max Mandias, Chief Innovation Officer and Co-Founder said, “In recent years, be it for businesses or consumers, sustainability is becoming a way of life. Consumers are becoming more health and environmentally conscious and as such, we see a trend of people swapping to a flexitarian lifestyle. Our products were conceptualised to cater to the everyday consumer who wants to eat healthy, yet not compromise on taste profiles. With Rebel Texturization and Rebel Emulsion – Green Rebel’s proprietary tech – we are able to create fibrous meat texture from shiitake mushrooms and non-GMO soy, and successfully mimic the experience of eating whole-cut meat. It’s a win-win situation for consumers who want to do right by the environment yet enjoy a hearty meal.”

Hungry Tapir: Christmas Beef Roast Steak with Green Rebel Beefless Steak

Hungry Tapir: Rendang and Chestnut Wellington with Beefless Rendang

Green Rebel will be partnering with chef-driven local restaurants in Malaysia to create different renditions of its popular dishes such as the Beefless Rendang and Chick’n Satay as well as a wide range of other plant-based meat alternatives products. Green Rebel will be available at Hijau Kuala Lumpur, Simply Good Food, The Hungry Tapir, Crown Colony, Vicked Good, Atlas, Vegan District, and Tanoshi Mart. Take-home packs will be available for sale at selected retailers, with plans for launch into supermarkets on the horizon.

Hijau: Nasi Padang with Beefless Rendang

Hijau: Nasi Kerabu with Beefless Rendang

Swire Coca-Cola Completes the Acquisition of Coca-Cola Bottling Business in Cambodia

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

28th November 2022

Expansion of Franchise Footprint into South East Asia

HONG KONG – 25th November 2022 – Swire Coca-Cola Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Swire Pacific Limited (HKSE: 00019/00087), announced today the completion of its acquisition of the Coca-Cola subsidiary with bottling business in Cambodia. Swire Coca-Cola will assume ownership of Cambodia Beverage Company Ltd. and commence its franchise operations in Cambodia from 26th November 2022.

The transaction is Swire Coca-Cola’s first investment in South East Asia, expanding its operating footprint into a new region. The completion of the deal reflects the vision to expand Swire Coca-Cola’s footprint across a vibrant and dynamic region with immense growth potential, as the company welcomes around 900 employees on board to its thriving team.

“The completion of the Cambodia agreement marks a major milestone for Swire Coca-Cola,” said Patrick Healy, Chairman of Swire Coca-Cola. “As our first foray into South East Asia, we are thrilled to work alongside our new colleagues and excited by the significant opportunities of the Cambodia beverage market. We feel very positive about the future growth potential of Swire Coca-Cola in South East Asia.”

“We are delighted to have completed the acquisition of the Coca-Cola bottling business in Cambodia. Leveraging our proven strengths in commercial capabilities, marketing, supply chain, customer service and digitalisation in our existing operating regions combined with the strength and local expertise of our new colleagues, we will be able to continue serving the needs of our customers and consumers in Cambodia effectively and contribute positively to the local community,” said Karen So, Managing Director of Swire Coca-Cola.

“Swire Coca-Cola is a strategic bottling partner for the Coca-Cola system with current operations in Greater China and parts of the western United States,” said Claudia Lorenzo, President, ASEAN and South Pacific of The Coca-Cola Company. “We are confident that Swire Coca-Cola brings the passion for our business and the capabilities to accelerate even further the tremendous growth of the Cambodia market.”

Swire Coca-Cola’s acquisition of Coca-Cola bottling businesses in Vietnam, subject to regulatory approval, is progressing and further updates will be provided in due course.

Taro Tempe is a new better-for-you snack with protein

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

28th November 2022

FKS Food Sejahtera’s Taro brand in Indonesia has recently launched Taro Tempe, which is a better-for-you snack made from soy. Taro Tempe is a source of protein and comes in two flavorus – Teriyaki Barbecue and Chicken Onion.

ėtė ice cream offers tea-inspired Earl Grey Honey Ice Cream

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

28th November 2022

ėtė ice cream Thailand (Perfect Companion Group) has launched a tea-inspired Earl Grey Honey Ice Cream in Thailand under The One range. The ice cream brand has also introduced an indulgent Triple Strawberry Ice Cream and a nut-inspired Pistachio Ice Cream.

All three products are priced at THB 30 each and are available at 7-Eleven.

O’Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe Wins Praise for New Cage-Free Egg Goal

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

28th November 2022

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Popular sandwich chain O’Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe won praise today from international NGO Lever Foundation for its new pledge to source only cage-free eggs by 2025 for its shops in Malaysia and elsewhere in Asia.

Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, O’Briens runs over 200 cafes worldwide, including 25 outlets in Malaysia and additional stores in mainland China, Australia, Singapore and Dubai Airport. Under the new goal, O’Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe shops in APAC will source only cage-free eggs by 2025.

“We firmly believe that the food we consume every day is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, which is why we pride ourselves on choosing premium ingredients for our signature dishes,” said Brian Pua, Managing Director at O’Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe. “For this reason, we feel the time is right for a full commitment to using only cage-free egg ingredients in our cafes in Malaysia and APAC by 2025, as a way to making our supply chain kinder to animals and healthier for consumers.”

“We congratulate O’Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe for this excellent cage-free pledge, which will greatly benefit egg-laying hens as well as domestic and international customers,” said Vilosha Sivaraman, Sustainability Program Manager at Lever Foundation, which worked with the company on its commitment. “We hope more restaurant chains and food companies in Malaysia follow O’Briens’ example in ending the use of caged eggs.”

Animal protection and food safety organizations worldwide encourage a switch to cage-free eggs, which are more humane to animals and safer for consumers. Research by the European Food Safety Authority and others has found that cage-free egg farms are up to 25 times less likely to be contaminated with key salmonella strains than hens raised in cages.

A study by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) found that the humane treatment of animals is a critical component of the country’s growing green foods movement, with 91% of consumers believing green foods can and must prevent unnecessary animal suffering. A separate study also showed consumers are willing to pay significantly more for higher-quality eggs.

About Lever Foundation

Lever Foundation is a global NGO that works with leading food companies in Malaysia and across the region to help them upgrade their protein sourcing for a more humane, safe and sustainable supply chain.

Mini Me Insights

‘TIS THE SEASON WHERE TREASURED MOMENTS MEET EXQUISITE CULINARY EXPERIENCES

Love, Bonito to Open its Sixth Store in Singapore at Waterway Point

FOOD MALAYSIANS LOVE TO EAT MOST

PolicyStreet and foodpanda Malaysia Joins Forces to Digitise Delivery Partners’ Insurance for Better Protection

Celebrate Christmas with tokidoki at NEX from 24 November – 26 December

Green Rebel, Indonesia’s Leading Plant-Based Food Tech Start-Up Has Officially Launched in Malaysia!

Swire Coca-Cola Completes the Acquisition of Coca-Cola Bottling Business in Cambodia

Taro Tempe is a new better-for-you snack with protein

ėtė ice cream offers tea-inspired Earl Grey Honey Ice Cream

O’Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe Wins Praise for New Cage-Free Egg Goal

HOT NEWS

New Herb ‘n Soul Golden Milk turmeric to boost body’s immune...

MUST READ

Kewpie Malaysia has two new pasta sauce flavours

Drinkable HiLo Chocolate Avocado low in fat

SPX Express Nurtures Talent and Growth for Women in Logistics

International Wonda Coffee Day 2019 Gets Bigger and Better

EVEN MORE NEWS

Connor’s Stout Porter is Made to Be Different

Wake-Up 24/7 introduces whisky-inspired, coffee-infused energy drink in Vietnam

Guss Damn Good and M-150 unveil flavour-packed collaboration

POPULAR CATEGORY