In Singapore, oat milk will be the default milk when you order your milk-based coffee beverages at Flash Coffee. This comes as Flash Coffee has partnered with Oatside as part of the #SipForChange campaign towards a more sustainable future.
Oatside has scored a goal of getting Flash Coffee on board. Having Oatside as the default choice at Flash Coffee is a testament of the quality of Oatside oat milk and can help to bring on board more foodservice players.
BMS Organics has launched Tiger Mushroom Black Bean Milk, which is a special beverage with a combination of tiger milk mushroom and organic black bean powder.
Tiger milk mushroom is a medicinal mushroom know for its healing properties on strengthening the respiratory system and lungs, as well as boosting the immune system.
BMS Organics has also introduced BMS Organics Opprah Golden Black Sesame Paste, which contains nearly 800mg of calcium per 100g. The supplement is also rich in iron, vitamin E and omega-3.
BMS Organics Opprah Golden Black Sesame Paste is a mixture of high-quality black sesame powder, organic golden flaxseed oil powder and organic brown rice powder in the most suitable ratio for human body to absorb.
Yanhee, known for its vitamin water in Thailand, has launched calcium water to provide consumers with calcium. The target consumers are families, the elderly and the tounger generations.
This particular product is aimed at children who are not getting enough calcium due to the inadequate intake of dairy. Some children do not drink milk because they do not like the taste or are lactose intolerant.
One bottle of Yanhee Calcium Water (460ml) has 200mg of calcium, which is equivalent to a glass of milk. Apart from calcium, children can also hydrate with Yanhee Calcium Water. The yogurt flavoured taste makes the drink palatable to children. Yanhee Calcium Water has calcium, phosphorus and vitamin B12. It is free from sugar and calories.
Children needs 800mg of calcium per day, adults 1,200mg of calcium and the elderly 1,500mg a day, according to Dr. Supot Sumritvanitcha, managing director of Osotspa Yanhee Beverage Co., Ltd.
Based on this calculation, a child needs 4x460ml of Yanhee Calcium Water to fulfill their daily calcium requirement. We feel Yanhee Calcium Water is just a supplement. Children need to get their calcium from other sources, preferably from natural sources.
We also feel there is also a potential to expand the concept of functional water into the brain support space targeting children who need mental alertness for their study, while providing greater hydration.
The HEINEKEN Malaysia team celebrating their triple wins at the ESG Positive Impact Awards 2022.
Brewer also bagged Golds for Waste Management and Innovative Partnership
PETALING JAYA, 9 June 2023 – Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia) was recognised for its outstanding sustainability achievements at the ESG Positive Impact Awards 2022, organised by Star Media Group. HEINEKEN Malaysia won Gold in the categories of Waste Management and Innovative Partnership respectively, as well as the coveted award for Most Outstanding ESG Initiative. These accolades highlight the brewer’s steadfast commitment to responsible environmental practices and to form strategic partnerships in driving positive impact, in line with its Brew a Better World 2030 sustainability strategy.
HEINEKEN Malaysia wins the Most Outstanding Initiative Award at the ESG Positive Impact Awards 2022.
Roland Bala, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia commented, “We are honoured to receive this recognition which demonstrates our commitment towards ESG, alongside other leading companies in Malaysia. We are guided by our purpose to brew the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world, and we continue to focus on making real progress towards reaching our Brew a Better World targets including reaching net zero in production by 2030 and the wider value chain by 2040, protecting healthy watersheds and ensuring zero waste to landfill.”
HEINEKEN Malaysia’s Brew a Better World strategy sets the company on three important pathways:
Environmental Sustainability: The path towards net zero impact
Social Sustainability: The path towards inclusive, fair, and equitable company and world
Responsible Consumption: The path towards moderation and no harmful use of alcohol
The company recently reported its 2022 sustainability progress against its long-term targets. In terms of environmental sustainability, the company had reduced 49% of its carbon emissions in production vs its 2018 baseline, transitioned to 100% renewable electricity since March 2022, and achieved zero waste to landfill since 2017. The brewer has also improved its water efficiency by 20% compared to its 2014 baseline and balanced 203% of the water used in its products.
In the area of waste management, HEINEKEN Malaysia has pledged to maximise circularity through its commitment to ensuring zero waste to landfill. The brewer turns production waste into value by closing material loops throughout the value chain. In 2022, HEINEKEN Malaysia’s Sungei Way Brewery generated over 35,000 tonnes of waste, which were 100% recycled or upcycled, generating the company a total of RM1.9 million in revenue. The company also utilised returnable packaging materials, including kegs, bottles and crates and achieved a returnable rate of 95%, 82% and 92% respectively during the year, with a commitment to continue improving efforts to increase the circularity of returnable materials in its value chain.
Water is not just the key ingredient of beer, but it is also the source of all life. Through its CSR arm, SPARK Foundation, the company collaborates with local communities, government agencies, and civil society organisations such as the Global Environment Centre (GEC), a leading environmental NGO. Through its water stewardship initiative, the WATER Project, the company has implemented projects focused on river rehabilitation, water conservation, and alternative water systems, with over RM14 million invested in these initiatives since its inception in 2007. The initiatives include the rehabilitation of Sungai Way in Petaling Jaya, the construction of a 305-metre claydyke as well as the reforestation of degraded peatland at the Raja Musa Forest Reserve, and rainwater harvesting for local communities, which contributed to improving the long-term sustainability of the Sungai Selangor watershed. Earlier this year, HEINEKEN Malaysia committed a further RM6 million towards the initiative up till 2030.
Renuka Indrarajah, Corporate Affairs & Legal Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia said, “As a
progressive brewer, we believe that it is critical to be responsible to be sustainable. That’s why our approach to sustainability covers the entire value chain ‘from Barley to Bar’. We also recognise that meaningful change cannot be achieved alone, and strategic collaborations are key to our success. Working hand-in-hand with our partners has been instrumental in our journey towards protecting our planet, growing our people, and supporting local communities. We have much more to do in the years ahead and we will continue accelerating our ESG initiatives to ensure we continue making a positive impact.”
In conjunction with World Environment Day, HEINEKEN Malaysia has launched a social media series on its 2023 Brew a Better World commitments and progress in its environmental, social, and responsible pillars. Follow HEINEKEN Malaysia on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to find out more!
For more information on HEINEKEN Malaysia’s 2030 Brew a Better World strategy, please read the brewer’s 2022 Annual Report.
From left to right
Dr Nurain Mohd Noor, President, Malaysian Endocrine & Metabolic Society (MEMS)
Dr Ridzwan Mohd Bin Shahari, Deputy Director of the Medical Service Development Branch, Medical Development Division (MOH)
Professor Dr Norlaila Mustafa, Chairperson, CPG Development Committee
Dr Salbiah Binti Mohamed Isa, Senior Family Medicine Specialist
Updated Clinical Guidelines Introduce New Tactics, Therapies and Tools for More Effective Obesity Management
Kuala Lumpur, June 9, 2023 – With the relentlessly increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among Malaysian adults, children and adolescents, experts are stressing the adoption of newer and more robust strategies to prevent and manage this disease effectively.
This was the primary motivation for developing the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for the Management of Obesity (2nd edition), joint-publication by the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysian Endocrine & Metabolic Society (MEMS), Malaysian Society for the Study of Obesity (MASO), Malaysian Dietitians’ Association (MDA) and Family Medicine Specialists Association of Malaysia (FMSA).
The CPG was launched today in a ceremony officiated by Dr Mohd Ridzwan bin Shahari, Deputy Director of Medical Development Branch of the Medical Development Division, representing Dato’ Dr Asmayani binti Khalib, Deputy Director-General of Health (Medical) of the Ministry of Health Malaysia.
According to Dr Nurain Mohd Noor, President of MEMS, the rates of overweight and obesity in Malaysia are continuously rising. The senior consultant endocrinologist said: “Overweight and obesity in Malaysia is growing with every passing year. Based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey, in 2011, the prevalence was already at 44.5%(1)
, and in 2019, it has risen to a staggering 50.1%(2) , whereby half of the population is now classified as overweight or obese.
“We are also witnessing a similar trend among children and adolescents. In 2011, the prevalence of obesity among those aged 5 to 17 years old was 6.1%(1). Shockingly, by 2019, this rate had doubled to reach 14.8%(2). The growing number of young people becoming obese will contribute to future projections. We can expect an explosion of this disease in the nation in the not-so-distant future.”
Describing the dangers of obesity, she said: “Excessive body weight is a serious health problem as it increases our high risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and even certain cancers(3).”
She continued: “The disease burden is significant. Obesity accounts for 19.36% of total healthcare spending, the highest rate among ASEAN countries. Additionally, the estimated productive years lost for males and females with obesity is substantial, standing at approximately 6-11 years and 7-12 years respectively(4).
From left to right: Dr Nurain Mohd Noor, President, Malaysian Endocrine & Metabolic Society (MEMS) Professor Dr Norlaila Mustafa, Chairperson, CPG Development Committee
Professor Dr Norlaila Mustafa, Chairperson of the CPG Development Committee emphasised the need to adopt newer, holistic and multidisciplinary approaches to combat overweight and obesity. She remarked: “We drew on experts from diverse fields, such as endocrinology, psychology, dietetics, sports medicine, family medicine, and even paediatric endocrinology. Our combined efforts resulted in a comprehensive CPG incorporating many breakthroughs and advances that offer promising solutions, including psychological interventions, nutrition, types of exercises, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery.
The senior consultant endocrinologist revealed that cognitive behavioural therapy has shown effectiveness in helping individuals with obesity maintain lifestyle changes. Tools include the Binge Eating Scale help identify individuals with binge eating disorder, “SMART” strategy aid in patients’ goal setting, and problem-solving techniques like “IDEAL”. All these support patients when faced with setbacks in their weight management journey(5).
Regarding medical nutrition therapy, Professor Dr Norlaila gave examples of dietary approaches that effectively reduce calorie intake and promote weight loss which include low carbohydrate, low fat, isocaloric diets with varying carbohydrate levels, low glycaemic index/glycaemic load diets and meal replacement. All these dietary prescriptions should be individualised for example to one’s motivation level, age and weight loss goals. In terms of physical activity, she highlighted that different types of exercise yield varying effects on weight loss and there are specific recommendations for the elderly population.
She continued: “As for pharmacotherapy, it can be initiated if a person is morbidly obese or when lifestyle changes fail. Newly introduced drugs in the obesity guidelines such as naltrexonebupropion combination, liraglutide and semaglutide were found to help reduce calorie intake by suppressing appetite.” She also explained that if pharmacotherapy fails, bariatric surgery such as the Roux-En-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and abdominal gastric banding procedures are considered.
When it comes to managing weight in children and adolescents, Professor Dr Norlaila highlighted the step or staged approach which takes into consideration factors such as age, degree of obesity, health risks, and patient motivation. Children and adolescents may also benefit more from using mobile apps for tracking exercise and meal intake as well as family-focused lifestyle interventions.
Professor Dr Norlaila stressed: “It is crucial to reduce the rate of obesity in Malaysia. Prevention of obesity entails adopting a healthy lifestyle. Improving physical activity, a well-balanced diet and guiding patients on the implementation of stress management practices should be offered to all. Those who are at risk of developing obesity in normal-weight or overweight adults should also be offered weight management intervention. Making these a routine will help prevent obesity and improve overall health.”
All experts of the CPG committee expressed their hope that the newly released guidelines would serve as a framework for implementing innovative strategies to tackle obesity. They emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers to effectively reverse the current trajectory of obesity. Together, they envision a future where obesity rates decline, leading to a substantial improvement in the overall health and well-being of the population.
Institute for Public Health (IPH) 2011. National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011 (NHMS 2011). Vol. II: NonCommunicable Diseases; 2011: 188 pages
2. Institute for Public Health (IPH), National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia. 2020. National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019: Vol. I: NCDs – Non-Communicable Diseases: Risk Factors and other Health Problems
3. Blüher M. Obesity: global epidemiology and pathogenesis. Nat Rev Endocrinol. May 2019;15(5):288-298. doi:10.1038/s41574-019-0176-8
4. The Economist Intelligence Unit. Tackling obesity in ASEAN – Prevalence, impact and guidance on interventions. 2017. Available at: https://www.evolveasia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/EIU_TacklingObesity-in-ASEAN_Final-Report.pdf.
5. Ministry of Health Malaysia. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Obesity Management. 2nd Edition. Putrajaya: MoH; 2023
Lay’s Thailand has launched Lay’s Around the World featuring flavours from Italy, the US, Mexico and Taiwan. The Lay’s Carbonara Parmesan is inspired by Italy, Lay’s Lobster Roll is inspired by the US and Lay’s 7 Spiced Crispy Squid is inspired by Taiwan. The latest is Mexican Style BBQ. These potato chips are examples of travel through food.
Founded after the pandemic by a Singaporean team with a lifelong love of the sea, Get Hooked SG offers a wide range of private boat tours and even customised tours, making sea travel accessible to all
From fishing expeditions to delectable dining cruises and spooky sundown tours, there is something for everyone — tours can also be customised to create your dream trip.
Singapore, 8 June 2023 – This June, venture out into the seas around Singapore as you discover and explore the hidden beauty beyond the island with Get Hooked SG’s private boat tours! From catching the sunrise out at sea, to reeling in your next big catch on their fishing expeditions, and even testing your courage on spooky sundown tours, Get Hooked SG offers a broad range of private tour packages from its fleet of six and twenty-two pax boats. Plus, you can even craft your own itinerary to set out on your perfect high seas adventure!
Founded in 2022 by Singaporean husband-and-wife team Adzman Abdul Rahman and Nurhuda Mohd Saad, Get Hooked SG was launched to offer people in Singapore the euphoria of being on a boat and out at sea, making it more easily accessible to all.
“I’ve always loved fishing and being out in the ocean, and I believe many other people in Singapore share that same love. But in the past, this has not always been very accessible — price and availability were often limiting factors,” says Get Hooked SG’s Co-founder and Managing Director Adzman Abdul Rahman. “That’s why we set up Get Hooked SG. We want to share our love for the ocean and nature with more people by making it more easily accessible and affordable.”
“We understand that the fast-paced life of Singapore can be very stressful, so we recognise the importance of disconnecting and disengaging from the hustle and bustle of the city. Our goal is to curate and create experiences for people that can connect them to nature.”
Get Hooked SG’s June Holidays Promotion
Get Hooked SG is also offering an Exclusive Launch Promotion from now till 18 June, where guests can enjoy 30% off for off-peak bookings (Monday to Friday), and 20% off for peak bookings (Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays and School Holidays)! Expeditions can be booked through its exclusive ticketing partner, Trip.com, or through the QR code below.
Get Hooked SG Itinerary Highlights
Get Looked (Scenic and Sunset tours)
With an abundance of nature represented by its mangrove swamps and untouched wildlife, the North-eastern cluster of islands are characterised by its laid-back charm. Get Hooked SG’s Scenic and Sunset Tours promise a family-friendly visit to Pulau Ubin, the only inhabited island out of all 63 islands of Singapore. The tour caps off with a unique gastronomic experience with a hearty meal at Smith Marine – Singapore’s first and only floating restaurant that also doubles as a fish farm – where you’ll get a taste of the idyllic life of residents on a floating fish farm.
Get Spooked (Sundown Tour)
From the mysterious TJ Tajam Shrine to the eerie Sungai Puaka, Singapore’s North-eastern islands are full of spine-tingling tales that are chilling and educational, providing an insight into the islands’ unique background. The Get Spooked Tour is Singapore’s first spooky-themed boat adventure that brings you to the creepiest hair-raising locations within the North-eastern sea at night. Here, you will be under an experienced guide who will share tales of their own supernatural stories. Once you’re done being spooked out, calm yourself down as you stargaze under the unpolluted night sky with family and friends.
Get Hooked Fishing Expedition
Avid anglers can look forward to setting sail towards the Northern Islands of Singapore with the opportunity to reel in the likes of Groupers, Snappers, Breams, Tusk Fish and more! Charter the entire boat for your own private fishing experience with toilets onboard, light refreshments and live prawn bait that will be provided. There will also be the option to visit other popular local offshore fishing spots in Singapore or drop by nearby kelong where you can even buy yourself some fresh catch! Still a novice? Fret not — Get Hooked SG’s expert anglers are on hand to ensure that you don’t go home empty handed as they share tips and tricks for your first capture!
Be Whisked Away to Singapore’s First and Only Floating Restaurant, Smith Marine!
As a close working partner of Get Hooked, the Smith Marine Floating Restaurant experience is included across many Get Hooked’s private boat itineraries such as the Get Looked Scenic and Get Food Feast tours. Starting off as a fish farm back in 2006, Smith Marine Floating Restaurant represents Singapore’s history as a humble fishing port and stands out with the unique culinary experience it offers as the first and only floating restaurant in Singapore! The encompassing fish farm is made up of a few different floating structures that cover almost 5,000 sqm which rears around 30 tonnes of fishes per year, including the popular seabass, red snapper, and grouper. Secure your spot on the Get Food Feast Tour and a delicious meal via the QR code below!
Should you have more specific requirements for what you want for your boat tour, you’re in luck! Get Hooked also offers customisable tours to meet your every need. Whether you’re looking to host a corporate retreat, or prefer an intimate getaway with loved ones, Get Hooked is able to customise an itinerary that promises a memorable sea travel experience for you.
Details on Get Hooked SG’s range of tours can be found in Annex A or on their booking page at https://sg.trip.com/w/gethooked.
New handheld product expected to draw wider contemporary consumer base
KUALA LUMPUR, 8 JUNE 2023 – Pizza Hut Malaysia is set to entice diners with an entirely new product range called Pizza Hut Melts™. The offering features a baked crunchy wrap crust which is loaded with a choice of four different varieties of hearty toppings, each oozing copious amounts of mozzarella cheese.
Pizza Hut aims to expand beyond pizza, traditionally an occasional group meal, into an everyday individual dining experience.
Pizza Hut Malaysia Chief Marketing Officer Emily Chong sees the introduction of Melts unlocking a whole new category within the brand, consequently making it more accessible while drawing a larger pool of younger consumers.
From Left_ Kim Lim, Director of Universal Studios Malaysia, Angel (Dolla), Sabronzo (Dolla), Tabby (Dolla), Syasya (Dolla), Emily Chong Wai Yee, Chief Marketing Officer of Pizza Hut
“Melts is designed for the busy on-the-go lifestyle of young Malaysians who crave a cheesy meal but may not have the time to enjoy a whole pizza. Pizza Hut is focused on being more than just an occasional treat. We aim to become a contemporary, everyday meal option, and the Melts, are a perfect vehicle for this strategy. They are quick, tasty and lend themselves to both solo and group diners, which is something our research shows is on trend,” said Chong.
To mark this significant foray, Pizza Hut is collaborating with up-and-coming female pop group – Dolla. The Malaysian girl band which recently had a big Hari Raya hit, have been named product ambassadors for Pizza Hut Melts.
The four Pizza Hut Melts flavours; BBQ Chicken, Chicken Mania, Surf’s Up and Aloha Lover are priced from RM16.90 for ala carte, from RM17.50 with dipping sauce, and from RM18.90 for a MyBox Melts set, which includes a side and a drink.
PT Intrafood Singabera Indonesia, the maker of Indonesia’s first premium ginger tea beverage, has recently launched Fruto, a powdered juice drink made with premium Japanese fruits. The powdered juice drinks contain vitamin C and sweetened with natural sugar. It can be prepared cold, which taps into the preference of young consumers for an icy cold drink.
Fruto comes in three variants Sumo Orange, White Strawberry and Japanese Mango. The Japanese mango comes from Miyazaki, which is the only prefecture in Japan that grows mango, while white strawberry is sourced from Kyushu.
The price of Fruto is around IDR 8,000-8,500 (USD 0.54 – 0.57) per 12 sachets. As a comparison NutriSari Premium Jus Mangga (mango juice) in 10 sachets is priced at IDR 25,000.
We notice Indonesian brands are tapping into aspirational consumers with affordablility + quality. In the case of Fruto, this is an upgraded powdered juice drink that delivers value through the use of Japanese flavours and ingredients.
Wall’s Cornetto is celebrating Pride Month with the launch of Cornetto Pride in the Philippines and Thailand. This colourful Cornetto Pride Strawberry Yogurt features colours from the pride flag.
Pride month is widely celebrated in Thailand and the Philippines. However in conservative Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, LGBT-related topics are taboo and best for brands to avoid marketing or promoting any events or products related to LGBT.
