Suntory’s -196°C Freeze Crush Strawberry Infused Vodka & Soda has officially launched in Southeast Asia. Crafted using the brand’s proprietary Freeze Crush Infusion (FCI) technology, the beverage features whole strawberries frozen in liquid nitrogen at –196°C, then crushed and infused to preserve the fruit’s vibrant, full-bodied flavour.
KUALA LUMPUR, 6 NOVEMBER 2025 – The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) proudly marked another milestone in its legacy of excellence with the successful hosting of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, a historic gathering that united global and regional leaders under one roof in the heart of Malaysia’s capital.
Throughout the week, the Centre served as the primary venue for one of the region’s most significant diplomatic gatherings. We welcomed Heads of State, ministers, and senior officials from across the ASEAN bloc and beyond. The event not only reinforced Malaysia’s prominence on the world stage but also showcased the Centre’s unparalleled professionalism, operational precision, and hospitality standards.
Reflecting on this remarkable achievement, John Burke, General Manager of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, commended his team for their dedication and outstanding performance, “Hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits was a national moment, and our team made Malaysia proud. From the first leader’s arrival to the final departure, our guests praised our immaculate venue, world-class cuisine, and calm, coordinated professionalism at every turn. This success is a testament to planning, teamwork, and pride that define who we are.”
The Summit welcomed a distinguished roster of world leaders, including China’s Premier Li Qiang, European Council President António Costa, Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon, and U.S. President Donald Trump, with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi joining virtually.
One of the event’s many milestones was Timor-Leste’s official admission into ASEAN, marking the bloc’s first expansion in decades. Additionally, the signing of the “Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord” between Thailand and Cambodia, witnessed by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim and President Donald Trump underscored the Centre’s significance as a venue for diplomacy and peacebuilding.
Behind the scenes, the event’s scale was remarkable. 650 metres of red carpet, 3,403 square metres of LED screens, and 1,500 metres of draping were deployed in transforming the venue into a world-class summit environment. Over the 10-day period, the culinary and service teams delivered an exceptional 25,000 meals and served more than 101,000 cups of beverages, catering to delegates, media, and support personnel with precision and grace.
The Centre’s 1,000-strong workforce, supported by partners across the KLCC Precinct, worked tirelessly across Security, Stewarding, Catering, Culinary, Event Coordination & Setup, Asset Management, Housekeeping, IT/AV, as well as Sales & Marketing, to ensure seamless operations throughout. Compliments from the ASEAN Organising Committee (SILA), visiting delegations, media, and international security teams including the White House and U.S. Secret Service further reinforced the Centre’s reputation for world-class standards and composure under pressure.
“Events of this magnitude and importance are where our standards truly shine,” Burke added. “Our team operated with composure and care, showing that cleanliness, food quality, setup precision, and coordination, when delivered to our standard, are truly competitive advantages. More importantly, they showcased the very best of Malaysian hospitality to the world.”
The Summit also highlighted the strength of the integrated KLCC Precinct, encompassing the Convention Centre, PETRONAS Twin Towers, hotels, shopping, and recreational spaces, creating a dynamic and secure environment that positioned Malaysia’s capital as a global destination for high-level meetings and business events.
In recognition of the team’s achievement, Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim personally expressed his appreciation to the Centre’s team, acknowledging their professionalism and the pride they brought to this national endeavour.
The successful delivery of the 47th ASEAN Summit builds on the Centre’s proven track record of hosting major international conferences and government events, reinforcing its role as Malaysia’s flagship venue for diplomacy, collaboration, and world-class event experiences.
For updates and latest news, visit the Centre’s Newsroom at www.klccconventioncentre.com or connect on social media (Facebook – @klccconventioncentre, LinkedIn – Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Twitter – @klccconvention and Instagram – @klccconventioncentre).
Oriental Kopi, a renowned Malaysian chain specializing in Nanyang-style coffee, has introduced its signature Sambal Udang Kering in a convenient take-home format—bringing the authentic taste of Malaysia to your kitchen.
Crafted from premium dried shrimps and expertly blended with chili, onion, and garlic, the sambal is gently stir-fried over low heat until it achieves a rich, glistening red hue, allowing each ingredient to release its full aroma and depth of flavour.
Now available at all Oriental Kopi outlets. Enjoy an exclusive offer with a special discount on any purchase of two units.
Oriental Kopi is rapidly establishing itself as a formidable player in the packaged food sector, capitalising on its strong brand recognition and widespread popularity in the foodservice industry. As a promoter of the kopitiam culture, the brand continues to introduce consumers to distinctive Malaysian flavours through its expanding product offerings.
Calbee has introduced two limited edition flavours in Singapore. The two flavours are the fiery Korean Fried Chicken and the zesty Yuzu Kosho.
Korean Fried Chicken offers a harmonious blend of sweet, savoury and flavourful notes, perfectly paired with an irresistible crunch—an elevated take on the beloved street-food experience.
Yuzu Kosho delivers a sharp, electric, and aromatic profile, offering a sophisticated citrus zest that enlivens every bite.
The Group shows improvement in the third quarter, driven by effective revenue management and enhanced operational efficiency
3QFY25 Results:
9MFY25 Results:
Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia) announced its financial results for the third quarter ended 30 September 2025, reporting an overall positive performance with higher revenue, Profit Before Tax (PBT) and net profit, driven by effective revenue management, enhanced distribution efforts, and disciplined cost management.
In the third quarter, the Group recorded revenue of RM656 million, an increase of 6% year-on year, driven by effective revenue management and enhanced distribution efforts. Profit before tax (PBT) climbed 16% to RM149 million compared to the same period last year, reflecting stronger performance and disciplined cost management. Net profit in the same quarter last year was supported by the utilisation of reinvestment allowance, resulting in a lower effective tax rate. Overall, the third-quarter performance signals stability and reinforces confidence despite challenges in the operating environment.
For the nine-month period, the Group revenue remained steady with a marginal decrease of 1%, compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, the Group PBT increased by 2% to RM419 million, reflecting the Group’s operational resilience and contributing to a steady recovery in year-to-date performance, supported by improvements in the third quarter.
Commenting on the results, Martijn van Keulen, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, said, “We are pleased with our strong third-quarter performance, which reflects the resilience of our business fundamentals amid ongoing macroeconomic headwinds. While the trading environment remains volatile—particularly in light of the excise duty increase effective 1 November 2025—we are proactively implementing strategic measures to safeguard profitability and our value growth ambition as we enter the final quarter of the year”.
During the third quarter, the Group launched creative campaigns to connect with consumers:
In discussing challenges, Martijn stated, “We commend the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and the Government’s Multi-Agency Task Force for their ongoing efforts against illicit beer. However, we are concerned about the excise duty increase announced in Budget 2026. Malaysia already has one of the highest beer excise rates, and this hike could widen the price gap with illicit beer, potentially fuelling illegal trade and putting Government revenue and consumer safety at risk. Despite these challenges, the Group will continue working closely with authorities to tackle illicit beer.”
The brewing industry estimates that 25% of beer consumed locally is illicit, resulting in RM1.2 billion loss in tax revenue annually. The industry advocates a balanced, collaborative approach combining strong enforcement and public awareness, and close cooperation with the authorities. Such efforts are critical to ensuring the brewing sector remains one of the key contributors to Malaysia’s economy, which currently contributes RM7.1 billion annually to the economy and RM3.3 billion in tax revenue. The beer industry also supports over 52,000 jobs nationwide directly and indirectly.
The Board of Directors does not recommend any dividend in respect of the quarter ended 30 September 2025.
On outlook, Martijn shared, “Looking ahead, we aim to build on the strong foundation in the third quarter to support a steady year-end performance. Guided by our EverGreen strategy, we will focus on strengthening our core business, enhancing efficiency, and executing strategic commercial initiatives, reinforced by ongoing investments in digital infrastructure to enhance competitiveness and remain relevant to our customers and consumers.”
The Company’s focus on people and the planet was recently recognised with two prestigious awards: the Malaysian Dutch Business Council’s Best People Development Award for ESG governance, and The Edge Billion Ringgit Club Award 2025 for Best Corporate Responsibility Initiatives, highlighting its Brew a Better World strategy.
Thailand-based Foodstar is embracing the growing wellness trend around fermentation-driven ingredients—namely apple cider vinegar and rice vinegar—with the debut of its new beverage, Mikku Immu. This sugar-free drink is packed with immune-supporting vitamin C and delivers 4,000mg of fibre to aid digestion.
Each variant features a tablespoon of either rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, both celebrated for their gut-friendly benefits.
Apple cider vinegar is emerging as a standout ingredient in Thailand’s wellness scene. Unlike kombucha, which can be polarising due to its distinct flavour, incorporating apple cider vinegar—or even rice vinegar—delivers a strong health appeal with minimal impact on flavour.
Mikku Immu is now available at 7-Eleven across Thailand.
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 November 2025 – On 1 and 2 November 2025, Shopee Malaysia brought together top creators, brands, and partners for a two-day showcase of creativity and community through Shopee House and the Shopee Superstar Awards 2025, powered by Proton Malaysia and La Roche-Posay. Both events came together to underscore Shopee’s ongoing commitment to nurturing Malaysia’s creator ecosystem and empowering affiliates, content creators, and brands to grow together ahead of the upcoming Shopee 11.11 Big Sale.
The weekend kicked off with Shopee’s flagship Shopee House, a networking event designed to strengthen partnerships between Shopee’s brands and affiliates. Over 85 brands and 600 Shopee affiliates connected during the two-day event, forging 1,300 new collaborations while exploring new launches and content strategies across Shopee Live, Shopee Video, and social media platforms ahead of the 11.11 Big Sale.
Culminating the weekend’s celebrations, the Shopee Superstar Awards 2025 celebrated outstanding affiliates and creators who transformed creativity and collaboration into lasting success. The evening also featured Shopee’s 11.11 Big Sale brand ambassador, Dato’ Sri Aliff Syukri, who inspired attendees with his entrepreneurial journey, “When I first started my business, I never imagined standing here as Shopee’s 11.11 brand ambassador. But Shopee has shown that anyone, with hard work, creativity, and faith, can turn small beginnings into something great. I hope tonight reminds everyone that your success story might be the next one celebrated on this stage.”
A total of 136 awards were presented across 31 categories, including 10 fan-favourite awards chosen through public voting, and the prestigious “Shopee Affiliate 5 Million Ringgit Club” and “Shopee Affiliate 3 Million Ringgit Club” awards which recognise affiliates who achieved exceptional sales milestones within the year.
Shopee Affiliate 5 Million Ringgit Club winners:
Shopee also recognised acclaimed personalities alongside Dato’ Sri Aliff Syukri, like Arieff Yong, Asyraf Rozami, Mak Kiah Ferry, Ryan Howlett, Shak Shazwan, and Sharifah Rose, whose creativity and influence helped millions of Malaysians to connect with the platform through fashion inspiration and Lagi Murah deals. In addition, Top Media Partners including The Star Media Group, Sinar Harian, China Press, Sin Chew Daily, and New Straits Times were honoured for their continued support in amplifying Shopee’s community initiatives and digital growth stories. Adding to the momentous occasion, Proton Malaysia unveiled the All‑New Saga to the public for the first time at the awards night, amplifying the momentum of Shopee’s 11.11 campaign.
“At Shopee, we believe that Malaysia’s creator community is the heartbeat of our digital economy. Shopee House and Shopee Superstar Awards is more than a celebration — it’s a statement of how far our ecosystem has come, and a promise to continue empowering every affiliate, brand, and creator to succeed together through innovation, collaboration, and creativity,” said Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing of Shopee Malaysia.
Don’t miss out on Shopee’s 11.11 Big Sale, with Daily Superstar Livestreams featuring brand ambassadors Bella Astilah and Dato’ Sri Aliff Syukri, Shopee Lagi Murah 50% Off Daily with Free Shipping No Minimum Spend vouchers up for grabs. Be sure to also check out the Shopee X Proton Giveaway with the ICON HUNT and SPayLater Shopee Mission and stand a chance to win the All-New Saga at https://shopee.com.my/m/11-11#SM1.
Tanjong Malim, 3 November 2025 – PROTON today hosted an exclusive media preview of the All-New Saga, marking a defining moment in the company’s evolution. After the partnership between DRB-HICOM and GEELY in September 2017, this new model is the first in PROTON’s history to be fully designed, engineered, and validated by Malaysian talent, with technical collaboration from Geely — a proud testament to the brand’s growing engineering independence and innovation capability.
Built upon PROTON’s newly developed Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA), the All-New Saga provides a flexible, scalable, and future-ready foundation designed to meet international safety, performance, and emissions standards. Its new electronic architecture enables seamless integration of advanced intelligent systems, paving the way for smart connectivity and autonomous technologies in future models.
With full ownership of the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), the AMA platform reinforces PROTON’s growing engineering capability and opens new collaboration opportunities across the Geely Group ecosystem, potentially positioning Malaysia as a regional engineering hub for future model development.
Carrying the tagline “Intelligence That Thrills”, the All-New Saga encapsulates a perfect blend of style, intelligence, and driving confidence — reflecting PROTON’s ambition to showcase Malaysian automotive excellence on the global stage. With 35 all-new features, the All-New Saga sets new benchmarks in Malaysia’s A-segment sedan category, delivering class-leading safety, intelligence, and refinement.
“The All-New Saga represents much more than the next chapter in our sedan legacy,” said Zhang Qiang, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, PROTON Edar. “It embodies the culmination of years of development by Malaysian engineers and designers, backed by global collaboration. This milestone signifies PROTON’s transition from a national carmaker to a global automotive innovator — proudly powered by local talent.”
The Essence of I.C.O.N. – The All-New Saga Reimagined
I– Impressive Performance
Powered by the new i-GT 1.5-litre engine paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the All-New Saga delivers smooth, efficient, and confident performance with fuel consumption rated at just 4.9L/100 km based on the Malaysia Driving Cycle (MDC). The new Electric Power Steering (EPS) improves manoeuvrability, while PROTON’s signature ride and handling ensure a perfect balance of comfort and control.
C – Comprehensive Safety
Equipped with Level 1 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), the All-New Saga offers nine intelligent safety functions including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Door Opening Warning (DOW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC), and Front Departure Alert (FDA). These systems work in tandem with six airbags and the PROTON Reinforced Safety Structure (RESS) with Hot Press Forming (HPF) components, offering superior rigidity and protection
O – Optimised Intelligence
A new 16-inch Integrated Dual Screen merges the digital instrument cluster and infotainment display, now compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto. Everyday convenience is enhanced through smart functions such as auto headlamps, Follow-Me-Home lighting, and headlamps levelling
N – Next-Gen Style
The All-New Saga features a Full LED Projector Headlamp with Daytime Running Lamps, Full LED Rear Taillight Bar, and a refreshed modern interior. A bold Front Grille with ‘Sulaman Songket’ motif and two-tone 15-inch alloy wheels add to its confident stance, making it both contemporary and distinctively PROTON.
“This model represents how far PROTON has advanced — from a national carmaker to a forward-looking global brand,” Zhang added. “It’s a car created by Malaysians, for Malaysians, and now ready to showcase our engineering capability to the world.”
As the official launch draws near, PROTON will roll out a nationwide promotional campaign featuring media collaborations, social content, and livestream events that highlight the story behind Malaysia’s most iconic sedan reborn.
To learn more about the All-New Proton Saga, visit PROTON’s official website to register your interest and follow @ProtonCarsOfficial on all major social media platforms for the latest updates, promotions, and exclusive previews.
First Malaysian brand to win at this global level
First and only Asian brand to win a gold, 4 silvers and a bronze among a field of 360 entries from 39 other countries in Barcelona
Kuala Lumpur, 3 November 2025: WonderBrew, Malaysia’s home-grown brand of kombucha (fermented tea), made history on the global stage by clinching six prestigious titles at the World Kombucha Awards 2025, held last week in Barcelona, Spain.
In its first-ever international competition, WonderBrew emerged as one of the biggest winners at this year’s event, clinching one Gold, four Silvers, and one Bronze, across both Taste and Design categories.
This victory marks the first time a Malaysian brand has won at the World Kombucha Awards and the first time an Asian brand has secured six titles in a single award year.
The winning entries are:
The World Kombucha Awards (WKA), now in its third year, is a globally-recognised competition organised in collaboration with Kombucha Brewers International (KBI). It celebrates excellence in the fast-growing kombucha industry by honouring brewers for both quality and creativity.
This year’s edition was its most competitive yet, featuring 360 entries from 39 countries competing for top honours in 22 distinct categories, up from 250 entries in 2024. Each winning kombucha underwent rigorous assessment by a panel of six accredited judges over a two-day judging session with blind tasting sessions.
WonderBrew’s success stands as a remarkable achievement, not just for the brand but also for Malaysia’s presence in the global functional beverage scene.
“We started with a small dream of making kombucha accessible to every Malaysian. Winning these awards among the world’s best brewers is an incredible milestone, and we’re proud to fly the Malaysian flag high in Barcelona,” said Joseph Poh Wen Xian, co-founder and CEO of WonderBrew. “This recognition proves that local innovation and passion can compete with the world’s best.”
Poh and co-founder Loke Boon Eng (Boon) started the brand on a small scale in 2018 and its offering of naturally-bubbly fermented tea with local flavours has won over thousands of health-conscious consumers.
Regional beverage powerhouse Loob Holding Sdn Bhd later took a strategic stake in the business. Commending WonderBrew for this historic win, founder and CEO of Loob Holding Bryan Loo said: “This achievement reflects the strength of Malaysia’s homegrown innovation and the growing global demand for functional wellness beverages. It validates our long-term vision to position WonderBrew as a regional leader in healthy, sustainable drinks while proving that Malaysian brands can compete successfully on the world stage.”
WonderBrew has grown to become Malaysia’s leading kombucha producer, with more than 2,000 retail touchpoints across supermarkets, convenience stores, cafés, hotels, and restaurants nationwide. The brand prides itself on sourcing locally and partnering with Malaysian farmers to recycle production waste, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and community empowerment.
The brand is well-positioned to tap into the rising global demand for functional and fermented beverages. According to recent industry reports, the global functional drinks market is projected to reach around US$248 billion by 2030, while the kombucha segment alone is forecast to hit US$9 billion in the same period.
Moving forward, WonderBrew plans to expand its footprint in Southeast Asia and introduce more lifestyle wellness drinks. Its entries featuring Jun Tea (a fermented green tea kombucha with honey), won two of its six medals proving this category has gained global recognition and endorsing WonderBrew’s excellence in this innovation.
Bangkok – 3 November 2025 – Betagro Public Company (BTG), a leading integrated food company in Thailand hosted Betagro SD Day 2025 under the theme “Smart Sustainability for Sustainable Growth”, showcasing its commitment to the five core ESG materiality topics and helping employees better understand procedures aligned with the Betagro Sustainability Way. The framework is built on 3 key pillars: delivering Better Food to society, operating with integrity, and taking action with fact base.
Mr. Vasit Taepaisitphongse, Chief Executive Officer and Acting President of the International Business Group at Betagro, said: At Betagro, sustainability is not merely a concept – it is a responsibility that we have prioritized throughout 58 years of operations.
“Today, our planet faces unprecedented challenges, including global boiling, economic instability, wars and geopolitical conflicts, and increasingly stringent global sustainability regulations. As a result, sustainability has become the cornerstone for organizational survival and growth, and food sustainability is therefore at the heart of our mission,” Mr. Vasit added.
In response to these challenges, Betagro remains dedicated to promoting its five key ESG materiality areas.
Betagro is Thailand’s first company to announce a ban on beta-agonist use in 1995, and its S-Pure products are recognized as the world’s first brand to receive the “Raised Without Antibiotics (RWA)” certification from U.S.-based NSF International for pork, chicken and egg. Betagro continues to advance research and management, manage antimicrobial use, and address antimicrobial resistant to raise Thailand’s food safety standards to meet international benchmarks.
In the environmental aspect, Betagro has set a target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 through the use of advanced technologies to maximize production efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and optimize energy use. At the same time, the company actively collaborates with farmers, communities, and partners across the food value chain to build a sustainable and resilient food system.
In addition, Betagro remains strongly committed to occupational health and safety by leveraging technology to enhance risk prevention and workforce protection. For example, the Smart Detection has been implemented to automatically notify supervisors when employees are on duty without the required safety equipment.
The event was honored to welcome Attapong Sathitmanothum, Chief Executive Officer of SCG Cleanergy as a special guest speaker, who delivered a talk on “The Power of Technology in Product and Service Development”, offering valuable insights into how technology enhances operational efficiency. Furthermore, the event featured the Betagro Saijai Showcase, an exhibition highlighting the sustainability innovations of both Betagro and SCG Cleanergy.
Betagro continues to advance its sustainability initiatives across all business units and throughout the supply chain through the strategic framework “Betagro Sustainable Way.” This approach aims to create new business opportunities and strengthen competitiveness, aligning with the theme “Smart Sustainability for Sustainable Growth” of Betagro SD Day 2025, which reflects Betagro’s strong commitment to achieving sustainable growth in collaboration with all stakeholders in society.
