Home Blog Page 59

Taylor’s Culinary Institute Elevates Culinary Education with loaf & latté

[L-R] Stephane Yan, Project Manager, loaf & latté, Professor Dr Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Taylor’s University, Dato’ Loy Teik Ngan, Chairman, Taylor’s Education Group, Chef Frederic Cerchi, Head of School, Taylor’s Culinary Institute and Chef Fleurine Synaeve, Senior Lecturer, loaf & latté at the media launch of loaf & latté, an on-campus commercial artisan bakery that brings real industry operations directly into the classroom.

16 December, Subang Jaya – Taylor’s Culinary Institute (TCI) launches loaf & latté, an on-campus commercial artisan bakery that brings real industry operations directly into the classroom. Designed to bridge academic learning with hands-on professional practice, the initiative marks a significant milestone in modern culinary education. It strengthens TCI’s position as a leader in culinary and pastry education in Malaysia and supports the institution’s long-term strategy to create dynamic “living classrooms” on campus.

Featuring a state-of-the-art production kitchen, loaf & latté offers students hands-on experience across bakery operations, including master production, workflow planning, inventory management, and customer service. By integrating a fully functional bakery into its academic structure, TCI immerses students in a real working environment where they can apply and refine their skills in real time.

[L-R] Chef Fleurine Synaeve, Senior Lecturer, loaf & latté, TCI student Herman Wong, Gold medallist at the ASEAN WorldSkills 2025 for the Baking category and Chef Frederic Cerchi, Head of School, Taylor’s Culinary Institute showcasing some of the pastries that students get to produce as part of their learning experience at loaf & latté.
Students from the Bachelor of Patisserie Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Culinary Management (Honours), Advanced Diploma in Patisserie and Gastronomic Cuisine, and Diploma in Culinary Arts complete selected modules at loaf & latté. They also participate in Bakery Takeover Projects, a Taylor’s signature experiential learning initiative, where they run loaf & latté for a day, a week or longer, depending on their semester, under real business conditions.

TCI student Herman Wong showcases how to shape a baguette, giving a glimpse of the student learning experience at loaf & latté. Herman is a Gold medallist at the ASEAN WorldSkills 2025 for the Baking category.

Beyond day-to-day learning, students gain access to masterclasses and demonstrations led by TCI’s international network of Michelin-level pastry chefs, French Bakery Specialists from Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF), and global industry partners. TCI also offers its students an early headstart in industry exposure through paid internship opportunities at loaf & latté. This industry immersion aligns with rising expectations of employers who increasingly seek graduates with global exposure and adaptability to diverse culinary trends—skills that go far beyond traditional classroom learning.

“Many young pastry graduates enter the industry only to discover that real bakery operations are far more demanding than theory and controlled lab work. The integration of loaf & latté into our academic structure bridges that gap and reflects Taylor’s commitment to integrating industry practice into classroom learning. It gives students a true, hands-on bakery environment to build confidence, instinct, and real-world readiness. At Taylor’s Culinary Institute, our goal is to shape pastry chefs who are not just skilled, but inspired and fully prepared to thrive from day one,” said Chef Frederic Cerchi, Head of School of Taylor’s Culinary Institute.

Looking ahead, Taylor’s Culinary Institute aspires to nurture the next generation of culinary entrepreneurs through its Business Incubator Programme, which includes an advanced track offering franchising opportunities for students who demonstrate strong interest and capability. Year 2 and Year 3 students may apply to manage future loaf & latté outlets, supported with comprehensive training, standard operating procedures, brand guidelines, and ongoing mentorship from Taylor’s Culinary Institute.

“As we look to the future, we envision growing loaf & latté into a regional and international Malaysian artisan bakery brand,” added Chef Frederic Cerchi. “Powered by the university’s strong global network, industry partnerships, and the passion of our students and alumni, we hope to cultivate a brand that not only reflects technical mastery, but also celebrates the creativity, heritage, and spirit of the young bakers who bring it to life.”

For more information about loaf & latté, Taylor’s Culinary Institute and its programme offerings, please visit:  https://university.taylors.edu.my/en/study/explore-all-programmes/taylors-culinary-institute.html

PolicyStreet Offers Uncapped 10% Car Insurance Savings with ‘10+10’ Promo

The ‘10+10’ Promo combines a 10% discount on car insurance and an additional RM10 at checkout, with FREE road tax available towards the end of each month.

KUALA LUMPUR, 30 DECEMBER 2025 — PolicyStreet is rolling out its largest car insurance promotion to date with the launch of its ‘10+10’ Promo, offering an uncapped 10% discount on car insurance premiums alongside an additional RM10 discount. Complemented by their free road tax offering, the campaign is designed to help Malaysians compare insurers and choose coverage that delivers the greatest value, best suited for their lifestyle.

“Running from 2 January until the end of April, the ‘10+10’ Promo is structured around how Malaysians spend at different points of the month, as financial priorities and cashflow needs are not the same for everyone. Our goal is to make car insurance more accessible by offering meaningful savings and flexible options that cater to Malaysians across different financial situations,” said Yen Ming Lee, Co-founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of PolicyStreet. 

From the 1st to the 24th of each month, Malaysians can enjoy a 10% discount on their car insurance base premium after Non-Claim Discount (NCD), along with an additional RM10 discount provided by PolicyStreet, which will be reflected at the checkout page. The promotion is available daily during two dedicated sale windows, from 10 am to 11 am and 10 pm to 11 pm. For Malaysian drivers with base premiums of RM1,000 and above after NCD, the uncapped 10% discount translates into at least RM100 in savings.

From the 25th until the last day of the month, the campaign shifts focus to affordability, offering free road tax capped at RM90. Malaysians can pair this promotion with Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options such as Atome, SPay Later, or Grab PayLater, helping to manage upfront costs while maintaining essential coverage.

As with PolicyStreet’s previous sales campaigns, customers can request a quotation via car.policystreet.com and complete payment during the designated sales windows to enjoy the promotion, no promo codes needed. Quotation links remain valid for up to two weeks, allowing customers sufficient time to review their options before proceeding with payment.

By running the campaign across the entire first quarter, PolicyStreet aims to give Malaysians the time and flexibility to plan, compare policies across insurers, and make informed decisions, rather than rushing into renewals out of necessity.

Beyond discounts, PolicyStreet continues to offer Malaysians a seamless digital experience, enabling them to compare car insurance policies across insurers, renew road tax, and explore flexible payment options, all in one place. 

As Malaysians look to stay on track with their financial goals in 2026, PolicyStreet’s ‘10+10’ Promo reinforces a simple idea: meaningful savings should not come at the expense of choice. By combining smarter comparisons with meaningful discounts and flexible payment options, Malaysians can make more informed car insurance decisions as they start the year. 

For more information on the ‘10+10’ Promo, visit https://policystreet.com.my/tnc

McDonald’s Ushers in a Golden New Year with the Return of the Iconic Golden Prosperity Burger

(From Left to Right): Senior Vice President & Chief Impact Officer, Melati Abdul Hai; Vice President & Chief Restaurant Officer, Zaid Hasman and Chief Marketing Officer, Chin Mei Lee with the Golden Army dancers at the launch of the Golden Prosperity Burger and the Makan Emas, Menang Emas' contest at Bukit Bintang. Customers stand a chance to win 10 units of 10-gram 999.9 gold Prosperity Burgers and an electric car.

Bukit Bintang Transforms into a Golden Celebration of Family, Friends, and Festive Moments

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 January 2026 — McDonald’s Malaysia ushered in a Golden New Year by unveiling the Golden Prosperity Burger in Bukit Bintang, marking a vibrant second phase of the Prosperity campaign that first launched in November. The KL Tower launch reintroduced Prosperity as “lebih bererti” and reminded Malaysians that true prosperity is measured by who we have, not what we have. That message carried into Bukit Bintang, where tens of thousands gathered to make new memories around a timeless tradition.

For decades, McDonald’s has helped Malaysians mark life’s milestones. This year’s Prosperity journey began at KL Tower with a purpose-led launch and a nationwide initiative supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), before continuing into a golden citywide New Year’s Eve countdown with the Golden Prosperity Burger taking centre stage.

The Golden Prosperity launch extends that same meaning into the New Year by inviting Malaysians to gather, share, and celebrate ‘prosperity’ through togetherness.

“Prosperity isn’t about what we have; it’s who we have,” said Melati Abdul Hai, Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer of McDonald’s Malaysia. “In November, we invited Malaysians to share meaningful moments and give back together, and tonight in Bukit Bintang, we’re continuing that journey into the New Year with the Golden Prosperity Burger, a celebration of togetherness, warmth and community.”

“Seeing families and friends reunite across both phases of the campaign, from KL Tower to Bukit Bintang, reminds us that true prosperity grows when we share it. We look forward to creating even more feelgood moments across Malaysia in 2026,” added Melati.

From 12:00 am to 2:00 am on 1 January, customers enjoyed 50% off the Golden Prosperity Burger (ala carte) via the McDonald’s App, offering early access to a much-loved burger to kick off a golden year with loved ones.

The Golden Army dancers at the launch of the Golden Prosperity Burger and the ‘Makan Emas, Menang Emas’ contest in Bukit Bintang, where customers stand a chance to win 10 units of 10-gram 999.9 gold Prosperity Burgers and an electric car.

Adding to the night’s excitement, McDonald’s also launched the ‘Makan Emas, Menang Emas’ contest, which turns every celebration into a chance to strike gold. Customers stand a chance to win a Proton e.Mas, along with 10 units of 10gram 999.9 gold Prosperity Burgers, extending the spirit of prosperity beyond the moment and into the year ahead.

To bring the Golden Prosperity celebration beyond Kuala Lumpur, the roving golden truck will continue nationwide from 1 to 9 January visiting 18 McDonald’s restaurants across nine states to give more Malaysians the opportunity to capture memorable and golden moments to share on social media with hashtag #MekdiEmas.

As Malaysia steps into 2026, McDonald’s invites everyone to continue the Prosperity journey by carrying forward the spirit of giving and golden togetherness to create feelgood moments and shared memories, one Golden Prosperity bite at a time.

Kia Sales Malaysia Begins Operations, New Strategy Reignites Value

Kia Sales Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to rebuilding trust with exceptional products, competitive pricing and an exemplary ownership experience.
  • Kia Sales Malaysia answers ‘Why Kia?’ with new pricing strategy, loyalty programme, Kia-branded insurance and corporate incentives.
  • Prices reviewed across model range starting at RM128,800 for the Kia Sportage.
  • Kia genuine spare parts prices reduced by an average of 15%, priced competitively to support long-term ownership.

(KUALA LUMPUR) January 2, 2026 Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd (KSM) is rebuilding brand trust and market confidence in Malaysia, starting with a new pricing strategy for its existing product portfolio. KSM is also establishing a loyalty programme, Kia-branded insurance and corporate incentives to demonstrate appreciation and commitment to both legacy and new customers. 

“The new year marks a new beginning for Kia. We are proud to officially begin our journey of rebuilding the Kia brand through a standalone National Sales Company in Malaysia. We wish to assure fans that Kia is here to stay, and our priority is taking care of customers and inspiring progress through our innovative mobility solutions,” pledged Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd President and CEO, Hyung Ho Kim. 

“These first steps, which are to revamp our pricing strategy, recognise loyal Kia customers and incentivise corporate purchases, are all part of a concerted effort to answer the question, ‘Why Kia?’. Kia Sales Malaysia believes in right pricing our products. Buyers across Malaysia will now be able to enjoy the best vehicles suited for the market with the most appropriate specifications and features, offered at competitive prices. We welcome both legacy and new Kia fans to our showrooms to appreciate our range of vehicles, test drive them and be immersed in the new Kia experience,” explained Managing Director, Emily Lek.  

Kia offers SUV and MPV models at exceptional value 

Effective 1 January 2026, the entire range of the Kia Sportage and Kia Carnival model lines are right priced, placing both models at a competitive advantage within Malaysia’s existing SUV and MPV segments (refer to attached price list) starting with the Kia Sportage offered at exceptional value from RM128,800.

In line with Kia global standards, the warranty coverage and parts replacement policy for newly purchased Kia vehicles in Malaysia will be valid for five (5) years or 150,000KM whichever comes first. 

Further enhancing customer confidence and peace of mind, KSM is also implementing a price reduction of 15% on average for all Kia genuine spare parts.

KSM’s after-sales network is supported by a dedicated parts warehouse located in Shah Alam, Selangor. The addition of this warehouse to the Kia network in Malaysia directly ensures reliability with speedy availability of spare parts which addresses any concerns about after-sales lead time.

Building, Rewarding and Protecting an Ecosystem of Kia Owners

Recognising the power of brand legacy and loyalty, KSM has established the Kia Circle. This loyalty programme by KSM offers cash rebates of up to RM6,000 when existing Kia owners upgrade to a new Kia, which benefits owners and their family members (parents, children, and spouse).

Additionally, KSM will be introducing Kia Professional, a corporate fleet and professional programme. It offers exclusive concessions of up to 3% targeted at members of professional bodies and major corporations for individual vehicle purchases, with customisable incentives for larger fleets.

To complement purchases through authorised Kia Dealerships, KSM is also offering seamless protection through the brand’s very own Kia Cares insurance programme. Underwritten by Berjaya Sompo, Zurich and Zurich Takaful, it provides comprehensive coverage for accidental loss or damage as well as a range of benefits. 

For additional peace of mind, owners are also in control of tailoring their coverage through optional add-on benefits to suit individual preferences. These include all-driver coverage, allowances for accidental inconvenience and total loss, agreed value for up to 15 years, waiver of betterment for up to 10 years, unlimited towing, full special perils coverage and personal accident coverage of up to RM100,000. 

Eager Kia fans can now visit the Kia Sales Malaysia official website at www.kia.com/my from January 8, 2026 onwards for more information or their nearest authorised Kia showrooms to view, test drive or make a booking for any vehicle within KSM’s product range, comprising the Kia Sportage, Kia Carnival and Kia EV9. 

For sales and servicing inquiries, or immediate 24-hour roadside assistance, contact KSM Customer Support at 1300 88 0133 or email customersupport@kia-my.com.

 

Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2026 Ushers In A Spectacular Start To The New Year

Singapore, 1 January 2026 – Singapore rang in 2026 with a breathtaking fireworks spectacle at the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2026, as people gathered around the Bay to usher in the new year together. Presented by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the festivities marked a rousing finale to a month-long series of activities across Marina Bay and drew a fitting close to the year’s SG60 celebrations.

A dazzling fireworks show titled ELYSIUM illuminated the iconic Marina Bay skyline as it unfolded across four chapters to a curated musical score. The fireworks spectacle played out over 30 minutes with rainbow-coloured blooms that symbolise Singapore’s vibrant identity as a thriving city in nature.

In the weeks leading up to the new year, visitors were treated to a series of spectacular light projection shows: Brightening Lives, a showcase of works by artists with disabilities from ART:DIS projected onto the historic façade of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, and Sharing Joy, Celebrating with our Communities featuring works by ASEAN artists from the UOB Painting of the Year (POY) competition on UOB Plaza 1.

Under the theme Thriving Beyond Limits, the artworks featured in Brightening Lives — which was presented in collaboration with local philanthropic organisation The Majurity Trust — explored the ideas of unity, perseverance, and innovation with a common purpose. Meanwhile, Sharing Joy, Celebrating with our Communities featured a series of artworks that invited audiences to look ahead with optimism.

Both shows also featured a special countdown sequence in the final minutes leading to midnight as Singapore welcomed the new year.

Visitors also enjoyed a range of festive experiences across the Bay. Up-and-coming artists like Hey Pelican!, Amni Musfirah and Heema Izzati took to the stage at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay as part of Come Together @ Esplanade to serenade crowds of music lovers. Togetherland by World Christmas Market welcomed merrymakers to the Bayfront Event Space with a lively mix of delectable food, family-friendly attractions, and curated shopping experiences.

Global collaboration, local twist: Dutch Mill Will Probiotic Drink for Thailand

Dutch Mill Will Multi-Strain Probiotics drink is an interesting collaboration between Thailand’s Dutch Mill and South Korea’s hy, the company that makes Yakult in South Korea and is known for its flagship functional probiotic beverage, Will.

Will was developed to support stomach health by addressing Helicobacter pylori bacteria and enhancing gut wellness through probiotics, including its proprietary strain HP7.

hy has expanded distribution of Will to China and Taiwan, though the formulation offered in Thailand differs from those markets.

In Thailand, Dutch Mill Will’s multi‑strain probiotic drink is formulated with the patented HP7 strain to help balance the gut, strengthen immunity and aid digestion. It is lactose‑free and enriched with FOS and inulin, real fruit juice and perilla powder — a plant‑based source of omega‑3 packed with antioxidants that reduce inflammation and support heart health.

The drink also contains aloe vera powder, which promotes healthy digestion and skin with its cooling, refreshing properties, while cabbage powder adds fibre and antioxidants to further nourish the digestive system and intestines.

 

AJE Thai pops open honey lemon soda

AJE Thai has rolled out a Honey Lemon Soda in a 465ml bottle, bringing a refreshing new twist to the carbonated drink segment. Blending the natural sweetness of honey with the tangy zest of lemon, this sparkling beverage offers a lively balance of flavours — sweet, sour, and delightfully fizzy.

The innovation spotlight shines on a honey‑sweetened carbonated soft drink with a tangy lemon twist, echoing the success of Mayora Indah’s Nipis Madu in Indonesia — a refreshing lime‑and‑honey soda.

URC Thailand turns up the heat with Spicy Korean Chicken and bold new flavours

URC Thailand has launched a bold new addition to its Jack ’n Jill Roller Coaster range — Spicy Korean Chicken‑flavoured potato rings. Alongside this fiery release, the company has also rolled out jumbo‑sized crispy flat‑cut potato chips in Hot Spicy Squid and Squid Zeed flavours.

Additional launches feature Roller Coaster Rings in Momi Nori Seaweed flavour, crafted for seaweed enthusiasts, along with Jack ’n Jill Loop — an infinity‑shaped snack available in two bold flavours: Cheesy Cheese and Fire Red Hot.

URC has earlier released two fiery duo under the Roller Coaster brand comprising Roller Coaster Jumbo — Spicy Chili flavour and Roller Coaster Ring — Angry Spicy flavour.

 

 

AJE Thai’s new Açaí Berry carbonated soft drink hits the market

AJE Thai has introduced a new carbonated soft drink in Thailand, inspired by its South American heritage with an Açaí Berry flavour. The drink features a striking purple hue and is now available at 7‑Eleven outlets nationwide.

When ice cream meets milk: Sunshine Dairy x Guss Damn Good serve up craft flavours in a milk pouch

Image credit: Sunshine Dairy

Sunshine Dairy in Thailand has teamed up with Bangkok’s craft ice cream brand, Guss Damn Good, celebrated for its inventive flavours and artisanal touch. The collaboration brings Guss’s signature ice cream inspirations into a fresh milk format. Now available at 7‑Eleven, the pasteurised milk comes in two flavours: Cookies Sauce Froyo and English Toffee.

HOT NEWS

Put your #GumHealthFirst with Systema!

0
94.5% of Malaysian adults have unhealthy gums. Japan’s gum protection expert, Systema launches #GumHealthFirst campaign, advocating for Malaysians to prioritize gum health and prevent...

MUST READ

Ayam Brand Introduces First Canned Ayam Carik or Quick, Tasty &...

0
At long last ‘Ayam ada Ayam’! Shah Alam, November 20, 2024 – At long last Ayam Brand™,  the purveyor of fine canned food famed for its...