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41% Malaysians Lack Consistent Savings, According To Sun Life Malaysia’s 2025 Financial Resilience Index

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Ho Teck Seng, President & Country Head, Sun Life Financial Malaysia Assurance Berhad

CIMB Islamic and Sun Life Malaysia Takaful introduced Sun Enrich Extra-i to address savings gap

Kuala Lumpur, 29 October 2025 – With inflation and cost of living on the rise, Malaysians are looking for smarter ways to build stronger financial safety net. According to Sun Life Malaysia’s 2025 Financial Resilience Index, 41% of Malaysians struggle with consistent savings and long-term planning, even though emergency savings are the second most important financial goal. 

The Sun Life Asia Financial Resilience Index surveyed over 6,000 people in Malaysia and other Asian countries. It found due to persistent inflation, a focus on short-term expenses has risen with meeting daily expenses is the top priority for 62% of Malaysian respondents, and building emergency funds is the second. Retirement savings have dropped to seventh place. It also found that while nearly six in 10 Malaysians feel financially secure, many are not financially resilient. 

In response to this growing need, CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad (“CIMB Islamic” or “the Bank”) and Sun Life Malaysia Takaful Berhad (Sun Life Malaysia Takaful), a family takaful company, have co-developed and introduced Sun Enrich Extra-i, an innovative flexible short-term pay takaful plan to make lifelong wealth protection simpler, faster and more accessible.  

Developed and managed by Sun Life Malaysia Takaful Berhad and exclusively distributed through CIMB Islamic, Sun Enrich Extra-i provides long-term protection of up to 30 years coverage with a minimum of five-year contribution period. It includes a flexible top-up feature designed to help clients grow their wealth and manage rising costs while staying protected. With this unique and balanced approach, the plan is well-suited for individuals and families, including retirees who value lasting financial security. 

The plan also offers purposeful liquidity, with funds readily accessible for meaningful goals, such as a child’s education or major life purchases. The annual payouts provide a steady flow of accessible cash with the option to reinvest according to personal needs. This flexibility comes without sacrificing protection. With no medical check-up required, coverage can be obtained quickly and easily. 

The unveiling of this new plan also marks a significant milestone in the 20-year strategic partnership between Sun Life Malaysia with CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Islamic. It reaffirms both organisations’ shared long-term vision of delivering inclusive and innovative financial solutions that strengthen the financial security of Malaysians at every life stage.

Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, CEO of CIMB Islamic

Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Islamic said, “Our strong partnership with Sun Life Malaysia reflects a shared vision of making financial protection and savings more accessible and relevant for Malaysians. Many individuals today face competing financial pressures, which makes it challenging to plan for the long term. Sun Enrich Extra-i is designed to address this challenge by combining meaningful protection with the flexibility to save, grow wealth, and serve as an effective tool for wealth distribution – all without the weight of prolonged commitments. Through this plan, we aim to empower our clients to build lasting financial resilience and security at every stage of life.” 

Ho Teck Seng, President and Country Head of Sun Life Malaysia, said, “We are proud to introduce a truly revolutionary takaful product that simplifies the path to financial resilience. By leveraging CIMB’s extensive network, we can deliver this innovative solution to a broad segment of the Malaysia population, from retail to affluent Clients, giving them a meaningful way to protect their wealth, build emergency savings, and achieve greater financial stability.”

The plan allows clients to enjoy greater peace of mind in their legacy planning, as an alternative and effective estate planning option. With the Hibah nomination feature, it provides Muslim clients a practical way of managing wealth distribution with added control, flexibility, in accordance with Shariah principles. 

Key features of Sun Enrich Extra-i:

  • Financial Security in as short as Five Years: Unlike traditional plan with longer contribution period, clients only need to contribute from a short period of five years to secure longer-term financial security. This is a game-changer benefit for those wanting to build a financial legacy without a lifelong financial commitment.
  • Flexible Wealth Growth: With no medical check-ups required, it is easier and faster for Clients to start their journey towards financial security. It also offers a flexible top-up option, allowing Clients to future proof their wealth at their own terms.
  • Securing Legacy: The plan offers a balanced approach to protection and savings, ensuring Clients are not only covered for life’s uncertainties. Its Takaful Hibah feature ensure that your wealth is transferred to your beneficiaries efficiently and securely, give you the peace of mind, knowing your loved ones will be protected.

For more information, visit the nearest CIMB branch or speak to CIMB’s Relationship Managers, or refer to Sun Life Malaysia’s website at https://www.sunlifemalaysia.com/insurance-and-takaful/family-takaful/sun-enrich-extra-i/

gutC unveils Asam Boi twist—join the celebration at Aeon Mid Valley

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

The Tapping Tapir has recently unveiled the latest addition to its gutC prebiotic soda line in Malaysia—a bold new flavour inspired by the iconic local beverage Asam Boi (salted sour plum). This unique creation pays homage to a beloved Malaysian classic, blending tradition with a modern, gut-friendly twist.

The gutC lineup now features five distinct flavours: Asam Boi, Mixed Berry, Lychee, Grape, and Peach.

The gutC x Aeon MidValley In-Store Roadshow is currently underway at Aeon Mid Valley, offering an engaging experience for health-conscious visitors. Attendees can enjoy interactive activities, meet the gutZy mascot, and stand a chance to win exclusive premium prizes while sampling the refreshing gutC range.

iCAUR V23 (RHD) PREVIEWED IN MALAYSIA – WHERE URBAN ENERGY MEETS DYNAMIC EV CAPABILITY

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Estimated Price From RM145,000, The iCAUR V23 Marks A Confident Step Forward For Malaysia’s Adventure EV Segment.

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 October 2025 – iCAUR Malaysia today previewed the iCAUR V23, the brand’s latest all-electric off-road SUV that continues the brand’s forward momentum into Malaysia’s automotive landscape.

iCAUR Malaysia Marketing Director, Daniel Lai, explained: “The iCAUR 03 set a strong foundation in Malaysia by delivering our brand’s Born to Play promise of top-tier fully electric off-road performance, advanced chassis engineering, and intuitive connectivity. Building on this momentum, the new iCAUR V23 introduces a refined blend of retro-inspired design, adventure-ready capability, and intelligent technology packages that we believe resonate strongly with the aspirations of Malaysian consumers.”

“The V23 is designed for those who are young at heart, trend-aware, and socially connected — individuals who view their vehicle as an extension of their dynamic, adventurous lifestyle,” he added.

Building on the momentum of the recently launched iCAUR 03, the C-Segment iCAUR V23 strengthens the blends modern performance, safety, and versatility with a distinctive design pays homage to iconic off-road machines from a bygone era.

First unveiled at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, the iCAUR V23 now marks its official preview in Right-Hand Drive (RHD) configuration at the vibrant Starhill, Kuala Lumpur.

Compact yet commanding, the V23 measures 4,220 mm in length, 1,915 mm in width, and 1,845 mm in height, with a 2,735 mm wheelbase. The result is a rugged yet urban-ready profile that delivers excellent stability and driving confidence across diverse terrains.

The iCAUR V23 is offered in both rear-wheel-drive (2WD) and intelligent all-wheel-drive (iWD) configurations. 

The 2WD variant features a single rear-axle motor producing 136 PS and 180 Nm of torque, paired with a 59.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. The iWD version adopts a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, delivering a combined 211 PS and 292 Nm of torque, supported by an 81.8 kWh ternary lithium (NMC) battery. 

The iCAUR V23 2WD delivers a maximum driving range of 401 km (CLTC), while the iWD variant offers up to 501 km (CLTC)  — ensuring peace of mind for both urban commutes and adventurous escapes. 

Performance-wise, the 2WD variant accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 11 seconds, while the iWD achieves it in just 7.5 seconds. Both variants are electronically limited to a top speed of 140 km/h.

Charging performance is equally versatile, with up to 85 kW DC fast charging for the 2WD and 104 kW for the iWD, while AC charging is rated at 6.6 kW respectively. 

The V23 also delivers a 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, enabling the car to power electrical appliances — a leading feature for outdoor getaways and weekend adventures. 

Engineered for real-world conditions, the V23’s chassis integrates MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear setup to balance comfort with control. 

Visually, the iCAUR V23 strikes a balance between modern minimalism and classic off-road charm. Its bold, square-box silhouette is complemented by 19-inch wheels wrapped in 255/55 R19 tyres on the 2WD variant, and 21-inch wheels fitted with 265/45 R21 tyres on the iWD variant. 

Inside, the cabin blends modern technology — including a full-HD 540-degree Transparent Chassis Camera — with retro-inspired design cues such as the rotary knobs on the centre console, and high-roof design that delivers exceptional headroom and outward visibility. 

Safety remains a priority, with a comprehensive Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) package available on the iCAUR V23. Key features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking. 

Set for launch in Q4 2025, the iCAUR V23 is estimated to be priced between RM145,000 for the 2WD variant and RM155,000 for the AWD variant. Customers eager to be among the first to experience electrified adventure can secure their booking starting today. 

In tandem with the launch, iCAUR Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to exceptional customer experiences, announcing plans for up to 18 points of sale and nine fully fledged iCAUR service centres nationwide within 2025, including expansion into Sabah and Sarawak. 

The public will have the opportunity to get up close with the iCAUR V23 during an exclusive showcase from Wednesday, 29 October to Sunday, 2 November 2025, between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM at the Starhill Piazza, Kuala Lumpur. 

Highlight attractions include skateboarding demonstrations, dynamic dance performances, and the exciting iCAUR V23 iFUN social media contest — where visitors stand a chance to win exclusive iCAUR merchandise and other great prizes. 

For more information, visit www.icaur.my

“Banduan” Ushers a New Era for Malaysian Cinema

By
Tan Heng Hong
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First Malay-language action thriller to spark international distribution interest

KUALA LUMPUR, 30 October 2025 — The sound of Malaysian cinema is about to get louder. Banduan, the highly anticipated action thriller directed by Kroll Azry and starring Aaron Aziz, will hit cinemas nationwide on 6 November 2025. Even before its local debut, the film has already drawn the attention of distributors in the UK, US, and Canada, marking what could be a defining leap for Malaysian storytelling on the global stage.

Starring a powerhouse ensemble including Rosyam Nor, Afdlin Shauki, Fadhli Masoot, and Adlin Aman Ramlie, Banduan fuses raw emotion with intense, tightly choreographed action. The production, backed by Number Twenty One Media and Dream Warrior Pictures, is a homegrown showcase of craft, scale, and ambition.

Adapted from the acclaimed 2019 Tamil blockbuster Kaithi, Banduan draws from its spirit, the story of a man caught between duty, redemption, and circumstance, but it isn’t a shot-for-shot remake. “We reimagined the story through a distinctly Malaysian lens,” said the filmmakers, “rewriting character motivations, relationships, and key sequences to reflect our social and cultural realities.” Set over one tense night, the film follows Dali, a former prisoner on a desperate mission to reunite with his daughter, and Inspector Johari, a police officer racing against time to save his poisoned comrades. Together, they must face off against Rejab, a ruthless gang leader played by Abi Madyan, in a battle where law, loyalty, and survival collide.

One of the biggest creative challenges was balancing homage and originality, given Kaithi’s cult following. The team reimagined the story through a Malaysian lens, exploring how incarceration, authority, and redemption manifest locally. Banduan carries a distinctly Malaysian texture, in its language, visuals, and emotions. At its core, the film reflects Malaysia’s moral greys, humour under pressure, and the belief that redemption can be both spiritual and grounded.

Leading man Aaron Aziz was said to have approached the role of Dali with both discipline and depth. Beyond physical preparation and tactical training, he also took lessons on lorry driving for the film, a first in his long acting career. “Aaron brought quiet strength and humanity to Dali,” said the director.

The film also sets the stage for something unprecedented: the beginning of Malaysia’s first cinematic universe. Like Kaithi before it, Banduan was crafted with narrative headroom: a world rich enough to expand into sequels or spin-offs if audiences connect with it. “That’s certainly the long-term ambition,” said the producers. “We’ve built enough depth in its world, supporting characters, and institutional backdrop to evolve into a broader universe if the audience embraces it. But first, Banduan must stand on its own as a complete, emotionally grounded story.”

In Malaysia, Banduan will be distributed by Astro Shaw, with a simultaneous release in Malaysia and Brunei on 6 November, followed by Singapore on 13 November. The film is also set to premiere at the International Film Festival of Australia, where it will mark its international debut.

“We’ve been in discussions with several distributors in the UK, US and Canada — and we were honestly surprised by the level of interest,” said Kalyana Devan, Producer and Executive Producer of Banduan. “They had seen the original Tamil blockbuster and were curious about how we’ve reimagined it for Malaysian audiences. For us, this marks a new milestone — the first Malay-language action thriller to spark international distribution interest. It’s an exciting time not just for our film, but for Malaysian cinema as a whole.”

With its mix of pulse-pounding action and emotional honesty, Banduan aims to redefine what Malaysian cinema can be local in its voice, global in its vision.

Banduan opens in cinemas nationwide on 6 November 2025.

Add Your Golden Touch This Christmas With Ferrero Rocher

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Celebrate the season of togetherness with the iconic golden gift

SINGAPORE, 01 NOVEMBER 2025 — This festive season, Ferrero Rocher invites Singaporeans to embrace the spirit of giving and togetherness with Add Your Golden Touch — a celebration that transforms every gift and gathering into something truly memorable. Alongside its iconic golden pralines, Ferrero Rocher introduces new pack sizes for Ferrero Rocher Origins — a premium dark chocolate assortment now available in T2 and T24 — offering a refined touch for both gifting and sharing.

Reimagining holiday traditions, Ferrero Rocher introduces immersive experiences and exclusive rewards — including a chance to win a trip for two to Italy and other attractive prizes. With Add Your Golden Touch, the brand inspires everyone to cherish life’s heartfelt moments, big or small, with the iconic gift of joy and indulgence.

THE GOLDEN ART OF HOSTING

At the core of the Ferrero Rocher experience lies the art of bringing people together, turning gatherings into moments of connection, and hosting into an expression of care. Whether adorning festive tables or shared as a thoughtful token of appreciation, Ferrero Rocher has long been the golden centerpiece of meaningful celebrations.

FERRERO ROCHER ORIGINS: PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 2025 & NEW PACK SIZES

Ferrero Rocher Origins celebrates a proud milestone with its T15 pack, recently awarded Product of the Year 2025 in Singapore and Malaysia. Building on this success, the brand expands its premium dark chocolate assortment with the new T2 (65% Ecuador and 80% Ivory Coast) and T24 formats — offering refined options perfect for both gifting and personal indulgence. These new pack sizes offer greater versatility for every occasion, further elevating the art of premium chocolate gifting.

WIN GOLDEN REWARDS THIS CHRISTMAS

From 1 November to 31 December 2025, Singaporeans can take part in the Add Your Golden Touch festive lucky draw for a chance to win a trip to Italy for Two and other attractive prizes.

To join, consumers simply need to purchase S$18 worth of participating Ferrero products — including Ferrero Rocher, Ferrero Rocher Origins, Ferrero Collection, and Raffaello — in a single receipt and register their purchase on FerreroRocherSG.com.

111 winners will take home exciting prizes, including:

  • 1 x Grand Prize: 8D7N Trip to Italy for 2 Pax
  • 10 x 2nd Prizes: 3D2N Staycation at Pan Pacific Orchard
  • 100 x 3rd Prizes: Grab e-vouchers worth S$50 each

Winners will be announced on the campaign website and Ferrero Rocher’s official social media channels on 6th January 2025.

THE ICONIC GOLDEN GIFT

Whether exchanged as a thoughtful token or shared around the table, Ferrero Rocher continues to shine as the golden icon of appreciation and celebration. With its delicate layers of wafer, hazelnut, and chocolate wrapped in gold, each praline turns even the simplest moments into something extraordinary.

This Christmas, Ferrero Rocher invites everyone to add their golden touch — celebrating love, gratitude, and connection in the most timeless way possible.

Ferrero Rocher products are available at major supermarkets and hypermarkets including NTUC FairPrice, Cold Storage, Giant, and Hao Mart; convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and Cheers; health and beauty retailers like Guardian and Watsons; and online via RedMart, NTUC FairPrice, and Pandamart.

100PLUS ACTIVE hydrates runners to own the finish line and go beyond!

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

100PLUS Active x SCSM 2025 limited edition cans pay tribute to the grit of runners to power through the upcoming Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2025

Singapore, 31 October 2025  –  100PLUS, Singapore’s No.1 Isotonic brand, proudly unveils its new limited edition 100PLUS ACTIVE cans designed for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) 2025. As the Official Hydration Partner, 100PLUS relentlessly champions the spirit of endurance, unity and sporting excellence at Southeast Asia’s most prestigious running event, taking place from 6 to 7 December 2025. 

A collector’s can for runners and active lifestyle lovers

This year’s vibrant marathon-inspired design carries the rallying call of SCSM to “Make That Finish Line Yours. Go Beyond”. The can and design are bold tributes to the determination and strength of the tens of thousands of runners – from seasoned marathoners to first-time participants – who will converge for the highly anticipated marathon weekend. 

Superior hydration that outperforms

At the heart of this celebration of sporting unity is 100PLUS ACTIVE, a non-carbonated isotonic drink specially formulated to hydrate better than water and ensure optimal rehydration in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. With lower sugar content and the Health Promotion Board’s (HPB) Healthier Choice Symbol, 100PLUS ACTIVE offers a refreshing, healthier hydration option without compromising on taste or electrolyte balance.

100PLUS ACTIVE is the smarter choice for runners because: 

· Lower in sugar: 100PLUS ACTIVE is rated Nutri-Grade B – a better choice for today’s health-conscious consumer.

· Enhanced with added B-vitamins (B3, B6, B12): These essential nutrients help release energy, reduce fatigue, and support red blood cell formation, aiding faster recovery after intense activity.

· Performance boost: Designed to replenish essential electrolytes and support sustained energy levels through training, 100PLUS ACTIVE helps athletes and fitness enthusiasts maximise their potential and be ready to perform at their best. 

Supporting runners on the road to the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2025

Whether it’s pounding the pavement under the sun, clocking up mileage in training, or pushing through the marathon itself, the halal-certified 100PLUS ACTIVE hydrates better than water and is the ultimate hydration partner. 

The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, since its inception in 2002, has established itself as the leading mass participation run and the only World Athletics Gold Label race in Southeast Asia. Every December, the event attracts over 50,000 runners from Singapore and around the world, offering an unparalleled experience through the heart of the city. Participants weave past Singapore’s iconic skylines and cultural landmarks such as Chinatown, Little India, Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay, creating memories of both athletic triumph and national pride. More than just a race, the marquee sports event has grown into a catalyst for the running community, uniting international elites, local athletes and leisure runners in a festival of endurance, health and camaraderie. 

In support of this extraordinary celebration, the limited edition 100PLUS ACTIVE X SCSM 2025 cans are now available in stores islandwide, giving running enthusiasts and consumers a chance to fuel their runs and collect a piece of marathon history ahead of Singapore’s biggest running celebration. 

For more information, please visit https://100plus.com.sg. Follow 100PLUS Singapore on Facebook or @100plus_singapore on Instagram for more updates.

AB Pascual Foods to build PHP 1 billion long-life yogurt plant in Laguna

By
Tan Heng Hong
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AB Pascual Foods, the yogurt division of Lucio Tan’s Asia Brewery Inc., is allocating PHP 1 billion to build a long-life yogurt manufacturing plant in Laguna—hailed as the first of its kind in both the Philippines and Southeast Asia, reported Business Inquirer.

The company presently sources its yogurt from Spain for local distribution. However, with construction of its new facility slated to begin “soon,” the plant will enable a shift to domestic production—fulfilling local demand and paving the way for future exports across Southeast Asia.

The new facility will be constructed adjacent to Asia Brewery’s existing manufacturing complex in Cabuyao, Laguna.

In 2024, Pascual captured 45% of the domestic yogurt market.

Scotch Industrial elevates wellness line with low-sugar bird’s nest, collagen shots and digestive boosters

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Scotch Industrial has updated its latest Scotch Real Bird’s Nest Royale Gold with a 25% lower sugar content and no added sweeteners. The drink is made with 100% pure cave-harvested yellow gold bird’s nest, rich in cylic acid and 18 essential amino acids for a wholesome boost.

Inner beauty gets a powerful boost as the bird’s nest specialist unveils Scotch Beauti Shot—a fat-free formula infused with 10,000 mg of collagen per bottle and fortified with zinc to support skin health and overall wellness from within. This functional beverage is enriched with malva nut, known for supporting body shaping and promoting a flatter stomach through aiding digestion and fullness.

For those who want to improve their digestive health, Scotch has made available Scotch Puree Fibre & Prune Plus. This innovative formula brings together the natural goodness of premium concentrated prune juice and apple cider vinegar for the first time, delivering an impressive 18,000 mg of dietary fibre. It supports digestive balance and enhances elimination, helping consumers feel lighter, more refreshed and relieved from everyday discomfort.

Apple cider vinegar is the functional ingredient to watch in Thailand.

Meanwhile, the newly launched Scotch Royale Gold Grape Seed-Zinc features a 0% sugar formula enriched with grape seed extract and zinc. Each bottle also includes golden yellow bird’s nest, delivering 43.27 mg of sialic acid for added nutritional value.

Vinamilk Sure Diacerna debuts ready-to-drink format

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Vinamilk Sure Diacerna is now available in a ready-to-drink format delivering all 37 essential nutrients, including slow-absorbing Palatinose sugar and heart-friendly components like DHA, MUFA and PUFA. Vinamilk Sure Diacerna helps consumers manage their blood sugar levels anytime, anywhere.

Meanwhile, the powdered version of Vinamilk Sure Diacerna now features a refreshed new look alongside Vinamilk Sure Prevent Gold Dietary Food for Special Medical Purposes and Vinamilk Sure CanxiPro Less Fat Fortified Calcium Supplement Powder.

Tora Cafe releases new iced coffee line with customisable Kopi Jelly twist

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Indonesia’s Mayora Indah has rolled out a refreshing new iced coffee range under its Tora Cafe brand, spotlighting customisable jelly sachets that infuse each drink with a distinctive jelly texture. This innovative twist adds a fun, chewy dimension to the beverage experience. The Tora Cafe Kopi Jelly line is available in two indulgent flavours—Milky Latte and Cappuccino—crafted to satisfy coffee lovers looking for both taste and texture in every sip.

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