Monday, November 10, 2025
Home Blog Page 622

Got What It Takes to Be a Star Bartender?

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

HEINEKEN Malaysia’s Star Academy returns after a two-year hiatus by introducing the Heineken® Star Quality programme where bartenders stand to win a five-star Langkawi getaway

PETALING JAYA, 30 March 2022 – The ultimate bartender’s test is back again in 2022! After a two-year hiatus, Heineken Malaysia Berhad’s (HEINEKEN Malaysia) Star Academy is back in action in the search for Malaysia’s best bartender. First up on Star Academy’s agenda is the Heineken® Star Quality programme, which aims to equip bartenders in Malaysia with star quality training through an immersive learning experience. Bartenders are invited to register and compete with exciting prizes up for grabs!

Star Academy was established by HEINEKEN Malaysia to provide professional training to
business partners and bartenders by equipping them with skills in the areas of product history and knowledge, technical know-how, as well as responsible serving and retailing. Besides training, competitive selections are also held to identify the best bartenders in the country. From participating outlets nationwide, top performers will then be chosen for the national finals after rigorous theoretical and practical assessments.

Vasily Baranov, Sales Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia presenting the grand prize to Jack Loh, Heineken® Star Serve 2019 winner.

“At HEINEKEN, we are passionate about our consumers and customers, and we strive to deliver the best service and experiences. Due to the pandemic, we had to suspend all Star Academy programmes for the last two years. We’re excited to announce that Star Academy is back this year with our flagship Heineken® Star Quality programme, and we are thrilled to get back to training bartenders across Malaysia to deliver the perfect Heineken® serve,” said Vasily Baranov, the Sales Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia.

Heineken® Star Quality

This year, Star Academy kicks off with its flagship programme – Heineken® Star Quality.
Bartenders are invited to undergo training on the art of bartending, to understand the history and origin of Heineken® as well as the ingredients that go into the brew. Ultimately, these bartenders will grasp the Heineken® Star Serve, the five-step pouring ritual comprising rinse, pour, skim, check and serve to create the perfect pint of Heineken®.

Heineken® Star Quality aims to give bartenders an immersive experience, engaging the five senses of sight, smell, sound, touch and taste. The training will empower the bartenders with newly acquired skills, allowing them to earn their credentials in serving the perfect pint of Heineken®. As a result, Heineken® fans in Malaysia will be able to enjoy the authentic Heineken® quality and experience when they order their favourite Heineken®.

Jack Loh, Heineken® Star Serve 2019 winner at the national finals pouring his perfect pint of Heineken®

Jack Loh, Heineken® Star Serve 2019 winner and Malaysian representative in the Heineken® Global Bartender Finals 2019 shares, “Going through the Heineken® Star Serve programme and subsequently being crowned Malaysia’s Best Heineken® bartender in 2019 was one of the proudest moments of my life. I will never forget the experience of representing Malaysia at the Heineken® Global Bartender Finals in Amsterdam. It was a thrilling adventure to master and showcase my bartending skills alongside the best of the best. With this year’s hands-on training, I have no doubt the upcoming Heineken® Star Quality will be even more exciting!”

The Heineken® Star Quality training will be held in seven different regions in Malaysia including Penang, Perak, Johor, Sabah Sarawak and two locations in the Klang Valley. After the training sessions, participants will undergo both a theory and physical test, with their product knowledge and bartending skills being put to the test and graded.

The Heineken Star Bartender 2022 Malaysia champion will be crowned at the finale on 3 June 2022. The champion will then walk away with a three-days-two-nights, all expenses paid Langkawi getaway for both the bartender and the bar owner with their plus-ones.

Additionally, all finalists will receive a Heineken® Star Quality Recognition pin – a gold pin for the champion, a silver for the runner up, and a bronze pin for each of the remaining finalists. Participating outlets will also receive a Star Academy 2022 plaque in recognition of their participation.

To sign up for the Heineken® Star Quality programme, bartenders at participating Heineken® outlets including restaurants, pubs and bars may register their interest at the Star Academy website (www.star-academy.heinekenmalaysia.com) starting 30 March 2022. In adherence to COVID-19 SOPs, participants will have to present a negative self-test result two days prior to attending the sessions.

Guinness Perfect Pour and Star Academy Masterclass

Beyond Heineken® Star Quality, Star Academy will also be launching the Guinness Perfect Pour programme in July. Following that, the top scorers from Heineken® Star Quality and Guinness Perfect Pour sessions will be invited for a Masterclass, where they can experience a specially curated session that elaborates the history and basics of beers, topped with a brewery tour followed by dinner and drinks.

For more information on HEINEKEN Malaysia and the company’s initiatives, please visit
www.heinekenmalaysia.com.

Seven Back-to-School Bento Box Tips From Alce Nero

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
Organic Alphabet Pasta

Shah Alam, March 31, 2022 – The new school term is here, causing anxiety among those of us with kids going to nursery, kindergarten or Year One. Can they cope with this new phase in their lives, will they make friends, can they follow SOPs and for many Asian parents, the important question of what will they eat at nursery, kindy and school?

Back-to-school Bento lunch boxes are an essential tool for busy parents who want to ensure that their little ones are getting healthy, well-balanced and preferably organic meals from an early age.

Alce Nero, a leader in organic food including, pasta, pasta sauces, honey, jams, olive oil and apple cider vinegar among others is here to help parents with nine simple tips to make back-to-school Bento boxes a breeze. 

The case for switching over to a more organic diet especially for kids is strong as these foods are absent of chemicals from pesticides. Research suggests that even low levels of pesticide exposure in an extended period can affect young children’s neurological and behavioral development, with evidence showing links between pesticide exposure to neonatal reflexes, psychomotor and mental development, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder[1].

Alce Nero’s Organic Kid’s Pasta are incredibly delicious. They comes in a mix of naturally coloured and flavoured pasta using tomato and spinach that sneaks in the goodness of vegetables and fibre, a plus for parents of fussy eaters. It is bronze drawn for a rougher and more porous pasta, ideal for sauce absorption. Made using organically grown durum wheat, it is a source of fibre that leaves you feeling full for longer, and helps keep intestines functioning optimally.

Organic Macaroni

Parents love the organic goodness, convenience and taste of Alce Nero Organic Kid’s Pastas. Not surprisingly Alce Nero Kid Pasta Sports Shape received a 5 Star Rating, the highest rating possible, on Motherhood Malaysia[2].

Alce Nero Organic Pastas contain no preservatives or artificial substances such as sugars. These pastas are made in Italy to be low in fat and sodium, high in protein and are a good source of dietary fibre.

Organic Spaghetti Tricolore

Now on to the tips!

  1. Start with A Base That Kids Love – Pasta

The majority of kids love pasta. Pastas can be prepared in numerous ways to suit your child’s preference. Savoury, sweet, spicy and even air-fried as a healthy Bento box snack! 

  1. Prep Ahead, Leftovers Included

Cook up a larger than required dinner, so that there will be enough to pack for the next day’s lunch. Alce Nero Organic Pasta is an excellent choice as it refrigerates well and reheats. Fill the Bento boxes before serving dinner, then  refrigerate. In the morning add sauce to pasta and microwave, then add fresh fruit; carrot, cucumber or celery sticks and some cherry tomatoes, a small pack of raisins or other sweet treat in their individual compartments or use cupcake cases or lettuce leaves as separators. Quick, healthy, delicious, organic and almost too pretty to eat! 

  1. Cuteness Encourages Appetite

Picky eaters can be encouraged to eat just a little bit more with cute food. Alce Nero Organic Kids’ Pasta comes in the shape of alphabets, vehicles and sports equipment that are visually arresting. The pastas  includes dehydrated organic spinach for green shapes, and dehydrated organic tomato for orangey red shapes. Depending on your child’s interest they will love playing with and eating their favourite pasta shapes in their Bento box. With some practice you will have the skills to create Insta-worthy Bento boxes.  Personalise their Bento box lunch by spelling their name using alphabet pasta. The young, and the young at heart will both love this little touch.

  1. Make It Saucy

Kids love pasta with tomato sauce in their Bento boxes. Prepare Alce Nero Organic Kids’ Pasta according to the instruction, and at the same time warm up Alce Nero Pasta Tomato Sauce in a pan. Depending on your child’s tolerance for organic vegetables and proteins, add what they like, then combine the pasta with the pasta sauce. Grate some cheese over this tasty delight, and its ready. Another Bento lunch box done and dusted.

  1. Get Creative

Have you tried making dessert pasta salad? Cook up a serving of Alce Nero Organic Fun Shapes pasta, toss with Alce Nero organic honey, flaked almonds or other nuts, raisins or dried cranberries, sweetcorn kernels and some diced cucumber or celery. Top with cherry tomatoes or strawberries. Add a creatively sliced boiled egg on the side. A balanced, colourful, cute and tasty Bento box for kids who cannot handle spicy food. 

  1. Portion Control and A Nutritionally Balanced Bento Box

Kids tend to eat smaller meals than adults, but their meals need to be well balanced. The Malaysian Healthy Plate by the Ministry of Health recommends that a meal comprise of half vegetables and fruits, a quarter of protein and a quarter of carbohydrates. An easy way to portion kids’ meals is to get a well-proportioned kids’ Bento box, and not overfill the compartments.

  1. Scale Up For The Entire Family

With the cost of eating out increasing and most of us back at work as the country enters the COVID-19 endemicity stage, organic Bento boxes for the entire family are a great idea. It helps the family eat healthier, more balanced organic meals, saves on costs and you do not need to worry about the provenance of your meal.

The brand’s farm-to-table concept is made possible by working with its network of organic farmers, making the produce much healthier. The brand’s extensive line of authentic Italian organic produce is 100% organic certified by European Union law and by JAS organic agriculture in Japan.

Malaysian parents can use Alce Nero products with confidence as it is certified Halal by official certification bodies recognized by JAKIM.

Alce Nero products including the Alce Nero Kids’ Pastas are available at AEON, Ben’s Cold Storage, Giant, Jaya Grocer, Village Grocer, TF Value and via the Ayam Brand Shopee Official Store (https://shopee.com.my/ayambrandofficialstore ) & Ayam Brand Lazada Official Store (https://www.lazada.com.my/shop/ayambrandofficialstore/)

For more wholesome, unique and organic recipes that you and your little ones can enjoy together, please visit https://alcenero.asia/recipes.html and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AlceNeroMalaysia/.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4247335/

[2] https://www.motherhood.com.my/motherhood-marketing/baby-food/family-food/food-staples-cooking-essentials/mamacubatry-alce-nero-organic-tricolore-pasta.html

McDonald’s Malaysia Offers More Menu Item Choices and Best Value Duo Set Meal

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 31 MARCH 2022 – Starting from today, McDonald’s Malaysia is offering customers more menu item choices at great value, as an alternative to the world-famous French Fries until the supply chain situation normalizes. Customers now have the option to choose either a delicious Sundae or a warm Apple Pie instead of French Fries with every order of a Medium McValue Meal.

Alternatively, customers can also opt for the Duo Set, a 2-piece set meal comprising of any food item with a drink, starting from RM7.90.

This initiative is carried out in conjunction with the French Fries supply issue due to impact of the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in ocean freight dependability.

“While we are committed in resolving the French Fries supply issue, McDonald’s Malaysia is always ready to provide the best customer experience by offering a variety of exciting choices at unbeatable value, so that our customers can continue enjoying their favourite meals,” said YBhg. Dato’ Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald’s Malaysia.

Currently, customers will still be able to purchase French Fries with their Medium McValue, based on the current remaining supply.

To find out more about McDonald’s Malaysia, please visit the official website at https://www.mcdonalds.com.my/

SOULed OUT and WIP outlets feature exclusive Ramadhan buffets and promotions

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
SOULed OUT KL Ramadhan Buffet & Specials

April 2022 – Malaysian food and in particular Ramadhan buffets, exemplify the traditions, tastes and colours of Malaysia. From old family favourites, to refreshing drinks after a day of fasting and sweet multihued kuih to finish off the Iftar, these affairs are celebrations of variety and togetherness, especially following the years when gatherings were kept small and private due to lockdowns. This year, SOULed OUT Kuala Lumpur and WIP On The Park are offering buffet specials with a selection of delicious Ramadhan dishes in airy, spacious environments that have been decorated with an Arabian influence and are perfect for friends and family to meet and renew ties. Ala carte Ramadhan specials are also available for dine in or takeaway at WIP Bangsar Shopping Centre as well as SOULed OUT Kota Kinabalu and also for delivery from SOULed OUT Kuala Lumpur (Hartamas).

Ramadhan Buffet

The Ramadhan buffet menu, which comprises of signature local dishes, will be switched up every night to highlight the variety of flavours Malaysian cuisine has on offer.  The Ramadhan buffet is available Sunday to Friday at SOULed OUT Kuala Lumpur (Hartamas) at RM60++ for adults and RM40++ for children, while at WIP On The Park, it is available on weekdays at RM98++ for adults and RM68++ for children. For the duration of the promotion, WIP On The Park is also offering the sixth buffet free for every five other buffet diners in a party. Due to popular demand, seating is limited, so diners are encouraged to call 012 200 1955 for reservations at SOULed OUT Kuala Lumpur (Hartamas) and 012 210 3055 for reservations at WIP On The Park.

Ramadhan specials at SOULed OUT Kuala Lumpur (Hartamas) include the Slow Baked Tomahawk steak served with baked pumpkin, Greek salad, naan with curry leaves, tomato salsa and black pepper sauce @ RM280++ and Roasted Spring Chicken served with baked potato, sweet corn, naan with curry leaves, percik and thyme sauces for RM35++.

WIP Bangsar Shopping Complex Specials

In addition, WIP at Bangsar Shopping Centre is also offering the ubiquitous Ramadhan favourite, Iftar Roast Lamb, an Asian inspired roasted boneless lamb leg with sauteed vegetables, mashed potato and spicy soy sambal sauce @ RM40++ and their own version of Spring Chicken marinated in spices, poached then roasted and served with percik sauce and condiments @ RM28++. Diners can make reservations to break their fast at WIP Bangsar Shopping Centre by calling 012 650 5722.

SOULed OUT Kota Kinabalu Ramadhan Specials

During Ramadhan, for groups of two or three guests, SOULed OUT Kota Kinabalu will be featuring a mouth-watering Nasi Talam Platter @ RM70 with choices of Ayam Berempah, Beef Rendang or Wokked Ginger Beef served with hinava, fried sardines, ulam of seasonal vegetables, salted egg, tapioca leaves in spiced coconut milk, baked eggplant omelette, vegetable consume, bambangan pickles, prawn crackers, sambal belacan and white rice. Reservations can be made at 016 829 9268.

Be sure to check out these Ramadhan promotions while they last!

ABOUT SOULed OUT

SOULed OUT began in 1996 as a small neighbourhood café in Mont Kiara and moved to her current premise in Desa Sri Hartamas in December 1999. So, named as each and every staff member puts their heart and soul into providing her patrons with the best. More than two decades on and having served over 5 million patrons, SOULed OUT has matured into an assured personality with a fun-loving spirit. An eclectic mix of Asian, Western and Northern Indian food and beverages make it a place for friends and family to foster the spirit of friendship and camaraderie.

Our other outlets in Bangsar South and Kota Kinabalu are located in the heart of the city to cater to patrons in the vicinity. Whatever it is, an encounter with SOULed OUT is always ‘as good as a hug’. SOULed OUT’s accolades include ‘Outlet of the Year’, ‘Best Resto-Bar 2013-2014’ at the prestigious Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA), Malaysia Tatler Best Restaurants 2015 SOULed OUT Kuala Lumpur – Exceptional Cuisine & Service, Timeout KL Food & Drink Awards 2016, Best Neighbourhood Pub, winner of Dining’s Best of The Year Award 2020: and most recently Tatler Malaysia’s Legacy Award and Tatler’s Best Restaurant for 2022 for SOKL, WIP BSC & WIP On The Park.

ABOUT WIP

From its beginnings as a Work In Progress to a landmark lifestyle destination, WIP is now Whipped Into Place, and has firmly established itself as a polished diamond glittering in the dining landscape of Kuala Lumpur. Located at the prominent BSC and Marc Residence, the urban tropic garden is THE place to hang out and unwind.

Cosmopolitan Cuisine is the direction of WIP’s menu. With inspiration from different continents, the food is prepared with the best and most fresh of ingredients. It is an innovative and creative menu that will surely cater to a wide variety of tastebuds and please any palate. Lovers of innovative beverages will surely rub their hands in glee with resident mixologists creating liquid perfection before your very eyes at the uniquely shaped Clam Bar. A delectable selection of Mojitos, signature & classic cocktails are available to quench your thirst, as are fine whiskies, boutique liquors, premium beers, champagnes, and wine.

Sun Life Malaysia Presents Scholarship Award Worth RM130,000 to Students From University Kebangsaan Malaysia

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
Sealing the talent development partnership - (from left) Sun Life Malaysia CEO & President/Country Head, Raymond Lew with Prof ChM Dr Ishak Ahmad, Dean of Faculty of Science & Technology of UKM at a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony for the ‘Nurturing Sun Brighter Talent’ scholarship award aiming to nurture next-generation insurance professionals.

Sun Life Malaysia Launches Scholarship Award To Nurture Next-Generation Insurance Professionals

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – March 30, 2022 – In line with its mission to build healthier and sustainable communities, Sun Life Malaysia – a life insurance and family takaful provider – has launched its inaugural “Nurturing Sun Brighter Talent” scholarship award, to nurture next-generation talents to drive growth for the company as well as the insurance and takaful industry. 

The proud recipients, Nor Halizah Binti Md Yusop and Hng Chong Khen, from the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science & Technology of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), received their awards at a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between Sun Life Malaysia and UKM at Sun Life Malaysia’s 1 Utama branch office recently. 

Each recipient was presented with a scholarship award worth RM65,000, a certificate and a MacBook. On top of that, the awardees will receive an internship placement, and a permanent employment contract with Sun Life Malaysia upon graduation. Sun Life Malaysia will also support the professional examination fees of both recipients.

Recognising outstanding UKM students – (from left) Sun Life Malaysia CEO & President/Country Head, Raymond Lew presented the scholarship award mock cheque and certificate to (middle) 21-year old Mathematical Sciences student, Nor Halizah Binti Md Yusop. Present was Prof ChM Dr Ishak Ahmad, Dean of Faculty of Science & Technology, UKM.

Raymond Lew, CEO and President/Country Head of Sun Life Malaysia commented, “Sun Life Malaysia views people as the most valuable asset. We constantly invest in our people with the ultimate aim to help them unleash their full potential. Through this award, apart from helping more aspiring students to pursue their dream education, we are also committed to advancing knowledge by providing the opportunity for local talents to explore building a career in the insurance and takaful industry.”

The recipients were shortlisted after a thorough assessment process which included an interview and presentation session to Sun Life Management Committee members to evaluate their academic merits, leadership quality as well as their soft skills competencies. 

“We are privileged to be partnering with UKM, which is highly regarded for its research excellence and students’ employability, for our first scholarship award. With new demands and opportunities arising within the industry, we want to support students in their academic aspirations, and enable our homegrown talent to always be ahead in a rapidly changing world,” Raymond elaborated. 

Prof ChM Dr Ishak Ahmad, Dean of Faculty of Science & Technology of UKM, said, “We have always been passionate about nurturing our youth to take on the role of future leaders. We would like to thank Sun Life Malaysia for supporting UKM in empowering the younger generations to excel academically and for affording opportunities for holistic learning experiences for our students to be ‘industry-ready’.” 

Commenting on the scholarship, one of the recipients, 21-year old Nor Halizah binti Md Yusup who hails from Johor Bharu expressed, “I would like to thank my family, lecturers and everyone from the university who have supported me and of course to Sun Life Malaysia for the financial support. I greatly appreciate the scholarship and I believe Sun Life Malaysia will be the right workplace to fuel my creativity in the field of data science.”  

For more information on Sun Life Malaysia, visit www.sunlifemalaysia.com 

Bukit Jalil TSUTAYA BOOKS will display the largest kids’ “edutainment” section in Malaysia

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

A little bookworms’ haven to discover, explore and be entertained

Do you remember what it’s like to immerse yourself in a book as a child? When would your imagination run free? Magical, captivating and thrilling. 

At Bukit Jalil TSUTAYA BOOKS , we believe that is what children’s books can do. Each book brings with it a honeypot of stories to inspire, adventures to embark on, moments to cherish and lessons to learn. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see the world through the eyes of a child once again? 

Our soon-to-be open, Bukit Jalil TSUTAYA BOOKS will be home for over 20,000 children’s book titles from over 10 genres including children’s literature, cognitive development, picture books and art  books,encyclopedias, creative handicrafts and many more. Making Bukit Jalil TSUTAYA BOOKS’ collection the largest kids edutainment section in any bookstore in Malaysia;  a place of discovery  for budding bibliophiles! 

The children’s section features hand-selected titles for young readers (from toddlers to pre-teens) – vintage, old, rare, and collectible editions of children’s classics, as well as contemporary chart-topping bestsellers.  Carrying more than just books – BUKIT JALIL TSUTAYA BOOKS will  display  board games, Montessori and developmental toys, a wider repertoire of stationery items and experiential gifts to intrigue a child’s curious mind.  

When doors open to Bukit Jalil TSUTAYA BOOKS, the first TSUTAYA BOOKS in Malaysia (targeted for Q2 2022), the children’s section will also be a center for storytelling sessions, hand puppet shows, art demonstrations and mascot visits. There will always be something to delight and captivate the youngest members of your family! 

Some coveted books and interactive products to explore include:

“Illustrated Stories from Shakespeare” by Usborne

This is a wonderful collection of six retellings of William Shakespeare’s best-loved plays – a perfect mix of comedy, tragedy, magic and romance, retold for younger readers. It is full of colorful illustrations from the Usborne Young Reading Programme.

“Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There” by Lewis Caroll

First published by Macmillan more than 150 years ago, Lewis Carroll’s iconic stories about Alice have been loved and enjoyed by generations of children the world over.

This edition presents Lewis Carroll’s complete text, with full-color illustrations from Costa Award- and Kate Greenaway Medal-winner Chris Riddell. 

Exploding Minions

Exploding Minions mashes up the award winning card game with the worldwide hit Minions Franchise, featuring characters you know and love from the hit movie, Despicable Me.

Play the Minions-themed version of the award-winning card game, featuring new cards, illustrations, and banana-fueled hilarity

Created by Game Of The Year Award Winner, Exploding Kittens – The hit game that sold over 10 million copies worldwide, breaking records in kids games, adult games, and everything in between.

Tickets to Ride

A delightful and classic family board game. In this railway adventure, you’ll need to be the quickest to link up your cities and reach your destinations.

Players collect cards of various types of train cars that enable them to claim railway routes connecting cities throughout North America. The longer the routes, the more points they earn. Additional points come to those who can fulfill their Destination Tickets by connecting two distant cities, and to the player who builds the longest continuous railway. 

The cool thing is that many of the board games we played as children can do more for our kids than just ways of passing time together. 

Magical Tangram – Numbers & Alphabet by Panda Junior

It’s the classic educational Montessori and developmental toys for kids ages 3-8. It can build early shape, color and number recognition skills for developing hand-eye coordination and intellectual development, can inspire children’s imagination as well as promote their physical and intellectual development.

Montessori education doesn’t only have to take place in a classroom and encouraging sensory exploration is a key part of the Montessori philosophy. This toy is designed to help your child learn and expand their world through open-ended play. 

About BUKIT JALIL TSUTAYA BOOKS

TSUTAYA BOOKS is coming to Malaysia as a joint venture between Culture Convenience Club Co. Ltd. (“CCC”) and Sojitz Corporation (“Sojitz”) based on the country’s projected growth for the future and the population’s strong interest in lifestyle and culture. Malaysia has the third largest per capita GDP in the ASEAN region, with growth projected at 5.5% to 6.5% in 2022 – according to the Ministry of Finance in Malaysia. 

TSUTAYA BOOKS, founded by Muneaki Masuda opened its first store in Hirakata, Osaka in 1983 and successfully spread its wings across the globe with over 1,400 outlets and became Japan’s largest rental chain brand distributing books, music, DVDs, and games.

Soon to be open, Bukit Jalil TSUTAYA BOOKSis the first store to be launched in any ASEAN country. Located in Pavilion Bukit Jalil, the bookstore  spans 31,000 sq ft and will carry more than 240,000 products to be discovered, including 100,000 books titles across all genres (in English, Japanese, Mandarin, and Bahasa Melayu).

Mr. Hideyuki Uemoto, CEO of TSUTAYA BOOKS Malaysia Sdn Bhd, aims to set a new standard in the bookstore landscape, providing guests with not only an array of books but also a lifestyle café, fine-art stationery, specialised merchandise, interior decorative items – encapsulating the brand philosophy of TSUTAYA BOOKS: “Cultivate Culture & Lifestyle”.

Lights Out for a Better Today and Tomorrow

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Carlsberg Malaysia pledges its support towards Earth Hour movement and climate change
throughout its value chain

SHAH ALAM, 28 March 2022 – Carlsberg Malaysia’s efforts for conserving the environment it operates in are guided by its ambitious sustainability programme Together Towards ZERO (TTZ), in which the brewer pledges to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption. Committed to delivering Together Towards ZERO carbon footprints, the brewer turned off non- essential lights for an hour on March 26 and saved 290 kilowatt hours (kWh), making it the 12th year it took part in the Earth Hour campaign.

Ingrained in its founder J.C. Jacobsen’s Golden Words, the brewer prioritises product quality over profitability and is committed to brewing for a better today and tomorrow. The brewery is wary of the alarming statistics of global warming are imminent threats to everyone and taking place in every part of the world; Malaysia not spared when extreme weather hit several parts of the Peninsula Malaysia and its brewery in Shah Alam was also affected from the disastrous floods last December.

By turning the non-essential lights off at this brewery during this year’s Earth Hour, the brewer has recorded a total energy saved of 290 kWh, equivalent to carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reduction of 210 kilogrammes. The energy saved is equal to powering a 40-watt lightbulb for almost 4 years!

Supply Chain Director Peter Wachenschwanz

Supply Chain Director Peter Wachenschwanz said, “Our energy consumption has increased by 6% to 10.6 kWh/hl in 2021 versus 2019, mainly impacted by the 122 days of operations suspension throughout the two years of pandemic. Although there was no production activity, our base electricity consumption remained unchanged as the energy centre, mainly the cooling plant and compressed air system, was in operation to keep fermenter and beer storage temperature low, as well as ensure that semi-finished goods in tanks were always kept in optimal condition”.

“Despite the harsh operating environment, we implemented several energy optimisation initiatives to reduce total thermal energy usage. We optimised water usage in our bottle washer and pasteuriser, which reduces the energy required for heating. We also rolled out an insulation implementation project for hot water piping and tanks, and installed energy meters for better monitoring of heat usage and improved distribution. This year, we are exploring options for renewable energy”, he elaborated.

“Our efforts for carbon footprint reduction also reflected in our commitment to reduce ‘Beer-in-Hand’ carbon emissions, from agriculture and processing of raw materials to brewing and manufacturing of our products to packaging, transportation and distribution and cooling at the point of sales in bars and shops. This year, we aimed to achieve 15% reduction in beer-in-hand carbon footprint, a 2% reduction versus the 2015 benchmark”, he added.

Carlsberg Malaysia supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals and World Federation of Advertiser’s Planet Pledge; and is a corporate friend of Climate Governance Malaysia and a participant of the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei. It has been a constituent of the FTSE4GOOD Bursa Malaysia (F4GBM) Index since 2019 and its ESG rating was upgraded to “AA” by the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) following a revenue conducted in August last year.

The Earth Hour initiative organized by WWF reminds societies across the globe about our planet issues. Over the years, the lights-off moment has seen entire streets, buildings, landmarks, and city skylines go dark – an unmissable sight that has drawn public attention to nature loss and the climate crisis.

Bake With Yen inspires Malaysians to celebrate ‘Penuh-Penuh’ this Raya

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
The Very Unique Nasi Lemak Crunchy Cookie; Pre-mix Only Available At Bake With Yen

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 March 2022 – After restrictions and lockdowns of the past two years, Malaysians are looking forward to observing the upcoming Ramadhan season and welcoming the Hari Raya Aidiladha festivities in the traditional way – with buka puasa gatherings, balik kampung trips, and, of course, cooking and baking for family and friends.

Understanding this, Malaysia’s No.1 baking supplies store Bake With Yen (BWY) has rolled out a major initiative to help Malaysians, especially bakers, make the most of this festive season, with the clarion call “Raya Penuh-Penuh”. The initiative includes programmes to “Jimat Penuh-Penuh” with some of the market’s lowest prices on popular baking ingredients and essentials.

Incoming Group Chief Executive Officer, Alexandre Rosso showcases the large variety of baking supplies at the Bake With Yen TTDI Superstore

Announcing the Raya Penuh-Penuh initiative at BWY’s new superstore at Taman Tun Dr Ismail, the company’s incoming Group Chief Executive Officer, Alexandre Rosso said, “The combined forces of the pandemic, its impact on the global supply chain, and the shortage of raw materials and labour have led to an increase in the prices of goods.  Recognising that this puts a strain on the wallets of the rakyat, BWY is using its considerable scale, and close relationships with vendors and manufacturers to ensure prices stay within the reach of bakers.

Exclusive for Raya Penuh-Penuh at Bake With Yen – Pandan Coconut Mini Pound Cake

“With 90 stores nationwide serving thousands of bakers, we use economies of scale and our own manufacturing and packing facilities to keep prices manageable.  It is our way of ensuring bakers all over Malaysia can deliver their best bakes to their customers, family and friends without compromising on quality, thereby ensuring a worry-free baking season for bakers during Ramadhan, and a joyous Hari Raya celebration for all,” said Rosso.

Brands participating in this BWY price initiative include perennial baking favourites Lurpak, Anchor, Oreo and Nutella, amongst many others. The price initiative also includes a price lock on over 100 items from BWY’s own in-house product range; the highlight being BWY’s famous Ausicows butter at just RM7.90 per 250g – the lowest in the market.

At the event, Rosso and the BWY team of chefs also introduced some of the new signature products the baking supply chain was rolling out this year, the highlight of which was a unique “Nasi Lemak Crunchy Cookie ” premix. The easy-to-make premix, the 52nd in BWY’s popular line of cake and cookie premixes, is being rolled out just in time for the Hari Raya season.

“Malaysians love their nasi lemak, they eat it all day! Our chefs were inspired by this habit, and decided to research a method to incorporate this taste into a savoury cookie. Everyone who has tasted it has been asking for more,” said Rosso.

In addition to the “Jimat Penuh-Penuh” price promotions and the Nasi Lemak Crunchy Cookie premix, BWY’s “Raya Penuh-Penuh” initiative also includes a unique “Tukar & Jimat” trade-in partnership with kitchen equipment provider Innofood. Bakers looking to upgrade their mixers can bring in their old ones for discounts and price-offs on a new mixer. Rosso said that BWY’s research shows that many bakers look to upgrade their equipment just before busy baking seasons.

“In the current climate, we want to help bakers make the most of the baking season, without having to worry about equipment breaking down or having to do repetitive mixing tasks manually.  This partnership with Innofood is yet another way BWY is ensuring we take care of bakers’ needs,” said Rosso.

Other elements of the “Raya Penuh-Penuh” initiative include giveaways of kurma and Sampul Raya packets, contests as well as baking demos at stores.

For more information on the ‘Raya Penuh-Penuh’ programme, on-going promotions at Bake With Yen, and for plenty of easy recipe ideas, visit BWY’s 90 stores nationwide.

Follow Bake With Yen on Instagram and Facebook, or check out our website at www.bakewithyen.my.

ABOUT BAKE WITH YEN

Bake With Yen, fondly referred to as BWY, is Malaysia’s No. 1 baking supply store chain, with 90 stores nationwide. It is a truly Malaysian brand; it opened its first store in 1987 and has grown rapidly since then.

BWY’s ambition is to make it easy, affordable and enjoyable for everyone to bake. The brand has everything bakers need, whether they are professional bakers looking for the best ingredients from around the world, part-time bakers looking for affordable supplies, or just someone who simply enjoys the joy of baking for family and friends.

BWY offers a wide range of baking ingredients, from chilled products like butter, milk and cheese; groceries like flour, chocolate, dried fruit & nuts; cake and cookie premixes; through to baking utensils.

BWY recognises that being able to bake is a valuable life skill, and it hopes, through its many different initiatives and activities, to educate, nurture and inspire generations of bakers to come.

For more information on on-going promotions at Bake With Yen, easy recipe ideas and for a full list of the 90 stores, follow Bake With Yen on Instagram and Facebook.

Rasa Kasih Aidilfitri Ramadhan Bazaar by Jati x Malaysia Grand Bazaar

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

The Insta-worthy Ramadhan Bazaar For All Your Ramadhan & Raya Needs

Kuala Lumpur, March 30, 2022 – Jati, Malaysia’s leading rice brand in collaboration with Malaysia Grand Bazaar, and in partnership with ecoBrown’s, AirAsia SANTAN, KHIND, CHJ Motor and Gracshaw are proud to introduce the first Jati x MGB Rasa Kasih Aidilfitri, a uniquely curated indoor Ramadhan Bazaar with 80+ booths offering delicious food & beverage for buka puasa and for Raya, groceries, arts and crafts, Raya fashion for the entire family, appliances and much more, by trusted and viral local brands.

This first-ever event to be organised at Malaysia Grand Bazaar at Bukit Bintang City Centre will run from April 9 to April 24, 2022 from 10am to 10pm daily, in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan.

The uniquely conceptualised bazaar brings together Malaysian entrepreneurs with local fares and offerings, with a decidedly modern twist. Designed and decorated with retro-art and sparkling light installations, every corner is perfect for your socials. It is the place to be this Ramadhan, so save the dates, choose your outfits and prepare to shop! Parking is free for Jati x MGB Rasa Kasih Aidilfitri shoppers.

Established since 1993, Jati is renowned as one of the nation’s leading rice millers and wholesalers focusing on rice based products including their latest healthier editions which is Jati Signature Pusa Finest Basmathi series, namely Basmathi 1121, Original and Basmathi 1509. 

Jati is taking the lead in Rasa Kasih Aidilfitri to support and promote Malaysian brands and businesses, encouraging domestic spending by shining a spotlight on local businesses while educating and raising awareness on the variety of quality Malaysian goods and services. After a pause in the nation’s economy since the pandemic began, consumers need to be reminded of the richness and quality of proudly Malaysian-made offerings.

Every visitor can receive a goodie bag with Jati signature and ecoBrown’s product as well as vouchers by completing a treasure hunt of the booths in the bazaar. No purchase is required for this giveaway. There are also exclusive Raya green packet giveaways that every collector will want to add to their collection.

There are contest galore with the Tangkap Gambar & Menang contest offering weekly prizes of a Khind Intelligence Cooker worth RM148, and Jati Signature Pusa Finest Basmathi Rice (2kg) worth RM25.50 for simply taking photos at the event and posting them to your socials using the hashtags #JatiMalaysia #MGB #JATIxMGB. Strike your best pose, click, post and you could be one of the lucky winners!

The Beli & Menang contest does require purchase from ecoBrown’s, AirAsia SANTAN, Khind, CHJ Motor or Gracshaw booths to be in the running for prizes that include 3X branded motorcycles worth a total of RM13,000 and 10X branded motorcycle helmets worth a total of RM2,200.

The Rasa Kasih Aidilfitri Ramadhan Bazaar has attracted the attention of celebrities including Sazzy Falak, Bella Astillah and Maryam, popularly known as Durian Kimchi, all of whom will be at the launch on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to meet these personalities.

Be a true Malaysia, support local brands, start by heading to the Rasa Kasih Aidilfitri Ramadhan Bazaar at Malaysia Grand Bazaar, Bukit Bintang City Centre from April 9 to April 24, 2022. 

About Jati

JATI established since 1993 is renowned as one of the nation’s leading rice millers and wholesalers focusing on rice based products including Jati Signature Pusa Finest Basmathi series, namely Basmathi 1121, Original and Basmathi 1509. 

For more information please visit https://www.malaysiarice.com/index.php/en/ or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JatiMalaysia and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jatirice .

Grab Malaysia Partners With DRB-HICOM University to Provide Flexible Tertiary Education For Driver and Delivery-Partners

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
Rashid Shukor, Country Operations Director for Grab Malaysia (third from left) and Prof. Dato’ Sr. Dr. Omar Osman, Vice Chancellor of DRB-HICOM University (fourth from left) together with Grab partners.
  • Partnership introduces two academic programmes, including the first tertiary education programme developed exclusively for platform workers in Malaysia.
  • Partnership extends Grab’s commitment to provide partners with flexible avenues and opportunities for academic development through GrabBenefits.

PETALING JAYA, 30 March 2022 – Grab Malaysia and DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia (DRB-HICOM University) today announced a partnership to support the academic development of Grab’s driver and delivery-partners nationwide through tertiary programmes of relevant upskilling courses. The partnership also sees the introduction of the first and only tertiary curriculum in Malaysia designed exclusively for platform workers via the Grab Development Programme (GDP).

Rashid Shukor, Country Operations Director for Grab Malaysia shared, “As a homegrown platform, we take great pride in providing Malaysians with access to sustainable earning opportunities and a holistic benefits programme to further improve their livelihoods. We believe that being able to work and learn flexibly is an essential part of unlocking economic opportunity. We’re proud to partner with DRB-HICOM University to introduce flexible academic programmes and curriculums that deliver relevant courses, and also provides a clear path in obtaining tertiary education accreditation they can leverage on for any potential career opportunities.”

Echoing Rashid’s sentiments, Prof. Dato’ Sr. Dr. Omar Osman, Vice Chancellor of DRB-HICOM University said, “The informal economy plays a crucial role in today’s world. Whether it’s part-time, freelance or platform work, it acts as a safety net for many to leverage on when traditional full-time employment is sparse. Which is why we’re excited to partner with Grab Malaysia to co-develop courses that are in line with driver and delivery-partners’ needs. These programmes are a cultivation of our joint commitment in setting standards in partner welfare and education innovation.”

The partnership will provide Grab’s driver and delivery-partners across the nation with access to various upskilling courses at an affordable and subsidised rate on GrabBenefits. These courses are under the curriculum of business and engineering academic programmes for Grab’s driver and delivery-partners, both of which provide accreditation once completed:

  • Grab Development Programme (GDP)

Short courses co-developed in consultation with Grab, exclusively for Grab’s driver and delivery-partners. Each GDP module takes between 2 to 5 days to complete and will be delivered in hybrid mode to ensure flexibility. The courses available within the GDP are curated based on feedback from partners themselves. This includes courses on Financial Management, Business Management, Automotive, and Technical.

  • Grab DRB-HICOM University Academic Programme

14-week courses based on DRB-HICOM University’s existing academic programmes. The initial enrollment includes courses on Financial Management and Automotive, and have seen an encouraging response so far. Partners who enroll in courses within this programme will go through the same curriculum as other students of DRB-HICOM University through micro-credential mode.

These programmes will be featured on GrabBenefits, a programme aimed at safeguarding the welfare and livelihood of Grab’s driver and delivery-partners. Introduced in 2017, GrabBenefits has evolved over the years to address a wide variety of needs from partners and now has 3 core pillars: Protection, Savings and Academy. Previously, in its effort to provide upskilling opportunities for partners, Grab partnered with other like-minded organisations such as Microsoft on digital literacy training and Standard Chartered on financial management training.

For more information on the GrabBenefits programme, please refer here.

1...621622623...1,138Page 622 of 1,138

HOT NEWS

The State of eCommerce 2017 – Insights on the Malaysian and...

Tan Heng Hong - 0
iPrice Group, a meta-search website where Malaysian consumers can easily compare prices, specs and discover products with hundreds of local and regional merchants, has...

MUST READ

All

Pick Up is the official partner of Ovomaltine in Indonesia

Tan Heng Hong - 0
Pick Cup, a beverage chain in Indonesia, has recently announced it has officially collaborated with Ovomaltine, the Swiss chocolate powder, which is immensely popular...

Yupi and Bakeground launch cake with gummy bears as part of...

New Nescafe Cold Brew Hazelnut

The Wait is Over: Artbox Malaysia Returns After 4 Years!

Covering food and drinks opportunities in Southeast Asia with daily news and updates
Contact us: info@minimeinsights.com

EVEN MORE NEWS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Mini Me Insights 2013-2018