Make It Authentically, Make It Italian” Celebrates Italy’s Culinary Heritage at B.I.G. Publika
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The vibrant sights, enticing aromas, and genuine flavours of Italy were brought to life at the launch of “Make It Authentically, Make It Italian,” a collaborative event by The Food Purveyor (TFP), the Embassy of Italy in Kuala Lumpur and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA). Held at Ben’s Independent Grocer (B.I.G.), Publika on June 10, 2025, the event invited food lovers to immerse themselves in the essence of Italy through captivating live cooking demonstrations, delightful product sampling, and a carefully curated showcase of premium ‘Made in Italy’ goods.
The event was officiated by Dr. Angela Donvito, Trade Commissioner of the Italian Trade Agency, together with Mr. Ivan Tan, Group Executive Director of TFP Retail Sdn Bhd.
Guests were treated to an immersive Italian culinary experience, highlighted by a captivating live cooking demonstration from renowned Italian chef Stefano Criber, who expertly prepared pasta in a traditional cheese wheel. Attendees also enjoyed a sample of iconic Italian dishes, including fresh homemade pasta, crisp salad, and classic Tiramisù. Complimentary illy coffee and Fabbri gelato were served to round up this gastronomic journey through delicious, high-quality and authentic “Made in Italy” ingredients.
“Our culinary heritage and the exceptional quality of Italian products are a great source of pride for all Italians,” said Dr. Angela Donvito, Trade Commissioner of the Italian Trade Agency in Kuala Lumpur.
She went on to highlight the event’s purpose: “This gathering reflects our commitment to raising awareness of authentic Italian food products and celebrating their unmatched quality. I hope everyone takes this opportunity to experience the richness of Italy’s culinary tradition firsthand.”
Mr. Ivan Tan, Group Executive Director of The Food Purveyor Retail Sdn Bhd said, “Partnering with the Italian Trade Agency enables us to offer our shoppers more than just products. We’re sharing a story, a culture, and a memorable experience. At The Food Purveyor, our philosophy is that food is a powerful link to heritage, tradition, and community. Through this collaboration, we are delighted to bring the authentic richness of Italy’s food culture to our customers, presenting them with premium products that celebrate both quality and enduring flavours.”
This special collaboration between The Food Purveyor and the Italian Trade Agency aims to further promote the rich heritage and exceptional culinary craftsmanship of Italian products in Malaysia.
Together, they seek to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the authentic flavours, time-honoured traditions, and unique stories that define ‘Made in Italy’.
This exclusive selection of authentic Italian products is now available at Village Grocer, Ben’s Independent Grocer, The Food Merchant, and BSC Fine Foods—bringing the true taste of Italy straight to your home.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Malaysia’s most influential F&B trade fair, the Malaysian International Food & Beverage Trade Fair (MIFB), has announced a landmark collaboration with the Malaysian Professional Culinaire Association (MalaysiaPCA) for 2025. Setting a new benchmark for experiential trade engagement in Malaysia’s F&B industry, this year’s edition marks the launch of the Gastronomic Sensory Hub, an experiential zone where culinary innovation and strategic business matchmaking converge.
Built in consultation with exhibitors and curated by chefs, the Hub reimagines the traditional trade floor by transforming it into a living kitchen theatre; where product sourcing meets gastronomy, and every dish tells a story of Malaysian excellence and global readiness.
“Our collaboration with MIFB reflects a shared mission to elevate Malaysia’s culinary excellence on the world stage,” said Chef Soon Pau Voon, Secretary General of MalaysiaPCA. “Through the Gastronomic Sensory Hub, we aim to inspire, train, and showcase the next generation of culinary innovators and reinforce Malaysia’s place as a rising force in global gastronomy.”
Organised by Constellar and set to take place from 30 July to 1 August 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, MIFB 2025 will host over 500 exhibitors from more than 50 countries, and is expected to attract over 12,000 industry professionals. Set against the theme “Future-Ready F&B: Serving the Evolution of Trends,” the fair comes at a time when Malaysian consumers are demanding healthier, tastier food with clearer sourcing and production details. MIFB is answering that call with immersive, trend-led experiences instead of static exhibition booths.
Created with input from exhibitors and chefs, the Gastronomic Sensory Hub gives buyers something they rarely get on the trade floor: the chance to see, taste, and test ingredients under real conditions. It features:
Live cooking demos using exhibitor products;
Ingredient application tests for chefs and food service professionals;
Pop-up fine dining experiences to showcase product storytelling; and
Knowledge-sharing sessions with award-winning culinary teams
“Beyond giving exhibitors a voice, it’s also about giving buyers an experience they will remember,” said Bruno Thong, Portfolio Director of MIFB. “We want to show buyers, from restaurateurs to grocers, how an ingredient performs on the plate, not just on paper. That’s what makes the Gastronomic Sensory Hub a game changer.”
Malaysian Culinary Stars in the Spotlight
The Hub will spotlight Malaysia’s top culinary talents including:
Chef Ikhwan
A star of Malaysia’s fine dining movement, Chef Ikhwan merges European technique with Malaysian soul. He led the team to a Silver medal at the IKA Culinary Olympics 2024 and a Gold at the FHA Culinary Challenge 2022. Now leading Daun & Co and serving as Sous Chef at Hotel Renaissance KL, he will be headlining live demonstrations throughout MIFB.
MalaysiaPCA National Culinary Team
Fresh off a Silver medal win at the FHA National Team Challenge 2025, the team features chefs from Taylor’s University, Hilton KL, Le Meridien, APCA, MIB College, and more, all bringing cutting-edge creativity and world-class technical finesse to the stage.
Whether you are a chef, manufacturer, distributor, or retailer, MIFB 2025 is where the next chapter of Malaysian F&B will be written, driven by a shared vision with MalaysiaPCA, innovative showcases from local brands, and a deep understanding of evolving customer expectations.
MIFB 2025, organised by Constellar, is now open for exhibitor and buyer registration at www.mifb.com.my.
Ms. Sompratana Chermsirivatana, Vice President, Retail Business Development, Star Fuels Marketing Limited (SFL)
Tuesday 10 June 2025 – Ms. Sompratana Chermsirivatana, Vice President, Retail Business Development, Star Fuels Marketing Limited (SFL), a subsidiary of Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited (SPRC) and the exclusive licensee of Caltex fuels in Thailand, said “Caltex has been committed to developing high-quality products and services. The partnership of over 2 years with the FLA has successfully gained positive reception from over 20 branded retail partners in various businesses currently operating at Caltex service stations including food and beverage groups, convenience stores, and other services. This year, Caltex, in collaboration with the FLA, has organized “Caltex Partnership Networking 2025″ at Thailand Franchise and Business Opportunities 2025 (TFBO) with the goal to provide a venue for investors, Caltex retailers and FLA members to network, exchange ideas, explore mutual business opportunities and expand a new customer base to effectively strengthen their brands and market competitiveness.”
“Caltex has given priority to continuing our partnership with branded retailers under the “Smart Partnership” concept which plays an important role in helping us achieve our non-oil business growth target. This year, we have targeted to increase our retail outlets to cover 85% of our Caltex fuel service station network from the existing 80%. There are currently over 530 Caltex fuel service stations with more than 1,300 retail outlets under the Caltex network across the country. In addition, we continue to actively grow our business and expand our fuel service station network year on year to achieve our sales growth target.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Suthichai Panitnarakul, President of the Franchise and License Association Thailand (FLA), revealed “In 2024, the trade value of franchise businesses in Thailand totaled over 300 billion THB and saw investments exceeding 100 million THB. In 2025, the franchise business market is forecasted to grow around 15-20% amidst ongoing impact from the sluggish economy and franchisors’ business system issues. However, franchise businesses still have the potential to grow in all sectors. If investors can determine the strengths and identify ways to meet the needs of each franchise market segment, the franchise business market will continue to be an attractive investment option especially in sectors focusing on innovation, health and specialized services which continue to thrive as mainstream businesses in the market now and in the future. The partnership with Caltex of over the past 2 years has been regarded as one of the FLA’s key missions to help franchise operators access areas with strategic potential and simultaneously nurture and develop Thailand’s franchising industry. The “Caltex Partnership Networking 2025″ event demonstrates the strong partnership between Caltex and over 20 franchise brands which have the potential to expand alongside Caltex fuel service station network. Caltex is well prepared to welcome non-oil retailers to become a part of its fuel service station network to offer joyful experiences to all customers.”
“Caltex has a capable area management team to help our partners select suitable spaces in service stations across the country. The team is also ready to provide support and consultations on investments, management processes as well as other marketing plans. At the same time, the FLA is also available to offer guidance to franchise members to steadily drive and sustain franchise business growth in Thailand that can compete in the international stage, adding value to the overall franchising industry in the kingdom in the future.”
Sr. Manager Corporate Social Responsibility Pizza Hut Indonesia, Nurdrajat Sumadyana (far left), and Head of Brand & Partnership TUKR, Adhi Putra Tawakal (far right), together with Pizza Hut Indonesia employees at the launch of the ‘MENYALA Bersama TUKR’ program at the Pizza Hut Indonesia Restaurant Support Center on May 20, 2025.
Pizza Hut Indonesia collaborates with TUKR as part of its commitment to proper management of food production waste for sustainability, environmental preservation, and public health.
From June 2024 to May 2025, through its partnership with TUKR, more than 200 PHD (Pizza Hut Delivery) locations have participated in collecting 31 tons of used cooking oil to be processed into biofuel.
Since June 2025, Pizza Hut Indonesia has implemented the ‘MENYALA with TUKR’ program and encouraged employee participation in collecting used cooking oil.
JAKARTA, Indonesia, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PT Sarimelati Kencana Tbk, the license holder of Pizza Hut in Indonesia and operator of the largest pizza restaurant network in the country, reinforces its commitment to sustainability by announcing a collaboration with TUKR in managing food production waste across PHD (Pizza Hut Delivery) outlets nationwide. TUKR is an Indonesian company in the renewable energy sector, particularly biofuel, and a leading company in Indonesia in collecting used cooking oil as one of the main raw materials for biofuel. Through this partnership, used cooking oil from 276 PHD outlets in Indonesia is collected and managed by TUKR to support global efforts in reducing carbon emissions and environmental pollution.
Sr. Manager Corporate Social Responsibility, Nurdrajat Sumadyana, stated that Pizza Hut consistently applies sustainability principles. “Within our ‘Pizza Hut Peduli 8P’ program, we apply sustainability principles through eight pillars, including ‘Food Waste and Packaging Box Management’ and ‘Energy Saving and Renewable Energy Transition’. Our collaboration with TUKR aligns with and is a realization of our deepening commitment to these two pillars. Therefore, even though Pizza Hut’s business activities are not directly related to environmentally impactful operations, the company remains committed to playing a role in environmental protection and conservation,” said Nurdrajat.
Nurdrajat mentioned that since June 2024, Pizza Hut has implemented a used cooking oil collection program through its partnership with TUKR, an Indonesian company operating in the collection of UCO (used cooking oil). “Waste oil from Pizza Hut’s production and business processes is collected by TUKR to supply more environmentally friendly biofuel production, compared to fossil fuels. Over 70% of PHD outlets nationwide have participated, and going forward, all our business locations will join in collecting used cooking oil,” he said.
This step, Nurdrajat continued, also aligns with the company’s commitment to maintaining the quality of food and beverages served to consumers. “For example, with cooking oil, we implement regular oil change procedures to maintain its clarity and quality. On the other hand, we ensure that the used cooking oil can still be utilized without harming the environment,” he added.
Head of Brand & Partnership at TUKR, Adhi Putra Tawakal, said that the collaboration with Pizza Hut in used cooking oil processing aims to make a positive impact on the environment and society. “We are grateful to be part of this sustainability initiative by Pizza Hut, and we hope more companies and individuals will share the same motivation and movement to make Indonesia and the world better and healthier,” he said.
According to TUKR’s report from June 6, 2024, to May 31, 2025, 200 PHD locations have participated in the used cooking oil collection program, with a total of more than 31 tons or 31,000 kg collected. Thus, Pizza Hut has helped prevent approximately 102,827 kg of carbon emissions[1], protected the cleanliness of up to 31 billion litres of clean water[2], and protected the health of more than 31,000 community members[3].
Adhi added, “One of TUKR’s missions is to popularize the collection of used cooking oil at the household level. With that mission, at the beginning of 2025, TUKR launched the ‘MENYALA (Mengelola Minyak Jelantah/Managing Used Cooking Oil) with TUKR’ program, where we engage individuals from companies, communities, or organizations to properly collect used cooking oil from their households. In the ‘MENYALA with TUKR’ program, each individual is provided with a 1-litre jerry can to safely store their used cooking oil before handing it over to TUKR to be processed into biofuel.”
As proof of its commitment to sustainability, Pizza Hut Indonesia has also implemented ‘MENYALA with TUKR’ at its Restaurant Support Center or headquarters since June 2025, coinciding with World Environment Day on June 5, 2025. No fewer than 275 employees enthusiastically participated. At the initial collection on June 3, 2025, more than 170 liters of used cooking oil were successfully collected by Pizza Hut employees. This achievement reflects the awareness and support of Pizza Hut employees toward the company’s environmental sustainability initiatives. The ‘MENYALA with TUKR’ program will continue at Pizza Hut as part of a long-term initiative.
[1] Every 1 kg of biofuel produced from used cooking oil can reduce carbon emissions by up to 3,317 kg.
[2] A study in the European Union shows that every 1 litre of oil can pollute up to 1 million litres of water. Oil that is not dissolved in water will create a thin film on the surface of the water that disrupts the circulation of oxygen needed by the water to maintain its purity. By collecting 31,000 kg of used cooking oil and preventing it from being discharged into the water, Pizza Hut and TUKR help maintain the purity of up to 31 billion litres of water.
[3] The 2021 BPS SUSENAS survey showed that, on average, Indonesians consume 1 litre of cooking oil per person per month. By collecting 31,000 kg of used cooking oil and preventing its illegal circulation in the community as bulk oil that can be reused, Pizza Hut and TUKR help maintain the health of 31,000 members of the community, or even more.
June 9, 2025, Kuala Lumpur – Global apparel retailer UNIQLO today announces the launch of “My Dear,” the latest UT collaboration collection with Studio Ghibli, on July 4th. A special event will also be held to commemorate the release of this collection, which will add a splash of color to the summer season through the wonderment of Studio Ghibli and UNIQLO.
UNIQLO and Studio Ghibli Special Collection Vol. 3
UNIQLO and Studio Ghibli will release a third UT collection as part of a collaboration that started in February 2022. All 14 designs in this latest collection, which are being released first in Europe, feature art that expresses emblematic Ghibli works, along with works by Thai artist KanyadaPhatan, whose work for previous collaborations has been highly acclaimed, and Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki.
Collection Overview
Launch date: July 7, 2025 (Saturday)
Content: STUDIO GHIBLI UT Collection
MENS T-shirts / Sweatshirts, 11 styles, from RM59.90 – RM129.90
KIDS T-shirts, 6 styles RM39.90
Store availability: All UNIQLO stores in Malaysia and online store (uniqlo.com/my/en/)
Soft and pillowy, with a refreshing aroma and satisfying taste of Canadian barley
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, 10 June 2025 – Who says to compromise when picking your daily loaf? Building on the success of the SHOKUPAN GOLD Brioche Butter Loaf and Purple Sweet Potato Loaf, Sunshine Bakeries now introduces a refined yet comforting new take. Meet the Sunshine SHOKUPAN GOLD Shiro Barley Loaf, a pillowy-soft loaf made with premium Canadian barley flour for a refreshing aroma, satisfying barley taste and smooth bite that melts in your mouth. Launching 10 June 2025, this latest addition elevates your everyday bread into a delightfully comforting indulgence.
As part of Sunshine’s commitment to quality and innovation, the Shiro Barley Loaf invites Malaysians to explore new flavours in the bread they already love. From the very first slice, a refreshing aroma of barley fills the air – satisfying and instantly comforting. Made with premium Canadian barley flour, sourced from one of the world’s leading barley producers with nutrient-rich soil and ideal growing conditions; each loaf brings the naturally comforting taste of barley, with mild mellowness and a refreshing aroma.
Take a bite, you’ll feel a soft, airy and pillowy texture. It’s a satisfying bite that melts in your mouth without needing anything else. The Sunshine SHOKUPAN GOLD Shiro Barley Loaf is your invitation to slow down and savor the simple things.
What’s more, the Sunshine SHOKUPAN GOLD Shiro Barley Loaf is made to suit real-life routines, no fuss or extra prep needed. Flavourful, soft and satisfying even on its own, it’s perfect for grab-and-go mornings or slow, quiet afternoons when all you need is a good slice of bread. With its subtle aroma and satisfying taste, it also pairs beautifully with your favourite spreads or can be turned into a hearty sandwich when you’re in the mood for something more! From solo bites to family meals, it is a dependable staple that keeps up with your day.
The Sunshine SHOKUPAN GOLD Shiro Barley Loaf will be available starting 10 June 2025 at major retailers and convenience stores across Klang Valley, Negeri Sembilan, Penang and Johor Bahru. Now’s your time to grab a loaf fresh off the shelf and enjoy its soft, satisfying bite!
Product Demonstrations at the Asia Pacific Media Showcase
World leader in digital payment technology announces new innovation and partnerships in Asia Pacific
Launches new products and partnerships to drive flexibility, security, and acceptance for the region
Singapore, 10 June, 2025 – The future of commerce in Asia Pacific is on display at the Visa Asia Pacific Media Showcase, where the company announced a suite of product innovations and strategic partnerships to enable a new era of commerce for the region.
Jack Forestell, Chief Product and Strategy Officer, Visa
Jack Forestell, Visa’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer said, “Combining the strength of our global network with our leadership in payment innovation here in Asia Pacific, we are bringing new products and solutions that will transform commerce and deliver trust and security to AI-enabled payments across the region.”
The Visa Asia Pacific media showcase highlighted how AI-enabled digital commerce will significantly change the way consumers across the region discover and purchase products and services. In the near future, AI agents will browse, select, purchase, and manage transactions on behalf of users, making trust in payments more important than ever. Visa’s new AI-enabled solutions offer regional partners including AI platforms, fintechs, banks, and merchants a seamless way to connect to the Visa network to deliver secure, frictionless payment experiences.
Headlining today’s announcement, the company introducedVisa Intelligent Commerce, a new initiative that opens Visa’s payments network to developers and engineers building the first generation of AI-powered commerce in Asia Pacific.
Visa Intelligent Commerce: A New Era for Asia Pacific
Visa Intelligent Commerce brings a suite of integrated APIs and a commercial partner program to AI platforms, enabling developers to deploy Visa’s AI commerce capabilities securely and at scale. Visa announced today that it is in explorations with Ant International, Grab and Tencent to grow AI commerce by enabling a secure and seamless checkout experience.
Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation, and financial technology provider. Grab is Southeast Asia’s leading super app offering ride-hailing, food delivery, digital payments, and financial services across eight markets. Tencent is a multinational technology leader that develops a wide range of digital products and services, including Weixin/WeChat, China’s super app.
Over the past 25 years, Visa’s global network has handled 3.3 trillion transactions. Today, Visa is advancing its infrastructure, standards, and capabilities to power AI-driven commerce, opening new opportunities for consumers across Asia Pacific. Soon, AI agents integrated into familiar platforms will be able to transact using Visa’s 4.8 billion credentials at millions of merchant locations worldwide.
T.R. Ramachandran, Head of Products and Solutions, Visa Asia Pacific
T.R. Ramachandran, Head of Products and Solutions, Asia Pacific, Visa, said, “As global commerce continues to evolve rapidly, Visa remains at the forefront of delivering innovations that will enable the future of commerce across Asia Pacific.”
“We believe AI agents will play a growing role in commerce, from handling routine purchases such as ordering food, to more complex purchases such as securing event tickets or making travel reservations,” added Ramachandran. “By combining AI capabilities with Visa’s trusted payment infrastructure, we are enabling a seamless, secure, and more enjoyable experience for consumers, merchants, and businesses alike.”
New Products and Capabilities for Asia Pacific
Visa continues to expand its product portfolio with solutions designed to support the evolving payment needs of consumers and businesses across Asia Pacific.
Stablecoins: Visa has been facilitating cryptocurrency transactions for over five years and is now expanding its offering to include stablecoin-backed cards, settlement, and programmable money. On and off-ramps via stablecoin-backed cards allow consumers to use their Visa credentials to buy stablecoins with fiat currency and pay with stablecoin across Visa-accepting merchant locations. In Asia Pacific, Visa is partnering with DCS Singapore, DTC Pay and StraitsX on stablecoin-backed cards that support conversion through regulated infrastructure.
Enabling seven-day-a-week settlement for stablecoins: Visa has settled more than $225 million to date in stablecoin volume that has been settled through Visa across participating clients. In Asia Pacific, Visa is working with StraitsX for stablecoin settlement.
Through the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP), Visa provides a platform for our partners to issue and manage fiat-backed tokens, offering interconnectivity to public and private blockchains, enabling programmable financing, trading of tokenized assets and facilitating cross-border money movement. Visa is looking to expand the availability of VTAP to more partners later this year and into 2026.
Flex Credential: Visa’s Flex Credential, a next-generation card that allows users to toggle between debit, credit, and reward points, continues to gain traction in Asia Pacific. Visa first launched Flex in partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company (SMCC), known as Olive, two years ago in Japan. Today, more than 5 million Olive account holders are benefitting from the Visa Flex Credential. The Olive card continues to outperform, with cardholder transactions averaging 40% higher than the national average in Japan over the past year.
Visa and SMCC have expanded the Visa Flex Credential to support small businesses with the flexibility to switch between business and personal accounts using the same Olive card, enhancing access to credit and cash flow management. Visa is also collaborating with local banks in Vietnam to launch Flex Credential in the next few months.
New Strategic Partnerships to Enable More Ways to Pay and Get Paid
Visa is launching new services and partnerships to make it easier for consumers, merchants, and businesses in Asia Pacific to pay and get paid.
Visa Pay: A service designed to connect any participating wallet to any Visa-accepting merchant, local or international, in-store or online, launches across Asia Pacific, home to the largest number of digital wallet users. Through partnerships with leading players including LINE Pay in Taiwan, Maya in the Philippines, OpenRice in Hong Kong, and Woori Card in South Korea, Visa is expanding access to its global network, giving consumers more ways to pay globally by tapping, scanning or online.
Digital Identity: This suite of solutions includes Passkeys, Tap to Confirm, and enhanced data which are meant to identify and authenticate digital users. These solutions will reduce friction for consumers by being digitally native while improving payment security and authorisation rates with enhanced transaction data and state-of-the-art fraud prevention techniques. New partners in the region include Coles, a supermarket chain in Australia and Maybank, a leading financial services provider in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Visa Accept is a new solution that allows micro-sellers to receive payments directly to their eligible Visa debit card using any NFC-enabled smartphone. Launching in Vietnam, the service supports micro-entrepreneurs and informal sellers such as street vendors, freelancers, and rural service providers. Participating issuers will enable cardholders to accept contactless payments through their bank’s mobile app.
Asia Beverages has recently launched AYAPOP Turmeric Wellness Fizz as the answer to a more affordable, more refreshing and more fun version of its current AYA, which is a health-boosting drink that combines the powerful properties of turmeric and green tea.
AYA contains:
TurmiPure Gold® – a unique patented formulation creating the most bio-available full-spectrum all natural curcumin on the market, clinically shown to deliver 24 times higher absorption into the bloodstream than conventional turmeric extract or powders. Consuming 2 cans of AYA delivers the same amount of curcuminoids to the blood as 1922mg of standard turmeric.
Teavigo – the most pure and potent all natural green tea extract with 94% EGCg (antioxidant Catechins polyphenols) and 88mg of L-Theanine. Free of caffeine and chemicals and equivalent to consuming 3 to 4 cups of green tea.
Vitamin B Complex – essential for energy production and supporting the nervous system and heart and skin health
Made entirely from natural, plant-based ingredients, AYA stands out for its unique blend of Bio-Available turmeric, Japanese green tea, and B-Complex, which make it the most effective product of its kind. By drinking AYA, you can experience a range of benefits that will help you feel and look your best. Specifically, AYA is designed to:
Help you glow from the inside out, enhancing your natural radiance and beauty.
Elevate what is possible in your life, giving you the energy and focus you need to pursue your goals.
Boost your mood and enhance your mental clarity, allowing you to feel more positive and focused.
Amplify your immune system, helping you stay healthy and vibrant.
AYAPOP is a lightly sparkling beverage available in three refreshing flavours: Pineapple, White Peach and Yuzu. According to Kevin Law-Smith, CEO of Asia Beverages, who spoke with Mini Me Insights at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2025, AYAPOP is positioned as a more mass-market brand, allowing the company to expand its presence across a wider range of outlets. He emphasised that AYAPOP serves as an introduction for consumers to healthier alternatives to traditional carbonated soft drinks, sugary beverages and caffeinated drinks—while maintaining a strong focus on energy and real fruits sourced from the region and with no artificial sugars or alcohol derived sugar replacements.
AYAPOP, which is just launched will be in Gourmet Market and in the other supermarkets in Thailand as well as in the mini bars in hotels as a healthier choice for hotel guests. In cafes, AYAPOP is a healthier option to carbonated soft drinks, a tastier choice to kombucha and an alcohol-free alternative.
AYA is now available at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Siem Reap and Raffles Hotel Le Royal Raffles Phnom Penh. Image credit: AYA
Kevin noted that sales are currently balanced between on-trade and off-trade channels, with health and wellness resorts performing particularly well. These resorts not only strengthen on-trade sales but also help boost off-trade demand, as consumers who experience the drinks in on-trade settings actively seek them out in retail. Additionally, the brand benefits from strong branding through wellness cocktails in the on-trade sector.
Asia Beverages generates the majority of its sales in Thailand, with a smaller presence in Singapore and Cambodia. The company is now preparing to expand into the Malaysian and Indonesian market in the near future.
Communicating what sets AYA drinks apart—such as the differences between various natural ingredients like turmeric—and explaining how with this patented formulation the body easily absorbs the bio-active components of the turmeric and green tea to deliver noticeable benefits unlike most functional beverages in the market that do not have absorbable adaptogens, said Kevin.
AYAPOP, being more affordable and accessible, serves as an effective way to educate consumers and support sales of the brand’s core product. Kevin emphasised that as production volume increases, he intends to lower the price of AYAPOP, aligning with the brand’s mission to make healthy beverages more widely available.
Vegain, a Thai kombucha brand in the wellness industry, recently unveiled its latest creation, Vegain Energize, at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2025. The event, organized by Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and Koelnmesse, provided a platform for the brand to introduce its newest innovation.
The inspiration behind Vegain Energize stemmed from founder Tanadej Sriprugsamatz (T-Dej)’s personal search for an energy drink that truly supports the body. Speaking to Mini Me Insights at THAIFEX 2025, he shared that this innovative drink is formulated with a natural, clean energy source, providing sustained power without sugar or the dreaded crash.
At the heart of Vegain Energize is its kombucha base, made from green tea. This not only delivers natural benefits but also removes the need for added preservatives to prolong shelf life. While Vegain’s traditional kombucha drinks require refrigeration, this shelf-stable version is crafted using a unique method to eliminate fermentation odours and flavours, ensuring a smoother taste experience.
Beyond its core ingredients, Vegain Energize is enhanced with green tea extract, supplying 50mg of natural caffeine per 250ml serving. The Sunrise Orange variant contains orange juice, stevia, and L-theanine.
Sustainability is also a key focus for Vegain Energize. The bottle is made from rPET, or recycled PET packaging, while the closure is fully recyclable—reinforcing the brand’s commitment to environmentally conscious packaging.
Image credit: Vegain
Visually striking, the product’s bold, vibrant packaging symbolises energy drawn from nature. The Sunrise Orange and Lemon Ginger flavours will soon be available in modern trade across Thailand, catering to consumers seeking both functionality and wellness in their beverages.
More than just an energy drink, Vegain Energize delivers wellness in every sip. Crafted with kombucha from green tea, it provides a smooth, natural lift—helping you stay sharp, feel balanced, and nurture a happier gut for overall well-being.
Dusit International’s first hotel in Malaysia adds momentum to Melaka’s tourism ambitions ahead of UN Tourism 2025 and Visit Malaysia 2026
Melaka, 4 June 2025 — Dusit Princess Melaka, Dusit International’s debut property in Malaysia, celebrated its official grand opening on 29 May 2025 — marking an exciting milestone in Melaka’s evolving hospitality landscape and introducing a new standard of upscale Thai-inspired hospitality to the state. The hotel also unveiled one of the largest meeting and event spaces in Melaka, further enhancing the city’s appeal as a regional MICE destination.
The grand opening comes at a pivotal moment for Melaka, which continues to experience strong tourism growth. In 2024, the city welcomed over 15 million visitors — a 74% increase year-on-year — reinforcing its emergence as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic travel destinations. The Melaka State Government has extended its Visit Melaka Year campaign through 2026, aligning with the national Visit Malaysia 2026 initiative, which aims to attract 35.6 million tourist arrivals.
Strategically located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage City, the 296-room upscale Dusit Princess Melaka blends modern elegance with rich local heritage, offering guests unobstructed views of the city and the Straits of Melaka. With five-star facilities, contemporary comforts, and Dusit’s signature brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, the property brings a fresh and distinctive offering to the local hotel landscape — catering to the needs of today’s business and leisure travellers while celebrating the cultural soul of Melaka.
Presidential Suite King Bedroom
Among its lifestyle facilities are the deepest swimming pool in the state, a fully equipped 24-hour gym, and distinctive dining venues, including Zest Restaurant, Long Feng Chinese Restaurant, and the vibrant Famosa Lounge.
Presidential Suite King Living Room
Spanning 774 sq m and featuring full LED screen capabilities and versatile room configurations, the hotel’s meeting and event space is tailored to meet the demands of high-profile conferences, weddings, and private events.
Guests also have access to a range of curated local experiences that offer an immersive journey through the city’s sights, flavours, and culture.
The hotel’s official grand opening ceremony was officiated by Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam, Governor of Melaka, and attended by Mr Mohamad Bukhari bin Che Man, Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MOTAC), State of Melaka.
“Dusit Princess Melaka opens at a crucial moment for the tourism sector,” said Mr Mohamad Bukhari bin Che Man, Director of MOTAC, State of Melaka. “As we gear up to host global events such as UN Tourism 2025 and lead into Visit Malaysia 2026, the hotel represents a meaningful addition to Melaka’s expanding hospitality landscape and supports the state’s continued development as a modern global tourism hub. It also reflects the state’s growing appeal to international travellers and trusted global brands and aligns with our vision for responsible, inclusive, and high-value tourism growth. With its extensive lifestyle and business facilities and Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, the hotel is well positioned to enrich visitor experiences and support Melaka’s emergence as a regional leisure and MICE tourism centre.”
Gilles Cretallaz, COO, Dusit International
Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International, said: “This grand opening marks a significant milestone for Dusit, as we officially introduce our distinctive Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to Malaysia. With its rich heritage, strategic location, and forward-looking development plans, Melaka provides the ideal setting for our debut in the country. Dusit Princess Melaka exemplifies our commitment to delivering warm, authentic, and meaningful experiences, and we are delighted to welcome guests from around the world, including delegates attending UN Tourism 2025, to experience the best of both Thai and Malaysian hospitality.”
In recognition of its commitment to excellence, Dusit Princess Melaka has already received two prestigious honours at the International Business Magazine Awards 2025: Best Hotel for Business Travellers – Malaysia and Excellence in Regional Hospitality – Malaysia. These accolades underscore the hotel’s strong appeal to business and leisure travellers and reflect its growing influence within Malaysia’s competitive hospitality landscape since its soft opening earlier this year.
To celebrate its grand opening, Dusit Princess Melaka has launched a limited-time offer – Melaka Retreat – inviting guests to enjoy daily breakfast at Zest, a MYR 50 daily F&B credit redeemable at any of the hotel’s dining outlets, complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability), and an additional 15% discount for Dusit Gold members. The offer is available for booking until4 January 2026, for stays from now through that date, exclusively at dusit.com/dusitprincess-melaka/specialoffers/
For more information and reservations, please visit dusit.com/dusitprincess-melaka or follow the hotel on Facebook and Instagram: @dusitprincessmelaka.
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