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Coca-Cola unveils Hari Kebangsaan video in celebration of the nation’s 61 years of independence

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

30 August 2018

Hari Kebangsaan is an important day to Malaysians. In a video that plays tribute to all Malaysians and the state of the nation today, Coca-Cola Malaysia is celebrating Malaysia’s independence with a familiar image that has a patriotic twist to it in the form of a special can emblazoned with the Jalur Gemilang.

Accompanied by a rousing arrangement of the much-loved Sejahtera Malaysia, the video goes beyond the standard image of waving flags yet is able to express the relevance of the Jalur Gemilang in the daily lives of all Malaysians as a celebration of pride, harmony and freedom enjoyed by all citizens.

The video was produced in a joint effort with Ogilvy – the company’s brand experience partner – and brings to life the hope and optimism of everyday Malaysians who want to build a better future for the nation as they share a moment over a Coca-Cola.

“Coca-Cola has been with Malaysians for over 80 years, since it was first bottled in what was then Malaya in 1936. Growing with the nation, we know that Malaysians are always optimistic and looking forward to a better future which they hope that they can contribute to. So this year we wanted to refresh that sentiment and add some excitement so that they can express and share the excitement of Hari Kebangsaan with their friends, especially in a manner that so many Malaysians love to do these days, which is by social media,” said Ahmed Yehia, the Country Manager for Coca-Cola Singapore and Malaysia.

Lim Kean Yew, the IMC Director for Coca-Cola Singapore and Malaysia said, “Sharing is such an endearing part of Malaysian culture, so we wanted to celebrate the sense of national pride and the very special feeling with our fellow Malaysians in a simple video that we can all relate to, where the special Jalur Gemilang can touches everyone and encourages the sharing of national pride.”

“There is a fantastic sense of optimism in Malaysia right now and one of the best ways to enhance that positivity and pride is by paying tribute to the Jalur Gemilang and to all those who call Malaysia home.”

Commenting on the project, Campbell Cannon, Managing Partner for Ogilvy Malaysia said, “When collaborating with the Coca-Cola team on this project, it was clear from the outset that we wanted to create an inspiring experience all Malaysians could feel, not simply view. With our one-of-a-kind Jalur Gemilang can design, we brought out the natural spirit of Malaysians through an uplifting rendition of ‘Sejahtera Malaysia’, and filmed it so the positive feelings could be shared across the nation,”

Malaysians who want to see how Coca-Cola is expressing the feeling of national pride as well as share it in celebration of the nation’s 61st year of independence can watch the video at the Coca-Cola Malaysia Facebook page.

The Coca-Cola Company in Malaysia

In addition to Coca-Cola, one of the world’s most valuable brands, the Coca-Cola system in Malaysia manufactures, markets and distributes over 80 products including sparkling beverages (Fanta, A&W, Schweppes), low and zero-calorie sparkling beverages (Coca-Cola Light, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Coca-Cola Stevia, Sprite), juice drinks (Minute Maid Pulpy), teas (Heaven and Earth), isotonic (Aquarius) and water (Dasani).

Coca-Cola has invested over RM1.5 billion in Malaysia since 2010, creating more than 800 jobs with a total reach of over 200,000 customers across Peninsula Malaysia and East Malaysia. Through its programmes and partnerships Coca-Cola Malaysia aims to make a lasting positive difference in the local community.

From recycling through partnerships with the Malaysian Nature Society, Global Environment Centre, Reef Check, MareCet, Waste Management Association of Malaysia and Universiti Putra Malaysia; and working on water projects with Muslim Aid Malaysia and Raleigh International to provide access to clean water for more than 23,000 villagers in rural Sabah, to economically empowering women through the Coca-Cola KU entrepreneurship programmes – Coca-Cola is committed to building sustainable communities in Malaysia.

Guardian Malaysia and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology Collaborate On Fresh Breath For Malaysia Campaign

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Youth Empowerment Program Marks the Debut of Guardian’s New 6 Actions Mouth Wash Range

Cyberjaya, August 30, 2018 – Cup your hand over your nose and mouth and gently breath out, then sniff. Do you catch a whiff of bad breath?

You are not alone as a recent study of Malaysian dental students found that one in every two suffer from clinical oral malodour or bad breath[1]. Worldwide figures indicate that from 22 percent to 50 percent of the global population suffer from moderate bad breath[2]. Bad breath can have social and psychological effects on suffers including low self-confidence and low self-esteem, and it should be taken seriously[3].

However most of us do not talk about bad breath choosing to isolate ourselves from others, or keep away from those with bad breath instead.

This is why Guardian Malaysia, the largest health, beauty and personal care chain in Malaysia, with more than 400 stores nationwide is working with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology on a creative youth empowerment campaign, Fresh Breath for Malaysia, in conjunction with the introduction of Guardian’s new mouthwash range.

The campaign’s goal is to empower Limkokwing students to creatively interpret the theme of Fresh Breath for Malaysia as a showcase of positive energy towards the nation while encouraging better oral hygiene through visual expression and multimedia. A total of RM14,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the top ten students across two categories.

To kick-off the campaign more than 200 students from Limkokwing University took a brief on Guardian Malaysia, the Fresh Mouth 6 Action mouth wash range and oral care challenges in Malaysia from representatives from Guardian Malaysia, helping them gain useful industry experience.

They will submit their entries by September 13, 2018. Shortlisted finalists will share the rationale for their work before more than 500 of their peers before online voting begins, and the winners are determined.

The Guardian Fresh Mouth 6 Actions Mouth Wash reduces dental plaque, prevents cavities, strengthens teeth, freshens breath, promotes healthier gums and restores mineral to enamel while killing 99.9% of germs. There are three variants of Cool Mint, Peppermint and Tea Leaf.

When used as part of a complete oral care routine of twice daily brushing, flossing and with a good diet, mouthwashes may offer additional benefit in terms of reducing bad breath and cavities[4].

Guardian Malaysia, Group Health & Beauty Product Manager, Ms Michelle Yeap briefed the students on the company, products and the theme of Fresh Breath for Malaysia.

Guardian Malaysia, Group Health & Beauty Product Manager, Ms Michelle Yeap

“We created this campaign in collaboration with Limkokwing to empower youth to give their own perspective on real world issues. We  hope that the students will use this platform to start a conversation on oral care, specifically the problem associated with bad breath, and offer creative and positive insights on how to overcome a condition that affects up to 50% of the population. We’re confident that they have what it takes to create a Fresh Breath for Malaysia and to showcase the Guardian Fresh Mouth 6 Actions mouthwash range,” said Ms Yeap, a Limkokwing alumna.

Limkokwing University’s Industry Empowerment Senior Vice President, Datuk Raja Aznil Raja Hisham explained that the university and its students are uniquely suited to give a different perspective to the Fresh Breath for Malaysia campaign.

“Our Cyberjaya campus hosts students from 160 countries. The multicultural milieu on campus gives rise to work that has a depth and breadth of creative global thinking and implementation. Our students can approach this interesting campaign as Malaysians with deep insight into their own nation and the quirks of its people, or they can view it from the perspective of different cultures and practices. What our students gain from this collaborative campaign with Guardian Malaysia is industry exposure that prepares them for their future careers,” Datuk Raja Azil explained.

Limkokwing University is a multicultural learning institution that provides students with industry exposure. Students gain industry insights and professional networking opportunities giving them the extra edge needed to succeed in a globalised environment.

Shortlisted entries will be uploaded to the Guardian Malaysia and Limkokwing Facebook fanpages for online voting in late September 2018.

Pricing and Availability

The Guardian Fresh Mouth 6 Actions Mouth Wash range is available at all Guardian outlets nationwide, and through the Guardian e-store at www.guardian.com.my in three variants of Cool Mint, Peppermint and Tea Leaf in 250ml at RM9.33, 750ml at RM16.88, or pack of 2 of 750ml at RM24.43.

About Guardian Malaysia

From a 200-sqft pharmaceutical retail outlet catering to the expatriate community to emerging as the leading Pharmacy, Health and Beauty retail chain in Malaysia, Guardian now operates a chain of over 400 stores, providing unrivalled variety of Pharmaceutical, Health and Beauty products to more than 2.5 million Malaysian customers a month, across the country.

Guardian’s commitment to its customers’ needs is also reflected in a dedicated team of pharmacists, who impart professional advice and consultation to customers. Committed to strong corporate governance, which upholds responsible and ethical dispensing at all times.

Guardian is also an advocate of corporate philanthropy and believes in giving back to the community. Guardian celebrates four decades of success by making a pledge to contribute to worthy causes by getting involved in the efforts that help to provide and promote the care, development and well-being of the local communities and supporting programs that are dedicated towards those in need namely, women and children.

[1] Rani, H, Ueno, M., Zaitsu, T, Furukawa, S, and Kawaguchi, Y, 2015. Factors associated with clinical and perceived oral malodour among dental students. J Med Dent Sci, 62(2): 33-41 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26183831

[2] Akaji, Ezi & Folaranmi, Nkiru & Ashiwaju, Olufunmilayo. (2014). Halitosis: A Review of the Literature on Its Prevalence, Impact and Control. Oral health & preventive dentistry. 12. 297-304. 10.3290/j.ohpd.a33135. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269767667_Halitosis_A_Review_of_the_Literature_on_Its_Prevalence_Impact_and_Control

[3] Akaji, Ezi & Folaranmi, Nkiru & Ashiwaju, Olufunmilayo. (2014). Halitosis: A Review of the Literature on Its Prevalence, Impact and Control. Oral health & preventive dentistry. 12. 297-304. 10.3290/j.ohpd.a33135. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269767667_Halitosis_A_Review_of_the_Literature_on_Its_Prevalence_Impact_and_Control

[4] https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/mouthrinse

7-Eleven Malaysia’s Second Quarter Net Profit Up 29.4% From Previous Year

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

HIGHLIGHTS

• 2Q18 Total sales growth of 0.4% and year to date (YTD) 2Q18 total sales growth of 1.4%.
• 2Q18 Net profit growth of 29.4% and year to date YTD 2Q18 Net profit growth of 21.5%
• Gross Profit Margin continues to improve versus last year.
• Continued store expansion bringing the total network to 2,241 stores.

Comments from Chief Executive Officer – Colin Harvey

We are happy with our net profit growth of 29.4% for the quarter,  however we believe that there is room to improve on a number of key metrics. I am personally excited to have joined the business just over 2 weeks ago, and I am confident that a strategy roadmap focussed on strengthening the key areas of, assortment, supply chain, operational excellence, store base, and digitally enabling the organization will bear fruit in terms of financial performance, and overall customer shopping experience.

I look forward to the challenges ahead in ensuring that 7-Eleven Malaysia remains the customers first choice convenience store.

For the 2nd Quarter ended 30 June 2018

The Group’s revenue for the current quarter of RM557.6 million grew by RM2.4 million or 0.4% against the corresponding quarter’s revenue in the previous year of RM555.2 million. The growth in revenue continued to be driven by the growth in new stores and better consumer promotion activity.

Gross profit of RM183.0 million improved by RM4.0 million or 2.2% compared to the corresponding quarter in the previous year. This was mainly attributed to the increase in revenue and improvement in gross margin by 0.6% points. The improvement in gross margin was attributed to higher gross profit margins across most categories.

Selling and distribution expenses for the quarter increased by RM2.8 million or 1.7% against the corresponding quarter of the previous year. This was mainly due to new store expansion resulting in higher rental cost, store depreciation, maintenance expenses and staff costs.

Administrative and other operating expenses for the quarter decreased by RM0.1 million or 2.7% due to lower staff cost.

The increase in revenue, gross margin improvement and other operating income resulted in the Group’s profit after tax of RM13.1 million, an increase of RM3.0 million or 29.4% as compared to the corresponding quarter in previous year.

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2018

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2018, the Group’s revenue of RM1.09 billion grew RM15.6 million or 1.4% against the corresponding period in the previous year of RM1.08 billion. The growth in revenue was driven by the growth in new stores and consumer promotion activity.

Gross profit improved by RM15.2 mil or 4.5% compared to the corresponding 6 months in the previous year. This was mainly attributed to the revenue growth and gross profit margin expansion of 0.9% points. Other operation income grew by RM3.8 million or 6.3% compared to the corresponding 6 months in the previous year.

The Group’s profit after tax recorded RM3.9 million or 21.6% increased against the corresponding period in the previous year driven by higher profit contribution amongst most product categories.

Future Prospects

The Board of Directors is of the view that the trading conditions for the next quarter are expected to improve with the
anticipated heightened consumer sentiment. We expect to see further improvements in the next quarter by pursuing
our core strategy pillars of Operations Excellence, Cost Management and Commercial Innovation.

Pop Mie with intriguing sports flavours

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

The Jakarta Palembang 2018 Asian Games is the most important event for Indonesia in 2018 and is the time for Indonesians to feel proud of their country including their culinary heritage. Brands are taking the opportunity to innovate with products featuring sports as a theme, while introducing consumers to flavours from different parts of the country. Indofood’s Pop Mie is an example of how the sports theme can be integrated into cup noodle and replacing the flavours with the names of the different sports.

Pop Mie, the official noodle partner of Asian Games, has introduced three flavours featuring the sports theme – Ikan Renang (Swimming Fish), Ayam Lari (Running Chicken) and Baso Tenis (Baso Tennis) to excite its target consumers aged 15 to 25 years old.

Image from Pop Mie

Ikan Renang Rasa Tekwan is a fish soup typical of Palembang called Tekwan. The fish cakes are made from the dough of fish and tapioca similar to pempek, according to Wikipedia.

Baso Tenis refers to Bakso Konro from Makassar, which is characterised by the meat and that are served with the bones.

Ayam Lari is actually Ayam Garang Asam, a unique spicy and sour dish from central Java.

These intriguing names increase consumer curiosity to taste the new Pop Mie variants.

Get magnetized with Marvel Magnefico™ Collectible Magnets!

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
7-Eleven Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Colin Harvey (right) and Lee with the Marvel Magnefico™ Collectible Magnets

Kuala Lumpur, 28 August 2018 – 7-Eleven Malaysia, the nation’s favourite convenience store has just launched its latest loyalty program – Marvel Magnefico™ Collectible Magnets, which tie in the ever-popular characters from the Marvel universe such as Captain America, Thor, Black Widow and many others. The fabulous collection features Marvel characters in the form of magnets with a total of 30 designs to be collected. The magnets are available in individual ‘blind’ packs to add an element of fun and surprise for collectors.

From now until 22 October 2018, customers are rewarded with one program sticker for every RM5 spent in a single receipt on selected purchases. Additionally, bonus program stickers are given when the purchase includes preferred partner products. A Marvel Magnefico™ magnet is redeemable for free by collecting 10 program stickers.

7-Eleven Malaysia’s Marketing General Manager, Ronan Lee said, “We are certain that our customers will be jumping in joy with the release of Marvel Magnefico™ magnets. This magnetizing collection is truly one of a kind and would definitely be a hit amongst fans and avid collectors, especially with its exclusivity as a Marvel-licensed product. The colourful and vibrant designs on these magnets are truly eye-catching and work perfectly to adorn refrigerators, notice boards or other metal surface.”

Besides collecting these magnets, customers also stand a chance to win 3 sets of limited edition Marvel car cushion covers worth RM3,999 each through the Mirror Your Marvel social media contest by simply submitting a creative photo of themselves with their Marvel Magnefico™ magnet on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtags #MarvelMagnefico and #7ElevenMY. This exciting contest starts now until 29 October 2018.

7-Eleven Malaysia is the largest stand-alone convenience store-chain nationwide, with more than 2,240 outlets. Together with the launch of Marvel Magnefico™ Collectible Magnets, the brand aspires to continue elevating customers’ shopping experiences and reaching greater heights as the leading convenience store operator in Malaysia by staying true to its motto, Always There For You. For more information, visit www.7eleven.com.my or follow 7ElevenMalaysia on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About 7-Eleven Malaysia

7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad through its subsidiary 7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is the owner and operator of 7-Eleven stores in Malaysia. Incorporated on 4 June 1984, 7-Eleven Malaysia has made its mark in the retailing scene and have been a prominent icon for over 33 years. 7-Eleven Malaysia is the pioneer and largest 24-hours standalone convenience store operator in Malaysia with over 2,240 outlets nationwide and serves more than 900,000 customers daily. 7-Eleven stores can be found across bustling commercial districts to serene suburban residential compounds throughout Malaysia, from petrol stations and LRT stations to shopping malls and medical institutions. 7-Eleven is Always There For You.

Gardenia family pack Fluffy Buns with actual red beans inside

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
Image Credit: Gardenia

Malaysia’s largest packaged bread company Gardenia has introduced Fluffy Buns with 6 buns inside. The family pack range comprises Kacang Merah Adzuki (Adzuki Red Bean), Coklat Malta (Malta Chocolate) and Kastard Jagung (Corn Custard). The interesting thing about the Adzuki Red Bean bun is there is actually whole red bean in the filling. The bun has zero trans fat. The retail price is RM 3.50.

Soda tax in Malaysia highly likely this time

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
Image credit: Mini Me Insights

The Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir has made it public that the Malaysian government is looking at the possibility of introducing the soda tax to safeguard people’s health and to plug a hole in the government’s budget. “The diabetes rate in Malaysia is very high because we take too much sugar,” said Mahathir on 27 August 2018.

The announcement indicates the chance of a soda tax is high. Previous announcements were made at the ministerial level but were never rolled out.

Around 17.7% of the adult population aged 18 and above are obese, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2015.

In Southeast Asia, soda tax has been introduced in Thailand, Brunei and the Philippines but not in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

The proposed soda tax will be a double whammy for the beverage industry in Malaysia, which is still suffering from depressed sales, as the government is likely to impose the sales and services tax (SST) on sweetened beverages from 1 September 2018. The proposed rates of the SST and the final exempted-list will be known on 1 September 2018, said Customs Department director-general Datuk Seri Subromaniam Tholasy.

Manufacturers and retailers will not have adequate time to prepare for the SST since the final list will only be made known on 1 September 2018, the day the SST is to be implemented.

Hopefully, the government will provide tax exemption to artificial sweeteners and natural sweeteners (stevia and coco sugar) as well as increase the ceiling for taxable drinks to those with a sugar content of over 6g per 100ml to motivate companies to embrace the Healthier Choice program.

Indomie now available at 7-Eleven Philippines, instant noodle import from Indonesia surged

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
Image from Indomie Philippines

Indonesia’s iconic Indomie Mi Goreng is now available at 7-Eleven convenience stores in the Philippines. The stir-fried noodle in original and pedas (hot & spicy) flavours in pack are available at SM Markets, Robinsons Supermarket, Puregold, Shopwise, Rustans, Mercury Drug, 7-Eleven and other leading local stores nationwide.

Indonesia’s instant noodle export to the Philippines surged 150% year-on-year during the first half of 2018 to reach a value that is close to the full year figure for 2017, a testament to the popularity of Indomie.

Expert Says Right Nourishment Ensures Mental Focus That Leads To Academic Excellence

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
(L-R) Teh Yoong Sin (STPM recipient), Kuang Ming Ming and Loke Wai Yan (Form 6 UEC recipient) at the BRAND'S Smart Achievers Award 2018 event

24 August 2018

Getting the right nutrition is an essential factor for reaching optimal performance to achieve greatness in one’s studies and extra-curricular activities as it keeps the mind and body primed for improved productivity, something many of us often neglect because of hectic schedules during the schooling years.

“Getting the right nourishment ensures that you have the mental focus and concentration for improved productivity, helps you cope with stress better, and gives your body the energy to carry you through the day’s activities from early morning to late night,” said Yau Chin Chin, Senior Manager, Scientific Research & Application, BRAND’S® Suntory Asia.

Speaking to parents and students at the BRAND’S® SMART Achievers Award prize-giving ceremony, she shared the science behind the popular BRAND’S® Essence of Chicken and explained how it reduces physical tiredness, improves mental concentration and maintains emotional wellbeing.

The only chicken essence in the market backed by over 44 international scientific papers and clinical studies, results have shown that regular consumption of BRAND’S® Essence Of Chicken improves memory by up to 15% and enhances concentration by 22%, while metabolism can be increased by up to 16%.

Yau explained, “Increased blood circulation and oxygen flow to the brain and body will keep mental and physical fatigue away, while reducing anxiety and stress hormone, cortisol, so that the ability to stay alert or focus is not affected.”

This helps students to able to stay sharp and concentrate better during classes and revisions while the improved blood circulation and metabolism help maintain their energy level for their activities throughout the day.

Corroborating the findings are at least 21 students, who excelled at their final examinations last year and were handpicked to receive the annual BRAND’S® SMART Achievers Award.

Ranging from secondary to tertiary level education, they were selected from hundreds of entries to emerge as the best of the best to receive the much-coveted recognition that only recognizes top achievers who excelled in both their academic and extra-curricular performance.

Travelling from eight states from as far as Sabah, Sarawak, Johor, Penang, Pahang and Perak, the proud students and even prouder parents attended the special awards ceremony held in their honour where they received cash and product hampers as part of their rewards.

The BRAND’S® SMART Achievers Award has 4 categories with respective cash prize awards – PT3/UEC Form 3 (RM500), SPM (RM1,000), STPM/UEC Form 6/ pre-university (RM1,500) and university/college exams (RM2,000).

The programme aims to encourage and enable the young generation to achieve their full potential and go on to become leaders of tomorrow and has awarded almost 280 elite students since its inception in 2006.

“BRAND’S® has been awarding top performing students with cash prizes as well as due recognition among their peers as they join the elite group of BRAND’S® SMART Achievers. This award is to honour them as it goes beyond academic results as it also requires outstanding performance in their co-curricular activities for entry into this prestigious club,” said Kuang Ming Ming, General Manager of BRAND’S® Suntory Malaysia.

Registration for the popular annual Awards is now open till 31 December 2018 and students sitting for their major examinations this year can aim to be one of the BRAND’S® SMART Achievers next year.

Download the registration form from www.brandsworld.com.my or get them at selected Chinese medical halls and leading pharmacies, supermarkets and hypermarkets nationwide, where the nutritious BRAND’S® Essence of Chicken can also be purchased to help power up the mind and body as students start to prepare for their final examination.

Produced at the halal certified plant in Bukit Jelutong, BRAND’S® Essence of Chicken is a natural food supplement with no added salt and is cholesterol and fat free, suitable for daily consumption.

 

Heart shaped Lay’s for those in love

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
Image credit: Lay's Thailand

In the mood for love, Pepsi-Cola (Thai) has recently unveiled Lay’s with a heart shape. The Lay’s extruded chip with the heart shape is part of Lay’s Play, a potato-based snack featuring fun shapes first launched in 2017. The company earlier introduced Lay’s Net and Lay’s 3D in 2016 with fun shapes aiming at young adults. These are the sort of innovations we would like to see for the Malaysian snack food market.

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