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The Elections in Malaysia and its impact on the eCommerce Industry

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

An Analysis on Malaysians’ Online Shopping Habits During the Elections Period

Kuala Lumpur, May 11, 2018 —The 9th of May 2018 will go down in the history books as among the most significant days in the history of Malaysia. As the nation concluded the election period with the swearing-in of its seventh prime minister on 10th May, eCommerce platforms experienced a significant dip in online traffic as Malaysians were focused on the elections. In a bid to understand online consumers, iPrice conducted this brief study to find out how the elections period affected eCommerce platforms in the country.

Before elections day : Malaysians diverts focus from online shopping to pre-election preparations.

  • Our study shows that the elections affected online traffic from the afternoon onwards.
  • Online traffic remained normal in the morning but begins to decline steadily from 4.00PM onwards. This was evident when comparing to online traffic to the previous period (9th April 2018).
  • Multiple Malaysian media reported traffic congestions on most major highways from 2.00PM onwards. This suggests that most Malaysians diverted their attention from online shopping to pre-election preparations such as travelling to their voting areas in the afternoon.
  • There was also a 34.8% decline in online traffic at 10.00PM when compared to the same time in the last period. This is significant as online traffic would reach its highest point around 10.00PM on regular days.

Elections day              : Malaysian shoppers more focused on the elections than online shopping.

  • On usual weekdays, online traffic in Malaysia would reach its highest points at about 11.00AM, 3.00PM and 10.00PM. On elections day, online traffic reached its peak at 5.00PM and steadily declines for the rest of the day.
  • This suggests that a small number of Malaysians return to online shopping when the voting period ended at 5.00PM. As nightfall comes, online shoppers return their attention to the elections and its results.
  • On usual periods, Malaysians are actively shopping online in the evening till 12-midnight. On election night, online traffic was 50.6% lower than usual as most Malaysians remain awake for the results.

After elections day    : Online traffic improves but remains lower than usual.

  • On a regular Thursday, eCommerce platforms usually experience a steady increase in online traffic in the morning. However, online traffic at 9.00AM (10th May 2018) was 56.5% lower than usual as Malaysians awake to the announcement of the elections results and public holidays.
  • As mentioned earlier, online shopping would reach its highest point at about 10.00PM on regular weekdays. However, this was not the case as Malaysia witnesses the swearing-in of its seventh prime minister close to 10.00PM. Online traffic was 39.7% lesser than usual at 10.00PM.

A Number of Malaysians Still Shopping on Mobile Devices

  • Overall, there was a substantial decline in the number of online shoppers across all devices. However, the decline on desktop devices were slightly higher as compared to tablets and mobile devices.
  • This suggests that many Malaysians were still shopping online on their mobile devices as they wait for their turn to vote. A report by Daily Express stated that some Malaysians waited as long as three hours for their turn to vote. Hence, voters at the waiting line would most probably browsed or made purchase online through their mobile devices.

Research Methodology:

  • Data was obtained by comparing online sessions on iPrice Malaysia (http://iprice.my) between 7th – 11th May 2018 and 9th – 13th April 2018. Data was obtained through Google Analytics.
  • iPrice Malaysia receives millions of online sessions monthly and currently catalogues millions of products from hundred of online retailers across the country.

About iPrice Group

iPrice Group is a meta-search website where Malaysian consumers can easily compare prices, specs and discover products with hundreds of local and regional merchants. iPrice’s meta-search platform is also available in six other countries across Southeast Asia namely in; Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, Vietnam and Hong Kong. Currently, iPrice compares and catalogues more than 250 million products and receives more than five million monthly visits across the region.

iPrice currently operates three business lines: price comparison for electronics and health & beauty; product discovery for fashion and home & living; and coupons across all verticals.

Football fever hits Coca-Cola Collectors Fair 2018

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
Collector Affandi bin Masran from Johor Baru proudly showcases his prized glass bottle from Mexico

12 May 2018

The annual Coca-Cola Collectors Fair returned to Berjaya Times Square where around 70 collectors from 13 countries gathered to display, trade and sell all things Coca-Cola.

In conjunction with the much anticipated FIFA World Cup™ Russia 2018 next month, this year’s theme revolved around all things football where Coca-Cola’s longstanding relationship with Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) which began in 1974 has ensured there were multitudes of Coca-Cola collectibles from a variety of FIFA events on display.

“Coca-Cola has always shared the passion that fans have for football around the world and through our partnership with FIFA we champion the power of the game to bring people together. We are set to bring some excitement for the upcoming FIFA World Cup™ Russia 2018 and to get into the mood we have themed this year’s Coca-Cola Collectors Fair for all things football where members of the public can see the history and relationship of Coca-Cola and FIFA over the decades,” said Gareth McGeown, Chief Executive Officer, Bottling Investment Group Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei, The Coca-Cola Company.

70 collectors from 13 countries participated in the annual Coca-Cola Collectors Fair 2018 at Berjaya Times Square

With passionate Malaysian collectors joined by enthusiasts from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Spain and France, the eighth edition of the Coca-Cola Collectors Fair was an international event of its own.

Malaysian collector, 41-year old Joe Lim, picked up his first Coca-Cola bottle collection from China in 2002 and has never looked back since. He is now the proud owner of nearly 1,000 iconic contour bottles of various sizes and materials.

“This is my seventh time participating in this annual event and I enjoy the camaraderie of fellow collectors from near and far. We not only trade our collections but also exchange our stories and experiences, which to me is priceless. The Coca-Cola Collectors Fair has become the biggest gathering in the region and is a wonderful platform to bring collectors together,” said Lim.

Aside from Collectors, members of the public also thronged the Fair to discover a new world and participated in fun games to win themselves limited edition Coca-Cola collectibles. They were also able to enjoy the good deals offered at the Wendy’s and Hero Market pop up stalls at the event.

Coca-Cola’s retail partners supported the event with special offers – Wendy’s filled tummies with its twin value deals of RM5 for 2 pieces of crispy fried chicken and RM1.50 for 2 creamy Frosty’s cones, while Hero Market quenched thirsts with its low price of RM1 for 320ml cans for a variety of beverages by The Coca-Cola Company.

Meanwhile Berjaya Times Square returned as the official venue sponsor for the Coca-Cola Collectors Fair.

The Coca-Cola Collectors Fair in Malaysia began in 2011 and is traditionally held in May, in conjunction with its Founders’ Day where Coca-Cola made its debut on May 8, 1886 in Atlanta, USA.

 

Doing Good This Ramadhan with Semurni Kasih

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

7-Eleven Malaysia is back with its annual donation drive for the underprivileged

Kuala Lumpur, 14 May 2018 – 7-Eleven Malaysia, the nation’s favourite convenience store chain in Malaysia continues its endeavours of helping underprivileged communities through its annual donation drive, Semurni Kasih, under the Community Care program.

The donation drive is held in conjunction with the month of Ramadhan, and will run for 6 weeks until 18 June 2018. Customers can offer their support by donating necessities such as food, beverages, household essentials, and other supplies purchased from 7-Eleven stores and place them into dedicated contribution boxes in more than 2,235 stores nationwide. As the tagline ‘You Contribute, We Distribute’ suggests, contributions received will then be distributed by 7-Eleven Malaysia to various charity homes and charitable causes across the nation.

Through the campaign in 2017, 7-Eleven Malaysia has disbursed nearly RM11 million worth of provisions to more than 1,800 beneficiaries since its inception in 2008.

Mr. Ronan Lee, Marketing General Manager of 7-Eleven Malaysia said, “We are ever grateful to our customers who have supported Semurni Kasih throughout the past 10 years. It has been a fulfilling journey for us thus far and through joint efforts with our patrons, we aim to do more for the underprivileged community this year as well.”

Semurni Kasih is part of 7-Eleven Malaysia’s Community Care, a non-profit entity set up to implement corporate responsibility and philanthropic initiatives in support of underprivileged groups and sustains environmental conservation efforts.

For more information on Semurni Kasih and 7-Eleven Community Care, please 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 has 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 2,200 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.

Adding M&M’s and Snickers chocolate bites to sweeten Raya creations

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Now chocolate brands are taking the opportunity to capture opportunities from at-home festive baking. Mars Malaysia is celebrating Raya festive cheers with Snickers Baking Bites and M&M’s Mini’s Milk Chocolate Baking Bits. Now avid bakers and cookie makers can include Snickers and M&M’s into their creations.

Both are priced RM 17.49 each at Tesco.

 

Mirinda Mix-It launched in Malaysia to coincide with Raya celebration

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
Photo Credit: Mirinda Malaysia

Mirinda Mix-It, the new flavoured carbonated soft drink from PepsiCo, has been launched in Malaysia. Mirinda Mix-It was previously released in Thailand in 2017. The new drink offers two great flavors in one bottle – Apple-Kiwi or Strawberry-Lychee.

https://www.facebook.com/MirindaMY/videos/191744431457558/

Mirinda Mix-It was introduced in Malaysia to coincide with the Raya celebration, an important celebration for the Muslim population in Malaysia. The one-month fasting starts on 16 May 2018 and the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration will commence on 15 May 2018.

In Thailand, Mirinda Mix-It is positioned as a super fun drink targeting teenagers and young adults. The fizzy drink can be turned into a Slurpee-like beverage.

So far, the marketing team in Malaysia is stressing on the fusion taste of Mirinda Mix-It. We expect more exciting marketing activities coming your way soon.

Photo Credit: Mirinda Malaysia

Shizuoka by Ichitan targets opportunity in premium RTD tea

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Ichitan has launched a premium Japanese ready-to-drink (RTD) tea developed by famous Japanese tea master from Shizuoka – Mr Satoru Fujimoto. Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan is known as the world’s capital of premium tea. The tea is made from 100% imported First Flush and Second Flush tea tips from Shizuoka.

According to the press release, “the product will be the first and only one with the right to use the “Fujipi”, the symbol of Shizuoka, and certified by the Shizuoka Tea Export Association.

The Shizuoka branded tea will be available in two flavors – Original (no sugar) and Mildly Sweet, in 440 ml bottle. Priced at 30 baht per bottle.”

Mr Satoru Fujimoto, the tea master who initiated and developed the recipe for Shizuoka ready-to-drink premium tea, said, “Thailand is a tropical country and its people prefer refreshing tea. I wish to also introduce the rich flavor and the mellow sweet flavor of Shizuoka tea adapted to the Thai consumers’ preference.”

The sales target for Shizuoka for 2018 is THB 130 million and the new premium tea will be riding on the growing premium tea market in Thailand worth THB 891 million in 2017, said Ichitan.

 

 

 

Simba riding the interest in snack bar in Southeast Asia

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Snack bar has received a lot of attention as a category for innovation in Southeast Asia. We have seen Kellogg’s and Nestle rolling out snack bars in the region. Local health food makers, particularly Indonesia’s Nutrifood, are also active in snack bar.

Not surprisingly, PT Simba Indosnack Makmur, the maker of Simba cereal, has jumped into the bandwagon with Simba chocolate cereal bar in early 2018.

Snack bars target 3 main segments

There are three target segments for cereal bars in Southeast Asia. The first are products aiming at children such as Nestle Koko Krunch, Kellogg’s Coco Cereal Bar and Zee Multigrain.

The second are functional snack bars with fitness/dietary claims such as Soyjoy, WRP multigrain, low calorie fruit, Fitbar multigrain, Diabetasol high-fibre and Extra Joss Bar emphasising satiety and calories.

The third, which Simba snack bar falls into, is targeting teenagers and young adults as an on-the-go snack. Recent examples are Kellogg’s Nutty Choc and Berries with Yoghurty Coating and Soyjoy Crispy.

Simba cereal bar for the active youth

Simba cereal bar is positioned as a snack bar that provides energy to the active individuals. As seen in the TV commercial, the target segments are teenagers and young adults engaging in skateboarding, extreme cycling and footballing.

https://www.facebook.com/Simba.cereal/videos/1580072935447443/

Texture plays an important role

In Southeast Asia, the snack bar texture that works is a puffy or crispy top with a sweet base like Fitbar or totally puffy/crispy like Simba.

An example of crispy is the new Soyjoy Crispy, launched in early 2018. The crispiness sets it apart from the dense but soft chewy texture in the original Soyjoy.

The sound of Soyjoy’s crispiness is used as an effective marketing tool by Otsuka.

https://www.facebook.com/soyjoyid/videos/10155191324456022/

What Mini Me thinks

Snack bar makers need to localise their products in this region. The Nature Valley’s hard texture and Uncle Toby’s chewy texture do not seem to work in Southeast Asia as consumers prefer the crunchy and puffy texture.

New Mie Sedaap Tasty with crunchy chicken bites

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
Photo Credit: Mie Sedaap

Wings Group’s Mie Sedaap is a late comer to the premium instant noodle with real ingredients in retort packaging. This segment has seen Mayora Indah’s Bakmi Mewah and Indofood CBP’s Indomie Real Meat battling each other for a while.

Crunchy chicken bits

Photo Credit: Mie Sedaap

The new Mie Sedaap Tasty, launched in early 2018, stands out by having crunchy chicken bits in addition to the usual real meat ingredients in retort packaging. Mie Sedaap Tasty also boosts a chewy noodle texture.

https://www.facebook.com/miesedaaptasty/videos/495490764185929/

Instant noodle category slowing down

PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk, the producer of Indomie and the bellwether of the industry, has seen its instant noodle revenue growth slowing down to a low single-digit in 2017.

Bringing the instant noodle category forward means more innovation including super spicy noodle in pack. Other possible ideas include self-heating meals, which is trending in China at the moment, or going more upscale beyond instant noodle with gourmet, restaurant-style product.

Indomie instant noodle growth slowing down. Revenue include exports

 

iPrice Group raises new funding from LINE Ventures and existing investors to fulfil its vision of becoming the primary gateway to online shopping in Southeast Asia

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Kuala Lumpur, May 7, 2018— iPrice Group, Southeast Asia’s leading product discovery and price comparison platform, raised a new round of funding from LINE Ventures, with participation from Cento Ventures and Venturra.

Since the last funding one and a half years ago, more than 50 million online shoppers visited iPrice, which expanded in the same period its product catalogue from few dozens of millions to over 500 million SKUs across their seven markets: Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong.

iPrice is on track to reach more than 150 million visitors this year, driven by the accelerating growth experienced in Indonesia – its electronics segment in particular – which grew 30x in the past 12 months. The fragmentation of the ecommerce market and the increasing online savviness of Indonesians shoppers are fuelling iPrice’s hyper-growth.

“iPrice, which is riding the explosive growth of eCommerce in Southeast Asia, has the most promising team with the right talents, technology, and operational excellence in the region. In turn, they will become the first destination in the online shopping journey in Southeast Asia” says June Cha, General Manager of LINE Ventures.

David Chmelař, iPrice Group CEO, says: “What excites us is that this is only the beginning of our journey.  To provide a perspective, in the Czech Republic, the country where I am from, everyone visits the leading price comparison platform, Heureka, twice per month. With already more than 300M monthly active users in the region and 100,000 people coming online EACH DAY for the first time, it’s easy to see the historical opportunity we have ahead of us.”

Beyond the rapid growth of its user metrics over the past 12 months, iPrice has been able to secure strategic B2B partnerships with some of the biggest media groups and brands in the region by offering them tailored affiliate solutions. Among them: Mediacorp in SG, Thairath in TH, Samsung in ID.

iPrice has also been cementing its thought leadership position in the ecommerce field with studies such as their State of eCommerce in Southeast Asia, which has become the primary source of data-driven ecommerce information in the region.

To support its next phase of growth, the Kuala Lumpur-based company has recently reorganized its business, creating three different Business Units (Electronics, Fashion, Commercial Content), allowing it to serve its customers with the best possible user experience.

“Today, we provide online-savvy shoppers in the region the ability to search for hundreds of millions of products, compare prices, and save money with our coupons inventory. In the next few years, online shopping will become part of everyday life for everyone in Southeast Asia. As they gravitate towards ecommerce, shoppers will look for easy and comprehensive solutions to help them find what they want. Our vision is to be the destination where people start their online shopping,” adds Chmelař.

About iPrice Group

iPrice is Southeast Asia’s leading product discovery and price comparison platform, connecting consumers with hundreds of ecommerce merchants through the best possible shopping experience. Since October 2014, the platform has established itself as the fastest growing in its segment across seven markets: Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, and Hong Kong.

About LINE Ventures

LINE Ventures is the corporate venture arm of LINE Corporation (NYSE:LN/TSE:3938), which is dedicated to the mission of “Closing the Distance,” bringing together people, information and society. The LINE messaging app launched in June 2011 and has since grown into a diversified global platform, providing a range of services and content.

CP-Meiji Thailand unveils lactose-free milk

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

CP-Meiji Thailand has launched a new range of lactose-free free milk to challenge Mary Anne Dairy (mMilk), in the lactose-free fresh milk category. mMilk is currently the dominant player and is well known for its unique minimalist packaging.

The company recently launched mMilk Cocoa + Strawberry lactose free flavoured milk.

Photo Credit: mMilk Instagram

96% Thai are lactose intolerant

A survey data cited by CP-Meiji Thailand shows shows 96% of Thai people are intolerant to lactose. The brand lists down the symptoms of lactose-intolerant sufferers such as gassy and bloated stomach.

Photo Credit: CP-Meiji Thailand FB

The lactose free milk comes in the sizes of 830ml, 450ml and 200ml.

Lactose-free dairy has the potential to challenge plant-based alternative with its lactose-free characteristics to bring consumers back to the milk fold.

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