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Lazada Becomes The First Southeast Asian Ecommerce Partner of UEFA EURO 2024

The platform will launch a limited-edition pair of jersey pajamas, as well as exclusive discounts and deals to online consumers in celebration of the sporting spectacle

KUALA LUMPUR, 24 JUNE 2024 – Lazada, a leading eCommerce platform in Southeast Asia, announces its official partnership with UEFA EURO 2024™, becoming the first Southeast Asian eCommerce partner of the highly anticipated football event that is taking place in Germany this summer. This exclusive partnership sits within the existing agreement that B2C eCommerce platform AliExpress has with UEFA EURO 2024™.

As part of the partnership, Lazada invites football enthusiasts and online consumers to join in the hype with extraordinary discounts and deals offered during its All-Star Champions Sale from 1 to 3 July 2024. To add a fun twist to the campaign, Lazada will also release limited-edition promotional jersey pajamas (PJs) merchandise, that fans can win through interactive competitions on social media, amongst other attractive prizes.

“Lazada is proud to be an official partner of UEFA EURO 2024™. As we strive to add meaningful experiences to our customers’ lives, we are excited to be bringing great deals, interactive games, and competitions to football fans and online consumers alike through our partnership,” said Marcus Chew, Chief Marketing Officer, Lazada Group.

Score unforgettable deals during Lazada’s All-Star Champion Sales

Kicking off from 1 July to 3 July 2024, online consumers in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam can shop to their hearts’ content with a special sale across all categories. Whether it’s the essentials for football fanatics to cheer on their favourite teams, or summer must-haves for casual sport fans, Lazada offers something for everyone at the best prices.

As a fan in Asia, catching the football matches means staying up all night. To add to the excitement, Lazada will be introducing one-of-a-kind PJs of Champions to fans on this side of the world. With only 500 pieces available, this limited-edition PJ is designed with premium sports rounded collars, comfy sleeves and pants, to let fans show their love for the beautiful game in maximum swag and comfort.

Lazada’s jersey PJs also come in a set for both football fans and their furry friends, so everyone at home can be part of the UEFA EURO 2024™ frenzy.

The search is on for the tournament’s cutest ever All-Star lineup!

In celebration of the excitement and fervour on the pitch, Lazada Malaysia social media followers can look forward to catching former Malaysian footballer and striker, “Super Safee” Sali who will be featured in Lazada Malaysia’s TikTok where he will attempt to train cats in the art of playing football.

Moreover, fans can also share their own videos of themselves training their pet cats using the hashtag #LazadaAjarKucing, with the best entries standing a chance to win the limited-edition jersey PJs. Followers of Lazada Malaysia on Instagram and X can also take part in other various social media activities to win the jersey PJs.

To learn more about the All-Star Champions Sale this 1-3 July 2024, check out the Lazada app or visit www.lazada.com.my.

Pos Malaysia and PayNet Pave the Way for Cashless Payments Nationwide Through The ‘Cashless Kaw-Kaw’ Campaign

(L-R) Khazalin Ghuzal, Head of Retail of Pos Malaysia, Azrul Fakhzan B. Mainor, Senior Director, Commercial Division, PayNet, with winners Abdul Faiz Bin Rahman -RM50,000 (Grand Prize), Zainol Abidin Bin Ahmad -RM8,888 (April), Mohd Faizal Bin Mokhtar -RM8,888 (March) and Mohd Faisal Bin Mohamed Shahid -RM8,888 (February)

Kuala Lumpur, 24 June 2024 – Pos Malaysia Berhad (“Pos Malaysia”), the national post and parcel service provider, and Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (“PayNet”), the national retail payments network infrastructure provider, have enabled the option of making cashless payments at over 3,500 of Pos Malaysia’s touchpoints nationwide, marking a significant milestone in Pos Malaysia’s digital payments transformation journey.

Today, both companies hosted a prize-giving ceremony at the Pos Malaysia headquarters for the ‘Cashless Kaw-Kaw’ campaign that ran from 1 February until 30 April 2024.  The primary objective of the campaign was to encourage the use of MyDebit and DuitNow QR, highlighting their convenience and security as preferred payment options. The campaign was designed to enhance the overall customer experience by offering more streamlined and efficient transaction methods. By adopting these cashless solutions, Pos Malaysia sought to provide added value to its customers, making their interactions smoother and more efficient.

The ‘Cashless Kaw-Kaw’ campaign concluded with a grand prize-giving event attended by 4 of the 178 lucky winners (refer to Appendix). The campaign boasted an impressive prize pool exceeding RM150,000, where one lucky grand prize winner won RM50,000. Among the coveted prizes were monthly cash rewards of RM8,888, along with other exclusive items such as iPad Air, OPPO Reno11 Pro smartphones, and RM100 Petronas gift cards.

Khazalin Ghuzal, Head of Retail of Pos Malaysia, said, “Pos Malaysia boasts a rich heritage of over two centuries dedicated to serving the rakyat, a legacy that propels us forward as we continually adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Through the integration of state-of-the-art payment technology, our objective is to deliver transactions that are not just seamless and secure, but also hassle-free at every one of our outlets. Pos Malaysia is committed to enhancing the customer experience, reaffirming our dedication to modernisation and digitalisation. By embracing these advancements, we strive to ensure that our services remain relevant and efficient in today’s digital age.”

She added, “As the national post and parcel service provider, Pos Malaysia’s network of touchpoints reaches all segments and communities, including rural and underserved areas, providing access to services such as motor insurance and road tax renewal, bill payments and financial services. Our partnership with PayNet has positioned our unparalleled network as a catalyst for cashless payment adoption nationwide. Currently, a significant number of our services transacted over the counter are paid through MyDebit or DuitNow QR, demonstrating our customers’ eagerness to embrace these seamless payment options. I look forward to collaborating with PayNet to bring even more innovative solutions to our customers and the communities that we serve.”

Azrul Fakhzan B. Mainor, Senior Director, Commercial Division, PayNet, remarked, “PayNet is excited to expand our reach and impact through this collaboration with Pos Malaysia. With access to over 3,500 Pos Malaysia touchpoints, we can now bring cashless payment solutions to even the most rural and underserved parts of Malaysia, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak. This partnership ensures every Malaysian can enjoy the convenience and security of digital payments.”

He added, “By leveraging DuitNow QR and MyDebit payment options, customers will no longer need to travel long distances to withdraw cash for transactions. This initiative facilitates commerce by providing a more efficient and accessible payment method. Together, PayNet and Pos Malaysia are transforming the customer experience, driving financial inclusion, and enhancing commercial activities across Malaysia.”

Stay up to date with Pos Malaysia’s services, activities, and other updates at www.pos.com.my, Facebook, Instagram, X, Tik Tok, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Pizza Hut Store Closures To Enhance Customer Experience

PETALING JAYA, 26 JUNE 2024 — In response to recent speculation surrounding the temporary closure of certain Pizza Hut outlets made by Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press, Pizza Hut Malaysia would like to provide clarity and additional context regarding the temporary closures.

Purpose of Temporary Closures:

The temporary closures are part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing customer experiences. We are implementing backend improvements to streamline operations and ensure seamless service starting with low traffic stores/areas. These closures are not permanent; they are strategic measures to optimise our systems and infrastructure.

Employee Well-Being:

We value our employees and their contributions. Those affected by the closures have been offered relocation opportunities to other Pizza Hut locations. Our commitment to employee well-being remains the utmost priority.

“Pizza Hut believes that customers appreciate the Company’s aim for continuous improvements and would look forward to more product innovations and service enhancements in days to come.”

“We remain steadfast in growing the Pizza Hut brand. Pizza Hut is more than just pizza. Our menu innovations, including pastas, wings, and handheld products, reflect our dedication to meeting evolving consumer preferences.” said the spokesperson.

JAECOO LAUNCHES FIRST 3S DEALERSHIP IN KLANG VALLEY

The flagship 3S dealership, operated by ES Premium Holdings Sdn Bhd, paves the way for JAECOO, a challenger premium off-road SUV brand, to introduce its distinct premium ownership experience to prospective customers. (From left) Emily Lek, JAECOO Malaysia Vice President; Cheng NW, Chery Corp Malaysia Vice President; Dato' Sri Sunny Ung, ES Premium Holdings Company Advisor; Leo Chen, Chery Corp Malaysia Executive Vice President; Fanny Yap, ES Premium Holdings Managing Director; KS Yap, ES Premium Holdings Director; Nicholas Kho, ES Premium Holdings Head of Business Development; Andrie Ung, ES Premium Holdings Director; Vincent Bian, JAECOO Malaysia Country Director; Soon Boon Ping, Chery Auto Malaysia Network Development Director

Flagship Dealership Designed To Deliver Premium Ownership Experience ‘From Classic, Beyond Classic’

JAECOO Malaysia continues to move swiftly in establishing a formidable ecosystem in the country with the official launch of its first dealership in Klang Valley, located in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. The flagship 3S dealership, operated by ES Premium Holdings Sdn Bhd, paves the way for JAECOO, a challenger premium off-road SUV brand, to introduce its distinct premium ownership experience to prospective customers. This is the first JAECOO authorised dealership to be launched, with 34 others poised to be officiated in the coming months.

Envisioning an average of 300 visitors a month, the JAECOO 3S Dealership in Glenmarie has integrated creature comforts such as a cosy customer lounge complete with a dedicated coffee and tea bar, high-speed internet connectivity, and prayer rooms.

“We are thrilled to launch our flagship 3S dealership in the heart of Glenmarie Autocity, a testament to JAECOO’s readiness to cater to customers in Malaysia. We have invested in a strong network across the country to bring a premium ownership experience both today, and for the future. Our investment in the Glenmarie flagship dealership, which is valued at RM5.5million, is a clear indication of our commitment to grow the premium off-road SUV market for the long term,” said JAECOO Malaysia Vice President, Emily Lek.

The JAECOO Glenmarie 3S Dealership has a built-up size of 23,000 sq ft with a land size of 40,000 sq ft. The 3S Dealership houses sales, after-sales service and service parts storage conveniently under one roof. Upon entry, customers are greeted by a spacious Super Walkway with a capacity to showcase up to seven display models extending from the ground floor to the first floor.

With the use of interactive LED displayscustomers can browse vehicle specifications at their own pace. The experience is complemented by the presence of professionally trained sales advisors on hand to address customer enquiries and arrange for test drives. Currently, customers can experience the JAECOO J7 All-wheel drive (AWD) and two-wheel drive (2WD) variants on display.

The JAECOO 3S Dealership in Glenmarie is the first JAECOO authorised dealership to be launched.

“We are proud to be part of the JAECOO Malaysia network of dealers and bring to life the premium experience that JAECOO envisions, and customers expect. We hope to elevate the exploratory experience as customers walk in by integrating digital elements, paired with personalised service through our capable sales and service advisors,” said ES Premium Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Fanny Yap.

Envisioning an average of 300 visitors a month, this dealership has integrated creature comforts such as a cosy customer lounge complete with a dedicated coffee and tea bar, high-speed internet connectivity, and prayer rooms. Another highlight of the facility is its delivery lounge designed to embody the ‘From Classic, Beyond Classic’ DNA of the JAECOO brand.

After-sales service is another critical element of ES Premium’s JAECOO 3S Dealership in Glenmarie. Customers can expect a seamless after-sales experience coordinated by dedicated service managers. Peace of mind for every JAECOO vehicle owner is further rooted in the brand’s secured supply chain backed by a well-stocked spare parts warehouse utilising only JAECOO genuine parts.

With an output capacity of servicing over 500 vehicles a month, the facility is powered by highly trained technicians and fully equipped service bays with top-of-the-line tools including two-post lifts and scissors lifts. It also features an Electric Vehicle (EV) bay, demonstrating JAECOO’s network readiness for its electric vehicle range of vehicles in the near future.

Upon the official launch of all 35 dealerships, the JAECOO service network will comprise of approximately 180 service bays nationwide. JAECOO Malaysia’s network of dealerships is supported by a dedicated auto parts warehouse and a production plant recently launched in Shah Alam.

The launch of the JAECOO 3S Dealership in Glenmarie comes in anticipation of the J7 premium off-road SUV launch which will be celebrated over three days, from 19 to 21 July. The J7 will be the first locally assembled model in Malaysia and ASEAN.

The JAECOO 3S Glenmarie dealership is located at No. 2D, Jalan Pelukis U1/46, Temasya Industrial Park, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor. For more details about JAECOO Malaysia’s flagship dealership, visit www.jaecoo.com.my and keep up to date by following JAECOO Malaysia social platforms.

Pos Malaysia Delivers Excitement with the Introduction of the Inaugural ‘Jom Laju For Fun!’ Community Run

Pos Malaysia Berhad (“Pos Malaysia”), the national post and parcel service provider, is introducing its first ever running event, the ‘Pos Malaysia Run 2024’. This annual fun run focuses on community building and promoting a healthy lifestyle through green initiatives. The inaugural event, with the tagline ‘Jom Laju For Fun!’, offers participants the opportunity to enjoy a lively run with family and friends while engaging in exciting activities along the routes.

From a community perspective, the event aims to reinforce Pos Malaysia’s reputation as a heritage brand with a forward-thinking approach. It also seeks to elevate awareness of the company’s dedication to quality, service excellence, and sustainability.

Over the years, Pos Malaysia has been actively supporting community building and promoting a healthy lifestyle through various sports partnerships, such as the Kuching Marathon, Borneo Marathon, Fit Malaysia, Hari Sukan Negara, Bintulu Marathon, Elopura Marathon Sandakan and The Music Run, to name a few. The company is now excited to introduce its very own flagship running event, Pos Malaysia Run.

The run is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 29 September 2024, at Padang Merbok in Kuala Lumpur, with the flag-off at 6:00 AM. The event welcomes participants aged 7 and above, offering three categories: 15km (RM85), 10km (RM80), and 5km (RM75). Runners can register and purchase tickets at RaceXAsia (https://www.racexasia.com/) from now until 29 August 2024.

Take advantage of early bird pricing, with a RM10 discount on each category: 15km for RM75, 10km for RM70, and 5km for RM65. This special offer is available until 11 July 2024.

Each participating runner will receive the following entitlements:
•    Finisher medal
•    E-certificate (with timing)
•    Drawstring bag with running t-shirt and goodies from partners
•    Personal Accident insurance coverage (Event Day only)

All finishers in the qualifying categories will receive a commemorative finisher medal crafted from a combination of recycled plastic zip ties and metal. To reduce carbon emissions, race packs will be delivered directly to participants, eliminating the need to drive to the race collection venue. On event day, Pos Malaysia’s electric bikes will be used for marshal and operational support. Additionally, the winners’ medals (gold, silver and bronze) will be made from recyclable materials and uniquely designed as stamps, to be unveiled soon.

At Pos Malaysia, we are passionate about building trust to connect lives and businesses for a better tomorrow. This commitment drives our efforts and responsibility to create long-term value through sustainable practices in every aspect of our business.

Pos Malaysia invites companies to participate as partners in this sustainable community event. Various partnership packages are available, offering different levels of commitment and benefits, with monetary contributions ranging from RM20K to RM100K. Alternatively, companies can support the event as in-kind partners. For further details on partnership opportunities, please contact us via email at sportsactivation@pos.com.my.

Stay connected with Pos Malaysia via www.pos.com.my, or follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Pos Malaysia Launches Commemorative Stamps to Celebrate 100th Anniversary of the Johor Causeway

Pos Malaysia announces the launch of a special joint stamp collection to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Johor Causeway, commonly referred to as the “Causeway” or “Tambak Johor.” Throughout its history, the Causeway has been a cornerstone of Malaysia-Singapore relations, deeply embedded in the geographical and geoeconomic fabric of both nations.

Over time, the Causeway has evolved into an internationally recognised border and continues to reign as the busiest and most iconic motorway bridge connecting the two countries, accommodating over 100 million users annually today.

The commemorative stamps feature illustrations of past and present views of the Johor Causeway from Malaysia and Singapore and pays homage to the Johor Causeway’s enduring legacy as a symbol of connectivity and economic cooperation, embodying the shared history and prosperity of Malaysia and Singapore.

Key Features of ‘The 100th Anniversary of the Johor Causeway’ Stamp Set:

  • 1 Stamp Sheet consisting of 20 x RM1.00 stamps (featuring four different designs)
  • 1 First Day Cover (with stamps and special cancellation)
  • 1 Folder

Priced at RM30.50, this exclusive set will go on sale starting 28 June 2024 at all of Pos Malaysia’s Philatelic Bureaus, including 13 General Post Offices nationwide, and online at https://shop.pos.com.my while stocks last.

Stay connected with Pos Malaysia via www.pos.com.my, Facebook, X, Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube and LinkedIn.

 

Excitement brews at the launch of Speciality Food & Drinks Asia and Speciality Coffee & Tea Asia trade events

Experience three exciting days of culinary exploration and innovation with a vast showcase of over 320 exhibitors and brands, and catch the highly anticipated Singapore National Coffee Championship

Singapore, 26 June 2024 – Highly anticipated F&B trade events Speciality Food & Drinks Asia (SFDA) and Speciality Coffee & Tea Asia (SCTA) open today at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre (Halls D, E and F) in Singapore. Organised by IEG Asia, the trade events are part of SIGEP Asia, the first Asian edition of the renowned SIGEP Italian international artisan gelato, pastry, bakery, and coffee trade show, held alongside Restaurant Asia and co-located with takeaway and delivery trade show Food2Go. The events will run from 26 to 28 June and are expected to host up to 10,000 trade visitors and buyers and feature over 320 exhibitors and brands from more than 30 countries and regions.

“SFDA and SCTA offer the perfect platform for specialty food and beverage professionals to connect, discover, and elevate their businesses. IEG Asia is thrilled to present this unique opportunity to explore the synergy between innovative speciality products and food service excellence from Italy, Singapore and other participating countries. We are excited to introduce new exhibitors, and welcome our delegates and visitors over the next three days,” said Ilaria Cicero, chief executive officer of IEG Asia and organiser of the events.

A stellar lineup of exhibitors and brands 

This year’s SFDA and SCTA feature a diverse range of exhibitors, from renowned global brands to emerging homegrown artisanal producers. The lineup includes Huggs Coffee, Allpress Expresso, Oatly, F&N Foods, Glyph Supply Co, Lei Food & Drinks Singapore, Elevare, Soshinsen Holding, Sanjeevani Basmati, Ideas Ocean (IDOCEAN), Kerry Ingredients Biga Italian Bakery, and many more.

With a growing emphasis on ethical and environmentally-friendly food production across the region, visitors seeking sustainable food products can anticipate innovative eco-conscious brands, including sustainable seafood farmers Farm Suzuki from Japan; Singapore’s first-ever edible cutlery startup Crunch Cutlery; local bean-free & sustainable coffee pioneers Prefer; and coconut, organic and plant-based product distributors Siam Coconut, among others.

Explore 8 country pavilions and indulge in global delicacies

Visitors can also look forward to a rich culinary and cultural heritage experience from pavilions across the globe, including Kuwait, China, Malaysia, Japan, Austria and Mexico.

The Japanese pavilion will deliver a curated selection of premium Japanese products such as the all-time favourite wagyu beef, and Japan’s top-selling supplement Natural DN Collagen from Fordays Co., Ltd. Two distinguished Japanese sake companies will also present their exquisite brews in Singapore for the first time, offering visitors a chance to savour their unique flavours. The pavilion will also introduce innovative sparkling sake like the refreshing pear-flavoured “La France,” artisanal fruit jams capturing the essence of Japanese fruits, and stylish cup coasters that blend functionality with artistic design. Other key highlights include a modern tea ceremony startup WACHA showcasing their matcha selection and tea ceremony robot “Sennorobi”.

The Kuwait pavilion, presented by the Kuwait’s Public Authority for Industry, will feature the finest of Kuwaiti coffee, sweets, pastries, spices, herbs, seasonings and food packaging materials. The Mexico pavilion, presented by the Embassy of Mexico in Singapore, will showcase a diverse selection of meat and dairy products, various herbs and spices – including a variety of chilli peppers – and beverages such as tequila and mezcal.

Singapore’s Coffee Industry Flagship Competition – Singapore National Coffee Championship

Organised by the Singapore Coffee Association at SCTA, the Singapore National Coffee Championship (SNCC) will feature 70 participants competing across four exciting categories — the Singapore National Barista Championship (presented by Santino), Singapore National Brewers Cup (presented by TIMEMORE), Singapore National Latte Art Championship and Singapore Cup Tasters Championship. The highly anticipated competition aims to showcase excellence and best practices in coffee preparation, and winners of each category will represent Singapore at the World Coffee Championships 2025.

Savour the finest brews and coffee products

Also at SCTA, visitors can discover an array of speciality coffee brands and products, including coffee machines, grinders, pour-over kettles, drippers, beans and pods, and many more. Exhibitors include TIMEMORE, DASHER Singapore, Allpress Espresso, Sapori Italiani, Huggs Coffee, Blu Coffee, Beijing Guixia Legend Trading, Glyph Supply Co, MHW-bomber, Prefer and Mii FoodService, and more.

“We are thrilled to once again be part of Speciality Coffee & Tea Asia, this time alongside the world-renowned SIGEP brand. This event is the perfect business platform for local and global coffee growers, artisans, roasters, baristas and entrepreneurs to showcase their crafts, exchange ideas and forge meaningful connections, and visitors can witness the continuous innovation that fuels the speciality food and drink industry. We are also staging the Singapore National Coffee Championship here, where talented individuals are competing and showcasing their skills. I wish all participants the very best!” said Victor Mah, President of the Singapore Coffee Association.

SIGEP Asia unveils a comprehensive experience 

The opening ceremony of SIGEP Asia and its co-located shows was graced by Guest of Honour Ms Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry. The all-encompassing SIGEP Asia event serves as a beacon for the entire F&B and Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering (Ho.Re.Ca.) industries, streamlining industry trends and fostering strategic business connections. Leading European and Asian industry players are gathering at SIGEP Asia to showcase the latest F&B products and cutting-edge foodservice technologies. Extending beyond these, the event is also hosting other fringe events such as the RAS Leadership Symposium, masterclasses and tasting sessions, and offering exclusive insights into future trends of the Dolce foodservice industry through seminars.

For visitor registration, visit here.

The inaugural SIGEP Asia opens with a fanfare today

along with the 5th edition of Restaurant Asia to mark a crucial three-day gathering of F&B industry players, trade visitors from Singapore, ASEAN and around the world

Singapore, 26 June 2024    This morning, the first-ever SIGEP Asia was officially opened, together with Restaurant Asia 2024, at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre (Halls D, E, and F) at the iconic Marina Bay Sands. The official opening of the mega co-located shows was graced by Guest of Honour Ms Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture. 

At the official opening, the F&B Industry Jobs Portal (FABjobs, www.fabjobs.sg) was unveiled to address the ongoing challenges in the industry. As manpower continues to be a perennial issue for the F&B sector, particularly in attracting locals to join the industry, the Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) responded to this pressing challenge by launching FABjobs which is solely dedicated to the F&B industry.

The portal is designed with an employer-centric approach, allowing F&B companies to customise and highlight their unique employee value propositions to attract the right talents. This initiative underscores RAS’ commitment to addressing manpower challenges and enhancing the attractiveness of careers in the F&B industry. 

SIGEP Asia is the new satellite trade show of the internationally renowned SIGEP World in Rimini, held from 26 to 28 June 2024. The show is presented by IEG Asia, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A. 

SIGEP, with a 45-year history of inspiring the foodservice community as the most dynamic event for the industry, appeals to international professionals from the worlds of artisan gelato, pastry, chocolate, coffee and bakery as the global reference point for the dolce foodservice industry with exclusive insights into future shifting trends, unexplored tastes and technology trends. 

SIGEP Asia is held in conjunction with the 5th edition of Restaurant Asia, and co-located with IEG Asia’s recently acquired series of food and beverage (F&B) trade shows Speciality Food & Drinks Asia (SFDA), Speciality Coffee & Tea Asia (SCTA), and takeaway and delivery exhibition Food2Go. The mega platform hosts some 10,000 trade visitors, buyers, and over 300 exhibitors and brands from 30 countries and regions. In keeping with its promise of excellence for the foodservice industry, an expansive three-day programme is curated for the event’s trade visitors and buyers.

  • Trade visitors to the show will have the rare opportunity to meet the masters and Chefs from Italy and the region at the SIGEP Sessions over two days of intense masterclasses and demonstrations on gelato, artisanal breads, gourmet desserts, pizza and the pairing of beverages and fine dining. Attendees will learn from experts including Matteo Cunsolo, President of the Richemont Club Italy; Eduardo Villar, Vice President of International Union of Bakers & Confectioners; José María Fernández del Vallado, General Secretary also of the International Union of Bakers & Confectioners; Chef Antonio Danise of the Italian Federation of Chefs; Eugenio Morrone, Master Gelato Maker; Giuseppe Piffaretti, Creator of Panettone World Cup; and Chefs John See and Winston Lau of Mindful Sparks (https://sigepasia.com.sg/event/sigep-sessions/).
  • RAS Leadership Symposium 2024, ‘Building Your Dream Culture’ was a key highlight at the event on 26 June, organised by Restaurant Association of Singapore and headlined by Will Scott, the Author & Founder of The Culture Fix®. who has helped hundreds of businesses fulfill their corporate culture dreams.
  • Board Meeting of the ASEAN Restaurant Associations Alliance (ARAA) which was formed to further bolster relationships and opportunities in ASEAN. This Alliance unites the restaurant associations in ASEAN, presenting an important marketplace for the industry, serving as a gateway to new markets and supply chains in the region through Restaurant Asia and also SIGEP Asia, the expositions organised to gather the industry across borders in the fast-growing ASEAN region. Through this Alliance, the parties hope to create reciprocal benefits across the ASEAN F&B sectors.  
  • Following the announcement of the strategic partnership between the International Food & Beverage Association (IFBA) and IEG Asia for SIGEP Asia 2024 to provide a dynamic platform for the exchange of ideas, networking, and celebrating sector achievements, IFBA will hold its Roundtable 2024 focused on leadership and innovation (https://sigepasia.com.sg/event/ifba-roundtable/).
  • The Singapore Coffee Association’s staging of the Singapore National Coffee Championship (SNCC) presenting four competitions, namely the Singapore National Barista Championship (SNBC), Singapore National Latte Art Championship (SNLAC), Singapore National Brewers Cup (SBRC), and the Singapore Cup Tasters Competition (SCTC). The national champions will represent Singapore on the world stage at the World Coffee Championship 2025 in Milan (https://sigepasia.com.sg/event/singapore-national-coffee-championship/).
  • A hosted buyers’ programme to connect with top-level decision-makers in the foodservice sectors across ASEAN and APAC. The programme is the gateway to bespoke B2B meetings meticulously tailored to meet the specific business and sourcing needs of trade buyers from restaurants, cafes, bakeries, cocktail bars, gelateria businesses and more.  
  • Chef’s Table by-invitation luncheon for networking of the senior leadership of the F&B industry from Singapore and ASEAN including the visiting delegates from the ASEAN Restaurant Associations Alliance (ARAA).

According to Mrs Ilaria Cicero, Chief Executive Officer of IEG Asia, “We are thrilled to officially open the doors of the inaugural SIGEP Asia and the fifth edition of Restaurant Asia, bringing together industry leaders, trade visitors, buyers, and exhibitors from Singapore, ASEAN, and around the world.” She added, “This event marks a significant milestone for the F&B industry, providing an unparalleled platform for innovation, collaboration, and the sharing of expertise. We are excited to see the connections and opportunities emerging over the next three days as we continue to drive the industry to greater heights.”

Strategic partnerships

The Italian Trade Agency is participating in the event with a dedicated Lounge to host the Italian clientele. The Italian Chamber of Commerce Singapore is a strategic partner of IEG Asia to foster stronger ties between Italy and Asia’s culinary industries. Both parties are committed to promoting the events, facilitating networking, inviting buyers, and encouraging cultural exchange. SIGEP Asia is also supported by Singapore Airlines as its Official Airline, and Hotel Planner as its Official Accommodation Partner.

SIGEP Asia

sigepasia.com.sg

Restaurant Asia

restaurantasia.com.sg

Meet Kaspersky Next: New flagship product line for businesses in Malaysia

(from left) Victor Chu, Head of Pre-sales for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky and Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky to launch new flagship product line for businesses in Malaysia.

Kaspersky introduces its new flagship product line ‘Kaspersky Next’ combining robust endpoint protection with the transparency and speed of EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) alongside the visibility and powerful tools of XDR (Extended Detection and Response). Customers can now choose one of three product tiers tailored to their business requirements, the complexity of their IT infrastructure, and their available resources

26 June 2024

Amid the constantly evolving cyberthreat landscape, it is vital for companies to have a comprehensive cybersecurity solution they can trust and rely on for effective protection. According to Enterprise Strategy Group’s XDR and SOC Modernization Report, businesses are still struggling to find information security tools that can detect and investigate advanced threats on time.[1] As a leading innovative and technological company, Kaspersky is continuously developing its solutions to address all the cybersecurity requirements of businesses, helping them build up reliable cybersecurity frameworks.

Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky and Victor Chu, Head of Pre-sales for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky during the media sharing sessions.

“Today, we unveil of our cutting-edge XDR solution and the transformation of our corporate product offerings, marking a pivotal moment in our active journey as an enterprise cybersecurity vendor. With the introduction of Kaspersky Next, we’re simplifying the complexities of EDR and XDR for businesses and organizations in Malaysia of all sizes. Our mission is to deliver top-notch protection driven by unparalleled expertise to every customer—whether they’re novices in cybersecurity or equipped with their own SOC teams. Our ultimate goal is to empower companies to construct dependable and efficient information security systems that meet their unique cybersecurity needs,” says Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.

The Cyber Incident Quarterly Summary Report – Q1 2024[2] by Malaysia Computer Emergency Response Team (MyCERT) and CyberSecurity Malaysia reported that the number of cyber incidents reported to Cyber999 rose by 1% in Q1 2024 of 1,555 incidents compared to Q4 2023 at 1,536 incidents. Fraudulent activities topped the list of reported incidents, followed by data breaches and attempted intrusions.

On the top side, the Digital Minister[3] recently commented that Malaysia is strategically positioned to capitalize on artificial intelligence (AI) boom and emerge as the premier data centre hub in ASEAN. The ministry is also putting more efforts in creating a complete set of digital regulations that benefit people, businesses and investors.

“Malaysia is a nation on the rise, fueled by a rapid acceleration in technology adoption. As Malaysians embrace the digital age, exciting trends in technological development are emerging. However, navigating this exciting landscape comes with its challenges. The cybersecurity landscape demands constant vigilance. The rise of ransomware attacks and the potential for AI-powered threats require robust defenses and a proactive approach. By investing and working with the right cybersecurity solutions, we can ensure a secure and prosperous future for businesses in Malaysia,” says Victor Chu, Head of System Engineering for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.

According to Chu, Kaspersky Next is a new line of cybersecurity products that includes robust endpoint protection powered by AI capabilities, and goes beyond the classic EPP (Endpoint Protection Platform), bringing together EDR and XDR for corporate customers of any size and industry. As the most advanced and effective cybersecurity solutions, EDR and XDR help companies to withstand the more prevalent, evasive, and sophisticated attacks, providing businesses with total visibility, control, rapid response and proactive threat hunting.

Kaspersky Next is deployment-agnostic and allows for both cloud and on-premise installations. Companies can manage it either through a streamlined console to perform core cybersecurity tasks quickly, or via an enterprise-grade console with more granular controls and advanced monitoring.

The new product line helps companies build crucial cybersecurity functions, to provide robust protection against multiple types of threats that business face the most, such as ransomware, malware and data breaches, and avoid infrastructure penetration through Business Email Compromise, supply chain attacks, exploits and other vulnerabilities.

Kaspersky Next includes multiple automation features such as cloud monitoring and blocking, vulnerability and patch management, IoC[4] scan and playbooks that help businesses not only to support the effective detection and remediation of complex and new threats, but also to significantly reduce the burden on cybersecurity teams by minimizing the number of routine cybersecurity tasks.

 

Kaspersky Next currently comprises of three product tiers:

Kaspersky Next EDR Foundations provides powerful endpoint protection that identifies and neutralizes threats before they can harm business processes. Flexible, straightforward security controls and built-in IT scenarios enable hands-off operation and let companies customize their security policies to suit their unique needs.

This solution is recommended for companies where information security is performed by IT departments.

Kaspersky Next EDR Optimum provides strong endpoint protection with essential EDR functionality, advanced controls, patch management and cloud security. Threat visibility, investigation and response are guided to help businesses deflect attacks rapidly and with minimal resources.

This solution is recommended for companies with small information security teams.

Kaspersky Next XDR Expert aggregates, analyzes and correlates data from various sources across an organization’s IT infrastructure, providing real-time visibility and deep insights into evolving cyber risks to deliver advanced threat detection and automated response. It’s the robust cybersecurity solution that can also integrate with third-party vendors.

This solution is recommended for companies with experienced cybersecurity teams or Security Operations Centers (SOC).

Kaspersky Next is a part of the company’s B2B product ecosystem and it is designed to be directly compatible with other Kaspersky solutions and services. With the growing demand for more comprehensive cybersecurity protection, companies can also easily migrate from one tier to another depending on their current cybersecurity requirements.

To learn more about Kaspersky Next, please visit the website.

About Kaspersky

Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help over 220,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com.

[1] SOC Modernization and the Role of XDR, Enterprise Strategy Group, 2022

[2]  MyCERT Report – Cyber Incident Quarterly Summary Report – Q1 2024

[3] Malaysia strategically positioned to capitalize on AI boom – Gobind

[4] IoC = Indicator of compromise

Oriental Kopi charges ahead with sales of consumer-branded packaged foods

Image credit: Oriental Kopi

Oriental Kopi Holdings Berhad, which operates a chain of cafes under the Oriental Kopi brand, has revealed interesting financial information ahead of its planned initial public offering on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia.

The cafe chain, known for its long queues, Portuguese egg tarts, polo buns and Malaysian foods, posted a revenue of RM 14 million in 2023 from the sale of consumer-branded packaged foods sold through its cafes, e-commerce platforms, website, and distribution to resellers who are wholesalers and retailers. The revenue share of Oriental Kopi’s consumer-branded packaged food business stood at 11% of total revenue in 2023, up from 6% (RM 3 million) in 2022 and 3% (RM 0.1 million) in 2021.

From Oriental Kopi Bhd IPO Prospectus

 

Consumer-branded packaged food can be broken down into in-store sales, which account for the largest share, followed by distribution and retail, which take up a smaller share.

The company’s consumer-branded packaged foods are marketed under its brands, comprising Oriental Kopi, mainly for packaged coffee and tea, and Oriental, mainly for packaged foods such as spreads, pastries, and instant noodles, as well as other seasonal packaged foods such as moon cakes.

Oriental Kopi opened its first specialty retail store in April 2024. Located in Johor, the store is dedicated to retailing our full range of its brands of consumer-branded packaged foods and ready-to-eat food such as Oriental egg tart. The specialty store does not sell third-party brand products and does not provide F&B services.

Oriental Kopi plans to secure resellers in foreign countries, namely Singapore and other foreign countries, to distribute its brands of consumer-branded packaged foods. The company obtained its first purchase order in February 2024 for the export sales of its consumer-branded packaged foods to a reseller in Hong Kong.

We will continue to keep our eyes on Oriental Kopi and explore how the foodservice brand is conquering not just the cafe segment but also the retail segment.

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