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Farm Fresh Milk Philippines introduces pasteurized chocolate milk

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Farm Fresh Milk Philippines has made its 1L pasteurized chocolate milk available in the local market. This development coincides with the Malaysian dairy producer’s expansion of its product range and distribution in the Philippines market.

Farm Fresh’s expansion is facilitated by the commencement of operations at its San Simon factory in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines in August 2024. This factory enables the company to provide chilled and UHT dairy products, as well as growing-up milk powder, to the Greater Manila market.

Philippines operation contributed only 1.7% of revenue in Q3FY25 and 1.5% of revenue in Q2FY25. Farm Fresh financial year ends on 31st March.

Key takeaways: expansion of product range

Alipay+ Empowers New Growth Opportunities for Malaysian SMEs, Contributing More Than 80% of Inbound QR Payments via DuitNow

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
PayNet and Ant International enabled Alipay+ payment partner acceptance via DuitNow in October 2023; number of partners have since more than doubled, bringing more global customers to Malaysian businesses
  • PayNet and Ant International enabled Alipay+ payment partner acceptance via DuitNow in October 2023; number of partners have since more than doubled, bringing more global customers to Malaysian businesses
  • Alipay+ is the biggest contributor to cross-border QR payments via DuitNow, reflecting a successful public-private partnership in building a more connected payments ecosystem
  • Transaction trends reveal Malaysia as a foodie and cultural haven, with growing appreciation for its nature hotspots, as well as for wellness and beauty

SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA, 20 March 2025 – In their first full year of partnership in 2024, Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) and Ant International, a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider, brought new economic opportunities to Malaysian SMEs, with Alipay+ making up more than 80 percent of cross-border inbound QR payments via DuitNow. In the peak travel season in December 2024, the partnership enabled 6 times growth in revenue for Malaysian merchants, compared to the same period in 2023.

In October 2023, Alipay+, a unified wallet gateway with cross-border payment and digitisation services under Ant International, went live on DuitNow QR, enabling Malaysian SMEs to accept QR payments from international travellers. Today, the number of Alipay+ payment partners that can make payment via DuitNow QR, has more than doubled to 15 international apps, bringing even more customers toMalaysian SMEs.]

The Alipay+ partners enabled for use in Malaysia are: Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China), MPay (Macao SAR, China), TrueMoney, KBank (Thailand), Changi Pay (Singapore), Hipay (Mongolia), HelloMoney and GCash (The Philippines), Tinaba (Italy), Kaspi (Kazakhstan), BigPay (Singapore, Thailand), Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, Toss (South Korea).

“As Malaysia’s national payments network, PayNet is committed to building an open and seamless payment ecosystem that enables businesses to thrive,” said Gary Yeoh, Chief Marketing Officer of PayNet. “Our partnership with Ant International has significantly enhanced cross-border payment acceptance for local merchants, helping them tap into a growing wave of global travellers. With Alipay+ as a key driver, DuitNow QR is empowering SMEs to compete on an international scale, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a premier travel and shopping destination.”

Gateway to growth for Malaysian businesses

Enabled by Alipay+, travellers from 10 countries and regions can now pay using their home payment app at more than 2.5 million DuitNow QR touchpoints in Malaysia simply by scanning the DuitNow QR. In 2024, the number of Alipay+ transactions on DuitNow QR has on average increased by 50 percent quarter-on-quarter, making Alipay+ the biggest contributor to cross-border inbound QR payment, and empowering Malaysian merchants to benefit from the growth in travel.

“We have always believed in the power of travel, for connectivity, cultural exchange and as an economic driver,” said Edward Yue, General Manager for Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Ant International. “With Alipay+, we offer local businesses a gateway to global customers, driving more inclusive growth in local communities. PayNet has built the infrastructure and partnerships to enable this, and we’re proud to collaborate and bring international users into this ecosystem. We’re just getting started, and in the years ahead, we can make an even greater impact together, positioning Malaysia as a global tourism hub and generating more growth for Malaysian businesses.”

According to Tourism Malaysia, the country welcomed more than 25 million visitors in 2024, with a goal of 35.6 million for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. VM2026 aims to increase tourism revenue, strengthen Malaysia’s global tourism competitiveness, and ultimately position the sector as one of the largest contributors to the country’s GDP.

With the extensive merchant coverage of DuitNow, travellers are enjoying the convenience and seamless experience, paying with their own payment app across Malaysia, with the number of visitors using an Alipay+-enabled payment app increasing five times year-on-year in Q4 2024. Top visited cities include: Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu.

Travel like a local with seamless payments

Malaysian is known as a foodie and cultural haven. Other than shopping, local food including kopitiams (coffee shops), bakeries, and shops selling bak kut teh, satay and locally-produced confectionary accounts for the most transactions amongst travellers. Travellers are also visiting bars and cocktail lounges, cementing Malaysia’s status as a hub for local and international cuisine. Museums like the Baba and Nonya Heritage museum and Sun Yat Sen museum are some of the most visited attractions.

Also on the rise and outdoors and wellness activities, with travellers visiting sporting and recreation camps, diving, fishing and fitness centres, and massage and beauty salons. They enjoy the convenience of day-to-day travel, with one of the highest transactions at convenience stores, pharmacies, supermarkets and vending machines.

In 2025 and beyond, PayNet and Ant International will continue to collaborate through merchant connectivity, marketing and educational campaigns to bring even more growth to Malaysian SMEs.

Try the unique IKEA Meatball Ice Cream at IKEA Bangna

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

IKEA Thailand is set to redefine the dining experience with the launch of an innovative and tantalizing new menu at its Bangna location. Forget what you know about Swedish cuisine; IKEA is pushing boundaries with creative twists on familiar favourites, including the surprisingly delightful Meatball Ice Cream.

From 20 March 2025, the Meatball Ice Cream (THB 99), a playful reimagining of IKEA’s iconic meatballs, is transformed into a rich chocolate dessert with a savory-sweet chocolate coating.

Ice cream enthusiasts are in for a treat with eight new flavors, including the nutty and crunchy Pistachio Chocolate Chip (THB 49) and the decadent Butterscotch Almond and Caramel (THB 49), inspired by IKEA’s beloved Daim cake. Other refreshing options include Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet, Kyoho Grape Sorbet, and Yogurt with Almonds and Honey.

For those seeking a more traditional bite, the Multigrain Bread with Marinated Salmon and Mozzarella Cheese (THB 169) offers a sophisticated blend of textures and flavors, combining IKEA’s signature smoked salmon with chewy multigrain baguette and creamy mozzarella. The Soft Bun with Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, and Cheese (THB 59) provides a comforting and convenient breakfast or snack option.

Key takeaways: ice cream with an unexpected twist

7-Eleven Philippines unveils Chicken Pater Siopao

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Bringing Mindanao’s culinary heritage to a wider audience, 7-Eleven Philippines now offers a Chicken Pater Siopao, a delicious take on the classic Chicken Pater rice dish in a steamed bun (siopao) format. Chicken Pastil or Pater is a Filipino Muslim dish that is made with white steamed rice and topped with seasoned shredded chicken.

Additionally, for a limited time, 7-Eleven offers a unique seafood twist: the Spanish-Style Mackerel & Tuna Cheesemelt Siopao for Lenten.

Key takeaways: celebrating local flavours with a modern twist

 

SNNP introduces new Jele Chewy flavours, featuring Zee-Nunew

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Srinanaporn Marketing Public Company Limited (SNNP) is making a bold move to capture the hearts and wallets of Gen Z with the launch of three exciting new flavours of their popular Jele Chewy jelly drink. The company unveiled Kyoho Grape & Green Apple, Lychee Peach and Mixed Berry flavours, accompanied by a dynamic marketing campaign featuring the popular duo Zee & NuNew.

The Kyoho Grape & Green Apple and Lychee Peach flavours are currently available exclusively at 7-Eleven, while the Mixed Berry flavour can be found at retailers nationwide, all priced at an accessible THB 15.

Iftar with a twist: Chatime Indonesia’s new local drinks

By
Tan Heng Hong
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To complement the Ramadan iftar experience, F&B ID’s Chatime is launching two new Rasa Lokal (Local Flavours) drinks: Es Pisang Ijo (Green Banana Ice) and Es Jeruk Selasih (Orange Basil Seed Ice), drawing inspiration from classic Indonesian refreshments. These drinks will be available at Chatime outlets from 28 February 2025.

The Es Pisang Ijo, in particular, offers a nostalgic taste with its blend of coconut milk, banan, and pandan, topped with crunchy dried banana.

Es Jeruk Selasih provides a refreshing twist with jasmine green tea, orange and basil seeds, featuring jicama boba that surprises with a crunchy, diced jicama core.

Key takeaways: beverages inspired by local flavours for breaking the fast

Seven in Ten Travelers Miss Cherry Blossoms Despite Timing Their Trip Around It: Klook’s New Guarantee Ensures Blooms or Your Money Back

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Kuala Lumpur, 17 March 2025 – Spring is the season of fleeting beauty and new beginnings where travelers chase the magic of cherry blossoms, but for seven in ten travelers from Malaysia, the dream of witnessing sakura in full bloom turns into disappointment, according to a survey by Klook. Despite planning their trips around the forecasts, the unpredictable shifting weather can affect bloom conditions – which means many arrive too early or too late. This year, Klook is looking to solve the biggest frustration of cherry blossom chasers with an industry-first “No Gloom No Bloom” guarantee.

Travelers Feel Hopeful This Spring to Catch the Cherry Blossoms

The charm of cherry blossoms is evident, with 9 in 10 travelers planning to catch them this year.

Travelers are most excited about

  • Scenic Natural Beauty
  • Photo Opportunities
  • Historic Landmarks with Blossoms

Japan remains as the ultimate destination for cherry blossoms this year, favoured by 78% of travelers. However, the influencing powers of social media have inspired 68% to consider other destinations for their next cherry blossom trip, such as South Korea, Taiwan and Mainland China. According to the latest Klook Travel Pulse survey, Mainland China saw a seven-fold increase compared to previous years and emerged as a top destination for 2025, just slightly behind Japan. Interestingly, Klook found more than half of spring travelers from Malaysia (57%) are unaware that Mainland China boasts its own season of cherry blossom, a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

The Cherry Blossom Struggle: Why Catching the Bloom is Harder Than It Looks

Even with forecasts, cherry blossoms have only a 10-day viewing window, compounded by the recent temperature fluctuations experienced by travelers last year. Japan saw unusual weather patterns, including warmer summers and delayed winters in 2024. This caused Japan’s cherry blossoms to bloom 15 days later, and Mount Fuji—Japan’s iconic symbol—was snowless in November, a first in its 130 years of recorded history. Travelers this year are planning with uncertainty.

Top Challenges When Planning a Cherry Blossom Trip

  • Predicting the bloom timing
  • Finding best spots for bloom
  • Dealing with crowded locations

Despite these challenges, the desire for fleeting experiences is much to be desired for this era of travelers who prioritise on experiences during their travels. Klook tracked a 33% increase in spring bookings to North Asia in March 2025, making it one of the most popular seasons to visit. One in three travelers from Malaysia (35%) are also willing to spend at least 20% more on cherry blossom experiences compared to other activities.

Popular Cherry Blossom Experiences

Region AID Name
Kyoto 142543 Kyoto Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya & Kyoto Gassho Village Miyama Thatched House Day Tour (Departing from Osaka)
Fuji Mountain 142790 [Sakura Limited] Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossom Viewing Day TourYagizaki Park & Oshino Hakkai & Sengen Park & Meguro River Cherry Blossom Trees / Ueno Park (Depart from Tokyo)
Tokyo 142755 [Cherry Blossom Season Limited Lunch Included] Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, and Meguro River Night Cherry Blossom Viewing Day Tour (Depart from Tokyo)

“No Gloom, No Bloom”—Klook Takes the Guesswork Out of Cherry Blossom Season

For this upcoming season, Klook offers travelers peace of mind with an industry-first cherry blossom guarantee.

How It Works:

  • Book one of our seasonal Japan tours found on the “No Bloom No Gloom” campaign page.
  • If you do not see any cherry blossoms during your tour despite the forecasted bloom schedule, snap a picture.
  • Submit your photo to Klook via the form provided in the campaign page, alongside requested details by 6 April 2025, 23:59 (GMT+8:00) for verification.
  • Eligible users will receive a promo code of up to 50% off your next tour booking with a 1 year validity period (applicable to all Klook tours, capped at USD$25*[1] [approximately RM112).

Klook is also offering up to 4x KlookCash for tours, hotel, car rental, and transportation bookings in select destinations during the campaign. Learn more https://www.klook.com/en-MY/tetris/promo/nobloomnogloom/.

[1] *T&Cs apply

MILO¼ Collaborates with Yayasan Didik Negara to Nourish Communities Nationwide at “Jaulah Ramadan 2025”

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Official group photo marking the launch of the annual Jaulah Ramadan initiative, led by Yayasan Didik Negara through Ministry of Education, supported by MILOÂź and MAGGIÂź Malaysia, at Sekolah Menengah Agama Naim Lil-Banat embodying the spirit of unity.

Continuing a legacy of care and shared sustenance during Ramadan

Kota Bahru, 10 March 2025 – Embodying the spirit of unity and compassion, the annual Jaulah Ramadan initiative, led by the Yayasan Didik Negara and supported by MILOÂź, will reach schools and families across the nation, starting in Kelantan on 9-10 March 2025, followed by Sabah, Kedah, Sarawak, Pulau Pinang and Putrajaya.

While in Kota Bahru, Jaulah Ramadan 2025 hosted the iftar and sahur gathering at Sekolah Menengah Agama Naim Lil-Banat. The event brought together over 900 students, who shared a meal in an atmosphere of unity and togetherness. Through this initiative, Jaulah Ramadan 2025 aims to instil empathy and resilience in students by fostering shared experiences. Additionally, the programme seeks to cultivate the spirit of giving and strengthen community bonds, in line with the blessings of the holy month of Ramadan.

Teachers and students of SMKA Naim Lil-Banat, together with the MILOÂź and MAGGIÂź teams, came together for a Gotong-Royong and Bubur Lambuk cook-up, fostering community bonds during Ramadan.

MILO¼’s support for Jaulah Ramadan 2025 program extends notably through the distribution of 1,100 “Bakul Ramadan” kits. These kits are designed to deliver valuable nutritional support to communities in need during Ramadan. Each kit includes MILOÂź 1L packs and MILOÂź powder, ensuring students have access to nourishing beverages. This initiative underscores MILOÂź’s commitment to enhancing community well-being through both nutrition and education, in collaboration with the Yayasan Didik Negara’s efforts. Additionally, MAGGIÂź also contributed cooking essentials for the ‘Bakul Ramadan’ kits as well as the preparation of bubur lambuk as part of the communal cooking, further igniting the spirit of togetherness in this blessed month.

“Jaulah Ramadan 2025 reflects the Yayasan Didik Negara’s commitment to nurturing not just academic excellence, but also values of empathy, resilience, and community spirit. Through this initiative, we aim to provide meaningful support to students and families in need, ensuring they have the essential resources to sustain them during this sacred month. The generosity of our partners strengthens our collective efforts, allowing us to foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility in improving the well-being of our communities,” said Mohd Razi Bin Jaafar, Chief Financial Officer, Yayasan Didik Negara.

“In a year that marks a significant milestone for MILOÂź, celebrating 75 years of nourishing Malaysian communities, we remain deeply committed to uplifting those in need. Our collaboration with the Yayasan Didik Negara for Jaulah Ramadan 2025 reflects our enduring commitment to the welfare of communities during this sacred month. More than just physical sustenance, this initiative is about fostering connection and strengthening community bonds,” said Norkhayati Mohamed Hashini, Business Executive Officer of NestlĂ© Ready-To-Drink Malaysia.

Raja Nurmaria Murni Raja Nur Azmi, Executive Director, Group Corporate Affairs, Nestlé Malaysia & Singapore; Ng Su Yen, Business Executive Officer, MILOŸ Malaysia; Ivy Tan Link Cheh, Business Executive Officer, MAGGIŸ Malaysia; Norkhayati Mohamed Hashini, Business Executive Officer, Nestlé Ready-to-Drink (RTD) and YB Fadhlina Sidek, Minister of Education, serving Bubur Lambuk together, embracing the spirit of Ramadan.

YB Fadhlina Sidek, Minister of Education, together with key MoE management personnel, as well as Nestlé representatives, Raja Nurmaria Murni Raja Nur Azmi, Executive Director, Group Corporate Affairs Nestlé Malaysia & Singapore, Ng Su Yen, Business Executive Officer of MILOŸ Malaysia, Ivy Tan Link Cheh, Business Executive Officer of MAGGIŸ Malaysia, and Norkhayati Mohamed Hashini, Business Executive Officer of Nestlé Ready-to-Drink Malaysia led the program to engage with the communities of Kota Bahru, underscoring the importance of collective action and the power of shared compassion.

This collaborative effort between MILO¼ and the Yayasan Didik Negara demonstrates the power of partnership in creating meaningful experiences and providing essential support during the holy month of Ramadan. MILO¼’s specially formulation of barley malt, milk, and cocoa, essential vitamins and minerals will help to sustain energy levels, which is particularly important throughout the fasting period during Ramadan. It also meets the Ministry of Health’s Healthier Choice Logo nutrient criteria, ensuring lower fat and sugar content compared to non-HCL chocolate malted beverages, without compromising on taste. This makes MILO¼ not just a delicious choice but a nutritious one for sahur or iftar.

Lemonilo Expansion to Qatar, Bringing Healthier Instant Noodles to the Market

By
Tan Heng Hong
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(PRNewsfoto/Lemonilo)

JAKARTA, Indonesia, March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lemonilo, Indonesia’s leading brand for healthier consumer food, is proud to announce its expansion into the Qatar market. Starting from the first week of March 2025, Lemonilo’s highly popular instant noodle varieties from Indonesia, with its tagline “Honestly Tasty” —Mi Goreng, Curry, Onion Chicken Soup, and Spicy Fire—will be available for consumers across the country.

This strategic expansion is made possible through the partnership with major retail chains, including the key account Al Meera, followed by Carrefour, Lulu, Monoprix, Oqod, and will also be conveniently accessible online via Rafeeq. By bringing its no-added MSG, preservatives and artificial coloring-free noodles to Qatar, Lemonilo aims to provide wider access to healthier consumer food options for everyone.

“Our presence in Qatar marks an important milestone in our journey to introduce better instant noodle experience to more people in the Middle East region, starting here, in Qatar. We are excited to serve the Qatari market with our innovative and guilt-free instant noodles that offer great taste without compromising on ingredients”, said Shinta Nurfauzia, Co-CEO & Co-Founder of Lemonilo. In addition to Shinta’s statement, “Lemonilo’s mission has always been to make a healthier lifestyle easy and tasty for everyone,”, completed by Ronald Widjaja, Co-CEO & Co-Founder of the company.

(PRNewsfoto/Lemonilo)

Lemonilo’s grand entrance into Qatar is fully supported by the Ministry of Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, underscoring a strong commitment to foster international trade and economic collaboration. The minister, Teuku Riefky Harsha, has expressed his appreciation for Lemonilo’s achievement in introducing Indonesian signature products to the international market. He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the expansion of local brands onto the global stage.

“Congratulations to Lemonilo on its success in bringing Indonesian products to the world market. This achievement demonstrates the strong competitiveness of local brands. Through the “Indonesia Spice Up the World” programme, Lemonilo’s expansion into Qatar marks a significant step towards promoting Indonesian culinary heritage on a global scale,” he stated through this video link.

The Qatari stakeholders have also extended a warm welcome, recognizing the value of diverse, high-quality food options for its growing consumer market. With a growing global presence, Lemonilo continues to redefine consumer packaged food by providing better alternatives from the compromised ones in the market. The brand looks forward to expanding its reach in the Middle East and ensuring that more consumers can enjoy the benefits of healthier food without sacrificing convenience or flavor.

A&W Indonesia launches Spicy Chicken Chunks & Korean Buldak Bedug

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

A&W Indonesia has recently launched Korean Buldak Bedug where the Golden Aroma Chicken is combined with the savoury, sweet, and spicy Korean Buldak sauce. Besides Korean Buldak Chicken, there’s also the Double Beef Buldak Burger variant. A perfect menu choice to accompany your snacking time anytime, anywhere.

For those craving a spicy kick, A&W now offers Spicy Chicken Chunks: tender, crispy chicken bites coated in a savoury and fiery chili flake mix. Perfect for a quick snack or side.

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