Mate Mate has introduced a new Red Cooler flavour to its lineup of all-natural energy drink with Wellmune in Singapore. he Red Cooler flavour is a delightful blend of watermelon and cucumber. Red Cooler is enriched with electrolytes and Wellmune, a clinically proven ingredient known to enhance the immune system and improve mental clarity. You can now find it at 7-Eleven.
KFC Malaysia has launched its latest KFC Satay Burger that pays homage to the nation’s popular local dish. The KFC Satay Burger is accompanied by Japanese cucumbers and satay sauce. This special menu was introduced in conjunction with Hari Kebangsaan and Malaysia Day.
The KFC Satay Burger is available in various options, including A La Carte, Kombo, Box Meal, and Buddy Meal.
K
Ajinomoto Co., (Thailand) Ltd. has launched cafe-style RTD coffee under the Birdy range. Available in latte and black coffee, Birdy Cafe is made from 100% coffee beans grown in Thailand and processed using the Fresh Brew technique. The range also includes Birdy Cafe Black Dark Roast in concentrate format for home use.
The ‘Better For You’ product range from both brands introduces two new healthy dessert items, a low glycemic index brownie and low sugar chocolate chip cookie, that are Halal-certified, tasty, and even safe for diabetics to enjoy
SINGAPORE, 17 August 2023 – Singaporean food purveyor Melvados, a brand under the Foodedge Gourmet umbrella, in partnership with local startup Nutriient, introduces Singapore’s first-ever Low Glycemic Index (GI) Brownie and Low Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookie. Made with Melvados’ delicious original recipes and Nutriient’s proprietary Low GI sugar substitute blend, the products have low sugar levels, making it a much healthier alternative to the usual snacks, and safe for even diabetics to enjoy.
The two Halal-certified dessert products from Melvados and Nutriient are the first in a new line of ‘Better For You’ healthy desserts with more products to be released later in the year.
The products are affordably priced with the Low-GI Brownies priced at $15.50 for a tray of 4, and $38 for a tray of 10, while the Low Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies are priced at $2.90 per pack. The products will be available for purchase online and from all Melvados retail outlets around Singapore from mid-September.
Delicious, Guilt-free Desserts for All
Diabetes is an increasingly prevalent disease in Singapore. Statistics from Diabetes Singapore show that there were 440,000 Singaporeans with diabetes in 2014 — and this number is set to increase to 1 million by 2050, accounting for 10% of the disease burden in Singapore. In line with the Health Promotion Board’s increased emphasis on healthier, conscious eating, Melvados and Nutriient are proud to share that they have aligned their goals and embarked on a mission to improve public health by helping Singaporeans take control of their diet through food innovation.
Made to deliver a sumptuous experience for your taste buds, each bite of the Low-GI Brownie offers a delightful contrast of dark couverture chocolate — widely considered to be a more premium type of chocolate — and the nutty crunch of walnuts and ground almonds. The brownie has a perfectly balanced texture, moist and fudgy on the inside with a crisp exterior, for a harmonious blend of melt-in-your-mouth goodness and satisfying chewiness.
The deeply indulgent chocolate flavour is also present in the Low Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookie, its rich cocoa imparting a luxurious and velvety mouthfeel. Within the cookie, delectable morsels of chocolate chips add bursts of decadence to elevate the cookie’s flavour profile. Whether enjoyed with a cup of milk or simply on its own, the brownie and cookie are sure to satisfy your cravings with their mouth-watering flavours and texture.
The Low-GI Brownie offers up to 8.1 grams of protein and 4.7 grams of fibre per serving (1 piece) and no artificial preservatives. Meanwhile, the Low Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookie provides just 31.4g of sugar, 2.8 grams of protein and 2.3 grams of fibre per serving (40g packet). Against Melvados’ traditional double chocolate brownie, incorporating Nutriient’s proprietary premix has resulted in 25% less sugar, 50% more dietary fibre and 15% more protein. Not only is it packed with protein and fibre, but these products can also be easily incorporated into a sustainable diabetic-friendly diet plan as it doesn’t cause one’s blood sugar level to spike.
“At Melvados, we firmly believe that taste and enjoyment should never be compromised when it comes to our products. We take pride in crafting delightful treats that cater to all. Together with Nutriient, we aim to redefine the concept of guilt-free indulgences and offer customers a range of delectable and healthy alternatives while continuing to deliver unparalleled tastes,” said Bandana Kaur, Brand Manager of Foodedge Gourmet.
“Innovating and creating healthy yet great tasting food options has always been the focus here at Nutriient. Melvados’ expertise in gourmet recipes and retail operations are a perfect match for our proficiency in launch strategies and rigorous research. We are confident in our combined efforts to make food innovations convenient yet accessible to all,” added Sean Lee, Chief Executive Officer at Nutriient.
Supported by Rapid Local Innovation
Launched as a spin-off from A*Star’s Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Nutriient is transforming the way we view confectionery through its proprietary mixture that can be used to replace from 20% up to 100% of sugar in existing recipes – for lower levels of sugar, a lower GI, and increased amounts of protein and dietary fibre! By reducing added sugar in recipes, a major cause of Type II diabetes, Melvados’ new Low-GI Brownie featuring Nutriient’s proprietary mixture is clinically validated to be suitable for individuals with diabetes to consume safely.
Suitable for use in any baked good, confection or beverage, Melvados’ latest products take advantage of Nutriient’s low-GI premix to create a healthier and diabetic-friendly dessert than regular brownies in the market today — all made possible by Nutriient’s state-of-the-art technology.
Nutriient’s inventiveness extends to its ease of use as well, where one-to-one substitutions of sugar with the Nutriient’s premix can be made, to improve the nutritional composition of these foods instantly – from whole cakes and cookies, to bubble tea and cold brew coffee, the possibility of health-conscious living without significant compromise is within reach for all. Through the streamlined R&D process that Nutriient’s premix offers, Melvados and Nutriient plan to introduce a broader range of Nutriient-enriched products in their healthy dessert line to continue providing exciting options to customers.
Celebrating the Launch with Exciting Promotions and Deals
To celebrate the launch of the ‘Better for You’ product range including the Low-GI Brownie and Low Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookie, Melvados will be holding a limited-time-only promotion available at all their retail outlets. Enjoy 20% off the new Low Glycemic Index (GI) Brownie and Low Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookie throughout the month of September. For more information on the upcoming promotion, do keep a lookout at the Melvados (@melvados.sg) and Nutriient (@nutriientsg) Instagram pages. Don’t miss out on snagging these deals and trying out Melvados and Nutriient newest creations!
SUPER™, the iconic Coffee & Tea brand expands its range with a bold, black coffee – SUPER™ Classic
Kuala Lumpur, 17 August 2023 – SUPER™, dedicated to delivering quality coffee, tea and cereal beverages that suit Malaysian’s preferences, expands its offering with SUPER™ Classic, an instant black coffee made with 100% Robusta beans to deliver a full-bodied, bold yet smooth cup of coffee.
SUPER™ Classic is the latest addition to SUPER™’s wide range, catering to the dynamic and evolving demands of today’s coffee drinkers, along with milk tea & cereal drinks.
Fiona Tan, General Manager of Jacobs Douwe Egberts Malaysia, brand owner of SUPER™ Coffee shared, “We Malaysians love our coffee strong with condensed milk or evaporated milk. We seek instant coffee that is full-bodied in taste and intensely aromatic, so that the robust coffee flavour can come through the creaminess.”
The launch of SUPER™ Classic conveys SUPER™’s continued commitment to fueling everyday Malaysians with convenient and refreshing beverages. “Instant coffee in Malaysia is not merely a function of convenience and time. With our long working hours, we need a strong and flavourful coffee that will awaken our senses and kick-start our mornings. We need a delightful cup that will fuel rich conversations and keep us rejuvenated all day long.”
Aptly, SUPER™ has appointed Shuib as brand ambassador for SUPER™ Coffee, as he exemplifies the journey and experience of everyday Malaysians, juggling many roles including husband, father to four young children, successful radio deejay, as well as entrepreneur.
“From day one, we knew Shuib was the perfect ambassador for us because he exemplifies the experience of an everyday Malaysian. In both good and challenging times, we Malaysians are always resilient, we work incredibly hard, giving our best to better the lives of those around us. We are excited to collaborate with Shuib as we share these values and a common passion for a great cup of ‘kopi padu’ to help us power through the day,” added Fiona.
In conjunction with Hari Malaysia celebrations, SUPER™ is thrilled to announce the ‘Semarakkan Hari Malaysia’ contest running from 16 August – 30 September 2023. This contest offers participants an opportunity to win exciting prizes such as a Modenas Dominar D250, an exclusive ‘makan-makan’ session with Shuib, and shopping vouchers worth RM21,000. To enter, simply make a purchase of any one SUPER™ product (terms and conditions apply).
The new SUPER™ Classic is now available at major grocery retailers across Malaysia.
For more information on SUPER™ Coffee and its products, latest updates and promotions, please visit its Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/supermalaysia.
HARIBO, the global market leader in gummies has extended its sour (“ZOURR”) range with two new products – Mix ZOURR and limited edition Soda Party ZOURR. Mix ZOURR is a tangy remix of HARIBO’s bestsellers featuring a variety of gummy shapes, while Soda Party ZOURR – HARIBO’s newest limited edition – features refreshing beverage flavours such as Orange Soda and Lemon Cola.
Both products will join the existing HARIBO ZOURR range of Happy-Cola ZOURR and Worms ZOURR. Best known for its refreshing sour-sweet burst of flavours which provides maximum enjoyment from start to finish, the HARIBO ZOURR sour gummies will be particularly enjoyed and sought after by teens, young adults and the young at heart.
Ongoing Now: The HARIBO ZOURR World
14 – 20 Aug 2023: Sunway Pyramid @ LG2 Central Avenue
4 – 10 Sept 2023: One Utama @ Promenade
Time: 10am – 10pm daily
Enter the world of HARIBO ZOURR at Sunway Pyramid and One Utama to celebrate the new launches! Many exciting activities such as games, prizes, photobooth and more awaits at the HARIBO ZOURR world! Admission is Free!
Come and celebrate with photos and selfies at the neon Instagrammable corner adorned with captivating colours and gummy motives! Snap a photo and upload on Instagram with hashtag #HARIBOMY to stand a chance to win a limited edition HARIBO x Casio collaboration watch.
Next, proceed to the exciting game zone! Have fun at ‘Hit the Target!’ where you are challenged to take aim at a giant dart board. And test your reflexes at the thrilling ‘Catch ‘Em’ game by catching as many sticks as you can as they fall randomly from the top!
Lastly, be sure to try out the sure-win Gashapon machine! Simply purchase any 3 HARIBO products in a single receipt to receive exclusive branded merchandise such as an adorable Goldbear plush toy or gummy tote bag!
Discover The HARIBO ZOURR Gummy Range
The HARIBO ZOURR range consist of four sour varieties that will uplift your spirits and provide maximum refreshment.
Mix ZOURR is a fizzy remix of HARIBO’s bestsellers – Happy-Cola, Worms, Happy Cherries and more – all in one bag for maximum enjoyment.
The new limited edition Soda Party ZOURR is a refreshing new way to enjoy well-loved drinks such as Lemon Cola, Peach Iced Tea, Orange Soda and more. Quench your thirst with these refreshing beverage-shaped gummies!
Worms ZOURR – Each worm gummy comes with two different fruity flavours, making them impossible to resist! Taste the sour burst of flavours no matter which end of the worm you bite first! Get your hands on a packet of Worms ZOURR today!
Happy-Cola ZOURR is a zesty twist on the classic cola flavour that is sure to lift your spirits and give maximum refreshment.
All HARIBO ZOURR products can now be purchased at leading retailers nationwide.
Discover HARIBO’s sour range today and visit the HARIBO ZOURR World at Sunway Pyramid and One Utama.
One cannot emphasise more on how important children’s eye health is in contributing to their development and well-being. During their childhood years, their eyes and brain undergo a critical period of development. Therefore, it is important for every parent and guardian to keep an eye on their children’s eye health to ensure normal maturation process of their visual system.
While parents diligently keep a watchful eye on their children, the pandemic happened, causing various social disruptions, and affected many, including children, in diverse ways.
“There are data from other countries which shows that the rates of myopia, or near-sightedness, a common eyesight condition where near objects are seen clearly while distant objects look blurry, increased during the pandemic when lockdowns were implemented and schooling went virtual,” said Dr Chin Pik Kee, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City’s Paediatric Ophthalmologist.
“The increasing incidence of myopia among children is a growing concern worldwide. Apart from genetics, myopia is also caused by environmental factors such as urbanisation of rural communities and the modern lifestyle. These changes result in activities of living shifting indoors and increasing amount of time doing near work,” Dr Chin explained.
Myopia and the impact of Covid-19 are just a couple of the on-going concerns when it comes to children’s eye health. Other concerns include:
Dr Chin further shared, “Some occurrence may be unavoidable, for instance, the usage of computers or tablets for classes and homework. However, there are ways to help reduce the symptoms by instilling good habits among the children. These include looking away from the screen and into the distance every 20 minutes, remembering to blink often, sitting with a good posture and taking short breaks at regular intervals. Also, it is just sensible to reduce recreational screen time accordingly if the child already spends a lot of screen time for studies.”
On the appropriate amount of screen time, Dr Chin said, “My recommendation is for children to not start playing with digital gadgets until they reach 2 years old. After that, they may engage in screen-based activities together with their parents or carers, not alone and unsupervised. As for children below 10 years old, I suggest limiting recreational screen time to a maximum of 2 hours a day, with breaks in between.”
Dr Chin emphasised that children need time for creative play, physical activities and outdoor time, all of which are important for holistic growth and development of a child. “Studies have consistently identified outdoor time as an important factor for normal eye growth in childhood. Children who spend at least 2 hours outdoors daily are less likely to develop myopia. They also start to need glasses for myopia at an older age, if they need them at all.”
Here are more proactive steps that parents can take to maintain their children’s eye health:
Dr Chin, however, cautioned that taking dietary supplements in the absence of a deficiency does not improve vision. “Excessive intake of certain vitamins may even be harmful,” she reminded.
As the eyes are our windows to the world, it is important to stay updated with the latest research and recommendations from eye care professionals. Parents should always stay vigilant for any signs of vision problems or discomfort in their children and bring them to see an eye doctor if they notice anything unusual about their child’s eyes or vision.
About Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City
Sunway Medical Centre is the largest private quaternary hospital in Malaysia with 724 licensed beds and is committed to becoming an international healthcare institution of choice. The hospital offers a comprehensive range of medical services, which include state-of-the-art facilities and advanced medical technologies for outpatient and inpatient speciality care, health and wellness programmes and 24-hour emergency services. These are supported by a strong system comprising more than 3,300 dedicated healthcare and hospitality professionals.
Recognising the increasing sophisticated needs in healthcare, Sunway Medical Centre has developed niche areas of medical service, from the field of neurosciences to advanced cancer treatment, and from clinical research to bio-medical technology. Some of the core speciality areas include Cancer, Women and Children, Neuroscience, Heart and Lung, Bone and Joint, and Digestive Health services. Its areas of expertise also include kidney, bone marrow and cornea transplants as well as cell-based and gene-based therapies.
Sunway Medical Centre, the flagship hospital of Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG), is well recognised for an accolade of achievements. The hospital is accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) and Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH), and won Frost & Sullivan’s Malaysia Smart Hospital Company of the Year for two years in a row. Sunway Medical Centre is poised to set new standards of service with an exciting growth to an over 1,000 hospital beds from its current 724 beds.
Nature’s Own, the leading brand for instant brown rice powder in Malaysia, has launched OATKAY Oat Milk. OATKAY Oat Milk is a blended plant-based beverage formulated to provide the energy needed to support daily activities.
OATKAY Oat Milk is dairy-free and can be served as a light meal replacement. What’s special about OATKAY Oat Milk is its inclusion of lutein, which improves eye health. Additionally, OATKAY Oat Milk contains beta-glucan, beneficial for heart health, as well as protein, calcium, and inulin, which contributes to improved gut health.
OATKAY Oat Milk is available in Original and Chocolate.
OATKAY Oat Milk Chocolate:
Oat Milk Powder [Oat, Rapeseed Oil, Dipotassium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salt] (49%), Malt Extract, Sugar, Cocoa Powder (11%), Brown Rice Powder, Inulin (Prebiotics), Lutein, Vanillin.
OATKAY Oat Milk Original:
Oat Milk Powder [Oat, Rapeseed Oil, Dipotassium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salt] (53%), Malt Extract, Brown Rice Powder, White Rice Powder, Inulin (Prebiotics), Barley Powder, Lutein, Vanillin.
Buy now on Nature’s Own official store on Shopee Malaysia.
Singapore, 7 August 2023 — Travel is no longer about crossing destinations off a checklist for Millennials and Gen Zs in Asia Pacific. Experiences are now the first consideration factor when planning for a holiday, trumping accommodation and flight options for this group, and they’re willing to spend on it too.
According to a survey (1) conducted by leading travel and experiences platform Klook,
travellers are ready to spend big on travel. 1 in 3 Millennial and Gen Z travellers are willing to spend more than double of the average monthly income in Asia (US$1,069)
(2) on their next holiday, which amounts to US$2,000 and more.
Eric Gnock Fah, COO and co-founder of Klook, says “Embracing a new era of travel, experiences have emerged as a new coveted currency for the next generation of travellers, particularly among Millennials and Gen Zs. Unique experiences and activities take precedence in their travel plans as the first thing they look at, with 85% of travellers willing to invest in experiences during their holidays. This remarkable shift is a testament to their increasing desire for authentic experiences, with their decisions fueled by social media over traditional sources like search engines and travel guides before embarking on their next travel adventure.”
Experiences are Millennials’ and Gen Zs’ new travel currency
As travel becomes more intentional, a majority of travellers are also prioritising experiences and making them a focal point of their trip, with 63% booking their experiences before they fly.
More than 90% of Millennials and Gen Zs place importance on unique and memorable
experiences during their travels, with 85% signalling a willingness to invest in them during their holiday. Notably, 83% of travellers from Singapore are willing to invest in experiences, with a strong desire to spend more on nature and outdoor experiences like nature and outdoor activities (63%), theme parks (51%), massages and hot springs (56%).
Surprisingly, Gen Zs, who are just beginning to embark on their careers, are not far behind their Millennial counterparts in splurging on travel. 1 in 5 Gen Zs are willing to spend over US$3,000, slightly trailing 1 in 4 Millennials who share the same sentiment.
Social media will soon overtake traditional sources as the #1 holiday inspiration tool for Millennials and Gen Zs
Social media is the top inspiration tool for Gen Z travellers, with more than half using the
platform to discover new destinations and experiences, favouring it over search engines and travel guides. While Millennials still prefer to use search engines (59%), social media comes a very close second (55%) indicating its rising influence over how travellers seek out information.
In fact, 9 out of 10 millennials and Gen Zs check online reviews before making their bookings, and rely on travel content recommendations on social media when planning holidays. Findings show that creating social media-worthy content is of utmost importance for a large majority of travellers (87%) especially for travellers from India, the Philippines and Mainland China, and one of the main reasons for travel.
“The rise of social media as a travel inspiration and planning tool is largely due to their interactive nature, especially with short-form videos and mobile apps,” says Eric Gnock Fah. “It has undeniably become a powerful and dynamic source of travel inspiration among Millennials and Gen Zs. This lies in its ability to offer authentic storytelling and personalised real-time recommendations. This paradigm shift is indicative for the demographic’s desire for meaningful connections and seamless exploration.”
Millennials and Gen Zs are organised planners, opting for more intentional short-haul trips
Majority of Millennials and Gen Zs across Asia Pacific are becoming more intentional travel planners, with 65% planning their holidays at least two to six months in advance. Travellers ranking highest among this bracket come from Singapore (74%) and Australia (57%), while nearly half of travellers from Mainland China, Vietnam, and Thailand prefer to make holiday plans in less than two months.
Additionally, Millennials and Gen Zs are increasingly opting to travel closer to home
domestically (27%) or within Asia Pacific (52%), with the top three destinations on the travel list as Japan (41%), Malaysia (33%) and Korea (25%). These findings indicate a rising trend of younger explorers putting focus on the desire to explore and seek new experiences over the actual destination itself.
HEINEKEN Malaysia Remains Adaptive Amidst Challenging Market Outlook
2QFY23 Results:
1HFY23 Results:
15 August 2023 – Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia) announced its financial results for the second quarter and half year ended 30 June 2023, reporting net profit growth amidst challenging market conditions leading to a decrease in sales.
In the second quarter of 2023, Group revenue decreased by 12% as compared to the same quarter in 2022, mainly due to lower sales attributed to weak consumer sentiment driven by rising cost of living and currency volatility. The Group had a strong base in the second quarter of 2022 as the market had an upsurge in sales (Revenue +84% versus the second quarter of 2021) following the re-opening of the economy and international borders at the start of the endemic phase. The Group views this quarter’s performance as a form of market correction. Group profit before tax (“PBT”) decreased by 7% alongside lower revenue, mitigated by efficiency gains through cost and value initiatives.
For the first half of 2023, Group revenue was 2% lower, mainly due to the market correction as mentioned above, buffered by higher sales in the first quarter due to early Chinese New Year (“CNY”) festive period in January 2023. In the period under review, persistent soft market sentiment has impacted the sales performance of the Group. Group PBT declined by 7% due to lower revenue and relatively higher promotional and marketing expenses as the Group continued to invest behind its brands.
Commenting on the results, Roland Bala, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, said, “The first half of 2023 remained challenging as the market goes through corrections following a huge rebound in 2022 and weaker consumer sentiments due to macroeconomic concerns. We remained focused on our EverGreen strategy to deliver long-term sustainable and superior growth.”
“We continue to invest behind our strategic brands and innovations and in the first half of 2023, HEINEKEN Malaysia initiated a series of activations to engage and connect with our consumers. Our brand Heineken®’s Ghosted Bar campaign won a Cannes Bronze Lion, which is the first time in history that work done from the APAC region on the brand was recognised at the world’s most prestigious marketing and advertising awards. We are inspired by this and thank our consumers for their continued support as we stay committed to our purpose of brewing the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world,” Roland added.
During the quarter, HEINEKEN Malaysia’s brands launched:
The Board has declared a single tier interim dividend of 40 sen per stock unit for the financial year ending 31 December 2023 (Six months ended 30 June 2022: 40 sen) to be paid on 10 November 2023. The entitlement date for the dividend payment is 20 October 2023.
On outlook, Roland shared, “In light of cautious consumer spending due to macroeconomic concerns, we anticipate the market to remain challenging. We will stay agile to the volatile business environment and continue to focus on our EverGreen strategy to future-proof our business. We will continue to drive efficiency through cost optimisation across the organisation while investing in our brands and innovations. In the absence of the one-off prosperity tax, we look forward to a positive impact on our group net profit this year.”
HEINEKEN Malaysia’s key EverGreen priorities include:
In terms of challenges, the Group’s ongoing concern revolves around illicit alcohol. HEINEKEN Malaysia views illicit alcohol seriously and remains committed to supporting the authorities in addressing illicit trade through comprehensive efforts, which encompass bolstering enforcement measures and promoting greater awareness within the market.
For more information on HEINEKEN Malaysia and the Group’s initiatives, please visit www.heinekenmalaysia.com.
