Tag: Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – KL Wellness City (KLWC), in collaboration with the FAST (Forward Asia Strategic Transformation) movement initiated by Persatuan Usahawan Maju Malaysia (PUMM), hosted an event titled “How Aligning Mind, Body and Soul Can Improve Employee Productivity and Business Profit”, drawing enthusiastic participation from entrepreneurs, business leaders and professionals across industries.

This event is part of a larger national initiative by PUMM, which has been championing entrepreneurial growth for over three decades. As part of its mission to empower SMEs, PUMM will continue to organise events across Klang Valley, Johor Bahru, Penang, Kota Kinabalu and other key states, covering a range of topics relevant to startups, innovators, and growth-stage entrepreneurs.

The session featured a sharing by Dato’ Sri Dr. Vincent Tiew, executive director of KL Wellness City, who emphasised the importance of aligning physical health, mental clarity and emotional wellbeing to unlock peak performance in the workplace. Dato’ Sri Dr. Vincent Tiew, known for his passion for holistic living and dynamic leadership, also shared insights into KLWC’s vision, corporate goals and the many wellness-centric initiatives being implemented to foster a more engaged and resilient workforce. 

Also present was Deputy President of PUMM, Eugene Ng Eng Aik, who reiterated the significance of embedding wellness into the core of business leadership.

The event also highlighted team building efforts and strong inter-departmental collaboration at KLWC, positioning the organisation as a model for how wellness can be embedded into corporate culture.

The event’s open dialogue was moderated by Paresh a/l Subramaniyam, founder & CEO of Engage Life, who facilitated an engaging and insightful discussion between Dato’ Sri Dr Vincent Tiew and Cris Angel, which delved into actionable strategies for balancing personal wellness with entrepreneurial drive, especially in today’s fast-evolving market. The candid exchange resonated strongly with the audience, sparking deeper discussions on how inner alignment directly impacts business outcomes. Cris Angel, founder of Aura Palace, believes that aligning the mind, body and soul is key to long-term business success. She champions a people-first approach, where kindness in business creates a ripple of positive impact in society.

Adding an experiential element to the session was Annie Wong, founder of New York Yoga Wellness, who led a practical and energising segment on office-friendly yoga. Annie shared breathing techniques, stress-reducing relaxation methods and demonstrated simple stretches that can be done while seated in an office chair. Her session emphasised the accessibility of wellness practices in the workplace and encouraged participants to adopt mindful movement as part of their daily routine for better focus, posture, and mental clarity.

Aligned with PUMM’s ongoing commitment to shaping future-ready businesses, this event also echoes the broader goals of the FAST (Forward Asia Strategic Transformation) movement — a regional push to help enterprises evolve in an era driven by artificial intelligence, sustainability and smart automation. As more companies navigate the complexities of the 5th Industrial Revolution, FAST encourages collaboration between business leaders, policymakers and innovation drivers to ensure Malaysian businesses remain relevant, competitive and economically impactful in a rapidly changing global landscape.

The initiative was led by Yens Chong Yen Kai, Organising Chairperson and Initiator of the FAST movement, with a vision to future-proof Malaysia’s business community. While ESG can mean many things, real impact starts with the ‘S’ — Social. It connects Environment and Governance, because people are the real drivers of change. Even in an AI-powered world, it’s human trust, connection and innovation that give progress true meaning. Without genuine human engagement, ESG remains just a concept.

“We believe wellness is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity for sustained productivity and business excellence,” said Dato’ Sri Dr. Vincent during the closing remarks. “KL Wellness City is proud to lead by example, integrating wellness into everything we do – for our team, our community, and the entrepreneurs we support.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – CelcomDigi Berhad has announced the appointment of Grey Malaysia as its new brand agency partner.  Grey will be responsible for the overall brand and corporate communication for CelcomDigi, one of Malaysia’s largest telecommunications provider.

The appointment comes after a rigorous selection process which began in Q3 of 2024 and also includes the appointment of GrowthOps and M&C Saatchi. Each of the agencies will support CelcomDigi’s three critical business areas as it moves into its next phase of growth.

Moreover, the new account represents a major win for Grey Malaysia. 

Irene Wong, CEO at Grey Malaysia, said, “With technology so tangibly revolutionising how we do almost everything, we leapt at the chance to work with CelcomDigi.  As a business, we grow through the quality and ambition of our work, and their vision and capability of utilising technology at such scale is really exciting for us.  From the inside out, new tools such as our Ai suite WPP Open is enabling us to adapt faster than ever, opening up whole new ways of optimising our creativity.”

Meanwhile, a CelcomDigi spokesperson said in a statement, “This collaboration comes at an exciting time, as ongoing transformations in digitalisation and emerging technologies continue to reshape our operating model. We are excited to work with our new agency partners to realise our vision of becoming a customer-driven, strategy-led, best-in-class solutions provider.”

Grey has assembled a bespoke agency team, with specific skill sets to work with the new clients. Graham Drew, chief creative officer at Grey Malaysia/Singapore, stated, “As an agency you’re only ever as good as your partners.  The potential to make innovative and meaningful work with a customer-centric organization such as CelcomDigi is massive. As part of the creative process, emerging technologies have very quickly moved from novelty to absolute necessity, CelcomDigi don’t just appreciate that, they are asking for it.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Sime Darby Auto Connexion (Auto Connexion), the authorised distributor of Ford, has worked with MBCS to showcase the Ford Ranger’s unparalleled versatility this festive season to reinvent the Malaysian ‘balik kampung’ (returning to hometown) experience.

Tapping into the universally relatable chaos when it comes to retuning home for festive breaks, the ‘Ranger Ready, Raya Steady’ campaign builds on the exciting, hectic, and endearing moments that come from gathering everything that’s needed ahead of journeying to a special celebration with loved ones. 

The campaign leverages upon KOLs Alana and Abbas – a mixed-race couple with a strong presence in the East Cost of Malaysia, and national footballer Intan Serah, to showcase the wide appeal of Ford for families, couples, and those with sporty, performance needs.

Moreover, the campaign also featured engaging on-ground activations at the IOI Puchong roadshow, and a “Cari & Menang Ketupat” (find the Ketupat) challenge on social media.

Noerel Huda Ismail, head of marketing at Sime Darby Auto Connexion – Ford, said, “The Ranger is more than just a vehicle; it’s a dependable companion for Malaysians in all their activities during the festive season. In a true demonstration of joy and bustling Raya celebrations, the versatility of the Ford Ranger can get you through it. We hope all Malaysians get to see the Ford Ranger as the ultimate solution for this seasonal challenge.” 

Meanwhile, Eddy Nazarullah, creative director at MBCS, commented, “Raya is a time of joy and togetherness, but also filled with the commotion of planning. With this, comes the struggle of packing and returning to your hometown with an abundance of gifts and food to show your love to family back home. The very mundane and practical action of packing often becomes an ambitious feat as families challenge themselves to fit everything into their vehicles, and what we want to show is that, when it comes to balik kampung, there’s nothing the Ranger can’t carry.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – To promote its latest ‘Pizza Ayam Bakar’ offering, Pizza Hut Malaysia recently teamed up with IPG Mediabrands’ Mediabrands Content Studio (MBCS) to launch a new campaign that showcased a classic Ramadan/Raya fare of flame grilled chicken with Pizza Hut’s flare – smoky grilled bazaar flavours on a fully loaded pizza, in a fun twist that’s anything but “biashe-biashe” (ordinary).

Said campaign, in a nod to the smoky flames from the grill, featured the pizza being launched with a smoke projection billboard above a Pizza Hut store in proximity of one of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular Ramadan bazaars, driving traffic towards the outlet.

In addition, an activation at local bazaars and an in-store contest introduced the Pizza Ayam Bakar promotions and an opportunity to win free pizza for those who could say the pizza’s tongue twister of a name in the game “Say My Loaded Name”.

Mun Tuck Wai, executive creative director at MBCS said, “Ramadan/Raya is a time of food and gatherings, and a classic favourite is the ayam bakar – found in every bazaar. But who’s to say that ayam bakar is just for the bazaar? Sending smoke signals is an age-old tradition, and we looked to lure our customers right to our doorstep to experience ayam bakar like never before. A pizza with these flavours needs a launch that’s equally as bold, and we wanted to tickle that curiosity when introducing an ayam bakar that is out of the ordinary.”

Meanwhile, Aileen See, chief marketing officer at Pizza Hut Malaysia said, “At Pizza Hut, we believe that the best flavors are the ones that resonate with our customers’ hearts and taste buds. With the Pizza Ayam Bakar, we’ve worked hard to craft a truly authentic taste experience that reflects the unique flavors of ayam bakar that you’d get from our local bazaars.”

She added, “The MBCS team have integrated this sensory element of smoke that you’d get from the grill into our campaign, blurring the lines between tech, creativity and cultural relevance for an unforgettable campaign. It’s not just about selling pizza; it’s about the celebration of Ramadan/Raya through our shared language of food.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Universal McCann (UM) has been appointed as the media agency of record (AOR) in Malaysia for energy drink brand TCP Red Bull Malaysia. The appointment began in March 2025, and is set to run until February 2027. 

UM’s remit includes all media duties such as strategy, planning, buying, research, and data and analytics for TCP Red Bull across Malaysia. This news comes following a competitive pitch review. 

Sue-Anne Lim, chief executive officer at Universal McCann Malaysia, said, “TCP Red Bull Malaysia isn’t just a brand; it’s an icon that embodies the relentless pursuit of innovation, peak performance, and boundless creativity. We are beyond excited to fuel TCP Red Bull Malaysia’s journey with our transformational ‘Full Colour Media’ capabilities, which embraces the differences, uniqueness, and nuance of brands.”

She added, “This partnership marks an electrifying new chapter for TCP Red Bull media strategy in Malaysia, as we aim to amplify its vibrant and adventurous spirit, making an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.”

Meanwhile, Adelene Tay, head of marketing at TCP Red Bull Malaysia, commented, “Red Bull is synonymous with pushing boundaries, embracing bold ideas, and constantly seeking new frontiers. In UM, we’ve found a media partner that not only matches our ambition but also brings a game-changing blend of strategic thinking, sharp insights, and innovative solutions to the table to help us continue to captivate and energise our consumers. Together, we’re looking to propel the TCP Red Bull Malaysia brand to even greater heights.”

This mandate appointment follows UM’s recently launched Full Colour Media, whose approach is designed to lead a renaissance of media in the intelligence era, as it recognises that, in order to truly drive growth and efficacy, and to combat the threat of blandness, brands first need to find their unique, complex and nuanced patterns.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – AIA PUBLIC Takaful has released its Raya campaign alongside Mediabrands Content Studio (MBCS) personifying the spirit of togetherness and mutual benefit embodied by the company’s Total Shariah Solution.

The ‘Raya Bersama, Berkat Berganda’ (Raya Together with Double the Blessings) Raya campaign was launched to remind Malaysians of the essence of Raya over the festive season. The three-part mini-series inspired by the Malaysian legend “Puteri Gunung Ledang”, is reimagined as “Puteri Gunung Lindung” (Princess of the Protected Mountain), a subtle reference on the brand’s purpose of providing protection to everyone. 

Moreover, the film also serves as a reminder of togetherness and the essence of community, demonstrating the enduring spirit of Takaful.

The campaign executed with sister media agency Universal McCann, runs through April 2025 across social media, OTT, digital OOH and programmatic platforms.

Rudy La Faber, creative director at MBCS said, “During the festive season, one of the most common family disagreements is the question of where to spend their Raya. Families often debate returning to the kampung (hometown), staying in the city where they’re born at, or travelling abroad to take advantage of the long holidays. The film shows this dilemma and tussle between fellow siblings who end up realising that no matter where they spend Raya, what truly matters is celebrating together with loved ones.”

He added, “We’ve also embraced short-form, vertical content to cater to today’s digital landscape and shorter attention spans. We’re excited to trial this approach amidst traditional long-form videos that usually dominate the Raya season, and so far, it’s resonating well with the audience.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Sticky Rice, a social-first agency under Trapper Group, has achieved two significant wins: the regional social media mandates for Kia APAC, the automotive brand represented by their master agency, Innocean Malaysia, and Emborg, a food company. 

The agency has been entrusted with providing a comprehensive suite of social media services for both brands across the ASEAN region. These strategic victories highlight Sticky Rice’s proficiency in delivering innovative, data-driven social media solutions that foster brand growth and enhance audience engagement across the diverse cultures and countries within ASEAN.

The regional wins with Kia and Emborg highlight Sticky Rice’s ability to adapt to diverse industries, from automotive to FMCG, across a variety of different countries in Asia, while maintaining a relentless focus on storytelling and audience connection.  

Janice Wee, business growth director at Sticky Rice, said, “Social media isn’t just about posting content—it’s about sparking conversations, building communities, and turning engagement into tangible results. Kia APAC and Emborg represent two very different but equally exciting challenges. For Kia APAC, we’ll be leveraging social to amplify their innovation in mobility, while for Emborg, we’re crafting a strategy that highlights their dairy expertise, wide portfolio of quality and nutritious products, and how these products make everyday cooking tastier and easier for families. Tackling the nuances of consumers in Malaysia and across the ASEAN markets is an exciting challenge and our team thrives on this kind of variety, proving that a tailored, insight-led, data-driven approach always wins.”  

She added, “Winning Kia APAC and Emborg isn’t just a milestone—it’s validation that our social-first philosophy works. Brands today need more than a content calendar; they need a partner who understands the algorithms, the audience psychology, and the art of turning engagement into loyalty. That’s where we excel. And this is just the beginning—we’re ready to engineer growth for every bold brand seeking to dominate social.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Viddsee has announced its continued Southeast Asia expansion with the appointment of Jay Murali as group business director to lead its entry into the Malaysian market. 

This expansion follows the recent launch of Viddsee’s operations in Thailand, led by industry veteran Venus Romsaitong, signaling the company’s growing footprint in the region and its commitment to offering integrated marketing solutions across key ASEAN markets. 

In his role as group business director, Jay will be responsible for overseeing the business development strategy, client servicing, and partnership building in Malaysia. He will also play a regional role, working closely with the leadership team to align growth initiatives across Viddsee’s Southeast Asian markets. 

Jay brings over 20 years of experience in advertising, digital marketing, branding, and business development. He has led multiple campaigns and built high-performing strategies for top-tier brands including Cetaphil Malaysia, Astro, Heineken, Air Selangor, Malaysia Airlines, Khazanah Malaysia, and Tony Roma’s. 

With expertise in client acquisition, strategic partnerships, and multi-channel execution, Jay is well-positioned to grow Viddsee’s presence and impact in Malaysia. 

Ho Jia Jian, CEO and founder of Viddsee, said, “Our vision is to be the go-to creative and marketing partner for brands in Asia. Malaysia is a key market in that journey. Following our expansion in Thailand, we’re excited to welcome Jay onboard to deepen our regional offering and continue building campaigns that resonate with local audiences while delivering measurable impact.”

Meanwhile, Christopher Cumming, managing director for Southeast Asia at Viddsee, commented, “Jay’s strategic thinking, leadership, and deep understanding of the Malaysian marketing landscape make him the right person to lead our growth here. His appointment strengthens our ability to deliver truly integrated, integrated marketing solutions that combine storytelling, media, and data to drive real business outcomes for brands.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Halal personal care brand Safi, in collaboration with Mediabrands Content Studio (MBCS), have launched a campaign in the spirit of the Raya season to empower young women with a life-changing scholarship. 

Following the transformative launch of the Biasiswa Siswi SAFI last year, a RM 1 million scholarship, SAFI is once again bringing hope and inspiration by supporting young women in their pursuit of higher education, ensuring they have the financial support to achieve their academic aspirations. 

Now in its second year, the Biasiswa Siswi programme has adopted an AI twist to connect with applicants and adapt to the contemporary, highly technology-dependent world.

Bringing this vision to life, the brand film ‘Serlah Seri Diri’ (Unleash Your Inner Shine) was launched. The film follows Seri, a young woman balancing her own dreams with the expectations of those around her. Everyone has hopes for Seri – but what about what her heart calls for? The film delivers a strong message: every path is a blessing, and by embracing that, your true essence will radiate.

The campaign also leverages AI technology to personalise engagement. Users can access the SAFI Serlah Seri Diri AI microsite to input their aspirations ahead of the scholarship application, creating custom videos that reflect their dreams, and adding a meaningful touch to their interaction with the brand. 

Through the microsite, 50 lucky winners stand a chance to win a ‘Rumah Seri’ pink dollhouse (as seen in the SAFI Raya brand film), a PR kit that contains SAFI products, each representing something for everyone in the household. The dollhouse as shown by SAFI brand ambassador Qasrina Karim, who also played the part of Seri, serves as a symbol of hope and possibilities, anchoring the initiative’s message, with each door representing special hidden gifts for young women to stand out and be the best version of themselves.

Kazlina Mohd Kassim, SAFI Brand & Insights Specialist of Wipro Unza said, “At SAFI, we are deeply committed to empowering the next generation to dream big and achieve their goals – it’s about inspiring confidence, igniting ambition, and standing alongside these incredible individuals as they turn their dreams into reality. Our first cohort of Biasiswi Siswi SAFI applicants last year was a big success, and we are excited to relaunch this aspirational opportunity and welcome new management trainees into the SAFI fold. It’s a privilege for us to play this role in nurturing their hopes and dreams.”

Meanwhile, Jennifer Wee, creative director at MBCS, said, “This story is about embracing your unique path and going after your dreams. We’ve all faced struggles in balancing expectations and figuring out what we truly want, making this message deeply personal. Through this campaign, we wanted to inspire young women to embrace their potential. Reminding them that the power to achieve their dreams lies within them, with SAFI as their steadfast companion supporting them every step of the way.”

She added, “We utilised powerful storytelling with an AI twist to replicate the vast dreams and choices that young women have today. This is the key to reaching Gen Z, a generation that lives and breathes technology. The dollhouse is a universal representation of play, dreams and imagination around the world. We used this to demonstrate the doors of opportunities available for young women through the SAFI scholarship. Each dream they have is unique, and this is their chance to reach for the opportunity.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysia Aviation Group has recently worked with Mediabrands Content Studio (MBCS) to release ‘Selagi Ada Hormat’, a Hari Raya Aidilfitri film that celebrates Malaysia’s rich diversity and the enduring values of respect and unity.

Inspired by the personal journey of MAG Group Managing Director, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, ‘Selagi Ada Hormat’ (translated: Where Respect Lives On) delivers a powerful message of unity, respect, and inclusivity – values central to the Malaysian identity. 

The film follows a successful man returning home for Raya, taking in the sights and sounds of his hometown as it awakens memories of a childhood where respect and kindness transcended race. The touching flashbacks serve as a reminder that while the world may change, the essence of Malaysian Hospitality endures.

The film was directed by Aiman Aliff and Hyrul Anuar, directors at Directors Think Tank, a regional production company.

Speaking on the film’s conceptualisation process, Eddy Nazarullah, creative director at MBCS, articulated, “This film isn’t just about Raya, but about the values that define us as Malaysians. Respect, hospitality, togetherness, these are things we grew up with, things that were never taught but always lived. But in today’s world, it feels like we need a little reminder. With this film, we wanted to go beyond nostalgia and spark something deeper: a reflection of who we are and who we can continue to be. It’s not about grand speeches or forced messages, but about capturing the everyday moments that quietly remind us of our shared hospitality.”

He added, “Bringing Selagi Ada Hormat to life was deeply personal to all of us on the team. We’re privileged to have had this chance to work on Captain Izham’s story with our partners at Directors Think Tank, to craft a film that celebrates diversity and invites Malaysians to reflect, reconnect, and reignite the spirit of mutual respect. Touching on the very roots and essence of our Malaysian identity.”