Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Mudah.my and CelcomDigi, with support from the telco’s media agency OMD Malaysia, have teamed up to introduce a feature integrating CelcomDigi’s Fibre and 5G Home WiFi services into Mudah’s Property website, simplifying the search for homes with reliable connectivity.

With this, users can access CelcomDigi’s Fibre and 5G Home WiFi services directly through Mudah’s Property website. This collaboration makes it easier for users to explore connectivity options that align with modern digital lifestyles. With CelcomDigi’s extensive fibre and network coverage, homeowners and renters can enjoy high-speed internet wherever they live.

Homeowners can also benefit from CelcomDigi Fibre with speeds up to 1Gbps and FREE Fibre-to-the-Room (FTTR). Additionally, AI smart home devices are available starting at just RM2/day. For renters, CelcomDigi 5G Home WiFi offers a convenient solution for fast and reliable connectivity on demand.

Teh Han Ming, head of Mudah Property, said, “We’re excited to partner with CelcomDigi to enhance the property search experience for our users. Mudah Property, with over 350,000 property listings across Malaysia, remains committedto empowering home seekers by offering a wide range of choices and unparalleled convenience. Through this collaboration, we are providing users with valuable insights about connectivity options available via CelcomDigi’s Fibre and 5G Home WiFi services, helping them make informed decisions about their future homes”. 

He added, “This strategic partnership not only enhances the value we deliver to our users but also enables CelcomDigi to reach a broad and diverse audience through our trusted platform. Together, we ensure that users can discover not only their ideal home but also the best connectivity options to suit their digital lifestyles.”

Meanwhile, Aliasgar Hirani, head of digital at OMD Malaysia, commented, “OMD Malaysia led the collaboration by identifying the opportunity and building a robust partnership between our client CelcomDigi and Mudah. This market-first initiative is a good fit as it addresses consumers’ need for Internet services when renting or buying a home, thereby increasing brand consideration for CelcomDigi. It also highlights OMD’s creative media practice, which combines behavioural and cultural insights to elevate our activations and media partnerships, ensuring maximum relevance for our clients and creating more impactful connections with consumers.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – South Korean bakery-café chain TOUS les JOURS is set to re-enter the Malaysian market, made possible by a partnership by its parent company CJ Foodville and retail and e-commerce group Stream Empire Holdings. 

The first branch will be opening in the second quarter at Sunway Pyramid Mall, with a second one planned for Sunway Velocity Mall. 

TOUS les JOURS first entered in Malaysia in June 2013 but exited in 2017, closing its four stores back then.

CJ Foodville stated plans to utilise its thriving TOUS les JOURS operations and established supply chain in neighbouring Indonesia to support its expansion into Malaysia, which it views as a key strategic hub for driving further growth in Southeast Asia.

TOUS les JOURS first entered the Indonesian market in 2011 and established a halal-certified production facility there in 2019. By 2023, the brand had grown to over 70 outlets in Indonesia, achieving a 20% year-on-year increase in sales and a 27% year-on-year rise in operating profit.

“We plan to establish TOUS les JOURS as a healthy and fresh premium bakery brand in Malaysia and accelerate our expansion into Southeast Asia. We will create strong synergy effects by utilising our successful business foundation in Indonesia and the infrastructure of our local partner in Malaysia,” a CJ Foodville spokesperson said. 

Alongside South Korea and Indonesia, TOUS les JOURS’ East Asia network also comprises stores in China, Vietnam, Singapore, Mongolia and Cambodia. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – As part of its ongoing collaboration with regional super-app Grab, The Clan created a docuseries dedicated to telling deeply personal stories of the women who work as drivers and delivery partners. 

For the agency, the series features the ‘Motivation Meter?’ which serves as the measure of what drives the women to drive for Grab.

Based on Grab’s commitment to creating opportunities and helping individuals realise their ambitions, the agency highlighted three unique stories across Three Pillars: Caregiver, Safety Net, and Savings Goal. 

These included a single mother who gained the flexibility to work while raising an autistic child, a writer who was retrenched from a publishing firm yet managed to self-publish her first book, and an exercise instructor who nearly lost her home to debt.

Through the narrative device of a “Motivation Meter” the audience got to witness what made these women tick, and what saw them through their most difficult times. 

Sam Lai, head of art at The Clan explained, “We wanted a storytelling approach that diverged from the conventional talking-heads-in-cars type of interviews. So by adding this element of the Motivation Meter, it provided a unique angle for these inspiring women to share their deepest motivations. This offered a more intimate and authentic glimpse into their world and what inspires them to go the extra mile every day.”

The campaign debuted in mid-November, and has since garnered over 5.9million views on YouTube alone. It also aired on national television, drawing even more substantial viewing numbers. 

Singapore – SEEK, which operates the online employment marketplace Jobstreet, has announced its new leaders in Singapore and Malaysia as part of its growth strategy in the region.

SEEK has appointed Vic Sithasanan and Nicholas Lam as managing directors (MD) in Singapore and Malaysia, respectively. In their new roles, Sithasanan and Lam focuses on spearheading business growth and expansion while enhancing operations.

Sithasanan previously led the company’s operations in Malaysia for three years. During his tenure, Jobstreet saw significant financial growth in the country and strong partnerships with employers.

Before joining SEEK, Sithasanan also held senior leadership roles in the digital technology sector across businesses in Asia.

Meanwhile, Lam was formerly the regional head of growth and monetisation for Asia at SEEK, during which he contributed to the company’s regional expansion. When he first entered the company in 2018, he led the regional customer experience and service operations across different Asian markets.

Lam has also held senior leadership roles in the media industry.

“I’m excited about this new chapter in Singapore. The opportunities in this market are immense with Singapore being one of the leading business and talent hubs not just in the region, but in the world. I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive our strategic vision forward while delivering value to talent and employers in the country,” Sithasanan commented.

Lam said, “It’s an incredible privilege to step into this role and lead the charge in advancing our mission. Working alongside our talented team in Malaysia, I’m excited to engage directly with job seekers and employers to drive impactful changes in the job market. Together, we will empower individuals to unlock their full potential, connect them with opportunities that transform their lives, and create a stronger, more dynamic workforce for the future.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – BigPay, the fintech company under MOVE Digital–Capital A’s digital arm–, is reportedly experiencing a mass exodus of its top executives, according to a report from Fintech News Malaysia.

According to the report, the executives reportedly leaving the company are chief executive officer Zubin Rada Krishnan, chief operating officer Mitherpal Sidhu, chief growth and commercial officer Chris Manguera, and chief of staff and head of strategy Meirisha Berisdha

Unnamed sources have also stated that chief technology officer Siddharth Ravichandran will be leaving the company, but remains unconfirmed.

MARKETECH APAC has reached out to BigPay for their comment.

It is worth noting that BigPay also the departure of its co-founders Salim Dhanani, Chris Davison, and Navin Rajagopalan at different times, with Dhanani recently leaving in 2023.

In Capital A’s latest financial results for the third quarter of 2024, it had noted that BigPay’s revenue reached RM8.7m, with an EBITDA loss narrowed by 2% YoY to RM21.7 million, which was improved through cutting staff cost. Moreover, it had recorded that the recent launch of BigPay Lite saw 44% of new users in 3Q2024 onboarded via this channel. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Malaysian coffee chain Oriental Kopi is set to raise approximately $40.9m through an initial public offering (IPO) on the Bursa Malaysia Ace Market this month.

A portion of the funds, amounting to $8m, will be allocated to expanding the brand’s footprint with plans to open 13 new outlets across Malaysia and two in Singapore this year. 

Another $12m will go toward developing a new head office, central kitchen, and warehouse in Selangor. Moreover, $444k will go to set up an additional 4 specialty retail stores in the central region of Peninsular Malaysia and Johor, $666k for the marketing expenses for its brands of packaged foods segment in Malaysia, and US$1.2m for marketing expenses in foreign countries.

Established in 2020, Oriental Kopi currently operates 20 cafes in Malaysia and one in Singapore. Among its signature offerings are Oriental Coffee, Signature Egg Tart, Nasi Lemak, Mee Siam, Nanyang Curry Chicken Rice, and Chicken Hor Fun.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Malaysia Airlines has kicked off the new year with the launch of its global ‘Time For’ marketing campaign, encouraging travelers worldwide to embrace the thrill of exploration and make 2025 a year filled with unforgettable adventures. This initiative seeks to inspire people to delve into new experiences, immerse themselves in rich cultural landscapes, and create lasting memories with every trip. 

Positioned as the premier gateway to Asia and beyond, Malaysia Airlines offers outstanding travel experiences underpinned by its signature Malaysian Hospitality. The campaign also highlights Malaysia’s global appeal through initiatives like tram advertising in Melbourne and branded taxis and buses across the UK. 

These efforts support the ‘Visit Malaysia’ 2026 initiative, presenting the nation’s vibrant charm to a worldwide audience.

As part of the ‘Time for’ campaign, Malaysia Airlines is introducing a global sale offering discounts of up to 20% on fares to more than 60 destinations. The promotion runs until 22 January 2025, providing passengers with the opportunity to access a range of services, including personalised onboard dining through the ‘Chef on Call’ menu, premium amenity kits, and the newly launched MH Young Explorers Club, which caters to families traveling with children. This includes features such as priority check-in, family boarding privileges, and kids’ menus, along with activity packs for young travelers.

Dersenish Aresandiran, chief commercial officer of airlines at Malaysia Aviation Group, said, “Our “Time For” marketing campaign is more than just a celebration of travel; it’s an invitation for the world to discover Malaysia and connect to the best of Asia and beyond. Malaysia Airlines is committed to positioning Malaysia as the ultimate gateway to this vibrant region while showcasing the warmth and diversity of our culture.”

He added, “With curated offerings such as our Best of Asia and Chef-on-Call menus and thoughtfully designed in-flight experiences, we’re setting a new standard for memorable journeys that truly embody Malaysian Hospitality. There’s never been a better time to travel with Malaysia Airlines.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Spritzer has launched its Chinese New Year (CNY) 2025 campaign, highlighting the importance of open-hearted conversations, combining tradition with a modern touch while bringing loved ones closer together. Moreover, this latest campaign is another reflection of Spritzer’s values which are deeply ingrained into its commitment to creating positive impact in society and doing good for humanity.

At the heart of the campaign is Spritzer’s touching short film, ‘Speak from the Heart’, a tale reminding us to express ourselves with sincerity, respect and understanding, starring actors and brand ambassadors, Koe Yeet and Jaspers Lai with special appearances by Yagood and Jobroseph. 

The film tells a story familiar to many young Malaysians, about a young man named Jasper who is approaching his 30s and feeling the pressure from his family to settle down. With the Chinese New Year festive season approaching and his anxiety rising, Jasper enlists a hairstylist played by Koe Yeet to pretend to be his girlfriend for the day. 

With her humour, quick wit, and ability to hear the inner thoughts of others, Koe Yeet helps Jasper navigate conversations with his nosy aunt turning a potentially stressful situation into a memorable and light-hearted experience.

Spritzer is also offering exclusive gifts with purchases of its high-quality beverage products to add to the excitement of the season. Customers who buy RM38 worth of Spritzer products will receive a free Spritzer CNY Ceramic Bowl, while those who spend RM18 will get a free Spritzer CNY Retro Mug. These special edition items are sure to add a touch of tradition to festive get-togethers.

Lastly, Spritzer’s Natural Mineral Water is also available with a special edition CNY bottle label to add to the festive excitement.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Funding Societies has expanded its partnership with foodpanda to introduce tailored financing opportunities for Bumiputera merchants in Malaysia.

Under this initiative, foodpanda merchants who meet the eligibility criteria can access financing of up to MYR100k (US$22,207). The program offers an attractive annual interest rate of 2% and a flexible repayment period of up to 24 months.

This exclusive financing program is designed to provide local entrepreneurs with the resources needed to expand their businesses in a challenging economic landscape. The partnership builds on the success of previous initiatives, which have supported 500 foodpanda merchants, and aims to further boost growth for underserved micro and small businesses within the foodpanda ecosystem.

By offering reduced financing costs and much-needed capital, the initiative seeks to enhance cash flow and level the playing field for Bumiputera entrepreneurs, empowering them to scale their operations and thrive in the competitive market.

Chai Kien Poon, country head at Funding Societies Malaysia, said, “To support these businesses, particularly MSMEs, access to cash flow is crucialWe are hopeful that this partnership between Funding Societies and foodpanda can better assist and scale underserved, creditworthy small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in this industry.”

Meanwhile, Tan Ming Luk, managing director of foodpanda Malaysia, emphasized the company’s commitment to equipping merchants with the necessary tools and resources to succeed in the current competitive landscape.

“This initiative not only provides access to much-needed capital at an affordable rate but also reinforces our commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs, especially as they prepare for the upcoming festive season. Together, we aim to drive meaningful growth and resilience for our foodpanda merchant community,” he said.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Retailer MR D.I.Y., is ringing in the Chinese New Year with its latest campaign, “Ular-lar,” a playful nod to the Year of the Snake, packed with featured products, deals, and a star-studded web film featuring the iconic Hong Kong actor Benz Hui.

The nearly eight-minute web film, The Family Trial, is a heartwarming family drama with a comedic twist. Set in a quirky courtroom, it follows a father and son caught in a hilarious feud over their Chinese New Year plans. But as the son discovers his father’s secret health issue, the story takes an emotional turn, ending in a heartwarming reunion dinner that highlights the unbreakable bonds of family.

Aside from the web film, MR D.I.Y. has also launched its very first Chinese New Year dance-themed music video, “Ular-lar,” inviting Malaysians to get creative and join in the fun with a dance challenge on social media, and win amazing prizes while spreading festive joy. 

It has also has curated a series of Chinese New Year activities at its stores, while also keeping to its promise of ‘Always Low Prices’. The retailer is rolling out 100 Chinese New Year essentials at selected stores nationwide. The events and activities at will be rolled out across MR D.I.Y. PLUS at Mid Valley, KL,  IPC Shopping Centre, Selangor, and Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Bahru, as well as at community outreach programmes at care homes across the country.

Alex Goh, head of marketing at MR D.I.Y. Group, said, “Chinese New Year is all about reuniting with family, friends and loved ones, often creating a spirit of fun and excitement – all very oooh-la-la!  MR D.I.Y is very much present in homes during this season, and we thought it would be fun to capture this spirit in a ‘Ular-lar’-themed programme, that brings together everything that people love about the season – visiting each other’s home, sharing good times with lots of food, and being entertained.  Our “Family Trial” webfilm, featuring Hong Kong Star Benz Hui Shiu-Hung and our ‘Ular-lar’ theme song and dance steps that Malaysians can dance along to, make it even more festive for everyone.”

He added, “We aim to provide Malaysians with accessible and affordable festive essentials and a fun, enjoyable and rewarding shopping experience. It is all about adding value and making everyone happy.”