Tag: Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Lalamove in Malaysia has announced that it is launching its ride-hailing service in the Klang Valley area, according to a recent blog by the company.

Not much about the service has been revealed, apart from encouraging users in the Klang Valley area to test out the service, and also stressing how users can switch from hailing a ride to also scheduling a delivery within the app.

Lalamove Malaysia has already hinted at expanding its ride-hailing service across other Malaysian cities, though there is no exact timeframe shared.

Lalamove is a delivery and logistics company which operates primarily in Asia and parts of Latin America. Lalatech, the parent company of Lalamove, recently filed for a listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), marking a major milestone in its growth journey. 

This move follows a fruitful 2022, in which the company reported its first profitable year with a revenue of $7.3b.

Earlier, in January 2021, Lalamove reportedly approached a $1.5b funding round, propelling its valuation to an estimated $1b. This funding allowed Lalamove to expand its logistics offerings, broadening its service reach across various sectors.

Puchong, Malaysia – XTEP, a Chinese sportswear brand, has announced that its first mono store in Malaysia was opened for a soft opening on 6 November. With the official grand opening scheduled for 17 November, XTEP’s inaugural sport hub in Malaysia is dedicated to serving those who love sports and staying active, bringing its latest athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories designed for greater performance and comfort.

The new XTEP store will be located in the IOI Mall Puchong, a mega-scale shopping destination that spans over a million square feet. Its location offers excellent accessibility for shoppers from Puchong, Shah Alam, Putrajaya, Sunway, and Subang, making it an ideal spot for XTEP to introduce its brand to the Malaysian market. 

With customer needs in mind, XTEP’s Malaysian outlet offers footwear and apparel specifically designed for athletes who require superior performance and quality as well as fashion-focused customers who prioritize style and comfort. 

At the core of XTEP’s offerings is the running category, highlighted by the slogan ‘Run the world, step with XTEP.’ Central to this category is XTEP’s innovative carbon plate technology, a feature specifically integrated into our shoe products. This cutting-edge technology empowers athletes to break their personal bests and significantly enhances their performance in competitions. 

Beyond its latest sports-centric collections, the store also offers a versatile selection of XTEP sneakers, perfect for both athletic pursuits and everyday wear, delivering premium products that blend functionality with fashion.

“The apparel section will highlight XTEP’s latest running and cross-training collections along with lifestyle options, catering to consumers with dual needs for everyday wear and athletic functionality. Featured lineups will include series crafted with comfortable fabrics, complemented by high-tech materials that empower wearers to unlock their active potential,” XTEP said in a press statement.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Retail brand KKV has announced that as part of its long-term vision, KKV plans to expand to 10 stores in Malaysia by the end of 2024 and introduce its sister brands THE COLORIST and X11 to the local market, aiming to reach 200 stores across Southeast Asia within the next three years.

This update follows the recent launch of its first global flagship store in Kuala Lumpur on January 30 this year. They have now also strengthened its market presence with the additional stores in key cities, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Malacca, and Johor Bahru. 

This strategic expansion showcases KKV’s rapid scalability and deep understanding of local consumer needs, reinforcing the brand’s confidence in the Malaysian market.

Rojen Wu, international project operation leader of KKV, said, “KKV’s expansion in Malaysia is not just about opening new stores. It’s about bringing innovative design, superior shopping experience and diverse products to local consumers, making KKV a trend leader in diverse lifestyles.”

KKV’s approach goes beyond traditional retail by introducing 100 lifestyles to consumers through its extensive collection of over 20,000 SKUs, including trendy toys, foods, daily necessities, stationery, home furnishing, clothing & accessories, skincare, makeup and beauty tools. Thanks to the brand’s wide range of products, it is true for many of its customers that no one can leave without nothing. In addition to its unique product offerings, KKV employs a self-developed retail system that enhances internal efficiency, outperforming traditional retail companies. 

The brand also incorporates a variety of design elements within its stores, creating distinct, immersive spaces that make customers feel as if they are stepping into real-life scenarios. This blend of aesthetics and technology sets KKV apart in the market, while its “100 lifestyles” philosophy underscores the brand’s commitment to offering more products, better designs, and enhanced shopping experiences.

“KKV’s journey in Malaysia is a testament to the brand’s belief in the potential of the market and its dedication to building lasting connections with local consumers. As KKV continues to grow, it remains committed to its mission of enhancing consumers’ everyday life through trend-setting, high-quality products and an immersive shopping experience,” the company said in a press statement.

Malaysia – WE Communications (WE), the global communications consultancy, has expanded into Malaysia, launching a new office in Kuala Lumpur through its affiliate, Chase Advisors.

WE’s entry into the Malaysian market is a strategic response to the rising demand for regional communications and advocacy services across diverse sectors, including consumer goods, finance, healthcare, and technology.

The consultancy firm is pursuing further expansion in Asia, strengthening its regional footprint by blending global expertise with local market insights to effectively engage and resonate with local audiences.

“Malaysia is a crucial market for businesses expanding both regionally and globally. With Southeast Asia’s expanding middle class, dynamic digital ecosystem, and strong economic ties between the United States and Malaysia, it’s the perfect time for WE to deepen our presence here and leverage opportunities for growth across the region,” said Kass Sells, CEO of international at WE. 

The new office was officially inaugurated by the Honourable Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, a highly respected former Malaysian cabinet minister.

With this launch, Chase Advisors will provide a full suite of WE services, encompassing policy advocacy and advisory, data and analytics, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications. The new office will be led by Kanesan Veluppillai, managing director for Malaysia, supported by a team of seasoned communications professionals.

“Our team in Malaysia brings a wealth of knowledge in local market dynamics and regulatory environments. We are eager to deliver insights and strategies that will help our clients thrive in this rapidly evolving environment,” Veluppillai shared. 

Meanwhile, Nitin Mantri, regional executive managing director for Asia-Pacific at WE and group CEO of Avian WE, commented, “Due to the dominance of social media, mobile-first audiences, and an appetite for hyper-localised content, businesses need a trusted partner to help them navigate an increasingly complex landscape. Our blend of experienced local talent combined with our global specialists creates a compelling advantage. I am excited to see the great work that will come out of our Kuala Lumpur team.”

Manash Neog, managing director at Chase APAC, added, “Malaysia plays a strategic role in global trade and digital infrastructure, and we believe there is significant opportunity ahead of us. Expanding into Malaysia is a natural next step in the Southeast Asia growth strategy, and we have our sights set on further growth into Indonesia.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – MR D.I.Y., has unveiled an exciting new chapter in its journey to add value to the lives of Malaysians – the ‘MR D.I.Y. PANDAi Jaga Anda’ (MR D.I.Y. Knows How to Care for You) community initiative. As part of this, the company has unveiled it newest brand mascot, a charming and friendly panda mascot named PANDAi.

With ‘MR D.I.Y. PANDAi Jaga Anda’, the retailer reinforces its role not just as a store, but as a part of the community it serves.Visitors to Bukit Bintang were greeted by an impressive 14-foot PANDAi display, drawing the attention of families and passersby.

Throughout November, KL-ites will have opportunities to meet PANDAi at various malls, including Fahrenheit 88 (7 Nov), MyTOWN Shopping Centre (9 Nov), IOI City Mall Putrajaya (23 Nov), and Pavilion Bukit Jalil (30 Nov). Adding to the initiative, MR D.I.Y. will be setting up panda-themed seating areas at MyTOWN Shopping Centre and Pasar Seni MRT station to create welcoming, family-friendly spaces.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative held in the vibrant Bukit Bintang district in Kuala Lumpur, Alex Goh, head of marketing for MR D.I.Y. Group, emphasised the retailer’s dedication to the community.

“As the country’s leading home improvement retailer, we’ve made it our mission to care for Malaysians since our inception in 2005. The ‘MR D.I.Y. PANDAi Jaga Anda’ initiative is a testament to that promise. Whether you need a lightbulb, kitchen tools, or any hardware, we ensure that ‘semuanya ada’ [everything is available] at affordable prices. Our new initiative encapsulates this commitment – because ‘MR D.I.Y. PANDAi Jaga Anda’,” Goh said.

Goh also explained the choice of a panda as the new mascot, commenting, “Pandas are universally loved for their friendliness, cuteness, and intelligence. Like pandas, MR D.I.Y. is cherished for being close to the hearts of Malaysians. We ‘PANDAi’ Jaga our customers by staying true to our promise of ‘Always Low Prices.’ We believe that PANDAi will bring a sense of joy and fun, enhancing our customers’ shopping experience.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – TM has achieved a recent milestone with its latest digital innovation: a unique 360-degree spatial audio experience that combines 10,194 voices from the Malaysian public into a single rendition of the iconic Malaysian song ‘Gemuruh’. 

Highlighting TM’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital technology, the digital activation has set a new record in the Malaysia Book of Records for the Largest Choir with AI-generated Vocals.

Featuring the multilingual voices of 10,194 Malaysians who participated in its recent Bulan Kebangsaan campaign, this immersive experience enables listeners to swivel their mobile phones from left to right to seamlessly hear thousands of voices in 17 different languages and dialects; all synchronised into one song of unity.

The overall sentiment makes users feel as though they are standing in the centre of a live performance sung by diverse voices of a nation.

This record-breaking virtual choir serves as a culmination of TM’s recent Bulan Kebangsaan campaign – an innovative technology platform with the integration of 7 APIs and AI technology, enabling thousands of Malaysians to celebrate unity in a way never thought possible by singing in languages and dialects they’ve never spoken before.

Jamie Hendricks and Lysha Zulkifly from Grey Malaysia said, “AI can do all kinds of amazing things, but can also be quite intimidating for the mainstream public. With our AIDENTITI campaign, we used an iconic song that everyone knows and loves, then enabled them to create a video of themselves singing in a language they could not speak. Thousands of people sent videos to friends and family over Merdeka – we then collated all of these voices to create an epic choir that represents the unique unity of Malaysia”. 

The campaign highlights the potential of AI technology and how it can be harnessed to celebrate and preserve Malaysia’s rich linguistic diversity. Furthermore, it is also a testament to TM’s brand promise of ensuring that technology opens doors to a promising tomorrow for all.

China – JD Global Sales, JD.com’s international e-commerce division serving Chinese consumers worldwide, announced it has extended its services to Malaysia and Thailand. 

Consumers in both countries will now have access to JD.com’s extensive offerings, with added benefits for this year’s Singles Day (Double 11) shopping festival, including convenient free shipping options.

JD.com’s global sales business focuses on serving overseas Chinese consumers with a wide selection of high-quality branded products, including electronics, small appliances, home goods, apparel, beauty products, books, food, and more.

With this, Malaysian customers can enjoy free shipping on orders over RMB 399, with coverage for up to 6 kg by sea and 2 kg by air. In Thailand, free shipping is available on orders over RMB 199 by land, covering up to 2 kg. These options apply to self-operated (1P) products ordered through JD.com’s app.

This expansion follows JD Global Sales’ recent enhancements to shipping options, which introduced free delivery for consumers in the US, Japan, and Singapore in August. During Singles Day, U.S. customers will benefit from free economy sea shipping for small item orders of over RMB 888, with coverage up to 10 kg. 

Additionally, expedited free air shipping is available for select products such as phones, tablets, and computers in the U.S., Japan, and Singapore, with delivery as fast as four days.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Starbucks in Malaysia has denied various media reports about the local subsidiary shutting down around 100 of its stores nationwide amidst continuing boycott against the brand brought by the conflict in the Middle East.

“The claim that more than 100 Starbucks outlets in Malaysia have been shut down is false. While we have ceased operations at only a few stores, most of the allegedly closed locations are only temporarily closed,” a Starbucks Malaysia representative told Business Times.

It has also clarified that temporary closures are part of an ongoing assessment, allowing them to align their presence more strategically, with no loss of jobs.

“Importantly, no employees have been affected by the permanent or temporary closures, as they have been reassigned to nearby stores to continue serving our customers seamlessly,” the representative said.

It is worth noting that Starbucks Malaysia–linked to conglomerate group Berjaya Group–had reported a net loss of RM91.5m this year, with revenue falling 35% from RM1.1b to RM730.3m.

Starbucks Malaysia’s latest news also follows a statement they released back in March this year regarding the boycott against the brand and in favour of Palestine, as well as addressing allegations that the coffee chain and its CEO Howard Schultz are providing financial support to Israel.

“What we do believe in, and remain focused on, is staying true to our company’s long-standing heritage – simply connecting with our partners and customers over a cup of high-quality coffee and offering the best experience possible to them – regardless of geographical location,” they said back then.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has announced two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Singapore’s Ascent and Indonesia’s Central Capital Ventura (CCV), marking a significant milestone in its efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s digital economy. 

These strategic partnerships bring in capital investment up to US$45m (RM200m) to fuel innovation, accelerate the growth of local startups, and reinforce Malaysia’s role as a premier digital hub within the ASEAN region.

Ascent has pledged to invest in early-stage Malaysian startups across pivotal sectors, including fintech, embedded finance, healthcare, sustainable agriculture, SME support, and next-generation technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics. 

This funding aims to boost financial inclusion, foster digital transformation, and empower high-potential startups to expand regionally. Through this initiative, Malaysia is well-positioned to emerge as a leader in innovation within these fields.

Meanwhile, Central Capital Ventura (CCV), the venture arm of Indonesia’s largest private bank, Bank Central Asia (BCA), is extending its regional ecosystem network to Malaysian startups, enabling collaboration across Southeast Asia. 

This strategic investment aligns with MDEC’s mission to accelerate growth in AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, and digital finance, providing essential support to Malaysian startups in these rapidly evolving sectors.

“Attracting global investments like these reinforces MDEC’s commitment to nurturing talent, driving digital inclusion, and strengthening Malaysia’s role as a regional leader in technological advancements. The strategic MoUs will enhance cross-border innovation, allowing Malaysian companies to leverage the resources and expertise provided by Ascent and CCV to expand their operations and compete globally. These partnerships will drive local innovation, foster talent development, and contribute significantly to Malaysia’s transformation into a dynamic digital-first nation,” MDEC said in a press statement.

They added, “These collaborations will offer Malaysian startups access to international markets, mentorship from industry experts, and potential follow-on investments. MDEC will work closely with Ascent and CCV to ensure the successful execution of these initiatives and to maximise their long-term impact on Malaysia’s digital economy.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Tan Ming Luk, most recently the chief commercial officer at Touch ‘n Go Group, has been named the new managing director of foodpanda Malaysia, which took effect on October 21.

With over a decade of leadership experience in commercial and operational roles across Singapore and Malaysia, he brings with him a wealth of industry knowledge, deep understanding of local markets and consumers, and a proven track record for driving business growth.

During his time at Touch ‘n Go, he oversaw the company’s top line revenue and spearheaded new growth opportunities. Prior to that, he served as the chief of staff and head of LazMall strategy and operations at Lazada and also served as its beauty category battle lead. He was also the previous country head for Malaysia and Singapore at OYO.

Speaking on his new role, he said, “I’m excited to join the company and be part of a platform that has a positive impact on the communities we serve, particularly in the growing gig economy. I look forward to working with the talented teams at foodpanda to deliver value to our customers, partners and the wider ecosystem, while staying true to the company’s mission of empowering local businesses and riders.”