Tag: Malaysia

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.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Dentsu Malaysia has teamed up with Axiata Group Berhad this year’s Merdeka campaign to honour Malaysia’s unsung heroes, whose achievements have quietly placed the nation on the global map.

Running from Merdeka Day (31 August) to Malaysia Day (16 September), the campaign deviated from paying homage to well-recognised national icons and instead spotlighted everyday Malaysians, including a NASA competition winner, an esports champion, a dedicated teacher, a clinical scientist, an international photojournalist, and an international speech competition winner, who may not be usually known to fellow Malaysians for their extraordinary achievements.

Running on all key social and digital platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube, the campaign surpassed expectations, doubling Through Plays and Engagement, with a reach of over 4.2 million. It generated 3.88 million views on TikTok, 2 million views on YouTube, and 1.2 million views on Meta.

The production, completed in just two days, showcases the dedication of both teams.

Ellison Fernandez, executive creative director at dentsu Malaysia, said, “By focusing on the stories of lesser-known achievements, the campaign showcases how everyday Malaysians push boundaries to inspire others to unite, combining talents to elevate the nation’s reputation on the global stage. These unsung heroes embody Axiata’s commitment to advancing every individual towards becoming catalysts for change.”

Meanwhile, Audrey Chong, CEO at dentsu Malaysia, commented, “As a team with our roots in Malaysia, we resonate deeply with Axiata’s identity with the nation and ambition to sew the fabric of the nation. This campaign was born out of a recognition that people from all walks of life form our nation’s collective identity, no matter how big or small, and while popular national icons are celebrated, we must also elevate individuals who have excelled for Malaysia in their own ways. We are proud to be part of this meaningful campaign with Axiata and are grateful to all involved delivering this in a limited amount of time.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In a celebration of the Festival of Lights, CelcomDigi showcases the power of connection and technology in their heartwarming short film, ‘Inbam.’ Produced by the collaborative efforts of One Team—Naga DDB Tribal and M&C Saatchi—this film honours the connections that keep traditions vibrant. 

Set against the backdrop of Deepavali, Inbam explores the bond between generations through the story of two sisters, Anjali and Lavinya. They embark on a mission to rekindle their Patti’s (grandmother) joy, reflecting on the profound happiness she experienced while making saris with her closest friends. As the sisters strive to revive these cherished memories, the film beautifully captures the essence of familial connections. 

Directed by Maurice of Director’s Think Tank, this lighthearted narrative encourages Malaysians to reflect on the traditions they hold dear and the intergenerational bonds that sustain them. It invites viewers to see Deepavali as an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and celebrate shared joy. 

What sets ‘Inbam’ apart is its focus on the role of friendship and the innovative use of technology to bridge gaps across people, places, and generations. Against a vibrant cultural backdrop, the film embodies Malaysia’s unity, showcasing the diverse tapestry of the Malaysian identity. 

Moreover, ‘Inbam’ is a colourful tribute to the rich traditions and diverse cultures that define Malaysia. It reflects CelcomDigi’s commitment to preserving these traditions through meaningful connections. 

Vix Chandra, executive creative director at Naga DDB Tribal, said, “We hope this story resonates emotionally, prompting the audience to reflect on their own values and the bonds shared across generations—especially during Deepavali. When we recognise this connection, we understand that it’s not just our celebrations that shine bright, but our inner joy, our Inbam, ignited by the relationships we nurture.” 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – PayMate, a B2B payments platform, has launched its Business Payments app in Malaysia to encourage better financial management and business growth for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

The app provides SMEs with an easy-to-use platform for their B2B payments with suppliers, helping them navigate challenges. SMEs are often hounded by issues such as delayed payments and limited access to affordable credit, which leads to disruptions.

Through the PayMate Business Payments App, business owners can handle payments using commercial and retail credit cards efficiently. Additionally, the app offers up to 55 days of interest-free credit on cards.

While providing efficiency and flexibility in handling payments, the app also provides security in transactions through a PCI DSS-certified platform. It ensures that business owners can drive business growth and financial stability.

The launch is part of PayMate’s collaboration with Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (SIDEC), a subsidiary of Invest Selangor Berhad. The partnership aims to contribute to SME development in Malaysia. Through the app, PayMate helps boost SIDEC’s efforts to improve SME financial management while driving local economic growth.

Rakesh Khanna, chief commercial officer at PayMate, commented, “We are proud to launch our new business payments app in Malaysia, which is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of SMEs by offering features that enhance working capital optimisation and streamline B2B payments. Recognising Malaysia as a vital market, we are committed to supporting its SMEs on their growth journey with innovative, secure, and reliable payment solutions that enable them to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape.”

“At PayMate, we recognise the ongoing challenges faced by Malaysian SMEs in managing their cash flow. Traditional financial processes can be manual and time-consuming, often hindering business growth. Our new Business Payments App addresses these by optimising working capital and streamlining B2B payments, empowering businesses to take full control of their finances. With features such as unlimited transfers and the flexibility to make payments via credit cards, SMEs can seize opportunities and manage their supplier payments with greater agility,” Amirreza Sawal, general manager of PayMate Asia Pacific, said.

Malaysia – Chubb has appointed Jon Longmore as the new country president of Malaysia, pending regulatory and other approvals. Longmore will succeed Stephen Crouch, who has taken on the role of head of government affairs for the Asia Pacific region.

Starting in early November, Longmore will oversee Chubb’s operations and overall performance in Malaysia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, he will continue to report to Marcos Gunn, regional president for Asia Pacific.

Longmore began his 13-year career at Chubb in Australia, where he held various roles across underwriting, distribution, and partnerships. In 2018, he was appointed head of digital for the Asia Pacific region before taking on his most recent position as country president of PT Chubb General Insurance in 2020.

Speaking about Longmore’s appointment, Gunn said, “Jon is an experienced international insurance professional with a track record of driving sustainable business growth. His keen focus on innovation and passion for building teams position him well to further grow our business in Malaysia.”

In the interim, Adrianto Gunawan, chief financial officer for Indonesia, will assume the additional responsibilities of country president until a permanent successor is appointed.

Malaysia – In celebration of its 140th anniversary, HSBC Malaysia has teamed up with Ogilvy Malaysia to launch an emotionally charged campaign that honours the enduring strength of family, legacy, and the human spirit.

Titled ‘Legacy Lives,’ the campaign goes beyond traditional financial ads, featuring a film that follows a Malaysian family’s journey across three generations—from a father’s humble beginnings and education abroad to his daughter’s self-discovery, deepening his commitment to build a lasting legacy.

Crafted by Ogilvy Malaysia and director Nicholas Lam, the film uses a multi-generational narrative to forge a deep connection between HSBC and its audience, subtly illustrating the bank’s constant support in helping families realise their dreams and aspirations. It also vividly brings each era to life, from the vibrant 1950s to the tech-driven 1990s, culminating in the present day. 

By showcasing authentic stories of resilience, hard work, and family, the campaign underscores that legacy and family values are at the core of the HSBC experience.

Adrian Miller, chief creative officer at Ogilvy Malaysia, said, “This film is more than just a celebration of HSBC’s 140 years—it’s a celebration of the families and values that have shaped generations. From the very beginning, we set out to create something different. No clichéd bank visuals, no product shots—just a genuine, human story.” 

“By telling a narrative that spans three generations, we’ve captured the essence of what legacy truly means. It’s about more than what we inherit; it’s about what we pass on, and HSBC is proud to be part of that journey,” Miller added. 

HSBC’s campaign serves as a tribute for its long-standing and loyal customers, celebrating significant milestones through an emotionally engaging film inspired by real stories. It highlights the company’s 140-year commitment to helping families build intergenerational wealth, staying resilient through challenges, and bridging opportunities across borders since 1884 in Penang.

The campaign will run from September 21 to December 31, 2024, across multiple platforms, including digital, TV, cinema, social media, and in-branch POSM.

Malaysia – Carlsberg Smooth Draught has unveiled its latest ‘Raikan Kebanggaan Sabah & Sarawak’ (Celebrate Sabah & Sarawak Pride) campaign, honouring the rich heritage of Borneo by teaming up with iconic local figures and introducing immersive new experiences and limited artist-edition cans.

For the campaign, Carlsberg enlisted local icons—Sarawak’s Olympic diver Pandelela Rinong, Sabah’s K-Pop star Isaac Voo, and Miss Universe Malaysia 2020, Francisca Luhong, now a model and TV host. These local heroes, who have achieved historic milestones and represented Malaysia globally, embody the rich culture and pride of Sabah and Sarawak.

By partnering with these inspiring personalities, Carlsberg Smooth Draught seeks to honour the creativity, resilience, and spirit of Sabah and Sarawak, proudly represented by launching exclusive artist-edition cans.

The Raikan Kebanggaan Sabah & Sarawak artist edition cans pay tribute to Borneo’s celebrated icons, inspiring Sabahans and Sarawakians to embrace their heritage.

Carlsberg has also released a series of short videos highlighting the stories of each local icon, which are available on Carlsberg Malaysia’s official Instagram account.

From L to R: Olympic diver Pandelela Rinong, K-Pop star Isaac Voo, and Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 Francisca Luhong

“When I think of Sarawak, the word peace comes to mind—it is similar to the kind of feeling I get from being near the waters. Growing up, I was surrounded by people from all walks of life who have inspired and encouraged me to turn my love for diving into something greater. Through my achievements, I hope to inspire everyone to celebrate our unique heritage,” Rinong shared. 

Voo also expressed, “As a Sabahan, I’ve always appreciated the love we share for music and dance, which has played a huge role in my success as a K-POP idol. I hope to inspire others just as my community has inspired me.”

“Sometimes you don’t realise how much heritage impacts your life. I never would have thought it would bring me to one of my biggest life milestones. It’s a big part of our culture to dance and to celebrate. So, whenever my community celebrates my wins together with me, I feel an immense sense of pride for making my community proud,” Luhong added. 

As part of the campaign, Carlsberg also introduced two unique Instagram filters—one for Sabah and one for Sarawak—that unlock an immersive AR experience showcasing iconic Bornean symbols. Users can scan any Carlsberg Smooth Draught can to explore features like the Hornbill, Orangutan, traditional Longhouse, classical Sape, rare Rafflesia, and the majestic Mount Kinabalu.