Tag: Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Local telco TM and Grey Malaysia have collaborated to bring the nation together via technology to celebrate Malaysia’s diversity by allowing Malaysians to now see and share themselves singing an iconic Malaysian song of unity in any of 17 different languages and dialects.

The AI platform, done by Grey Malaysia, utilises the tradition of celebratory song to create a universal invitation to engage with the potential of AI, furthering TM’s commitment to making technology accessible to all Malaysians. 

The campaign uses a combination of seven AI technologies to bridge language barriers and connect diverse voices, uniting the country and bringing everyone closer to a truly inclusive Digital Malaysia.

Housed on a microsite at https://sejutasuara.tm.com.my/, Malaysians now have the opportunity to sing their rendition of Gemuruh, a well-known Malaysian song, in various local languages and dialects effortlessly. This is made possible with the assistance of integrating seven cutting-edge AI and API platforms that specialise in lip sync and voice cloning. 

With the help of Kits.ai, HeyGen and SyncLabs, the microsite can trace and clone the voices of Malaysians to sing with pride, in their choice of language or dialect. 

The campaign was created alongside Directors Think Tank and Nacho Usual Collective to produce the first Malaysian music video that consists of AI-generated vocals in multiple languages and dialects.  Bringing to life the richness of our languages through the diverse expressions of Malaysians delivering their own versions of Gemuruh, making this the ultimate music video for Malaysian by Malaysians.

Lysha Zulkifly, senior copywriter of Grey Malaysia, said, “By exploring the complexity of AI voice mapping, we wanted to use the tech to our advantage by celebrating the diversity of our languages and dialects. It’s beautiful to hear how rich our country is in culture, through this platform. I believe this is just the beginning for us to make AI our ally.”

Malaysia – FCB SHOUT, the advertising arm of creative services company THE SHOUT GROUP, has welcomed new faces to further enhance its talent. The new hires include Loong Sheng Mae as group business director, Caryl Tan as associate brand director and Chung Ru Zen as creative group head.

Previously a brand manager with experience working in local and international agencies, Mae’s new role as group business director drives her to lead brand management teams to foster growth for the agency’s key clients. Tan is also set to manage the agency’s clients at both local and regional levels.

As an addition to the agency’s creatives, Zen is expected to elevate FCB SHOUT’s creative output after previously delivering award-winning campaigns with strategic audio. 

Meanwhile, Raphael Castellano has been promoted to creative group head and Jane Leong to senior brand manager.

Syahriza Badron, the general manager of FCB SHOUT, commented, “With the addition of Mae and Caryl, we are confident that our brand management team is now even better equipped to continue delivering unparalleled results for our clients. Having nurtured his skills in both agencies and a creatively progressive organisation like Grab Malaysia, Ru Zen is a unicorn creative who is able to conceptualise really creative solutions while still being grounded in the strategy that guides a business. Things are looking really exciting for us in the agency.”

“I’m extremely proud to have young and dynamic creative talents like Ru Zen and Raphy with us. Not only are they extremely experienced and skilled creatives who are able to consistently tell amazing stories for brands in fresh, exciting ways, they are also natural leaders who have earned the respect of their teams through their aptitude and patience in nurturing the next generation of creative talents. Supported by a strengthened brand management team, the creatives of FCB SHOUT will achieve even greater things for the agency and our clients very soon, I’m sure of that,” Tjer, the head of creative of FCB SHOUT, said. 

“These new hires and promotions are part of our plan to stay ahead of the curve in a constantly evolving industry. By strengthening our teams with talented individuals and giving the well-deserved team members their due recognition, we are not only enhancing our creative capabilities but also ensuring that we continue to be a partner of choice for our clients. These are key moves we’re making to ensure that The Shout Group and our agency brands are poised for even greater success for years ahead,” Shaun Tay, co-owner and chief executive officer of The Shout Group and FCB SHOUT, added.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Amazon, through its Amazon Web Services (AWS) arm, has announced the launch of the AWS Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Region. With this, various sectors in the country will have greater choice for running their applications and serving end users from AWS data centres located in Malaysia.

As part of the launch, Amazon has also stated that it is planning to invest an estimated US$6.2b (approximately MYR 29.2b) in Malaysia through 2038, as well as support an average of more than 3,500 full-time equivalent jobs annually in Malaysia.

The construction and operation of the new AWS Region is estimated to add approximately US$12.1b (MYR 57.3b) to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) and will support an average of more than 3,500 full-time equivalent jobs at external businesses annually through 2038. 

These jobs, including construction, facility maintenance, engineering, telecommunications, and others within the country’s broader economy, will be part of the AWS supply chain in Malaysia.

Tengku Zafrul, Minister of Investment Trade & Industry (MITI), said, “The launch of an AWS infrastructure Region in Malaysia provides access to new and emerging technology for Malaysian entities and businesses of all sizes, boosting our country’s capabilities for digital innovation. “This milestone is a significant step towards fulfilling the vision of Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 to build a highly-skilled, innovative, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable economy.”

He added, “We recognise the transformative power of digitalisation, cloud computing and AI as key drivers in Malaysia’s effort to become a manufacturing and services hub within Asia. As the largest investment made by an international technology company in Malaysia, the AWS infrastructure Region will help ensure Malaysia remains competitive on the global stage.”

Meanwhile, Prasad Kalyanaraman, vice president of Infrastructure Services at AWS, commented, “The new AWS Region in Malaysia enables organisations across Asia Pacific to unlock the full potential of the world’s most extensive and reliable cloud, helping customers deploy advanced applications with a broad set of AWS technologies like AI and ML.”

He added, “Malaysia’s rapidly growing digital economy requires access to secure, resilient, and sustainable cloud infrastructure. With today’s launch, AWS is proud to support Malaysia’s digital transformation and help accelerate its role as a regional hub for AI.”

Malaysia – The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched an initiative in Malaysia encouraging families to travel to Singapore, positioning the country as a place to bond. 

Featuring a collaboration with Malaysian personalities Farah Nabilah and Elecher Lee, the content highlighted family experiences and activities that are unique to Singapore. 

The content features the personal experiences of Farah and Elecher during their family vacations in Singapore. As reflected in the videos, attractions that cater to Malaysian families include the development of resorts and parks. Kid-friendly hotels and family-friendly dining are also available.

“Families with young children are a key segment in the Malaysia market, and we believe Singapore is an ideal destination for their holiday needs. We are just a short flight away, and it’s easy for families to get around our city to enjoy a wide range of family-friendly experiences,” Terrence Voon, Southeast Asia executive director of STB, said. 

“With the convenience and peace of mind that Singapore offers, we believe family travellers can focus on what really matters – enjoying precious moments and building lasting memories together,” Voon added.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In conjunction with this year’s National Day theme of ‘Jiwa Merdeka,’ CelcomDigi’s One Team – M&C Saatchi and Naga DDB Tribal – has partnered up with young Malaysians who are using technology and connectivity to shape the nation’s future. 

The campaign features a film narrated by the trailblazing Bunga, Malaysia’s first and most popular Hijabi rapper. Defying stereotypes, she seamlessly blends modest attire with the dynamic energy of hip-hop for boundary-breaking performances that have won accolades worldwide. 

Another youthful visionary featured in the film is 19-year-old Ong Yong Xun (Zero Ong), who single-handedly developed the JomStudy app. The innovative platform revolutionised learning for SPM students by consolidating learning resources.

Meanwhile, Ash Raja and Jon Dexter of content platform Small Towns MY have embarked on a mission to revitalise local tourism by showcasing the hidden gems of Malaysia’s smaller towns. Their efforts have brought newfound attention and appreciation for these often-overlooked communities. 

In the realm of social impact, Azziaty, Azrin, and Azlyn of ROCKA Atelier are making a profound difference through fashion. Their socially conscious brand provides employment opportunities for women from underprivileged backgrounds, empowering them to achieve financial independence and build brighter futures. 

Additionally, the film highlights the remarkable work of Adrian Jo Milang, the youngest Kayan oral tradition practitioner and preservationist. His dedication to safeguarding the ancient oral art forms of Parap and Takna’ is an inspiration to young Malaysians, and a testament to the power of preserving traditions in the digital age. 

Marzuki Maani, executive creative director of the One Team, said, “It’s amazing to see how connectivity can empower our young generation’s creativity to create opportunities. It closes the gaps between age and location, allowing anyone – whether they’re in the city or in the deep rural areas – to explore and unlock their potential.”

He added, “Through this campaign, CelcomDigi wants to shine a spotlight on them, in hopes that by knowing and seeing the young generations at work, we continue to inspire support for the future generation in whatever they set their minds to.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In conjunction with the anniversary of Malaysia’s independence and unification, Ikano Centres has launched “Flavours of Unity,” a campaign that celebrates little acts of kindness and togetherness. 

Created by independent creative agency The Clan, the centrepiece is a short film about a mixed-race family and an elderly ‘pak cik’ (Malay term for uncle) who are brought together by circumstance at an Ikano Centres food court. 

Teh Sue May, head of copy at The Clan, said, “We truly believe that unity is found in everyday interactions. This Merdeka and Malaysia Day campaign aims to shift the focus to the genuine moments of connection that define our nation and its people.” 

Meanwhile, Yow Kuan Wai, executive creative director at The Clan, commented, “We consciously avoided anything grandiose or epic. In fact, we set out to tell the smallest story possible, centred around the smallest of settings – the dining table – to convey a bigger theme of goodness begetting goodness. Like many Malaysians, I’ve personally experienced moments where I’ve had to share a table at a crowded eatery with total strangers. In most cases the interactions were minimal, but I also remember instances where my family and I ended up having a good chat with people we barely knew but suddenly liked.” 

Lastly, Karina Kamaruzaman, marketing manager at Ikano Centres, commented, “Our campaign underscores that Ikano Centres are more than just shopping destinations. Our meeting places are also vibrant community hubs offering a diverse mix of shopping, dining, and family-friendly activities that bring people together and create shared experiences.”

Festive celebrations hosted by Ikano Centres for Merdeka and Malaysia Day are currently ongoing at all its shopping centres nationwide, namely IPC Shopping Centre, MyTOWN Shopping Centre, Toppen Shopping Centre, and Klippa Shopping Centre. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the country’s central bank, has imposed monetary penalties to CIMB and Maybank as well as its Islamic banking arms over unplanned downtimes, a violation of the Financial Services Act 2013 and Islamic Financial Services Act 2013.

Maybank paid a total of RM4,320,000 for the fine imposed, while CIMB paid a total of RM760,000 in fines. 

BNM notes that between 1 June 2023 and 31 May 2024, Maybank’s regional mobile banking platform (RMBP) and MAE applications experienced multiple unplanned downtime that caused prolonged disruptions in several banking services interface with customers and counterparties. Meanwhile, on 8 and 9 April 2024, CIMB’s customers experienced prolonged service disruptions affecting e-banking channels, automated teller machines (ATM), as well as debit cards and credit cards.

“BNM expects all financial institutions to maintain a high level of their technology resilience against operational disruptions to ensure the continuous availability of essential financial services. BNM will not hesitate to take appropriate supervisory and enforcement actions when financial institutions fall short of regulatory expectations,” BNM stated in both of their advisories to both banks.

CIMB has taken the necessary remediation actions, including enhancing its real-time IT infrastructure monitoring function to further improve its recovery capabilities and prevent future non-compliance. Meanwhile, Maybank has taken the necessary actions to close these gaps as part of its multi-year infrastructure investments to prevent future non-compliance.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – MBCS, the media-fuelled creative content practice within the IPG Mediabrands network, has announced its latest campaign to launch the new Pizza Hut’s Melts Burger.

The campaign launches a new permanent addition to the Pizza Hut menu. The Melts Burger features a brand film to showcase Pizza Hut’s innovation of its new menu item, which is crunchy like Melts, and tastes like a burger, bringing about “the best of both worlds” as it says with its tagline.

Mun Tuck Wai, executive creative director at MBCS said, “A pizza brand that is now into burgers… say what?! This mash up is a truly unique combination, and we want to showcase Pizza Hut’s innovative spirit. The Melts Burger is new, cool, and easy for those on the go. Ideal for Gen Z’s and their active lifestyle. The video elements and song capture this modern spirit of youth on the move and shows how you can have the best of a pizza and burger all rolled into one.”

Meanwhile, Emily Chong, chief marketing officer at Pizza Hut Malaysia said, “Pizza Hut is known for leading the way in trend-setting ideas and products, and this is an evolution of that. Eating a burger, while delicious, can sometimes be a messy affair. The Melts Burger offers the perfect combination with the best of both worlds shining through – crunchy, cheesy, loaded – who says you can’t have it all?”

For a limited time only, the Melts Burger is available at a special price of RM0.99 with the purchase of selected drinks or sides.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – ‘She Speaks Power,’ an initiative by NagaDDB Tribal, to create a platform for female collaboration and learning, has announced the launch of its latest endeavor, the ‘IMPACT Mentorship Program.’ This program is specifically designed to support female founders of new and small businesses, providing them with essential tools and strategies to thrive in the competitive social media space. 

The She Speaks Power IMPACT Mentorship Program aims to empower participants by focusing on three key areas, namely business development, impactful content creation, and social media growth.

This mentorship helps women entrepreneurs effectively launch and grow their businesses. Participants will receive guidance on best practices and personalised 3-month mentorship to ensure their business success and sustainability. 

One of the programme’s first mentee–Puan Hasnah–is a single mother caring for her four sons, two of whom have special needs under the autism spectrum while her 32 year old second son has just been diagnosed with mild ADHD and general anxiety disorder. Her eldest son, who is a speech and drama teacher, stays in another state and whatever emotional or financial support he can offer can only be done remotely. 

For 15 years, she helmed her own communications company but had to give it up to focus on Ziqri, one of her neurodiverse sons. With her youngest son Aidel’s diagnosis of high-functioning Asperger’s, she decided to provide consultancy services to boutique PR firms and corporate organizations. 

Today, she co-leads and serves as the editor-In-chief of New Malaysia Herald, an Australian-based, self-funding online news portal dedicated to opinion pieces and leader articles on Malaysia and Australia. Additionally, she benefits from Project Impian, an initiative by Santapan that supports selected small F&B operators by providing the necessary support, knowledge, capital, and facilities to launch their own products in the Ready-to-Eat Meals segment for commercialisation. 

“As a one-woman show, the help of this IMPACT Mentorship Program will be incredibly valuable. I look forward to learning from experienced mentors and applying their insights to grow my business,” Hasnah said.

She added, “For the past 10 years, I’ve been cooking for clients from my small home kitchen. I realised that food is what is going to put food on the table. Until William, founder of Kembara Kitchen, who manages Santapan REMS (Ready-To-Eat-Meals), took me by the hand and encouraged me to become a beneficiary of Projek Impian. And here we are.”

Hajar Yusof, head of digital experience at Naga DDB Tribal, said, “At She Speaks Power, we are dedicated to making a real impact in our community and providing a platform for collaboration. This program is not just lip service; it’s a tangible effort to support and uplift female entrepreneurs who need the help the most.” 

Meanwhile, Farrah Harith McPherson, chief growth officer at Naga DDB Tribal, commented, “As experience makers, Naga DDB Tribal believes in putting our services to a greater cause. The IMPACT Mentorship Program is a perfect example of how we can leverage our expertise to empower and support women in business and celebrate women entrepreneurship.” 

E-commerce marketing techniques are now crucial for retail brands looking to improve the customer journey in the current digital era. One cannot stress how crucial it is to provide a smooth, interesting, and customised experience as more and more customers choose to purchase on internet platforms. 

In addition to drawing in new clients, efficient e-commerce marketing helps existing ones at every step of the buying process—from awareness to completion and beyond. Retail businesses can create sustained growth in a highly competitive market by fostering stronger connections with their audience, improving customer satisfaction, and utilising innovative digital tools such as data-driven insights and targeted advertising.

For our latest interview as part of our E-Commerce Marketing Series, we recently spoke with Siew Lai Wong, chief marketing officer at BIG CARiNG Group to better understand how e-commerce marketing strategies play out for a retail brand under the pharmaceutical industry, and what can marketers do to strike a balance between using technology and understanding human behaviour to serve the best campaign to them.

From generic to hyper-personalisation strategies

One of the things that Siew Lai pointed out as one of the key trends amongst brands in terms of e-commerce marketing strategies is how they have evolved from seemingly targeting a general audience to catering to the specific needs of customers who return to the brands for a new transaction.

“Firstly, I am seeing a shift from generic promotions to hyper-personalisation experiences based on individual health profiles, purchase history, and browsing behaviour. This utilises AI-driven recommendations and dynamic content to create a more relevant shopping experience,” she said.

Siew Lai added, “Secondly, customers expect seamless transitions between online and offline channels. Customers expect a seamless experience whether they shop in-store, online, or through marketplaces.”

It is also worth noting as well that seamless experiences with customers allows brands to give customers easier access to their services–and in their case being able to offer healthcare consultations and other medical-related advice.

“The integration of telehealth services with e-commerce platforms is creating seamless customer experiences, allowing for easier access to health care professional consultations to advise on personalised healthcare. In the Big Pharmacy App, we have tele-consultation backed by certified HCP, which integrates tele-consultation, e-pharmacy and e-commerce seamlessly,” she explained.

Expansion of AI and omnichannel to improve marketing opportunities

For Siew Lai, one of the most promising opportunities in e-commerce marketing is the expansion of omnichannel strategies, as well as how AI is set to revolutionise e-commerce marketing by enabling hyper-targeting and personalisation. 

“Customers expect a seamless experience whether they shop in-store, online, or through a marketplace. Additionally, leveraging AI and machine learning to optimise marketing efforts and improve customer insights presents a significant opportunity,” she said.

She added, “Predictive analytics will help forecast demand and optimise inventory, while chatbots and virtual assistants will enhance customer service. Moreover, AI-driven content creation and automation will improve marketing efficiency.”

It is worth noting, however, that there are also challenges in the implementation of these new types of technologies for e-commerce marketing strategies.

“Challenges include navigating regulatory landscapes, as different countries within SEA have varying regulations regarding online pharmacy retail. Another challenge is building and maintaining customer trust in a space where product authenticity and safety are paramount. Lastly, the competition from both local and international players is intense, requiring continuous innovation and differentiation,” she explained.

To solve this, she stated that at BIG Caring Group, they are investing heavily in these technologies, focusing on upskilling their workforce to leverage tech tools effectively. Additionally, she also stated that the company is continuously enhancing their data analytics capabilities to gain deeper customer insights and improve decision-making.

Requiring a customer-first mindset approach

When asked about the balance between human intervention and technology implement, Siew Lai said that investing in AI and automation can free up human resources to focus on more strategic, creative, and relationship-building activities. However, there is also greater need to have the ‘human touch’.

“Striking a balance between efficiency and human centricity requires a customer-first approach. Companies should leverage technology to streamline processes and gain efficiencies, but not at the expense of the customer experience. This means maintaining a human touch where it matters most, such as in customer service and personalized interactions,” she explained.

Additionally, she also said that gathering and acting on customer feedback can help ensure that the technology implementations are enhancing rather than detracting from the customer experience.

In her particular industry, she explains that the e-commerce landscape in the retail pharmacy scene is likely to see significant growth and transformation. For her, they anticipate a greater integration of digital health services, such as tele-consultation, e-pharmacy, with e-commerce platforms.

“BIG Caring Group aims to be at the forefront of this transformation by continuously innovating and adapting to changing market dynamics. We are committed to enhancing our omni-channel presence, expanding our digital health services, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Our goal is to set new standards in the healthcare ecosystem that allows continuous monitoring of health and well-being, centre around patients self-care,” she concluded.

By focusing on personalised experiences, data-driven insights, and targeted engagement, these strategies transform the online shopping process into a more intuitive and satisfying experience for consumers. This not only increases customer retention and loyalty but also drives higher conversion rates and revenue growth. 

As the digital marketplace continues to evolve, retail brands like those in the consumer pharmaceutical scene that prioritise and innovate in their e-commerce marketing efforts will be better positioned to meet the ever-changing demands of their customers, ensuring sustained success and a competitive edge in the industry.

MARKETECH APAC is leading the conversation on the future of e-commerce marketing strategies this 2024 and beyond with the E-Commerce Marketing in the Philippines 2024 conference on August 14, 2024 at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. Join us and become an integral part of a dynamic community committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and fostering unparalleled growth in the e-commerce domain.