Tag: Malaysia

Singapore – Global retail holding company FJ Benjamin, through its local subsidiaries F J Benjamin (Singapore) Pte Ltd. and F J Benjamin (M) Sdn. Bhd., have signed an exclusive franchise agreement with South Korean The Pond Group to distribute the clothing brand Superdry in Singapore and Malaysia.

Through the agreement, FJ Benjamin have entered into a three-year exclusive franchise agreement for the retail and distribution of Superdry products in Singapore and Malaysia with options to renew with The Pond Group, effective 1 June this year.

Moreover, the agreement allows the group to continue operating its Superdry franchise stores in Singapore and Malaysia, and the group is looking positively to developing this business with the new owner of Superdry. 

Said agreement is not expected to have an impact on the financial performance of the group for the current financial year ending 30 June 2024.

Superdry was created in 2003 by Julian Dunkerton and James Holder. With its roots based around Japanese imagery and vintage American sportswear, Superdry has evolved into a diverse British lifestyle brand with a true global reach. Superdry is poised for continued success with continued global expansion and daring designs that propel the brand each season.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad (DLMI), a part of FrieslandCampina in the Netherlands, the multinational dairy company, has appointed Xing Jun Khoo as its head of digital, media, and insights in Malaysia. In this role, Khoo’s main responsibility will focus on leveraging the wealth of data and information available within the organisation.

In an exclusive conversation with MARKETECH APAC, Khoo also added that by leveraging the company’s data, he will be able to create cohesive and actionable strategies in line with FrieslandCampina’s current business strategy, as well as being able to drive effective decision-making across the organisation.

“I am looking forward to leveraging the wealth of data and information we have within the organisation, particularly from the consumer front. My goal is to integrate this data into actionable strategies that will enable us to craft even more effective digital and media approaches. By doing so, we can identify methods that align more closely with consumer needs and market trends,” Khoo told MARKETECH APAC.

Prior to this new role, he was recently with Accenture Song, where he served as its manager for brand and communication strategy. Prior to this, he was also with Entropia where he held various media roles until Accenture Interactive’s acquisition of said agency in June 2021.

“During my time at Accenture Song, I had the privilege of collaborating with various teams and analysing diverse forms of data to craft comprehensive strategies for our clients. This experience honed my ability to create integrated solutions that align with business objectives. I plan to bring this skill set to DLMI, ensuring that our strategies are data-driven and effectively address the needs of our consumers and stakeholders.” he stated.

When asked what particular challenges and opportunities digital and media strategies are having this year, he noted that with changing consumer behaviours and economic conditions, there is a challenge in adapting to these changes whilst maintaining cost-effectiveness.

“However, this also presents an opportunity for us to craft more effective and efficient strategies. By leveraging data analytics and AI technologies, we can better understand and engage with our audience, ensuring that our digital and media investments are both smart and impactful,” he explained.

For Khoo, it is also worth noting that two trends will help shape marketing strategies and that is the integration of generative AI tools to improve current marketing strategies, as well as having sustainability initiatives being on the top of mind for brands this year.

“At DLMI, we are committed to staying ahead by incorporating advanced AI technologies into our marketing strategies, allowing us to create more personalised and efficient campaigns. Additionally, we are dedicated to enhancing our sustainability initiatives, ensuring that we continue to prioritise our purpose of ‘Nourishing Our Nation,’ while ensuring that our practices remain socially and environmentally responsible. By focusing on these areas, we aim to lead the industry in both innovation and sustainability,” he concluded

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Global multi-media company KC Global Media has announced that it has teamed up with Tourism Malaysia to produce a new series called ‘Unfading Memoirs’, which will showcase Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes. Moreover, said production will offer viewers a fresh perspective on the beauty of Malaysia through the lens of entertainment. 

The branded series will be shown on KC Global Media’s English-language general entertainment channel AXN Asia in July 2024 across Asia.

The collaboration between AXN Asia and Tourism Malaysia represents a multi-dimensional fusion of travel and entertainment. Launched across television and social media platforms, ‘Unfading Memoirs’ features beautifully curated experiences from different travellers’ perspectives, and aims to inspire audiences to advocate these extraordinary destinations. 

Through a series of user-generated content initiatives, viewers will be empowered to share their own travel experiences, further enriching the narrative of the unique destinations while having the opportunity to win exclusive trips.

Moreover, ‘Unfading Memoirs’ serves as a testament to the beauty of travel, inviting viewers on a captivating journey through Malaysia’s culinary delights, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. Hosted by renowned personalities and avid travellers, Justin Bratton and Selina Lo, alongside the charismatic food and travel enthusiast Erwan Heussaff, the mini-series promises an immersive and unforgettable exploration of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak. 

This travelogue also seamlessly encapsulates the essence of these destinations, transcending conventional digital content by weaving together a diverse array of experiences into the ultimate travel compendium. Through the hosts’ uniquely AXN-inspired narratives, the series brings these locales vividly to life, offering a dynamic and accessible guide to exploration right at your fingertips.

George Chien, co-founder, CEO, and president of KC Global Media, said, “Partnering with Tourism Malaysia for ‘Unfading Memoirs’ is an honour for AXN Asia. Our commitment to promoting travel and adventure is deeply ingrained in our ethos, and this collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to inspire wanderlust and cultural exploration – exemplifying our dedication to producing meaningful and engaging content that resonates with viewers across the region. We are excited to embark on this journey with Tourism Malaysia and look forward to creating more impactful projects together in the future.”

Meanwhile, Manoharan Periasamy, director general of Tourism Malaysia, commented, “Malaysia is a treasure trove of cultural diversity, natural beauty, and captivating experiences – for which we’re eager to showcase Malaysia’s unique charm to a wider audience, inviting travellers from around the globe to discover the wonders of our country. Together with AXN Asia, we’re committed to positioning Malaysia as a top travel destination, sharing the essence of Malaysia with the world and fostering meaningful connections through travel.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad (Bank Muamalat) has formed an extensive partnership with Backbase, a global engagement banking platform, as part of its strategic plan to become a next-generation digital Islamic bank for all. This collaboration, together with Mambu’s core banking transformation, represents a key milestone in Bank Muamalat’s efforts to reinvent its digital Islamic banking solutions. 

Innovating towards a unified Islamic digital banking experience by bridging silos and traditional banking processes, Bank Muamalat uses platform technology to achieve their aim of creating an outstanding customer-centric experience. With the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform acting as the main platform, Bank Muamalat can design distinctive and personalised customer journeys that are secure, consistent, scalable, and enable end-to-end processes like onboarding, financing, transactions, and backend consumer servicing and engagement. 

A digital Islamic banking super app that aims to improve the bank’s retail banking offerings is essential to its digital transformation. This significant change gives the bank the flexibility and control to carry out its long-term vision while enabling it to provide customised banking experiences catered to each individual customer’s preferences.

In addition to standard banking services, the aim is to provide integrated life empowerment elements that cover financial and faith-based components, as well as the guarantee of security and peace of mind in every transaction, in order to meet the needs of Malaysia’s broad consumer base. In the near future, Bank Muamalat also hopes to incorporate similar advances into its SME and commercial banking sectors.

The technical developments that are occurring are a result of Bank Muamalat’s dedication to innovation and constant improvement in all of its offerings, including services, products, and client experiences. The eight strategic thrusts that constitute the foundation of this change are: increasing customer centricity; facilitating Islamic banking for all; and accelerating business growth. These priorities highlight the bank’s goal of exceeding the ever-expanding requirements and expectations of its growing clientele.

Mambu for digital core capabilities and Backbase for modernization and customer-centric Engagement Banking are integrated into Bank Muamalat’s comprehensive cloud-based transformation. The bank’s financial services and product offers are improved by switching to a cloud-based model, which also saves a lot of money and increases operational effectiveness. Furthermore, by leveraging Mambu’s digital core to meet regulatory standards and fortify its security controls—both of which are critical for a financial institution—it helps Bank Muamalat’s developers to expedite software development cycles.

Mambu takes on a crucial role as one of Backbase’s most important core partners. The integration of Mambu’s core banking platform with Backbase’s engagement banking solutions creates a basis for banks of all sizes to break free from isolated, antiquated cores and go through a comprehensive digital revolution. 

Backbase and Mambu’s collaboration offer an efficient and resilient shift to contemporary banking protocols by providing a comprehensive, end-to-end, cloud-native digital banking solution built on an open architecture. Banks are better equipped to address the changing demands of the modern, tech-savvy customer and the larger banking environment with this unified offering. 

Speaking about the partnership, Khairul Kamarudin, president & chief executive officer of Bank Muamalat, said, “We are attentive to the current needs of our diverse consumer base and are dedicated to advancing financial inclusion and Islamic banking practices to be more modern, customer-centric, and digitally progressive. The strategic advantage of the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform lies in its ability to ‘adopt and build’, which aligns with our goal to launch the digital Islamic banking platform by the end of the year.” 

Meanwhile, Riddhi Dutta, regional vice president of Asia at Backbase, stated, “Islamic banks, especially in Asia, are keen to enhance their digital banking solutions to stay competitive. At Backbase, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Islamic banks across the globe, gaining invaluable insights into their unique needs and challenges. Our Engagement Banking Platform is designed with flexibility at its core, offering pre-built journeys and microservices that can be customized to meet the unique requirements of Islamic banking.” 

He added, “Our partnership with Bank Muamalat exemplifies our commitment to support Islamic banks in their digital transformation endeavors. Additionally, we hold a deep appreciation for Malaysia’s vibrant Islamic banking culture and dynamics, which stand as a beacon of innovation and growth in the global Islamic finance sector.” 

Lastly, Perminder Grewal Dallow, director of solutions engineering at Mambu, remarked, “Mambu is a key player in the cloud-native core banking space, today powering financial institutions across 65 countries. As one of the first traditional banks in Southeast Asia to embrace our cloud banking platform, we look forward to enabling Bank Muamalat to build innovative products and services, streamline IT processes, and craft exceptional customer journeys.” 

“The endorsement from Bank Negara Malaysia, the regulatory body for Malaysia’s financial sector, to advance this project underscores the trust and assurance in both Mambu and Backbase. We look forward to a strong partnership with Bank Muamalat as it modernises its technology foundation,” Dallow added. 

Malaysia – Microsoft has announced that it will invest US$2.2 billion over the next four years to promote Malaysia’s digital transformation. The investment demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to developing Malaysia as a hub for cloud computing and related technologies like generative AI. This project seeks to increase the nation’s productivity, competitiveness, resilience, and economic growth. 

The investment in digital infrastructure continues Microsoft’s April 2021 initiative, Bersama Malaysia (Together with Malaysia), which aims to promote inclusive economic growth. This project included preparations to set up the company’s first datacenter area in the nation. 

The disclosed investment places Microsoft in a position to handle Malaysia’s growing need for cloud computing services. Furthermore, it enables Malaysia to capitalise on the significant economic and productivity opportunities presented by AI technology. 

Microsoft revealed a broader pledge to provide 2.5 million people in the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with chances for AI skill development by 2025. Governments, nonprofit organisations, corporate entities, and communities throughout Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam will all work together to give this training and support. 

The commitment builds on Microsoft’s recent skilling efforts in Malaysia, including its success in providing digital skills to over 1.53 million Malaysians as part of the Bersama Malaysia project. 

Microsoft intends to continue working with the Malaysian government on a number of projects aimed at strengthening the country’s digital environment. Among these efforts is the establishment of a national AI Center of Excellence in collaboration with Malaysia’s Ministry of Digital Agency. The objective is to ensure compliance with AI governance and regulatory standards while fostering the deployment of AI across critical industries.

In order to strengthen Malaysia’s cybersecurity capabilities, Microsoft will continue to work with the National Cyber Security Agency of Malaysia (NACSA) as part of the Perisai Siber (Cyber Shield) program. Through security evaluations and capacity building, our alliance will put the public sector’s security and resilience first. 

Furthermore, Microsoft wants to support NACSA as it develops the next stage of the country’s cybersecurity strategy, serving as NACSA’s principal agency for cybersecurity matters in Malaysia. The two organisations will also engage in more extensive cooperation to develop cybersecurity knowledge via programs such as Microsoft’s Ready4AI&Security initiative.

Microsoft continues to support the growth of Malaysia’s developer community by launching new projects like AI Odyssey. This initiative aims to assist 2,000 Malaysian developers in becoming AI subject matter experts by acquiring new skills and obtaining Microsoft credentials. 

Speaking about the investment, Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO, Microsoft, said, “We are committed to supporting Malaysia’s AI transformation and ensure it benefits all Malaysians. Our investments in digital infrastructure and skilling will help Malaysian businesses, communities, and developers apply the latest technology to drive inclusive economic growth and innovation across the country.”

Meanwhile, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry, said, “Microsoft’s 32-year presence in Malaysia showcases a deep partnership built on trust. Indeed, Malaysia’s position as a vibrant tech investment destination is increasingly being recognized by world-recognized names due to our well-established semiconductor ecosystem, underscored by our value proposition that ‘this is where global starts’.” 

He added, “Microsoft’s development of essential cloud and AI infrastructure, together with AI skilling opportunities, will significantly enhance Malaysia’s digital capacity and further elevate our position in the global tech landscape. Together with Microsoft, we look forward to creating more opportunities for our SMEs and better-paying jobs for our people, as we ride the AI revolution to fast-track Malaysia’s digitally empowered growth journey.” 

Andrea Della Mattea, president of Microsoft ASEAN, expressed, “We are honoured to collaborate with the government to support their National AI Framework, which enhances the country’s global competitiveness. This strategic emphasis on AI not only boosts economic growth but also promotes inclusivity by bridging the digital divide and ensuring everyone gets a seat at the table, so every Malaysian can thrive in this new digital world. As a result, Malaysia is steadily establishing itself as a regional hub for digital innovation and smart technologies, embodying a forward-thinking approach that prioritises sustainable development and societal well-being through digital transformation.” 

Singapore – Oriental Kopi, a Malaysian cafe chain, is set to make its first overseas debut in Singapore by the third quarter of this year. According to Paradise Group, which will be the chain’s franchisee, they will be opening eight chains across Singapore in a span of three years.

Oriental Kopi opened its first coffee shop in 2021 and currently has 14 outlets across Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. 

The chain’s menu includes its eponymous beverage Oriental Kopi – a Chinese-styled coffee made from a blend of arabica, robusta and liberica beans – alongside a range of traditional Malaysian and Chinese bakery and lunch dishes.

Speaking on the expansion, Edlan Chua, chief operating officer at Paradise Group, said, “We are thrilled to embark on the group’s very first joint venture with Oriental Kopi. Its commitment to quality resonates deeply with Paradise Group, and we are confident that it will be a well-loved concept by Singapore diners.”

Meanwhile, Calvin Chan, managing director at Oriental Kopi, commented, “We are confident that Paradise Group’s proven track record, robust business capabilities and unwavering dedication to culinary excellence in Singapore’s F&B industry will propel Oriental Kopi to greater success.”

Paradise Group wwas first founded in 2002, and operates 100 restaurants and cafés across its 12 food service brands. The group has a presence across nine Asian markets, including China, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as the US.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd (MAG) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tourism Malaysia to form a three-year cooperation aimed at increasing the country’s visitor arrival targets.

The memorandum of understanding will open the door for the creation and implementation of a three-year partnership program in key foreign markets. This is more than a leisure passenger initiative; it also includes transit passengers and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibits (MICE). Furthermore, the collaboration will function as the foundation for Malaysia Airlines’ Bonus Side Trip (BST) program, which grants travellers a free journey to a domestic location on the Malaysia Airlines network.

The country’s Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) program aims to generate target receipts of RM147.1 billion, of which 35.6 million tourists are expected to arrive. Malaysia hopes to welcome 27.3 million tourists this year, with a RM102.7 billion tourism budget.

Speaking about the partnership, Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, MAG chief executive officer of airlines, said, “We look forward working with Tourism Malaysia, leveraging our strengths as a national carrier and aviation hub to pursue sustainable traffic growth in an increasingly competitive landscape.” 

He added, “With our strong network and track record of working with partners through trade and consumer initiatives, we’re well-placed to support the nation’s tourism ambitions. This partnership reinforces MAG’s commitment to supporting the goals of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) through positioning Malaysia as the gateway for Asia and beyond.” 

Meanwhile, Manoharan Periasamy, Tourism Malaysia Director-General, said, “More joint activities are planned, including familiarisation trips to Malaysia, marketing promotional activities, and advertising campaigns to feature Malaysia as a preferred holiday destination on the global stage.” 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – OpenMinds Group, a Southeast Asian martech company, has launched its new digital solutions and performance brand, OpenMinds Digital, in Malaysia. 

OpenMinds Digital, led by Michelle Phang and May Lee, is dedicated to providing digital transformation consulting services in Malaysia. By providing consulting and digital marketing services, the company assists small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) as well as multinational corporations (MNCs). 

The digital marketing and consulting arm of OpenMinds Group, martech, is called OpenMinds Digital. It offers a wide range of consulting and digital marketing services designed to help companies improve their online performance and presence. These services include paid advertising, content marketing, SEO & SEM, website creation, and specialist knowledge and solutions for applying a range of marketing tactics.

In addition, OpenMinds Digital provides data management, analytics, and digital auditing services, enabling MNCs and SMEs to assess their current digital infrastructure and use data insights to make better choices.

Michelle Phang, co-managing director of OpenMinds Digital said, “In today’s landscape, many Malaysian MNCs and SMEs find themselves relying on digital tools out of necessity, often without a clear understanding of how to harness their full potential. While some have implemented digital tools, they lack the proper integration and optimisation. Others have integrated software and established performance tracking, indicating a cohesive strategy, yet struggle to effectively monitor and measure the success of these tools. This realisation prompted the establishment of OpenMinds Digital.”

Alongside the launch of a new digital solutions and performance brand, OpenMinds Digital, in Malaysia, OpenMinds Digital has appointed Michelle Phang and May Lee as managing directors, using their significant experience and expertise in digital marketing strategies and technology.

They will lead the business toward strategic growth and innovation in the constantly evolving digital landscape with their experience. Their deep understanding of new trends and digital marketing technologies will enable OpenMinds Digital to adapt to changes in the market and take advantage of new opportunities.

Speaking about her appointment, May Lee, co-managing director of OpenMinds Digital, stated, “At OpenMinds Digital, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment where the voices and perspectives of everyone, regardless of gender, are not only valued but celebrated. We believe that by championing diversity, we can catalyse real and meaningful change in the marketing-tech landscape.” 

She added, “We would like to thank OpenMinds Group for giving us the opportunity to spearhead OpenMinds Digital. Together, let us pave the way for a future where every woman can thrive, lead, and impact businesses in their digital transformation journey.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Petron Malaysia has partnered with Ogilvy Malaysia for an emotionally-charged Petron Raya Festive film that depicts the realities of a divorced family and finding harmony in differences. 

Petron’s Raya film centres on a poignant narrative of a single father and his daughter, both navigating their way around the complexities of divorce amidst the anticipation of Raya and the daughter’s upcoming birthday. 

The film shows the father exerting his best effort to take care of his daughter, who is overwhelmed with sadness and yearns for her absent mother during significant occasions. With a stirring digital narrative, Petron aims to touch the hearts of many and ignite important conversations during this festive season. 

This bold storytelling shows Petron’s commitment to authenticity and highlights Ogilvy Malaysia’s skill in capturing raw emotions and creating impactful narratives that deeply connect with audiences.

More than just a story, Petron’s Raya Festive film serves as a testament to Petron’s unwavering dedication to its customers’ happiness. Through this cinematic masterpiece, Petron showcases its deep understanding of the Malay audience, emphasising the importance of finding harmony in differences, especially during the celebration of Raya. 

Adrian Miller, chief creative officer at Ogilvy Malaysia, said, “In our latest campaign for Petron Malaysia, we dared to venture into the realm of authentic storytelling by addressing a subject that is often considered taboo in advertising: the impact of divorce on a family. We believe that real stories resonate deeply with our audience, and by tackling such a brave and authentic subject matter, we aim to connect with our viewers on a more meaningful level.” 

“Divorce is a reality for many families, yet it’s seldom depicted in commercials, especially during festive seasons like Raya, which are typically portrayed as perfect and joyous. By choosing to highlight the struggles of a single father and his daughter during this time, we wanted to acknowledge the diverse experiences of our audience and remind them that happiness can be found even in the most challenging circumstances,” he added. 

Danny Chen Heng Siong, marketing manager at Petron Malaysia, also shared, “With family being the centre of the most meaningful Raya celebrations and understanding the reality that there are families that are not together, we put the focal point on a child’s struggle around the divorce of her parents, magnified by her upcoming birthday, which happens to be on the first day of Raya. With this film, we hope to convey the message that happiness is found in togetherness. When things are difficult, we should put aside our differences to reconcile, seek forgiveness, and find happiness to achieve harmony.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The dynamic e-commerce landscape is marked by remarkable expansion, creativity, and change. As it continues to evolve quickly, the need for continuous learning and collaboration becomes increasingly vital for enterprises to remain relevant and prosper in the current economy.

With Malaysia standing as the heart of Southeast Asia’s e-commerce hub, the demand in the market for being up to date on the latest innovations and strategies in the e-commerce realm  grows more significant with each passing day.

In line with this, MARKETECH APAC is thrilled to bring its inaugural ‘E-Commerce Marketing Series’ to Malaysia on 25 July at the Sheraton Petaling Jaya. Titled ‘E-Commerce Marketing in Malaysia 2024’, the conference aims to bring together industry leaders, digital marketing experts, and forward-thinking entrepreneurs under one roof, to explore the latest trends, strategies, and technologies shaping the e-commerce ecosystem in the Malaysian market.

The conference will encompass an array of engaging formats such as keynote presentations, panel discussions, fireside chats, and networking sessions by Malaysian industry leaders covering industry topics such as conversational marketing, AI, creative commerce, social commerce, and e-commerce media, amongst others.

Furthermore, the conference features a diverse lineup of marketing and e-commerce leaders across Malaysia who will be sharing their insights on how the industry should move forward in terms of building effective strategies and future-proofing them. They include:

  • Low Ngai Yuen, Group Chief Merchandise And Marketing Officer at AEON
  • Yau Chuan Ng, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer at Loob Holding
  • Jennifer Chang, Head of Marketing at MABECS Malaysia
  • Nicole Chin, Head of Marketing Technology, CRM & Product Growth at Mindvalley
  • Evelyn Lee, Head of Marketing at Secret Recipe Cakes & Cafe Sdn Bhd
  • Seong Yee Teoh, Head of CRM & Digital Marketing at StashAway
  • And more to be announced!

Talking about the event, Katherine Sy, regional head of content at MARKETECH APAC, said, “A must-attend event for marketers and leaders looking to excel in the e-commerce marketing industry is coming your way, Kuala Lumpur! We are so excited to debut this conference, a unique platform specifically tailored to the dynamic Malaysian market. Don’t miss the chance to propel your business forward and stay ahead in the competitive world of e-commerce and learn from experts themselves!”

Later this year, MARKETECH APAC will also be bringing its E-Commerce Marketing Series to the Philippines on August 8, staying true to its mission of creating a well-connected marketing community in Asia Pacific. 

E-Commerce Marketing in Malaysia 2024 is part of the conference roadshows under MARKETECH APAC’s E-Commerce Marketing Series. To learn how to be a part of this conference, click HERE for further details.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Joven Barceñas at [email protected].

Meanwhile, please contact Jean Cabico at [email protected] for speaking opportunities; and Hans Policarpio at [email protected] for registrations.