Tag: Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has announced a worldwide cooperation with ACMAR Marketing Xiamen, a subsidiary of the prestigious ACMAR Group. The alliance benefits from the extensive experience and resources that the ACMAR Group offers. The ACMAR Group’s significant presence in Xiamen makes it an invaluable partner for MyCEB in its endeavour to establish Malaysia as a premier destination for business events. 

In order to attract the Chinese market, exchange market insights, facilitate information sharing, co-create business leads, and build collaboration prospects within the private sector, cooperative marketing campaigns are facilitated by the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC). MyCEB will have a strong connection to China’s business event circles through ACMAR Marketing Xiamen, which will improve communication and open up opportunities for collaborations. 

The cooperation between MyCEB and ACMAR Group is based on a shared dedication to implementing innovative marketing strategies and establishing long-lasting partnerships in order to achieve their shared objectives. It is expected that these initiatives will strengthen bilateral relations and cultural linkages between China and Malaysia, as well as stimulate investment and tourism. 

Furthermore, notable organisations that MyCEB has conversed with include the chairman of Xiamen Welleast Smart City Technology Co., Ltd., C&D Global Tourism Group Co., and the Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center. Ltd. and Xiamen Tourism Association president. 

These conversations are expected to open doors for more robust partnerships, more market access, and enhanced bilateral links between Malaysia and Xiamen. This will in turn foster the expansion of business gatherings, tourism, and private sector prospects. 

Speaking about the partnership, Azman Haji Tambi Chik, CEO of MyCEB, said, “The collaboration bolsters both Malaysia and MyCEB’s presence in the promising Chinese market, specifically catering to the Xiamen business community. The MoC signed not only signifies national pride between two Malaysian entities but also a significant step towards fostering bilateral cooperation and enhancing business events opportunities in the region.” 

Meanwhile, Dato’ Steven Tee, JP, group managing director of Acmar Group, stated, “The MoC leverages on the extensive network and insights of both organisations, with MyCEB being able to showcase Malaysia’s world-class facilities, unique culture and unparalleled hospitality. ACMAR is excited to be part of this venture by supporting the Bureau through our footprint and aiming to drive mutual growth and prosperity between Malaysia and China.” 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysian arm of global coffee chain Stabucks has released a public statement amidst an ongoing boycott globally in support of Palestine caused by the Israel-Gaza conflict, as well as allegations that the coffee chain and its CEO Howard Schultz providing financial support to Israel.

In the statement, Starbucks Malaysia stresses that despite false statements being spread through social media, they have no political agenda, and that they do not use their profits to fund any government or military operations anywhere.

Moreover, they have also reiterated that their position remains unchanged, with Starbucks condemning violence, the loss of innocent life and all hate and weaponized speech.

“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.

They have also added that Starbucks in Malaysia is wholly-owned by a public-listed Malaysian company, and that they currently have 5,000 employees across 400 stores in the country.

“For over 25 years, we have consistently demonstrated our commitment to serving the local community, which includes active support for local communities, Government of the day, and NGOs through a range of initiatives designed to directly uplift and benefit Malaysians,” they added.

It has also clarified that Starbuck’s previous closure of its Israel branches back in 2003 was not due to political reasons, but rather as a result of on-going operational challenges that they experienced in that market.

The boycott against Starbucks was rooted from a decision in October 2023 when the company sued Starbucks Workers United in US federal court, alleging trademark infringement after the union sent out a social media post saying “Solidarity with Palestine!” following the start of the Hamas attack in Israel in that same month.

As of this writing, there are more than 50 global brands included in the ‘boycott list’ ranging from insurance companies like AXA as well as energy companies like Chevron.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Southeast Asian martech firm OpenMinds Group has officially announced their partnership with the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), a private Malaysian university that aims to bring out the next generation of creative talent to the industry.

Through this partnership called ‘OpenCreative’, OpenMinds Group and Asia Pacific University will be working together in developing creative content production in the digital space for Malaysian SMEs.

Under the guidance of OpenMinds’ experienced creative leads, APU students will play an active role in creating content marketing products for SMEs, aiming to provide students with practical real-world experiences, in addition to meticulous quality checks to allow the students to improve and ensure that their work will comply with the highest standards.

The services offered by OpenCreative include creative content creation, such as copywriting, short videos, and graphic design. Additionally, custom content calendars and content advisory services are also available, with packages starting from as low as RM 1500 per month. These new services under OpenCreative, allow SMEs to tap into the experience and process that OpenMinds Group has developed.

The end goal of this project is to empower the creative community, regardless of professional experience, while also setting a better standard of quality for creative content among Malaysian SMEs in the digital space. This also perfectly aligns with Malaysia’s goal of upskilling its youths through experiential learning and real-world skill development to increase graduate and overall workforce employability.

Talking about the partnership, Dr. Ho Chin Kuan, vice chancellor of APU, said, “We are excited about our partnership with OpenMinds Group as it aligns with APU’s mission of empowering graduates with the skills needed to excel in global business and society.”

“Specifically focusing on technology, innovation, and creativity, this collaboration aims to equip students with the practical skills essential for making meaningful contributions to their industries, subsequently enhancing their employability. We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will bring to both of our operations”, he added. 

Meanwhile, Randy Too, director of OpenCreative and co-founder of OpenMinds Group, commented, “Collaborating with APU to enhance creative content production will not only aid Malaysian SMEs in spearheading digital transformation but will also establish a new standard for the quality of creative content in the country. We are honoured to work with the talented students at APU and anticipate creating a generation of independent creative individuals in the future.”

Malaysia – MBCS, IPG Mediabrands’ media-driven creative content practice, has partnered with Aiken to produce a campaign aimed at encouraging Malaysians to shine as the brightest stars during Chinese New Year (CNY).

In the movie, a group of girls use the Aiken Vita-C Bright Skincare line to embrace their brightest selves. The girls are given the chance to succeed on the football court because of their glowing skin.

Inspired by the recent worldwide talent search for women to try out for his next film, “Shaolin Women’s Soccer,” the Aiken Brightest Star ad honours Hong Kong actor and filmmaker Stephen Chow. 

The advertisement features an open letter written by Aiken to Stephen Chow, inviting him to see the movie. It also invites Malaysians to enter the #AikenBrightestStar competition and embrace their brightest selves this Chinese New Year.

Speaking about the campaign, Phang Mei Jeng, managing director of MBCS, said, “We know that CNY is a time to watch and re-watch Cantonese films that are old favourites, and Stephen Chow’s films are number one on that list. With his movies consistently trending around the festive season, and his recent open casting on social media, we looked to do this as a tribute to this huge icon and feature Aiken as the brand that helps you be the brightest star.” 

Meanwhile, Saki Goh, senior general manager marketing of Wipro Unza, expressed, “We’re extremely excited about this campaign, as it speaks to CNY pop culture. Stephen Chow’s movies are funny and legendary, and MBCS have found a creative hook that enables us to pay tribute to him in a very special way. We hope more Malaysian women join this callout to be the biggest and brightest star, using Aiken as their ammunition to glow up in this Year of the Dragon.” 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – RHB Bank has released their latest Chinese New Year film, which was conceived and created by creative agency FCB SHOUT, which tells the life story of Beatrice Leong, an autistic rights activist and filmmaker who only found out she is autistic when she was in her 30s.

Titled ‘Acceptance’, the film was directed and narrated by Leong herself and shot entirely from a first person’s POV, allowing the viewer to see the world through her eyes and better understand how an autistic person processes the things around them.

The film talks about Leong struggles in coping with being different, constantly feeling unwanted and unaccepted by the world that simply couldn’t understand her. After learning about her diagnosis, her life dramatically turned around, taking great strides as an autism activist, becoming a beacon of hope for people who are autistic – especially women in Malaysia.

Her new purpose led to the foundation of her NGO called ‘Autism Inclusiveness Direct Action Group’, which champions representation for the autistic community in media spaces and policy-making.

Talking about the film, Abdul Sani Abdul Murad, group chief marketing officer of RHB Banking Group, said, “At RHB, we are committed to making progress happen for everyone, and our various Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (‘DEI’) initiatives are testament to this. This heartfelt and personal film by Beatrice Leong reaffirms our commitment to continue supporting the neurodiverse community and serves as a timely reminder during this festive period to embrace and celebrate one’s true self.”

Meanwhile, Tjer, head of creative at FCB Shout, commented, “It was really exciting to produce a film that was shot from a first person’s POV, but we did it not just because we wanted to do something different; there’s actually a deeper meaning behind the technique. Beatrice spent much of her life hiding and running away from the world. That inspired us to tell her story without actually showing who she really is, right until the very end.”

“Doing so also allows us to let the viewers experience what being an autistic person is like in an immersive manner, so that they can have a better understanding of this condition and begin to embrace and celebrate the differences in people,” added Tjer. 

‘Acceptance’ was released on January 29, 2024, and is running across all RHB Bank’s social and digital channels in conjunction with the Chinese New Year festive celebration, which starts on February 10, 2024.

Malaysia – Maybank’s Chinese New Year film, “Unspoken Connections,” sheds light on the deaf community’s unique experience of honouring one of the world’s most vibrant, loud, and happy events. The film digs into their perspective in a peaceful setting, emphasising the critical role of sign language in overcoming silence for them.

The film, starring Lim Bee Chin in the lead role and co-directed by Barney Chua and Pan Wai Ling, was created in association with Grey Singapore and the production company Mojo Films. 

Pan Wai Ling and Bee Ching, two members of the deaf community, portray an honest and personal picture of their daily lives in the campaign. The film’s core offers viewers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the deaf community’s experiences, promoting a deeper comprehension of their reality. 

For the production company behind the movie, this project went outside of traditional narrative and became a life-changing investigation of empathy and discovery. They experienced an emotional rollercoaster from the beginning of filming to the intense ending, overcoming communication barriers and gaining new insight into the challenges faced by the deaf population. 

The team planned to actively engage with and comprehend the deaf community in advance of the project. The first conversations revealed perspectives on the deaf community’s experience in Malaysia, highlighting important topics, especially during Chinese New Year. 

Pan Wai Ling and other deaf cast members and staff members led the production without a script, working together with the larger team. The resultant video closely reflects their actual experiences.

Speaking about the campaign, Barney Chua, director of Mojo Films, said, “Collaborating with the hearing-impaired community is familiar territory for my team. Over time, we’ve developed strong connections through various projects. That’s why I approached Wai Ling to co-direct this project. Her fearlessness and intelligence, evident from our previous encounter, made a lasting impression. She brought a wealth of creative ideas to the set, affirming my belief in her potential as an excellent director.” 

Meanwhile, Pan Wai Ling, co-director of Maybank’s CNY film, stated, “My hope with this film is that it not only showcases the experiences within the deaf community but also underscores the importance of sign language. It’s more than just a mode of communication for us; it’s a lifeline, a bridge that connects us to the world around us.” 

Graham Drew, CCO of Grey Singapore, commented, “According to scientific research, non-verbal communication accounts for 70-80% of our daily interactions. We don’t realise, but we all speak in ‘signs’ every day, suggesting that learning sign language may be easier than we think. It’s time we recognise and embrace this natural aptitude so we can foster a more inclusive society for the deaf community.” 

Furthermore, Shazlina Binti Mohd Suffian, EVP & head of Group Corporate Marketing of Maybank Malaysia, added, “The deaf community holds immense potential and talent, yet often faces barriers to fully realising their capabilities. At Maybank, we have been working closely with them by offering training and support, empowering them to succeed on their own terms. We hope that this film will serve as a catalyst for greater awareness, inclusivity, and support for the deaf community.” 

Malaysia – Malaysian-based home improvement retailer MR D.I.Y. has partnered with advertising and digital agency Fishermen Integrated on its latest heartwarming campaign for the upcoming Chinese New Year.

The campaign includes a short web film titled ‘Wo Ai Ni (I love you)’ that follows the journey of Long Wei Feng, whom his grandson and family refer to as ‘The Most Strict Headmaster in the Country’. Gearing away from the usual tear-jerking films, it is set around the Lunar New Year and combines hints of humour with family values to highlight the role elders play in the family.

MR D.I.Y.’s ad film is also anchored on the wordplay between Ai (love) and AI (artificial intelligence) technology, reminding viewers to skip the AI and simply add the Ai instead. It aims to encourage audiences to express their love in the most sincere and fun-loving way possible.

MR D.I.Y and Fishermen Integrated campaign film for Chinese New Year is a heartwarming twist between AI and Ai (love).

Aside from the web film, MR D.I.Y. also prepared a Wishing Wall at MR D.I.Y. Plus in Mid Valley Megamall, where everyone can try craft workshops, watch traditional performances, and take photos at the photo booth with their loved ones.

Speaking on the campaign, Andrew Perera, creative director at Fishermen Integrated, explained, “Although there has been a lot of talk about AI and how powerful it is becoming, our team realised that there is a better kind of AI that artificial intelligence will never match—the ‘AI’ in Wo Ai Ni (I Love You). For this reason, this Chinese New Year, we wanted to break free from the usual Gong Xi Fa Cai prosperity messages and reach out to the Chinese community, who shy away from vocal expressions of love, to start a far more valuable tradition—by saying Wo Ai Ni to their loved ones.”

Alex Goh, head of marketing at MR D.I.Y. Group, also shared, “The Lunar New Year is all about bringing family and loved ones together. The best and simplest way of doing so is to bring out the spirit of ‘Ai’ (love), which is to say “我爱你 Wo Ai Ni” or “I love you”. Our web film shows how a grandfather uses unique ways to express his love to his family members with the assistance of AI. With this, MR D.I.Y hopes to remind everyone to make this festive season a little extra special by injecting the spirit of ‘Ai’ (love) instead of ‘AI’ (artificial intelligence).”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Nando’s has announced the launch of a new marketing campaign, “Intense Flavours That Make You Lose It”, for its new product, PERi-crackle. While people freaking out over food usually strikes fear in the hearts of those working in F&B, this campaign puts a twist on what ranting and raving will be like with this new menu addition. 

Nando’s PERi-crackle is a topping made with toasted sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, garlic, shallots, and PERi-PERi. Not to be confused with a sauce, Nando’s calls it a ‘flavour topping’ that you can add to your favourite foods. Chicken, sides, and everything in between. 

The campaign, conceptualised alongside The Chariot Agency, features Malaysian actor and lifestyle influencer, Harris Annuar, screaming compliments to Nando’s TRX employees for serving him an intensely flavourful PERi-crackle with his ¼ Chicken with 2 Sides order. 

A series of ads followed this as they collaborated once again with Jared Lee of Grim Films, who brought freak-out moments up a notch. In one video, one could see cosplayers drop their carefully curated characters. In another, a trio of championship-winning mimes go berserk and lose their cool. It’s all the PERi-crackle effect, brought to mouth-watering life with food styling by Shen of Boldz Studio.

Elaine Chiew, head of marketing at Nando’s Malaysia, said, “At Nando’s, we’re always looking for new ways to bring South African heat to Malaysian tastebuds. PERi-PERi is more than just an ingredient to us, it’s the magic that makes Nando’s uniquely Nando’s and with PERi-crackle, we now have a new way for our fans to enjoy PERi-PERi – in the form of a chilli oil topping and not just a sauce or basting. The experience of eating PERi-crackle can get intense as it’s spicy, crunchy, savoury and you just can’t believe how well it goes with so many different things.”

Meanwhile, June Lim, account director at Chariot Agency, commented, “We injected a comedic approach to the campaign that hinges on real human behaviour when eating – a common one is when you eat something so good that your body just does this little shake. PERi-crackle is made with powerful, textured ingredients that get your mind and body shaking furiously.”

Lastly, Christyna Fong, creative director at Chariot Agency, said, “The flavours of PERi-crackle are so enjoyably intense, it just fires up everything in your body all at once. We wanted to capture the feeling of completely losing yourself to the intensity. From the stunt to our ads, PERi-crackle’s flavours and textures will have you dropping any act or pretences and just lose your cool. So watch yourself around it.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Malaysian digital telco Yoodo has appointed The Clan as its new lead creative, social, and digital agency for the next 12 months in a 7-way pitch.

This appointment of The Clan extends is for a period of 12 months with an option to renew for the next 12 months, covering the spectrum of creative ideation, strategy, creative output, social media strategy, and content development. 

As life evolves for both the brand and agency in 2024 and beyond, Yoodo looks forward to enhancing its brand connection through this partnership with the Clan, further enriching its customers’ experiences. 

Casey Loh, creative chief at The Clan, said, “We are honoured to be given the opportunity to work with an innovative brand like Yoodo, which has all the makings of a gamechanger in the telco industry. Yoodo’s philosophy in challenging the status quo echoes Clan’s DNA to bring about positive change in everything that we do.”

Yoodo has since grown from strength-to-strength with a continued approach in innovation to differentiate itself from other telco players in an increasingly competitive environment. The telco brand empowers its users with full customisability of their mobile plan from 31 billion combinations through its app, while rapidly adopting breakthrough mobile connectivity solutions like seamless eSIM activation in under 5 minutes.

Malaysia – AEON Bank Berhad announced it has officially gained approval from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Ministry of Finance to commence its digital banking operations in Malaysia, making it the country’s inaugural Islamic digital bank.

The approval granted to the Bank is pursuant to BNM’s validation of its operational readiness. AEON Bank is an associate company of AEON Credit Service Berhad and a subsidiary AEON Financial Service Co., Ltd.

Now with a ‘go-signal’ from the authorities, AEON Bank will work on forwarding its advocacy of digital technology, facilitating the introduction of new and innovative products for the AEON Group, and enhancing the overall proposition for its diverse customer base and partners.

The Bank also aims to further its commitment to promoting financial inclusion by extending financial services to individuals and small businesses that do not have access to funding. Additionally, it plans to prioritise financial literacy and education initiatives to empower consumers with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions.

AEON Bank is planning to unveil the phased rollout of its new application in the first half of the year. It will first conduct an exclusive beta testing phase with AEON Group employees.

Raja Teh Maimunah, chief executive officer at AEON Bank, said, “Our core mission is to advance the promotion of financial inclusion and Islamic banking. As part of Malaysia’s most recognised retail household brands, we aim to provide accessible, inclusive, and Shariah-compliant digital banking solutions to our AEON Group of customers as well as to all Malaysians. It is our intent to empower our communities with access to digital financial services that are simplified, safe, and secure.”

Meanwhile, Daisuki Maeda, managing director of AEON Credit, also added, “This momentous occasion marks a significant leap forward in redefining financial services provided by the AEON Group and reaffirms our commitment to continuing our support for financial inclusivity.”

“As AEON Group Malaysia celebrates 40 years of trust, we see AEON Bank as an opportunity to provide more to our loyal customers and business partners who have been the bedrock of our success,” he emphasised.