Tag: Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Bastiaan de Clercq has joined Domino’s Pizza Malaysia as its new president and head of marketing. Bastiaan joins the popular pizza chain following 14 years working with FrieslandCampina.

“Passionate about brand building, digital marketing, and business transformation, Bastiaan leverages technology and consumer insights to accelerate growth and innovation,” the company said.

With more than 13 years at FrieslandCampina, Bastiaan has taken on six different roles, spending the majority of his career in Asia. His professional path led him from the Netherlands to Singapore, where he oversaw extensive digital transformation initiatives across multiple markets, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. 

He later relocated to Malaysia, where he joined Dutch Lady to lead digital & media, drive commercial transformation, and eventually head the marketing team for all infant and children’s products.

Bastiaan’s appointment comes after Domino’s forecasted that sales in Malaysia will be affected by geopolitical issues, and are expected to be negative until the second quarter of FY25.

Earlier this year, Domino’s Malaysia announced that its former CEO Encik Shamsul Amree has signed as the pizza chain’s first franchise partner, with six store locations namely Puchong Utama, Putra Permai, Bandar Puteri Puchong, Damai Utama, OUG Parklane, and Taman Equine.

“This marks a proud moment in our history as we expand into franchising, and we are confident Encik Shamsul Amree’s leadership will continue to inspire product and service excellence,” the company stated back then.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Catcha Digital has announced that iMedia, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Catcha Digital, has entered into a conditional share sale agreement to acquire a majority shareholding of 60% in FrameMotion, an integrated digital media solution provider.

This strategic acquisition combines Catcha Digital’s digital advertising solutions with FrameMotion’s immersive digital marketing capabilities in producing digital content leveraging on virtual reality and augmented reality technology to augment both online and offline advertising experiences. This transaction is also expected to contribute positively to Catcha Digital’s earnings in the future.

FrameMotion specialises in experiential marketing, brand activations, production of digital content and physical events for immersive experiences by leveraging on virtual reality and augmented reality technology, across Southeast Asia and other countries. 

Speaking on the business move, Patrick Grove, chairman at Catcha Digital, said, “We are very excited about this acquisition and believe that integrating FrameMotion’s cutting-edge expertise with our wide network will enable us to offer highly innovative and integrated solutions to clients across the region. We can’t wait to push the boundaries of digital storytelling with the FrameMotion team.”

Meanwhile, Jeand Pua Yin Chye, co-founder and CEO of FrameMotion, commented, “This deal with Catcha Digital is a game-changer for our company. Their acquisition not only validates our creative vision but also accelerates our ability to deliver world-class digital experiences. We look forward to integrating with Catcha Digital’s broad suite of digital solutions to elevate our offerings to clients of both parties.”

Catcha Digital previously acquired a 70% interest in Tastefully Malaysia for RM7.6m. Said stake acquisition marked Catcha Digital’s ambition to continue growing its integrated digital media business to provide an omnichannel online-to-offline advertising solutions to its client base.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Plant-based milk brand Oatside has appointed Trapper as its media agency of record (AOR) for Malaysia, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its presence in the market. This collaboration brings together two homegrown brands—OATSIDE from Singapore and Trapper from Malaysia—as they work together to drive brand growth and consumer engagement in Malaysia.

OATSIDE has rapidly established itself as a favourite not just amongst plant-based milk enthusiasts but also among those seeking healthier beverage options. With a wide array of products catering to multiple consumer needs, OATSIDE is well-known for its creamy texture, sustainably sourced ingredients, and a strong commitment to flavour innovation. 

As the demand for healthier beverage alternatives continues to rise in Malaysia, OATSIDE aims to strengthen its footprint in the country by leveraging Trapper’s deep local market expertise and data-driven media strategies.

This partnership will focus on integrated media strategies that enhance OATSIDE’s brand awareness, consumer engagement, and market penetration in Malaysia. With Trapper’s expertise in driving impactful media campaigns, OATSIDE is poised to dominate the market and offer high-quality beverage options to health-conscious Malaysians.

Trapper has made significant waves in the media industry, securing major wins in 2024, including the global media remit for MAG and the local media remit for Netflix in Malaysia. With this momentum, Trapper can apply its expertise in scaling high-growth brands like OATSIDE.

Shannon D. Francis, senior brand manager at OATSIDE, said, “As we continue to grow OATSIDE’s presence in Malaysia, partnering with Trapper is a strategic move to connect more meaningfully with consumers and accelerate our brand’s reach. Trapper’s enthusiasm to grow the brand and expertise in media planning and execution, coupled with their understanding of the Malaysian market, makes them the chosen partner for the next phase of our journey.”

Meanwhile, Sivanathan Krishnan, chairman and co-founder at Trapper, commented, “We are humbled and thrilled to be appointed as OATSIDE’s media AOR for Malaysia. OATSIDE is a dynamic brand that has disrupted the beverage industry, and we look forward to crafting innovative media strategies to further cement its position in the Malaysian market.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Halal personal care brand Safi, in partnership with IPG Mediabrands’ MBCS, has launched ‘Sis Shay’, a virtual hijabi educator aimed at driving hijabi haircare awareness especially to the hijabi youth.

Sis Shay, a role model who raises awareness around hijabi haircare, was brought to life by Safi Shayla as a relatable character that aligns with the pop culture of younger hijabi audiences. As a digital entity, Sis Shay exists both online and on-ground as she drives hijabi haircare education and spreads messages around the importance of using a hijab hair specialised shampoo, building confidence in hijabi youth everywhere. 

Through visits at SMK Convent Kajang and Sekolah Seri Puteri Cyberjaya, students were able to interact with Sis Shay as she answered some of their pressing questions around hijabi haircare and other pertinent questions around the changes they face as youth. 

Moving forward, Sis Shay will also be seen in other schools and on social media through a digital comic series that educates on hijab haircare through storytelling, fostering deeper engagement and relevance for younger hijabi girls. 

Jennifer Wee, creative director of MBCS said, “There is still a gap in hijab haircare education, and as yet, no one seems to be addressing or championing this space. Our insights indicate that young Malaysians, particularly Gen Alpha and those aged 16-21 in the process of building brand loyalty are relying heavily on digital resources to inform their choices. By having Sis Shay meet them through the form of a virtual character in the Safi Shayla universe, we aim to provide a safe space for hijabis. One filled with confidence and support as they navigate through their challenges for the long-term.”

She added, “Sis Shay is more than a character. She’s a relatable digital “older sister” who understands the challenges faced by young Malaysian girls, especially within the hijabi community. She’s interactive, digitally and physically “present”, and says “I’ve got you”. Her energetic presence leaves a lasting impression, and we’re excited to build on her possibilities.” 

Meanwhile, Kazlina Mohd Kassim, SAFI Brand & Insights Specialist of Wipro Unza, commented, “As Malaysia’s leading hijab haircare expert, Safi Shayla understands the challenges hijabi newbies face in adapting to their adolescence stage and the root causes of their hair care concerns. Safi Research Institute’s studies have shown that a hijabi scalp differs from a non-hijabi scalp, leading Safi Shayla to formulate hijab hair specialised shampoo tailored specifically for hijabis.

Kazline added, “MBCS’s introduction of Sis Shay is a novel approach that helps us connect the dots between haircare education and hijabi hair health to build awareness in a modern and relevant way. Her bubbly yet informative approach makes every tutorial fun & easily comprehensible, and if you’re ever in need of hair care wisdom served with a side of humour, look no further. Sis Shay as your go-to sister truly embodies Safi Shayla’s expertise in hijab haircare, serving as the digital face in educating hijabis with specialised haircare knowledge.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Regional super-app giant Grab is set to acquire Everrise, a Malaysian supermarket chain, from private equity firm Navis Capital Partners. This acquisition follows a similar acquisition done by Grab to Jaya Grocer in 2022.

Everrise, founded in 1993 in Kuching, initially catered to the mass-market segment. As consumer preferences evolved, Everrise introduced a premium grocery shopping experience in 2012. In 2019, Navis recognised Everrise’s potential and invested in the company, to establish it as a leading premium grocery brand in East Malaysia.

Since the investment, Navis has closely collaborated with the company to accelerate the rollout of new stores and to refurbish existing ones, further enhancing the shopping experience for customers. 

Furthermore, Navis worked closely to bring in new professional talent and has supported management in improving its supplier engagement, broadening its product offerings–including the launch of a private label and securing new exclusive supply arrangements–and in digitalising its loyalty program, amongst others. 

Some of the rapid actions taken were informed from Navis’ experience in the more developed premium grocery market in Peninsular Malaysia, where Navis remains invested in the multi-brand operator, The Food Purveyor.

Jeffrey Sia, representing the founding family of Everrise, said, “We are proud to see Everrise growing from strength to strength. Over the last six years, Navis has helped transition the business to a fully professional team and created a robust foundation for independent future growth. We appreciate the partnership, trust and great working relations we have had with Navis over the years.”

He added, “Grab’s vision for the future comes at a perfect time and will be the beginning of a new milestone for the business to reach even greater heights. The team at Everrise is looking forward to this new partnership to deliver an even better shopping experience to all our customers.”

Meanwhile, Edwin Fua, partner at Navis, commented: “Everrise has a strong 30-year heritage, loyal customers and a dedicated team. By combining that with our prior experience in premium grocery, Everrise quickly became the undisputed leading brand for premium grocery shopping in East Malaysia. We are extremely proud of our partnership with the Sia family and appreciate their contributions in making this journey with us.”

He added, “The business is now well-positioned to take the next step and lead the digitalisation of the grocery shopping experience in East Malaysia together with Grab. It will be an exciting next few years and we look forward to its continued success.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Star Media Group Berhad has promoted Lydia Wang as its new chief operating officer, effective 1 March 2025.

Lydia brings with her over 30 years of experience across diverse industries, including finance, retail, telecommunications, and education, with the last 11 years dedicated to SMG. Prior to her promotion, she served as SMG’s chief revenue officer, where she played a key role in driving corporate growth and leading business transformation initiatives. 

She is also the founder of the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium (AEPIC), the first of its kind in Asia, which unites media leaders from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines to champion sustainability through media. 

Additionally, she has been serving on the Council of the Malaysia Digital Association (MDA) since 2020 and will continue her tenure through 2026, advocating for digital transformation and innovation within the industry. 

Speaking on her promotion, Lydia said, “I am honoured to take on this role at such a pivotal time for Star Media Group. As the media landscape continues to evolve, I look forward to working closely with our talented teams to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiencies and unlock new growth opportunities. Together, we will build on SMG’s strong legacy, deepen audience engagement and deliver greater value to our stakeholders.”

Meanwhile, Chan Seng Fatt, CEO at Star Media Group, commented, “We are pleased to announce Lydia’s appointment as chief operating officer, a role that capitalises on her extensive experience and strategic acumen. Her leadership will be instrumental in driving SMG’s growth path, strengthening revenue diversification and unlocking new avenues for expansion. With a focus on operational efficiency, disciplined cost management and profitability, she will spearhead innovation, amplify value creation and reinforce SMG’s position.”

He added, “Her appointment underscores SMG’s commitment to innovation, operational excellence and business growth, ensuring the Group remains at the forefront of an evolving media landscape.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – REV Media Group and Remix, part of the Involve Asia group of companies, have joined forces to boost their affiliate marketing offering in Malaysia. 

By combining REV Media Group’s extensive digital reach and influence with Remix’s expertise in affiliate programme management, this collaboration offers brands an unparalleled opportunity to drive growth, engagement, and revenue through this high-potential marketing avenue.

Through this partnership, REV Media Group is launching REV Affiliate+, designed to help brands maximise their reach through strategic media buys and access to a vast affiliate network. This solution allows businesses to tap into a powerful ecosystem of publishers, driving high-quality traffic and conversions. 

With REV Affiliate+, brands can amplify their visibility, optimise performance-based marketing, and achieve measurable growth—all through a seamless, data-driven platform.

Meanwhile, Remix will focus on activating and managing affiliate programmes by ensuring brands are continuously supported by a network of affiliates. From programme implementation to commission strategies and retention methods, Remix will provide the operational backbone to maximise performance.

REV Media Group will bolster this effort by offering key promotional channels and audience engagement touchpoints, including, display and video advertising inventory, targeted content and social media exposure, and strategic audience targeting tailored for affiliate marketing campaigns.

This initiative includes top publishers under REV Media Group such as SAYS, OhBulan!, Viralcham, New Straits Times, Berita Harian, Harian Metro, amongst others.

REV Media Group and Remix are aiming to set a new standard for affiliate marketing in Malaysia by empowering brands with collaborative strategies that promote awareness, drive sales, and foster long-term sustainable growth. This partnership combines REV Media Group’s exceptional reach and Remix’s expertise to create impactful, performance-driven marketing campaigns.

Nicholas Sagau, chief operating officer at REV Media Group, said, “Affiliate marketing is a largely untapped opportunity for brands. By combining our content platforms and audience targeting capabilities with Remix’s expertise in affiliate networks, we’re equipping brands with the tools to drive impactful, performance-based campaigns.”

Meanwhile, Chris Wee, chief digital officer at REV Media Group, added, “This partnership demonstrates our dedication to innovation and measurable outcomes. Together, REV Media Group and Remix are creating new opportunities for brands to achieve sustainable growth in a competitive digital market.”

Lastly, René Menezes, executive director of Remix and president & co-founder at Involve Asia, commented, “This partnership marks a significant shift in how brands can harness the power of affiliate marketing. With REV Media Group’s unparalleled reach and our expertise in affiliate programme management, we are creating a solution that ensures consistent growth and maximised returns for our clients.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – WEBQLO has been appointed for a one-year contract to lead the social media strategy for Malaysia Airports.  This engagement aims to enhance Malaysia Airports’ digital presence, transforming the traveler experience through cutting-edge social media initiatives. 

The appointment follows a highly competitive pitch process, solidifying WEBQLO’s expertise and its innovative approach to audience engagement.

WEBQLO’s data-driven strategy focuses on AI-powered insights, personalized content, and emerging platform integration to better engage Malaysia Airports’ diverse traveler demographics. By managing their social media presence, the agency will build a dynamic online community, highlight airport developments, and promote seamless travel experiences. 

At the core of this collaboration is WEBQLO’s 360 AI Marketing Analytics SaaS, powered by its proprietary Adqlo platform. This AI-driven tool enables WEBQLO to conduct advanced social listening, identify key industry trends, and craft highly targeted content. 

By analysing real-time traveller concerns and emerging themes, WEBQLO ensures Malaysia Airports’ social media channels remain relevant, engaging, and informative. 

Ginz Ooi, founder and CEO of WEBQLO, said, “Our team is thrilled to spearhead Malaysia Airports’ social media transformation, leveraging data insights to create highly engaging content to elevate the brand’s presence. With a strong mix of storytelling and AI-driven insights, we aim to create impactful, real-time content that  resonates with travellers while showcasing Malaysia Airports’ commitment to innovation.” 

It is worth noting that the news follows the privatisation of Malaysia Airports through a consortium composed of Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund Khazanah and BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners. Said consortium secured an 84.1% stake in the company, with Malaysia Airport officially delisting after 25 years.

The privatisation of Malaysia Airport has been aimed at improving the airport’s infrastructure and management systems, as well as addressing long-standing concerns related to maintenance, efficiency, and competitiveness.

Singapore – Creative advertising agency Ogilvy Singapore has elevated Sharon Ooi to chief talent officer in its operations in Singapore and Malaysia.

Before the promotion, Ooi served as the agency’s director of talent in Singapore and Malaysia for four years.

In her new role, Ooi will oversee Ogilvy’s talents across its offices in Singapore and Malaysia, ensuring a pleasant experience for its employees. Working closely with leaders while spearheading talent strategy, she aims to maintain Ogilvy’s reputation as an ideal workplace.

With expertise in HR functions, Ooi has held leadership positions at Leo Burnett, Publicis Communications, and most recently at Design Bridge Asia. Before joining Ogilvy, Ooi was part of the senior leadership team at the brand design agency, even expanding her remit to encompass China.

At Ogilvy, she will be reporting to Sue Olivier, chief people officer, and Kunal Jeswani, chief executive officer.

“The promotion of Sharon to Chief Talent Officer for Singapore and Malaysia recognises her outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to our talent team, and her transformative impact on our Ogilvy culture,” Olivier said.

Jeswani commented, “Sharon’s promotion is a testament to her dedication, and the impact she has had on both our culture as well as our talent strategy. She has an exceptional ability to lead leaders. And her passion for building positive, engaging work environments, will spread across everything we do in Singapore & Malaysia.”

“As I step into this new role, I am grateful to Sue and Kunal for recognising my contributions and for their confidence in me. Exciting times lie ahead, as I look forward to further enhancing the employee experience, ensuring our workplace is not only a long-term career destination but also an employer of choice for top talent, where our people can thrive and become our strongest advocates to grow with us,” Ooi commented.

Kuala Lumpur – Global e-commerce platform Temu is teaming up with regional digital financial services platform Atome to allow its customers to select Atome as their preferred flexible payment method during checkout on Temu.

This enables Malaysian customers to enjoy interest-free installment payment options when shopping for a wide range of products on Temu’s platform. New Atome users will also benefit from exclusive discount vouchers with their first purchase with Temu.

Andy Tan, chief commercial officer at Atome Financial, said: “We’re incredibly excited by this partnership. Over the past 18 months, Temu has become one of the most popular e-commerce platforms in Malaysia. Integrating Atome as a payment checkout option will provide millions of Temu customers in Malaysia with the choice, convenience and flexibility of how they want to shop and pay, significantly enhancing the consumer shopping experience.”

It is worth noting that online shopping continues to surge in Malaysia, thanks to rapid digital adoption and changing consumer shopping habits. Data from Ipsos Malaysia’s 2024 E-Commerce landscape report notes nearly 1 in 2 Malaysians shopped online in 2024, with the growth especially significant among 18-24 and 35-44 year olds. Fashion, accessories, electronics and homecare products were among the most popular categories. 

Moreover, the rapid shift in consumer preferences is establishing Malaysia as a leading regional e-commerce hub, with the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reporting that the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and e-commerce sectors contributed MYR 427.7 billion to the national economy in 2023, growing 3.9% from the year before.