Tag: Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Vase Technologies or Vase.ai, a Malaysian consumer research technology company founded in 2015 to answer the lack of flexibility in traditional market research firms, has announced a seven-figure ringgit investment to jump-start their 2022 expansion. The new round of funding was spearheaded by Indelible Ventures, along with their existing investors.

Vase.ai is an AI-powered self-service platform that provides companies with fast and reliable insights into consumers, markets, brands, products, and more to reinforce their marketing and product decisions.

Julie Ng, CEO and co-founder of Vase.ai, said, “Our platform helps companies make better and smarter decisions when it comes to marketing and product decisions. The investment and support from a partner like Indelible Ventures will help us significantly as we enter a new phase of growth. We look forward to a long partnership with them as we continue our mission to make consumer and market insights more accessible to the millions of brands in ASEAN.”

As a technology startup, Vase.ai utilises its proficiency in AI to produce swift, high-quality market research at an affordable price. Vase.ai’s ability to bring all digital data points and insights that a company requires to make informed decisions provides their clients with real-time analysis that is not usually available to most brands. The tech startup has worked with leading brands in ASEAN and run over 600 projects for clients, including high-value brands namely Digi, Carsome, IPG Mediabrands, Systema, TNB, and RinggitPlus.

The investment from Indelible Ventures will be allocated towards geographical expansion and enhancing the AI technology behind the Vase.ai platform.

Meanwhile, Kevin Brockland, managing partner of Indelible Ventures, comments on their investment in Vase.ai, saying that Vase.ai provides a high value-add solution in an exciting space that taps into the fact that consumer insights and habits are changing faster than ever before.

“They have the technology, know-how and a great track record in the region, so we know our investment will further accelerate their, already impressive, regional growth. We’re excited to be working with a strong founding team and look forward to seeing them grow the business even further,” Brockland said.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Tropicana Corporation, property developer in Malaysia; together with digital-first agency Lion & Lion, has released a new short film to showcase Tropicana’s brand promise and tagline of ‘Redefining the Art of Living’ in a meaningful way to its target audience of potential homeowners.

The 55-second film succinctly elaborates on the fact that homes fulfil the emotional and social needs of the homeowner, which extend beyond the physical needs provided by a house. Lion & Lion said the message aligns closely with Tropicana’s product offerings which focus on nine aspects – accessibility, connectivity, innovative concepts and designs, generous open spaces, amenities, facilities, multi-tiered security and quality. Each residential property of Tropicana is surrounded by amenities such as schools, green spaces, recreational facilities, and commercial or retail outlets to create a sense of community and homeliness.

“We’re excited to be part of this campaign with Tropicana as it’s an opportunity for us to further express its tagline in a more meaningful way. We believe the purpose of this film goes above and beyond, for the brand and its customers, as we want people to not just buy a house, but believe in the brand like never before,” says Adrian Ng, creative group head of Lion & Lion Malaysia.

As the first stage in the agency’s overall branding campaign, the film – launched on Tropicana’s Facebook, Instagram and YouTube platforms – will be supplemented with social media content, on-ground marketing materials and digital assets to give a fresh new look to the Tropicana brand that puts its dedication to building homes at the forefront. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Subscription and rental based online shopping platform SUBPLACE has launched a donation drive to pledge support to seven local women’s NGOs that will be featured in a charity campaign held in conjunction with International Women’s Day.

The seven women’s NGOs featured on SUBPLACE include the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO), National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), PT Foundation, Women of Will (WOW), Purple Lily Sarawak, Stand Up, and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Al-Firdausi.

SUBPLACE hopes that the campaign will help raise awareness about NGOs that have been working tirelessly towards protecting women’s rights and welfare.

Mak Wai Hoong, CEO of SUBPLACE, added that they hope this campaign will draw attention to the plight of women throughout the country who need our support, and to the NGOs that are tirelessly helping them.

“Through campaigns such as our International Women’s Month campaign, we hope to highlight to our subscribers that we don’t just offer home goods, food and electronics or shopping, but our platform also supports charities and NGOs, and we encourage our subscribers to pledge their support with monthly donations of a nominal fee,” he stated.

The platform also hopes that subscriptions will eventually be a mainstay in the consumer lifestyle, as the subscription mechanism makes it an ideal channel for donations to charities and NGOs while also being conveniently accessible by consumers looking to give back.

“SUBPLACE hopes that charity subscriptions can help connect the public to a variety of NGOs working for the public good that may not normally be on their radar, forming a sustainable funding channel between NGOs and the public, so that the former may continue with their good work,” the company said in a press statement.

They added, “By making giving back as easy as one clicks to subscribe, and with the option to cancel anytime as simple as signing up, SUBPLACE hopes that they can help revolutionise charity donations by making it easy and accessible for everyone.”

SUBPLACE’s International Women’s Month will run between 8 to 25 March 2022.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Following the recent launch of the #TimeToListen campaign video highlighting all forms of diversity, Capital A has announced that it has signed one of the campaign’s ambassadors Airliftz for a record deal that would further the diversity platform of the campaign. The deal was inked by airasia Super App’s entertainment venture RedRecords. 

‘Time To Listen’ campaign by Capital A

The 23-year old Kajang boy, Aliff Shaharom, who goes by the artist moniker Aliftz was born with a nose missing cartilage, making him instantly recognizable by his unconventional appearance. In the five-minute campaign previously released on the company’s YouTube, the young musician talked about his struggles in overcoming social prejudice and discrimination growing up.

The rapper and producer said the spunky pop-punk single ‘NOT TODAY’ draws from his own life story of obstacles and challenges, and hopes it can spark hope for change for those who are ready to listen.

“I feel so honoured to be able to share my life story for the #TimeToListen campaign and inspire others with my message. I am very grateful to be given the voice to speak and feel confident to face the world with music charting new territories with the latest record deal with RedRecords,” said Airliftz.

Content strategist at AirAsia Izal Azlee said the company felt that it was a fitting cause for the young artist to inspire and represent a generation, hence, the platform for Airliftz to speak his truth.

“We were so touched by Airliftz’s story of perseverance and determination that we handpicked him to deliver the message for our #TimeToListen campaign,” said Azlee.

Airliftz’s journey as a young, genre-fluid artist spans the better part of a decade. Since the inception of his career in 2016, Airliftz has repeatedly proven himself to naysayers and sceptics by beating the odds and achieving new heights. 

CEO of RedRecords Hassan Choudhury said, “When we first saw Airliftz, we were immediately moved by his story and blown away by his talent and the burgeoning star power, and signed him on the spot as the label’s first Malaysian artist. As a joint venture with Universal Music Group, we are very proud of what he has achieved in the music industry, especially his debut single which will soon be available on all music platforms. We truly believe it can inspire others to tell the world their unique stories.”

The ‘NOT TODAY’ single will be available on all digital platforms from 11 March, and will also have an accompanying music video premiering at 9 pm on Airliftz’s YouTube channel.

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia – MX Global, a Malaysian-based fintech company, has scored an equity investment to build brand awareness, hire more high-quality talent and develop new features within Malaysia’s regulatory framework. 

Said equity investment came from global cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem Binance and a Redeemable Convertible Preference Shares (RCPS) investment from digital business solutions provider Cuscapi Berhad.

MX Global is one of the four Recognized Market Operator-Digital Asset Exchange (RMO-DAX) that has been granted full approval by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) in July 2021 and complies with the standards and practices to uphold investor protection in conducting safe and secure trading of cryptocurrencies in the country.

In addition, MX Global offers solutions for users to store and trade cryptocurrencies under compliant and safe cyber-security environments including a regulated local cryptocurrency exchange.

Dato’ Fadzli Shah, CEO of MX Global, said, “MX Global aspires to be the preferred liquidity platform for digital asset or cryptocurrency investors and token issuers locally and internationally. The cooperation of Binance will not only support us in achieving this goal but should also provide the most capital-efficient opportunity for us to align and compete with other global players in the industry. We will continue building a safe, easy and real digital asset ecosystem for our customers.”

Meanwhile, with this initial effort to support sustainable growth in the cryptocurrency market in Southeast Asia, Binance hopes to work with regional and local partners to drive further collaborations.

Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder and CEO of Binance, said, “We see potential in Malaysia given its respected and innovative crypto and blockchain community. We believe that partnering with MX Global will be a springboard to new opportunities, both in Malaysia and the region as a whole as well as across the entire crypto and blockchain ecosystem.”

Lastly, Datuk Jayakumar Panneer Selvam, executive chairman at Cuscapi Berhad, commented, “This historic collaboration between digital assets and payment systems will create integration and synergy that will bring together the high potential of the use of cryptocurrency to conduct commerce. With blockchain and smart contracts being increasingly incorporated into our lives, the potential for this will be massive.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In a bid to support the leap of the Malaysian banking industry to go digital, global management consulting firm Oliver Wyman and Technology and software engineering company GFT have teamed up to support Al Rajhi Bank Malaysia’s (ARBM) desire to design, build and launch a cloud-based digital bank.

To set new standards of excellence for Islamic banking in Malaysia, ARBM will undertake a complete digital redesign of their products, services, and channels for this new digital bank

Arsalaan Ahmed, chief executive officer at ARBM, said that they have invested significantly in innovation as they lay the foundation of a customer-focused digital bank which offers best-in-class digital banking propositions and channels to benefit individual and business customers.

“We are tapping into the vast potential of innovation and partnering with key experts to provide added value to our customers and better serve the Malaysian market, and ARBM is seizing the opportunities in both digital banking and Islamic finance by striving to become the number one Islamic finance innovation bank in Malaysia,” Ahmed said.

Meanwhile, Dan Jones, partner at Oliver Wyman Digital, said, “The architecture and technology stack we’ve recommended will allow ARBM to provide disruptive, mobile-first, and highly scalable banking services.”

Lastly, Chris Ortiz, global markets and region manager for APAC and UK at GFT, commented, “GFT supports the design, build and launch of ARBM’s digital bank. This new digital bank will enable ARBM to respond to its clients’ needs for simpler, faster and better banking.”

Malaysia – PETRONAS, the natural oil and gas giant of Malaysia, released Tuesday, 1 March, its financial results for the year 2021, where it revealed that it sees itself evolving into an energy ‘superstore’. 

The company will be launching a new energy transition entity this year as well as a new carbon management unit. 

“With the launch of our new entity in mid-2022 and the setup of our Carbon Management Unit, it is envisaged that PETRONAS will evolve into an energy ‘superstore’ that will provide customers with a suite of energy and solutions that power businesses, and fuels progress in a just and sustainable manner,” said Datuk Tengku Muhammad Taufik, president and group CEO of PETRONAS. 

He further shared that the company eyes 2022 as a year it will step up further in becoming a progressive energy and solutions partner for a sustainable future. 

“Aligned to our three-pronged growth strategy and Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 aspiration, PETRONAS is committed to ensuring that energy can continue to be produced and delivered responsibly and sustainably,” he said. 

PETRONAS has posted a Profit After Tax (PAT) of RM48.6b for the financial year ending 31 December 2021, achieved on the back of RM248.0b in revenue. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In terms of which brands in the Malaysian market lead the seasoning, dressings and sauces market, they would be Nestle, Lee Kum Kee and Mars Incorporated. This is according to the latest data released by global data and analytics company GlobalData.

According to the report, the Malaysian seasonings, dressings and sauces market is projected to grow from MYR2.2b (US$527.4m) in 2021 to MYR2.7b (US$664m) by 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% over the five-year period of 2021 to 2026.

It also noted that the per capita expenditure on seasonings, dressings and sauces in Malaysia increased from US$6.4 in 2016 to US$7.8 by 2021, and is further forecast to reach US$9.4 by 2026, which will be higher than the regional average of US$9.1, and lower than the global average of US$13.8.

In terms of where these products are distributed, hypermarkets and supermarkets were the leading distribution channel in the Malaysian seasonings, dressings and sauces sector in 2020, followed by convenience stores, and F&B specialists.

For Siddhartha Rodrigues, consumer analyst at GlobalData, the rise in home cooking since the onset of COVID-19 is driving the demand for seasonings, dressings and sauces, which serve as cooking sauces, table sauces, and as ready-to-consume table dips. He added that consumers are looking for high quality products in convenient formats that can easily endow the flavour of restaurant-quality dishes to home-cooked meals and snacks

“As the pandemic wanes, consumers are poised to venture out of their homes more frequently. Owing to their hectic lifestyles, young consumers are seeking healthier seasonings, dressings & sauces with novel flavours in convenient formats that can help them reduce the time spent in preparing and cooking dishes at home,” he said.

Rodrigues added, “They are seeking traditional and innovative flavours that can elevate the taste of home-cooked dishes and snacks and enhance the overall at-home consumption experience. Manufacturers need to expand their product portfolio with multiple flavours to meet the varying demands of consumers.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – BigPay Later, a wholly owned subsidiary of Capital A’s venture company BigPay, has announced the launch of its first personal loan product. This makes BigPay the first product to have a full digital personal lending product as part of its offering in Malaysia.

As the overwhelming demand for personal loans products continues to increase, it will be rolled out to more users over the coming weeks. In addition, BigPay Later Personal Loans is currently available to selected users.

Salim Dhanani, CEO and co-founder at BigPay, said that they believe that the launch of their personal loans product is unique with the level of transparency, the ease of use and the way in which they do their credit scoring that doesn’t only look at the history of past loans, but also at customer behaviour. He added that the launch of the personal loans product brings them one step closer to bridging the financial inclusion gap.

“The pandemic has highlighted how important it is that people have access to versatile, easy-to-use financial solutions. Many underserved demographics in Malaysia lack access to the credit they need because they do not have the typically “acceptable” credit history which is required by traditional banks – this directly impacts the ability to build long term financial standing. We have always been committed to democratising financial services through accessibility and education across Southeast Asia,” Dhanani said.

Meanwhile, Tony Fernandes, CEO at Capital A, commented, “We are very proud of BigPay Later’s launch of the first digital personal loans product. BigPay has the ability to leverage Capital A’s rich database and customers that have strong loyalty to our brands. BigPay shares the same ethos and principles as Capital A and AirAsia: focusing on affordability, accessibility as well as inclusivity. We are excited that we can disrupt once again and give the common man, from SMEs, small entrepreneurs to the mass public, the same accessibility to easy, simple loans and other outstanding financial services.”

The company notes that BigPay Later’s personal loans have competitive interest rates which are lower than standard credit card rates and easier to apply for with it being an all digital process. Users can generate an instant quote using the in-app loan calculator to ensure affordability, then fill in their personal details via the app to apply. 

Additional documents are not usually required and the application can be approved within minutes. The personal product issued by BigPay Later is fully regulated by Malaysia’s Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).

Bangkok, Thailand – Siam Piwat, leading real estate developer in Thailand, brings concept brands Ecotopia, Absolute Siam, and ICONCRAFT to Malaysia through a cooperation with Pavilion Group, the largest shopping centre developer in Malaysia. The brands are grouped under ‘Discover Siam’. 

Ecotopia is an eco-product store, while Absolute Siam is a fashion and lifestyle store. Meanwhile, ICONCRAFT sells contemporary art and craft items. Siam Piwat said that said brands showcase the height of contemporary and traditional Thainess intertwined together to produce one-of-a kind offerings. The stores have been opened at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, a new forefront project in Malaysia under cooperation with Pavilion Group.

ICONCRAFT at Pavilion Bukit Jalil

Usara Yongpiyakul, CEO of the retail business group of Siam Piwat, shared that while many industries may have stumbled or may have been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, Thai brands are still gaining attention from different countries where the group have continuously been receiving inquiries about selling abroad. 

“Partnering with Pavilion Group, owner and executive of high-end shopping centres in Malaysia, bringing the identity of everything about Thai by using innovative, contemporary but yet retaining the originality of crafts to be shared with a wider group of customers. I know this will only lead us, the retailers to offer cutting-edge plus multi-cultural shopping experience. This is in line with Siam Piwat’s vision of making a difference through creating a sense of wonder, extraordinary and unprecedented experiences,” said Yongpiyakul. 

Absolute Siam at Pavilion Bukit Jalil

The stores are designed with different art features and installations located at the entrance and different areas, generating unique and fascinating ambience to bring awe and ‘wonders’ to Malaysian shoppers.

For Ecotopia, it commissioned one of its long-supporting artists to create an art installation called ‘Siam Yak’ which was constructed using discarded and recycled plastic parts and other materials, reflecting the core value of Ecotopia. 

For ICONCRAFT, meanwhile, it had its space designed and decorated by Khun Suwan Kongkhunthian, the owner of the Thai furniture brand YOTHAKA, who seamlessly combines handicrafts with design. For Absolute Siam, it brought in the well-known ‘Tuk-tuk’ from Thailand to serve as the landmark of the area with some of the innovative Thai fashion brands, such as Mahanakhon, TA.THA.TA, and CORALIST. 

Yongpiyakul further shared that this is just the first step of a plan to promote and support the talent of Thai entrepreneurs and designers in the wider international market. 

“By the end of this year, we expect to explore different distribution channels for Thai brands through Siam Piwat’s global business partners to at least 12 countries, all of which are in the discussion process. We believe that this will be another important stage that will build and support local heroes becoming real global heroes, and for Siam Piwat to be successfully expanding into international markets,” added Yongpiyakul.