Tag: Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Ipsos has recently launched new data reflecting on the e-commerce landscape as well as the non-cash payment economy in Malaysia, highlighting how locals are becoming more adept at using non-cash services to make purchases for their online shopping.

Approximately 50% of Malaysians have made purchases on e-commerce platforms in the past six months, up from 39% in 2023. The popular product categories for online shopping include fashion items, groceries, accessories, and electronic devices.

In terms of market share, Shopee retains market leadership but experienced a 6% decline in market share. Meanwhile, TikTok Shop gained an 8% increase in market share, indicating strong competition. It is worth noting that 72% of respondents shopped in Shopee while 43% of respondents used TikTok Shop. Other platforms like Lazada and social media sites saw lower engagement.

Over at non-cash payment options, around 55% of Malaysians have used non-cash payments in the past three months, an increase of 4% from 2023. Moreover, e-wallet usage has increased by 14% compared to 2023, with 92% of e-wallet users reported using e-wallets in the past three months. Daily usage of e-wallets has also risen, with 51% of users aged 25-34 and 42% of users aged 45-74 using them daily.

Touch ‘n Go is the most widely used e-wallet, followed by MAE. There is a notable increase in MAE usage among those aged 35-44 and in the East region .

It is also worth noting that the increase in e-wallet usage is accompanied by a slight decrease in credit card usage, while debit card usage has increased by 2%. Moreover, the most significant growth in e-wallet usage is for retail purchases, food and beverage outlets, and online purchases,

Lastly, younger generations (18-24 years old) show a significant increase in e-wallet usage, with a 21% rise, while online bank transfers are more popular among those aged 35-44.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – HSBC is reportedly reviewing its retail banking operations overseas, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia as well as in Mexico, as first reported by the Financial Times.

According to the report, the bank is shifting its focus beyond its core markets to reduce its consumer footprint and prioritise serving wealthier “premier” clients.

Moreover, it has been reported that HSBC is considering a substantial reduction of its retail operations in Mexico and is evaluating its presence in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, with an eye toward capitalising on opportunities in premier banking.

It is worth noting that HSBC has been ramping up its wealth management division, especially in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong where most of its clients are coming from. 

In September this year, the global financial services company was reported recruiting hundreds of bankers to serve rich clients in the UK. A month later, the company tapped actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai as part of HSBC’s launch of its wealth programme “Wealth. Growing at every stage” in Hong Kong.

Retail banking exits are increasingly becoming common across markets in Asia, most notably Citigroup’s exit in 10 APAC markets, which included Taiwan, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – National postal and parcel service provider Pos Malaysia and Penang-based protective and customised tech accessories company Galado have announced their second limited-edition collaboration, celebrating Pos Malaysia as an iconic brand through innovative design and artistic expression.

The 2024 collection of phone cases builds upon the success of the first collection that was introduced last year, featuring six distinctive design illustrations that pay homage to Pos Malaysia’s rich heritage. 

Highlighting the evolution of their collaboration, this year’s collection introduces three brand-new designs while enhancing three popular designs from the previous collection. Most designs feature iconic post boxes and brand elements, with two designs inspired by Abang Pos. Customers can also personalise their cases by transforming cherished personal photos into artistic masterpieces.

The collection includes an array of phone accessories that capture the spirit of postal service: an Iconic Post Box MagSafe Phone Grip, a Pos Malaysia Pop Art Phone Charm, and a Pos Malaysia Crossbody Phone Strap. Engineered with ImpactPro Technology, these phone cases provide unparalleled drop protection while telling a story of community and connection. Compatible with iPhone 12 to 16 series, Samsung S22 to S24 series, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 to 6 series, and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 to 6 series, the collection offers innovative features and personalised design options.

“At Pos Malaysia, we are passionate about building trust to connect lives and businesses for a better tomorrow, and this collaboration exemplifies our commitment to fostering local innovation and meaningful connections. By choosing Pos Malaysia x Galado, consumers not only protect their devices but also support homegrown talent and celebrate Malaysia’s iconic postal heritage,” Pos Malaysia said in a press statement.

They added, “This collaboration invites Malaysians to unleash their creativity, celebrate local artistry, and embrace Pos Malaysia’s iconic status in Malaysian culture. Pos Malaysia x Galado is more than a product line—it’s a movement of local pride, creative expression, and innovative design that connects lives through meaningful brand storytelling.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MECD) and SME Corp. Malaysia have recently teamed up to launch the book ‘Do Your Own Branding (DYOB)’ aimed at helping MSMEs in Malaysia strengthen and build their brands. 

The guide offers practical insights into developing brand identities, including strategies for naming, logo creation, and implementing sustainable branding systems. It also highlights success stories from small and medium enterprises (PMKS) that have excelled in branding, serving as an essential resource to empower local businesses and support their global growth.

Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick introduced a new website for the National Mark of Malaysian Brand (NMMB) Programme. This platform provides accessible information for PMKS interested in participating in the certification programme. 

The NMMB recognises companies that meet stringent quality standards, facilitating their entry into regional and international markets. This initiative aligns with SME Corp. Malaysia’s Business Strategic Plan, which prioritizes PMKS internationalization.

During his address, Ewon emphasized branding’s critical role in Malaysia’s trade-oriented economy. 

“Branding is essential for adding value, differentiating products and services, and maintaining global competitiveness. KUSKOP remains dedicated to supporting PMKS through initiatives such as increasing their export contributions to 15% of national exports by 2025,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok, Chairman of SME Corp Malaysia, highlighted that branding enhances business competitiveness, describing a brand as “not just an identifier but a symbol of trust and quality.” He noted the forum as a platform for elevating Malaysian brands to gain global recognition and respect.

Rizal bin Datuk Nainy, CEO of SME Corp Malaysia, elaborated that the DYOB guidebook is part of the agency’s comprehensive branding efforts, which include the NMMB Programme. Since its inception in 2009, the NMMB has certified 177 companies for their exceptional quality, excellence, and distinction.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The SHOUT Group, an advertising holding company, has appointed three leads for FCB SHOUT, its creative agency.

The new additions to FCB SHOUT’s executive management team include Syahriza Badron as managing director, Wang Ie Tjer as executive creative director, and Jamie Tan as general manager.

As the new managing director, Badron is tasked to drive the agency’s growth, leading the brand management team.

Badron has been with FCB SHOUT for 11 years, formerly serving as its general manager. Over the years, she has championed the agency’s ‘No Plan B’ culture while contributing to marketing publications.

Meanwhile, Tjer has spent six years with the agency. As the previous head of creative, Tjer spearheaded the team to win various awards, embodying Malaysian creativity.

Taking over the general manager role, Tan will oversee the internal operations of the agency. Previously the head of operations at FCB SHOUT, Tan has taken on more responsibilities, spanning financial management and culture-building.

Tan has been leading initiatives for the welfare of the agency’s employees, including the expansion of its medical programme for families of staff and pushing for flexible working arrangements.

Shaun Tay and Ong Shi Ping, co-owners of The SHOUT Group, commented, “When we bought the agency back in 2018, we had already set in motion our vision to create a sustainable, highly regarded creative agency that would serve as the right partner for our ambitious clients, and we knew that could only be realised by having the right leaders on board.”

“We wanted people with a point of view and the gumption to materialise our lofty goals. Syah, Tjer and Jamie represent what we stand for, and to have been fortunate enough to help chart their growth over the years has been a true joy and one that we personally feel is our crowning achievement,” they added. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – With the launch of the Astro Originals series ‘Project; Exit’, Talon Creative has collaborated with Astro to create an AI-powered initiative that aims to empower and provide support for those in need via positive social media engagement. 

Bringing together the power of generative AI, the stars of ‘Project; Exit’ and Astro’s social media presence, Talon created a way for Mierul Aiman and Shasha Abedul to give moral support to those in need directly on social media.

To achieve this, a social listening system identified posts expressing sadness, frustration, and anxiety. By leveraging proprietary AI technology trained on the cast members’ voice recordings and footage, we are able to generate custom responses that mimic their style and tone. These personalised messages aimed to provide support and encouragement to those in need. 

With up to 50 responses a day, the initiative created a meaningful impact, allowing social media users to see that they were not alone. This resulted in #ProjectExit 2-episode drop accumulating a total of 3.2k mentions, contributed by 1.2k authors, to date. 

The AI initiative attracted praises from netizens as Hadi and Jannah comforted those in need with personalised words of encouragement. Influencers were also seen interacting with the AI, reacting in surprise that AI could be leveraged for the good of mental health awareness. Moreover, all of this resulted in an outpouring of netizens speaking about their battles and the battles of those close to them. 

Tai Kam Leong, chief sales and marketing officer at Astro, said, “We’re excited to introduce this new initiative to support Project; Exit which uses A.I. in a relevant way to foster positive social interactions. We believe that content can go beyond the screen and it can have an uplifting effect on people’s lives. By leveraging the crossroads of content, celebrity and technology, we hope to inspire young audiences and support the community at large.”

Meanwhile, Gavin Teoh, managing director at Talon Creative, commented, “Project; Exit addresses some tough issues that many Malaysians are facing and we saw an opportunity to go beyond just telling stories and actually reach out to the audience to show that they were not alone.”

Malaysia – Financial services platform Atome has announced its partnership with luxury retail and lifestyle group Valiram to offer flexible payment checkout in Malaysia and Singapore.

The partnership entails Atome integrating its technology into Valiram’s checkout process, improving customer experience.

The payment checkout offering is already live in online and offline stores in Malaysia, with plans to expand in Singapore in the upcoming weeks.

Valiram has a wide portfolio of brands, spanning fashion, beauty, lifestyle, food and beverage. The brands in its collection include Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Rituals, Steve Madden, Michael Kors, Bacha Coffee, and Tory Burch among others.

Mukesh Valiram, executive director of Valiram, commented, “We are dedicated to continuously innovating and enhancing the customer shopping experience. The integration of Atome’s embedded financing technology not only elevates the checkout process but also enables us to connect with new customer segments through flexible financing and payment options. In the first month of our partnership going live in Malaysia, we’ve already experienced a remarkable 20% increase in average basket size from newer customer segments, and we’re excited about the growth opportunities this collaboration presents across the region.”

“We are excited to partner with Valiram, a retail leader synonymous with luxury and consumer lifestyle brands and innovation. Combining our disciplined risk management and underwriting technology with Valiram’s portfolio of world-class luxury and lifestyle brands supports their expansion into new consumer segments and business growth. Their customers now have the choice and ability to shop for their favourite brands with flexible payment plans, ultimately expanding their customer base and their purchasing power,” Andy Tan, chief commercial officer of Atome, said.

Malaysia – IPG Mediabrands, a media holding company under Interpublic Group, has appointed Darren Yuen as chief executive officer (CEO) in Malaysia.

Yuen takes over the role previously held by Bala Pomaleh for eight years. With his new position, Yuen is set to drive IPG Mediabrands growth.

Previously, Yuen held the role of CEO at Initiative Malaysia. He has over 27 years of experience in the industry, spending eight years within the IPG Mediabrands network in Malaysia.

Leigh Terry, CEO of IPG Mediabrands APAC, said, “I could not be more pleased to appoint the Malaysia CEO from within our own network ranks. With his passion, drive, and unsurpassed knowledge of the Malaysian media landscape, Darren embodies our commitment to craft and innovation on this strategic transformation journey.”

“Bala has spent 8.5 years building IPG Mediabrands Malaysia to the much celebrated, industry-leading media network it stands proud as today. He leaves with our thanks and appreciation for his commitment and lasting impact,” Terry added.

“I am honoured to take on the role of CEO IPG Mediabrands Malaysia. This is such an exciting time for our business, and a fantastic opportunity to empower our talented network of people to push the boundaries of how we can deliver exceptional value to our clients,” Yuen commented.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Guardian, a retail chain specialising in health and beauty in Malaysia, has unveiled a new brand campaign with FCB SHOUT, a creative agency under The Shout Group.

With the new tagline ‘Own Your Beautiful,’ Guardian celebrates the process of Malaysians’ self-improvement, from motivations and struggles to outcomes.

The rebranding was accompanied by the new film ‘Another Beautiful Day in Malaysia,’ which aired for the first time during the launch at Pavillion Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur.

New brand visuals are also set to be featured outdoors and on Guardian outlets in Malaysia.

Guardian Malaysia, recently appointed FCB SHOUT as its partner, which is part of its effort to become more relevant to its customers while adapting to modern times. 

Anna Ng, marketing director of Guardian Malaysia, said, “People often think being beautiful is the end result, but we believe that the intention to be better and the effort we put into improvement is just as beautiful as the end result. And it’s not just about the external appearances of beauty either, the effort to be healthier and feel better about yourself is also a beautiful thing. That’s why we want to celebrate every Malaysian at every stage of their own self-improvement with this new campaign.”

Commenting on the appointment, Ng said, “To refresh a decades-old brand with a new narrative that is relevant to the times that we are living in, all while maintaining and even reinforcing the same brand values that have made guardian Malaysia so familiar to and loved by so many Malaysians over the last 5 decades, was truly a challenging and delicate balancing act. The agencies that participated in our pitch all had their positives, but in the end, FCB SHOUT came out on top because they demonstrated a very strong and purposeful idea that is based on an insight that both our existing loyal customers and the younger target audience that we aspire to connect with can relate to.”

“All of us at DFI Retail Group are extremely excited to have the team from FCB SHOUT on board with us for this milestone. They have been excellent partners for us in terms of strategy and creative support, and we believe that the campaigns emerging from this partnership will be the turning point for greater things to come for the guardian Malaysia brand,” Ng added.

“It’s amazing to be able to add guardian Malaysia to our ever-growing list of passionate clients and storied brands! The Shout Group and our agencies have always prided ourselves as true-blue brand-builders who have positively shaped the future of so many brands through our strategy and creative work, and this collaboration with guardian Malaysia allows us to continue flexing those muscles. Our entire team sees this campaign as just the beginning of our story with guardian Malaysia, because we are huge fans of how they’ve been sticking to their guns as an authentic challenger brand that isn’t afraid to shake up the industry,” Shaun Tay, co-owner and chief executive officer of The Shout Group, commented.

Malaysia – Tune Talk, a mobile virtual network operator, has appointed Bernard Chong as its chief marketing officer (CMO), leveraging his leadership skills to mold the brand’s growth.

As Tune Talk’s CMO, Chong will oversee the marketing, product, loyalty and insights team.

Chong has previously held multiple leadership roles. He previously served as Foodpanda’s marketing director and Zenyum’s country general manager. Through these roles, Chong has contributed to the companies’ growth in the market while forging partnerships.

Additionally, Chong has also worked with SEEK, Citi, and Accenture, specialising in advanced analytics and digital transformation.

Chong joins with comprehensive experience in B2B and B2C markets, setting him up to deliver Tune Talk’s goal of expansion while continuing to provide for its customers’ needs.

“I am thrilled to join Tune Talk at this pivotal moment in its evolution. My focus will be on delivering exceptional value to our millions of subscribers while strengthening their loyalty and engagement. Our goal is ambitious yet achievable: to double our subscriber base by 2025 through innovative strategies and customer-centric solutions,” Chong said.