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Tag: Malaysia

  • AirAsia receives highest number of air traffic rights from Mavcom

    AirAsia receives highest number of air traffic rights from Mavcom

    Airasia received the highest number of approvals from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) for Air Traffic Rights (ATR) with 26 allocations, followed by Malindo Air with 15 allocations.

    This was revealed in an update release from Mavcom for the Commissions’ allocation of ATR to Malaysia’s local carriers for the period of Jan 1 to march 31, 2019.

    One hundred percent of Air Traffic Rights (ATR) applications by Malaysia’s local carriers for the period of Jan 1 to March 31, 2019 were approved by MAVCOM, with 53 allocations in total. Of these, 52 ATR applications were approved in full while one application was approved partially.

    As reference, for the year 2018, a total of 205 ATR were issued. AirAsia Group was recorded as the highest recipient with 98 ATR allocated, followed by Malindo Air with 52.

    Of the 53 applications, 32.1 per cent were for domestic routes while 67.9 per cent was for international routes. Mavcom approved ATRs for 17 domestic routes, 13 for routes to Asean destinations, 11 for destinations in China, two for destinations in India, five for destinations in Australasia and five for other Asian destinations.

    Breaking down the numbers further, a total of 26 international ATR were issued for flights originating from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, three for Kota Kinabalu International

    Airport, one each for Penang International Airport and Senai International Airport and five for other airports in Malaysia.

    In addition, 20 ATR that were previously approved by Mavcom were not utilised by the ATR recipient and were returned to the Commission during the period of Jan 1 to March 31, 2019.

    The highest number of unused ATR returned to the Commission was from the AirAsia Group with 13, followed by Malindo Air with five.

    “In allocating ATR, the Commission undertakes a thorough analysis, taking into consideration multiple aspects in order to facilitate orderly growth, competition and consumer choice over the long term as well as the prevention of consumer inconvenience,” Mavcom executive chairman Dr. Nungsari Ahmad Radhi said in a statement.

  • Gome Retail’s loss soars tenfold After Restructuring

    Gome Retail’s loss soars tenfold After Restructuring

    Gome Retail’s loss tenfold last year to RMB4.887 billion (US$728 million), compared with RMB450 million in the previous year.

    The loss – projected early last month in a profit warning – was largely due to massive write downs as the once brick-and-mortar based retailer continued its transformation into a New-Retail-era business, with its focus moving online. On a day-to-day trading basis, the company has almost broken even.

    During the reporting period, GMV (gross merchandise volume) from its ME Shop increased by 368 per cent, while GMV from new businesses such as home solution and integration of kitchen cabinets with electrical appliances increased by 116 per cent and from smart products by 89 per cent. Services GMV rose by 51 per cent.

    “The booming new business indicates that the group’s strategic transformation is progressing well,” the company said in an earnings statement.

    Overall sales revenue fell 10 per cent to RMB64.356 billion, and consolidated gross profit margin of 16.8 per cent was down on the 18.26 per cent of 2017.

    “Looking forward, Gome will continue to focus on major large-scale integrated flagship store projects in the first- and second-tier cities in an effort to provide one-stop comprehensive household solution, from home appliance to decoration, construction and household services,” the Hong Kong-listed company said.

    The group expects to open 16 large-scale integrated flagship stores and 200 home-decoration materials and home furnishing shops this year.

    “Gome will step up the output of its supply-chain service in the third- to sixth-tier cities to achieve swift development of store coverage in county-level cities, with an emphasis on franchising. It is expected that 500 franchise “new retail stores” and 200 self-operating county-level stores will be opened this year.”

  • Baume & Mercier lands Both in Singapore and Malaysia

    Baume & Mercier lands Both in Singapore and Malaysia

    Swiss watch brand Baume & Mercier lands in Singapore and Malaysia today under a new distribution deal with FJ Benjamin.

    The company has inked an exclusive three-year distributorship for the watches, with a two-year extension possible based on certain conditions.

    FJ Benjamin will manage daily operations, sales and support, as well as set up communications and marketing channels to strengthen Baume & Mercier’s brand awareness in the two markets.

    “We are delighted to be appointed exclusive distributor for Baume & Mercier which enjoys a long history in luxury Swiss watchmaking, and is distributed in over 100 countries today,” said Nash Benjamin, FJ Benjamin CEO.

    “We look forward to developing further the presence of the brand in our markets.”

    Romain Lambert, MD of Baume & Mercier, Southeast Asia and Oceania, said the company looks forward to develop a stronger retail network in order to service current and potential Baume & Mercier customers.

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  • Wendy’s Malaysia Closing Down

    Wendy’s Malaysia Closing Down

    A series of Wendy’s restaurant closures have prompted rumours that the brand is shutting down in Malaysia for good.

    While no formal announcement has been made of the brand’s apparent withdrawal from the territory, social media posts documenting vacated Wendy’s Malaysia premises have been circulating since venues began disappearing last year.

    Online users have speculated that Wendy’s Malaysia franchisor Berjaya Burger has decided not to renew its agreement with the international fast food chain. The Wendy’s Malaysia Instagram account has also been shut down, and the firm’s last Facebook post was in early January this year.

    A 2016 article announcing the planned expansion of Wendy’s in Malaysia has been held up as a relic of better times for the global brand.

    At last count, just one branch in Kuala Lumpur – at Berjaya Times Square – and two in Penang were still operating.

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  • A.S. Watson Group Opens its Worldwide 15,000th Storein Kuala Lumpur

    A.S. Watson Group Opens its Worldwide 15,000th Storein Kuala Lumpur

    The world’s largest and fastest growing international health & beauty retailer A.S. Watson Group celebrates an important milestone today as it opens its 15,000th store.

    Growth Continues at Record Rate

    For the fourth year in a row, A.S. Watson’s new store opening continues to be at an average speed of one store every seven hours across its 25 markets in Asia and Europe.

    The worldwide 15,000th store opening of A.S. Watson coincides with its 500th store opening of Watsons in Malaysia, one of the fastest growing countries for beauty and wellness products. Watsons is the flagship retail brand of A.S. Watson with over 7,200 stores in 13 markets in Asia and Eastern Europe.

    The new store is located in Central i-City, a new shopping mall in Malaysia, and it uses technology to enhance customer experience and connect offline and online. The 4,200 square-feet G8 design store is equipped with StyleMe, AR (Augmented Reality) technology, to showcase the latest fashionable product, in a fun and engaging way for customers. Watsons’ Hi Mirror skin analysis device is also available for customers to assess their skin conditions at the store. G8 represents the 8th Generation of the Watsons store design incorporating extensive customer and store team feedback, as well as market research of latest trends on shopping experience.  It will roll out across the region in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Turkey later this year.

    O+O Strategy – Strengthening Customer Connectivity Online and Offline

    Mr Dominic Lai, Group Managing Director of A.S. Watson Group is very excited at the celebration event of this important milestone, “The continued success of our business is about customer connectivity – our ability to connect customers with products, trends and experience they want in beauty, personal care, health and wellness. Our O+O (Online and Offline) strategy focuses on providing an extensive store network, excellent in-store customer service, most relevant health and beauty assortment, combined with seamless digital experience and loyalty schemes that help to put smiles on customers’ faces.”

    Globally A.S. Watson has over 135 million loyalty members and has been investing HK$1 billion (approx.US$128 million) in digital since 2012 to enhance customer experience and enable the business to build data-driven approach to stay closer to customers’ needs.

    A Thankful Celebration

    Mr Lai continues, “We are one of the longest standing companies in the world with 178 years of history.  To be able to reach yet another critical milestone, this is only possible with the love from our customers, passion and commitment from our 140,000 colleagues around the world, and the unfailing support from our business partners.”

    From one dispensary in Hong Kong to 15,000 stores worldwide, A.S. Watson has built close relationship with customers and a strong team of 140,000 colleagues.  The celebration activities in every market will be about thanking customers and showing appreciation to colleagues.  There will be campaigns in every market to celebrate, including member-exclusive benefits and special offers, both offline and online.

  • U Mobile taps ZTE to conduct 5G trials in Malaysia

    U Mobile taps ZTE to conduct 5G trials in Malaysia

    U Mobile has signed an MoU with ZTE to support its 5G deployment in Malaysia

    The agreement will see both parties collaborating on various 5G related developments including live testing, 5G showcases well as implementation of Massive MIMO.

    U Mobile CEO Wong Heang Tuck said the operator has a long standing working relationship with ZTE and it is a logical next step for the companies to collaborate on initiatives related to 5G.

    “In the near future, we will be working closely with ZTE to conduct live tests in select areas in the KL city, so Malaysians may experience the first-hand power of 5G,” Wong said in a statement.

    U Mobile CTO Woon Ooi Yuen added that the operator has been aggressively expanding its 4G LTE networks all across West and East Malaysia in recent months and started plotting its journey towards 5G.

    “As part of our 5G roadmap, we will be implementing Massive MIMO in certain areas in the KL City to further enhance customer experience by leveraging the wider bandwidths.”

    Steven Ge, managing director of ZTE Malaysia, said the company has 5G end-to-end solution capabilities, adding that the partnership with U Mobile will “turn 5G into a reality in the near future to benefit Malaysians.”

    Earlier this week, U Mobile has also formed a strategic partnership with Razer to collaborate in e-payments, e-sports, and 5G testbeds.

    Under the partnership, U Mobile and Razer are looking into leveraging e-sports events for 5G testbeds in Malaysia by conducting e-sports-related 5G testbeds and trials in the country.

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  • Telenor Myanmar extends non-stop roaming to Malaysia, Singapore

    Telenor Myanmar extends non-stop roaming to Malaysia, Singapore

    Telenor Myanmar has expanded its unlimited international data roaming service to Malaysia and Singapore, one month after the launch of the new service in Thailand.

    The company’s non-stop data roaming pack offers unlimited data in the three international markets for total fees of 999 kyats ($0.65) for three days of service. Speeds are uncapped for the first 1GB per day, and then shaped to 512kbps.

    Prepaid and postpaid customers can activate the service on the MyTelenor APP, sending a message to a dedicated number, or dialing a different number.

    “We are amazed by the support we have seen on our latest roaming product for visitors to Thailand. So we decided to extend this popular service to Malaysia and Singapore which we know as the other two most frequently visited countries in Southeast Asia,” Telenor Myanmar CMO Amaresh Kumar said.

    “We have made international roaming affordable for everyone and we welcome our customers to experience the only worry-free data roaming packs that users can get in Myanmar.”

    Thanks to the connections of parent company Telenor from Norway, Telenor Myanmar now offers roaming services with 171 partner operators in 125 countries, with its 4G roaming service currently available in China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, UAE, Canada, Macau, Taiwan, New Zealand, Sweden, Belgium and Norway.

    Meanwhile subscribers to 227 operators from 134 countries can use their overseas SIMs with the Telenor network in Myanmar.

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  • Malaysia’s KIP Group plans a few new malls

    Malaysia’s KIP Group plans a few new malls

    Malaysia’s KIP Group will establish three new malls within the coming three years, according to CEO Valerie Ong.

    The new locations in Raub, Kuantan and Sungai Petani will involve RM150 million (US$36.7 million) in gross development costs and cater to middle-mass-market demand. They are being located in growing markets where consumers still prefer physical buying over online purchases.

    “This means we will have a total of 12 shopping malls in our portfolio, including the six properties that had been injected to our listed entity, KIP Reit”, Ong said at the launch of the firm’s ninth shopping mall at Desa Coalfield Sungai Buloh.

    KIP Griup’s portfolio includes a shopping mall in Bangi and five KIP Marts in Tampoi, Kota Tinggi, Masai, Senawang and Malacca. It has also acquired Aeon Mall Kinta City, Ipoh in a RM208 million ($50.9 million) deal.

    According to Ong, Malaysia’s retail sector is expected to grow by 4.5 per cent to RM109 billion this year. She added that the Desa Coalfield mall has already achieved an 80 per cent occupancy rate in advance of its scheduled opening later this year.

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  • AEON Credit’s 5-minutes Sweep till you drop!

    AEON Credit’s 5-minutes Sweep till you drop!

    The highly-anticipated AEON Credit #MyFestiveMania Supermarket Sweep Challenge returned for its’ second round, giving out more than RM20,000 worth of prizes to 10 lucky winners. Winners stood a chance to fill up their shopping carts with as many groceries and household items as they can within 5 minutes time at the AEON Big Subang Jaya. Each cardholder is entitled to bring one partner to participate in the sweep challenge to help them grab any items within the time duration given.

    The campaign, which runs since December 2018, allows customers using any types of AEON Credit Cards to earn chances for every RM50 spent in a single receipt. The chances are entered into a draw to earn one of the 20 spots in the #MyFestiveMania Supermarket Sweep Challenge.

    “We received tremendous public response in the first round of #MyFestiveMania Sweep Challenge that was held on 26th January 2019, hence, we decided to hold a second round as way to show our appreciation towards our customers because at AEON, customers comes first. In total, we have 20 cardholders who won the spots and brought home more than RM2,000 worth of prizes,” said Shiro Ishida, Chief Marketing Officer of AEON Credit Service (M) Bhd.

    The 10 lucky winners for the second round of the #MyFestiveMania Sweep Challenge are Goh Wei Tin, Soon Chiew Giok, Ahmad Salahuddin Bin Hairai, Aida Fazliza Binti Mat Fadzil, Chew Lee Ching, Goh Chien Long, Sim Tan Qi Zhi, Ong Kee Wah, Chew Swee Har and Lee Chin Wah who are all AEON Credit Cardholders.

    For the second time around, AEON Credit Service together with AEON Big who has a long history of being an established and well-known brand in Malaysia. “We are pleased to once again be able to partner with AEON Big to bring a festive campaign to both our mutual customers that incorporates an element of excitement”, added Shiro Ishida.

    In the first round of the Supermarket Sweep Challenge that was held on the 26th January 2019, a total of 10 winners won a prize worth of RM2,880 each during the 5-minute sweep.

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  • Pablo Cheese Tart Singapore closes down

    Pablo Cheese Tart Singapore closes down

    Pablo Cheese Tart Singapore has closed all of its stores in the city. After 19 months in operation, the cheese-tart brand’s exit from the city follows the shuttering of its outlets in Malaysia last July.

    The first outlet in Wisma Atria saw long queues when it first opened in August 2017.

    Pablo Cheese Tart has not issued any announcement towards the closings. However, its Facebook pages appear to have been deactivated.

    Reasons for the closure in Malaysia included customer feedback that the tarts had a sub-par taste compared to the Japanese stores’ products, and consumers found them expensive.

  • Razer launches country HQ in Malaysia, looks to groom next gen tech talent

    Razer launches country HQ in Malaysia, looks to groom next gen tech talent

    Shortly after it announced the construction of a new Southeast Asia headquarters, Razer has unveiled its new country headquarters in Malaysia which will house over 280 employees. The investment strengthens Malaysia as Razer’s regional center of fintech innovation, e-sports excellence and talent development.

    Razer aims to position itself as a fintech leader in Malaysia, with one of its initiatives being a partnership with property development company UOA Group to digitise and integrate its carpark payment system into the Razer Pay app. Upon completion, carpark users can settle their parking fees using the Razer Pay app without waiting in queues. It is also working with merchants in Bangsar South to accept Razer Pay

    As part of its e-sports initiatives, Razer will share its expertise in the field with the Malaysian gaming community. This includes coordinating with industry partners to drive gaming events in the country, bringing the gaming community together and looking to support Team Malaysia for esports at SEA Games 2019.

    Razer will also work with the government and industry partners to develop the next generation of tech talent in Malaysia. It will collaborate with institutes of higher learning, provide training and mentorship programs and offer exchange programs across the regional Razer offices.

    The world now demands a high level of innovative thinking and entrepreneurial mindsets, and Razer will help nurture the future technology leaders of Malaysia.

    “Razer will be investing in Malaysia as a hub for our fintech efforts in Southeast Asia,” says Min-Liang Tan, co-founder and CEO of Razer. “It is the first country in the world to be ready for Razer Pay, and we see the Razer Malaysia office as a natural springboard for our fintech efforts in the region.”

    Last year, Razer launched its e-wallet app for youth and Millennials in Malaysia and claimed to have signed up 500,000 users in less than a week. This month, Razer Pay has been expanded with major new features such as in-app coupons, instant messaging, and an enhanced e-wallet experience.

    Razer has collaborated with Malaysia’s household brands to bring exciting offers to consumers. 7-Eleven is offering RM5 coupons and Kenny Rogers Roasters will offer RM10 coupons to Razer Pay users. U Mobile will also organize weekly contests with prizes such as the Razer Phone 2. Merchants operating in Bangsar South will also start accepting Razer Pay. These merchants will also begin to offer rewards programs enabled by Razer Pay, such as coupons and flash sales to help customers save time and money.

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  • Pantene’s latest #WANITABESI film encourages women to stay in sports

    Pantene’s latest #WANITABESI film encourages women to stay in sports

    Pantene Malaysia wants to change consumers’ mindsets on sports as a boys’ playground by highlighting in its latest “Braids of Strength” films that sports also plays a key role in moulding the next generation of strong women.

    The films are part of the brand’s WanitaBesi campaign (Iron Lady campaign) and were produced in collaboration with Grey Group Malaysia and Directors Think Tank. They tell the stories of two Malaysian athletes – Farah Ann and Nur Suryani – who remained in sports despite the challenges they face. Throughout both films, the tying of a hair braid is used to symbolise the strength to stay in sport.

     

    In celebration of the upcoming International Women’s Day, customers who purchase any of Pantene’s range of shampoos will receive a golden ribbon, and any woman wearing a braid during the month of March can gain nationwide free access to Fitness First and Celebrity Fitness.

    Anggia Pulungan, haircare commercial director of P&G Malaysia, said Pantene is rooted in the belief that strong is beautiful. For a woman, her hair is both a personal and a public matter; it is a big part of her confidence. Through Braids of Strength, Pantene wants to encourage more women to embrace the #WANITABESI spirit, pursue any sport of their choice and eliminate their worry of self-image, Pulungan added.

    “By showcasing the perfect way to braid their hair, women get the confidence boost they need to look good, and it positively helps them to perform in sports,” Pulungan said.

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  • AirAsia scores with Malaysian Football League partnership

    AirAsia scores with Malaysian Football League partnership

    AirAsia has scored an agreement with the Malaysian Football League (MFL) to become the exclusive official airline for the 2019-2020 league season. As part of the partnership, AirAsia will support MFL teams playing in the Piala Malaysia, Liga Super, Liga Premier and Piala FA tournaments with discounted fares for them to fly with the airline to games across Malaysia and the region.

    AirAsia will also have the rights to sell match tickets either as standalone or packaged with flights and/or hotel deals through airasiaredtix.com.

    According to AirAsia’s group CEO Tony Fernandes, the MFL deal is an “incredible opportunity” for the airline to continue supporting Malaysian football. “We are proud to be able to play a part in inspiring a new generation of dreamers and making dreams come true for the players, the teams, and ultimately, the fans. We look forward to welcoming our heroes and their fans on board,” Fernandes added.

    MFL CEO Kevin Ramalingam said: “It’s not often that you see a Malaysian company make it big, and I think we can all be proud of what Fernandes and his team have achieved. We hope that with this partnership, the local football scene will grow to even greater heights as we strive towards putting Malaysia on the footballing map again.”

    The airline has been active in the football scene. Last year, it tied up with AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 as the official supporter for the first time, to drive greater fan engagement and offer players with more exposure in their home countries. It also picked Brazilian footballer Roberto Carlos as its global brand ambassador for two years.

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  • Chicken rice eatery Liao Fan opens in Malaysia

    Chicken rice eatery Liao Fan opens in Malaysia

    Michelin-starred chicken rice restaurant Liao Fan has opened its first Malaysia outlet. Located in Ipoh, Chan Hon Meng’s birthplace, the outlet attracted a big crowd and all the food sold out on the soft-opening day last week.

    Singapore’s street food hawker Chan Hon Meng made headlines in 2016 when his soy-sauce chicken rice dish received a Michelin star. The Liao Fan Hawker Chan stall became one of the first street-food stands in the world to receive the award and also the cheapest Michelin-star meal in the world.

    The Liao Fan Hawker Chan Malaysia is non-halal as the restaurant also sells pork dishes.

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  • Dyson Beauty Demo Zone opens at 1 Utama mall

    Dyson Beauty Demo Zone opens at 1 Utama mall

    A Dyson Beauty Demo Zone has opened at Kuala Lumpur’s 1 Utama mall. The outlet, which opened a few days ago, invites shoppers to examine, test and purchase the brand’s range of hair care products.

    Dyson is a British engineering design firm opened by James Dyson, the inventor of cyclonic vacuum technology. Its hair care products employ a high-speed jet of focussed air to effect drying and styling without intense heat.

    The brand is offering a free stand to OneCard members purchasing the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer as an opening special, while stocks last.

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