Tag: Malaysia

  • Huawei Nova 3e (Huawei P20 Lite) coming on May 25 in Malaysia

    Huawei Nova 3e (Huawei P20 Lite) coming on May 25 in Malaysia

    After getting its official debut in China under the Nova 3e moniker, the Huawei P20 Lite is making a stop in Malaysia under the same name. The official date is May 25 with a starting price of RM1,399 ($352).

    Despite the change in the name, this is very much the same smartphone. The selfie camera sensor is the 24MP one from the Indian P20 lite version, rather than the 16MP from the international one, but more importantly, the 3e comes with a whopping 128GB of internal storage. That’s pretty impressive for a mid-ranger priced at less than $400. The rest is a standard P20 lite affair.

    Huawei is sweetening the deal with a free tripod/selfie stick until stock lasts, which will otherwise set you back MYR68 ($17). Those who get the phone by May 31 will also receive MYR79 ($20) discount.

  • QSR and PETRONAS tie-up to open 50 new KFC drive-thru outlets

    QSR and PETRONAS tie-up to open 50 new KFC drive-thru outlets

    QSR Brands Holdings’ wholly owned subsidiary QSR Stores has signed a memorandum of understanding with Petronas Dagangan to gradually open 50 KFC Drive-Thru outlets at Petronas gas stations within the next three years.

    QSR Brands MD Mohamed Azahari Mohamed Kamil says the strategic collaboration provides an excellent opportunity for the quick-service restaurant group to expand its business and restaurant services in Malaysia.

    “While continuing to strengthen our core product and service offerings, we place a great emphasis on our expansion strategies to meet the elevated demands of our customers,” says Azahari.

    QSR has more than 1250 KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Cambodia.

  • McDonald’s Malaysia denies any connection to Israel

    McDonald’s Malaysia denies any connection to Israel

    The Malaysian franchise of McDonald’s Corp said it was “disappointed” with calls on social media to boycott the fast-food restaurant chain in apparent retaliation against the US’ recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

    Social media users in the Muslim-majority country have called on people to boycott various American companies following United States President Donald Trump’s decision to relocate the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

    One Twitter user, who goes by the name, TheUsopIbrahim, stated without citing sources that US-headquartered McDonald’s “channelled funds to Israel”.

    McDonald’s Malaysia said in a statement on Facebook on Saturday that the chain does not support or engage in any political or religious conflicts.

    Mr Azmir Jaafar, managing director and operating partner of franchisee Gerbang Alaf Restaurants, said: “The claim that McDonald’s channels funds to Israel is a false accusation, a lie, fake and slanderous.”

    He added that Gerbang’s largest shareholder is Muslim.

    The Malaysian and Singaporean franchise rights were bought by Saudi Arabia’s Lionhorn a year ago, as part of the US parent’s strategy of moving away from direct ownership in Asia.

  • Aw Lab Malaysia launches Kuala Lumpur flagship Store

    Aw Lab Malaysia launches Kuala Lumpur flagship Store

    Sneaker specialist Aw Lab Malaysia has launched a flagship store in Suria KLCC shopping mall, Kuala Lumpur.

    It carries exclusive collections from such brands as Adidas, Nike, Puma and Reebok, and introduces two new labels to the Malaysian streetwear market, Down Up and Two of a Kind.

    Malaysian celebrities Alicia Amin, Caprice, Elizabeth Tan and Juliana Evans attended the store opening.

    Giuseppe Nisi, head of Asia for the Italian company, which is part of the Bata group, says Aw Lab plans to open its second Malaysian store within the year.

    The store takes up two spaces on the third floor of the mall, popular with tourists and local shoppers alike.

  • Bank Negara seen to keep interest rate on hold after surprise poll result

    Bank Negara seen to keep interest rate on hold after surprise poll result

    Malaysia’s central bank is set to keep interest rates unchanged on Thursday, providing policy stability after the shock election victory of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. All 18 economists surveyed by Bloomberg before Wednesday’s poll had forecast Bank Negara Malaysia will hold its benchmark rate at 3.25 percent. Economists at Nomura Holdings Inc. and Maybank Kim Eng Research Ltd. retained their calls after the vote outcome.

    The central bank said on its website it will release its policy statement as scheduled at 3pm.

    “Given this shock result, they’re going to be looking at how this will impact growth and I think there is a lot of downside,” said Euben Paracuelles, an economist at Nomura Holdings Inc. in Singapore.

    “Any follow up rate hike is going to be very unlikely.”

    The central bank moved early with a rate hike in January and can afford to hold off on further tightening in the face of a global sell-off in emerging markets in recent weeks.

    Inflation eased to 1.3 percent in March, the slowest pace since July 2016, with a stronger currency since last year helping to ease price pressures.

    The government had forecast inflation will average 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent this year.

    Rising oil prices and a slide in the currency in recent weeks are clouding the outlook. Added to that is a booming economy, which the central bank has forecast could grow as much as 6 percent this year.

    While Bank Negara probably won’t make direct reference to the election in its statement, the result has a bearing on the economy’s outlook.

    Investors are seeking policy continuity, with a focus on sustaining strong economic growth, curbing the budget deficit and managing market risks.

    Mahathir has pledged to scrap a contentious goods-and-services tax within 100 days in power. Financial markets are closed Thursday and Friday after the government declared public holidays.

    Market Risks

    Malaysia is one of the least affected of emerging markets globally from financial volatility amid a stronger dollar and a pick-up in U.S. interest rates.

    The benchmark stock index climbed to a record in April, helped by foreign inflows, and while the ringgit has taken a knock in recent weeks, it’s still up more than 2 percent against the dollar this year.

    Neighbors like the Philippines and Indonesia have suffered stock outflows and currency slumps that are among the worst in Asia.

    The Philippines is set to raise interest rates later on Thursday, which would the first hike since 2014, while Indonesia’s central bank has also said it’s prepared to move to help restore confidence in the currency.

  • AmBank committed to driving business forward

    AmBank committed to driving business forward

    AMMB Holdings Bhd remains fully committed to driving its banking business (AmBank Group) forward despite its major shareholders looking set to exit the group. The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) is the most substantial shareholder in AmBank Group, holding a 23.78% stake, and provides support in board and senior management representations, risk and financial governance, product offerings and new business developments.

    However, ANZ has been restructuring its businesses and is retreating from Asia with a slew of divestments in the region.

    Most recently, ANZ said in February that it would close its Laos retail products and services to shift attention to its institutional banking business in the country, after selling its retail businesses in the Philippines and Vietnam.

    Last year, it divested its 20% interest in Shanghai Rural Commercial Bank and its life insurance business.

    In 2016, ANZ sold its retail and wealth management businesses in five markets in Asia, including Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Indonesia, to Singapore’s DBS Bank Ltd.

    ANZ has been trying to sell its stake in AMMB since 2016 and talk that ANZ is close to divesting its stake – including to Retirement Fund Inc (KWAP) – has been reported many times, but to no avail after AMMB and RHB Bank Bhd scrapped plans for a merger last year.

    AMMB group CEO Datuk Sulaiman Mohd Tahir said exiting does not mean that the major shareholder (ANZ) is just going to “throw away the business and lose money as a result”, but it wants to sell to a partner who is able to provide it the value that it wants.

    “There is the question of finding a new partner. In Malaysia, it is also not so easy to simply dispose of it to anybody that you want out there, because you got to have regulatory approval, consents and requirements,” he told in an interview.

    He added that so long as ANZ continues to be a shareholder, it remains active in the participation of AmBank as it also wants the bank to do well.

    “They (ANZ) were much involved in my top four strategy in terms of driving the business. Even when we were reviewing the strategy, looking at performance, they (ANZ) were very much involved. We still have two representatives from ANZ on various boards,” said Sulaiman.

    Meanwhile, AMMB chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim will be retiring from six entities in the AmBank group in stages over a two-year period announced last year and he has reiterated that he will eventually sell his stake in AMMB. Azman’s indirect interest in AMMB stands at 12.97%.

    Sulaiman said Azman built the bank and spent 30-40 years running the business,and he has every intention to make it the best.

    “Of course, age catches with him. My intention is he continues to grow the business until one day the business has done so well and you’re ready to leave and of course you’d like to leave it in good hands.

    “This is a valuable franchise for him (Azman). And for ANZ, they won’t just walk out at any price. So long as they’re still here, the intention is to continue to drive the business the best it can be.”

    Sulaiman said AmBank is growing in all forms, and with the right segments and products, while its digital journey is part of ensuring that it invests in the right kind of businesses.

    “They (ANZ and Azman) remain fully committed to driving the business, because no one wants to leave the organisation that you have built for so long and to see it go down the drain. The involvement of Azman and ANZ is as good as it could ever been.

    “They also recruited me to make sure I drive the business because they have a view on where and how it should be, what it can possibly be and my job is to make sure I deliver that,” said Sulaiman.

    Moving forward, Sulaiman said AmBank will continue to work towards achieving its aspiration to be among the top four banks in the country by 2020. The key growth segments identified are the mass affluent, affluent, small and medium enterprises and mid-corporate, which are on a growth trend.

  • Earlier Spike in Travel Expenses Due to GE14

    Earlier Spike in Travel Expenses Due to GE14

    ShopBack, the leading online Cashback platform that partners majority of transportation and accommodation booking sites in Malaysia, observes a 26% increase in travel purchases among its local users since the unveiling of the 14th General Election’s voting day (May 9th).

    “The next peak period for travel booking after March’s MATTA fair is supposed to be two weeks to a month prior to Hari Raya, but the purchasing trend came sooner this year as GE14 falls before Ramadhan,” says Alvin Gill, Country General Manager of ShopBack Malaysia.

    According to ShopBack Malaysia’s data, partners that offered a discount in flight and bus tickets, as well as reloadable petrol card, are the most sought-after stores under travel category on ShopBack’s web and app.

    “The daily average sales of our travel merchants has got a 26% increment since the voting day announcement. The demand remained strong in the past weeks, and we reckon part of the contributing factors was that AirAsia introduced fixed fares for all voters. ShopBack Malaysia’s users could purchase AirAsia’s tickets via Traveloka and Expedia; at the same time obtain cashback savings from every transaction made. In addition, bus tickets, Petronas gift cards from Lazada and 11street were also among the best-selling products in April,” Alvin explained.

    To cater for those who haven’t got transportation bookings sorted out yet, ShopBack Malaysia will organise a Mid-Year Travel Fair from April 30th to May 6thand offer up to 7.5% cashback together with its travel partners including Malaysia Airlines, Traveloka, Expedia, BusOnlineTicket, Booking.com, Hotels.com, etc. Malaysians could seize the chance and optimise their spending by visiting ShopBack’s website or download its mobile app.

    Malaysia is the No.1 Travel Destination for Locals, Not Overseas

    On the other hand, ShopBack Malaysia’s data also shows Malaysians frequently visits domestic destinations, especially Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, and Johor Bahru. Japan is the second most popular country, followed by Taiwan, Indonesia and Thailand.

    “Malaysians love to travel, and they didn’t stop travelling due to the economy challenges. Instead of flying out, many of them chose to travel within Malaysia and spent on better accommodation, such as 4-star hotel i.e. KSL Hotel & Resort and Hatten Hotel Melaka. Even so, the daily average spending for domestic travel is still significantly lower than Japan and Taiwan (four times lower than Japan and about half of Taiwan’s expenses).”

    Delving into customer purchasing pattern, he said if there’s no special occasion, travel transactions usually happens on Monday and Wednesday, between 3 pm – 6 pm. The year-end holiday season makes the heaviest travel months throughout the entire year, and Malaysians’ online travel spending also tends to spike before every festive period, and during MATTA Fair.

    “Although MATTA fair is an offline event, online booking sites such as Malaysia Airlines, Traveloka, Expedia will jump on the bandwagon and as the platform that empowers shoppers to shop and save smart, ShopBack Malaysia works closely with them to tailor-make best deals and upsized cashback for our users. It is a win-win situation as the result usually is very encouraging – for example, we noticed local airlines achieved 2.5 times more bookings during the past MATTA fair,” Alvin said.

    To date, ShopBack has more than 1 million users in Malaysia and it has rewarded them with more than RM25 million worth of cashback.  What’s better is users are able to stack this on top of their credit card’s cashback, and transfer the money to their bank account once it gets validated. Other than Malaysia, ShopBack is also available in Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia and the Philippines.

     

  • CEVA Logistics opens a new hub in Malaysia

    CEVA Logistics opens a new hub in Malaysia

    CEVA Logistics, one of the world’s largest supply chain management companies, has officially opened a new multi-user facility in Penang, Malaysia. Situated within the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone Phase IV, the 70,000 sq ft facility is only 10 minutes away from the Penang International Airport and 10 minutes from the Penang Bridge, connecting the island to mainland Malaysia.

    This new multi-user warehouse delivers cost efficiency and flexibility through an optimized layout design and improved infrastructure to serve our customers. It includes a combination of temperature-controlled and ambient storage space, conducive and modern office space for in-plant customers, advanced materials handling equipment, advanced RF warehouse management system and Customs stationed on-site to facilitate on-time clearance.  This is also an integrated hub that will house under one roof CEVA’s contract logistics and freight management teams for Malaysia as well as its global supply chain solutions control tower teams who support its 24×7 largest customers globally.

    “CEVA continues to invest in its customer needs in Malaysia, this new facility which has doubled our footprint in Penang will continue to support our growth needs and positions us for future expansion in the market. With its strategic location in the northern part of Malaysia, coupled with the air cargo hub at Bayan Lepas airport, it aims to cater to a wide range of logistics and warehousing services and  offer even greater value and benefits to our customers, ” says CEVA’s Elaine Low, Executive Vice President, South East Asia.

  • Vietjet Soaring to Greater Heights

    Vietjet Soaring to Greater Heights

    In just a little over a decade, Vietjet – Vietnam’s new-age airline has taken Asia and the world by storm, making waves in the global aviation industry and turning heads with its rapid growth, unique service offerings and cheeky out-of-the-box ideas.

    Once the underdog of the race, Vietjet is now leading the domestic aviation market in Vietnam and actively expanding its fleet to support its foray into new international markets.

    Earlier this year, the airline was the first in Southeast Asia to take delivery of an A321neo Airbus aircraft, adding to its existing fleet of 55 aircraft, which includes a mix of A320s and A321s.

    Vietjet also recently announced its decision to upgrade an existing order for 42 A320neo aircraft to the superior and larger A321neo models. Accordingly, the airline now has a total of 73 A321neo and 11 A321neo on order for future delivery.

    The airline currently operates 44 international routes, including flights to and from Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Cambodia, China and Myanmar – making traveling across Southeast Asia both convenient and less expensive. Domestically, Vietjet’s extensive flight network connects passengers to a total of 38 destinations within Vietnam, allowing travellers to explore the many hidden gems the country has to offer.

    With a vision of becoming a favourite multinational airline, Vietjet has also made great strides in the expansion of its flight network both domestically and internationally. The airline has established a comprehensive code-sharing partnership with Japan Airlines, providing customers better access to destinations between Vietnam and Japan, and beyond.

    Just recently, the airline also announced plans to connect Vietnam with New Delhi, India and Brisbane, Australia. Scheduled to commence in 2019, the non-stop service between Ho Chi Minh City and Brisbane will give the airline much reason to celebrate as it will mark Vietjet’s first Australian long-haul destination.

    There is no denying the vast potential of the growing tourism market. Moving forward, Vietjet aims to continue exploring unchartered territories, forging partnerships and taking hold of opportunities to facilitate deeper international and regional integration. In the coming months, the airline will continue adding new routes to its ever-expanding list of destinations, spreading its wings to even more destinations across the globe. These are but a few of the things the airline is doing to better serve its customers in the region.

  • Lazada Malaysia links up with Singapore

    Lazada Malaysia links up with Singapore

    In the pilot phase, more than 50,000 products from such categories as fashion, health and beauty, home and lifestyle, and sports and travel are being made available to Lazada Singapore shoppers. They include items from such Malaysian brands as Carlo Rino, Pensonic and Swan.

    The move comes on the eve of Lazada’s annual birthday campaign, which offers special promotions and giveaways.
    The DFTZ is the first e-hub outside of China under the Electronic World Trade Platform. Under this roll-out, a single contract grants access to Singapore. Other Southeast Asian countries will be added later.

    The DFTZ provides a centralised bonded warehouse at KL International Airport Aeropolis, which features advanced technology for sorting, shelving, packing and logistics.

  • Massive Power switch in Celcom Planet deal

    Massive Power switch in Celcom Planet deal

    Malaysian investment holding company PUC will invest RM90 million (US$23 million) in Celcom Planet (CPSB), which owns and runs e-commerce platform 11Street Malaysia.

    PUC, which provides integrated media, e-commerce and technology services, says the deal will give it management control of 11Street Malaysia.

    Meanwhile, CPSB claims to be one of the largest e-commerce companies in Malaysia.

    It is a JV between Axiata Digital Services and Korean-owned SK Planet Global Holdings

    “The investment paves the way for the company to increase potential revenue streams in advertising and media, and financial services from the synergistic collaboration for the company and its subsidiaries,” PUC says in a Bursa Malaysia filing.

    As part of the terms of the deal, PUC will have the right to nominate and appoint the CEO and chief marketing officer of 11Street Malaysia.

    For last year, 11Street Malaysia recorded a GMV of about RM427 million, selling more than 13 million products from 40,000-plus sellers.

  • Lazada launches regional trade with Digital Free Trade Zone Ahead of 6th Birthday

    Lazada launches regional trade with Digital Free Trade Zone Ahead of 6th Birthday

    Starting today, over 100 Lazada sellers in Malaysia will begin marketing their products to buyers in Singapore, with seamless support from Lazada and the Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ).

    This is a significant boost for online trade, allowing Malaysian small and medium enterprise owners to expand overseas, reaching out to new customers among Singapore’s population of 6 million. Through Lazada and the DFTZ, sellers enjoy a one-stop solution with more efficient cargo clearance and GST exemptions, and overall, export processes that are quick and hassle-free.

    In this pilot phase, over 50,000 products from various categories – Fashion, Health & Beauty, Home & Lifestyle, Sports & Travel and more – will be made available to Lazada Singapore shoppers. They include items from iconic Malaysian brands like Carlo Rino, Pensonic and Swan. This provides Malaysian brands increased visibility and representation in today’s global marketplace.

    The kick-off today is strategically timed to precede Lazada’s annual birthday campaign, taking place from 24 to 26 April in Singapore. As for Malaysia, the 6th birthday campaign will take place from 25 to 27 April. During this period, a spike in consumer interest and transactions are expected, owing to a continuous stream of promotions and giveaways.

    Empowering Malaysian Sellers

    The DFTZ is the first e-hub outside of China under the Electronic World Trade Platform. With Lazada and DFTZ, there is none of the administrative and legal hassles associated with entering new markets. A single contract grants access to Singapore in this rollout; and other Southeast Asia countries will be added subsequently. Business owners also need only upload their product information once and Lazada will replicate the content on local portals.

    The DFTZ provides a centralized bonded warehouse at KL International Airport (KLIA) Aeropolis, allowing efficient sharing of inventory among markets. The warehousing hub features advanced technology for sorting, shelving, packing and logistics.

    Fulfilment of orders is also easier on the pocket, with Lazada’s e-Logistics solutions which offer lower-cost and faster delivery.

    Paving the Way for Borderless e-commerce

    “This is a significant milestone in Southeast Asian e-commerce, one we are proud to lead. We see huge potential for expanding trade across Southeast Asia and are working hard to make it happen,” says Hans-Peter Ressel, Lazada Group Chief International Officer.

    “Now, I can bring my sales to the next level and easily reach a new group of customers in Singapore. I don’t have a wide logistics network so Lazada’s ecosystem gives me an amazing chance to participate in overseas trade for the first time,” says Aymen Ben, from ACHLIM HEALTH & BEAUTY, Malaysia.

  • AirAsia adds flights and extends fixed fare period for GE14

    AirAsia adds flights and extends fixed fare period for GE14

    AirAsia will be adding capacity on selected domestic routes due to increased demand for flights during the polling period.

    “To accommodate this demand, the original May 8-10, 2018 travel period for our fixed fares will also be extended to include May 7, 2018,” the low-cost carrier said in a statement Thursday.

    From May 7-10, AirAsia will operate 120 additional flights, including 20 utilising 377-seat Airbus A330 aircraft.

    One-way fares during this period remain fixed at RM99* for routes within Peninsular Malaysia, RM129* for routes between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, and RM199* for routes between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, for new bookings only and subject to availability.

  • Digi adds Sage solutions to Digi Business Hub

    Digi adds Sage solutions to Digi Business Hub

    Malaysia’s Digi Telecommunications has teamed up with cloud management business solutions provider Sage to add a number of new services to the operator’s newly-launched Digi Business Hub.

    Under the agreement, Sage will offer solutions including its Sage Accounting, Sage UBS accounting and billing software and Sage Easy Pay payment software at a 20% discount to Digi customers.

    The Digi Business Hub B2B platform, which soft-launched earlier this month, provides one-stop access to exclusive offers covering a range of point of sale, human resources, marketing, accounting, payroll and office supply services from Digi’s own digital solutions and those of partner companies.

    Solutions include internet leased lines, fixed telephone and mobile roaming services, a guest Wi-Fi system, e-commerce store building solutions and procurement and web hosting solutions.

    The hub also offers access to a range of IoT based services, including a device accepting credit and deibt card payments, a fleet management solution and M2M services.

    The Digi Business Hub is exclusively available for Digi business customers. Digi has revealed plans to add new solutions partners every quarter.

  • Malaysia 4G service performance below global average

    Malaysia 4G service performance below global average

    The race for LTE dominance in Malaysia is still in its infancy as operators scramble to deliver consistent quality of service nationwide.

    Statista data points to smartphone penetration in Malaysia of 62.8% in 2017 with a forecast of 68.46% by 2022. Adoption is fueled by nationwide mobile connectivity with usage in areas such as mobile shopping, social media and general internet surfing according to market research firm GfK.

    “Shopping apps, especially, are also gaining popularity, paving the path for mobile payments. More consumers today are contributing to the growth of mobile commerce (m-commerce) in Malaysia, making payments through their mobile devices for retail items, airline tickets, and services such as Grab and Uber,” observed Stanley Kee, Managing Director for Southeast Asia, GfK.

    According to the EY report “Decoding the Malaysian digital DNA: from smart to savvy” 78% of surveyed Malaysians use of the technology has improved their communication with friends and family, albeit at the expense of sleep (25%).

    As more consumers turn to their smartphones to research new products or services (83%) or make purchases online rather than in person (38%), experience and speed will trump convenience as a metric for selecting the best service provider. That said, price remains an important factor in Malaysian buying psyche.

    With more operators defaulting to LTE or 4G as the solution to consumer’s appetite for connectivity, OpenSignal published a comparative study of the performance of the mobile operators in the country.

    Four years since Maxis launched the first LTE service in Klang Valley (January 2013), five operators now claim to offer 4G service although OpenSignal reported only two operators as having LTE availability scores higher than 75%. 4G services aren’t yet ubiquitous, but they’re getting there.

    “Yes held onto our 4G availability award with a score of 92.5%, but Unifi Mobile (the new brand name for Telekom Malaysia’s Webe) and Celcom demonstrated the biggest growth spurts in our availability results. Unifi’s 4G availability increased by 10 percentage points in six months, while Celcom’s score increased by more than 7 percentage points,” said Kevin Fitchard, Open Signal lead analyst.

    Maxis has extended its lead in 4G speed metric, averaging LTE downloads to 24.4Mbps. Celcom came in second with a 16.3Mbps LTE download average. But Malaysia’s other operators fell short of the global 4G average of 16.9Mbps. U Mobile and Unifi in particular are struggling to boost LTE speeds. Both scored below 10Mbps in OpenSignal test.

    Asked about the growing interest among operators for 5G service Fitchard took a pragmatic view saying: “Countries that are still building out their 4G networks and services like Malaysia will likely be occupied with that task for the next several years. But today 5G isn’t really an option for any operator globally, so everyone has to wait,” he concluded.