POP MART opens its first Malaysian store, with plans to expand further into Southeast Asia

POP MART, the market-leading character-based entertainment company known for its mystery blind boxes, has opened its latest store in Southeast Asia, continuing its global expansion. The brand's newest retail outlet, the first POP MART store in Malaysia, opened today on the fifth floor of the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (KL) shopping mall on Jalan Bukit Bintang. 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by POP MART Global President Justin Moon, POP MART South Asia Pte Ltd Director Tan Tong Hong, POP MART Malaysia Sdn Bhd General Manager Max Tan, and Pavilion KL's Senior Director, Leasing, Mr Lovell Ho.

Malaysia is the latest market in the region that POP MART is focusing on now that the brand has established itself in Singapore - the POP MART store in Singapore's Funan will open in 2021. POP MART first entered Malaysia through cross-border e-commerce in early 2021. The company has spent the last two years cultivating the Malaysian market in order to lay the groundwork for local offline stores.

“The opening of the Malaysian store means POP MART’s business expansion in Southeast Asia has entered a new era. Malaysia has huge potential as a major market for us after Singapore,” said Moon. “Both countries have a similar social culture and offer a relatively large market of art toys collectors. We can leverage on what we have done in Singapore to build things up in Malaysia, with the possibility of future expansion into other neighbouring countries.”

The 146 sq m (1,569 sq ft) POP MART Pavilion KL store was designed with color-changing RGB lights on the doors and visually appealing colours and displays to appeal to young adults and millennials. Limited edition items for local fans such as DIMOO Mango Jelly () Plus, SKULLPANDA Dark Maid Limited Edition 100%, Labubu Shepherd Limited Edition 100%, and other popular collectibles are available at POP MART Malaysia.

POP MART is celebrating a double birthday today, as DIMOO, one of the brand's top IPs (Intellectual Property) and most beloved characters, turns 520 (20 May). Fans can look forward to redeeming a variety of DIMOO gift-with-purchase items, as well as being the first in this region to get their hands on the latest DIMOO Retro Series, which is now available exclusively at POP MART Pavilion KL.

POP MART intends to expand its Malaysian market with more offline stores and robo shops in Malaysia's core areas, in addition to its online channels. POP MART has always prioritised the Southeast Asian market since launching its global business in 2018. According to Moon, Southeast Asia is one of the most important markets for many Chinese brands expanding into foreign markets.

POP MART Pavilion KL is located at 5.39, 5th Floor, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and is open every day from 10.00am to 10.00pm.

5 East Malaysian Delights You Should Try This Kaamatan & Gawai Season

East Malaysians will be treated to some of the island's biggest celebrations in the coming weeks. Tadau Kaamatan is celebrated annually on the 30th and 31st of May in Sabah and Labuan, while Hari Gawai is celebrated by Dayaks in Sarawak on the 1st and 2nd of June

While both are used to commemorate harvest festivals, their traditions and rituals are noticeably different. Tadau Kaamatan celebrates the bonds between creator and creation, as told in the legend of Huminodun, a fair maiden who sacrificed herself by transforming her body into lush food and crops that saved humanity. Hari Gawai, on the other hand, focuses on making offerings and rituals that represent the people's gratitude for a bountiful harvest, as well as celebrating people and spirits and other natural representations.

Food is one of the most anticipated aspects of Tadau Kaamatan and Hari Gawai, which celebrate a good harvest. Many of us are looking forward to gathering with family and friends this holiday season and sharing a variety of delicious foods. Did you know that denying yourself of your favourite holiday treats can lead to binge eating, resulting in unintentional weight gain, stress, and anxiety? This is where mindful snacking comes in, which involves eating with intention and attention, focusing on the present moment, and savouring how the food tastes.

Here are five unique Sabah and Sarawak treats that you must try, as well as how you can incorporate mindful snacking habits while enjoying them:

1. Kuih Sarang Semut or Kuih Jala 

Sarang Semut, which translates to "ant's nest" in Sarawak, is made by frying long thin strings of glutinous rice flour, tapioca flour, and sugar mixture, similar to Kuih Karas in Peninsula Malaysia. The soft and slightly chewy snack, also known as Kuih Jala, is popular with both children and adults due to its intriguing taste. Take a few moments to bite, chew, and savour the unique crunchy texture of Kuih Sarang Semut for a more satisfying snacking experience. 

2. Penganan 

Penganan, a traditional Sarawak treat, is made by frying a mixture of rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk. This mini cake has a sweet and slightly salty flavour, a crispy exterior, and a soft, chewy interior - ideal for tantalising your taste buds, hot or warm. Because it is a fried dish, eat one piece at a time to practise moderation and portion control.

3. Hinompuka (Steamed Glutinous Rice Cake) 

Hinompuka is a delicious Kadazan delicacy that is wrapped in banana leaves as a sticky rice cake. It has a chewy texture and is sweet and creamy. Some recipes call for coconut milk to add a rich, creamy flavour, while others call for palm sugar to add a sweet kick. Its distinct flavour is also derived from the addition of pandan extract, banana, or grated yam to the mixture, making it an excellent dessert or snack option for those who prefer more subtle flavours. In addition to exercising portion control, elevate your senses by removing distractions from your eating environment and slowing down your eating pace. Check in with yourself before reaching for another hinompuka to see if you're satisfied with the portion you just had. 

 

4. Tebaloi 

Tebaloi or sago biscuits are a traditional Melanau food, but they are also popular throughout Borneo. Tebaloi, which is made from sago flour, coconut, sugar, and eggs, comes in a variety of interesting flavours and colours. Enjoy your tebaloi in small portions while appreciating the distinct texture, colour, and flavour produced by the firewood grill to enhance your gastronomic experience.

5. Bambangan 

While mango is frequently confused with this Borneo specialty fruit, it has a thick brown skin and a distinct fragrance. It can be eaten fresh or pickled with salt, grated bambangan seed, and snips of chilli to make dishes like Hinava Ginapan for Tadau Kaamatan. Bambangan has a sour, tangy, and distinct flavour, similar to mango or jackfruit. Give each bite your full attention, whether raw, cooked, or pickled, to extend the snacking experience.

Indulging in these delectable snacks during Kaamatan and Gawai is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of these festivals while satisfying your hunger. Because there is still a lot to taste and enjoy together, remember to be mindful of your snacking intentions - portion out your snack before eating and try to reduce or avoid distractions to truly enjoy your snacking experience where anyone, anywhere, and at any time can practise this.

Starting small during these festivities not only allows you to fully enjoy these treats, but it also puts you on the path to a healthier lifestyle. According to a Mondelez International report on global snacking habits, 78% of people today are more likely to take their time savouring indulgent snacks, and 61% take the time to portion their food before eating. Are you one of them as well? Visit www.snackmindful.com to learn more about mindful snacking habits and benefits.

SUPER EARLY BIRD TICKETS FOR BACK - 2 - BACK EAT ALL YOU CAN DURIAN FESTIVAL 2023 ARE SOLD OUT! FOODIES ARE REWARDED WITH EVEN MORE OFFERS

The Back-2-Back Eat All You Can Durian Festival 2023, specially presented by MAE by Maybank2U, has received overwhelming support when the super early bird event tickets for its first venue, Komtar Walk Penang, were sold out within the first five days of its launch, bringing Malaysians together with various expatriate communities and international tourists in the country.

The pre-event online ticketing sites, dubbed the largest Eat All You Can Durian Festival 2023, have garnered over a million page visits not only within Malaysia, but also from netizens from nearby countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, China, and Hong Kong.

The festival, which was created about a year ago by Malaysia's largest financial institution, Maybank Berhad, and Agro Best Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a retail and exporter of Malaysian premium durians, has provided the public with a very affordable durian feasting experience, with tickets starting at RM49.99 for a Senior Citizen and RM59.99 for an Adult during its Super Early Bird Promotion. Free Eating is also included in the offer for youngsters under the age of 12!

The MAE Pakej Sedappp will offer up to 60 minutes of non-stop durian helpings during the campaign, including Malaysian favourites like the durian Kampung Kahwin, D24, D13, IOI, and Udang Merah. Those looking for a 'lip-smacking' durian experience can purchase the MAE Pakej Sedappp Gilerrr, which will serve Musang King Durians as well as a blend of Super XO, D13, D99, and Udang Merah durians.

For every purchase made and event content reposted on the Penang Foodie, KL Foodie, and Johor Foodie social media sites, the person will be entitled to one (1) additional whole durian as a take-away. This creamy and sweet deal is limited to the first 100 people to redeem it and is only available while supplies last.

The Back-2-Back Eat All You Can Durian Festival 2023 Specially Presented by MAE by Maybank2U will be celebrated across three key cities, mainly at:

KOMTAR Walk, Georgetown Penang on 27 & 28 May 2023 (Sat & Sun) 

IPC Shopping Centre, Mutiara Damansara in Klang Valley on 3 & 4 June 2023 (Sat & Sun)

The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Bahru on 1 & 2 July 2023 (Sat & Sun)

The event tickets can be purchased from MAE by Maybank2U’s platforms :

https://emerchant.maybank2u.com.my:8443/api/v1/mobile/ssl/mae/MBBQR1991454/RajaDuri Other available platform is Agro Best Service’s e-commerce site at https://www.agrobestservices.com

The festival expects at least 50,000 people to converge at different venues, all in the name of enjoying great Malaysian fruits with their families, loved ones and friends!

TOGL Yippi WebIM Meeting Group allows you to host online meetings for groups of up to 120 people!

Global online conferencing made easy with comprehensive user features 

Hey guys! Working from home and connecting globally at any time and from any location has been the standard these days. Did you know that we can now organise free online meetings for groups of up to 100 people using Yippi WebIM Meeting Group? With this app's comprehensive user features, global internet conferencing is made simple. Let's have a look! 

YIPPI WebIM Meeting Group: Host Online Meeting Made Easy by TOGL

As a Yippi app user, I recently discovered a new function called Yippi WebIM. It is a unified communication and collaboration platform that incorporates, in addition to the standard instant messaging and group chat functions, a powerful video conferencing tool called "Group Meeting." It has full video and audio conferencing capabilities. 

There are numerous things we can do with the Yippi App; if you are an established user, you should check out this app and test it to improve your work efficiency and connect with friends and family around the world. You can use this online conference tool to reach a wider and more global audience. Yippi WebIM Group Meeting is an excellent online meeting solution for reaching out to multiple people at the same time. It allows you to make genuine contacts, communicate efficiently, and hold meetings online. 

The platform is currently open for Yippi users to use for free for up to 45 minutes. If you are interested in purchasing an upgraded commercial package, please contact by email at yippi@togltechnology.com

If you're new to Yippi, you can get the software for free from the Apple software Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. After you've downloaded the app, you can create a free account and start reaping the benefits of Yippi! 

Night meetings are so easy with Yippi WebIM

The next step is to begin using Yippi WebIM conference groups. After you've downloaded the Yippi app, go to your browser and type in Yippi WebIM (https://web.yippiweb.com/login) to sign in to your Yippi account. To start or join a video conference, click the "Conference Group" icon. 

The new Yippi WebIM Group Meeting feature includes a wide range of features such as virtual meetings, meeting chat, screen sharing, mute or unmute everybody, locking the meeting, and scheduling meetings.

Effortless Video Calls for meetings anytime, anywhere.

Users can undertake operations with three levels of management rights (host, administrator, and participant) throughout the meeting, making it easier to monitor and administer the meeting successfully. 

For a 45-minute online meeting, the platform can accommodate up to 50 individuals with microphones and 20 users with cameras. When upgraded to a corporate version, it can be used indefinitely and simultaneously support up to 120 people with microphones and 60 users with cameras, enabling for larger gatherings. This is the most significant consideration for video conferencing consumers. 

Furthermore, the Yippi WebIM platform supports all major browsers, which includesFirefox, Opera, MS Edge, QQ Browser, Baidu, Xiaomi, Huawei, Sogou, and Safari, as well as Chinese browsers. Users can easily cooperate with colleagues from other regions, and multi-person meetings between regions are no problem. 

About Yippi

TOGL Technology Sdn Bhd created Yippi, a social and communication app. Yippi is a SuperApp that allows users to earn and redeem Yipps points. Yipps can be used to pay utility and mobile bills, redeem points, and are also used in F&B, online shopping, travel, entertainment, beauty, and healthcare. 

Yippi has 6 million subscribers and has become an important aspect of many people's life around the world, particularly among young people and those with spending power. Overall, Yippi is a platform that allows users to share their life, express their thoughts, buy things, book travel, and earn reward points to help them pay for their everyday expenses. These features are intended to improve the user experience and meet their daily requirements in a single app. 

How to download Yippi？

If you are not yet Yippi member, you can download “Yippi” from your Apple App Store, Google Play Store and Huawei App Gallery. Once you have downloaded the app, you may register a free account and begin enjoying the benefits brought to you by Yippi! Yes, its that easy!

In addition, Yippi WebIM platform supports all major browsers like Firefox, Opera, MS Edge, QQ Browser, Baidu, Xiaomi, Huawei, Sogou, and Safari, which also covers Chinese browsers. You can now easily collaborate with partners from different regions, and multi-person meetings across different regions are no problem. So you heard it from me! Be sure to get yourself a Yippi account today!

Official Yippi Platforms

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yippi Web IM

#Yippi #SuperApp #OnlineMeeting #MeetingGroup #SocialMessaging 

#LettheWorldKnowYou #SocialRewards #SocialNetworking #TOGL

Kopetro launches Vehicle Road Tax and Takaful with the ProLindung Platform

PETRONAS Berhad Staff Cooperative(KOPETRO) has launched an online platform known as proLindung, which allows users to renew their vehicle road tax and takaful more easily, quickly and securely. KOPETRO chairman, Encik Roslan Abdul Rahim said, this platform is another KOPETRO initiative to help improve the quality of life of cooperative members and the general public who use their services.

"In the increasingly fast digital era, proLindung will play an important role in providing convenience to users to renew their vehicle road tax and takaful more efficiently. This platform is specially designed to facilitate users in renewing their vehicle road tax and takaful with just a few clicks ," he said in his speech at the launch ceremony held at KOPETRO's 'Raya Bersama' Aidilfitri Council.

He explained that proLindung aspires to provide comprehensive protection to all customers, and this is incorporated into the name of the platform. Mr. Rolan added, proLindung was produced taking into account the needs and user needs. He also called on all users to try proProtect and give them feedback so that this platform can improved and developed.

In addition to providing comprehensive protection, KOPETRO members can choose to pay for takaful protection in monthly installments through salary deductions. In conjunction with the launch of proLindung today, KOPETRO is providing an RM50 discount to the first 50 customers who renew their road tax and vehicle takaful through the proLindung online platform. Representatives from the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM) and the Malaysian National Cooperative Force (Angkasa) were also present at the launch ceremony, as were members of the Cooperative Board, representatives, members of the Internal Audit Committee, and KOPETRO's management line. 

KOPETRO also hosted an Aidilfitri ceremony recently, which was attended by over 2,000 guests, including cooperative members, KOPETRO employees, and cooperative business partners. Aidilfitri dishes and local menus include Lemang, Nasi Impit, Chicken Rendang, Lontong, Utara Laksa, Nasi Hujan Panas with Red-Cooked Chicken, Apam Balik, and Cendol. To find out about the latest promotions from proLindung, visit their website at www.proLindung.com.my or follow them on social media at Facebook and Instagram @proLindung.