KUALA LUMPUR: United Kingdom-born vaping company Airscream, with a presence in more than 80 markets and regions, will invest RM100 million in the next five years in its operations in Malaysia.
The company will also invest in expanding its distribution networks, administrative and field staff strength, and research and development facilities, envisioning Malaysia becoming its global headquarters.
To date, the company has already set up its administrative, sales and marketing operations and a showroom in Shah Alam, with close to 40 employees locally and 100 globally.
Airscream said Malaysia is a destination of choice because the domestic vape industry has grown in value to exceed RM3 billion over the last 10 years and has employed more than 30,000 Malaysians, citing a report by the Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) entitled Study on the Malaysian Vaping Industry 2021.
Airscream co-founder and chief executive officer Sam Ong said the Malaysian vape industry ecosystem is well established, and the market is poised for further growth.
He said this could potentially drive more foreign direct investments into the country and bolster high-income job creation.
“We are also encouraged by the passing of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023, which brings Malaysia on par with other countries around the world, including the UK, Australia, Thailand, and Singapore, which have standalone legislation on tobacco and vape.
“Airscream has and will always be supportive of sensible and practical regulations for the e-cigarettes industry to deliver tangible economic growth while at the same time safeguarding consumers from potentially hazardous unregulated products and stopping underaged individuals from accessing these products,” he said in a statement.
Airscream was established in 2018 as a manufacturer and retailer of its AirsPop® vape product.
Within a short period of time, the company has grown exponentially in terms of sales and presence.
AirsPops is currently one of the best-selling brands in markets like South Africa and New Zealand.
Airscream’s success has been predicated on its unwavering commitment to product quality and safety, design innovation, and superb user experience.
Airscream is also steadfast in its purpose of helping smokers reduce their dependence on cigarettes or even eliminate their use.
In Malaysia, Airscream offers a range of high-quality tobacco cessation products, such as the Bottle by AirsPops, AirsPops Pro, AirsPops Pro Lite, AirsPops ONE USE, the nicotine pouch range M13, and more, for adult smokers and vapers.
“We welcome the opportunity to collaborate and work hand-in-glove with industry stakeholders, including the authorities and regulators, manufacturers and retailers and industry interest groups to elevate the industry as a whole.
“We believe there is much to learn from the Malaysian industry participants, and we hope to add value through our insights and experience in the international markets,” Ong said.
