Lifestyle

KUALA LUMPUR, Momoyo, the innovative dessert and beverage brand behind Malaysia’s first-ever flappable ice cream, is setting its sights on aggressive growth in the local market with plans to scale rapidly over the next two years. Since entering Malaysia in April 2024, Momoyo has expanded to 120 outlets nationwide. The company now aims to grow to 200 outlets by 2025, followed by 300–400 in 2026, with the ultimate target of 600 outlets across major cities and tier-2/3 markets. Momoyo’s expansion strategy is anchored in affordability, with its popular fruit teas and ice creams priced between RM5 and RM10, making it accessible to a wide consumer base. “We believe Malaysia is a vibrant market for fun, affordable indulgences, and we’re confident in our ability to scale quickly while maintaining quality and creativity,” said Momoyo Malaysia general manager Alex Tan. In addition to expanding its outlet network, Momoyo is planning to roll out six to eight new products annually. Upcoming launches will include a “Malaysian Favourites” range featuring white coffee, durian fruit tea, Milo ice cream, and lime ice beverages — all designed to capture local tastes while complementing its existing line of fruit teas and desserts. The brand’s unique product concepts, coupled with rapid market expansion, position Momoyo as one of the fastest-growing players in Malaysia’s dessert and beverage sector.

From neighborhood coffee stalls to bustling lunchtime eateries, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) form the very foundation of Indonesia’s economy. These businesses are everywhere, shaping daily life while driving national growth. According to the Ministry of MSMEs, they account for a staggering 99 percent of all enterprises in the country, contribute 61 percent to Indonesia’s gross domestic product (GDP), and provide jobs for 97 percent of the workforce as of 2023. Recognizing this immense role, GoFood, Gojek’s on-demand food delivery platform, has long been a trusted partner of MSMEs. Beyond providing a digital marketplace, GoFood actively supports entrepreneurs through initiatives that help them grow stronger, more competitive, and more sustainable. One of its flagship programs is Pojok Belajar (Learning Corner), launched in August 2024. Pojok Belajar is more than just a training program — it is a practical education and mentoring hub designed for GoFood Merchant Partners who are part of the GoFood Partner Community (KOMPAG), one of Indonesia’s largest culinary MSME networks, with over 212,000 members across 104 cities. Through this initiative, MSMEs gain access to hands-on knowledge about running and scaling a culinary business, ranging from branding and digital marketing strategies to daily financial management. The program delivers intensive monthly learning sessions in major cities nationwide, helping entrepreneurs sharpen their skills and adapt to the evolving food and beverage industry. In conjunction with National MSMEs Day, GoFood has officially expanded the reach of Pojok Belajar — growing from its initial presence in 8 cities to 24 cities across Indonesia. To support this expansion, GoFood has also deployed 40 accomplished MSME mentors across the regions. These mentors are carefully selected from successful business owners who bring proven track records, deep expertise, and a collaborative spirit. This ensures that merchants not only learn from theory but also gain insights from real-world business experience. The expansion also reflects the rising enthusiasm of MSME entrepreneurs eager to learn, share, and grow within a supportive community. GoFood has therefore strengthened both the scale and quality of Pojok Belajar. Sessions now offer more diverse perspectives, tailored mentoring, and actionable strategies that merchants can directly apply to their businesses. According to Dani Oktobianto, Vice President of Sales at Gojek, Pojok Belajar has evolved beyond its original role as an educational program. “It has now become a collaborative space where merchants exchange ideas, share tips, and discover best practices that strengthen their businesses,” he said. Through this expansion, GoFood reaffirms its commitment to empowering MSMEs, ensuring that the businesses which power Indonesia’s economy continue to thrive in an increasingly digital and competitive marketplace.

Singapore has officially opened its first AI-powered food court at Mapletree Business City, bringing together advanced technology, efficiency, and the timeless appeal of local cuisine to create a next-generation dining experience. The newly launched Kopitiam spans an impressive 1,100 seats, providing a spacious and comfortable setting for office workers, residents, and visitors in the bustling business district. More than just a place to eat, the food court integrates a range of cutting-edge innovations aimed at making dining faster, more convenient, and more enjoyable. Among its standout features is a smart seating system that helps patrons quickly locate available tables, reducing wait times during peak hours. Customers are also greeted by “Kimberly,” a multilingual, lifelike AI avatar capable of assisting with queries, directions, and information on menu offerings — making the experience more interactive and inclusive for both locals and tourists. Hygiene is a priority, with UV-sterilised cutlery dispensers ensuring every dining set is clean and safe to use. This focus on cleanliness, paired with technology-driven service, reflects a growing shift in the food and beverage industry towards blending efficiency with customer well-being. With over 19 food stalls offering a wide selection of cuisines, diners can enjoy everything from beloved hawker classics such as chicken rice and laksa to contemporary and fusion creations. This diverse mix ensures that the food court appeals to a broad spectrum of tastes while maintaining the charm and authenticity of Singapore’s culinary heritage. Operating on weekdays from 7am to 7pm, the Kopitiam caters primarily to the office crowd, serving up hearty breakfasts, quick yet satisfying lunches, and early dinners before closing. Industry experts note that this launch could signal the start of a new era for Singapore’s F&B sector, where AI and automation enhance service quality, improve operational efficiency, and elevate customer experiences. The integration of technology in such a traditional setting not only streamlines processes but also offers a glimpse into how dining spaces may evolve in the years to come — where innovation and culture meet at the same table.

TOKYO – After nearly six decades as one of Japan’s most beloved snacks, Pocky’s unmistakable shape has now been officially granted trademark protection by the Japanese government. The move comes after a 2023 survey by manufacturer Ezaki Glico, which found that over 90% of 1,036 respondents aged 16 to 79 could recognize Pocky solely by its appearance — even without packaging or branding. Encouraged by the results, Glico applied for a 3D trademark, a rare form of protection typically reserved for unique product packaging or character designs such as Coca-Cola’s contour bottle or Disney’s Mickey Mouse silhouette. Securing a 3D trademark for a food product is notoriously challenging, as many shapes naturally result from the cooking process rather than deliberate design. However, Glico successfully convinced trademark authorities that Pocky’s long, slender, chocolate-coated biscuit stick was distinctive enough to stand on its own as a brand identifier. The trademark was officially approved on July 25, with Glico announcing the news in early August. This protection gives Glico the right to block the sale of snacks in Japan that mimic Pocky’s precise form, although it has little influence over copycat products overseas. While Japan’s domestic market doesn’t have identical replicas, the closest alternative is Lotte’s “Toppo” — a chocolate-filled, rather than chocolate-coated, biscuit stick with a noticeably different shape. Interestingly, the ruling may not even extend to some of Pocky’s own variations, such as the coconut flavor, whose textured coating deviates from the classic silhouette. A Glico spokesperson stated, “We will continue to protect and utilize our trademarks appropriately to develop and nurture a brand that has been loved for so long.” With this legal recognition, Pocky joins the ranks of uniquely shaped products in Japan that are instantly identifiable — and now, officially protected.

LONDON, Swedish furniture retailer IKEA has opened a digital store on Chinese e-commerce platform JD.com, aiming to reach more customers and boost its online growth in the country with affordable products and exclusive deals. The JD.com store, which offers 6,500 products, will feature special discounts and use the platform’s logistics network for home deliveries. IKEA has also introduced JD.com-exclusive items, including a 2,999 yuan (US$417.50) gaming chair and a 3,999 yuan gaming desk, alongside popular lower-priced products like its 249 yuan BILLY bookcase. This marks IKEA’s second entry into a major Chinese e-commerce platform, following its Tmall launch in March 2020. According to Ingka Group — IKEA’s largest franchisee — one in five new IKEA customers in China last year came from Tmall, a figure that continues to rise. The move is part of IKEA’s 6.3 billion yuan (US$877 million) investment plan in China through 2027. The retailer has also expanded its physical footprint, opening three new stores since September last year, bringing its total to 40 nationwide. IKEA, which entered China in 1998, has seen the market’s contribution to Ingka’s global sales remain steady at around 3.5% over the past two years.

McDonald’s China is pressing ahead with its ambitious goal of opening 1,000 new outlets annually, aiming to reach 10,000 stores nationwide by 2028. According to CEO Phyllis Cheung, this expansion is being driven by a strong focus on innovation, digital transformation, and deep localization. McDonald’s China opens a new restaurant in Beijing in July. The fast-food giant recently released a report to commemorate the eighth anniversary of its transition to a developmental licensee model under the “Jin Gong Men” (golden arches) banner. Since its acquisition by a CITIC Capital-led consortium in 2017, McDonald’s China has grown rapidly, now operating more than 7,100 outlets across 280 cities — over three times its 2017 footprint — and welcoming more than 1.3 billion customer visits annually. Phyllis Cheung, CEO of McDonald’s China. Cheung attributes this rapid growth to the Jin Gong Men model, which combines global brand strength with local ownership and agility. “This model allows us to react swiftly to market trends, drive meaningful innovation, and scale our impact across food, sustainability, talent, and community,” she said. With a fully localized leadership team, McDonald’s China has been able to make autonomous decisions and innovate at speed. Signature offerings like the spicy menu series and the CUBE-style restaurant concept originated in China and are now being considered for global rollout. “Our advantage lies in our Chinese team and Chinese speed,” said Cheung, noting that local suppliers are producing at standards high enough for potential global distribution. Cheung reaffirmed the brand’s long-term confidence in the Chinese market, adding that McDonald’s is opening two to three outlets daily. By the end of 2025, the company aims to enter the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province, completing its presence across all provincial-level administrative regions in mainland China. To further boost its presence, the company plans to deepen its reach into third- and fourth-tier cities, adapting to an evolving consumer base that prioritizes affordability and value. One such offering is the “Big Bite Meal” priced at just 22.9 yuan (US$3.18), designed to appeal to budget-conscious customers. A robust and predominantly local supply chain — with over 90% of ingredients sourced within China — supports McDonald’s pricing strategy and product consistency. Over the past five years, the company and its partners have invested more than 12 billion yuan to develop and expand this ecosystem. Innovation extends well beyond the menu. McDonald’s continuously adapts to changing local tastes with items like a 9.9-yuan breakfast combo and a high-protein beef burger for fitness enthusiasts. Digitally, the brand has transformed customer interactions, with nearly 90% of orders now placed through mobile apps or self-order kiosks. More than 6,000 outlets are equipped with smart lockers for seamless, contactless pickup via QR codes. “We’re not just digitizing operations,” said Cheung. “We’re giving customers greater flexibility and control over their ordering experience.” The company is also testing voice-activated drive-thrus tailored for drivers of new energy vehicles, a nod to evolving mobility and lifestyle trends in China. Listening to customers remains central to the brand’s strategy. McDonald’s China monitors more than 20,000 social media posts daily related to the brand and regularly conducts focus groups to refine its offerings. “Our goal isn’t just to grow in China,” said Cheung. “We want to co-create with Chinese consumers and grow together.”

KUALA LUMPUR, Vanilla Crepe, the popular mille crepe dessert chain, is accelerating its evolution into a nationwide cross-industry food and beverage (F&B) platform, positioning itself as a key player in Malaysia’s integrated F&B ecosystem. In a statement, the company revealed that it currently operates nearly 200 distribution points and has formed over 40 strategic partnerships, steadily building a nationwide sales and distribution network. The group aims to become Malaysia’s largest integrated F&B platform that spans multiple industries. Group CEO and co-founder Nelson Liew said the brand has expanded its presence into cinemas, cafés, office buildings, hotels, and lifestyle spaces, creating a wide range of consumer touchpoints. These expansions have turned its signature mille crepes into a traffic-generating product that fuels cross-industry collaborations. Looking ahead, Vanilla Crepe plans to expand its distribution network to 1,000 locations, further strengthening its role in Malaysia’s dynamic F&B landscape. Datuk Jennifer Ong, principal of private capital firm Censuria Capital, expressed strong support for Vanilla Crepe’s expansion, highlighting the company’s mission to build a nationwide F&B footprint, enhance brand synergies, and accelerate growth across various retail sectors. By collaborating with major domestic retail players, Vanilla Crepe aims to become Malaysia’s most widely distributed F&B brand, serving as a key hub for cross-industry partnerships. The company also noted that its mille crepe products give it a unique distribution advantage—creating new opportunities for international brands to enter the Malaysian market, thereby promoting cross-border brand collaborations and contributing to the continued growth of the country’s integrated F&B ecosystem.

Digital travel platform Agoda is launching its SG60 Celebration Campaign to encourage tourism in Singapore as the nation celebrates its 60th year of independence. With rising interest from both regional and long-haul travelers, the SG60 Celebration Campaign presents an ideal opportunity for hoteliers to tap into the destination’s growing popularity during this shared national milestone. Under the campaign, Agoda will be offering discounts of up to 20%, from 1st August to 15th August 2025, for consumers on inbound and outbound travel bookings. Singapore’s diamond jubilee is a year-long nationwide effort to celebrate the nation’s 60th year of independence. Some of the participating partners in the SG60 campaign include hospitality groups like Resorts World Sentosa and Furama Hotels International, as well as airline providers including national flight carrier Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, reflecting Agoda’s ongoing collaboration with leading industry players for major campaigns. “As Agoda celebrates 20 years in Singapore, the SG60 Celebration Campaign is a special celebration for us,” said Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply at Agoda. “Through our close collaboration with Singapore’s tourism authority in past years, we are using innovative, data-driven campaigns to showcase the city’s unique appeal to global travelers during the nation’s 60th year of independence.” Agoda’s search data from April to June shows key Asian markets including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and South Korea are among the top origin markets searching for Singapore, with Thailand showing the highest growth in searches with a 10% increase year-on-year. This growing interest is further supported by increased searches from long-haul markets such as Austria, Spain, and Denmark, each recording year-on-year growth and highlighting Singapore’s expanding global profile. Singapore continues to stand out as an international hub and a leader in Asia thanks to its melting pot of different cultures, its world class food scene and iconic shopping malls, drawing increasing interest from travelers. “Agoda helps us attract customers from the region and beyond thanks to its wide reach and customer base. We’re truly excited to be part of the SG60 Celebration Campaign,” said Mathew Chan, Regional Director of Revenue at Furama Hotels International. “This collaboration allows us to connect with both new and returning guests from around the world. We look forward to sharing the warmth of our hospitality and creating memorable experiences for every traveler who walks through our doors.” Singaporeans are also exploring the world, with travel searches on Agoda’s platform spanning over 100 countries in 2025. China saw a 40% year-on-year increase in searches, while Malaysia, Japan and Indonesia remain the top regional destinations for Singaporean travelers. Supporting millions of travelers with localized expertise across Asia and beyond, and a proven track record in building high-impact marketing campaigns, Agoda continues to be a trusted growth partner for hotels looking to scale visibility and bookings.

KUALA LUMPUR: BYD Sime Motors has officially launched the all-new BYD Atto 2, a compact electric SUV aimed at first-time car owners, young professionals, and lifestyle-driven drivers ready to embrace the EV revolution. Positioned as an accessible entry into premium electric mobility, the Atto 2 combines smart design, cutting-edge technology, and youthful appeal—making it the brand’s most youth-focused model to date. “This isn’t just a car—it’s a statement,” said Sime Motors managing director Andrew Basham. “The Atto 2 represents our vision for next-generation mobility: innovative, connected, and convenient for all Malaysians.” To make EV ownership easier, BYD Sime Motors is introducing flexible payment plans and partnering with Power Up to provide Malaysia’s first doorstep mobile EV charging service—especially helpful for residents in high-rise buildings. The company also plans to expand its nationwide network to 60 outlets by 2026, ensuring comprehensive support and accessibility across the country. Eagle Zhao, managing director of BYD Malaysia, said the Atto 2 reflects the brand’s commitment to creating vehicles that match the lifestyle needs of today’s younger generation. “This is a car built for versatility, practicality, and personality,” Zhao said. “It brings BYD’s innovation into a compact SUV that’s smart, stylish, and fun to drive.” The Atto 2 stands out with its sporty silhouette, sculpted design, and commanding road presence. Inside, it features synthetic leather seats, a sleek black interior, and a spacious cabin tailored for comfort. A 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen sits at the heart of the dashboard, offering both wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring a fully connected driving experience. Performance-wise, the Atto 2 is powered by a 130kW electric motor producing 290Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. Its NEDC-rated range of up to 410km makes it ideal for both urban drives and weekend adventures. The EV is equipped with BYD’s acclaimed 51.13kWh Blade Battery, known for its top-tier safety and durability, and supports both AC and DC fast charging for added convenience. The BYD Atto 2 is offered in a single Premium variant, priced from RM100,000.

SINGAPORE, MINI Asia and Eurokars Group’s MINI Singapore cranked up the excitement at “The Rebel Base,” a special showcase held at 25 Pasir Panjang earlier this month, featuring the debut of five new John Cooper Works (JCW) models. The new lineup includes the JCW Electric, JCW Aceman, JCW Countryman ALL4, JCW Cooper, and JCW Convertible. Designed for maximum performance and driving excitement, the JCW models represent the sportiest side of MINI. This launch marks a milestone with the introduction of two fully electric variants—the JCW Aceman and JCW Electric—bringing MINI’s signature go-kart feel into the EV era. To celebrate the launch, MINI hosted a weekend experience for over 200 guests, including owners, potential buyers, and key opinion leaders (KOLs). A compact gymkhana course gave attendees a chance to test the nimbleness and precision of the JCW models, showcasing how well these cars handle tight city spaces like those found in Singapore. The event also offered road test drives, with participants taking the new JCW cars on nearby routes, including the famed “99 bends,” to experience their dynamic capabilities in real-world conditions. The celebration didn’t stop at the track—true to the MINI spirit, the experience was capped with a lively party, fostering connections among the enthusiast community and reinforcing the fun, social side of ownership. “MINI John Cooper Works has a cult following that few brands can rival,” said Daren Ching, Head of MINI Asia. “With deep motorsport roots and unmistakable road presence, these cars radiate performance. The addition of two fully electric models introduces a bold new chapter for JCW, delivering the same adrenaline-pumping thrill in a sustainable package. For drivers seeking pure excitement, the new JCW range won’t disappoint.”