Lifestyle

KUALA LUMPUR, Good news for coffee lovers on a budget! MIXUE, the beloved Chinese beverage brand known for its affordable ice cream and fruit tea, has officially launched its Lucky Cup Coffee line in Malaysia — starting from just RM3.50. With coffee culture booming across the nation, MIXUE is looking to bring a refreshing twist to the café scene by making quality brews accessible to everyone. The Lucky Cup Coffee range offers a variety of options, including Americano, Latte, and specialty mixes, catering to both casual drinkers and caffeine enthusiasts alike. Malaysia is the latest stop in MIXUE’s rapid global expansion. Having already built a strong presence in Asia, the brand has attracted attention for its unbeatable prices without compromising on taste. The launch of Lucky Cup Coffee adds another dimension to MIXUE’s offerings, which have already won fans for their signature soft-serve ice cream and fruit-infused teas. Industry watchers note that the move comes at a time when demand for affordable yet high-quality coffee is growing. With the rising cost of living, MIXUE’s budget-friendly pricing could shake up the local coffee market, giving Malaysians a new alternative to pricier café chains. Early customer reviews highlight the coffee’s smooth taste and satisfying portion sizes, especially given the low entry price. The Lucky Cup series also emphasizes convenience, appealing to students, young professionals, and families looking for a quick pick-me-up without breaking the bank. As MIXUE continues to expand its footprint across Malaysia, fans can look forward to more outlets and menu innovations in the months to come.

NEW YORK, North America’s leading Asian beauty retailer, SUKOSHI, is set to make waves in New York City with the opening of its newest location this September. Situated at 1542 Third Avenue on the Upper East Side, between 86th and 87th Streets, the store will be the largest Asian beauty destination in the city, redefining the retail experience for skincare and cosmetics enthusiasts. Founded in 2018, SUKOSHI has played a pivotal role in driving the K-beauty and Asian beauty movement across North America. The upcoming New York store will be its 15th outlet, with the company on pace to surpass 20 locations by the end of 2025. Its rapid expansion is anchored by a focus on cutting-edge skincare consultations, exclusive launches, and immersive in-store experiences. Upcoming openings at Lenox Square, Aventura Mall, King of Prussia, and Bellevue Square further demonstrate SUKOSHI’s momentum in capturing prime U.S. retail markets. Looking ahead, the brand plans to open 40 additional stores by 2026, cementing its position as a major player shaping the future of Asian beauty in the West. Unlike mainstream retailers where K-beauty shelves remain limited, SUKOSHI offers a curated and extensive collection of over 200 Asian beauty brands. Its assortment goes beyond fleeting trends, emphasizing high-performance products and time-tested skincare solutions that deliver lasting results. By blending discovery with authenticity, SUKOSHI has established itself as the go-to destination for both new innovations and cult classics. In addition to retail, SUKOSHI is evolving into a brand accelerator, providing a launchpad for emerging Asian beauty labels to scale across North America. Through its community-driven approach, SUKOSHI offers partner brands premium retail space, influencer collaborations, pop-up activations, and distribution opportunities. This has made the retailer a trusted bridge between niche discoveries and mainstream recognition. SUKOSHI has already secured exclusive North American debuts for two highly anticipated beauty labels — RED CHAMBER and Girlcult, both of which will roll out in 2025 across SUKOSHI locations. This move underscores the retailer’s role as a trendsetter and market leader, introducing breakthrough Asian beauty concepts to U.S. consumers. “Asian beauty isn’t just a passing wave; it’s reshaping the global beauty landscape,” said Linda Dang, CEO of SUKOSHI. “Our mission is to champion the visionary brands behind this movement while creating spaces where discovery, education, and community make beauty more meaningful for everyone.” With its largest store yet, SUKOSHI is not only elevating the Asian beauty retail experience in New York but also cementing its influence as a cultural and commercial force across North America.

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.