Thai-in Mookata Kepong wins ‘Thai SELECT Casual’ Award 2022

Sawatdeekha! I know a lot of us are Thai food lovers, so do I. As a neighbour of Thailand, we Malaysian are in love with Thai food, especially for its spicy and flavourful dishes.

Thai-in Mookata Kepong

Today, I am happy to share with you my recent dining experience at a ‘Thai SELECT Casual’ Award 2022 winning restaurant - Thai-in Mookata Kepong. You may wonder what is Thai SELECT, in fact it is a certification awarded by Thailand’s Department of International Trade promotion. It certifies the food, hospitality and atmosphere of restaurants, ensuring the preparation of an authentic Thai experience. Just like a Michelin star but in the Thai version.

There are strict guidelines to be followed to be recognized by Thai SELECT, and there are four categories of certification: Signature, Classic, Casual and Unique. Thai SELECT Signature is granted to restaurants that serve authentic Thai food with a taste of premium quality, refined decoration and excellent service, while Thai SELECT Classic is awarded to Thai Restaurants of excellent quality. Restaurants with Thai SELECT Casual offer good quality Thai food, but have limited services, while Thai SELECT Unique restaurants are for selected restaurants within Thailand that offer local specialities. There is also Thai SELECT Products, which are Thai food products made the traditional way.

We were honoured to witness the certificate presentation by the Thai embassy to the owner of Thai-in Mookata. A huge congratulations to them on the big milestone.

U.S. Highbush Blueberries - Oh So Juicy, Luscious & Nutritious

It’s the blueberry season again! In conjunction with the blueberry season (generally runs from April to September), the U.S. Highbush Blueberries Council has launched the ‘Boost of Blue’ campaign to signify the peak of the season.

Packed with 4 essential nutrients, from Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K to Manganese, the small azure fruit, the blueberry, is truly the powerhouse of vitamins. My whole family are big fans of this juicy, luscious & nutritious fruit.

With the launch of the ‘Boost of Blue’ campaign, consumers will be inspired to include blueberries as part of an overall healthy diet, and to motivate those consumers to enjoy more of the exceptionally tasty U.S. Highbush Blueberries.

The blueberry story is a happy one. Nutritionally, these little berries have a lot going for them. These small fruits pack a powerful punch and contain prebiotics which can promote gut health. You can reap extensive health benefits from regularly snacking on blueberries. Packed with antioxidants and phytoflavanoids, these berries are also sources of vitamins K and C, making them the top choice for doctors and nutritionists.

Domino’s Ssamjeang Pizzas Returns to Excite & Tantalise Taste Buds

As the 'Korean Wave' or 'Hallyu' sweeps over the country, Malaysians have increasingly become intrigued by all things Korean. From K-Pop and K-Dramas to complex Korean flavours, this cultural phenomenon that is taking the nation by storm has led Malaysians to explore and savour the spiciness of Korean food, remaining true to being a nation of foodies.

Shamsul Amree, Chief Executive Officer at Domino's Pizza Malaysia

With the brand celebrating its 25th anniversary and in line with the brand’s ethos “It’s All About You”, the much loved and anticipated Ssamjeang Pizza has finally made a comeback after a two-year hiatus. The return of the limited-time Ssamjeang Pizza promises new and improved product offerings that will not only awaken your taste buds but also gives an intense sense of satisfaction with each bite, making those who dare to stand up to the heat crave for more.

Speaking at the launch, Shamsul Amree, Chief Executive Officer at Domino's Pizza Malaysia said “This year is extremely special to us at Domino’s Pizza Malaysia as we celebrate 25 years of fulfilling our customers’ needs and putting their convenience first in everything. We have gone through a lot of changes over the years, always putting our customers first. And this is in line with our ethos “Its All About You” and its worked it’s way through everything we do – from creating a responsive site and easy-click ordering systems to creating a signature sauce, even when it comes to revamping our menu and not forgetting the use of creative technology that we have implemented in Domino’s”.

Domino’s Ssamjeang pizza makes a comeback with 3 exciting flavor variations

Domino’s Ssamjeang Pizza iconic trio that comprises the new and improved yet irresistibly spicy Ssamjeang Beef Bulgogi Pizza, Ssamjeang Chicken Pizza and Ssamjeang Tuna Pizza was launched by Shamsul Amree, Chief Executive Officer at Domino's Pizza Malaysia and Linda Hassan, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Domino’s Malaysia, Singapore & Cambodia in Domino’s Hartamas Shopping Centre that was decked in line with the theme of heat and spice.

World's Number 1 Online Mattress & Furniture Brand - Zinus Launched in Malaysia

We Malaysian are blessed to get back to normal in the current post pandemic phase. I am glad to get back to the people and things I love every day with the easing of restrictions. But it also means a lot of challenges like traffic congested, crowded places, and tiring mind from worrying and anxiety in every day life.

We can't avoid anxiety, hence I make sure to relax myself especially after work every night. I have reorganised my room to a calm space that helps to lift my mood and relieve stress, and most importantly I have upgraded my mattress and bed to empower my sleep, because a restful sleep promotes better health.

I am glad to share with you my recent discovery – Zinus. As the World's Number 1 Online mattress & furniture brand, Zinus has recently launched in Malaysia!

Founded by Youn Jae Lee who started his business in the great outdoors, making tents in South Korea back in 1979. Eventually, he moved Zinus into the home and has provided mattresses and furniture for more than 25 million happy customers in over 15 countries around the world. Zinus has committed to helping everyone bring happiness home. That’s why Zinus products are easy to afford, assemble, and enjoy.

Tourism Malaysia Embraces Culture, Tourism & Food @ Malaysia’s International Durian & Cultural Fest 2022

YBrs. Encik Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof, Senior Director, Domestic & Event of Tourism Malaysia, officiated the grand launch of Malaysia’s International Durian & Culture Fest 2022 (MIDCF), showing support for Dking as they gain another milestone in uplifting Malaysia’s tourism. Malaysia’s International Durian & Cultural Fest 2022 (MIDCF) is a two-day cultural festival happening between the 16th to 17th of July at Pavilion Bukit Jalil celebrating Malaysia’s wonders of culture, tourism and one of its most prominent factors of popularity - food.

Food plays a vital part in everyone’s daily lives and is intricately intertwined with Malaysia’s culture. Dking’s mission from the beginning has always been to “make everyone love durian,” and with their passion and love for durians, they have been on a fluctuating journey to educate, promote and showcase just how valuable the king of fruits is as a component of making Malaysia one of the top destinations to visit.

The launch was not only hosted to showcase durians but as a monumental stepping stone in their plan to propose an official day for durians in Malaysia called Durian Day. Malaysia is already very well known for its durians and with other countries having their own special days of celebrating their food, this calls for Malaysia to have its own special day in the calendar for Malaysians to celebrate our staple fruit.

By Malaysia having its own Durian Day, it would act as a component of promoting durians around the world. It would lift the patriotism of Malaysians, function as an opportunity for Malaysia to be recognized and represented by the fruit worldwide, and potentially be added in the tourism calendar in the future.

“The Malaysia International Durian & Cultural Fest is a prime example of a great tourist attraction for locals and foreigners to visit Malaysia’s capital and indulge in the various assortments of durians, tropical fruits and local food that Malaysia has to offer.” said YBrs. Encik Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof.

Sustainable Garments @ ‘The Show' by Taylor’s Fashion Design Technology Students

As we are moving into the endemic phase, it's time for us to practice more on sustainable. Living sustainably by minimize the negative impact our lifestyles have on the planet and emphasize the behaviors that benefit the environment and our future generation.

I am glad to see many sustainable effort by many brands recently. I was honoured to be invited to 'The Show' and I was impressed by all the Sustainable Garments designed by Taylor’s Fashion Design Technology Students.

This year, Taylor’s University, Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW), Life Line Clothing Malaysia Sdn Bhd (LLCM) along with FASHINFIDELITY and fashion designer Hatta Dolmat, they have put on an initiative to showcase the production of sustainable garments in an effort to advocate ethical fashion in Malaysia.

Themed ‘Love, Earth’, the one-day fashion showcase event titled ‘The Show’ curated by The Design School at Taylor’s University revealed a contemporary ready-to-wear collection that featured nearly 60 garments designed by 24 Fashion Design Technology programme students, across three semesters.

Focusing on sustainability, ‘The Show’ was divided into three segments that officially unveiled the Experimental Art-to-Wear (ATW) collection from recycled denim and clothing trims, the Zero Waste Fashion collection using Taylor’s Innovative Pattern Drafting Technique that utilises every part of the textile, and the Fashion Revolution collection to support United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by repurposing and reusing textiles from waste materials.

UNIQLO LifeWear Fall/Winter 2022 Collection

When you hear "classics," what comes to mind? Maybe a tweed jacket, trench coat, or cashmere sweater, beloved items that have stood the test of time.

But even these longstanding classics can evolve over the years. Warmer and lighter jackets, water-repellent coats, and knitwear made using WHOLEGARMENT® technology. These updates maintain an authentic look while adapting to the needs of today's lifestyle.

The lineup also features denim that requires much less water*, jackets made using recycled down, and fleeces spun from plastic bottles, items that will guide us toward a sustainable future.

UNIQLO has taken a balanced and holistic approach, creating essentials that are made for all. By designing classics for today that will last into the future, UNIQLO makes LifeWear for today and for tomorrow.

OUTERWEAR

UNIQLO has expanded its collection of outerwear to suit a wide range of lifestyles and settings, from shirt jackets handy in early fall, to chic wool coats. The lineup includes warm down and padded cotton rich, with functionality to fit any style. These are items that enhance the enjoyment of fashion.

UNIQLO Tackles Marine Pollution in Terengganu with Adopt-a-Beach & Plastic Upcycling Livelihood Project

In line with its parent company Fast Retailing’s sustainability targets and focus on zero waste and marine conservation, UNIQLO Malaysia initiated two projects in Terengganu earlier this year to help address the state’s marine and environmental pollution and improve its waste management infrastructure. While the first project named Adopt-a-Beach encourages local communities to keep their beaches clean and guides them on proper ways to process litter and waste for recycling purposes, the Plastic Upcycling Livelihood Project (PULP) sets its sight on eventually supporting locals to start a small social business to upcycle plastic waste and turning them into useful items.

Adopt-a-Beach

The Adopt-a-Beach project consists of two main activities: regular beach clean-up and set up of recycling stations at ‘adopted’ beaches. Working with the Faculty of Science and Marine Environment at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), local communities including UNIQLO’s customers will be invited to participate in beach clean-up activities, which will be organized regularly. To this end, UNIQLO has provided AIRism t-shirts to keep participants cool and comfortable as they gather to collect litter and waste from the beach under the hot and humid weather.

To encourage beach users to properly sort and dispose their litter and waste, UNIQLO Malaysia donated 10 recycling stations made up of three bins each to collect plastic, tin and glass recyclables. Working with Majlis Bandaraya Kuala Terengganu (MBKT, Kuala Terengganu City Council), these stations will be distributed along the coastline of ‘adopted’ beaches.

RM100,000 WORTH OF PRIZES UP FOR GRABS AT MITSUI OUTLET PARK KLIA SEPANG’S 7TH ANNIVERSARY

Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA Sepang (MOP KLIA), Japan’s branded factory outlet shopping mall, is celebrating its 7th Anniversary from June 24 until July 31 with a host of activities and prizes up for grabs. Rewards worth a total of RM100,000 can be won through its “Spend, Twist & Win” campaign with prize offerings that include shopping and F&B vouchers as well as other premium gift items. Limited to only 200 daily winners with a minimum spent of RM300 in a maximum of two receipts, shoppers are advised to shop early to be in the running to win prizes.

As part of the anniversary celebration, visitors to MOP KLIA will also be treated to a special performance by Pinkfong & Baby Shark on July 9 and 10 as well as on July 16 and 17 at the main concourse of the mall. There will be a meet and greet session with Pinkfong & Baby Shark. Children will be entitled to take a photo on stage with Pinkfong & Baby Shark with a minimum purchase at the Toy World merchandise booth.

“This year’s anniversary celebration caters to families with young children as well as young adults who are fans of Pinkfong and Baby Shark. With every celebration, we aim to create new experiences for visitors and shoppers so that there is always something new to look forward, to experience or to try new offerings,” said TJ Cheah, Deputy Managing Director of MFMA Development Sdn Bhd.

Visitors to MOP KLIA will see a transformation of the mall into a Colourful Paradise that is adorned with Instagram-worthy displays, such as neon light, balloons, sprinkles, photogenic tunnels and more. Shoppers with interest in arts and crafts can take part in a DIY Tote Bag activity which entitles them to create a personalized gift for themselves with a minimum spent of RM200 in a maximum of two receipts.

Mission to discover the innovation of Guinness Draught in a Can

Earlier this year, Guinness Malaysia introduced Guinness Draught in a Can to the local market, offering lovers of the brew the smooth and creamy texture of a pub-poured pint from the comfort of their own homes. To officially introduce and to bring consumers through the innovation behind this product, Guinness Malaysia has launched House of Guinness – a hub that gives fans of the brand an added dash of magic to their usual drinking experience, all while immersing themselves in the world of Guinness at APW Bangsar.

(L to R) Shaun Lim, Marketing Manager of Guinness Malaysia and Pablo Chabot, Marketing Director of HEINKEN Malaysia at the House of Guinness media launch

Upon arrival at the House of Guinness, participants will need to earn their taste of Guinness Draught in a Can by successfully completing their mission to become Guinness Innovation Experts. First, they have to check-in and will be promptly transported to the Guinness Innovation Lab. With no time to waste, they will be introduced to the world of Guinness and the new Guinness Draught in a Can.

Brand Ambassadors of Guinness at House of Guinness

After learning about the history and evolution of Guinness, as well as the technological advancement the brand has experienced over the years, guests will then be sent off to complete their first mission with the hint ‘The Widget is the Key’. This is where the nitrogen widget comes to play. Then, they will head onto their next task to ‘Activate the Widget’, before completing the ‘Release the Nitrogen’ mission and enter a giant can of Guinness Draught in a Can to feel the surge and settle. Those who successfully complete all three mission tasks will be awarded the title of Guinness Innovation Expert.

Tiger Beer Turns Iconic Labels into Symbols of Courage

Being Asians, our courage to push forward is often held back by the fear of failure and judgment. Tiger Beer is no different. Before 1932, it was widely believed that you couldn’t brew beer in the Asian heat - beers at the time were of European origin. Yet Tiger defied the odds to create a lager, born in the streets of Asia, that is now world-acclaimed and Malaysia’s No. 1 beer1.

With the same courageous spirit to overcome the odds, Tiger wants to empower Malaysians to pursue their passion with the #YetHereIAm campaign. Everyone has a story of defying expectations and showing personal courage – Tiger fans can now tell theirs with a custom-made image for social media, based on the brand’s iconic label design, and inspire others. To commemorate their spirit of not giving up while chasing their dreams, Tiger will turn their stories into personalised limited-edition Tiger bottles.

All they have to do is visit https://yethereiam.tigerbeer.com/, and follow a few simple steps to generate their customised label for the world to be inspired by their stories with the hashtag #YetHereIAm. All successful submissions will be entitled to redeem a personalised Tiger bottle for keepsake.

“Tiger is a brand that tirelessly champions individuals with potential and bold determination. As a true testament to what the brand stands for, the #YetHereIAm campaign encourages Malaysians to embody the spirit of Tiger, come forward and share their courageous story of challenging and defying the odds to achieve their passion. This campaign is apt as we continue to ROAR together in the Year of The Tiger, and UNCAGE unexpected possibilities,” said Joyce Lim, Marketing Manager of Tiger Beer Malaysia.

Besides the personalised limited-edition Tiger bottles, fans will get to enjoy exclusive promotions and giveaways during the campaign period too. From now until the end of July, exclusive Tiger Bum Bags are up for grabs. Fans who purchase two six-can-packs of Tiger Beer or Tiger Crystal from www.drinkies.my, will receive one bum bag while those who purchase a 24-can-pack will receive two bum bags. Meanwhile, at participating pubs and bars, those who purchase two sets of Tiger Beer or Tiger Crystal will walk away with one bum bag. Speaking of exclusive promotions, shoppers at hypermarkets and supermarkets can get their hands on a limited-edition pack (containing eight cans of Tiger Beer and two cans of Tiger Crystal).

All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Steamboat Pork Free Buffet @ Setia City Palace 8

Are you feeling like treating yourself to a full spread of good food and eating till your heart's content? Setia City Palace 8's all-you-can-eat BBQ steamboat pork free buffet menu is the perfect way to fulfil your cravings.

Be spoilt for choices at this new Setia City Palace 8 BBQ Steamboat pork free (they are applying on HALAL certificate) Chinese restaurant located at the Ground Floor of Setia City Convention Centre. Operated since June 2022, Setia City Palace 8 is the newest Chinese restaurant at Setia City area. The restaurant is located near the Setia City Convention Centre entrance next to Setia City Shopping Mall. Hence shoppers can easily walk to the restaurant under covered walkway.

We like the spacious and clean restaurant. It offers individual electric hot pot and BBQ grill for small table for four and also large table for 10 people. Be spoilt for choices as it offers more than 50 types of food which includes meat, seafood, vegetables and noodles.

First, the Steamboat Soup Base. They offer 5 types of soups here:

Palace Chicken Stock Soup
Palace Special Tomato Soup
Korean Kimchi Soup
Thai Tom Yam Soup
Satay Lok Lok

12 Finalists out of 2,000 Women Vie For Top Prize in MAGGI’S Reality Show

MAGGI’S reality show - Resipi Berani MAGGI ® is coming back in Season 2 with stronger and more exciting line-up. From a pool of 2,000 women, 12 mentees made the cut to take on a series of culinary and entrepreneurial challenges for the grand champion title.

12 Finalists of Resipi Berani MAGGI S2

Set to surprise and excite, the Resipi Berani MAGGI ® Season 2 will showcase the endeavours of the mentees through various criteria and challenges, and be tested in the areas of Personal Growth, Business Acumen and Cooking Skills. Some notable challenges which the mentees will experience include the preparation of their signature dish and re-invention of an authentic Malaysian dish with unique ingredients! Beyond culinary challenges, mentees were also tasked to observe elements such as food sustainability, business viability as well as leveraging on content creation for social media platforms.

3 Mentors of PMWCBM (L-R: Sheila Rusly, Datin Paduka Eina Azman & Anne Idris

The reality show returns with its three prominent MAGGI ® Mentors - Food Enthusiast and Brand Ambassador of MAGGI ® CukupRasa, Datin Paduka Eina Azman; Director, Producer, Actress and Owner of The Dim Sum Place, Sheila Rusly; and Entrepreneur Icon and Owner of My Mum’s Bakery, Anne Idris - who will nurture the 12 mentees throughout the reality series in various Feedback Mentorship Sessions. For Season 2, the series will feature four celebrity guest judges - Stacy Anam, Betty Rahmad, Aisya J, and Chef Sherson Lian.

Geetha Balakrishna, Business Executive Officer of MAGGI, Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad

Speaking about Resipi Berani MAGGI ® Season 2, Geetha Balakrishna, Business Executive Officer of MAGGI ® , Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad said, “We are excited to showcase the second season of the reality show to help further upskill and empower more women in terms of enhancing their business acumen, whilst providing them with a platform to both shine and achieve their dreams. Watch how the mentees step outside their comfort zones, undergo hurdles, build their self-confidence, and grow guided by MAGGI’s experienced Mentors and our new line-up of celebrity guest judges!”

Healthy & Delicious U.S. Potatoes Recipes by Chef Jason Manson

My whole family loves to eat U.S. Potatoes, be it crispy U.S. Potatoes chips, mashed U.S. Potatoes, oven baked U.S. Potatoes or any other type of cooking method. We love dishes made with U.S. Potatoes because they are filling, delicious and brings a lot of healthy benefits.

In fact, U.S. Potatoes have zero fat, zero sodium and zero cholesterol, so it's a healthier choice for the whole family old and young. Many people thought Potatoes are fattening but the real facts is One medium-sized potato has 110 calories only.

One medium size U.S. Potato provides about 30% of your daily value, 27 milligrams of Vitamin C. Vitamin C that may help support the body’s immune system that helps boost our immune system naturally to help us fight against illnesses.

A medium sized potato contains 26 grams of carbohydrates, which is a key source of energy for muscles. Potatoes are more energy-packed than any other popular vegetable and give our body long-lasting energy.

U.S. Potatoes are rich in Vitamin B6 with one medium potato providing 10% of the recommended daily value. Vitamin B6 is important for proper cell function. They help with metabolism, creating blood cells, and keeping cells healthy.

Potatoes have 3 grams of plant-based protein per serving. Protein is the building block for growth and a key component of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues.

Furthermore, it is high in potassium. One medium size skin on a potato contains 620 milligrams of potassium or 15% DV more than a medium-size banana. Potassium helps regulate fluids and mineral balance in and out of cells, maintain normal blood pressure, vital for transmitting nerve impulses or signals, and in helping muscles contract.

City Gardening Special Edition lll @ Jade Hills Kajang

Plants spark joy to me, what about you? Ever since the pandemic, many of us have started to plant at home. I also have a few house plants simply because I feel relax and calm just by looking at the greenery.

This weekend, I am so happy to visit the City Gardening Special Edition lll that is happening at the greenery Jade Hills Kajang.

City Gardening is completely different from your normal nursery. Here, you can find many rare plants, moss and pole, artsy pots and more!

You can also buy the sustainable gifts for yourselves and your loved ones.

iFood Expo 2022 @ Pavilion Bukit Jalil Exhibition Centre

Calling all foodie, the much awaited iFood Expo 2022 is happening at Pavilion Bukit Jalil Exhibition Centre now!

You can't miss the iFood Expo 2022 because there are a varieties of snacks, confectioneries, cooking sauces, seafood and many more! This time, there's also a healthy theme iVege Market available here! High 5 vegan buddies!

iFood Expo 2022 offers many free gifts for all visitors to redeem. Spend above RM100 will be qualify for a lucky draw. Not only that, visitors can also Shop and Save with the Amazing Deals only at iFood Expo! Let's check out some of the amazing deals from exhibitors below;

1) Nikudo Seafood

Nikudo Seafood is one of the reputable brands in Malaysia which is your Trusted and Freshness Frozen Seafood Retail and Online Store in Malaysia.

They offer many exclusive deals that one not to be missed only at iFood Expo!

DEALS:
✅ BUY 3 Nikudo Premium Cuttlefish Paste Plus Paste (200gm) or Nikkudo Premium Prawn Paste (200g) at RM 48 and comes with FREE 1 pkt Fish Paste
✅ Yoki-Crab Steak Meat : Buy 2 packet @ RM 10
✅ Nikudo Assorted Ball Ball Set ( 100grams) : RM 10 per set

✅ Nikudo Japanese Dumpling Set (10pcs/pkt) x 3 flavours : RM 18 per set

2) Vida C/Vida Zero Sparkling Drinks 325ml

A classic western thirst-quencher that combines tropical citrus and fresh mint. We especially love the sugar free lychee flavours one.