Jobbie x MAKNA Launched ‘Pink Wobbly Breast Odyssey’ Campaign

The Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Pink October) is here. In conjunction with this, our beloved natural peanut butter brand - JOBBIE announced its collaboration with the Malaysian National Cancer Council (MAKNA) to launch a special CSR and education campaign themed as the “Pink Wobbly Breast Odyssey”.

The campaign was officially launched at Damansara Specialist Hospital 2 (DSH2). With over 100 guests comprising the members of the public, VIP guests, collaborators, media and content creators, aims to raise the awareness of breast cancer while supporting MAKNA’s breast health innitiatives. Among the notable names in attendance were the Deputy GM of MAKNA, Mr. Vemanna Appannah, and social media influencer Maryam You Narae, also known as Maryam Durian Kimchi.

At the campaign launch, JOBBIE rolled out its limited edition of 5,000 Jobbie pink jars that are specially-designed with the “Pink Wobbly Breast Odyssey” label. Every jar features breast cancer awareness information with a striking pink design, symbolising the journey and courage of individuals affected by the disease. For every jar sold, RM1 will be donated to MAKNA to support its breast health programmes, helping to provide resources and care for those affected by breast cancer.

The campaign’s unique name is made up of two key elements of the cancer journey. The word “Wobbly” symbolises the vulnerability individuals face when battling breast cancer, while “Odyssey” mirrors the unique and courageous journey of each person coping with the disease. This aligns with JOBBIE’s ethos of spreading joy and advocating for a better quality of life.

Pavilion Damansara Heights Presents Gaya Deepavali – a Celebration of Style, Hope, and Culture

This October, step into a world of vibrant celebrations and exciting new experiences as Pavilion Damansara Heights presents ‘Gaya Deepavali’, a unique blend of festive charm and a heartfelt tribute to Pink October. From now until 31 October 2024, shoppers can immerse themselves in vibrant traditions and an unforgettable shopping experience.

A Tribute to Strength: The “Lotus of Hope” Kolam

In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pavilion Damansara Heights is proud to unveil the stunning ‘Lotus of Hope: A Pink Tribute to Cancer Warriors’ kolam at Level 5. Designed by Mr. Jayakumar and his talented team from the Malaysian Bumiputra Designer Association (MBDA), the kolam symbolises resilience, hope, and renewal. The pink hues represent compassion and the importance of early detection, while the lotus flower rising from muddy waters serves as a powerful metaphor for strength in adversity. Visitors are invited to take a moment to admire this inspiring piece and join the conversation on breast cancer awareness.

Festive Discoveries Await

This Deepavali, Pavilion Damansara Heights offers a curated shopping experience filled with new brands, indulgent treats, and captivating cultural performances. Be among the first to explore Malaysia’s debut Jo Loves store, the niche British perfume brand by Jo Malone, offering unique scents like Mango Thai Lime that are sure to captivate your senses. Pamper yourself at mtm labo, where you can enjoy bespoke skincare facials using the finest organic ingredients from Japan, designed to rejuvenate and refresh.

Craving authentic local flavours? LADO brings you traditional cuisine made with fresh ingredients sourced from Negeri Sembilan, offering an unforgettable dining experience. To make your visit even more special, don’t miss the Deepavali Traditional Dance Performances by the Arts Talent Production Association, happening on 19, 26, and 27 October at 2pm and 3pm in front of LADO on Level 5.

Generali Malaysia Launches its First Festival in Celebration of Italian Culture & Heritage

Generali Malaysia is proud to bring the best of Italy to Malaysia with Festival Del Leone - a celebration of Italian culture, food, wellness, and community, from 25 to 27 October 2024 at Piazza Level 3, Pavilion Bukit Jalil. Dubbed the ‘Lion Festival’, this exciting outdoor event marks Generali’s first-ever Italian festival in Malaysia, spreading the vibrant and fiery spirit of its brand character – Leo the Lion.

Over the course of three days, the festival will feature close to 150 local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) booths, offering a wide selection of both Italian and local products including delectable cuisines, aromatic coffee stations, and unique arts and crafts. As part of Generali’s commitment to supporting local SMEs, the festival will provide them a platform to showcase their products, reinforcing Generali’s dedication to empowering and fostering the growth of Malaysian entrepreneurs.

“At Generali, we are incredibly proud of our Italian roots, and Festival Del Leone is the perfect opportunity to bring a piece of Italy to Malaysia while supporting our community, local artists and businesses. This event reflects our commitment to being a trusted Lifetime Partner, engaging with the community, and creating meaningful experiences for everyone involved," said Fabrice Benard, Chief Executive Officer of Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad and Country Head for Generali Entities in Malaysia.

The festival will offer a wide range of exciting activities for everyone including a chance to Meet & Greet with Leo the Lion, Generali’s brand character, and a Mona Lisa painting sale, where 30 local artists will recreate their own unique interpretation of the iconic artwork. All proceeds from the sale will go to Yayasan Generali Gemilang, a charitable foundation with a mission to close the education gap for underserved children and families in Malaysia. Other engaging activities include a pizza and pasta making workshop, espresso and latte art workshop and Venetian mask painting workshop for kids. Additionally, attendees can benefit from free basic health checks provided by Generali’s NGO partner, National Cancer Society Malaysia, which include blood pressure, BMI screenings and breast cancer awareness demonstration in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a token of appreciation, Generali Malaysia customers will enjoy exclusive discounts at selected vendor booths by showing their GeneraliMy Mobile App or MyGenLife portal.

Guinness Malaysia Crowns First Winner of All-Expenses-Paid Premier League Trip

Over 2,000 people were immersed in an electrifying atmosphere filled with excitement as Guinness Malaysia, the Official Beer of the Premier League, crowned its first Grand Prize winner at the spectacular Guinness Matchday event held at Sentul Depot on Saturday, 22 Oct 2024.

An incredible turnout of over 2,000 people experienced the electrifying atmosphere, connected over their shared love for football and Guinness, truly reveling in the essence of togetherness.

The sheer joy on Gregory Isaac’s face was unmistakable as their name was drawn from hundreds of entries, securing the once-in-a-lifetime prize—a fully paid trip for two to watch a Premier League match in England in April 2025.

Guinness Malaysia, the Official Beer of the Premier League, crowned Gregory Isaac as the first Grand Prize winner at the spectacular Guinness Matchday event held at Sentul Depot last Saturday

The excitement was palpable throughout the night as fans bonded over their love and passion for football and Guinness, revelling in the spirit of togetherness. Football-themed activities kept the energy high, with opportunities to score exclusive prizes, including complimentary pints of Guinness, signed jerseys from football legends, customisable Guinness jerseys, and other limited-edition merchandise.

The air was filled with a tantalising aroma of Guinness-infused delectables as chefs behind Kitchen Mafia, Tipsy Boar, Kao BBQ, Yat Sing and Caketella.

The communion of football fans and Guinness lovers became much more meaningful with foodies in the midst of the epic Guinness Matchday. The air was filled with a tantalising aroma of Guinness-infused delectables as chefs behind Kitchen Mafia, Tipsy Boar, Kao BBQ, Yat Sing and Caketella presented unique dishes that perfectly embodied the distinct Guinness flavour.

Shaun Lim, Marketing Manager of Wheat Beer, Stout, and Diageo Brands at Heineken Malaysia Berhad, reflected on the spirit of the event: “Guinness Matchday is more than just football—it's about bringing people together through shared passions. Whether you're a football fanatic or a Guinness lover, it’s a celebration of the perfect blend of the beautiful game and the perfect pint. Fans may debate their favourite football teams, but everyone agrees: it's always a Lovely Game for a Guinness.

The “Colours of Deepavali” Celebration at Suria KLCC

The festival of lights and joy is around the corner. This year, Suria KLCC, Malaysia’s iconic experiential shopping destination, invites you to discover the magic of Deepavali with its dazzling “Colours of Deepavali” campaign from 25 October to 3 November 2024.

The mall will be transformed into a vibrant feast for the senses, blending tradition, culture, and community engagement in celebration of Deepavali on 31 October.

During this period, entering Suria KLCC transports shoppers into a realm of rich hues and exquisite décor. The mall is adorned with floral garlands, traditional torans, and elegantly crafted swings, creating ideal backdrops for unforgettable, Instagram-worthy moments.

At the Centre Court, shoppers are greeted by an enchanting illuminated pathway adorned with fairy lights, lanterns, and flower petals. This stunning décor serves as a delightful prelude to the main attractions: an interactive kolam, mesmerising rotating mehndi parasols, intricately decorated rickshaws and a magnificent elephant installation. Lighting effects activated by visitors’ movements enhance the festive excitement, creating an engaging shopping experience that is filled with wonder.

To further enrich the celebration, traditional Indian dance performances will be held at the Centre Court on selected days – 28 and 31 October, and 2 and 3 November 2024. These captivating performances will highlight the beauty and diversity of Indian culture, elevating the festive atmosphere for all shoppers.

Embark On A Global Culinary Adventure with Pavilion Feast

Good news, foodies! Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s exciting food fest – Pavilion Feast – is back for another year. Discover a world of culinary delights, featuring new restaurant openings, exclusive menu items, hidden gems, and more.

For your convenience, we’ve curated a list of our top picks, highlighting some of the delicious standout dishes from over a hundred dining establishments at Pavilion KL. From juicy crabs and delightful sweets to local favourites and savoury meats, there is something for everyone!

Wok & Roll

To celebrate the Golden Week, enjoy a feast fit for royalty with the best of Chinese cuisine! Kickstart your journey with thick, juicy crabs from Fei Fei Crab – dip your soft, pillowy mantou in the signature Creamy Salted Egg Crab sauce or have a bite of the one-of-a-kind Musang King Durian Crab. For an authentic Chinese spread, Siong Tong Gai offers an array of dishes, from fresh seafood to braised pork knuckles.

Stop by Semangkuk Mi Tarik Lanzhou Lamian China to get your fill of freshly pulled noodles, paired with a variety of soups and meats.

Don’t forget to try the best fried rice in town at FUIYOH! It's Uncle Roger, where wok hei and MSG (Uncle Roger’s favourite!) are always a priority.

Hung Chun POPO Brand Unveils New Packaging Collaborates with 7 Restaurants for a November Culinary Extravaganza

As Hung Chun Sdn. Bhd. celebrates its 78th anniversary, the company proudly unveiled the new packaging for its beloved POPO product line at Atlantis Seafood Restaurant and Bar in Kuala Lumpur on 17 Oct 2024. In conjunction with this launch, Hung Chun also announced an exciting collaboration with 7 renowned restaurants to present the POPO Limited-Time Promotional Menu throughout November.

Founded in 1946, Hung Chun has grown from a small, family-run business into one of Malaysia's most reputable soy sauce manufacturers. Quality has always been at the heart of Hung Chun's operations. As pioneers of pasteurization in the condiment industry, their products meet strict hygiene standards, undergoing extensive laboratory testing before entering the market.

Crafted using only the finest ingredients, Hung Chun's sauces ensure both freshness and unmatched flavor. Alongside skilled soy sauce artisans, the company employs cutting-edge technology to maintain its high standards. Their range of sauces includes oyster sauce, bean paste, chili sauce, tomato sauce, and plum sauce, with the most iconic product being the highly popular POPO Superior Light Soy Sauce.

At the launch event, Managing Director Peter Yee highlighted, "In addition to our well-known light soy sauce and dark soy sauce, the POPO series also includes recently introduced products such as Tongsan Black Vinegar, Oyster Flavored Sauce, and Garlic Chili Sauce.”

The POPO Tongsan Black Vinegar is crafted from premium medicinal herbs like angelica, spices, and natural black rice vinegar, offering a unique blend of flavors. It enhances any dish, whether used for cooking, as a sauce, or as a dip. Its properties also promote blood circulation, making it particularly beneficial for new mothers during their postpartum recovery.

The POPO Oyster Flavored Sauce is made from high-quality oyster extracts and contains no artificial coloring. A dash of this sauce elevates the taste of any dish. Meanwhile, the POPO Garlic Chili Sauce, made from a traditional recipe, combines fresh chili, garlic, and shallots to deliver a balanced blend of heat and garlic flavor—perfect as a dipping sauce.

TAMASHII SPOT POP UP X ULTRA HEROES 2024 at MyTOWN Shopping Centre

Calling all Ultraman fans, it's time to unleash your imagination at TAMASHII SPOT POP UP X ULTRA HEROES 2024 happening at MyTOWN Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

This year TAMASHII SPOT POP UP X ULTRA HEROES 2024 promise a more excitement to all the fans. Some of the highlights of the event included below:

The Newest Ultra Hero, Ultraman Arc, will take to the stage with a Larger Cast + Longer Action Packed Performances

The exciting stage performance is action-packed and featured the debut of Ultra hero, Ultraman Arc appearance in Malaysia. Come and witness how the newest Ultra hero, Ultraman Arc, fight along with other Ultra hero alive! I promise you, you will be amazed with the stage performance like I do!

Featuring Ultraman Arc, Ultraman Zero, Ultraman Belial and Bemzeed, the show duration has been increased from 5 minutes to 20 minutes to present the slick action moves of the Ultra Heroes. That's so sweet of the organiser.

The live-action stage shows debuts on 19th October 2024 at 1pm. Repeat stage shows will also be available over the weekends of 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th October at 1pm, 3.30pm and 6pm on each of the dates. (The schedule is subject to change without prior notice) 

Do not miss your chance to see the thrilling live-action stage shows up-close!

Life Size Ultraman Arc and Ultraman Blazar statues

guardian Marks its 57th Birthday by Continuing to Nurture the Beauty and Wellbeing of Malaysians

guardian Malaysia celebrates its 57th year of operations with a series of activities that reinforce its commitment to nurturing the beauty and wellbeing of Malaysians. These activities include:

• A Pink October campaign in collaboration with Kundal and The National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) to raise awareness, expand access, and drive action in the nation’s fight against breast cancer.

• The launch of new, exclusive beauty and wellbeing brands in guardian Malaysia’s stores nationwide and online, culminating in an official event later this month at guardian The Exchange TRX mall to celebrate these exciting new offerings.

• An exclusive 57% discount promotion on the purchase of the second item across 3,000 products, available both in-store and online throughout the month.

Through these initiatives, guardian Malaysia aims to remind and encourage Malaysians from all walks of life to prioritize nurturing their own beauty and wellbeing.

Anna Ng, Marketing Director of guardian Malaysia, emphasized: “Outer beauty and inner wellbeing require daily nurturing. This includes having knowledge about what’s good for you and being able to access the ‘right choice’ of beauty and wellbeing products.”

Pink October: Guardian Malaysia Steps Up in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Breast cancer remains the #1 cancer affecting women in Malaysia, with 1 in 19 women being diagnosed. Due to a lack of awareness and low rates of early detection—especially among lower-income households—nearly half of the cases are only confirmed in the late stages (Stages 3 and 4).

This has resulted in a low 5-year survival rate of 66.8% which is much lower than other Asian countries such as Singapore (79%), South Korea (92.6%), and Japan (96.2%).

Early detection is crucial in combating breast cancer. In partnership with Kundal and The National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), guardian Malaysia will introduce an exclusive Pink Glove breast self-examination kit.

It includes a scrub glove with self-examination steps, two bottles of body wash, and one body scrub, retailing at RM23.88.

For every Pink Glove kit sold, part of proceeds will be contributed to NCSM to support work in education, awareness, and early detection programs for breast cancer.

Additionally, 10,000 Pink Glove kits will be set aside and distributed by NCSM to underprivileged women across Malaysia.

Sunplay's “Sending Love & Care to the Ocean” CSR Initiative

Sunplay, Malaysia’s leading sunscreen brand, proudly announces the 4th consecutive year of its impactful “Sending Love & Care to the Ocean” CSR initiative. This year, the initiative takes a significant step forward with an exciting new partnership with Watsons and Reef Check Malaysia for a coral rehabilitation project on Tioman Island, reinforcing Sunplay’s unwavering commitment to ocean conservation.

In a pioneering effort, Sunplay has pledged to donate RM1 from every purchase of Sunplay Ultra Eco-Safe UV Lotion and other outdoor sunscreens sold at Watsons throughout September. This collective effort has successfully raised RM40,000, which will be used to restore vital marine ecosystems by planting coral fragments, essential for sustaining the diverse marine life of Tioman Island.

Lim Mei Yuen, General Manager of Rohto-Mentholatum (M) Sdn Bhd, expressed her enthusiasm for this expanded conservation initiative and her gratitude for the partnerships that made it possible.

“We are thrilled to elevate our ‘Sending Love & Care to the Ocean’ initiative by collaborating with Reef Check Malaysia in a project that not only rehabilitates coral reefs but also engages the local community. This partnership embodies our enduring dedication to protecting these invaluable marine habitats,” Lim Mei Yuen remarked.

Coral reefs, often referred to as the "rainforests of the sea," are vital to the health of marine ecosystems. They provide habitat for countless marine species, protect coastlines from erosion, and support local economies through tourism and fishing. However, these essential ecosystems are under unprecedented threat from climate change, pollution, and human activities, making conservation efforts increasingly critical.

Guinness Brings Fans The Ultimate Football Viewing Party This 19th October @ Sentul Depot

Guinness, the Official Beer of the Premier League, is gearing up to deliver an extraordinary football viewing experience. Guinness Matchday is set to take over Sentul Depot on 19th October 2024, promising an action-packed event that brings together football fans and Guinness lovers for an unforgettable celebration of the beautiful game — and the perfect pint.

Head down to Guinness Matchday at Sentul Depot on 19th October for an epic night where the beautiful game meets the beautiful beer.

All fans, regardless of their club allegiance, are invited to catch the two thrilling Premier League matches, Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham United and Manchester United vs Brentford, broadcast live on a massive 8m x 14m screen.

Thousands of attendees at a previous Guinness event held at Sentul Depot.

The entertainment doesn’t stop there! Enjoy the evening with friends and join in the spirit of camaraderie with football-themed activities and score exclusive prizes, including free Guinness, signed jerseys by football legends, customisable Guinness Jerseys and other limited-edition merchandise, while stocks last.

To top it all off, take advantage of the amazing Guinness promotions and compete for the Grand Prize—an All-Expenses-Paid Trip for two to watch a Premier League match in England in April 2025. That's right. Guinness will be giving out one of its three Premier League season Grand Prizes, and the first winner will be crowned on the night itself.

Score exclusive prizes including free Guinness, jerseys, limited edition merchandise and the Grand Prize, an all-expenses-paid trip to watch the Premier League live.

Shaun Lim, Marketing Manager of Wheatbeer, Stout and Diageo Brands at Heineken Malaysia Berhad, said, "Guinness Matchday is more than just a viewing party—it’s an immersive celebration of everything that makes football and Guinness iconic. Whether you’re here for the passion of the game or the camaraderie of sharing a pint, this event is designed to unite fans in a truly unforgettable way. By combining the thrill of live Premier League action with Guinness, exclusive prizes, and stand to win the ultimate football experience in England, we’re creating memories that will last a lifetime. At the heart of it all, we remind everyone why football remains ‘the beautiful game’ and why Guinness remains its perfect match."

HOYA Malaysia x World Sight Day 2024 - “A Million Visions” Campaign

World Sight Day 2024 falls on 10 October 2024. This year, HOYA Malaysia is shining a spotlight on children’s eye health, aligning with the global theme #loveyoureyeskids to prevent future blindness. Today, HOYA Malaysia proudly launched the “A Million Visions” campaign, supporting HOYA’s global goal of providing 1 million eye examinations to children, addressing the growing concern of myopia among them. As part of this effort, HOYA Malaysia is offering free eye examinations to children aged 5 to 12, emphasising the need for early detection and treatment. The campaign also urges eye care professionals (ECPs) to consider clinically proven early interventions, like MiYOSMART lenses to manage myopia progression in high-risk children.

Understanding Myopia and Its Global Impact

Myopia, or shortsightedness, is a refractive error that affects millions of children worldwide. According to recent studies1, the prevalence of myopia has reached alarming rates, with projections indicating that nearly half of the global population could be myopic by 2050. High myopia is associated with an increased risk of serious eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataract, and retinal detachment. This underscores the urgency of addressing this growing public health concern.

Many parents remain unaware of the early signs of myopia in their children, often delaying eye tests. This delay is significant as children, who may have lived with myopia for years, often consider their impaired vision as normal and do not complain about it. Regular eye tests from the age of 5 to 12 are crucial to detect and manage myopia early.

Common Misconceptions About Myopia

There are several misconceptions surrounding myopia that need addressing. One of the most common is the belief that wearing glasses will make myopia worse or lead to dependence on them- this is false. In reality, untreated myopia can lead to its progression, increasing the risk of severe vision problems later in life, including conditions that could result in blindness.

"Myopia itself doesn't cause blindness directly, but it significantly increases the risk of developing serious eye conditions that can lead to vision loss. Early detection and intervention are key to preventing these outcomes," said Dr Norazah Abdul Rahman, a leading Ophthalmologist in Kuala Lumpur.

Taking Action: What Parents Need to Know

Parents are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect their children's vision:

A Strategic Union: Public Bank to Acquire a Controlling Stake in LPI and the Teh Family Refines their Equity Position in Public Bank Berhad

Public Bank Berhad (“Public Bank”) had on 10 October 2024 entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement (“SPA”) with the Estate of the Late Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Teh Hong Piow (“Estate”) and Consolidated Teh Holdings Sdn. Bhd. (“ConTeh”) to acquire in aggregate 175,896,000 ordinary shares in LPI Capital Bhd (“LPI”), representing approximately 44.15% equity interest in LPI, for a total cash consideration of RM1.72 billion (“Proposed Acquisition”).

LPI, a company listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia, has been in operations for over 60 years and is mainly involved in the underwriting of general insurance. It currently has 21 branches throughout Malaysia, 1 branch in Singapore and also operates in Cambodia through an associate company.

L" Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Tay Ah Lek, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Public Bank

R: eh Li Shian Diona, the youngest daughter of the late Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Teh Hong Piow

Speaking at the press conference after the SPA signing ceremony, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Tay Ah Lek, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Public Bank said, “The Proposed Acquisition represents a strategic opportunity for Public Bank to further expand its general insurance segment into the Malaysian market through the LPI Group. This will allow the enlarged Public Bank Group to establish an immediate market presence and strong foothold in the general insurance segment in Malaysia as a comprehensive complementary service to its current financial services and Family Takaful offerings.”

He further added that, “The Proposed Acquisition is also in line with our Group’s plans to expand beyond just organic growth but through strategic acquisitions to expand our product and service offerings as evident by our recent completion of the acquisition of Public Bank Securities Vietnam Company Limited which allowed our Group to expand our financial services offering in Vietnam with the inclusion of securities trading services.”

Tan Sri Tay concluded by saying, “This strategic acquisition of LPI Group, a long-established and leading general insurance player in Malaysia, represents a clear and unique opportunity for us to accelerate our vision to move towards a “Universal Banking Model” that offers comprehensive and diverse range of financial and other related products and services under the same group.

With our existing network of over 260 branches located throughout the country, LPI Group would be able to leverage and expand its distribution channels and further grow its general insurance business in Malaysia. In addition, we would also be able to tap into the sales and distribution network of LPI and further expand our reach to cover clients and customers of LPI.

Aside from the mutual cross selling of products and services, Public Bank and LPI will also explore possibilities on developing new integrated products and services catering to our customers’ financial and insurance needs.”

As this is a related party transaction, the Proposed Acquisition is subject to the approval of the non-interested shareholders of Public Bank at an Extraordinary General Meeting (“EGM”) to be held at a later date. Should the Proposed Acquisition be approved at the EGM, Public Bank will be obliged to extend an unconditional mandatory take-over offer (“MGO”) (“Proposed Offer”) for the remaining equity interest in LPI not already owned by it.

Children’s Day Festival 2024 @ Royale Chulan Seremban – Grand Events Curated for The Young Ones

Children’s Day falls on the month of November every year. This year, let's embrace this special occasion together with Royale Chulan Seremban Hotel. The hotel will be organizing an exciting 2-day event to cater exciting activities and contests dedicated for all children. Starts from Saturday, 9th November 2024 and ends on Sunday 10th November 2024, this annual event aims to cater children with fun-filled activities and engaging contests throughout the 2 day.

This year, the renowned natural home and personal care brand - Bzu Bzu, will be generously distributing 2,000 door gifts to all children during the event.

A variety of contests and competitions will be held during the Children’s Day Festival 2024 at Royale Chulan Seremban Hotel. Including a colouring contest, dance competition, singing competition, and fashion show at Seri Negeri Ballroom 1.

Winners in these contests will have the chance to win exciting gifts valued at RM400, cash prizes by PTPN of RM500 for each in the colouring, dance, singing, and fashion show competitions, trophies, certificates, and four Legoland Malaysia theme park tickets, valued at RM800. The second and third-place winners will receive cash prizes of RM400 and RM300, respectively, along with trophy, certificates, prizes and two entrance tickets to Snowlim Wonderland Malaysia and gift prizes valued at RM300. Plus, no child will leave empty-handed, as all participants will receive tokens of appreciation and certificates, even if they don’t win. Contest fees start from RM25 nett per child, which includes specially prepared meals for all participants.

Additionally, at the Seri Negeri Ballroom 2, the Hotel collaborate with Brick Matrix, renowned for organizing major Lego competitions across Malaysia, organizing the first-ever Lego competition in Negeri Sembilan, with over 500 participants expected each day. Registration at RM5 per contestant, the competition is open to all children, teens, and parents. Participants will compete for a chance to win one of 18 Lego box prizes! The Training Chess Centre Negeri Sembilan will host a chess tournament over two days in Ballroom 3. The event on November 9 is open to children up to 12 years old, while the tournament on November 10 welcomes participants of all ages, including adults. Trophies will be awarded to the winners on both days.

Panasonic Malaysia Champions School Hygiene with Groundbreaking Bidet Initiative

Good toilet hygiene plays a vital role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, ensuring students feel safe and comfortable, and fostering an environment conducive to learning in schools.

We were honoured to attend the at the campaign launch event

Good news! Panasonic Malaysia has launched the “Panasonic Rakan Bersih Ceria” campaign to raise awareness and educate on good toilet hygiene standards and habits amongst primary school children in Malaysia. This is part of Panasonic’s efforts to address on-going concerns with school toilet cleanliness, as well as to improve lives and holistic well-being, in line with its corporate vision and tagline “Create Today. Enrich Tomorrow.” to set the stage for a cleaner and healthier future for all Malaysians.

Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director Keisuke Nishida and Education Ministry educational resources and technology division director Aniza Kamarulzaman, at the campaign launch, aimed at improving school hygiene standards and fostering healthier habits among students.

The launch ceremony was officiated by Mr. Keisuke Nishida, Managing Director of Panasonic Malaysia at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sentul 2, Kuala Lumpur on 1 October 2024.

“Panasonic Rakan Bersih Ceria” campaign goes beyond conventional measures and involves the installation of manual bidet seats in the school toilets to contribute towards improving their cleanliness and hygiene. More importantly, this campaign aligns with our government’s call to provide a safe, clean and comfortable environment for both students and teachers through the upgrade and maintenance of facilities in schools.

“We are very excited to launch this campaign with the Ministry of Education’s support to foster healthier and more hygienic habits among school children. Panasonic’s identity is rooted in Japanese culture. One of them is an emphasis on practicing cleanliness, which promotes better hygiene, reduces the spread of illnesses as well as improves overall health and well-being. More essentially, by instilling good hygiene standards early on, we empower children to take responsibility for their own hygiene and contribute towards maintaining a cleaner and healthier space for themselves and others,” said Keisuke Nishida, Managing Director of Panasonic Malaysia during the launch event.

“Through this campaign, we hope to share our culture of cleanliness and envision a future where hygiene is not just a practice, but a lifestyle and lifelong healthy habits as part of student development,” added Nishida.

Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director Keisuke Nishida (sixth from left), SK Sentul 2 headmistress Norhayati Mustafa, Education Ministry educational resources and technology division director Aniza Kamarulzaman and Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd appliance product marketing general manager Shinichi Tsuda together with students of SK Sentul 2 at the campaign launch.

The campaign involved 25 participating primary schools across the Klang Valley. With good hygiene standards serving as the foundation of toilet cleanliness, and a healthier and more sanitary environment for all, Panasonic conducted informative and engaging workshops educating students the importance of hygiene education and good restroom practices. The workshops are also designed to have exciting activities to ensure students are well-prepared for life beyond the textbook and naturally lead them toward embracing a hygienic lifestyle.

Panasonic also distributed educational materials, including posters emphasizing clean, comfortable, and eco-friendly bathroom practices, with a specific focus on bidet usage.

GSK’s Arexvy is a Vaccine Approved to Protect Older Adults from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Disease in Malaysia

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical Sdn Bhd (GSK) announced that Arexvy (MAL24086007ARZ) has been approved in Malaysia for RSV, a common respiratory virus that can lead to serious negative clinical outcomes, such as lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) and pneumonia in older adults recently. i The RSV vaccine has been approved for older adults aged 60 and above in the country. This adjuvanted vaccine can transform efforts to reduce RSV’s burden on older adults, the healthcare system and society.

Me at the launch of GSK’s RSV vaccine.

The approval is based on positive data from a phase III trial, where the vaccine demonstrated high overall vaccine efficacy of 82.6% against LRTD. vii 94.6% efficacy was observed against RSV-LRTD in adults with co-morbidities. vii Across multiple studies, the vaccine was generally well tolerated with an acceptable safety profile. Some adverse events observed were injection site pain, fatigue, myalgia, and headache. These were typically mild to moderate and lasting within a few days after vaccination. vii

(from left to right) Dr Alap Gandhi, Country Medical Director of GSK Malaysia and Brunei; Ruxandra Nastasa, Vice President & General Manager of GSK Malaysia & Brunei; and Professor Dr Ahmad Izuanuddin Ismail, Deputy Director & Consultant, Respiratory Physician Hospital Al Sultan Abdullah Universiti Teknologi MARA (HASA UiTM) at the launch of GSK’s RSV vaccine.

Whilst, RSV is a disease of all ages, in 2019, the impact of RSV in adults aged 60 years and older is significant, resulting in over 470,000 hospitalisations and 33,000 deaths in high-income countries. ii Adults with underlying co-morbidities, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, diabetes, and chronic heart failure (CHF) are at high risk for severe RSV. vii

Ruxandra Nastasa, Vice President & General Manager of GSK Malaysia & Brunei, delivering her speech at the launch of GSK's RSV vaccine.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an altered pattern of seasonal infections due to COVID-19 protection measures. iv Specifically in Malaysia, RSV infections occur all year round, with notable peaks typically occurring between July to August, as well as October to December. v