Nestlé Harvest Gourmet launches #LoveAtFirstBite to Commemorate its Farm-to-Plate Journey

From left to right: Ms. Christine Lee, Food Business Manager, Nestlé Professional Malaysia; Mr. Rajesh Singh, Head of Exports Business, Nestlé Malaysia & Singapore; Ms. Yit Woon Lai, Business Executive Officer, Nestlé Professional Malaysia & Singapore; Ms. Catherine Yap, Head of Nestlé Plant-Based Meal Solutions Malaysia & Singapore; Mr. Arwind Kumar, Friend of Nestlé Harvest Gourmet;  Ms. Qiu Wen, Friend of Nestlé Harvest Gourmet;  Mr. Dini Schatzmann, Friend of Nestlé Harvest Gourmet unveiled the official launch of the #LoveAtFirstBite campaign.

Nestlé Harvest Gourmet, Malaysia’s leading plant-protein food brand launched the #LoveAtFirstBite campaign today, unveiling its authentic farm-to-plate journey narrated through a story of love that delivers a profound impact for the country, environment, people, food and their overall wellness. 

Nestlé Harvest Gourmet introduced its latest and first-of-its-kind plant-protein seafood offering, the Crispy Fish-Free Fingers, as an addition to its product line such as the Nugget, Cutlet, Burger, and Stir Fry Mince. Packed with tasty goodness, the highly sought-after snack is wholesomely filled with plant protein from soy bean and wheat, combined with selected ingredients including paprika, turmeric, and rapeseed oil. The Crispy Fish-Free Fingers are also infused with Italian herbs like oregano and rosemary, not only offering exceptional taste but also being a great source of protein and fibre. It is also free of trans-fat, cholesterol, onion, and garlic, making it a standout choice for vegans, vegetarians, and basically everyone. 

Friends of Nestlé Harvest Gourmet, including Arwind Kumar, Dini Schatzmann and Qiu Wen, kicked off the launch with a lively 'Jom Sembang' session on the topic of 'Celebrating Love in Many Ways'. The official launch then began with a surprise appearance by local artist band Resort, serenading the crowd with its L-O-V-E songs as the VIPs launched the #LoveAtFirstBite with seven Nestlé Harvest Gourmet Malaysian Favourite dishes on display, including Crispy Fish-free Fingers with Asam Pedas Sauce, Golden Crispy Nuggets with Curry Mayo Sauce, Chargrilled Satay, Nasi Lemak with Chargrilled Rendang, Buttermilk Cutlet, Sensational Rendang Burger, and Curry-spiced Cutlet.

Speaking at the official launch of the #LoveAtFirstBite event today, Catherine Yap, Head of Nestlé Plant-Based Meal Solutions Malaysia & Singapore, stated, “Recognising the shift towards plant-protein meals, we at Nestlé Harvest Gourmet aimed to cater to the needs of Malaysians embracing a conscious flexitarian lifestyle. This drove us to conceptualise the Crispy Fish-Free Fingers, which offers plant protein with both good taste and ease of preparation. Through our steadfast commitment to utilising natural ingredients, we ensure the production of all our products with authenticity and quality. Introducing the seafood segment further diversifies the plant-protein landscape, providing Malaysians with variety while contributing positively to our planet and fostering a healthier Malaysia.”

The #LoveAtFirstBite weeklong on-ground event presents a diverse range of activities for guests, a true celebration of the Malaysian pride of food, taste, nutrition and sustainability. 

Immersive 'Farm-to-Plate' Experience Showcase

4D farm-to-plate experience that showcases the journey of how the Crispy Fish-Free Fingers and other plant-protein offerings are made from carefully curated ingredients that are known and loved by Malaysian consumers

As you step into the Immersive Experience Zone, get ready to be mesmerised with visuals and sound effects that bring to life the meticulous journey of how the Crispy Fish-Free Fingers are prepared from plant-protein ingredients, the pride of local production, and the mastery of recipe fine-tuned for the Malaysian palate. The inspiring film envelops visitors into the world of Nestlé Harvest Gourmet, beginning with visual glimpses of nature through plantation and crops and seamlessly transitions into the ready-to-serve Crispy Fish-Free Fingers. 

Malaysian Favourite’s Culinary Showcase 

Presenting Malaysians' beloved Nasi Lemak within a colossal Jalur Gemilang flag, meticulously crafted using the plant-protein powered offerings of Nestlé Harvest Gourmet in conjunction with the 66th Malaysia’s Independence Day

As we celebrate Malaysia’s 66 years of independence, culture and unity, the event also proudly showcased Malaysians’ favourite nasi lemak prepared in a giant-sized Jalur Gemilang made with Nestlé Harvest Gourmet plant-protein powered products. Nestlé Professional Chefs Salihin and Calvin prepared the local favourite sambal dish with Nestlé Harvest Gourmet Sensational Burger Sambal and the Crispy Fish-free Fingers with Nasi Kerabu.

Pop-up Café with Limited-Time-Offer Merdeka Special Menu

Drop by and sample specially curated Malaysian Favourites plant-protein meals that celebrate our spirit of unity and love for good food. Crispy Fish-free Fingers topped with Asam Pedas Sauce, Golden Crispy Nuggets topped with Curry Mayo Sauce, Chargrilled Satay, Nasi Lemak with Chargrilled Rendang, Buttermilk Cutlet, Sensational Rendang Burger, and Curry-spiced Cutlet are among the mouth-watering dishes you can try.  

Serenading performances 

Join us and groove to the tunes of local artists Resort, Airliftz, Leaism, Talitha Tan and Jaie who are set to perform throughout the weeklong celebration. 

Nestlé's Harvest Gourmet invites all Malaysians to join the #LoveAtFirstBite event to savour the delectable plant-protein powered meals and transition to healthier choices for yourself and the environment.  

For more information about #LoveAtFirstBite, please visit https://www.harvestgourmet.my.

Guinness Flavour by Fire Ignites Unforgettable Flavours And Experiences

I had a lot of fun at Guinness Flavour By Fire Festival at Sentul Depot. This festival is until 20th August 2023. This place is easy to find and there is ample parking space. Let's come here for an unforgettable experience beyond the ordinary!

As you step onto the festival grounds, your senses will be ignited with tantalising aromas, mouth-watering cuisine, and vibrant sights and sounds. This is far from your average festival – it’s a blazing revelry that combines the tantalising fusion of Guinness-infused flame-cooked creations, igniting unforgettable memories and sending your taste buds on a journey beyond the ordinary. 

There were thousands of foodies there to experience this awesome Guinness Flavour By Fire Festival. With a line-up of 11 dynamic culinary partners, over 20 open-flame grills and 27 taps flowing smooth and creamy Guinness Draught, prepare to be immersed in a culinary experience that will captivate your senses and make your taste buds dance with anticipation.

"We are delighted to receive an incredible response to our unique festival, which takes the taste experience beyond the ordinary. Guinness has a rich, distinctive flavour that is a favourite among chefs and drinkers alike, and when combined with the transformative power of fire, it creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Guinness is always looking for new and exciting ways to bring our brand values of power, goodness, and communion to life in an engaging and immersive way. Our festival is the perfect occasion for people to come together for an authentic Guinness experience and create unforgettable memories,” said Shaun Lim, Marketing Manager - Wheat Beer, Stout & Diageo Brands at HEINEKEN Malaysia Berhad.

 

Food is prepared by renowned masters in the art of grill cooking namely, Chef Franky of Arthur's Storehouse, rock & roll chefs Johnny and Sherson of Kitchen Mafia, culinary innovator Chef Navin Karu of Big Boyz Barbecue, foodie favourites like Yat Sing Smokehouse, KAO BBQ, and Tipsy Boar. Undisclosed Location, Shucked Oysters & Seafood Bar, TNR by Sean & Angie, Bacon It and Caketella will also feature their unique Guinness infusion offerings at the festival.

Come and discover a mouth-watering selection of flame-cooked, Guinness-infused dishes - from lamb ribs to grilled salmon, artisanal burgers, and irresistible Guinness-infused desserts, that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Also impressive is the range of vegetarian and dessert options to bring a complete offering to the festival with something extraordinary for everyone.

Adding to the excitement, festival goers will be entertained by a line-up of favourite local artists, each day featuring five live acts. On the festival's opening day today, the crowd is entertained by a$ix, Lost Spaces, Resort, Talitha, and Darren Ashley, all delivering nothing short of perfection on stage. The weekend line-up includes Samantha Diana, Masia One, K-town Clan featuring Jerryca Misty & DJ Yauzzy, Saint Kylo, STREETCODE, Skies Are Red, Billie Blue & The Nowhere Men, Blister and 9 Lives Band featuring Joy Victor & Muzza!

The famous Guinness STOUTie machine is another hot attraction. Left and right, people line up to get their selfies printed onto the creamy head of their Guinness – a cool way to capture happy moments. 

And not to forget the Guinness Long Bar Challenge – a signature attraction that all Guinness fans look out for. Friends cheer each other on as they try to precisely slide a bottle of Guinness down the bar. The winner even gets exclusive Guinness merchandise! The next food haven to experience Guinness Flavour by Fire Festival will be Penang on the 2nd and 3rd of September at Fort Cornwallis.

"Our culinary team comprising some of Penang's much-loved chefs, is eager to present a range of Guinness-infused foods. It's the perfect opportunity to gather with friends and loved ones and enjoy some quality Guinness time," said Lim.

Stay tuned to Guinness Malaysia’s socials for announcements on the chef line-up and entertainment for the upcoming festival at Fort Cornwallis, Penang on the 2nd and 3rd of September. For more information about the Guinness Flavour By Fire festival visit https://www.guinnessflavourbyfire.my/ . Stay updated on all things Guinness Malaysia by following their social media channels on www.facebook.com/guinnessmalaysia and www.instagram.com/guinnessmy .

 

Guinness Malaysia reminds all patrons to enjoy responsibly and to never drink and drive. Guinness Flavour By Fire is strictly for non-Muslims aged 21 and above.

Shopee Empowers Sellers to Customise Products for Malaysians

#ShopeeSapotLokal sellers, Lampu Cherita and HomeDecoStore, are deeply motivated by their most important asset: their customers. Their dedication to crafting personalised designs and exceptional service has earned them a loyal customer base, while shaping the rise of value-based Malaysian businesses online. They leverage interactive Shopee features like Shopee Seller Chat, Shopee Live, and Shopee Prizes games to engage customers in two-way feedback, understand values, and interests. 

Mohd Zaid Othman (left), founder of Lampu Cherita*, understands Malaysians' desire for high-quality candles similar to international brands, but at more affordable prices. He handcrafts locally-sourced 100% soy wax and environmentally friendly candles from as low as RM7.00. Zaid actively engages customers through Shopee Seller Chat to provide personalised recommendations and explanations about how various scents can be incorporated in their day-to-day lifestyles. This customer-centric approach has earned Lampu Cherita a rating of 4.9 stars from 19 thousand reviewers and gained 23 thousand followers since opening his store on Shopee five years ago.

To keep up with demand, Zaid enlists his family's help and hires two part-time staff. They meticulously hand-pour and custom-create 50 to 100 candles every day from their home-based operations in Cheras. Lampu Cherita's best-selling line (which has sold close to 30 thousand units) the Scented Candle 200ML, includes a range of Malaysian-inspired scents such as Klasik, Pandan, Lychee, Coconut, and Lime Basil Mandarin. 

“Four years ago, when I couldn't afford expensive candles, I embarked on a mission to offer the best candle experience to fellow Malaysians without breaking the bank. Using 100% soy wax sourced from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, I offer top-quality products at the most affordable prices. From my interactions with customers through Shopee Seller Chat, I firmly believe Malaysians are ready to embrace local products that rival international brands in both quality and value. Thanks to Shopee, I have the platform to reach more Malaysians, and with the invaluable dedication of my talented staff, my business grew ten times. Together, we take pride in crafting high-quality, affordable candles that align with Malaysians' preferences,” says Zaid.

Edward Wong, the owner of HomeDecoStore**, discovered the potential of his current hero product, the mini sejadah (prayer mat) by listening to invaluable feedback from his Muslim staff. They highlighted the high demand (but scarcity) for high-quality and affordable options in this category to him. Since launching the HDS Sejadah Muka two months ago, it has rapidly become HomeDecoStore's best-selling item. Steady demand and bulk purchases up to 10 thousand pieces within two to three weeks are often for special occasions like kenduri (banquet/feast) door gifts.

"I believe what sets me apart from other sellers is the fact that I create my own unique sejadah designs. I ask customers about their favourite designs and application preferences whenever I engage them on Shopee Live. These valuable inputs inform how I tailor the prayer mats while respecting religious sensitivities. In addition, I get to showcase the products in a 360 way on Shopee Live, enabling me to close deals on the spot. The inclusion of game features like Shopee coins and the Spin the Wheel is crucial in retaining customers' engagement and rewarding them to drive loyalty,” says Edward. 

Edward's commitment to offering relevant products, benchmarking competitors' offerings and sourcing from trusted suppliers has earned HomeDecoStore a loyal following of over 34 thousand customers on Shopee. He has also garnered 4.9 stars rating from over 10 thousand reviewers and maintained outstanding Chat Performance of 100% within minutes for four years. 

Lampu Cherita and HomeDecoStore have successfully matched the values of their Malaysian customers by playing to local preferences in their innovative candle scents and prayer mat designs. Proactive customer engagement that encourages dialogue and live interactions on Shopee’s platform, has allowed them to grow their local businesses and include downstream suppliers in the economy. Their passion for preserving Malaysian heritage shines through in their offerings that provide affordable options serving local needs.

My Thai Massage Experience At HealthLand Family Wellness Centre

Recently my husband and I went to HealthLand Family Wellness Centre at Serdang for the 2 hour Thai Deep Tissue massage. HealthLand Family Wellness Centre is a renowned spa, massage and wellness brand in Malaysia to improve the quality of life through premium wellness treatment. It is a one-stop wellness centre with more than 10 years experience. 

There are many different types of packages to choose from. These packages are reasonably priced so more people can enjoy their services without worrying about their finances.

As we stepped into HealthLand Family Wellness Centre, we felt very relaxed and calm. The ambience was cozy and the spacious interior was nicely decorated. The staffs were very friendly too. Usually we go for the Thai Oil Massage but this time we decided to try the Thai Deep Tissue Massage instead. We started with the foot wash and then proceeded to the couples room. The room was spacious with comfortable beds, soothing music and dim lights. 

We change into their clothes and the professional massage therapists gave us a relaxing and rejuvenating massage. The massage therapists were all well trained and knew exactly where to put pressure on our bodies. My sore muscles felt better after this Thai Deep Tissue Massage. 

The massage session ended with a cup of ginger tea.

Here's a video of our experiece at HealthLand Family Wellness Centre.

HealthLand Family Wellness Centre has opened five new outlets within a span of 25 days.
The new locations include:
• HealthLand Taipan (opened on 25 June)
• HealthLand Puchong Jaya (opened on 7 July)
• HealthLand Bukit Raja (opened on 16 July)
• Royals HealthLand Puchong Jaya (opened on 20 July)
• HealthLand Ampang (opened on 20 July)

You can experience the new outlets with E-voucher RM30, key in promo code NEW30 when you book online.

Let's book an appointment at https://book.healthland.com.my/about/outlets for a great massage experience.

To find out more about HealthLand Family Wellness Centre, visit their FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM .

Shopee Commits Up to RM50 Million for Malaysian Students

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan, has officially partnered with Sasbadi, Malaysia’s leading publication house and education solutions provider, to empower students in achieving their educational goals. The partnership was launched to make high-quality learning and revision materials more accessible to the Malaysian student community, giving them access to the right tools to succeed in their studies.

Commencing on 1 July 2023, Shopee commits 50 million ringgit to help students purchase educational materials to assist them in achieving academic excellence. This is carried out via 20 ringgit cash equivalent vouchers with no minimum spend that can be redeemed on any educational materials available at Sasbadi’s Official Shopee Store, exclusively for new Shopee customers. Throughout the year, these vouchers will be printed in selected Sasbadi publications and distributed through Shopee and bookstores across the country. 

“For those in need of high-quality learning materials, you are not alone – Sasbadi is committed to helping you achieve your full potential. We trust Shopee to make available this much-needed support to students across Malaysia, particularly underserved communities who need it the most, and we will continue to explore all avenues for raising awareness about such efforts,” said Law King Hui, Group Managing Director and Co-Founder of Sasbadi.  

“We are humbled to partner with like-minded companies like Sasbadi to support the rising educational needs of rural, underprivileged and underserved students from diverse backgrounds across Malaysia. This is part of our commitment to support local communities using technology. I strongly believe in the importance of education and together with my team, I am glad to be able to pay forward the support I received during my student days. We hope that Shopee's support will enable these students to achieve their dreams,” said Kenneth Soh, Head of Marketing at Shopee Malaysia.

Shopee took a similar step in May 2022 when it collectively raised nearly 300 thousand ringgit for *#ShopeeGivesBack partners like UNICEF Malaysia in meeting critical needs of marginalised children and their families in Covid-19.

During the year-long campaign, Shopee’s platform will serve easy-access offerings tailored to students’ needs based on data-driven insights. Specifically, students’ searches for educational needs, such as practical notebooks or school supplies, educational textbooks, educational aid devices, and extra-curricular supplies. Concurrently, Sasbadi’s publications, available on Shopee and in bookshops nationwide, will incorporate the 20-ringgit vouchers, allowing students to conveniently redeem them for educational materials at Sasbadi’s Official Shopee Store on the platform.

Swiss Dream Circus Experience

My family & I enjoyed the breathtaking Swiss Dream Circus performances at Mutiara Damansara. Internationally acclaimed performers from all over the world are here to take the audience on a journey full of dreams and fantasies. "SWISS" stands for quality, "DREAM" for diving into another world and "CIRCUS" for a truly family-centered entertainment which awakens old childhood memories all at once. This is their 6th circus performance in Malaysia after a few years' break due to Covid 19. There were incredible displays of acrobatic, balance, aerial stunts and thrilling acts. The performances will be held until 23 July 2023. Let's bring your friends & family here to watch. You can get your tickets at https://www.swissdreamcircus.com/ 

Here's a video of the Swiss Dream Circus performances. It was very impressive and we really loved every single act.

I have done a blog post earlier about the performances, performers, ticket price and other details. Click HERE to read it.

For more details, visit their FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM. 

Shopee Seller Summit Ushers in New Era of Value-Based Marketing

1,200 Malaysian sellers on Shopee’s platform unanimously resolved to stay relevant with shifting values of younger audiences online by embracing Value-Based Marketing at Shopee’s Seller Summit at Sunway Resort on 21 June 2023. The sixth instalment of Malaysia's most popular annual e-commerce conventions provided a safe space for sellers to incorporate latest online consumer trends and newly launched marketplace features in contributing to the development of local communities across various industries nationwide. 

Up-ending the notion that purpose-driven business is solely the purview of large MNC corporations, ten value-based sellers set up pop-up booths to demonstrate how they drive unique values through user experience, authentic storytelling, and seamless engagement. Shopee Xpert and Shopee Bintang sellers played interactive games such as Marketplace Inclusion Treats-In-the-Jar, Building Connected Communities Jenga, and Redefining E-Commerce Pictionary, to break the ice and create memorable value-based learning experiences.

In his keynote speech, Shopee Malaysia’s Director, Cheng Xun Chua unveiled major 2023 platform initiatives focused on enabling Malaysian sellers’ growth. Firstly, Shopee is enhancing capabilities across logistics and payments, and prioritising brand protection to enable better shopping experiences for value-based customers. Secondly, Shopee is maximising customer lifetime value from its large user base by building cross-category synergy and deepening the connection between sellers and their customers, increasing shopper engagement and maximising sellers’ reach. 

According to Chua, "In today's e-commerce landscape, customers pay close attention to what a seller stands for and does, by checking out what the influencers and affiliates say about the brand. With Shopee 360 Marketing Solutions, we provide a comprehensive, end-to-end platform marketing solution that includes a range of tools and services to help sellers increase their visibility and sales.”

Khairul Aming, winner of Shopee Super Award 2022 Best New Seller and Best Customer Service awards, led the call to stay relevant during his panel discussion. He was joined by esteemed fellow sellers Roy Sam of PerySmith, Kim Yeo of Ecobb, Sammy Chong of Celovis Jewelry, and So Bee Leng of Coty Malaysia, who spoke about meeting the needs of value-based consumers to drive long-term loyalty. 

He introduced Sambal Nyet on Shopee in 2021 and has made over RM 21.5 million in sales since, selling his millionth bottle last August. By constantly refreshing and customising content for Malaysians’ local preferences, he has over 3.7M followers on Instagram and consistently maintains an average of 5.0 stars ratings on Shopee with over 392.2k followers. Hailing from Kelantan, Khairul's growing business is a model of creating inclusive employment opportunities in his hometown for over 50 staff and 150 household dependents. 

Kenneth Soh, Head of Marketing at Shopee Malaysia, said, “Every year, thousands of sellers network and learn new things to grow at our Seller Summit. This year, I had the privilege of facilitating first-hand (in my panel forum) very proactive value-based marketing strategies that I’m sure will drive societal and business impacts by industry. Not forgetting, I wanted to thank all the brand sponsors for contributing to the success of Seller Summit 2023: Commerce.Asia, Intrepid, Kumoten, Mono & Co, PayRecon, Red Dino, SiteGiant, and Toyo, among others."

Exemplifying how Made-in-Malaysia stores on marketplace can drive local economic inclusion while meeting the demands of value-based shoppers through Shopee’s ecosystem were: Ooi Zhi Wei of Zhiwei Herb, Felix Lee and Tee Ying Fui of Beehaus, Karen Tee of RPM (Racing Passion Moto), Eelin Lim of BeNourish, Leon Wong of Samview, Mohd Zaid of Lampu Cherita, Edward Wong of HomeDecoStore, Khairil Adhzaha of Tokey Sambal Hitam, Patricia Marin of Mamami Shoppe, and Hafiz Oon of Mr Bentong.

Last year, Shopee upskilled and integrated over 250,000 new sellers for digital inclusion, and saw 145 new sellers record over RM500,000 in sales in the first 12 months online. In line with Shopee’s ongoing efforts to leverage the transformative power of technology to create a more inclusive digital economy, Shopee’s Seller Summit provides tools to upskill and empower sellers to achieve online success and build a sustainable future for themselves.