SIGNATURE MALAYSIA LAUNCHES LARGEST-EVER HOME & LIVING SHOWCASE

Signature Malaysia, the nation's leading total home and living solutions provider, officially launched Signature HomeFest 2025, a bold, seven-weekend lifestyle campaign to homeowners across the country.

Held at the Signature Malaysia Flagship Store in Kota Damansara, the launch also marks the beginning of Signature Malaysia's attempt to enter the Malaysian Book of Records for the Biggest Home and Living Showcase Campaign held in Malaysia. Amelia Henderson was also unveiled as Signature Malaysia's Brand Ambassador and Datuk Chef Wan as Signature Malaysia's Celebrity Chef. Both personalities will play key roles in bringing the brand's vision to life.

Signature Malaysia also unveiled its latest design concept, Soft Minima, a warm and refined approach to minimalism that sets the tone for the brand's evolving design philosophy.

The Signature Malaysia Flagship Store also unveiled curated brand zones by CrownLivin, Baagus, Floor+, and Rubine, alongside showcases from over 100 home and living brands, offering Malaysians a fully immersive and inspiring home transformation experience.

Speaking at the launch, KS Lau, Group CEO of Signature International Berhad, "Signature HomeFest 2025 is more than a campaign, it is our way of sharing Signature Malaysia's design values with Malaysians. As a total home and living solutions provider, we want to walk alongside our customers throughout their entire home journey. That means not only offering great products, but also building experiences, offering expert guidance, and creating design concepts that reflect the way people live today."

He went on to explain how this vision is brought to life through the brand's latest design philosophy, "Our new concept, Soft Minima isn't about having less; it's about living more intentionally. This new concept invites nature in, using gentle textures, warm palettes, and thoughtful layout planning to support well-being and create a true sense of sanctuary at home."

Spanning every weekend from 4 June to 20 July 2025, Signature HomeFest 2025 will take place in Signature Malaysia showrooms nationwide, with key exhibition hubs in Johor, the Klang Valley, and Ipoh.

As part of the campaign, Signature Malaysia has curated an expansive calendar of activities across Malaysia:

* Signature Nationwide Sale (4 June-20 July): With every RM10,000 spent on built-in cabinetry, customers will receive complimentary home and living products, such as home furniture, bedding, kitchen appliances, home appliances, cash rebates, and more, with over 25 curated gifts to choose from. Customers can visit any of the 50 showrooms nationwide to enjoy exclusive deals and complimentary design consultations.

* Signature Warehouse Sale (12 June-15 June): Held at the Signature Malaysia Flagship Store, this four-day event will feature RM1 deals, with a minimum purchase, up to 90% off select items, lucky draws, and more. Featuring over 100 renowned brands, this is the ultimate home and living sale.

* Signature HomeFest Celebration Weekend (14 & 15 June): A vibrant family-friendly affair featuring live cooking demo by Datuk Chef Wan, Serai Pizza Decorating Workshop, Global Art Kids Colouring Contest, Astro Didi and Friends Meet-&-Greet sessions, celebrity meet-and-greets, interactive games, livestreams, Q&A sessions, and exciting giveaways, turning the sale into an immersive festival of home and living.

* Brand Day Weekends Sale: Throughout Signature HomeFest 2025, selected Signature Malaysia flagship store will host themed Brand Day weekends, spotlighting Signature Malaysia's key partner brands through curated experiences, exclusive product highlights, and engaging in-store activations. Each weekend will offer a unique opportunity for visitors to explore featured brands up close with lifestyle demonstrations and expert consultations.

Brand Day Line-up

21-22 June - CrownLivin & Baagus

28-29 June - Panasonic & Rubine

19-20 July- Signature

• Canopy Sale & Pop-Up Exhibitions: As part of its nationwide outreach, Signature HomeFest 2025 will feature a series of pop-up exhibitions and outdoor activations, bringing the experience directly to homeowners across Johor, the Klang Valley, and Ipoh.

These on-the-ground engagements will offer exclusive promotions, expert consultations, and curated home solutions beyond the showroom floor.

Event Line-up

27-29 June - Pop-Up Exhibition @ Homefair JB

4-6 July - Pop-Up Exhibition @ HOMEs Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre (SPCC)

4-6 July - Outdoor Canopy Sale @ Signature Lifestyle Gallery, Rimbayu

10-13 July - Pop-Up Exhibition @ HOMEX,

Stadium Indera Mulia, Ipoh

11-13 July- Outdoor Canopy Sale @ Signature Lifestyle Gallery, Setia Alam

• The Signature Passport Challenge: Visitors to participating showrooms and events can collect stamps with their HomeFest Passport. Shoppers who collect three stamps with a minimum spend of RM5,000 will be eligible to enter the Grand Lucky Draw on 20 July, with prizes worth up to RM88,888, including a RM30,000 Home Makeover Package, premium kitchen appliances, and exclusive Signature Malaysia gift sets.

In line with Signature Malaysia's collaborative efforts, special promotions have been crafted for loyal Astro subscribers and RHB cardholders during HomeFest 2025:

* Astro Exclusive:

- Receive RM500 Home & Living Voucher, on top of ongoing HomeFest promotions.

* RHB Exclusive:

- Enjoy an extra 5% discount for all RHB Bank cardholders

- RHB cardholders also stand a chance to win the Signature Home Makeover Lucky Draw, worth RM10,000.

Both offers are valid with a minimum spend of RM10,000 on customised built-in cabinets or home furniture (including kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, TV cabinets, sofas, dining tables, and mattresses). Terms and conditions apply. Offers valid nationwide from 4 June to 20 July 2025.

Malaysians are invited to experience the full campaign by visiting their nearest

Signature Malaysia showroom or participating in any of the events nationwide.

For more information, visit www.signature.my/homefest2025 or follow Signature Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok via @signaturemalaysia and Xiaohongshu via @signaturemy.

IJN BECOMES FIRST IN SOUTHEAST ASIA TO IMPLANT DUAL-CHAMBER LEADLESS PACEMAKER

Was truly honoured to be invited to Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) to learn about them - Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) creating medical history by becoming the first medical centre in Southeast Asia to have successfully implant the world's first dualchamber leadless pacemaker system, the Abbott's AVEIR DR. Approved by the FDA in June 2023, AVEIR DR provides an innovative option to treat patients that suffer slow or irregular heart rhythms.

"IJN continues to set new standards for heart care in Malaysia and beyond. This new groundbreaking dual chamber leadless pacemaker will revolutionize care for our current patients and create a significant opportunity to expand the number of people we can serve.

 By eliminating traditional wires (leads) and surgical pockets, this leadless system significantly reduces the risk of complications such as infections, lead dislodgement, or vessel occlusion" said Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Clinical Director — Interventional Electrophysiology and Implantable Devices

For decades, pacemaker technology remained fundamentally unchanged due to the challenge of achieving seamless dual-chamber communication without AVEIR DR change that by enabling more natural heart rhythm synchrony and improved quality of life, especially for patients at higher risk from conventional systems.

Designed for patients with slow or abnormal heart rhythms, AVEIR DR represents a major leap in cardiac pacing technology. 

Unlike traditional pacemakers, which are placed under the skin with insulated leads extending to the heart, the AVEIR TM DR system uses two miniaturized pacemakers, each roughly one-tenth the size of conventional devices, implanted directly into the heart's right atrium and ventricle.

At the core of this system is Abbott's proprietary i2i (implant-to-implant) communication technology, which enables real-time, wireless synchronization between the two devices using high-frequency pulses conducted through the body's blood flow. This technology not only enables beat-to-beat coordination but also extends device longevity by consuming significantly less battery power than traditional wireless methods such as Bluetooth@ or radiofrequency signals.

To date, 18 patients have received the new device, with the first implantation conducted on May 27. This milestone builds on IJN's decade-long experience with leadless pacemaker technology, during which nearly 900 patients have undergone procedures involving wireless pacemakers.

Dr Azlan said that "This new technology opens up new possibilities for people with abnormal heart rhythms. The AVEIR DR system is also designed to provide real-time pacing analysis, allowing physicians to verify proper placement of the device during the procedure before implantation into the heart chamber," added Dr Azlan. "This innovation directly addresses the needs of patients with bradycardia and enhances quality of life through a fully leadless solution."

At IJN, innovation is not just about new technology, it's about creating real impact. The AVEIR DR implantation marks a leap forward in heart care, reinforcing IJN’s role as a regional leader. As cardiovascular disease remains a national challenge, we believe awareness, early intervention, and cutting-edge solutions must go hand in hand. " said Chief Executive Officer of IJN, Prof. Dato' Sri Dr. Mohamed Ezani Md Taib

Abbott's AVEIR DR system revolutionizes cardiac care as the world's first and only dual chamber leadless pacemaker, delivering synchronized, beat-to-beat pacing without the complications of traditional leads. With its minimally invasive design, long-term retrievability, and adaptability for future therapeutic needs, AVEIR DR embodies Abbott's commitment to pioneering life-changing technologies that empower patients to live fuller, healthier lives.

In line with its dedication to advancing cardiac treatment, IJN has played a pivotal role in the development and early clinical evaluation of next-generation technologies such as pacemakers. In 2018, IJN was the first hospital outside the United States to conduct implantation of the world's smallest pacemaker, Micra AV. Through its relentless pursuit of excellence, IJN continues to set new benchmarks in cardiovascular care throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. For more information, visit www.ijn.com.my.

Let JBL®, the renowned lifestyle audio brand transforms your soundscape

JBL®, the globally renowned lifestyle audio brand under Harman International, is transforming the retail soundscape 

Be sure to dive into JBL’s bold, vibrant world of sound with the launch of its latest innovations, led by the flagship JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx (TOM3 Smart Tx), and supported by the newly released JBL Flip 7 and JBL Charge 6 portable speakers which are made to be heard! Try each of JBL’s exciting phonic devices for yourself.

The JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx, a next-generation over-ear headphone is engineered to deliver studio-level sound with ultimate convenience. Built with True Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Smart Talk voice detection, and an innovative controller that doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter, equalizer, and connection controller.  

The TOM3 Smart Tx offers up to 70 hours of playback and Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio for high-quality wireless sound. With Personi-Fi 2.0 onboard, every listening session is perfectly tuned to individual preferences. Whether you’re working, travelling, or tuning out the world, TOM3 Smart Tx brings unmatched versatility and performance.

JBL Flip 7 & Charge 6: Portable Powerhouses for Every Occasion

Critically acclaimed and ready for anything – the JBL Flip 7 and Charge 6 are the perfect sound companions for every lifestyle. Both models now feature AI Sound Boost, delivering deeper bass and clearer highs even at higher volumes. 

The Flip 7 offers up to 16 hours of playtime, a sleek IP68-rated design, and Auracast™ compatibility to sync with other JBL speakers. 

Meanwhile, the Charge 6 pushes portability further, with up to 28 hours of battery, upgraded bass performance, and a built-in USB-C power bank to keep your devices charged on the go. Whether it’s a beach day, picnic, or house party – Flip 7 and Charge 6 keep the vibes alive.

JBL Jr Series 

For younger listeners, the JBL Jr 320 and Jr 320BT headphones offers safe volume limits and colourful designs perfect for kids. 

Availability. All featured JBL® products are available for purchase at Lazada, Shopee, and all leading retailers:

ALL IT Hypermarket, Viewnet, Urban Republic, Thundermatch, Vivid Concepts, PC Image, SY Electric, THT, One Living, Harvey Norman, AES, Central Electronics, SS Audio, Brightstar Computers, Style Laser and EKS.

Find out more about the JBL Products at www.jblonlinestore.com.my.

Smart Spending Redefined: Malaysian Shoppers Now Balance Price with Quality

Malaysians are still watching their wallets - but they’re also watching livestreams and product videos before making a purchase. According to Shopee’s latest consumer survey*, while 42% of respondents still value discounts and low prices, a greater number - 58% - now prioritise product quality and seller credibility when deciding if something is truly worth it.

This emerging trend of smart spending signals a new chapter in e-commerce: shoppers remain price-conscious, but they’re no longer buying blindly based on discounts alone. Instead, they are leveraging Shopee’s trust-building tools such as Shopee Live and Shopee Video, affiliate content, and trusted reviews to find the right balance between affordability and quality. Smart shoppers are more intentional, using digital tools to stretch every ringgit and ensuring valuable purchase decisions.

Validating Product Quality Through Social Proof

While price remains a key motivator, today’s shoppers aren’t just chasing discounts - they investigate product quality from readily available tools before buying. 

Around 60% of Malaysians use built-in features like daily vouchers, cashback offers, Shopee Coins, and the ‘Lagi Murah’ tag to find the best deals. In fact, 79% of respondents reported stacking vouchers to maximise their savings, while 40% actively searched for the ‘Lagi Murah’ tag to ensure they’re getting the lowest possible price. But here’s what’s new: shoppers are complementing these tools with deeper research and validation features, especially Shopee Live and Shopee Video.

Nearly 83% of users now use Shopee Live to help them decide what to buy. These livestreams provide more than just entertainment - with real-time demos, authentic seller interactions, and exclusive deals - they create a sense of trust that static product listings can’t replicate. It’s not just about what is cheapest, but why it’s worth buying.

Short-form content, like Shopee Video, serve as quick, credible reviews that further build buyer confidence. Around 70% of respondents trust creator recommendations, especially when backed by strong seller ratings and verified user reviews. And when trying out new products or new sellers, nearly half of all respondents consider seller ratings and buyer reviews as their most important reference point. This shows a growing demand for social proof and transparency where product value includes social validation. 

Redefining “Worth It”: Quality + Affordability = Smart Spending

This emerging trend marks a lasting evolution in Malaysian online shopping habits. Today’s consumers aren’t just clicking on the cheapest item - they’re evaluating, comparing, and looking for proof of product quality. That means offering compelling deals and investing in real-time engagement, informative content, and trust-building experiences.

In response to the rise of smart shoppers, Shopee is actively expanding its affiliate ecosystem from driving more short-form content through Video Missions, nurturing high-quality creators via the Content Creator Club, and facilitating targeted affiliate matchmaking for sellers and brands. These efforts are beginning to show meaningful impact: in the recent Raya Bersama Shopee and 5.5 Fashion & Beauty Festival, affiliates contributed 1 in 3 orders, underscoring their powerful role in driving conversion through trusted, relatable content. This ongoing development reflects Shopee’s commitment to equipping shoppers with richer, trusted content that supports smarter purchase decisions, ultimately helping sellers grow and contributing to long-term digital economic progress.

This commitment is already delivering tangible results for local sellers like Mohd Naimran Nordin, founder of Adnaa, a brand known for elegant and affordable traditional wear. During the Raya Bersama Shopee campaign, Adnaa’s sales grew by 170% through the use of Shopee’s content-driven tools like Shopee Live and Shopee Video which Naimran shared, “brought our designs to life, helping customers see the quality and fit in real-time.” During the campaign Adnaa saw orders grow across all features from Shopee Live (116%), Shopee Video (281%), and most impressively affiliate content (227%). 

Adnaa’s success reflects why Shopee is doubling down on content and community. “Today’s shoppers are more informed than ever,” says Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing at Shopee Malaysia. “They’re not just looking for the lowest price - they’re looking for confidence and meaningful value. That’s why we’ve invested in tools like Shopee Live, Shopee Video, and driving affiliate content. We want to empower Malaysians to shop smarter and give sellers more ways to drive conversions through building credibility and connecting meaningfully.”

This shift in smart shopping marks a lasting change. For brands and sellers, value is no longer just about price. It’s about layering affordability with trust.

Mr Nusantara 2025 Pageant

International talent and event agency Beam Artistes proudly presents the inaugural edition of MR NUSANTARA, a one-of-a-kind male pageant that brings together the best of Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia in a dazzling celebration of heritage, style, and talent. In future years, other nations from the Nusantara region are expected to also be included.

 

This was announced at the delegates’ sashing ceremony and press conference which was held at the Centrestage in Sungei Wang Plaza this evening.  

 

For the first time, 36 contestants from the three (3) neighboring nations in the Malay Archipelago will compete on the same stage, vying for both national and regional glory – Malaysia and Singapore will be represented by  15 contestants each, while Indonesia will see the participation of 6 delegates.

 

Due to unfortunate circumstances, a fewer than the initial number of delegates will be representing Indonesia.

 

In mid-March 2025, Beam Artistes announced the candidates representing Malaysia and Singapore through their official social media platform, Instagram - @beamsearch.my & @beamsearch.sg ; while the candidates representing Indonesia were announced via @beamsearch.id.

 

Just prior to today’s arrival, some of the delegates from Indonesia were dealt with an  unfortunate blow by a certain Indonesian agency, causing their dreams to be sacrificed. This unfortunate incident has resulted in a major drop in the number of participants from Indonesia. The organisers of MR NUSANTARA feels blessed that a small number of delegates still managed to make it here, to proudly represent their beloved country Indonesia despite facing external interference.

 

In his welcome address Samuel Seow, CEO of Beam Artistes & founder of MR NUSANTARA shared, “MR NUSANTARA is more than just a competition – it is a celebration of shared heritage and unity across the region. We are thrilled to bring together these three nations in a single spectacular event, showcasing the pride, talent, and spirit of the Malay Archipelago”.

 

“Just as the region has faced significant challenges in the past, the first Mr Nusantara has also faced and braved its challenges,” he added spiritedly.

 

“The format of the competition had to be changed too but like they say, ‘The show must go on.’,” Seow concluded.

 

The competition’s pageant week begins today with the arrival of all delegates in Kuala Lumpur and will conclude with the grand finals on 29th May 2025.  It will be effectively run based on international pageant criteria.

 

From the 36 candidates, a delegate from each country will win the title as MR SINGAPORE NUSANTARA 2025, MR INDONESIA NUSANTARA 2025 & MR MALAYSIA NUSANTARA 2025.

 

These 3 titleholders will then battle it out through a thrilling twist in the competition, whereby the coveted title of MR NUSANTARA CHAMPION will be decided purely by online voting, making this the first pageant of its kind to fully empower fans in shaping the final outcome.

 

The stakes are high, as the winner of MR NUSANTARA will walk away with a prize package worth USD 80, 000 in cash and prizes, and which also includes a brand-new car.

 

The grand finals of MR NUSANTARA 2025 will be held at the classy Galaxy Banquet Hall @ HGH Convention Centre in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, with guests being served scrumptious Malaysian food.  

 

The organsers hope all of you will come and support these talented delegates irrespective of their countries, as they embrace the spirit of ‘Serumpun Nusantara’. The organisers are also  thrilled to announce that sensation Malaysian girl group DOLLA  will be gracing and performing during the grand finals.

 

Ticketing and voting details for the grand finals can be found at: www.thevotique.com

 

Please do get your tickets & see you all at the Grand Finals.

 

This event would not be possible without the competitions main sponsors A.M Aesthetics and supported by Alluora skincare.

 

Other key sponsors and partners contributing to the success of MR NUSANTARA include official grand finals venue HGH Convention Centre, official press conference venue Sungei Wang Plaza, official hotel Steg Kuala Lumpur, Appolo Art Photography, ArtFigura, Corak, Essential Werkz, Flin Lee, Funds Solution, Fusion Meso, Hyperlive,  K James Khu. Kova Medispa, Marketing Institute of Singapore (MIS), Moliee, Newlife Dental, Ombak Kitchen, One Farrer Hotel Singapore, Organic Salon, Quirky Haus, Sian Chay Medical Institution, The Clover Bridal, The Story of Wharf, Thomas D’Esthique, Universal Music Malaysia, Verita Collective and more.

 

The official pageant media for MR NUSANTARA include Missosology, MBPFC, Hype Pageantry and Miss Malaysia Pageant, while official media partners include Magazine World and Rentak Sejuta.

guardian Malaysia turns everyday essentials into extraordinary acts of care.

 

As part of a powerful regional initiative spanning five countries including Malaysia, guardian has collectively donated over 40 million baths to underprivileged children in the last two years. This milestone reflects a shared commitment across the region to restore dignity and improve daily hygiene for those who need it most, proving that even a simple bath can make a meaningful difference in a child’s life.

 

A Regional Mission, A Local Impact

“guardian has been proudly rooted in Malaysian communities for 57 years, and our connection to the people is deeply personal,” said Anna Ng, Marketing Director of guardian Malaysia. “Our #MYWellbeingMatters brand pledge represents our commitment to caring for Malaysians—everywhere, every day.”

 

Hygiene is a Right, Not a Privilege

The initiative was launched in response to growing concerns during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, where rising costs of living forced families to prioritise food and shelter over personal care. For children in these households, maintaining basic hygiene became a daily struggle.

 

“Our mission is simple but powerful: to ensure every child—regardless of background—has access to the dignity of a clean bath,” Anna said. “Cleanliness boosts confidence, mental wellbeing, and school engagement. It’s a fundamental human right, not a luxury.”

 

From Children to Teens: Expanding Our Reach

In 2025, guardian Malaysia is broadening its reach to include underprivileged teenagers alongside primary school children. This decision stems from a growing recognition that teens, particularly in low-income communities, face unique hygiene challenges during a critical stage of emotional and social development.

 

While the 40 million baths milestone is a combined effort across guardian’s five regional markets, Malaysia continues to play a leading role in driving impactful local initiatives—particularly through its “Together, Keeping Kids Clean and Healthy” campaign.

 

In addition to donations of essential bath care products, guardian also hosts interactive hygiene workshops in schools, empowering students with knowledge and tools to care for themselves.

 

The Power of Collective Action

The campaign is also driven by guardian customers. With every 1L bottle of guardian bath care products purchased, 15 sen is contributed to the campaign—turning everyday purchases into meaningful contributions.

 

“We are incredibly grateful to our customers,” said Anna. “Their ongoing support has helped us reach this remarkable 40 million bath milestone. With continued participation, we’re confident we’ll exceed that in 2025.”

 

Quick Response in Times of Crisis

 

When disaster strikes, Guardian responds.

 

As an extension of its ‘health and hygiene’ mission, guardian has also helped fellow Malaysians in the wake of crisis. For example, during the recent Putra Heights gas pipeline fire, guardian swiftly distributed 80 personal care packs via MERCY Malaysia to affected families.

During the recent devastating East Coast and East Malaysia floods, guardian partnered with the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) to donate over RM140,000 worth of essential care items to victims in Peninsular and East Malaysia.

 

Ensuring Well-Being

 

Furthermore, in order to raise awareness of breast cancer among women in Malaysia, a total 10,000 Pink Glove breast cancer self-examination kits were also distributed to underprivileged women via the National Cancer Society of Malaysia in October last year.

 

guardian’s Promise:

 

For over 57 years, guardian Malaysia has stood as a trusted companion in health and beauty. Our bond with the community is deeply personal. But beyond the shelves, it’s about heart.

 

Through education, emergency relief, and everyday kindness, guardian is empowering Malaysians to “Own Their Beautiful”—inside and out, by supporting both physical hygiene and emotional wellbeing.

Walk-A-Payung - a flagship awareness event for PSLEM!!!

The spirit of solidarity was palpable on Sunday morning as more than 500 participants gathered at Laman Astaka, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa for Walk-A-Payung 2025, a symbolic 3KM walkathon organised by Persatuan SLE Malaysia (PSLEM), in partnership with Faculty of Medicine & HCTM, UKM in conjunction with World Lupus Day. 

Walking under umbrellas – a visual metaphor for protection against sun exposure, a major concern for lupus patients – participants showed their support for Malaysians living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). 

Since its debut in 2007, Walk-A-Payung has become a flagship awareness event for PSLEM, reflecting its long-standing commitment to empowering lupus warriors and advocating for their needs. It is estimated that 43 out of 100,000 autoimmune cases are affected by SLE.  

“Lupus has no cure and can cause debilitating symptoms such as joint pain, organ damage, and extreme fatigue,” said Prof. Dr. Syahrul. 

“These challenges often affect not just health, but also job security, financial stability, and mental wellbeing. Walk-A-Payung is one way we can create public awareness and foster a sense of community for those impacted by this disease.”

The event was officiated by Dato’ Dr Norsiah Binti Ali, Pengarah, Gred Jusa B (M), Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, and Prof. Dr. Syahrul Sazliyana Binti Shaharir, President of PSLEM and Consultant Rheumatologist at HCTM UKM. The morning began with an energising group Zumba session led by the Royal Fitness Squad from Universiti Malaya, followed by a ceremonial flag-off that marked the start of the 3KM walk.

The key highlight of the event was the official launch of iLawan Lupus: A Patient Dialogue Book on SLE, developed by AstraZeneca. The book captures real patient voices and narratives, offering a vital platform for advocacy, empathy, and greater understanding of the lupus journey. This initiative serves as a vital resource to bridge communication gaps between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

Throughout the morning, attendees enjoyed a range of activities, including family-friendly entertainment, lucky draws, creative contests, and meet-and-greets with the 501st Legion Malaysia Garrison.

KAO Malaysia’s “Skin Protection, Life Perfection” Campaign Champions Lifelong Skin Health Starting from Youth

KAO Malaysia, in collaboration with Watsons, launched the “Skin Protection, Life Perfection” campaign yesterday, aimed at encouraging Malaysians to adopt skin protection as a foundation for lifelong health and confidence. 

To support this goal, the campaign introduces a collaborative ecosystem by combining Bioré skincare solutions with Watsons’ rewards-based programs, and includes a 1% sales donation drive benefitting local research to advance awareness and practices around skin protection and lifelong skin health.

“At KAO, we believe that skin protection is more than just a daily routine – it’s the foundation of a life well lived. Through this campaign, we want to remind Malaysians that every act of care, no matter how small, can shape a more radiant and confident tomorrow. With Bioré at the heart of this initiative, we’re proud to champion a message that blends science, self-love, and the simple joy of healthy skin. This initiative reflects KAO’s broader vision of helping Malaysians lead beautiful, healthy lives – a philosophy rooted in our Kirei Lifestyle Plan commitment.” said Mr. Yamazaki Hirobumi, President of KAO Malaysia.

Skin Protection, Life Perfection

To kick off the campaign, an event was organised featuring thought leaders and industry experts. The session commenced with an insightful keynote by Associate Professor ChM. Dr. Noraini from the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, who presented on “The Science Behind Effective Skincare Ingredients: Why Formulations Matter?”. In her presentation, she elaborated scientifically on the long-term impact of skin protection on dermatological health. 

This was followed by a live demonstration conducted by Dr. Lim Ing Kien, Doctor of Medicine, from Ventamin, who presented customised skincare regimens tailored to different age groups. Together, the presentations reinforced the campaign’s core message: healthy skin begins at a young age and requires a tailored approach throughout life’s various stages.

With daily exposure to UV rays, heat, and dust posing risks to both skin health and confidence, KAO is drawing on Bioré’s trusted expertise to provide a skincare regime that not only protects and nourishes, but also empowers individuals to pursue life goals with fewer worries. 

The Bioré skincare range champions a simple yet effective “Cleanse. Protect.” approach, combining gentle cleansing with high- performance UV-blocking formulations to build skin resilience day by day. This commitment supports users to not only maintain healthy skin, but to live life with clarity, comfort, and confidence in pursuit of what matters most.

Encouraging Healthier Habits, Together

“Watsons is proud to partner with KAO Malaysia on the “Skin Protection, Life Perfection” campaign, which aligns closely with our mission to make health and wellness accessible to all. With our extensive network of stores and online platforms, loyalty program, and ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) collaborations, including recent initiatives with University Malaya, we’re confident we can help amplify KAO Malaysia’s message and drive positive habits among Malaysians. Together, we look forward to empowering more individuals to take proactive steps in caring for their skin, now and in the long term.” said Caryn Loh, Managing Director of Watsons Malaysia and COO Health & Beauty Asia of AS Watson.

As the official retail partner, Watsons is extending the campaign through a series of customer incentives that promote everyday skin protection. From May to August 2025, consumers can earn rewards through Watsons’ loyalty programs:

* W Rewards: Redeem a Bioré Guard MOS Block 50g with 500 Watsons points

* E-Stamp Program: Collect stamps to redeem Bioré products including the Bioré Guard MOS Block 50g, Bioré UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Mist 60ml and Tone Up Essence 70g

The campaign also reflects KAO Malaysia’s broader commitment to community health, following ongoing public awareness efforts carried out in collaboration with key partners. Notably, this includes the “Guard Our Future” project – a multi-initiative dengue prevention campaign that encompassed educational workshops, product donations and gotong-royong cleanups in Selangor. These efforts were supported by various stakeholders, including the Selangor State Government, whose Public Health Committee has championed proactive dengue management across the state. Their presence at this launch event points to a shared interest in promoting public well-being through preventive care.

Campaign Promotion Activity

* Campaign duration: 6th May to 25th June 2025.

* Purchase any Bioré or Bioré Guard products (excluding Men's Bioré) totaling RM80.00 or more in a single transaction at any Watsons store to be entitled to redeem one of 400 Touch n’ Go eWallet Reload PINs worth RM25.00 each.

* For more information about the campaign promotion and to find participating Watsons Malaysia outlet, please follow us on social media:

    * Kao Malaysia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialkaomalaysia

    * Kao Malaysia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialkaomalaysia/

    * Watsons Malaysia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watsonsmalaysia

    * Watsons Malaysia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watsonsmy/

Snack smarter, live better with Eat’s Better Bagel Chips

Snack smarter, live better. Eat’s Better Bagel Chips, the popular plant-based snack from Korea, is now officially available exclusively at Watsons Malaysia stores nationwide and online. 

Available in four exciting flavours—Corn Soup, Mushroom Soup, Honey Butter, and Garlic Butter, these snacks are set to revolutionize healthy snacking for Malaysian consumers.

The arrival of Eat’s Better Bagel Chips at Watsons is part of a growing effort to promote healthier and more sustainable snacking habits among Malaysian consumers. With plant-based lifestyles gaining popularity across the globe, Watsons continues to lead the way in offering innovative wellness products that meet today’s health and environmental needs.

“At Watsons, we are committed to offering healthier choices to support our customers’ evolving lifestyle needs. We’re proud to partner with Eat’s Better to introduce a plant-based snacking option that delivers on both taste and nutrition for our customers to snack and live well,” said Caryn Loh, Managing Director of Watsons Malaysia and Chief Operating Officer, Health & Beauty Asia, AS Watson Group.

Made with 100% vegan ingredients, Eat’s Better Bagel Chips are high in protein, contain zero cholesterol, and are officially approved by The Vegetarian Society in the UK. Founded over 160 years ago in England, The Vegetarian Society is a globally respected organization that champions the benefits of a vegan lifestyle for both human health and the planet.

Produced by food-tech innovator The PlantEat, these Korean-made snacks are designed to deliver taste without compromise, aligning with the company’s vision of creating accessible, nutritious alternatives to conventional snacks. 

The launch at Watsons marks the introduction of a new snack category deliciously crisp bagel chips that are as flavorful as they are healthy.

Jacob Yang, Founder of The PlantEat, shared, “Eat’s Better Bagel Chips represent more than just a snack—they’re part of a movement. Our slogan, ‘Eat Plants, For The Planet,’ reflects our mission to reduce reliance on meat and promote a more sustainable, plant-based lifestyle for the health of both people and the environment.”

Watsons customers can now explore all four bagel chip flavours in-store and Online and discover why snacking better starts with Eat’s Better. Normal price at RM13.90 each - now can enjoy a special promo price at RM10.90 each or 3 FOR RM27.80!

For more information, visit https://www.watsons.com.my/eatsbetter