MyPermohonan

Author: Destina Asia

  • How Gen Z is Transforming Snacks into Expressions of Culture, Identity, and Community

    How Gen Z is Transforming Snacks into Expressions of Culture, Identity, and Community

    How Gen Z Is Turning Snacks into Symbols of Culture, Connection, and Purpose. In today’s hyper-digital world, the traditional rules of consumer engagement are being rewritten by Gen Z—a generation that doesn’t just consume products but curates experiences. For them, snacks are no longer just about taste; they’re also props for content, conversation starters, and cultural signifiers. Whether it’s a bold chip bag featured in a TikTok video or a live shopping stream with a favorite influencer, the modern snack is designed to spark engagement long before the first bite. Recognizing this shift, PepsiCo is reimagining its product strategies in Malaysia to meet Gen Z’s expectations around culture, community, and cause.

    PepsiCo’s approach embraces the concept of the “social snack,” crafting products like Lay’s Double Crunch to suit key Gen Z moments—late-night study sessions, gaming streams, and digital hangouts. With bold flavors and visually striking packaging built for social media, these snacks aren’t just made to be eaten; they’re meant to be shared, seen, and celebrated online. A prime example is the limited-edition UEFA Jumbo Pack featuring football legend Lionel Messi. Launched during a TikTok Shop livestream, the collectible pack generated massive engagement, accounting for 70% of total Gross Merchandise Value in a single session—demonstrating the power of designing products with digital resonance in mind.

    Beyond aesthetics, PepsiCo is investing heavily in digital commerce strategies that align with Gen Z’s online habits. In Malaysia, the brand now hosts 25 livestreaming hours per month, reaching over 30,000 viewers with creator-led content, product drops, and exclusive deals. This digital-native strategy earned PepsiCo the Foodpanda Collaborative Excellence Award, proving that when done right, digital engagement can directly translate into conversion. As Aditya Ahuja, Cluster GM for PepsiCo Foods Malaysia and the Philippines, put it, “We’re not adapting to trends – we’re anticipating behaviors.”

    But the evolution doesn’t stop at digital. Gen Z consumers expect brands to stand for something—and PepsiCo is delivering on that front as well. With initiatives like its partnership with The Assembly Soup Kitchen (TASK) to combat food insecurity in underserved communities, PepsiCo is aligning brand purpose with real-world impact. The company also supports health-conscious lifestyles through reformulated products, such as the Quaker 3-in-1 range with reduced sugar and sodium. Their “Jom Quaker Fit” rewards program turns everyday purchases into wellness opportunities, offering incentives like spa passes and fitness vouchers to encourage healthier living.

    PepsiCo’s connection with Gen Z also runs deep in the cultural fabric of the communities it serves. Football, a unifying passion in Malaysia, has been central to this strategy. Lay’s UEFA Champions League campaign went beyond traditional advertising by creating interactive experiences across 60 locations and engaging more than 80,000 fans. Through games, challenges, and local events, PepsiCo transformed everyday spaces into celebration hubs, building authentic moments of joy and togetherness. This commitment to community-driven engagement is set to continue with the upcoming FIFA 2026 partnership, further embedding Lay’s into the lives of fans who don’t just watch football—they live it.

    As Gen Z continues to shape the future of consumption with every scroll and stream, PepsiCo’s strategy in Malaysia serves as a compelling playbook. It’s a blueprint for how brands can stay relevant by creating experiences that blend purpose with personality, digital with real-world, and consumption with community. In this new era, the snack aisle is no longer just about what tastes good—it’s about what feels right, looks right, and means something to the people who matter most.


  • Nobel Peace Prize Laureate President José Ramos-Horta Named Honorary Adjunct Professor at Taylor’s University

    Nobel Peace Prize Laureate President José Ramos-Horta Named Honorary Adjunct Professor at Taylor’s University

    President José Ramos-Horta Appointed Honorary Adjunct Professor at Taylor’s University. Taylor’s University has proudly appointed Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, as an Honorary Adjunct Professor for its Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) (Honours) programme. This distinguished appointment reflects the university’s commitment to integrating real-world leadership and global perspectives into its academic environment.

    President Ramos-Horta, renowned for his lifelong dedication to peace, democracy, and human rights, brings decades of experience in diplomacy, governance, and international relations. His role within the PPE programme will see him actively engaging with students through guest lectures on current regional and global challenges, offering insights drawn from his extensive political journey and global advocacy work.

    “At Taylor’s, education goes beyond textbooks—it’s about purposeful, real-world learning,” said Professor Barry Winn, Vice-Chancellor and President of Taylor’s University. “Having His Excellency President Ramos-Horta join us as Honorary Adjunct Professor offers our students a rare opportunity to learn from one of the world’s most impactful leaders. His presence truly sets Taylor’s apart in offering transformative learning experiences.”

    In his new role, President Ramos-Horta will not only contribute to classroom learning but also support academic, research, and professional collaborations through his wide-reaching international networks. His focus on leadership, governance, and economic development will enrich the PPE curriculum and equip students with a nuanced understanding of global affairs.

    Reflecting on his appointment, President Ramos-Horta said, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for shaping a more just and peaceful world. I am honoured to join Taylor’s University and share my journey with its students. In this time of great global challenge, fostering critical thinking, ethical leadership, and global awareness is not just important—it is essential.”

    To commemorate this milestone, Taylor’s University is launching the President J. Ramos-Horta Scholarship, which will be awarded to a deserving student from Timor-Leste who demonstrates academic excellence and a commitment to making a global impact. This initiative underscores Taylor’s dedication to nurturing future changemakers and supporting students from diverse backgrounds.

    In addition, the university is offering over RM30 million in scholarships and awards for the upcoming September 2025 intake, reinforcing its mission to provide accessible, world-class education to students across the region and beyond.

    Taylor’s University is now accepting applications for its Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (Honours) programme for the September 2025 intake, with future intakes in April and September each year. For more details, visit https://bit.ly/TaylorsPhilosophyPoliticsEconomics.

  • Sunway Medical Centre Maintains Its Position as Malaysia’s Leading Paediatrics Provider for Third Consecutive Year in Latest Newsweek APAC Rankings

    Sunway Medical Centre Maintains Its Position as Malaysia’s Leading Paediatrics Provider for Third Consecutive Year in Latest Newsweek APAC Rankings

    Sunway Medical Centre Retains Malaysia’s Top Spot in Paediatrics for Third Consecutive Year in Newsweek’s APAC Rankings. Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC), Malaysia’s largest private quaternary hospital, has once again secured the nation’s top ranking in Paediatrics for the third consecutive year, according to the prestigious Newsweek Best Specialized Hospitals Asia Pacific (APAC) 2025 rankings. Additionally, SMC has earned a spot among the top 30 hospitals in the Asia Pacific region for Paediatrics and has also ranked in the top 75 hospitals for six other key specialties—Neurology, Neurosurgery, Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Oncology, and Orthopaedics.

    Dato’ Lau Beng Long, President of Sunway Healthcare Group, expressed pride in the hospital’s continued recognition for clinical excellence, particularly in paediatric care. He highlighted the hospital’s Children’s Health and Development Centre, which hosts the most extensive range of paediatric subspecialties in Malaysia—offering 26 subspecialties supported by 50 experienced consultants. A notable milestone is SMC’s launch of Malaysia’s first private hospital 24-hour standalone Children’s Emergency Department, designed as a dedicated, comforting space for children, separate from the adult emergency unit.

    Further cementing its leadership in specialised care, SMC is also known for its advanced paediatric services in areas such as haematology, gastroenterology, oncology, and transplant medicine. It was the first private hospital in Malaysia to successfully perform a paediatric kidney transplant, reinforcing its pioneering role in complex treatments. Dato’ Lau also noted that SMC continues to strengthen its adult specialties, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, gastroenterology, and orthopaedic surgery.

    Dr. Seow Vei Ken, Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Medical Centre, said the recognition underscores the hospital’s commitment to clinical excellence and patient-focused care, especially in paediatrics. He highlighted the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) as a key component of SMC’s paediatric ecosystem, featuring 17 fully equipped beds, 24/7 care by three paediatric intensivists, and a team of highly trained nurses to manage complex cases across various medical and surgical needs.

    As the flagship hospital of the Sunway Healthcare Group, SMC is home to over 300 resident medical consultants across 60 medical specialties and 28 Centres of Excellence. With the upcoming completion of its sixth building, Tower F (Children’s Pavilion), SMC will expand its capacity to more than 1,100 beds—further reinforcing its role as a leading healthcare provider in the region.

    This latest achievement adds to SMC’s growing list of accolades, including its recent recognition as Malaysia’s top hospital and one of the world’s top 250 hospitals in the World’s Best Hospitals 2025 ranking by Newsweek. It also claimed the Hospital of the Year (Malaysia) title at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2025—an honour it has received for four consecutive years.

    These consistent recognitions solidify Sunway Medical Centre’s status as a regional healthcare leader, driven by a mission to deliver world-class, compassionate care across all stages of life.

  • Vertiv Broadens Malaysia Distribution Through Tec D to Address Rising Demand for Reliable IT Infrastructure Solutions

    Vertiv Broadens Malaysia Distribution Through Tec D to Address Rising Demand for Reliable IT Infrastructure Solutions

    Vertiv Partners with Tec D to Expand IT Infrastructure Distribution in Malaysia. Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global leader in critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has announced a strategic distribution partnership with Tec D, a TD SYNNEX company based in Malaysia. This collaboration marks a significant step in Vertiv’s efforts to broaden its presence in the country, aligning with the growing demand for reliable power and cooling solutions fueled by accelerating digital transformation initiatives across industries.

    Tec D, recognized as one of the region’s top technology enablers, brings a robust partner ecosystem and in-depth market expertise to the table. Through this partnership, Tec D will offer Vertiv’s complete portfolio of IT infrastructure products, including the Vertiv™ Liebert® GXE 1-10kVA uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Designed as a compact, online double-conversion single-phase UPS, the Liebert GXE delivers dependable power protection with operational flexibility, catering to a wide range of sectors such as healthcare, finance, telecom, retail, and transportation.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Tec D as a key partner in helping address customers’ IT infrastructure needs and expand our footprint in Malaysia,” said Daniel Sim, Senior Director for IT Distribution and Partners at Vertiv Asia. “As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven technologies, having access to reliable, high-performance infrastructure is essential for digital innovation and growth.”

    Mark Tan, Vice President and Country General Manager of Tec D Malaysia, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the growing demand for scalable infrastructure in the era of AI and data-heavy workloads. “Our partnership with Vertiv allows us to provide intelligent, future-ready solutions to partners and customers, supported by our team’s technical expertise and ongoing enablement programs.”

    The integration of Vertiv’s advanced IT solutions with Tec D’s customized partner support is set to empower organizations to tackle evolving challenges in areas such as edge computing, data analytics, and complex applications. Together, the companies aim to help businesses across Malaysia build resilient, scalable digital environments equipped for long-term success.

    For more information on Vertiv’s solutions and its network of distribution partners, visit Vertiv.com.

  • PCEB Holds Meeting with Cambodia Airways in Phnom Penh to Support New Direct Flight to Penang

    PCEB Holds Meeting with Cambodia Airways in Phnom Penh to Support New Direct Flight to Penang

    PCEB Engages Cambodia Airways to Support Launch of Phnom Penh–Penang Direct Flight. The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), representing the State of Penang, made a strategic visit to Cambodia Airways headquarters in Phnom Penh on 17 June 2025. The visit, led by PCEB’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ashwin Gunasekeran, alongside Head of Sales & Marketing Ms. Siti Sarah Ismail and Marketing & Communications Manager Mr. Terry Neoh, was a key engagement in anticipation of Cambodia Airways’ inaugural direct flight connecting Phnom Penh and Penang. This collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening regional air connectivity and enhancing business and tourism ties between Cambodia and northern Malaysia.

    During the meeting, the PCEB delegation met with senior representatives from Cambodia Airways, including Executive Deputy General Manager Mr. Guowei Bai, Deputy Director of the Marketing Committee Mr. Daniel Li, and Assistant to the CEO SOB Ms. Sok Ravy. The dialogue centered on joint strategies to ensure the successful launch and long-term sustainability of the new route. Topics discussed included potential marketing partnerships, joint promotional efforts, and broader initiatives to raise awareness of the new connection among key audiences in both regions.

    Set to commence operations on 26 June 2025, the Phnom Penh–Penang direct flight will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays. The route offers immense potential for business and corporate travellers by providing a direct and efficient link between Cambodia’s capital and Penang, a growing hub for business events, trade, and investment in Southeast Asia. In addition to the business benefits, the new service is expected to deepen bilateral engagement across tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), trade, and the creative industries.

    The partnership is also grounded in the shared cultural heritage of both destinations. With Penang’s George Town and Cambodia’s historical centers in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap all recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the new route paves the way for enriched cultural tourism and heritage exchange. This alignment is expected to bolster tourism flows and encourage greater exploration of Southeast Asia’s rich cultural diversity.

    Strategically, the route serves as a valuable transit option for business travelers, linking Cambodia not only to Penang but also to Penang’s wider network of regional and international connections. As part of PCEB’s commitment to supporting the success of this new service, the bureau will explore partnerships with Cambodia Airways and other stakeholders to boost awareness and uptake among key markets.

    This initiative is in line with the Penang State Government’s broader vision to strengthen international connectivity, foster economic collaboration, and accelerate the development of Penang’s business events and tourism sectors. With its modern infrastructure, strategic location, and vibrant economy, Penang is well-positioned to serve as a dynamic gateway for regional growth and ASEAN integration, with the Phnom Penh–Penang route playing a vital role in this forward-looking agenda.