Author: Destina Asia

  • QNET Launches Its Premier V-Malaysia 2025 Convention in Penang

    QNET Launches Its Premier V-Malaysia 2025 Convention in Penang

    QNET’s V-Malaysia 2025 Convention Launches in Penang, Drawing Thousands of Global Attendees. Global wellness and lifestyle company QNET has officially kicked off its flagship event, V-Malaysia 2025, at the Penang SPICE Convention Centre. Running from 21 to 25 June, the convention has attracted over 8,000 international participants from more than 30 countries, further cementing Penang’s status as a premier destination for major international business events. This year marks the 13th consecutive time that QNET has selected Penang to host the event, underscoring the island’s growing reputation as a world-class hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE).

    The convention is a result of a strategic collaboration between QNET and its long-standing event partner, V Global Management (The V), along with Tourism Malaysia, the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), and its state-level counterpart, the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB). V-Malaysia has evolved into a powerful platform for networking, entrepreneurial training, and cross-cultural exchange. The synergy between QNET and The V, an internationally respected leader in large-scale training and events, has been instrumental in drawing a global audience year after year.

    YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), highlighted the broader strategic significance of the event. He noted that Malaysia’s chairmanship of the 46th ASEAN Summit has already increased regional interest, and Penang’s thriving tourism ecosystem has contributed an estimated RM1.29 billion in economic impact from Business Events in 2024—up from RM1.03 billion in 2023. He commended QNET for its continued commitment, emphasizing the convention’s direct contribution to job creation, tourism revenue, and Penang’s branding as a top-tier business events destination.

    QNET’s Chief Marketing Officer, Trevor Kuna, praised Penang’s blend of infrastructure, cultural richness, and institutional support. He credited the enduring partnership with Tourism Malaysia and PCEB for enabling the consistent success of V-Malaysia. He also acknowledged the value of destination incentives and strategic support, which have made Penang a globally competitive venue for such high-impact events.

    The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, plays a vital role in promoting the country’s business tourism landscape. In 2023, MyCEB facilitated 248 business events that brought in over 180,700 international delegates and contributed approximately RM2.8 billion in economic impact. For V-Malaysia 2025, MyCEB’s leadership in destination marketing and coordination between federal and state entities has been pivotal in enhancing Penang’s appeal as a MICE destination.

    Tourism Malaysia has also played an essential role, providing targeted incentives and logistical support that helped position V-Malaysia 2025 as a major global event. This initiative aligns with the Malaysian government’s broader mission to elevate the country’s standing as a host for international conventions and corporate gatherings.

    In addition to its extensive program of training and development, QNET used the convention to showcase its latest innovations in wellness, including Harmoniq, a bio-signaling patch, and QWIK, a new range of oral health and nutrition strips.

    As V-Malaysia 2025 continues through the week, it stands not only as a celebration of entrepreneurship and personal growth but also as a testament to the power of public-private collaboration in strengthening Malaysia’s MICE industry and driving economic growth. For more information about the event, visit QNET’s official website.

  • Special Olympics Marks One-Year Countdown to 2026 USA Games, Unveils Three-Year Bank of America Grant and Platinum-Level Partnership

    Special Olympics Marks One-Year Countdown to 2026 USA Games, Unveils Three-Year Bank of America Grant and Platinum-Level Partnership

    Special Olympics and Bank of America Announce \$5 Million Grant and Platinum Partnership Ahead of 2026 USA Games. Special Olympics International and Bank of America have announced a \$5 million, three-year grant aimed at expanding programs that empower athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through leadership development, workforce readiness training, and community inclusion. This significant investment will bolster the infrastructure of Special Olympics’ Athlete Leadership and Unified Leadership initiatives, allowing for expanded reach across local, national, and global levels—including new programming in Asia Pacific, Africa, and Latin America.

    The funding will enhance existing training and leadership initiatives such as Unified Leadership, a curriculum co-developed and facilitated by individuals with IDD that promotes inclusive mindsets in the workplace. So far, this training has been offered to more than 2,000 schools, businesses, and organizations globally. According to Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics, the partnership comes at a pivotal moment: “Bank of America recognizes that our athletes are powerful voices for inclusion and are helping ensure they are leading and contributing meaningfully to society.”

    As part of this deepened collaboration, Bank of America has also been named a Platinum Partner for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, scheduled to take place June 20–26, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The bank will sponsor the golf competition, which will feature more than 159 athletes and 40 caddies. This sponsorship complements the bank’s broader “Golf with Us” initiative, launched earlier this year to increase access to the sport across the U.S.

    The partnership reflects Bank of America’s long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The company’s disability-focused initiatives include an internal Support Services team employing over 300 individuals with IDD and the Disability Action Network (DAN), which fosters professional development and community engagement among more than 23,000 members worldwide. Additionally, in partnership with Special Olympics and the National Disability Institute, Bank of America has co-developed “Better Money Habits” financial education tools tailored for people with intellectual disabilities.

    For athletes like Charlotte Miller of Special Olympics Indiana, these programs are life-changing. “Through the Athlete Leadership Program, I’ve built skills in photography and public speaking, and I’ve even taught financial literacy through Better Money Habits,” said Miller, who will also be competing in golf at the 2026 USA Games.

    AJ Barkley, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Bank of America, emphasized the transformative nature of the alliance: “Sports unite people in powerful ways. Our nearly 50-year partnership with Special Olympics continues to reflect our shared goal of creating opportunities for people of all abilities to lead and thrive.”

    The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games are expected to be one of the largest sporting events in the country next year, drawing over 3,000 athletes from across all 50 states and attracting tens of thousands of spectators. For more information, visit 2026specialolympicsusagames.org.

  • HONOR Magic V5 Outshines Rivals, Breaks Record as World’s Thinnest Foldable; Officially Headed to Malaysia

    HONOR Magic V5 Outshines Rivals, Breaks Record as World’s Thinnest Foldable; Officially Headed to Malaysia

    HONOR Magic V5 Breaks Record as World’s Thinnest Foldable Smartphone, Set to Launch in Malaysia. Global technology leader HONOR has officially unveiled its latest innovation, the HONOR Magic V5, which now holds the title of the world’s slimmest foldable flagship smartphone. Following much anticipation and teasers across social media, the company revealed that the new Magic V5 measures an ultra-slim 8.8mm when folded—surpassing its predecessor, the HONOR Magic V3, which stood at 9.2mm. Despite this impressive reduction in thickness, the Magic V5 maintains exceptional performance standards, delivering top-tier hardware, powerful processing, and smooth multitasking capabilities without compromise.

    The announcement has already generated considerable excitement, and HONOR has confirmed that the Magic V5 will officially be arriving in Malaysia soon. Malaysians eager for a device that blends elegant design with powerful functionality will find the Magic V5 particularly appealing. Designed for convenience and style, the foldable phone is roughly the same thickness as a 50-cent coin or a local biscuit, making it incredibly easy to carry in pockets, pouches, or handbags without the usual bulk associated with foldable devices.

    Beyond its sleek profile, the HONOR Magic V5 features a suite of upgrades that support seamless multitasking, enhanced productivity, and an overall user experience that rivals traditional bar phones—while still offering the unique advantages of a foldable screen. It’s a bold statement in design and functionality, crafted to meet the needs of modern users who demand both portability and performance.

    In conjunction with the announcement, HONOR has also launched its Magic V5 Beta Experiencer Program in Malaysia. This exclusive opportunity invites tech enthusiasts to be among the first to test and review the Magic V5, gaining early access to the device while participating in its development feedback process. Interested individuals can register starting today via the HONOR Malaysia website, and selected participants will be contacted directly by HONOR representatives.

    More details, including the official Malaysian launch date, will be announced soon. To stay updated on the HONOR Magic V5 and other upcoming releases, consumers are encouraged to follow HONOR Malaysia’s official Facebook page and visit the HONOR Malaysia website.

    Registration for the HONOR Magic V5 Beta Experiencer Program:
    https://www.honor.com/my/shop/new-product-beta/

    About HONOR:
    HONOR is a global pioneer in the AI device ecosystem, dedicated to enhancing human-device interaction in the new era of intelligent technology. Through its expansive portfolio—including AI-powered smartphones, PCs, tablets, and wearables—HONOR aims to build a connected world that empowers users to thrive in the digital age.

  • vivo Malaysia Invites Fans to an Exclusive First Look at the X200 FE Through the Chief Experience Officer Program

    vivo Malaysia Invites Fans to an Exclusive First Look at the X200 FE Through the Chief Experience Officer Program

    Vivo Malaysia Launches Exclusive Chief Experience Officer Program for the New X200 FE. Vivo Malaysia is offering fans an exciting opportunity to be among the first to experience its latest innovation — the Vivo X200 FE, through the exclusive Chief Experience Officer (CXO) Program. Officially opening registration, Vivo invites Malaysians to test-drive the brand’s first-ever flat-screen compact flagship smartphone ahead of its nationwide launch on 30 June 2025. Small in size but packed with powerful features, the X200 FE is designed for those who want flagship performance in a sleek, pocket-friendly form.

    As a Chief Experience Officer, selected participants will receive early access to the Vivo X200 FE and take part in weekly creative challenges that highlight the phone’s core capabilities — from design and camera to daily functionality and portability. Whether you’re into tech, photography, lifestyle content, or simply enjoy staying ahead of the curve, this program is an opportunity to showcase your personal creativity while exploring what Vivo’s newest flagship has to offer. Registration is open now and will close on 29 June 2025, with successful applicants notified by 2 July 2025. The program officially runs from 3 July to 5 August 2025.

    Participants will be guided through content creation challenges that bring out the best of the X200 FE’s features, especially its headline-grabbing 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera. Co-engineered with ZEISS, the camera delivers professional-grade detail, stunning color accuracy, and natural depth — perfect for creators who want sharp, cinematic results straight from their smartphone. From capturing concerts at a distance to shooting portraiture up close, the X200 FE offers intuitive tap-to-focus, impressive low-light performance, and zoom clarity that holds up even when cropped. ZEISS Style Portrait modes further enhance images with a soft, flattering bokeh effect — all without needing third-party filters or apps.

    Beyond early access to the device, participants in the CXO program stand to gain exciting rewards. The top-performing participant will be named the Top Chief Experience Officer, earning a 50% discount on the Vivo X200 FE, along with an exclusive Vivo Watch GT, the brand’s upcoming wearable set to launch alongside the smartphone. Other selected participants will enjoy a 15% discount on the phone, a premium luggage gift, and the opportunity for their content to be featured on Vivo Malaysia’s official social media platforms. Participants may also be invited to future events and potential collaborations with the brand.

    Adding star power to the campaign is Hakken, the Malaysian-born content creator and cosplay sensation with over 3 million Instagram followers. Known for blending fashion, fantasy, and cultural storytelling, Hakken brings each of the X200 FE’s four vibrant colourways — Pink Vibe, Yellow Glow, Blue Breeze, and Black Luxe — to life with a unique creative flair. Their bold, expressive aesthetic captures the spirit of the X200 FE: stylish, powerful, and unapologetically individual.

    With more surprises on the horizon as the launch approaches, Vivo Malaysia promises an exciting journey leading up to and beyond the release of the X200 FE. To register for the Chief Experience Officer Program or to learn more, visit vivo Malaysia’s official website, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates, exclusive drops, and behind-the-scenes content.

  • 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.