Category: Community

  • Panggung Purnama Fasa 1: ‘Main Kasar’ Bilal Indrajaya Dilancarkan Sebagai ‘Peluru Pertama’ Artis Fasa Kedua dan Finale Akan Diumumkan Tidak Lama Lagi!

    Panggung Purnama Fasa 1: ‘Main Kasar’ Bilal Indrajaya Dilancarkan Sebagai ‘Peluru Pertama’ Artis Fasa Kedua dan Finale Akan Diumumkan Tidak Lama Lagi!

    Bilal Indrajaya Jadi Tarikan Utama Panggung Purnama Fasa Pertama. Seumpama bulan penuh menyinari malam, begitulah kehadiran Panggung Purnama, sebuah konsert yang menjanjikan persembahan hebat daripada barisan penghibur terkemuka Nusantara. Menjadi medan pertemuan peminat dan seniman, konsert ini bakal berlangsung pada 28 September 2025 di Zepp Kuala Lumpur, dengan penyanyi sensasi dari Indonesia, Bilal Indrajaya, diumumkan sebagai ‘peluru pertama’ bagi fasa pertama acara ini.

    Penganjur konsert, UdaraLaskhar, menyifatkan pemilihan Bilal sebagai satu langkah yang tepat dan dinanti-nantikan oleh peminat tempatan yang selama ini mengagumi karya penyanyi kelahiran Jakarta itu. Nama Bilal bukan asing di telinga peminat muzik Malaysia, terutamanya selepas lagu “Biar” yang dirilis pada tahun 2018 menjadi ‘lagu kebangsaan’ tidak rasmi dalam kalangan pengikut setianya. Selain itu, penampilannya di pelbagai festival berprestij seperti BNI Java Jazz Festival 2024 memperkukuh reputasinya sebagai penghibur yang mempunyai daya tarik tersendiri.

    Menurut John Labu, wakil UdaraLaskhar, kehadiran Bilal di Panggung Purnama adalah jawapan kepada permintaan ramai yang ingin menikmati nyanyian dan karisma Bilal secara langsung. “Kami percaya kepada aura Bilal – daripada gaya persembahan yang unik hinggalah kepada karya-karyanya yang penuh emosi dan nuansa. Beliau adalah pilihan sempurna untuk membuka tirai Panggung Purnama,” jelasnya.

    Menariknya, Bilal juga mempunyai hubungan erat dengan peminat Malaysia melalui kolaborasi muzik bersama nama-nama tempatan seperti Noh Salleh dalam lagu Niscaya, serta Ruang Kecil dan Yang Tercinta bersama Romantic Echoes – semuanya sudah menjadi siulan dalam kalangan penggemar muzik alternatif.

    Bagi Bilal sendiri, konsert ini merupakan medan istimewa untuk meraikan muzik bersama peminat. “Panggung Purnama adalah seperti festival peribadi antara saya dan pendengar yang sentiasa mendukung karya saya,” katanya. Penyanyi berusia 29 tahun yang terkenal dengan lagu Dara ini juga tidak sabar untuk menjadikan malam itu sebuah pesta penuh emosi dan kenangan.

    Pengumuman barisan artis untuk fasa kedua dan finale akan dibuat tidak lama lagi, dan penganjur menyarankan peminat untuk mengikuti perkembangan melalui media sosial rasmi Panggung Purnama. Tiket konsert kini boleh dibeli melalui www.ilassotickets.com, dengan lima kategori berbeza ditawarkan – Bintang (RM189), Langit (RM229), Awan (RM249), Bumi (RM259) dan Purnama (RM479).

    Jangan lepaskan peluang untuk menjadi sebahagian daripada malam yang bakal menyatukan seni, emosi dan suara Nusantara. Jika Bilal sudah bersedia menyambut anda di Panggung Purnama, sanggupkah anda membiarkannya menanti tanpa jawapan?

    INFORMASI

    ACARA: PANGGUNG PURNAMA
    LOKASI: ZEPP KUALA LUMPUR
    TARIKH: 28 SEPTEMBER 2025

    PENGANJUR: UDARALASKHAR

    PEMBELIAN TIKET: WWW.ILASSOTICKETS.COM

  • 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.

  • 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.


  • 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.


  • Nippon Paint Partners with the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) to Strengthen and Future-Proof Hotel Infrastructure in Malaysia

    Nippon Paint Partners with the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) to Strengthen and Future-Proof Hotel Infrastructure in Malaysia

    Nippon Paint and MAH Collaborate to Future-Proof Malaysia’s Hotel Industry. Nippon Paint (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. has partnered with the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) in a strategic initiative aimed at elevating hotel refurbishment standards across the country. This collaboration, launched under Nippon Paint’s Total Coating & Construction Solutions (TCCS) framework, is designed to support Malaysia’s hospitality sector with future-ready solutions as the nation gears up for an expected 31.4 million tourist arrivals and RM125.5 billion in tourism receipts under Visit Malaysia 2026.

    A key feature of this partnership was the “Elevating Hotel Maintenance: Comprehensive Solutions for Refurbishment” workshop, which brought together hoteliers and facility managers to equip them with practical, long-term refurbishment strategies. Nippon Paint’s long-standing commitment to the sector focuses on enhancing the aesthetics, durability, and safety of hotel environments—ensuring they are better positioned to support sustainable tourism growth.

    The need for refurbishment is evident in the increasing investments in hotel infrastructure, such as the RM100 million upgrade of the Putrajaya Marriott Hotel and the reimagined Renaissance Kuala Lumpur. These projects highlight a nationwide shift toward modern, guest-focused designs that prioritize operational excellence and visual appeal. According to Isaac Mohan Raj, CEO of MAH, hotels serve as vital touchpoints for travelers and play a major role in shaping their impressions of Malaysia. He emphasized the importance of well-maintained, beautiful spaces in providing memorable guest experiences, praising the collaboration with Nippon Paint as a timely and impactful effort to empower hotel professionals with the tools they need to excel.

    Tay Sze Tuck, General Manager of Nippon Paint, echoed this sentiment, noting the company’s dedication to delivering solutions that not only enhance hotel aesthetics but also improve long-term functionality. He highlighted Nippon Paint’s goal of helping hotels remain competitive by creating welcoming, clean, and safe environments for every guest.

    A key element of the initiative is Nippon Paint’s 5-step service framework, which includes comprehensive support from initial site assessment to post-project handover. The company identified common hotel maintenance issues such as surface cracks, efflorescence, and water seepage—often caused by poor application techniques or incompatible materials—and presented targeted solutions to address them efficiently and without disrupting daily operations. With expertise in repainting, re-waterproofing, resealing, and reflooring, Nippon Paint offers end-to-end refurbishment services that ensure quality, safety, and compliance, while reducing the burden on hotel operators by eliminating the need to work with multiple vendors.

    Hoteliers who participated in the workshop shared real-world challenges and solutions. A representative from Mövenpick Malaysia noted how first impressions and aesthetics play a crucial role in shaping guest perceptions, while highlighting the difficulties of discovering structural flaws post-construction. Similarly, Legoland Malaysia Resort stressed the importance of water management in high-traffic environments and how choosing the right materials from the start can prevent long-term issues and operational disruptions.

    Ester Goh, Senior Manager of Waterproofing Solutions at Nippon Paint Malaysia, underscored the significance of empowering maintenance teams with the knowledge and tools needed to proactively manage infrastructure. She pointed out that Nippon Paint’s refurbishment solutions have already benefited a wide range of hotels nationwide, including Premier Hotel in Klang, Hilton in Petaling Jaya, and Cititel Express in Sabah, among others. Goh emphasized that the demand for high-quality, resilient hospitality infrastructure will only increase, making industry upskilling more essential than ever.

    Through its comprehensive TCCS approach and continuous collaboration with key industry stakeholders like MAH, Nippon Paint remains committed to advancing the standards of Malaysia’s hotel infrastructure. For more information on Nippon Paint’s refurbishment solutions, visit: https://professional.nipponpaint.com.my/refurbishment.