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  • Through the song “Ternoktah,” which discusses the end of relationships, Aisha Retno evokes feelings of empathy.

    Through the song “Ternoktah,” which discusses the end of relationships, Aisha Retno evokes feelings of empathy.

    Aisha Retno, a 23-year-old well-known singer and composer, is enthralling her audience once again with her most recent work, which is full of intense feelings and meaningful lyrics. This time, Aisha is expressing her sentiments with a song that is based in the current, following previous songs that touched listeners’ hearts. Ternoktah, Aisha Retno’s most recent invention, is presented.

    “Recently, many have taken notice of the wave of breakup news involving prominent celebrities, as conveyed through local media outlets. This reality has evoked sympathy within me, and I subsequently channel it through a song that narrates the story of parting ways with loved ones,” says Aisha Retno.

    ‘Ternoktah’ narrates the feeling of bittersweet emotions when a relationship with a beloved one has ended. The saying goes, ‘to love does not mean to possess.’ Even if love still resides in someone’s heart, it doesn’t necessarily mean they can possess it.

    “The title ‘Ternoktah’ clearly depicts the pause or end of a romantic relationship. It can be said that breakups aren’t odd; they’re normal and happen frequently in the society. After all, we are all human beings,” adds Aisha Retno.

    ‘Ternoktah’ not only touches the emotions of the listeners but also encourages them to reflect on the true essence of love and the bitterness that accompanies our lives. With courage, Aisha Retno once again proves her talent as a singer-song writer who is capable of conveying profound messages through her harmonious and unique voice.

    Aisha also imparts a message, when experiencing disappointment, one should take reasonable action and move forward, striving to find happiness in the times ahead.

    “For me, if we feel disappointed by a breakup, we should accept it and acknowledge the reality. The key is to move forward and continue our life’s journey,” she adds.

    Further elaborating, Aisha, who previously received the Gold Award (SAMIs) for her song ‘W.H.U.T’ (Wanna Hold U Tight) through digital streaming sales in Malaysia and Indonesia, states that the interpretation of her latest song isn’t solely limited to romantic tales. Instead, listeners can also associate it with various aspects of life, like the end of any type of relationships.

    “The scope of this song can be expanded further. In life, there are times when we no longer want to pursue something, or perhaps we feel like starting a new chapter with someone we trust. Hence, it’s certain that we put an end to the old story,” she adds.

    Aisha Retno, who is also currently portraying the character Melly in the drama ‘Gadis Muzikal,’ shares that ‘Ternoktah,’ has a connection to her life. 

    “For now, I’m more focused on my career (singing, acting, and hosting). Certainly, there have been ups and downs in my life. However, I embrace it all with an open heart, ultimately finding peace and taking it as a lesson in life. I haven’t forgotten that I have parents who are always my support system, providing words of encouragement,” she expresses with a face filled with emotion.

    Aisha’s ability to create her songs emphasizes diversity and uniqueness, as seen in ‘Sutera,’ which included elements of Electronic Dance Music (EDM). Now, Aisha whose full name is Sharifah Aisha Retno Sayed Sipulijam comes forward with a unique and solid ballad that’s a delight for the general public to listen to. This excites Aisha even more, as she enjoys the challenge of enhancing her skills.

    Alhamdulillah, I’m grateful for the opportunity to launch songs of various genres before this. Despite facing a packed schedule, I managed to create a ballad song titled ‘Ternoktah,’ infused with vocal stylings and modern music to reach listeners of different age groups, especially the younger generation,” she shares.

    Moreover, ‘Ternoktah’ received a special touch from two talented composers and lyricists, Hanis Rafi and Firdaus Rahmat, in bringing this single to fruition.

    “Thankfully, everything went smoothly. I’m happy to collaborate with them not only for this single but also for several other songs that will be launched in the near future,” she says.

    “My hope, undoubtedly, is that this song is accepted by the listeners and becomes a source of inspiration for them to take more positive and beneficial actions in the event of a breakup,” she concludes.

    ‘Ternoktah’ can be downloaded on iTunes and enjoyed through various selected music streaming platforms like Apple Music, Deezer, KKBox, Spotify, YouTube, and YouTube Music.

     

    Aisha Retno’s Social Media Accounts:

    Instagram: aisharetno02 (74.1K followers) 

    TikTok: aisharett (189.5K Followers)

    YouTube: Aisha Retno (30.9K Subscribers) 

  • A 700-kilometer road trip is undertaken by Malaysian film producer Phei Yong to evaluate myTukar Certified automobiles.

    A 700-kilometer road trip is undertaken by Malaysian film producer Phei Yong to evaluate myTukar Certified automobiles.

    myTukar On a hard 700-kilometer road trip with renowned multi-hyphenate Phei Yong and friends, the myTukar Certified vehicles from Powered by Carro, Malaysia’s fastest-growing used car ecosystem, were put to the test.

     

    The trip from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore and back, which will be unveiled over 2 episodes, will include pit stops to meet fellow friends and is complete with their signature fun, games and humour. Phei Yong and friends will also delve deeper into myTukar’s comprehensive certification and refurbishment process that is driven by innovation, safety and quality, as they take this opportunity to fully test out a myTukar Certified car. Viewers can also look forward to an exclusive body and paint promotion that will be revealed in the videos.  

     

    Phei Yong says, “I am really excited to collaborate with one of the biggest online used car brands in Southeast Asia and beyond, and to embark on such an epic road trip with a used car. Typically, used cars have had a bad reputation, but I’ve been nothing short of impressed with the myTukar Certified BMW X4 xDrive30i that has served us well over our 700-kilometre journey.“ 

     

    myTukar CEO, Derrick Eng says, “As a Malaysian brand, it was a no-brainer working with Phei Yong, who’s one of Malaysia’s beloved talents. We’re glad to be able to bring great offers to the public through him while building brand awareness. We’re really proud of our technology-driven certification and refurbishment process, and we want our customers to understand how myTukar Certified cars are reliable and As Good As New in a fun yet educational manner. It’s simple: we take care of the car so you can focus on the journey.”

     

    Additionally, Phei Yong will feature in a series of short videos that dive deep into the ins and outs of myTukar and Carro. Phei Yong will be getting up close and personal with top leadership figures in Carro and myTukar, such as Carro Group CEO Aaron Tan and myTukar CEO Derrick Eng, to understand key processes and patented technologies, including the 160-point inspection that is supported by Computer Visioning and Acoustic Engineering capabilities, as well as a bespoke in-house refurbishment process. 

    The 2-episode road trip goes live on 20 September and 27 on Phei Yong’s YouTube channel. View the short videos on myTukar’s Instagram and Facebook accounts.

     

    Drive home a myTukar Certified car with exciting deals from now until 30 September!

     

    Customers who purchase a myTukar Certified car will automatically receive a 20% discount on insurance renewal with myTukar the following year. Additionally, 10 lucky customers stand a chance to win a cash voucher worth RM3,000 – valid for all aftersales services, parts, as well as body and paint services. T&Cs apply.

     

    For more information on myTukar’s limited-time promotions, please visit myTukar.com or find your nearest myTukar Retail Experience Centre today.

  • THIS 23–24 SEPTEMBER 2023 AT SUNWAY PUTRA MALL KL, FRIEDCHILLIES IS BACK WITH NASI KANDAQ FEST 2023.

    THIS 23–24 SEPTEMBER 2023 AT SUNWAY PUTRA MALL KL, FRIEDCHILLIES IS BACK WITH NASI KANDAQ FEST 2023.

    Nasi kandar devotees, take note! In order to create the unique cuisine event NASI KANDAQ FEST, FriedChillies is back and this time they are working with Sunway Putra Mall. Nasi Kandar Hunters (NKH) and Nasik Kandaq Transporters put together the list of Nasi Kandar Lejens, which is scheduled to take place this weekend, September 23–24, 2023, so you can be sure that only the best will be serving their exquisite curries and dishes at Sunway Putra Mall for one weekend only.

     

    The Lejens hail from Penang and KL with one surprise vendor from Johor Bahru! “If you are a nasi kandar fan, you know that it’s not just about the variety of curries ladled lovingly over rice, but it’s also about the skills of the curry joki,” says Mohd Adly Rizal, CEO of FriedChillies. Think of a nasi kandar joki like a barista in a cafe. With just one look at you, they can gauge the right curry combo personalised to your taste, and they do this for everyone who comes to their shop. “This is what differentiates a nasi kandar eatery from a regular mamak joint,” explains Adly Rizal.

     

    There will be 10 Nasi Kandar Lejens on this crazy curry-filled weekend from famous names like the original Pelita in Penang and Restoran Kudu in KL, to hidden gems like Yusuf Restaurant in Relau, Penang and Nasi Kandar Sithique. Expect to feast on mouthwatering curry combos and dishes like tender daging masak hitam, piping hot ayam bawang, fried sotong and fall-off-the-bone kari kambing. For details on each vendor and the dishes they are famous for, check out our fact sheet below.

     

    FriedChillies, who are the people behind wildly popular food events like I Eat Nasi Lemak and Ayam Lejen often find interesting venues to act as hosts. Ayam Lejen was held at the Ara Damansara LRT Station (the second year, even during a torrential downpour, people kept coming and eating sheltered by the station) while I Eat Burgers was 12 hours of burger insanity, where 20 burger legends from Ramli Burger stalls to gourmet eateries served up the juiciest burgers to food fans.

    “The way to Malaysians’ heart is through our stomach”, this saying is so accurate when it comes to food for Malaysian, which is also the unifying factor for us to come together. We will turn our ground floor concourse to a big eating zone, despite rain or shine everyone who comes can savour the flavours in comfort.” says Tan Ai Vee, Head of Marketing, Sunway Putra Mall.

     

     “I Eat Nasi Lemak was at Telekom Convention Centre and we realised that Malaysians love eating rice dishes in air-conditioning, and Sunway Putra Mall was keen to explore a makan event that will bring Malaysians from all walks of life to their mall,” adds Adly. Most FriedChillies events are also designed to be near public transport with good parking facilities and Sunway Putra Mall is one of the most accessible malls in the city with LRT, MRT and Komuter stations within walking distance as well as e-hailing services. 

     

    Badrol Izam, one of the founding members of Nasi Kandaq Hunters quipped, “NKH are thrilled that this unique event will provide a remarkable culinary journey for its community of close to 250,000 members, a significant number of whom reside in the Klang Valley. This is the opportunity for them to savour the finest nasi kandar with diverse flavours from different parts of Malaysia.”

     

    Here are some reasons why you MUST mark your calendars for this unique event. Firstly, you only need to go to one place for a taste of the best nasi kandar out there. Secondly, if you’re a rice and curry lover, you owe it to your tastebuds to sample the Lejens. You can get up close with these Lejens, meet the passionate people behind the food and be part of the FriedChillies foodie fraternity. On top of that, you will be able to enjoy cash vouchers and discounts from Sunway Putra Mall on drinks, desserts and so much more. Who would have thought a mixed rice service carried with a shoulder pole from the early 1900s, and sold to dock workers in Georgetown would become a much-loved institution with such a fanatical following? Don’t miss Malaysia’s first Nasi Kandaq Fest!

    It’s always good to be prepared so you can hit the ones that make your mouth water. We recommend you bring friends and family so you can taste more Lejens. 

    THE LEJENS ARE… *drumroll…

    PENANG MAI

    1. Nasi Kandar Bawah Pokok (Nasi Kandar Jamal Mohamed) 

    If you’re in Seberang Perai, this nighttime legend is the place locals go for their nasi kandar fix. Also affectionately known as nasi kandar bawah pokok ketapang, this was the original stall before they changed their name to Jamal Mohamad. Part of their curries are still displayed on a cart, paying homage to its modest origins. The Jokis here know their stuff and you’ll be hard-pressed to choose between their succulent ayam bawang or finger-licking daging hitam. One meat, one egg, ladies fingers and kuah banjir. And tapau another. The best option!

     

    2. Yusuf Restaurant

    This hidden gem in Relau, Penang is probably not so hidden because sometimes the order line gets so congested there is a sign asking their customers to be patient. They went viral during the pandemic and with the assistance of Nasi Kandaq Hunters, it went boom! People here love to have their nasi kandar with daging rendang and telur masin on the side. Also very popular is their ayam ros with a nice handful of crisp bawang goreng on top and you must, must try their killer sambal kelapa. You’re welcome.

     

    3. Pelita Nasi Kandar Taman Chai Leng

    Before the franchises and the very recognisable royal blue Pelita uniforms, there was the original right here. We got them to come all the way from Penang (they are flying in their Joki) to serve up their curry mix & juicy and crispy ayam goreng. What people always go for is the sotong special on a bed of their yummy curry melange. Big eaters can sink their teeth into the lamb shank kari where the meat just slides off the bone and into your mouth.

     

    4. Restoran Liga Maju Nasi Dalca Ayam Negro

    This place is rumoured to be distantly connected with Nasi Kandar Subaidah in Penang where they revived the original recipe of ayam hitam from way back and dubbed it ‘Ayam Negro.’ This chicken is moist in an addictive dark sauce. It goes a treat with the different curries, acar timun, telur rebus and their spicy sambal kelapa.

     

    5. Hameediyah Restaurant

    Who doesn’t know Hameediyah? We pay homage to this oldest nasi kandar joint in Malaysia. This iconic restaurant has been dishing out Nasi Kandar delights since 1907 in Penang. Their aromatic curries, ayam bawang and (curried) rendang daging are legendary. The Bukit Bintang branch is very popular because you can even learn a bit of nasi kandar history here from their little on-site museum. Very modern & hip! 

     

    6. Nasi Kandar LC (Line Clear) Kampung Baru

    Another famous Penang brand that operates a bustling shop in Kampung Baru. People love their fiery curries including their kari kepala ikan. The ayam goreng here is also a favourite usually drenched in a mix of all their gorgeous gravies. Come Friday, the place is like a rock concert! Also recommended is the ayam kuzi and sotong.

     

    7. Restoran Kudu bin Abdul

    Pretty much an institution on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, there is always a line here.  Opened in 1969 by Kudu bin Abdul, it started out as a simple kopitiam. Their fans can’t get enough of nasi kandar signatures such as ayam sambal bawang, ayam hitam, daging hitam, hati goreng and crowd favourite, fat “teluq” ikan. Imagine crumbly, creamy eggs mixed with hot rice and all those delicious curries and then, a bite of bendi, nasi kandar heaven! Now Kudu is run by his 3rd generation clan. 

     

    8. Sithique Nasi Kandar

    We thank the “Tokeh” of Yaseem Nasi Kandar who gave the idea for Sithique (& Ibramsha) to open their own joint in 1973. This hidden gem is not only famous for its nasi kandar, one of their jokis has gained a following because according to popular opinion, he is Malaysia’s answer to Richard Gere. Come here to get your plate of curry personalised by him and enjoy it with kari kambing, crowd favourite ayam hitam or some of their coveted fried ‘sotong mengandung’. This is a fragrant squid served with eggs intact inside.

     

    9. Sadam Nasi Kandar

    According to the nasi kandar underworld (can’t tell you who they are coz we might have to kill you), the nasi kandar here comes closest to the Penang taste. The ayam hitam kuah banjir makes our stomach growl just by looking at a picture of it. Fans also love the ayam Saddam which is what happens if an ayam goreng, ayam madu & sambal had a lovechild and the scrumptious sotong- juicy and riddled with spices.

     

    JOHOR BAHRU REPRESENT!

     

    10. Nasi Kandaq Talam Johor Bahru

    The dark horse on our list (and we’ll always throw you one at every event because good food deserves to be counted) is this nasi kandar joint from Johor Bahru. With a tagline, Padu, Syahdu, Merindu… this establishment got serious during PKP and then exploded after. The taste is tuned to Johoreans and it’s utterly delicious. Their sotong is humongous, ayam bawang super tasty and each meal is served on a metal plate. This place is not shy on bawang goreng where handfuls of the good stuff cover each plate of rice like a wonderful, crispy blanket.

     

    *Note: Our Lejens will be bringing in selected signature dishes to the event so if you want to get the full gamut of their fabulous lauk, you just have to plan a roadtrip to their shops. 

     

  • The new Vivo V29 5G, which has Aura Light Portrait 2.0, an elegant design, and impressive performance, marks a new milestone

    The new Vivo V29 5G, which has Aura Light Portrait 2.0, an elegant design, and impressive performance, marks a new milestone

    In the world of mobile phones, this was a momentous day! The vivo V29 5G, the coolest product vivo Malaysia, has yet released. Available in stunning Starry Purple and Noble Black, this device combines aesthetics with innovation. However, there’s still more! It has an eye-popping 120Hz 1.5K AMOLED display as well as an 80W FlashCharge for rapid refueling. The actual bargain, though, is right here; it’s jam-packed with ground-breaking innovations and glitzy tech tricks that are poised to upend the smartphone industry. How did the launch go? Pure enthusiasm as we all prepared to explore the smartphone of the future!

    Equipped with the innovative Aura Light 2.0 and Smart Color Temperature Adjustment feature, new aesthetic design and powerful performance, vivo V29 5G is the smartphone for users looking to capture and celebrate every moment of their exciting lives. 

    “vivo is constantly striving to develop leading technology such as the studio-level portrait in its smartphones to improve portrait photography and overall user experience. The new vivo V29 5G, with upgraded Aura Light Portrait 2.0 feature and fascinating chic design, empower users to express themselves in daily social life as well as to discover and celebrate every special moment,” said Mike Xu, Chief Executive Officer for vivo Malaysia. 

    He added, “Looking to the future, our commitment remains firm – to relentlessly push boundaries in smartphone innovation, ensuring our users continue to enjoy superior experiences.” 

    Elevate Everyday Life with Aura Light Portrait 2.0

    Aura Light 2.0 on the vivo V29 5G smartphone pushes boundaries by recognizing the importance of light in photography. Its rear camera boasts the largest Aura Light 2.0 in the V series, creating a three-dimensional lighting effect, eliminating shadows, and offering a studio-like experience. The 36% increase in brightness compared to the previous model ensures vivid, focused shots. Moreover, the vivo V29 5G adapts to different environments with varying colour temperatures, acting as a personal light designer. With a single tap, it illuminates subjects in dimly lit settings, resulting in bright, clear portraits with captivating atmospheres, enriching every shot.

    The vivo V29 5G smartphone’s innovative Aura Light 2.0, featuring Smart Color Temperature Adjustment, boasts a larger 15.6 mm diameter light ring. This enhances low-light and night photography, adding a flattering radiance to subjects in any setting. 

    Additionally, the front camera offers upgraded features like the 50 MP AF Group Selfie and Selfie Vlogging, ensuring perfect smiles in every frame. This innovation is the result from vivo’s commitment in continuously delivering flagship level photography and portraits.  

    When it comes to exceptional night image quality, vivo V29 5G is powered by an advanced 50 MP OIS Ultra-Sensing Camera. Elevating the photography experience, it extends exposure, enhances light intake, and ensures the capture of remarkably stable images. Superior image quality and truly satisfactory results can be expected, even in low-light conditions. With vivo V29 5G, users can relish the privilege of studio-level photography integrated seamlessly into a smartphone, all without the weight of a hefty price tag.

    The vivo V29 5G also takes night-view videos to new heights with its advanced technology. The Ultra Stable Video feature, supported by OIS and EIS, ensures steadier and clearer shots of various night scenes.By conducting up to 1,000 stabilisation computations and 10,000 stabilisation movements per second, it effectively mitigates undesirable motion blur to capture images with clarity and precision. 

    Furthermore, the Super Night Video feature is supported by  excellent night scene algorithms and strong stabilisation capabilities, all of which can effectively solve the pain points of shooting videos in low-light conditions. In other words, vivo V29 5G enables night shots to shine brightly and capture outstanding details with impeccable beauty.

    Redefine Exquisite with Timeless Style

    The colours of the vivo V29 5G are fashionable and delicate, especially the Starry Purple. Inspired from the Milky Way and twinkling stars, the Starry Purple edition transcends the ordinary. The Innovative 3D Starry Craft technique allows the creation of a glittering purple appearance like no other, while the play of light on the back panel ensures that it is always shimmering like the night sky with two milky way and twinkling stars. 

    Hence, the back cover looks translucent yet three-dimensional, all at the same time. The Starry Purple aligns seamlessly with prevailing fashion trends where purple emerges as one of the most captivating colours of the year, making it a stylish addition to every fashionista’s wardrobe. 

    As for the Noble Black colour, it exudes timeless elegance and style, thanks to the nano-scale photoetching technique which provides durability and stain resistance with etched shimmers. 

    The Best Screen in the History of V Series

    vivo V29 5G series features a 120 Hz 1.5K AMOLED display and a 6.78″ 3D curved screen, delivering stunning visuals to users. With an impressive resolution of 1.5K and a super-high pixel density of 452 PPI, every detail comes to life with astonishing precision. Users will be immersed in a captivating visual experience as vivo V29 5G showcases 1.07 billion colours and a DCI-P3 cinema-grade colour gamut. In addition, vivo V29 5G prioritises eye health and has received three SGS professional-grade eye protection certifications, underscoring our commitment to visual well-being.

    Delivering Unparalleled Performance

    The vivo V29 5G is designed to provide a smooth and powerful user experience. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon® 778G mobile platform, ensuring excellent performance and seamless 5G connectivity. With its Memory Booster (12 GB RAM + 8 GB Extended RAM), the device offers ample storage and strong support for the operating system. vivo V29 5G also includes an Ultra Large VC Bionic Cooling System, which enables the device to unleash optimal performance in various scenarios, delivering an immersive experience – whether during intense gaming sessions or captivating cinematic experiences. 

    Additionally, the updated 80W FlashCharge and 4600 mAh (TYP) Battery allow for fast and safe charging, allowing the phone to be charged from 1% to 50% in just 18 minutes[3] and guaranteeing reliable and long-lasting use. Besides, vivo V29 5G is IP54 dust-resistant and water-resistant. Whether one is caught in the rain or having fun[4] beside the pool, vivo V29 5G provides splash resistance and dust resistance under normal use. 

    In over 60 controlled laboratory reliability tests, vivo V29 5G demonstrates exceptional performance. No matter where you are, the vivo V29 5G accompanies you through rain or sunshine, ensuring a long-lasting, worry-free user experience. Overall, with its impressive specifications and features, vivo V29 5G provides a convincing and rational choice for users seeking a high-performance smartphone.

    vivo V29 5G Price, Availability And Partnership

    Starting today, the highly anticipated vivo V29 5G will be available in Malaysia at the price of RM1,899 for its 12+256GB variant whereas RM2,099 for 12+512GB. Fans who are interested can pre-order the device starting from 21 September 2023 with interesting promotions. Pre-orders that are made at any selected vivo concept store will get a complimentary storage upgrade. 

    vivo Malaysia has collaborated  with some exceptional partners, Grazia, CHAGEE, UCSI, LUSH, Sunway Lagoon, MIX, Godiva, and Dking, who share the vision for innovation and excellence. Stay tuned for more exciting collaborations updates and announcements on vivo’s official social media platforms.

    Here are information on the price, pre-order, promotions and availability of the vivo V29 5G :

    Launching Date 20th September 2023
    Pre-order Date  21st September 2023
    First Sale Date 28th September 2023
    Online Sales Platform vivo Malaysia e-store, Shopee, Lazada and Tiktok Shop
    Pre-order Promotions Pre order Now and Get Exclusive Gifts Worth Up to RM995

    vivo care 1+1* Extended Warranty – RM199

    vivo care 1 year screen protection – RM399

    V29 Screen protector – RM69

    V29 Protective Cover – RM69

    TWS Earbuds – RM259

    Customers who pre-order on 21 September  2023, at any selected vivo Concept Store will receive a complimentary storage upgrade! (terms & conditions applied)

    Selected vivo Concept Store: 

    • Pavilion KL
    • KL East Mall
    • KL Mid Valley
    • Sunway Pyramid
    • Gurney Plaza
    • Johor Mid Valley Southkey
    RRP V29 5G 12+ 256GB for RM1899

    V29 5G 12+512GB for RM2099

     

    Stay up to date with the latest promotions and product specifications at vivo Malaysia’s facebook page and vivo Malaysia’s official website

  • THE 2023 BRANDLAUREATE ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS CELEBRATE THE PINNACLE OF MALAYSIAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP WITH SITI NURHALIZA AND TONY FERNANDES AMONG THE WINNERS

    THE 2023 BRANDLAUREATE ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS CELEBRATE THE PINNACLE OF MALAYSIAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP WITH SITI NURHALIZA AND TONY FERNANDES AMONG THE WINNERS

    Inspiring businesspeople were honored last night at the BrandLaureate Entrepreneur Awards 2023 for their accomplishments and displays of leadership and innovation. For the purpose of honoring the business leaders who paved the road for present and future Malaysians who want to start their own businesses and thrive in their chosen fields, several business groups gathered together. The awards were intended to recognize those who have excelled in their particular fields and shown leadership and creativity.

    The BrandLaureate Entrepreneur Awards 2023 awarded multiple businesspeople who have achieved successes in their respective industries. One of the major highlights of the evening included Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin who received The Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Celebrity Beauty Entrepreneur for her entrepreneurial leadership with SimplySiti, of which she is the president and founder. The guests also witnessed the Malaysian songstress perform the Oscar-winning song, ‘Skyfall’, from the James Bond film of the same name, among other performances of the evening.

    Other notable Entrepreneur of the Year award winners also include Dato’ Sri Anne Eu, chairperson of Eu Yan Sang Group in the health & wealthness category, Datin Winnie Loo, founder of A Cut Above in the hairstylist fashion entrepreneur category, Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina, chief dream-maker of the Enfiniti Creative Universe in the performing arts category, and Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, chief executive officer of Capital A in the aviation category. “At The BrandLaureate Entrepreneur Awards 2023, we celebrate entrepreneurs who have mastered the art of branding, distinguishing themselves from their peers. Their success stories inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, and their contributions to their country’s economic growth are immeasurable,” said Ahmad Latifi Ahmad Bakhra, Organizing Chairman of The BrandLaureate Entrepreneur Awards.

    Another noteworthy winner was Adam Ham, the chief executive officer of Global Creative and Media Agency (GCMA), a premier local agency that deals with public relations, film and TV programs, licensing and merchandising. The BrandLaureate awarded the former board member of the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) with the Entrepreneur of the Year in Public Relations & Media for his unwavering dedication, remarkable expertise, and innovative approach that has left an indelible mark on the growth and development of his organization.

    “I am currently working on a new reality talent search program called ‘Duta Jenama’ that will be the first to be shown on TikTok, and we are also looking at showing it on other multi-channel platforms as well, including Netflix,” said Ham, giving a snippet of the latest project in his pipeline when interviewed after receiving his award. “I believe in giving fair opportunities to everyone regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, age or even marital status, basically a platform free from any form of bias and discrimination. So, this will be a chance for me to put the spotlight on the many talents within my extensive network of key opinion leaders and celebrities to showcase themselves and stand a chance to become Malaysia’s next top ambassador with renowned brands,” he added.

    The BrandLaureate Entrepreneur Awards 2023 was held at the Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Co-operatives, Senator Saraswathy Kandasami. Among those in attendance include business luminaries such as award winner Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, and Dato’ Sri Khalid Mohamad Jiwa, chairman of SimplySiti. The evening began with the World Brands Foundation awarding its world president, Prof. Dr. KK Johan with the BrandLaureate Entrepreneur of Entrepreneurs Lifetime Achievement Award for his advocacy in the promotion of branding across the world and contribution to the foundation, since the inception of the BrandLaureate in 2005.

    The award night also saw the signing of memorandum of understanding between Global Entrepreneur Xchange (GEX) with the World Brands Foundation, while its education arm, The BrandLaureate Education signed a strategic collaboration with Corporate Coach Academy (CCA), witnessed by Tengku Dato’ Dr Hishammuddin Zaizi Bin Tengku Bendahara Azman Shah Alhaj and Saraswathy. Established in 2005, The BrandLaureate, a Malaysia-based international branding foundation, is known for its commitment to promoting brand excellence and providing a platform to celebrate the success of organizations that contributed significantly towards the economy and their industries.