MalaysianUpdates

Category: Competitions & Events

  • Canon Malaysia Wraps Up “Drive Your Dream” Campaign with RM300,000 Prize Giveaway

    Canon Malaysia Wraps Up “Drive Your Dream” Campaign with RM300,000 Prize Giveaway

    Canon Marketing Malaysia (“Canon”) has successfully concluded its nationwide “Drive Your Dream” campaign, turning aspirations into reality with prizes worth over RM300,000, including a Tesla Model 3 as the grand prize. The campaign reached a high-energy finale with a prize presentation ceremony held at the Tesla Experience Centre, Pavilion Damansara Heights, where Noren Zuriati Abdul Manaf was announced as the grand prize winner and drove home a brand new Tesla Model 3.

    Other winners included Li Gian Chong, who won the first prize of an EOS R5 Mark II with RF24-105mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, Armin Azhari Mat Shupi, who received the second prize of an RF24-105mm F2.8L IS USM Z, and Kah Hui Shin, who took home the third prize of an EOS R7 with RF-S18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM.

    Held from 1 November 2025 to 31 January 2026, the campaign attracted an impressive 17,599 entries nationwide, reflecting strong engagement from Malaysians eager to elevate their creative journey with Canon. Designed with simplicity in mind, the campaign provided a seamless participation process, where customers who purchased selected Canon cameras or lenses from authorised retailers or the Canon Official eStore could easily submit their entries through an online registration system.

    Beyond the prizes, the “Drive Your Dream” campaign reflects Canon’s continued commitment to building meaningful connections with its community, empowering users not only to capture moments but also to pursue their creative passions. Guided by its Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good, Canon remains committed to initiatives that deliver value to customers while strengthening its connection with the communities it serves, said Masato Yoshiie, President & CEO of Canon Marketing Malaysia.

    He added that the strong response to the campaign highlights continued demand among Malaysians for high-quality imaging tools, from everyday users to content creators and photography enthusiasts. The campaign also supports Canon’s broader efforts to encourage Malaysians to explore photography and content creation using advanced imaging technology. Edward Chang, Head of the Image Communication Business Division at Canon Marketing Malaysia, noted that as visual storytelling continues to evolve, more creators are placing greater emphasis on video alongside photography, and Canon remains focused on delivering versatile imaging solutions that empower users to capture both seamlessly, with videography performance becoming increasingly important.

    As Canon continues to evolve its imaging ecosystem, initiatives such as “Drive Your Dream” reflect its ongoing commitment to supporting a growing community of camera users, enabling individuals to explore their creativity and capture moments with greater confidence and purpose. For more information on Canon’s latest campaigns and initiatives, visit https://my.canon/en/consumer.

  • ICBS 2026 Returns as Malaysia’s Largest Café and Beverage Trade Show with First-Ever Dedicated Tea Segment

    The International Café and Beverage Show (ICBS) 2026 returns for its 5th edition from 7 to 9 May at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, bringing together a dynamic global community under one roof. Over the three-day event, ICBS is expected to welcome 650 brands, 1,000 baristas and 2,000 café owners, with an estimated 13,000 attendees from 55 countries. As Malaysia’s only dedicated café and beverage trade show, ICBS has evolved from a niche industry gathering into a key indicator of the direction café culture is taking in Malaysia and across the wider region.

    Organised by Montgomery Asia in partnership with Barista Guild Asia, Eciatto, and HJC Global Tea Fair, ICBS 2026 introduces several new developments that reflect the industry’s rapid evolution. The most notable addition this year is a dedicated tea segment developed with HJC Global Tea Fair, marking a first in the show’s five-year history. This segment brings global tea innovations to the ICBS floor at a time when tea is increasingly moving from a supporting offering to a central feature in modern café menus across Malaysia and the region.

    According to Mr Alun Jones, Project Director of Montgomery Asia, ICBS has become a catalyst for Southeast Asia’s beverage economy, serving as a platform where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and businesses discover new pathways for growth. He added that as the show enters its fifth edition, it not only reflects the industry but actively helps shape it. In 2026, the beverage landscape is more diverse and innovation-driven than ever, with coffee continuing to anchor café culture while speciality tea, ready-to-drink beverages and mixology-inspired concepts gaining strong momentum. ICBS, he noted, is designed to give industry players direct access to these emerging opportunities.

    The timing of this growth is significant. Malaysia’s foodservice sector is valued at USD 14.75 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 27.50 billion by 2030, according to industry data. Within this, demand for premium and functional beverages is accelerating, with the ready-to-drink tea segment alone expected to grow by USD 32.4 million between 2025 and 2030. These figures reflect broader shifts in consumer behaviour, including how Malaysians spend, socialise and seek new experiences, with ICBS serving as a key platform for the industry to respond to these changes.

    Anchoring the competitive element of the show is the Malaysia Open Coffee Championship (MOCC), which brings together 38 competitors across three categories: the Malaysia Open Brewers Cup, Malaysia Open Latte Art Championship and Malaysia Open Barista Championship. Beyond being a skills showcase, the MOCC functions as a talent pipeline that continues to elevate standards within Malaysia’s barista community.

    Alongside these championships, ICBS 2026 will also spotlight Malaysia’s evolving beverage creativity through the Unite Malaysian Taste Challenge 2026. The competition gathers emerging and experienced mixologists to craft story-driven mocktails inspired by Malaysia’s diverse flavour heritage, transforming local ingredients into distinctive expressions of taste. More than a mixology showcase, it reinforces ICBS’s role as a platform where Malaysian concepts take centre stage, offering producers and café operators a meaningful opportunity to present homegrown innovation to both trade and public audiences.

    Mr Alun Jones further noted that Malaysia’s café scene has matured significantly over the past decade, moving beyond chain coffee into a landscape defined by independent cafés, speciality roasters and concept-driven spaces, supported by a consumer base that actively seeks out these experiences. He emphasised that ICBS sits at the centre of this ecosystem, not only as an exhibition but as a space where the next wave of ideas in Malaysian café culture often emerges.

    Entry to ICBS 2026 is free, with registration now open. The exhibition runs from 7 to 9 May, welcoming trade visitors throughout all three days, while opening to the public on 9 May for visitors to experience the show floor and explore the latest developments in coffee, tea and beverage innovation. More information on ICBS 2026, including exhibition opportunities, partnership enquiries and visitor passes, is available at https://intl-cbs.com/.

  • Toyota Eco Youth 2026 Kicks Off with Hands-On Learning and Nationwide Participation

    UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has officially launched the Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) 2026 programme, beginning with a two-day workshop held from 30 to 31 March, followed by its official opening at Wyndham Acmar, Klang. Earlier this year, the programme received an encouraging response nationwide, with 327 submissions from secondary schools across Malaysia. This strong participation highlights the growing interest among students in tackling environmental challenges within their communities.

    Now celebrating its 25th edition, Toyota Eco Youth has grown into a well-established national initiative aimed at nurturing environmental awareness while encouraging students aged 13 to 16 to develop practical solutions to real-world issues. Participants are guided to identify local environmental problems and address them using Toyota’s structured problem-solving approach. According to Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, the programme goes beyond theoretical learning by equipping students with essential skills, confidence, and mentorship. It provides them with the opportunity to turn their ideas into impactful projects that can create meaningful change within their communities.

    From the total submissions, 30 schools have been selected to move forward into the workshop and project implementation phase. Each school will receive a RM3,000 grant, contributing to a total of RM90,000 in funding to support their initiatives. This hands-on approach reflects TEY’s focus on experiential learning, allowing students to test and refine their ideas in real-life settings.

    In addition, TEY 2026 offers RM80,000 in prize money, bringing the total programme allocation to RM170,000. The top three winners will receive RM30,000, RM20,000, and RM10,000 respectively. Throughout the workshop, students and their teacher-advisors are provided with guidance and mentorship to strengthen their project plans, set clear implementation strategies, and monitor progress effectively. This phase emphasises collaboration, creativity, and a strong sense of environmental responsibility.

    Following evaluations and progress reviews, the top 15 schools will advance to the final stage at the TEY 2026 Convention and Exhibition, scheduled to take place from 2 to 4 November 2026, where they will compete for the main awards. Toyota Eco Youth continues to play an important role in inspiring young Malaysians to become proactive environmental leaders by offering structured support, hands-on experience, and recognition for their efforts in driving sustainable change.

  • ICBS 2026: Platform Utama Untuk Pempamer dan Pengedar Kopi & Teh Serantau

    ICBS 2026: Platform Utama Untuk Pempamer dan Pengedar Kopi & Teh Serantau

    Seiring dengan pertumbuhan pesat sektor kafe di Asia Tenggara, International Café and Beverage Show (ICBS) kembali untuk edisi kelima yang bakal berlangsung dari 7 hingga 9 Mei 2026 di Pusat Konvensyen Kuala Lumpur. Pameran ini menawarkan platform efektif bagi jenama dan pembekal untuk merebut peluang dalam pasaran minuman yang semakin berkembang di rantau ini. Dengan peningkatan keusahawanan kafe, kemunculan pasaran teh sedia diminum (RTD) Malaysia sebagai segmen pertumbuhan utama, selera pengguna terhadap minuman premium yang semakin meningkat, serta ekosistem pemanggang kopi, pengedar, dan pembekal peralatan yang matang, ICBS 2026 hadir tepat pada waktunya untuk perniagaan yang ingin mengukuhkan kehadiran serantau atau melancarkan penawaran baharu.

    Dianjurkan oleh Montgomery Asia bersama Barista Guild Asia, Eciatto, dan HJC Global Tea Fair sebagai rakan strategik, ICBS telah terbukti memberi impak komersial yang tinggi melalui edisi-edisi terdahulu. Pada ICBS 2025, lebih 2,000 pemilik kafe dan 900 barista menghadiri pameran, dengan 50 peratus pempamer menutup pesanan jualan di lokasi dan 91 peratus memperoleh prospek perniagaan berkualiti. Lebih 60 peratus pempamer menyatakan komitmen untuk menyertai edisi 2026 sebelum meninggalkan dewan pameran, menandakan keyakinan industri terhadap keberkesanan ICBS sebagai platform perniagaan yang nyata. ICBS membolehkan jenama berhubung secara langsung dengan pemilik kafe, barista, pengurus pembelian, dan pengedar serantau yang mempunyai kuasa membuat keputusan, menjadikannya titik masuk yang ideal ke dalam ekonomi minuman Malaysia dan Asia Tenggara.

    Menurut Encik Alun Jones, Pengarah Projek Montgomery Asia, pameran ini telah membuktikan dirinya sebagai platform di mana pempamer membawa inovasi manakala pembeli hadir dengan niat jelas, menghasilkan transaksi perniagaan sebenar. Beliau menambah bahawa perbincangan di ruang pameran sering berkembang menjadi pesanan pembelian, perjanjian pengedaran, dan kerjasama jangka panjang yang membentuk pertumbuhan jenama di rantau ini. Bersama Barista Guild Asia, Eciatto, dan HJC Global Tea Fair, ICBS 2026 memperkukuh fokus komersial dengan pemadanan perniagaan yang lebih tersasar, merangkumi segmen kopi dan teh, dua fokus utama pasaran kafe Asia Tenggara kini.

    Edisi 2026 diposisikan sebagai yang paling kukuh setakat ini, memanfaatkan momentum yang telah menjadikan ICBS sebagai penanda aras utama trend kafe dan minuman serantau. Setiap tahun, ruang pameran ICBS menjadi pentas utama bagi pelancaran produk baharu, inovasi peralatan, dan corak penggunaan yang sedang muncul, sekali gus menentukan hala tuju industri untuk bulan-bulan seterusnya. Edisi ini turut memperkenalkan segmen khusus untuk teh, menandakan kali pertama ICBS menampilkan zon tertumpu bagi pembekal teh, produk teh istimewa, dan peralatan berfokuskan teh. Langkah ini sejajar dengan pertumbuhan pesat pasaran teh sedia diminum di Malaysia, yang dijangka meningkat sebanyak USD 67.8 juta dengan kadar pertumbuhan tahunan kompaun (CAGR) sekitar 6.4 peratus dari 2025 hingga 2030. Pertumbuhan ini didorong oleh permintaan pengguna terhadap pilihan minuman yang lebih sihat dan berfungsi, serta budaya teh Malaysia yang pelbagai.

    Bagi memperkukuh kredibiliti antarabangsa dan memberi kedalaman kepada segmen baharu ini, ICBS 2026 bekerjasama dengan HJC Global Tea Fair, penganjur pameran teh terbesar dunia yang berpangkalan di Shenzhen, China. Bersama Montgomery Asia, HJC menyediakan astaka khas menampilkan pembekal teh terkemuka dari China, menghubungkan warisan teh China yang kaya dengan permintaan pasaran Asia Tenggara yang berkembang pesat. Puan Kate Ba, Pengarah Jabatan Antarabangsa HJC Global Tea Fair, menyatakan bahawa Malaysia dipilih sebagai lokasi utama kerana permintaan terhadap teh yang semakin meningkat, dan ICBS merupakan platform paling sesuai untuk inisiatif baharu ini.

    Encik Alun Jones menekankan bahawa segmen teh merupakan antara penambahan paling menarik dalam evolusi pameran, sejajar dengan kepelbagaian pasaran minuman serantau. Walaupun kopi kekal sebagai teras utama ICBS, momentum luar biasa dalam segmen teh sedia diminum, infusi herba, dan produk teh istimewa menunjukkan peluang yang luas. Kerjasama dengan HJC membolehkan pembekal teh, pengeluar peralatan, dan pengedar mengukuhkan kehadiran mereka dalam pasaran yang sedang berkembang pesat.

    ICBS 2026 turut menampilkan program yang diperkasakan, termasuk sesi penyediaan minuman secara langsung, persembahan mixologi, demonstrasi produk, dan pembentangan pakar industri, mewujudkan persekitaran bertenaga tinggi di mana penemuan baharu memacu peluang komersial. Kejohanan barista peringkat kebangsaan dan pertandingan mixologi mesra halal kembali menjadi tarikan utama, menghimpunkan bakat elit dan menarik perhatian awam. Semua pertandingan ini dianjurkan dengan kerjasama Barista Guild Asia dan Eciatto, yang terus menyokong kualiti dan jangkauan pameran.

    Untuk maklumat lanjut mengenai ICBS 2026, peluang pameran, kerjasama, dan pendaftaran, sila layari https://intl-cbs.com/.

  • Young Creatives Envision Malaysia’s Future at the Koko Kraf Club 2025 National Finals

    Young Creatives Envision Malaysia’s Future at the Koko Kraf Club 2025 National Finals

    The spirit of creativity and imagination shone brightly at the Nestlé Koko Kraf Club 2025 National Grand Finale, where young Malaysians shared their visions of a brighter tomorrow under the inspiring theme “Future For My Country.” A collaboration between Nestlé Malaysia and the Ministry of Education Malaysia, the Koko Kraf Club has blossomed into a nationwide platform that nurtures self-expression, teamwork, and creative thinking among primary school students through fun, hands-on collage activities.

    Now in its second year, the programme saw remarkable growth, with 12,507 students from 149 districts and 925 schools taking part — a significant increase from its 3,633 participants during its pilot year in 2024. The National Grand Finale brought together 15 finalist teams representing every region of Malaysia — Central, North, South, East Coast, and East Malaysia/Borneo — showcasing their creativity through vibrant collages made from recyclable materials such as cereal boxes, yarn, fabric, and old magazines. Each artwork captured the students’ hopes for Malaysia’s future, from greener cities to advances in science and technology.

    Finalist teams from primary schools across Malaysia competing in the Koko Kraf Club Grand Finale 2025, using bright colours and recyclable materials such as cereal boxes and old magazines to create imaginative collages that expressed their hopes for Malaysia’s future.

    Emerging as national champions were Ulya Mardhiyyah Bt Ahmad Mustaffa, Tuan Siti NurFatihah Bt Tuan Azham Zamiri, and Hana Uzma Binti Noramin from Sekolah Kebangsaan Kompleks Mengabang Telipot, Terengganu. Their winning collage depicted an underwater city coexisting with lush greenery, symbolising harmony between innovation and nature. The inclusion of books and the planet represented the belief that knowledge is the key to a sustainable future. The young winners shared their excitement, expressing that the competition taught them the value of teamwork, creativity, and listening to one another’s ideas.

    Deputy Minister of Education, YB Tuan Wong Kah Woh, praised the initiative, emphasising that artistic activities play an important role in students’ holistic development. He noted that platforms like the Koko Kraf Club encourage creativity and self-discovery, helping nurture Malaysia’s future artistic talents while strengthening cultural and creative identity.

    [Back row, centre from left] CEO of Nestlé Malaysia Juan Aranols, YB Tuan Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Minister of Education, and Tuan Ithnin bin Mahadi, Director of the Sports, Co-Curricular and Arts Division, Ministry of Education, with the 15 finalist teams of the Koko Kraf Club 2025, representing their respective states in the Grand Finale with their creative collages.

    Nestlé Malaysia CEO, Mr. Juan Aranols, highlighted the company’s commitment to children’s growth beyond nutrition, saying that through Koko Krunch and the partnership with the Ministry of Education, Nestlé aims to inspire creativity and imagination in young minds. Similarly, Mr. Philip Joe, Business Executive Officer of Nestlé Breakfast Cereals Malaysia, commended the overwhelming enthusiasm from students nationwide, noting that participation had tripled since last year and congratulated all finalists for their inspiring creations.

    The teacher of the winning team, Fazita Binti Mohammad, expressed immense pride in her students, describing the experience as meaningful and transformative. She shared that the programme not only honed the children’s artistic talents but also instilled positive values and confidence to express their dreams for the nation.

    [Back row, centre from left] CEO of Nestlé Malaysia Juan Aranols, YB Tuan Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Minister of Education, and Tuan Ithnin bin Mahadi, Director of the Sports, Co-Curricular and Arts Division, Ministry of Education, with the top five winning teams of the Koko Kraf Club Grand Finale 2025 and their teachers.

    This year’s Koko Kraf Club journey began at the district level with two categories — Category A (7–9 years) and Category B (10–12 years). Winners from Category B advanced through regional competitions before the top 15 teams earned their place at the national stage. The competition’s progressive themes — “Future For Me,” “Future For My Family,” and “Future For My Country” — guided participants to imagine their personal, familial, and national aspirations, reinforcing a sense of unity and purpose among Malaysia’s young generation.

    Beyond the competition, the Grand Finale featured a public Arts & Craft Area, where parents, teachers, and children participated in creative activities such as Perler bead crafting and bracelet making. The lively atmosphere transformed the event into a day of shared creativity, joy, and community spirit — perfectly embodying the Koko Kraf Club’s mission to inspire imagination and togetherness among Malaysia’s youth.