CUCKOO Malaysia Launches First Cash-and-Carry Brandshop, Strengthening Omni-Channel Expansion for Accessible Wellness

CUCKOO International (MAL) Berhad (“CUCKOO Malaysia” or “the Company”, KLSE: CKI, 5336), the nation’s leading Healthy Home Creator, has unveiled its first-ever Cash-and-Carry CUCKOO Brandshop at IOI Mall Damansara — a milestone marking the company’s next phase of omni-channel growth and its mission to make wellness more accessible and affordable for Malaysians.

The launch forms part of a RM5 million investment plan to establish 10 Brandshops nationwide, enhancing CUCKOO Malaysia’s physical footprint while complementing its robust online channels. The 1,023 sq. ft. outlet also serves as an interactive experience centre, featuring CUCKOO’s full range of smart home and wellness solutions in a contemporary, homely space.

Unlike the company’s Brandkiosk and Brandstore formats, the Cash-and-Carry model enables customers to immediately purchase and take home small-ticket products such as rice cookers, cookware, and shower heads. This new retail format aims to deliver greater shopping convenience and an immersive product experience, connecting customers directly with CUCKOO’s expanding ecosystem of wellness innovations.

The launch is supported by CUCKOO Malaysia’s thriving e-commerce business, which has seen a remarkable 1,714% revenue surge from small-ticket items as of Q3FY2025. This performance underscores the company’s strategic focus on product innovation and affordability, with its product portfolio expanding from 17 SKUs in 2024 to 37 in 2025.

In conjunction with the store opening, CUCKOO Malaysia also introduced several new products: the CUCKOO HUGZ Mattress in a Box, CUCKOO X Color King Cookware Series, CUCKOO CR-0685F Multi-Cooker, and CUCKOO AquaFlex Filtered Shower Head — further strengthening its comprehensive wellness portfolio.

The event coincides with CUCKOO Malaysia’s 11th Anniversary Celebration and the CUCKOO x TikTok Shop Super Brand Day (6–9 November 2025), which features exciting digital-to-physical engagement initiatives, including:

• Up to 50% off in 11.11 Super Deals

• Exclusive RM50 TikTok Shop vouchers and purchase gifts

• RM11.11 trade-in offer for old shower heads

• A star-studded livestream featuring 11 Malaysian celebrities promoting CUCKOO’s #SAMASAMAHealthier mission

Commenting on the launch, Mr. KC Hoe, Non-Independent Executive Director and CEO of CUCKOO Malaysia, said:

“This new Brandshop represents our ongoing commitment to accessible wellness for all Malaysians. With our omni-channel expansion, we’re bridging convenience, innovation, and affordability — empowering more people to live #SAMASAMAHealthier.”

Store Details:

Lot 2F-11, East Wing, Level 2, IOI Mall Damansara
Open daily from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Mastercard and CTOS Collaborate to Expand Credit Access and Improve Risk Management 

Enhanced credit risk consulting services provide financial institutions with richer data insights to improve decision-making on loan approvals, reduce default rates and optimise profitability  

Mastercard and CTOS Malaysia have announced a strategic collaboration to provide credit risk transformation services, addressing credit underwriting and loan approvals, portfolio growth and collections. The services for financial institutions are expected to bring global best practices in credit risk management for individuals and SMEs to Malaysia – such services in the past have delivered an increase in approvals for unsecured loans of approximately 5-10% while achieving risk-adjusted-return targets. 

The initiative increases access to financing for small businesses and individuals with an existing credit history. This is achieved by combining CTOS’ database of longer-term customer credit information and existing scorecards, with Mastercard’s global expertise, comprehensive data analytics and advanced consulting capabilities. 

Beena Pothen, Country Manager, Malaysia and Brunei, Mastercard said, “This collaboration with CTOS is another step forward in Mastercard’s commitment to expanding access to credit. With 48% of SMEs in Malaysia still unserved or underserved, this collaboration directly addresses a gap and supports the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs, who represent 96.1% of all enterprises in Malaysia as of 2024. By increasing access to credit, it aligns directly with the national level agenda through the 13th Malaysia Plan to build a resilient, high-income, and inclusive nation.”

Global approval rates for credit cards and personal loans from open-market sourcing are typically upwards of 40%. A key factor in improving these rates in Malaysia is the utilisation of credit information from private bureaus, where annual exercises for improved risk management with private bureaus, compared to markets such as India and the Philippines, are far less common. 

Private bureaus, such as CTOS, provide data across a longer period, summarised scorecards and performance data on rejected customers at a group level. Combined with Mastercard’s expertise in analysing the rich data set and turning them into actionable insights for banks through its advanced consulting capabilities, this collaboration transforms credit underwriting policies and enables banks to make better informed lending decisions. This enhanced data-driven approach not only increases loan approval rates, but also reduces default rates and optimises portfolio growth for banks, while increasing access to credit for small businesses and individuals who were historically rejected based on former loan assessment models and limited data sets.

Kevin Loh, IGCEO of CTOS Digital Berhad, said, “This collaboration represents a meaningful step forward in strengthening Malaysia’s credit ecosystem through advanced data analytics and innovation. By pairing CTOS’s depth of local credit data, governed under the Credit Reporting Agencies Act, with Mastercard’s global expertise, we are enabling financial institutions to assess risk with greater precision and confidence. The result is a more inclusive and resilient credit environment, one that promotes wider access to financing while upholding the highest standards of governance and data integrity.”

Beyond this, the collaboration will also enable financial institutions to better explore growth opportunities with existing customers – such as improving credit lines, pursuing up-sell or cross-sell strategies – supported by prudent risk management. This drives profitability for banks while enhancing engagement and experience for small businesses and individuals who were previously excluded from such services. It also aims to address collections by enabling banks to more effectively assess repayment trends and prioritise customers with high likelihood of non-repayment. In the longer term, such initiatives will increase the adoption of private credit bureau data, modernise and strengthen Malaysia’s financial ecosystem, and drive inclusive growth across the country. 

###

Wah Chan Marks 70th Anniversary with Activities that Bring Malaysians Together in Love and Celebration

In celebration of its 70th anniversary, Wah Chan Jewellery is bringing Malaysians together through heartwarming activities that inspire connection, joy, and shared memories with the Run2Love Love2Run fun duo run and the Shine! With Wah Chan Dance Challenge. Wah Chan looks to celebrate this milestone by giving back to their customers and Malaysians alike, sharing the love and moments they’ve experienced together and encouraging Malaysians to show their love.

This year’s anniversary is more than just a milestone, it’s an appreciation to generations of Malaysians who have made the Wah Chan name part of their most cherished moments. By engaging customers through fun, interactive activities and exclusive giveaways, Wah Chan hopes to reconnect with families, friends, and couples who have grown alongside the brand since 1955.

“For 70 years, Wah Chan has celebrated love in all its forms, from first promises to lifelong partnerships with Malaysians. With Run2Love Love2Run and Shine! With Wah Chan Dance Challenge, we’re inviting Malaysians to create meaningful memories, with the people they cherish most,” said Amanda Koo, Director of Wah Chan Jewellery. “It’s our way of saying thank you for 70 years of trust, and of looking forward to the next chapter – one filled with movement, joy, and togetherness.”

Wah Chan Run2Love Love2Run – A Celebration of Togetherness

More than a run, ‘Run2Love Love2Run’ is a tribute to Wah Chan as a symbol of love. The 5.5km fun duo run event will see couples participating, from partners to parents and children, from lifelong friends to new couples – to move side by side in a tribute to harmony, health, and heartfelt connection 

Each registered duo, whether a significant other, family or friend, will receive two exclusive race shirts, “Fast & Furious” and “Slow & Steady”, representing the balance, harmony, and fun that define every meaningful relationship. Sprint, jog, or stroll, every stride becomes a shared sparkle in this celebration of love and togetherness.

Date: Sunday, 30 November 2025

Time: 6:00AM (flag off time at 7:07AM)

Venue: Wisma Wah Chan, No. 1, Jalan 51a/219, Seksyen 51a, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

And because love deserves a grand gesture,  the celebration doesn’t stop at the finish line. The event will feature a special proposal moment, where couples can participate and capture the moment in a romantic proposal event.

Adding on to this, runners can participate in the run with style as Wah Chan will be giving away exclusive prizes, including ‘Best-Dressed’ and ‘Most Spirited Duos’. Participants can also look forward to exclusive finishing medals, photo-worthy experiences, and sparkling surprises from Wah Chan.

Registration is now open until 28 November 2025 (11:59PM local time) via https://www.jomrun.com/event/Wah-Chan-Run2Love-Love2Run. Interested participants can secure their slots and enjoy exclusive anniversary offers and privileges during the race pack collection period. Whether you’re running for love, with love, or because of love, Run2Love Love2Run is your invitation to move, connect, and sparkle.

Shine! With Wah Chan – Nationwide Dance Challenge

In conjunction with the anniversary celebration, Wah Chan has also launched the ‘Shine! With Wah Chan Dance Challenge’, powered by Suno AI’s “Wah Chan Shine With You” anthem. Running until 21 November 2025, the nationwide TikTok and Instagram contest invites Malaysians to dance, shine, and celebrate Wah Chan’s milestone 70th birthday. The challenge is a first for the brand as it continues on its legacy to connect with the new generation, showcasing talent and love for music and dance.

Participants can perform the official choreography or freestyle their own moves, incorporating Wah Chan elements such as jewellery, packaging, or outlets in their videos. To join, participants must follow @wahchanjewellery on TikTok and Instagram, post their videos using the official track, tag the brand, and include the hashtags #WahChanDanceChallenge #ShineWithWahChan #DanceTokMY #MalaysiaDance #WahChan70th #DanceChallenge. Multiple entries are allowed, and the finalists will be announced on 25 November, leading up to the Grand Final on 13 December 2025 at the Wisma Wah Chan Auditorium.

Winners stand to receive RM2,000 cash and a RM1,000 Wah Chan voucher, while nine finalists will each receive a Gold Blessing Gift Box and RM500 voucher. 

Together, ‘Run2Love Love2Run’ and ‘Shine! With Wah Chan’ brings Malaysians a dual celebration of love, movement, and creativity, marking seven decades of Wah Chan’s enduring legacy for generations to come.

***

First in Malaysia: Razorpay Curlec and NPCI International Join Forces to Introduce UPI Payments 

Indian travellers can soon pay Malaysian merchants using UPI apps, with transactions settled instantly in ringgit 

Reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a top destination for Indian travellers, Razorpay Curlec, the Country’s leading payment gateway, has partnered with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) to bring India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to Malaysia. 

This partnership, formally signed at India’s Global Fintech Fest’ 2025, will empower Malaysian businesses to receive instant payments from millions of Indian travellers through their preferred UPI apps, marking a major step toward seamless and instant cross-border commerce between the two countries. 

In 2024, Malaysia welcomed one million Indian tourists, who spent RM 6.11 billion - a 71.7% increase from the previous year. This growing travel corridor presents an opportunity to further simplify cross-border payments, enhancing convenience for Indian travellers and driving greater business for Malaysian merchants. 

Through this partnership, Indian visitors will be able to pay instantly using UPI-enabled apps to Malaysian merchants, who will accept payments directly via Razorpay Curlec’s platform - settled in ringgit, without the need for international cards or extra integration. This groundbreaking partnership that links one of the world’s most advanced real-time payment systems, India’s UPI, with Malaysia’s fast-growing digital economy will usher in a new era of seamless, instant, and inclusive cross-border commerce. 

Excited to bring UPI to Malaysia, Kevin Lee, Country Head and CEO of Razorpay Curlec, said, “Indian travellers represent one of the fastest-growing visitor groups to Malaysia, yet many still rely on cash or face high fees when using international cards. By enabling UPI payments, we will make it easier for them to spend and easier for Malaysian businesses to earn. It is a meaningful step toward frictionless payments and a stronger, digitally connected economy. Looking ahead, we are committed to driving continuous innovation that deepens financial inclusion and positions Malaysia as a leading hub for seamless cross-border commerce.” 

Ritesh Shukla, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), said, “UPI has transformed the way India pays, setting a global benchmark for speed, security, and interoperability. Extending its reach to Malaysia through this partnership with Razorpay Curlec will allow millions of Indian travellers to pay with the same convenience they have at home, and enable Malaysian merchants to benefit from a trusted payments network. It is a win for both economies and a major stride in strengthening digital cooperation across Asia.” 

Angad Dhindsa, Executive Director and Head of Southeast Asia at Razorpay, said, “This partnership exemplifies how cutting-edge payment technology can break down barriers and create truly seamless cross-border experiences. By integrating India’s UPI system with Malaysia’s digital economy, we’re driving innovation that empowers businesses and consumers alike with instant, secure, and cost-effective payments. This is a major leap forward in accelerating Southeast Asia’s digital transformation and setting new standards for regional financial connectivity.” 

Why UPI? 

UPI, India’s flagship real-time payment method, has revolutionised how Indian businesses and customers transact by enabling instant, secure money transfers between banks and digital wallets, similar to Malaysia’s DuitNow network. 

In September 2025, UPI processed around 20 billion transactions, underscoring its vital role in India’s digital economy and empowering millions of businesses and consumers with faster, seamless payments. 

Hence, this partnership will now open new growth opportunities for Malaysian businesses by offering them unprecedented access to a vast, digitally savvy Indian customer base eager to transact effortlessly. For Malaysian merchants, the integration delivers the dual advantage of accessing a high-spending tourist market while maintaining local settlement and compliance standards. 

This collaboration also aligns with the ASEAN Summit 2025’s broader push toward regional payment connectivity, which aims to link national systems through initiatives such as the common QR code standard and Project Nexus. Such efforts are expected to unlock new growth opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and tourism across Southeast Asia, enabling them to transact more seamlessly across borders.

By combining world-class technology with deep local insight, Razorpay Curlec is driving innovation in Malaysia’s payment landscape through industry-first partnerships and digital-first solutions. As a trusted partner to businesses of all sizes, Razorpay Curlec is empowering local enterprises to embrace seamless, secure, and modern payment experiences, fuelling growth and competitiveness in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic digital economies. 

-END-