GIANT Celebrates 81 Years of Retail Excellence with Business Partners Awards Dinner and a Renewed Vision for the Future

In celebration of its 81st anniversary, GIANT, Malaysia’s pioneering supermarket chain, hosted its Business Partners Awards Dinner, honouring the suppliers, collaborators, and industry partners who have been instrumental in shaping the brand’s growth and success over the decades.

The event, themed “Together We Shall Endeavour, Succeed, Advance”, paid tribute to GIANT’s long-standing legacy and its continued evolution under GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, part of the Macrovalue Group. The celebration brought together key business partners, retail leaders, and industry stakeholders for an evening of recognition, appreciation, and renewed commitment to shared growth.

In his opening remarks, Cheah Yong Hock, Chief Executive Officer of GCH Retail (Malaysia), expressed his appreciation to business partners for their steadfast support and collaboration over the years. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and sustainable growth, emphasising the shared role of suppliers and partners in shaping GIANT’s success and in advancing the retail industry as a whole.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Business Partner Awards, recognising outstanding contributions from partners across various categories. These awards celebrated excellence in collaboration, performance, and shared values - underscoring the crucial role of strategic partnerships in GIANT’s enduring success and its commitment to building a stronger retail ecosystem together with suppliers.

Following the awards, guests were treated to the premiere of GIANT’s brand heritage film, tracing the company’s remarkable journey from a modest grocery store in 1944 to becoming a household name synonymous with everyday value and convenience. The film also showcased the broader GCH Retail portfolio, including Cold Storage, Mercato, and TMC Supermarkets, highlighting how these brands continue to serve communities across Malaysia and Singapore with quality and trust.

The film featured heartfelt customer stories and testimonials from key business partners, including Affin Bank, DKSH, Nestlé, Saji, Mondelez, and Chap Tong Guan, reflecting the strength of collaboration that fuels GCH Retail’s growth. It also captured the essence of Macrovalue Group’s founding in 2022 by retail veterans Datuk Andrew Lim and Datuk Gary Yap, underscoring the company’s renewed focus on innovation, expansion, and community connection.

As part of its forward strategy, GCH Retail reaffirmed its plans to expand across Malaysia and Singapore, with new store openings under the Cold Storage, Mercato, and TMC banners. The company is also introducing Jason’s, Jason’s Foodhall, and Jason’s Deli into premium retail destinations, offering curated shopping experiences designed for discerning consumers.

The evening concluded with a renewed message of unity and purpose - celebrating 81 years of heritage while embracing the future of retail with optimism, innovation, and partnership at its core.

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MDV NextWave 2025: Catalysing Malaysia’s Technology-Led Transformation

Key stakeholders outline innovation and financing priorities beyond Budget 2026, strengthening collaboration to advance Malaysia’s technology ecosystem.

Malaysia Debt Ventures Berhad (MDV), an agency under the purview of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), today hosted the inaugural MDV NextWave under the theme “Driving Economic Transformation and Sustainability through Technology”. The forum explored strategies to advance Malaysia’s transformation through technology, innovation, and sustainability, aligning efforts across sectors to strengthen national competitiveness. The half-day event brought together policymakers, financiers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to accelerate Malaysia’s journey toward a technology-driven and sustainable economy.

Held at The Glass Box, The MET, Kuala Lumpur, the event was graced by YBrs. Puan Aidawati Misdar, Under-Secretary, Strategic Technology and S&T Applications Division, MOSTI, with the welcoming remarks by YB Wong Chen, Chairman of MDV. 

The event drew participation from leading government agencies and private-sector players, including Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA), Suruhanjaya Tenaga, Cradle Fund, Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) and National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM).

Puan Aidawati, who delivered the opening remarks on behalf of Puan Norsham, said that MDV NextWave 2025 embodies MOSTI’s vision of a collaborative ecosystem where policy direction, financing innovation, and industry execution move in tandem to strengthen Malaysia’s innovation landscape.

“Through frameworks such as 10-10 MySTIE, MOSTI prioritises Research and Development, Commercialisation and Innovation (R&D&C&I) in Artificial Intelligence (AI), green technology and advanced manufacturing — and MDV plays a catalytic role in translating these efforts into commercial reality,” said Puan Aidawati.

She added that the forum’s timing — soon after Budget 2026 — underscores the Government’s continuing commitment to research, digitalisation and energy transition as engines of inclusive, high-value growth under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13).

Meanwhile, YB Wong Chen emphasised that transformation is never the work of one organisation alone, but a collective effort driven by alignment between policy, capability, and capital. “The Government directs, industry executes, and financiers like MDV design the capital solutions — this is how Malaysia can accelerate progress in high-tech industries and strengthen its resilience in an increasingly competitive region,” he said.

He added that as the nation’s dedicated technology financier under MOSTI, MDV plays a pivotal role in turning policy aspirations into tangible industry outcomes, ensuring that innovation receives effective and targeted financing. “Our goal is to ensure that no viable idea, start-up, or project is left unfunded merely because traditional financiers find it too risky,” he noted.

“Platforms like NextWave are not just discussion spaces but action platforms,” YB Wong Chen remarked, expressing hope that the event will spark new collaborations and partnerships to push Malaysia’s innovation agenda forward.

The keynote presentation by Pn. Zalina Zainol, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Investment Development) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), provided insights into Malaysia’s post-Budget 2026 economic outlook and future investment opportunities.

“Budget 2026 reinforces the momentum of Malaysia’s transformation journey. It turns national strategies - the NIMP 2030, NETR and the 13th Malaysia Plan into real, actionable impact. Initiatives like MDV’s Next Wave 2025 play a vital role in translating policy into progress by nurturing innovation and connecting ideas with capital. Together, we are building an ecosystem anchored on execution, collaboration and sustainable growth,” said Puan Zalina.

MDV NextWave 2025 featured a series of high-level discussions centred on Malaysia’s national technology priorities, including the semiconductor and E&E industry, energy transition, start-up financing, and digital connectivity. 

Discussions focused on strengthening Malaysia’s position in high-value sectors, advancing renewable energy adoption, improving access to innovation financing, and driving digital transformation — all crucial for building a competitive, sustainable, and inclusive economy. 

As a technology financier, MDV provides structured financing, including venture debt, project finance and blended-finance mechanisms, to support companies and technologies across strategic sectors. MDV’s objective is to bridge the “innovation gap” and ensure that viable ideas move beyond R&D into successful commercialisation.

By bringing together government, industry and finance at NextWave 2025, MDV has reinforced its role as a catalyst for Malaysia’s technology-led transformation. The partnerships, ideas and strategies arising from the event are expected to drive progress in key sectors, strengthen Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem and contribute toward sustainable economic growth.

MDV NextWave 2025 concluded with a shared commitment to translate insights into action through strategic partnerships, co-investment initiatives and policy collaboration. The forum is expected to serve as an annual platform to advance Malaysia’s technology financing ecosystem and to mobilise innovation for sustainable growth.

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Rohto-Mentholatum Celebrates 30 Years in Malaysia by Bringing the “Little Nurse” to Life

Heartwarming campaign spreads love and happiness to the elderly across Klang Valley

Rohto-Mentholatum (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Rohto-Mentholatum) is celebrating its 30th anniversary not just with gratitude, but with a heartwarming movement to give back. In a special community outreach initiative, the company brought its long-standing icon—the “Little Nurse”—to life through a meaningful campaign to spread love and happiness to the elderly.

Known for trusted brands like Hada Labo, Sunplay, Selsun, Mentholatum Acnes and Mentholatum LipCare, Rohto-Mentholatum has been a household name in skin and personal care for Malaysians since 1995. Yet, what many may not know is that behind every product stands a symbol of compassion: the Little Nurse, featured in the company’s corporate logo.

“She’s the heart behind our brand. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re turning her values into action—proving that small gestures, rooted in care, can brighten someone’s day,” said Lim Mei Yuen, General Manager of Rohto-Mentholatum (M) Sdn. Bhd.

To bring this spirit of care to life, Rohto-Mentholatum collaborated with Watsons Malaysia to launch a special charity initiative. For every 1 unit sold of selected products from Hada Labo, Sunplay, Mentholatum Acnes, Mentholatum LipCare, and Selsun, sold in August 2025, RM0.10 was donated to support the campaign. Thanks to the support of Malaysian consumers, the initiative successfully raised RM40,000, which was used to fund donations and activities for elderly care homes.

As part of the outreach, the company organised joyful, interactive sessions and delivered essential supplies to four elderly care homes across the Klang Valley i.e. Pusat Jagaan Al-Fikrah, Rumah Orang-Orang Tua Seri Setia & Sungai Way, Persatuan Warga Emas Klang, and Chester Home.

Joined by Rohto-Mentholatum employees, the campaign aimed to rekindle joy and connection across generations—delivering heartfelt moments through various activities.

“It was heartwarming to see smiles light up the room. For many of our employees, it was a reminder that care isn’t just something we put into our products—it’s something we can give with our time and hearts,” added Lim.

As Rohto-Mentholatum looks ahead, this campaign reflects its enduring mission:
To care beyond products. To care for people. To care for the future.

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TOUJOURS ADVANCED: MALAYSIA’S HALAL WELLNESS ICON EXPANDS TO WATSONS NATIONWIDE

Empowering Skin Confidence and Self-Care from Within with Halal-Certified Superfood Nutrition

Toujours, Malaysia’s proudly homegrown wellness brand known for its commitment to inner radiance and authentic results, celebrates a new milestone with the nationwide launch of the Toujours Advanced range at Watsons stores across Malaysia. From 29 October to 2 November 2025, the brand is hosting a special pop-up experience at IOI City Mall (East Wing) in partnership with Watsons Malaysia—bringing its Halal-certified beauty and wellness innovations to more Malaysians than ever before.

At the heart of Toujours Advanced lies a perfect balance of science and nature, infused with premium Halal-certified superfood ingredients such as white tomato extract, hydrolysed collagen, and powerful antioxidants. Each convenient, ready-to-drink sachet is meticulously formulated to fit into daily routines, offering trusted wellness support that aligns with Halal integrity, quality assurance in every sip.

Adding star power to the celebration, award-winning actress Datin Sofia Jane, Toujours’ Brand Ambassador, joined the event to mark this exciting chapter:

“Toujours Advanced being available at Watsons nationwide means more people can now experience its Halal-certified, skin-loving benefits first-hand. Thank you to everyone who came today to celebrate with us.” – Datin Sofia Jane

The Toujours Advanced Pop-Up invites visitors to enjoy exclusive promotions, complimentary gifts, and first-hand product experiences—a celebration of effortless beauty, confidence, and mindful self-care that begins from within and stays true to Halal wellness values.

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