New Generation of Malaysians Shop Value-Based Online

New generations of Malaysians are shopping with purpose online — Shopee’s marketplace data shows online consumers are three times more likely to buy products that promote smarter consumption in 2023 than in 2020. Malaysians are increasingly searching for keywords such as ‘pre-loved’, ‘pre-owned’, ‘warehouse clearance’, ‘demo unit’ and ‘thrift’ over ‘new’. 

Over the last three years, Shopee marketplace saw consumers putting value-based shopping into practice with a total 1.4 million items sold that were demo units, warehouse clearance items with minor defects, bundled goods, and also pre-owned products. 50% of these were FMCG categories Baby and Toys, Groceries and Pets, and Health and Beauty, 27% pre-owned fashion, 17% lifestyle items (Home and Living, Outdoor Sports, Hobbies, Games and Books) and the remainder used Electronics.

Kenneth Soh, Head of Marketing at Shopee Malaysia, said, “Value-based shopping is clearly the future. Generation Z shoppers on our marketplace are telling us with their keyword searches that for every 6 times they look for something new, 4 other times, they are looking for something pre-loved, recycled, reused or display units. They are exercising their purchasing power in a very deliberate way, and it’s humbling to be able to meet the needs of this group of consumers by connecting them to sellers who are aligned with their values.”

“Shopee makes it easy for Malaysian sellers with stocks to clear to list their pre-loved goods and describe and show users the conditions they are authentically in so that people can make smarter shopping decisions. In February 2023, we saw an estimated 15% increase in pre-loved SKU listings compared to the same month last year. We believe that we make it easier for our consumers to shop with more value online,” Soh concluded.

The most popular warehouse clearance supplies were hand sanitisers as Malaysians increased their need for personal hygiene protection. As households economised on spending, overstock but affordable skincare, cosmetics, and personal care products were hot in demand. Unsurprisingly, shoppers also chose ‘pre-owned’ over ‘new’ with baby and children accessories, baby and children toys, and pet accessories that get outgrown with age.

Influencers’ content on Shopee Live has also been shifting to cater to value-based and purposeful shopping decisions. Throughout the last three years, livestream sellers recorded four times more pre-loved orders sold and twice as much live streaming content for pre-owned products compared to new products. This could be attributed to the authenticity generated by influencers demonstrating pre-loved units in their genuine condition along with positive messages shaping sustainable mindsets.

Shoppers keen to support recommerce can type the following keywords on Shopee’s search bar: “pre-loved”, “bundled”, “warehouse clearance”, “thrift”, “second hand”, “used”, “demo unit” and “pre-owned”. In addition, users can find titles for preloved Live Streams available to view in the Shopee mobile app. Shopee users should also note that from 24 March, Shopee has introduced ‘Change of Mind’, a free return and refund feature for the entire Fashion segment (Local Sellers only) on the marketplace, to enable a ‘want not, waste not’ mindset this Ramadan and Raya.

A Quiet Place That Is Not So Quiet After All

Not your average quiet place, A Quiet Place welcomes music lovers and karaoke buffs to sing to their heart’s content, host a party or just to enjoy the entertainment of others. A one-stop entertainment location with three concepts under one roof, A Quiet Place is poised to be the latest hang-out spot to have the ultimate karaoke fun. 

Opening in the heart of Bukit Bintang, A Quiet Place is the flagship store for Loud Speaker 2.0, Mini Studio, and GeTai that spans 17,000 sqft with each of the concepts catering to its very own brand of niche consumers. Loud Speaker 2.0 is the first premium outlet to be launched since the opening of its existing 11 Loud Speaker outlets. Mini Studio and GeTai are new karaoke concepts which were first introduced in Johor Bahru (JB) and now brought to Kuala Lumpur. The flagship outlets for Mini Studio and GeTai in A Quiet Place are also given a different look and feel compared to its inaugural outlets in JB. 

"This is a key milestone for us to bring all of our 3 brands under one roof, especially after a difficult two years with the pandemic. A Quiet Place is more than just a karaoke entertainment centre, it is also a statement of our commitment to provide our consumers with a unique and top-notch experience. From a private studio experience in Mini Studio, a spacious room in Loud Speaker 2.0 with family and friends, to singing on stage like a performer in GeTai, there is something for everyone with each experience unique in its own way”, said Damien Soh, Founder & Chairman of Ottotree Group. 

As patrons walk into A Quiet Place, they will be greeted with a 70s vibe with sophisticated and luxurious take on the retro glam, providing a sense of comfort with its contemporary-minimalist appearance of high ceilings and natural light coming in through glass doors and windows. Karaoke-goers will then be transported to their respective entertainment areas, each showcasing their own signature interiors.

At A Quiet Place, patrons can select songs from their mobile phone on demand through a web app. Consumers will have over 300,000 selections of songs from various genres to find their top karaoke picks. The state-of-the-art sound system by JBL and large high-definition screens are accessible in Loud Speaker 2.0 and GeTai to ensure maximum quality for the patrons to enjoy.

Consumers in Loud Speaker 2.0 and GeTai can also order a healthy kombucha by Myboocha or enjoy the free flow non-alcoholic beverages from the drinks bar while snacking on popcorns. Alcohol lovers will also appreciate the selection of fine organic wines and cocktails curated by their in-house sommeliers. Karaoke buffs can choose from any of the three concepts in one convenient place to let loose and belt it out.

Loud Speaker 2.0

Loud Speaker 2.0’s classy yet edgy vibe will make consumers feel pumped and ready to start their own mini concert. Perfect for those seeking a premium karaoke experience, Loud Speaker 2.0 rooms cater to a private, comfortable, and spacious environment, with the Bukit Bintang outlet being grander than the existing Loud Speaker outlets.

The music-enhanced lighting effects available in all Loud Speaker 2.0 rooms create a high-energy atmosphere that engages the senses to amplify the overall experience of the guests. The karaoke sessions will surely be elevated with giant visual screens providing an immersive experience to the users and are available in the Opera (VIP) and Festival (VVIP) Rooms. Speaking of great parties, the Festival Room can fit up to 40 people and is suitable for private or corporate events.

The room sizes range from 100 sqft to 800 sqft featuring 5 room types; Audition (small), Cabaret (Medium), Symphony (Big), Opera, and Festival; with 33 rooms in total including 7 Opera rooms and 1 Festival room. The booking rates start from RM 40 per hour which comes with free flow of non-alcoholic drinks. All customers can enjoy “buy 2 free 1 hour” privileges. Additionally, existing Loud Speaker’s Jom K Kakee members get to redeem free room upgrades. This promotion is subject to availability and is valid from 22 Feb to 31 Mar 2023.

 

Mini Studio

Good news for budding singers and artistes alike. Mini Studio offers a real studio-like atmosphere offering the experience to sing like a recording artist. It is also the perfect place for anybody who is looking for a quick karaoke fix or getaway entertainment with a starting price of just RM 10 for 30 minutes. Now, that is an idea for the next lunch break.

First opened in Toppen Shopping Centre, Johor Bahru, the brand has made its way for the community of Klang Valley to try this unique experience. Mini Studio has a sleek modern and clean look of a luxurious studio setting. Calm accent colours that are present mimic the professional ambience of the music industry. Additionally, it is fuss-free with contactless check-in at the kiosks available. Once arrived, consumers can head to the kiosks to book and pay before going to the designated room. The room capacity ranges from one pax in the Duet room to eight pax in the Choir room with 23 rooms in total.

On top of that, a Record & Share function is currently in the works. The real studio-like experience just got better because singers will soon be able to record themselves in the studio and save it for upcoming demos or even uploading to social media. Mini Studio is also open for franchising opportunities, and registration is now available. Potential investors and entrepreneurs can email to franchise@ministudio.my to find out more. 

GeTai

GeTai (歌台), which literally translates to “song stage” in Chinese is thought to have originated in Singapore in the 1940s. It became a popular form of entertainment over the years and have been modernized to continue its position in the entertainment world.

If you are looking for something challenging, GeTai is the way to go. GeTai is an open mic karaoke bar that can fit approximately 100 pax at a time, offering various seating settings from bar and dining tables, to couch areas. Get ready to be transported to an old-timey Shanghai movie because GeTai’s interior is an exquisite fusion of old oriental and technology with a red-carpet stage. Music lovers who prefer downtime can sit back and enjoy other people singing while experiencing the opulence of GeTai. 

 

Singers can use their in-house app to sing and be rewarded, or reward another person for their performance. When users receive a virtual gift, it will be converted into points, and they can use it to claim prizes like MacBooks, iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods and many more.

In making things more convenient, Mini Studio and Loud Speaker 2.0 will launch the first online karaoke reservation system to further enhance the booking experience. With no queue, consumers can book their session anytime, anywhere, and dive right in when they arrive. 

With expansion plans in the pipeline, Loud Speaker, Mini Studio, and GeTai is set to open another five new outlets each within the coming year. Visit us at A Quiet Place for the ultimate premium karaoke experience. For more information on A Quiet Place, go to https://www.aquietplacekl.com/

Address :
GF-003, Ground Floor, Federal Arcade, No. 35, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 K.L
Booking enquiries / contact number: +6012 766 7161 (Loud Speaker 2.0) / +6012 706 7161 (GeTai)

5 Places To Buy Yummy Buka Puasa Meals On ShopeeFood This Ramadan

With Ramadan just around the corner, ShopeeFood users can get their favourite buka puasa meals delivered right to their doorstep for better convenience during the fasting month. With discounts and free delivery, ShopeeFood users can spend more time enjoying a yummy meal to start and end of the day while spending less time in the kitchen or being stuck in traffic during rush hour. Kongsi Keriangan with your family and friends this Ramadan, and order from ShopeeFood today. ShopeeFood offers a variety of merchants to choose from and if you don’t know where to start, checkout these 5 popular restaurants on ShopeeFood to order your meals from:

1. Tiga Budak Gemok: This restaurant serves generous portions of Malaysian comfort food that are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Popular dishes include Nasi Ayam Kicap Biasa + Telur + Tempe and Siput Masak Lemak Cilipadi.
2. Pasta Panas: This popular pasta joint offers a unique and exciting dining experience with their spicy twist on classic pasta dishes. Try out their bestselling pasta dishes like Spicy Chili Mac and Salted Egg Pasta.
3. 4Fingers: This restaurant serves mouthwatering Korean-style fried chicken that is crispy, juicy, and addictive.Offering singular combos and family sets, 4Fingers is perfect whether you’re dining alone or with your loved ones.
4. Tealive: Tealive is a popular chain of bubble tea shops in Malaysia, known for their diverse range of delicious drinks made with fresh ingredients.
5. Sushi King: For sushi lovers, Sushi king provides a wide selection of fresh and delicious sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes at affordable prices, making it a go-to spot for sushi lovers.

Don’t forget to checkout these special discount days as well and make the most of your fasting month food orders:

ShopeeFood Day : Link

From 20 Mar - 22 Mar, kickstart the holy month of Ramadan right and enjoy great discounts and free delivery for buka puasa meals.

• Up To RM30 OFF (no minimum spend)
• Super Deals up to RM21 OFF
• Free Delivery

ShopeeFood PayDay Sale : Link

From 25 Mar - 28 Mar, treat yourself and your loved ones to yummy meals without breaking the bank.

• Up To RM30 OFF (no minimum spend)
• Super Deals up to RM21 OFF
• Free Delivery
  

ShopeeFood Rewards Female Driver Partners in Special Women’s Day Celebration

In conjunction with International Women's Day celebrations in the month of March, ShopeeFood hosted a special event as a show of appreciation for women driver partners in Klang Valley. The event was supported by several leading brands such as NIVEA, Marrybrown, Chatime and L'Oréal Malaysia. Almost 60 female riders, accompanied by their friends, participated in the event to celebrate the day.

In addition to the collaboration with leading brand partners, ShopeeFood also provided a personal development program led by an expert in the field of humanities and social studies: Associate Professor Dr Hadija Mohd, who has developed the Personal Initiative Intelligence (PI-Q) framework.

The PI-Q framework aims to build essential soft-skills to help driver partners improve their job performance. The unique approach focuses on developing the inner qualities of an individual, such as resilience, self-awareness, and empathy.

 

At the end of the program, three selected driver partners were recognised for their participation and given an opportunity to continue their education with a scholarship in a recognised higher education program. ShopeeFood selected the City Continued Education Centre to partner for the scholarship that’s valued at more than RM60,000.

According to Kwa Yin Leng, Head of Operations for ShopeeFood Malaysia, the celebration is an important milestone in recognising women’s contribution to the food delivery industry. “ShopeeFood aims to provide our female driver partners a supportive environment so they feel valued, safe and recognised. We are happy to be partnering with various brands and showcase our efforts in a meaningful way. The learning programs will go a long way in upskilling our riders and hopefully impact their lives for the better,” she said.

In addition to the personal development class, the driver partners were also treated to a self-care workshop hosted by NIVEA. The experts from NIVEA helped the riders learn healthy skincare and good hygiene habits as riders are often exposed to changing weather conditions while doing their work. At the end of the session, the female driver partners were also given NIVEA products to kickstart their regime.

The highlight of the event was a panel session that was also live-streamed on the Shopee app and social platforms. The lively discussion featured three popular figures from different backgrounds sharing their personal stories of immense challenges and how it led them to success. The panellists were:

• Datuk Shalin Zulkifli, a professional bowler and athlete who has represented Malaysia for 28 years in numerous international competitions. She currently holds five world championship titles and is a fierce advocate for gender equality.
• Nandini Balakrishnan is a known influencer and video producer with a popular media company. She has written extensively on issues related to the discrimination and her work has been featured in major publications around the world. In 2021, Nandini was also awarded the Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia in the ‘Arts & Culture’ category. This award recognises achievements of female trailblazers across industries.
• Natasha Helwa Binti Ramlee, is a young female entrepreneur and a ShopeeFood merchant. She is the eldest of three siblings that founded the popular restaurant franchise of ‘Tiga Budak Gemok’. While the restaurant may have had humble beginnings of starting off under a tree, the business today has rapidly grown and expanded to cover more than six states in Malaysia.

 

To end the day, driver partners were treated to a sumptuous lunch sponsored by Marrybrown and Chatime Malaysia. The riders feasted on Nasi Lemak MB by Marrybrown and a variety of bestselling bubble tea drinks like Grass Jelly Roasted Milk Tea, Mango QQ, Lychee QQ, Passionfruit QQ from Chatime Malaysia. The riders also went home with skincare giveaway from L'Oréal Malaysia consisting of L'Oréal Paris products valued at approximately RM12,000.

The Search For The Next Miss Universe Malaysia Begins

The search for the next Miss Universe Malaysia is now officially on with the joint launch of the competition by Just Capella Sdn. Bhd., the new licensee for the Miss Universe Malaysia beauty pageant, and the Miss Universe Organization at a ceremony held in St Regis Kuala Lumpur.

Miss Universe Malaysia is an annual national beauty pageant that selects Malaysia's representative to the annual Miss Universe contest. “The Miss Universe Malaysia brand is set to be boosted to a higher level qualitatively, through the injection of fresh blood, creativity and innovation into the latest pageant. Just Capella will also be introducing new processes throughout all activities and judging, to ensure integrity, transparency, honesty and fairness,” says Just Capella CEO Dato Westin Chew.

"We are thrilled to be appointed by JKN Global Group, the owner of Miss Universe Organization, to manage the Miss Universe pageant in Malaysia," said Datin Wira Poppy Capella, National Director of Miss Universe Malaysia. "The Miss Universe organization is committed to empowering women and promoting diversity, and we share a vision to create an incredible impact through Miss Universe Malaysia 2023."

According to Capella, the Miss Universe Malaysia pageant is a platform that provides women with the tools to create positive changes personally, professionally, and philanthropically, allowing them to serve as inspirational leaders for their communities and fans. It also empowers them to stand and shine forever on their own.

"We are excited to launch the Miss Universe Malaysia and provide young women with an opportunity to showcase their talents and be a role model for future generations," said Capella. "We believe that this pageant is not just about beauty, but about guiding women to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. We hope to be a force for good, with our five G’s: Give, Good, Generous, Gratitude and Go Green."

Miss Universe Malaysia will feature a series of preliminary rounds, including swimwear, evening gown, and interview competitions. The winner of the pageant will represent Malaysia at the Miss Universe competition, joining contestants from around the world to compete for the coveted Miss Universe title. Let the stars keep shining in Malaysia!

During the launch of Miss Universe Malaysia, the Miss Universe Organisation unveiled their brand new Miss Universe Jet. This jet will be used to transport Miss Universe title holders all around the world, allowing them to travel in safety, privacy and comfort.

The Miss Universe Malaysia pageant is now open for registration. Young women who are interested in participating in the pageant are invited to visit https://missuniverse.com.my/ or email info@missuniverse.com.my for more information and to register.