ITALY LAUNCHED eTomAato CAMPAIGN TO BRING PREMIUM EUROPEAN TOMATOES TO MALAYSIA

The EU-backed initiative connects Italian producers with Southeast Asian food markets. 

Malaysia welcomes the eTomAato: European Tomato, A Red Passion, a comprehensive campaign recently introduced at the 18th edition of the Food & Hospitality Malaysia (FHM) 2025 exhibition. The Embassy of Italy in Kuala Lumpur and Italian Trade Agency (ITA), working with OI Pomodoro da Industria Bacino Centro Sud Italia and backed by the European Union, introduced this two-year initiative designed to showcase premium Italian tomato products to Malaysian consumers, restaurants, and food manufacturers.

eTomAato represents more than 70 Italian tomato producers and aims to establish European tomatoes as the premium choice in Malaysia’s growing food and beverage sector. The campaign will introduce Malaysian consumers to authentic Mediterranean flavours while demonstrating the superior safety standards, traceability, and sustainability practices that define European tomato production.

Dr. Angela Donvito, Trade Commissioner of the Italian Trade Agency and Francesco Pezzarossi, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Italy in Kuala Lumpur, officially introduced the campaign to Malaysia, which has expanded to neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Singapore. Their presence highlighted the strategic importance of strengthening agricultural and food trade relationships between the European Union and Malaysia.

“eTomAato bridges the gap between Europe’s centuries-old tomato heritage and Asia’s dynamic culinary innovation,” explained Dr. Angela Donvito. 

“We’re providing Malaysian chefs, food manufacturers, and consumers with ingredients that meet the highest international standards while inspiring new culinary possibilities. This campaign represents our commitment to long-term partnerships that benefit both regions’ food industries.”

“Between January and May 2025, Italy exported €1.17 billion (approx. RM5.7 billion) worth of prepared or preserved tomatoes—excluding those in vinegar or acetic acid—to markets worldwide,” said Francesco Pezzarossi. “In the same period, Malaysia imported €8.58 million (approx. RM42.5 million) of these products globally, with €1.8 million (approx. RM8.9 million) coming from Italy. Thanks to their rich flavour and deep-rooted culinary tradition, Italian preserved tomatoes have earned a strong position in the Malaysian market, making Italy the country’s second-largest supplier in this category.”

The eTomAato initiative taps into a clear market opportunity in Malaysia, where the restaurant industry is growing and demand for high-quality ingredients is rising. European preserved tomatoes offer consistent quality, rich flavour, and strong food safety standards – ideal for both professional kitchens and health-conscious home cooks.

Dr. Angela Donvito highlighted that eTomAato is designed to complement, not compete with, Malaysia’s agricultural sector. The campaign introduces premium, sustainable tomato products that support culinary innovation and can boost Malaysia’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.

Over the next two years, eTomAato will roll out seminars for industry professionals, in-store tastings for consumers, and collaborations with top chefs and food service providers. The goal is to showcase the versatility of European tomatoes in Malaysian and international cuisine.

Beyond promoting sales, the initiative also supports Malaysia’s food industry goals by encouraging food safety, sustainability, and knowledge-sharing. European processing and preservation techniques offer advantages for tropical climates, and the wide variety of tomato products gives Malaysian chefs new tools to elevate their dishes.

The campaign’s launch in Malaysia serves as a springboard for Southeast Asian expansion. Success here will demonstrate how European agriculture can meet the region’s growing culinary expectations. As Dr. Donvito put it, eTomAato represents a new kind of partnership—focused on quality, sustainability, and mutual benefit.

For more information about eTomAato and partnership opportunities, visit https://etomaato.eu/.

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Curves Brings First Women-Only Fitness Studio to Kuantan, Pahang

Curves Malaysia announces the opening of its first East Coast women-only fitness studio in Kuantan, Pahang. This new franchise, owned by Nik Aloesniha, marks a significant milestone in bringing accessible wellness to women.

For Nik, the journey began with a life-changing turning point. Once a lecturer in Mass Communications, she later juggled running three nurseries and a kindergarten while raising her children. 

Stress, weight gain, and a difficult pregnancy left her facing gestational diabetes. After her son Amyr’s birth, she struggled to even bend during prayers. At just 39 years old, she feared a future of insulin, immobility, or worse; leaving her children without their mother.

“It was terrifying. Amyr was still a baby, while my daughter Amyra had a long way to go in school. I kept asking myself: who will take care of them if I don’t?” she recalls.

Determined to fight back, Nik began her wellness journey during Ramadan in 2020, losing 8kg and walking daily on a treadmill - through tears and knee pain. It was during this period that she stumbled upon Curves Bandar Utama, a women-only gym, while taking her son to tuition. Encouraged by Curves coach Elle, Nik found a safe space where she could rebuild her strength and confidence.

“Curves changed everything-my mind, my body, my friendships. I didn’t just lose weight; I gained a community. I knew I had to bring this transformation home to help other women like me,” she says.

Now, as the first Curves franchise owner on the East Coast, Nik is driven by her mission: to educate women about the importance of strength training, self-care, and community support. The fitness studio offers a 30-minute cardio workout designed specifically for women, combining strength training, cardiovascular exercise, and stretching into a comprehensive circuit with hydraulic equipment.

“So many women here give their all to their families but forget themselves. At Curves, they only need 30 minutes. That’s the gift I want to give East Coast women.”

Her journey into business ownership wasn’t easy. Moving her family to Kuantan, leaving relatives behind, and starting fresh was daunting. But with mentorship, training, and the support of a PERNAS loan for Bumiputera entrepreneurs, she has turned her vision into reality.

The Kuantan outlet officially opened its doors on 25 August 2025. With Curves’ proven system and women-only environment, the studio provides a safe, welcoming space for women of all ages and fitness levels.

For gym-goers who want to be part of this empowering movement and support women’s wellness, visit www.curves.com.my to learn more or sign up today.

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Calling All KL Folks! 

Jom “NGOPI DULU” at Bukit Bintang on 1 October!

Igniting Malaysians' Spirit with ‘Lagu Kental Bersama’ Song by

NESCAFÉ and Black Hanifah this International Coffee Day

Every Malaysian has their own purpose – whether it’s for family, community or personal dreams. But one thing unites us all: the spirit to stay strong, or Kekal Kental, through life’s daily hustle and grind. This International Coffee Day, NESCAFÉ is honouring that resilience with Ngopi Dulu & Kekal Kental Bersama, an aspirational movement created by Malaysians, for Malaysians. 

On 1 October 2025 (Wednesday), the streets of Bukit Bintang will be transformed into a vibrant showcase of perseverance, inviting both locals and travellers to pause, recharge and reflect on what it means to kekal kental. From morning through night, the city centre will buzz with activities highlighting everyday grit and determination. Surrounding billboards will beam powerful and heartfelt messages of Malaysians sharing their own Kental stories. 

The celebration will culminate in “Konsert Kental” – an open-air music extravaganza in the heart of Bukit Bintang from 8.00 pm onwards! Headlining the night is Black Hanifah, who will perform the debut of Lagu Kental Bersama, a new anthem inspired by real Malaysian stories of tenacity [Check out the teaser here ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3amJD46r_XI], alongside electrifying performances by Hazama Azmi, Genji Buskers and more, lifting spirits and bringing the day to a close on a high note.

The campaign also shines a light on three inspiring personalities – Black Hanifah, Dr. Madhu aka Dr. Teddy Bear and Kak Dell – each representing different walks of life, different purposes but the same enduring spirit of staying kental.

To add to the excitement, the public can soak up the vibrancy with engaging on-ground games, exclusive giveaways and the chance to grab limited-edition NESCAFÉ goodie bags and memorabilia autographed by Black Hanifah. 

Be the first to preview and sample the soon-to-debut new Nescafé product which will TRIPLE your love and joy for strong coffee!

Jom Datang Beramai-ramai!!!

Mark your diaries and join us for the NESCAFÉ “Ngopi Dulu & Kekal Kental Bersama” celebration on 1 October 2025 (Wednesday) at Bukit Bintang, in front of Lot 10, H&M!

For Malaysians, by Malaysians. Stay stronger, stay kental.! 

#KonsertKental 

#LaguKentalBersama 

#NgopiDuluDanKekalKentalBersama

#NescafeMY