Prudential Syariah Advocates Cross-border Collaboration to Harness Indonesia’s Rapid Takaful Growth

Indonesia’s takaful market is entering a new phase of growth, driven by rising financial literacy, which has surged from 9.14% in 2022 to 43.42% in 2025, and supported by one of the world’s largest Muslim populations of over 245 million. This momentum reflects stronger awareness and increasing demand for sharia-compliant financial protection.

Government commitment has been instrumental in enabling this progress.
The inclusion of the Sharia Economy in Asta Cita point no. 2 alongside the food, energy, digital, green, and blue economies signals that sharia is now recognized as a pillar of Indonesia’s national resilience and long-term growth. This is further reinforced by the government’s vision to strengthen sharia financial services and the broader halal ecosystem. The Sharia Economy Vision 2029, integrated within Visi Indonesia Emas 2045, outlines Indonesia’s ambition to become the world’s leading halal and sharia economy by 2029. This direction is implemented by other policies including the spin-off of takaful units to create stronger and more independent takaful insurers.

As Indonesia’s market leader in the private joint venture takaful life industry, PT Prudential Sharia Life Assurance (Prudential Syariah) stands at the forefront of this growth, recording IDR 3.4 trillion in contributions and has provided protection for close to half a million insured participants. Its portfolio of life and health protection reflects its commitment to broadening access through innovation, simple and affordable products, while supporting the national agenda to strengthen the Islamic finance ecosystem.

Leveraging its international network, Prudential Syariah acknowledged the strength of Malaysia’s takaful maturity combined with Indonesia’s rapid growth in takaful insurance will be a takaful superpower. This underscores the importance of cross-border partnerships to accelerate growth in takaful industry across ASEAN, particularly through knowledge sharing, partnerships, and talent mobility. The action opens-up opportunities for Malaysian businesses and other interested parties to engage with Indonesia’s growing takaful insurance market.

Iskandar Ezzahuddin, Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Syariah Indonesia, said: “Malaysia’s experience and maturity in takaful insurance, combined with Indonesia’s scale and demographic bonus, are complementary strengths. Working together, we can widen takaful insurance protection access for families and become a global leader in the takaful industry within ASEAN.”

Through partnerships with Bank Syariah Indonesia, the leading player in Indonesia’s sharia banking sector, and key Islamic organization such as Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, and a network of more than 80,000 sharia-trained agents, Prudential Syariah is committed to enhancing inclusion and deepening financial literacy. Looking ahead, the company also sees strong potential to collaborate with business partners from Malaysia, particularly in knowledge transfer, partnership, and talent mobility to further strengthen the regional sharia insurance ecosystem.

“We believe collaboration is key. We are always happy to welcome business partners from Malaysia who want to learn, exchange experiences, or share expertise with us. This spirit of collaboration will allow both markets to grow stronger together, and to build a more resilient and inclusive sharia industry across ASEAN,” he added.

For more information on Prudential Syariah please visit https://www.prudentialsyariah.co.id/id/. Queries related to potential collaboration can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

* Exchange rate: 16,642 IDR per 1 USD (as of 8 Oct 2025)

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Pavilion REIT Malls invites Malaysians to immerse themselves in the radiant beauty of Deepavali through an extraordinary month-long celebration bringing India's most cherished traditions to the Klang Valley.

At Intermark Mall, the spirit of Deepavali comes alive through the Radiance of Heritage campaign, held from 7-26 October 2025. Designed to honour the timeless beauty of Indian culture, the campaign transforms the mall into a festive hub featuring traditional performances, interactive workshops and a vibrant Deepavali bazaar in collaboration with Antara Events. Visitors will be immersed in the rhythms of Bollywood and folk dance performances by Eraya Dance, mesmerised by intricate henna artistry by Sanggetha Pillai of Hennastacious, and invited to express their creativity through a Diya lamp decorating workshop, where they can keep their handcrafted creation. The experience continues with a traditional indian dance workshop by Antara and aromatic masala tea from Tea Thambi every Friday through Sunday during the campaign.

In line with its dedication to enriching community experiences, Intermark Mall will reward shoppers with the exclusive Radiance of Heritage Aroma Stone, a beautifully crafted keepsake redeemable with a minimum spend of RM300 in two combined receipts. This thoughtful gift allows visitors to take home a symbol of Deepavali’s enduring light and warmth.

At its heart, Radiance of Heritage is not merely a seasonal showcase but a tribute to unity, family and cultural pride—echoing Deepavali’s timeless message of light triumphing over darkness. By weaving together tradition and modernity, Intermark Mall invites all Malaysians and visitors to celebrate the Festival of Lights in a way that is both meaningful and memorable.

For more information, visit: Intermark Mall, https://www.intermark-mall.com/

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Watsons Spearheads Aesthetic Beauty Trend With Strategic JCprogram Expansion Across Asia

Watsons, AS Watson Group's flagship health and beauty brand, strategically positions itself at the forefront of the global aesthetic beauty revolution through accelerating the expansion of JCprogram, an exclusive Japanese clinical skincare brand, across Asia.

Building on its successful debut in Watsons China in 2021, where JCprogram has quickly became the Watsons’ No. 1 aesthetic beauty brand, it expanded into Watsons Taiwan in 2024. Within months of launching in Hong Kong in May 2025, JCprogram became leading exclusive aesthetic brand in Watsons Hong Kong, highlighting the substantial customer demand for aesthetic beauty solutions that go far beyond just derm. This remarkable performance has accelerated Watsons' strategic expansion into Thailand and Malaysia, targeting key growth markets with significant aesthetic beauty potential.

At the exclusive launch ceremony of JCprogram in Malaysia, Watsons welcomed Dr. Nobutaka Furuyama, founder of JCprogram and Japan’s renowned cosmetic surgeon, to commemorate the exclusive partnership with Watsons and the brand’s successful regional expansion. The launch also marked with an experiential facial spa for beauty editors and a preview for celebrities, showcasing the brand’s aesthetic innovations. Exclusive member offers accompany the launch, delivering clinical-grade skincare and added value to its beauty community.

Caryn Loh, Managing Director of Watsons Malaysia & COO of Health & Beauty Asia, AS Watson Group said, "JCprogram's rapid expansion and category leadership demonstrate the extraordinary market appetite for scientifically backed aesthetic beauty solutions. Watsons is strategically positioned to capture the most significant growth opportunity in beauty retail, while delivering breakthrough innovations that meet rapidly evolving customer demands for clinical-grade results."

Aesthetic Beauty Revolution: Three Transformative Trends Reshaping Beauty Markets

This launch capitalises on unprecedented market transformation, as the global aesthetic beauty sector projects explosive growth from USD19.6 billion in 2025 to USD35 billion by 2033, representing a robust 7.5% compound annual growth rate.

The aesthetic beauty landscape is undergoing its most significant transformation, shifting customer preferences from invasive procedures toward sophisticated, non-invasive and science-driven beauty solutions. This evolution is driven by three key trends: 

1. the longevity skincare movement focusing on cellular-level health through DNA repair and molecular protection; 
2. non-invasive treatment dominance reflecting customer preference for natural-looking enhancements; and 
3. demand for scientific transparency where customers seek clinically-proven actives with documented professional-grade efficacy.

Revolutionary JCprogram Technology Meets Asian Market Demand

Recognising these transformative market dynamics, Watsons has exclusively partnered with JIYUGAOKA CLINIC to launch JCprogram, a revolutionary Japanese clinical-grade skincare brand that directly addresses all these major aesthetic beauty trends through innovative "1:1 Seamless Aesthetic Replication" technology. Founded by Dr. Nobutaka Furuyama, recognised as "Asia's Premier Micro-Aesthetic Surgeon", JCprogram represents the convergence of 30 years of clinical aesthetic expertise with cutting-edge skincare science.

JCprogram's breakthrough approach features three specialised treatment series that replicate professional medical procedures with documented clinical results: 

1. Lift & Glow Series delivering Thermage-comparable results with 32.24% wrinkle reduction and 20.9% skin firmness improvement in two weeks 
2. Aqua Booster Series offering 1:1 mesotherapy replication with 30.24% moisture improvement; and 27.69% radiance enhancement in seven days
3. Dermal Repairing Series providing medical-grade recovery solutions that decrease epidermal moisture loss rate by 9.2% in just two weeks 

This breakthrough innovation has been developed to democratise access to premium aesthetic treatments across Asia, enabling customers to enjoy high-efficacy experience through convenient, safe, and cost-effective home-use solutions that deliver dual experiential benefits without the risks and costs associated with invasive procedures.

Exclusive Offer at Watsons Malaysia

To celebrate the launch, Watsons members can enjoy an exclusive combo set at RM499 and receive an instant RM20 rebate with a minimum spend of RM499 on JCprogram products. This special promotion is valid from now until 27 October 2025 at selected Watsons stores.

With JCprogram now available exclusively at 36 selected Watsons Malaysia stores, achieving firmer, lifted, and glowing skin has never been easier.

Looking ahead, Watsons will continue to capture aesthetic beauty opportunities across its over 8,000 store networks across Asia to meet evolving customer needs and reinforce its market leadership position, helping customers look good, do good, and feel great through innovative beauty solutions that redefine industry standards.

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NESCAFÉ PAYS TRIBUTE TO MALAYSIANS’ THRIVING SPIRIT THROUGH THEIR EVERYDAY STORIES

NESCAFÉ's "Kental Bersama" song by Black Hanifah presented as an anthem to celebrate resilience and strength

With the “Ngopi Dulu & Kekal Kental Bersama” (“Have a Coffee First & Move Forward Together”), NESCAFÉ rolls out an aspirational movement to share, celebrate and recognize Malaysians’ everyday stories as a tribute to the resilience and strength that inspire the nation to keep moving forward.

Indeed, every Malaysian has a purpose - whether it’s providing for their family, supporting the community or pursuing a personal dream. One thing that unites us all is the spirit to stay strong, to Kekal Kental and to navigate through life’s daily hustles with tenacity, confidence and determination. To celebrate and inspire, NESCAFÉ pays tribute with the debut of “Kental Bersama” song by Black Hanifah, an anthem that celebrates Malaysians’ unwavering determination, honoring the perseverance, family and community values that bind the nation through adversity.

“NESCAFÉ has always been more than just coffee. It has stood alongside Malaysians through both challenges and triumphs. The value embedded in this initiative, our “Ngopi Dulu & Kekal Kental Bersama” acknowledges the unwavering resilience and passion that drive our journey as a nation. We invite everyone to join us in this collective journey of strength, unity and hope as we uplift each other and continue to move forward together,” said Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia.

Three Malaysians whose life journeys embody the spirit to stay strong, or “kekal kental”are featured in this intiative. Dr. Madhu, the beloved figure who epitomises compassion and care, also known as “Dr. Teddy Bear”, has dedicated his evenings to providing healthcare to the homeless in Kuala Lumpur. Kak Dell, a Grab driver and tuition teacher, continues to pursue her dream of becoming a writer, showing that ambition never rests. Black Hanifah, who headlined the anthem, draws from his humble beginnings and his devotion to family as the source of his music and purpose. Together, they were featured alongside Black Hanifah in the “Kental Bersama” music video, reflecting the different purposes that drive Malaysians, bound by the same unbreakable spirit of resilience.

“The song “Kental Bersama” was composed with all Malaysians in mind,” said Black Hanifah. “Its lyrics capture the hustle and hopes we all share whether striving for our families, working for our communities or chasing our own dreams. I am honoured to be part of a movement that uses music to unite everyone, reminding us that we are stronger when we stay kental together. This is a proof that music and NESCAFÉ can bring people together in a meaningful way.”

“Through “Ngopi Dulu & Kekal Kental Bersama”, NESCAFÉ will continue to celebrate Malaysians’ unwavering spirit to stay strong and keep moving forward every day. Being part of Malaysians’ life journey for a brand like NESCAFÉ also means evolving its offerings to meet their demands. Hence, we are proud to introduce NESCAFÉ Triple Shot - our boldest coffee innovation yet, crafted to deliver a strong coffee flavor and boost. We have also seen an increase in the demand for stimulating coffee, reflecting Malaysians’ growing preference for robust brews. This launch reflects our commitment to stand alongside Malaysians in their journey, offering more than just coffee but a source of strength and togetherness,” said Norkhayati Mohamed Hashini, Business Executive Officer of Ready-to-Drink Nestlé Malaysia.

For more information, please visit www.nescafe.com.my, Facebook at NESCAFÉ Malaysia (facebook.com/Nescafe.MY) and Instagram at @nescafe_my.

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