Retail Summit Asia Equips 600+ Retailers for UCX, 44% Ready to Act

Malaysian retailers are no longer just talking about being “customer-first”, they’re moving fast to make it real. At the recent Retail Summit Asia 2025, 44% of small and medium enterprise (SME) attendees committed to launching concrete, customer-focused initiatives within 30 days; a sign that loyalty, brand connection, and long-term growth are becoming top priorities.

For years, tools like unified commerce and advanced customer engagement platforms were seen as nice-to-have or future plans. That future has arrived and for many SMEs, these tools are now essentials for staying competitive.

The summit organised by EasyStore, which concluded on 25 September, brought together over 600 industry leaders, founders, and marketers to explore practical strategies for turning Unified Customer Experience (UCX) into real business growth. With AI-driven tools, connected commerce systems, and hands-on demos, the event gave SMEs tangible ways to scale now.

EasyStore General Manager Melissa Poh opened the summit by highlighting a shift away from short-term promotions toward building long-term relationships. “Growth is driven not just by sales, but by creating customers who choose you every time,” she said.

Malaysia’s retail evolution mirrors a broader Southeast Asian trend- SMEs are adopting tech-enabled strategies to create personalized, resilient, and sustainable business models. By focusing on long-term customer value, local brands are strengthening their competitiveness in an increasingly global market.

Attendees explored practical strategies to build stronger loyalty programs, unify online and offline shopping experiences, and become brands that resonate more deeply with today’s consumers. A key focus was understanding why modern shoppers expect seamless, personalized journeys, both in-store and online, and how EasyStore enables this through a single unified system.

Through product showcases and expert-led sessions, participants discovered how to transform marketing into loyalty-building using tools such as Broadcast Center and RFM segmentation. They al;so explored a full-ecosystem of solutions; from payments and logistics to cloud systems, training, and community support; to strengthen every stage of the customer journey and scale their businesses confidently.

Meanwhile, the panel discussions tackled how SMEs can empower customers as co-creators, amplify their voices through retail-ready technology, and drive omnichannel engagement with AI. Fireside chats further emphasized the role of emotional loyalty in turning everyday transactions into long-term advocacy, while main-stage demos offered actionable steps that retailers could apply immediately.

The summit was supported by Fiuu as Marquee Partner, alongside Omada by TP-Link, Ninja Van Malaysia, Alliance Bank, and SUNMI Global as Strategic Partners, providing payments, network infrastructure, logistics, and hardware solutions to help SMEs grow smarter heading into 2026. Participants left with actionable playbooks for unifying commerce, enhancing customer engagement, and applying strategies to close Q4 strong and step into 2026 fully prepared.

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WOU Expands Academia–Industry Collaborations to Strengthen Penang’s Talent Pipeline for Industry 4.0

Continuing its focus on impactful partnerships, WOU formalises new collaborations to strengthen vocational engineering education and broaden industry integration in E&E, semiconductor, automation, and medical technology sectors.

Wawasan Open University (WOU) has further reinforced its role in bridging academia and industry by entering into new collaborations with one education partner and two Penang-based industry players. These partnerships extend earlier initiatives, advancing WOU’s efforts to equip talent across all workforce levels – from shop-floor operators to senior executives – with flexible, industry-aligned learning pathways that lead to accredited academic and professional qualifications.

In an official ceremony held at WOU’s main campus in Penang, the university, represented by its Chief Executive and Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Lily Chan, signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with Fourier TVET Centre, MI Equipment Sdn Bhd, and 3REN Berhad. The event was graced by the Chief Executive Officer of InvestPenang, Dato’ Loo Lee Lian and attended by representatives from government, industry, and the education sector.

Driving Talent Pipelines for the Future

By growing this network of alliances, WOU demonstrates its determination to co-develop talent pipelines together with key players from Penang’s high-tech industries. Collectively, these initiatives open wider opportunities to address critical skills gaps and support the state’s electrical and electronics (E&E), semiconductor, automation, and medical technology sectors.

In her welcome speech, Prof Chan said the collaborations highlight WOU’s role in enhancing Penang’s academia–industry–government ecosystem to cultivate sustainable talent pipelines that both secure the state’s long-term growth in critical technology sectors and strengthen its global competitiveness. She emphasised that WOU serves as an enabler, closing talent gaps through targeted delivery of programmes in engineering, business, data analytics, digital technologies, and leadership.

“Recognising Penang as the Silicon Valley of the East, we see it as essential for education institutions like WOU to play a central role in shaping the region’s talent landscape. Building on our established collaborations in the E&E sector, and with Fourier as a leading training centre for engineers, we are now extending our reach into the fast-growing medical technology space. Together, these partnerships will ensure industries gain the advanced skills required to innovate, scale, and compete globally, while reinforcing Malaysia’s broader digital economy agenda in line with the National Semiconductor Strategy and AI Nation 2030 aspiration,” said Prof Chan.

Advancing Penang’s Talent and Innovation Ecosystem

Speaking at the event, Dato’ Loo said the partnerships represent an important expansion of Penang’s talent development ecosystem as the state strengthens its position as a regional manufacturing hub. In her speech, Dato’ Loo mentioned, “With its flexible, industry-aligned model, WOU ensures that employees can continue working while upgrading their skills and pursuing accredited qualifications. Such pathways are essential not only to bridge the talent gap, but also to future-proof Penang’s position as a globally competitive hub for advanced technology.”

She further added, “I would like to congratulate WOU and its strategic industrial partners for taking this bold initiative. This collaboration is not only timely but also essential to nurture our talents in the state, in alignment perfectly with the Penang STEM Talent Blueprint’s framework at the post-tertiary level, aiming to embrace lifelong learning through a proactive upskilling and reskilling approach to ensure that our talents stay relevant in the job market.”

Tailored Programmes Designed to Meet Industry Needs

These partnerships mark the latest phase in WOU’s strategy to align academia with industry to co-create a resilient talent pipeline for Economy 4.0. By combining forces with both industry leaders and education innovators, WOU ensures that employees and students gain practical, future-ready skills that directly serve workforce needs.

WOU will partner with Fourier TVET Centre – the only City & Guilds (UK)–authorised training centre worldwide – to co-deliver a Skills Diploma in Mechatronic Technology. The programme covers mechatronic skills such as PLC and HMI programming, motion control, systems design, and fault finding. Established in 1996, Fourier has pioneered dual-mode vocational and engineering education, producing over 800 graduates recognised as Chartered and Professional Engineers.

At MI Equipment, a Penang-based innovator in semiconductor equipment solutions with operations across Asia, WOU’s collaboration includes corporate rebates for employees pursuing studies in engineering, business, data analytics, digital technologies, and leadership. From its 200,000 sq. ft. R&D headquarters, MI leads in wafer fabrication, die sorting, wafer reconstruction, AI-enabled inspection, and smart factory automation.

With 3REN, a public-listed automation and engineering company – WOU will provide pathways for staff to pursue its Bachelor of Technology degrees in Mechatronics and Electronics, as well as the Commonwealth Executive MBA. Serving over 500 clients worldwide, 3REN specialises in product engineering, digital solutions, and automation, with strong focus on AI, machine learning, and Industry 4.0/5.0.

These programmes will be delivered through WOU Academy, the university’s corporate upskilling and talent development arm, supported by academic direction from its faculties in technology, engineering, business, and digital technology.

Strengthening Competitiveness

Through these collaborations, WOU underscores its mission to remain flexible, open, and industry-aligned — directly contributing to Penang’s long-term competitiveness in the global technology landscape. Collectively, these partnerships signal WOU’s resolve to develop a robust talent pipeline for Economy 4.0 — equipping Penang’s workforce with the skills, knowledge, and industry relevance needed to thrive in the digital and innovation-driven era.

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Emirates introduces Premium Economy to Kuala Lumpur on newly retrofitted Boeing 777 

1. Kuala Lumpur flights operated by the retrofitted Boeing 777
2. The launch is part of Emirates’ multi-billion-dollar retrofit programme, ensuring a consistent premium experience across all cabins.

As part of its commitment to offering a consistent and enhanced travel experience for passengers travelling to and from Malaysia, Emirates has deployed its retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft on flights EK346 and EK347. The refurbished aircraft features four newly configured and refreshed cabins, including its award-winning Premium Economy.

Emirates’ flight EK346 departs Dubai at 3:10hrs and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 14:25hrs. The return flight EK347 departs Kuala Lumpur at 19:10hrs and arrives in Dubai at 22:10hrs. All times are local.

The airline’s Premium Economy cabin redefines comfort for travellers flying between Kuala Lumpur and Dubai, offering plush seating, generous legroom, and a superior dining experience. With the introduction of the newly retrofitted Boeing 777, this signature offering is now available across nearly 70 destinations within the Emirates network.

For those seeking additional comfort and privacy during their journeys, the Premium Economy cabin offers a refined upgrade from Economy Class. From regional dishes served on Royal Doulton fine china, stainless steel cutlery wrapped in linen to a polished woodgrain dining table that folds into the seat. The unparalleled service also offers a selection of premium wines, and exclusive beverages that are available throughout the flight.

“Malaysia has been a key market for Emirates for nearly three decades. We are proud to introduce our latest generation and award-winning Premium Economy along with refreshed First, Business and Economy cabins to our travellers”, said Saeed Mubarak, Country Manager Emirates in Malaysia. “The new interiors bring more comfort and more choice, ensuring every passenger enjoys a seamless and consistent journey, no matter how they choose to fly. It’s a reflection of our continued investment and sets us apart in the industry by offering a redefined travel experience for millions of passengers worldwide.”

As part of its multi-billion dollar initiative to refurbish 219 aircraft, the airline has already completed upgrades on 67 aircraft. This extensive nose to tail refurbishment underscores Emirates’ commitment to delivering an elevated travel experience across its fleet. The airline is on track to offer nearly 2 million Premium Economy seats annually across its network by the end of 2025, doubling to 4 million by 2026.

Premium Economy passengers also enjoy a generous checked-in baggage allowance of 35kg and a further 10kg of carry-on baggage. Customers can book their Premium Economy experience now through emirates.com or the Emirates App.

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BUIDLING BRIGHTER FUTURES: OXY’S ‘SENDING LOVE & CARE TO CHILDREN’  CAMPAIGN STRIVES TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT TO 140 UNDERPRIVILEGED STUDENTS 

OXY, Malaysia’s trusted anti-acne skincare brand,  is committed not only to promoting healthy skin among teenagers but also to empowering  underprivileged students through education. Building on the success of initiatives since 2022,  which have provided educational aid and support to over 795 underprivileged students, the  brand has now entered the fourth year of its “Sending Love & Care to Children” educational  campaign, creating a lasting impact by helping marginalised students unlock brighter futures  through education. 

Continuing its long-term partnership with both Watsons Malaysia and MyKasih Foundation,  the campaign continues to champion equal learning opportunities for underprivileged children,  many of whom face financial hardships and limited access to proper educational support. By  addressing these challenges, OXY hopes to break down barriers and open up limitless  pathways for every child to attain knowledge via education, fostering confidence, and  ultimately fulfil their potentials and be in control of their own future. 

This year, the programme reaches out to a further 140 students from four primary schools in  the Klang Valley — Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Busut, Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Tadom,  Sekolah Kebangsaan Olak Lempit, and Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Bumbun. Selected  students will take part in after-school programmes designed to strengthen the 3 essential skills in reading, writing, and numeracy. These sessions aim to build a strong academic foundation,  boost classroom performance, and inspire brighter educational journeys ahead. 

In addition to the literacy program, OXY’s ‘Sending Love & Care to Children’ campaign also  includes further support in terms learning materials and stationeries, to elevate the learning  experience of these underprivileged children. 

Lim Mei Yuen, General Manager of Rohto-Mentholatum (M) Sdn Bhd, explained that OXY’s  continuous commitment to the “Sending Love & Care to Children” campaign stems from the  belief that meaningful change requires consistency. Each year’s campaign builds on the 

foundation of the previous one, leaving an even stronger and more lasting impact on students’  education. 

“Literacy and numeracy are more than academic skills — they are stepping stones to  confidence and opportunity. For marginalised students, these foundations can transform their  learning journey, helping them believe in themselves and dream bigger. That is why OXY  remains steadfast in supporting this cause with unwavering commitment,” added Lim. 

As part of the campaign’s on-ground engagement, OXY designed a mini sports day not only  to entertain but to integrate learning with physical activity — reinforcing the belief that  education can be both engaging and impactful. Activities such as Basketball Math and Spelling  Scramble were crafted to sharpen students’ literacy and numeracy in a fun, interactive way,  while team challenges like the Relay Race fostered collaboration, confidence, and resilience.  By merging play with purpose, the initiative demonstrated OXY’s commitment to nurturing  well-rounded growth — where students gain not just knowledge, but also life skills that build  brighter futures. 

OXY’s ‘Sending Love & Care to Children’ 2025 campaign is made possible through a  fundraising initiative, where RM1 from every OXY product sold is channelled directly to the  education fund. Through this effort, a total of RM50,000 has been successfully raised to  support primary school students across four schools in the Klang Valley. 

A skincare brand trusted by teenagers, OXY’s product range is designed to effectively address  common skin concerns such as acne, oily skin, and blackheads. OXY’s mission also extends  beyond building clear skin and confidence — it is equally about creating meaningful social  impact. 

Through its “Sending Love & Care to Children” campaign, OXY reinforces its long-term  commitment to advancing education for underprivileged students, in line with the United  Nations Sustainable Development Goals — SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced  Inequalities). By creating equitable access to learning opportunities, OXY is helping to break  down barriers, uplift communities, and build a brighter, more inclusive future. 

As part of its ongoing efforts, OXY will continue to provide support and resources that  empower more children, ensuring holistic well-being and confidence both inside and outside  the classroom.

For more information or to support the 'Sending Love & Care to Children’ campaign, please  visit https://oxy.com.my/ or the official OXY Malaysia Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/OxyMalaysia/. 

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