KitKat® Showcases Borneo Single-Origin Dark Chocolate at International Cocoa Fair, Reaffirming Commitment to Malaysian Cocoa

Nestlé Malaysia brought the rich heritage of Malaysian cocoa to the global stage at the recent Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025, held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. As the Platinum Sponsor, Nestlé celebrated its cocoa journey, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and innovation in cocoa-based products, including KitKat® Dark Borneo – a single-origin chocolate made exclusively with cocoa beans from Sabah and Sarawak. As part of this journey, Nestlé aims to source 10,000 metric tonnes of cocoa from local Malaysian farms by 2034, in an effort to revitalise Malaysia’s cocoa farming industry.

At the heart of this showcase was Nestlé’s partnership with the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB), which has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Malaysian cocoa. Through the Nestlé Borneo Cocoa Initiative (NBCI) launched in 2023, Nestlé has expanded its Farmer Connect program to East Malaysia, equipping local farmers with improved cultivation methods. NBCI promotes regenerative farming through agroforestry, intercropping and soil health management, enhancing yields and boosting farm resilience while protecting the natural ecosystem.

Nestlé Malaysia’s commitment to ethical sourcing, halal-certified production and long-term sustainability extends across its cocoa supply chain. KitKat® Dark Borneo, developed under this partnership, reflects Malaysia’s expertise in cocoa cultivation, crafted with locally grown beans that embody the country’s deep-rooted traditions.

“With exports reaching RM15 billion in 2024, Malaysia’s cocoa processing sector continues to expand, primarily supported by imported cocoa beans. Local cocoa production, however, remains largely untapped, presenting significant opportunities – not only for industry growth but also for enhancing the livelihoods of farming communities, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, where conditions are ideal for cultivating high-quality cocoa. Nestlé Malaysia is fully committed to working alongside local stakeholders to expand cocoa farming while upholding the highest standards of sustainability, traceability and human rights compliance. We are excited to transform the dedication of North Borneo’s farmers into innovative products that bring joy to Malaysians and our consumers worldwide, just as we have with KitKat® Dark Borneo – now introduced in a special ice cream edition that celebrates Malaysia’s cocoa heritage and promising future,” said Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia.

Crafted with 100% responsibly sourced cocoa beans grown in the lush volcanic soil and tropical climate of Sabah and Sarawak, the KitKat® Dark Borneo is a single-origin chocolate that truly reflects Malaysia’s rich heritage in cocoa craftsmanship. It delivers a perfectly balanced flavour – not too bitter, not too sweet – as a result of the careful fermentation and sun-drying methods used for the cocoa beans. KitKat® Dark Borneo has also been honoured with the NielsenIQ (NIQ) BASES Breakthrough Innovation Award 2024, a recognition that highlights both the success of the product and the growing appreciation for single-origin chocolate among consumers.

“KitKat® has always been about indulgence and joy. With KitKat® Dark Borneo, we set out to create something that truly honours our roots. Made with 52% cocoa, it is carefully crafted to achieve a harmonious blend of bold richness and smooth texture - offering a distinctive taste that celebrates the essence of Malaysian cocoa and the dedication of farmers in Sabah and Sarawak. As we continue to innovate, we are expanding our use of local cocoa into other categories, and one such innovation is the launch of KitKat® Dark Borneo Ice Cream, featuring our signature wafer ice cream, coated in dark chocolate made from Borneo cocoa and topped with crushed KitKat® wafer bits,” said Carlota Casellas, Business Executive Officer of Nestlé Confectionery.

All KitKat® Dark products are proudly produced at Nestlé’s Halal-certified Chembong Industrial Complex in Negeri Sembilan, one of the largest Nestlé confectionery and Ice Cream plants in Asia. This facility serves as a pivotal export manufacturing hub, supplying Halal KitKat® products to ASEAN markets and other global destinations. The factory has implemented significant sustainability initiatives, including the introduction of a biomass boiler that operates using renewable energy sources such as oil palm empty fruit bunches and palm kernel shells, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing Nestlé’s goal of carbon-neutral manufacturing.

For more information, please visit https://www.nestle.com.my/brands/confectionery, FB at https://www.facebook.com/KitKatMalaysia and IG at www.instagram.com/KitKatMalaysia

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Malaysia Techlympics 2025 aims 1.7 Mln participants nationwide

Malaysia Techlympics 2025 has officially kicked off, aiming to engage 1.7 million participations nationwide and will extend its reach to international participants in a Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) competition.

This enculturation programme organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) through the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (Bioeconomy Corporation), an agency under MOSTI and as strategic partner, focuses to promote interest, instil a strong STI culture among students and youth, and helping to shape a future-ready generation.

Open to participants aged 7 to 30, the competition will be carried out in phases, starting at the school level, continuing with zonal screenings across six main regions and progressing to the National Finals, which is scheduled to take place in November. The competition format combines practical challenges, real-world technology exposure and experiential learning.

The initiative also includes inclusivity, an effort on widening access and equity by reaching underserved communities and remote areas through targeted outreach initiatives. Additionally, teacher training sessions will also be conducted to equip educators with knowledge of current technologies to integrate and can be embedded into daily education to help bridge the educational gap nationwide.

The launch of Malaysia Techlympics 2025 marks a pivotal step in nurturing future-ready talent and driving a culture of innovation that will shape the nation’s STI landscape for generations to come.

Recognising the crucial role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the future economy, Malaysia Techlympics 2025 will introduce more AI-focused competitions and activities, encouraging future generations to explore and develop expertise in this critical field. 

Additionally, several selected competitions offer opportunities and exposure for students to gain global exposure and represent Malaysia on the world stage. Aligned with national and global priorities through support for the National STI Policy 2021–2030 and the Malaysia MADANI vision, Malaysia Techlympics aims to build high-impact local technological capacity.

To learn more about Malaysia Techlympics 2025, visit techlympics.my or follow Malaysia Techlympics on social media @mytechlympics.

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KUALA LUMPUR, 03 June 2025 — XOX BHD is turning vision into reality as it hosted 4U Institute Taiwan’s distinguished delegation on 29 May 2025 — a powerful meeting of minds focused on leadership, transformation, and the future of business. XOX Managing Director Datuk Kenneth Vun didn’t just share plans — he unveiled a bold new future where XOX is no longer just a telco. Instead, it’s becoming a digital powerhouse, unlocking new revenue streams and shaping an integrated lifestyle ecosystem that spans property, fintech, digital media, and e-commerce.

KOREA’S BELOVED BAKING SENSATIONS : TOUS LES JOURS OPENS NEW  
LOCATIONS IN SUNWAY PYRAMID AND SUNWAY VELOCITY 

Malaysian fans of delectable K-inspired baked goods will be delighted to hear that Tous Les Jours, the globally recognised bakery-café, is making a highly anticipated with the opening of two new outlets. These openings mark the first stores launched in Malaysia following the signing of a master franchise agreement with SEH Food, part of Stream Empire Holdings, in January 2025. Tous Les Jours is set to once again offer its exquisite fusion of pastries, cakes, and breads at prime locations: Sunway Pyramid and Sunway Velocity. 

Translating to "Every Day" in French, Tous Les Jours lives up to its name by offering a delightful array of treats crafted with premium ingredients and baked fresh in-store daily. Malaysians can soon experience the unique charm of this beloved brand, widely celebrated as a leading K-bakery brand that blends contemporary Korean flavours with local preferences.  

The first of the two new locations will open its doors with a grand opening at the vibrant Sunway Pyramid on 4 June 2025, followed by Sunway Velocity on 14 June 2025. These strategic locations underscore Tous Les Jours’ ambition to establish itself as the premium go-to bakery-café in Malaysia, catering to the nation’s strong appreciation for Korean culture and its growing appetite for exceptional bakery experiences.

Step into a Tous Les Jours outlet and be immediately greeted by a tempting scent of freshly baked delights. Indulge in a wide variety of breads, lovingly made with authentic recipes, ranging from classic European loaves to delicate pastries and savoury options perfect for any time of day. For special occasions or a sweet treat, the cakes boast homemade-style designs, ideal for gifting and celebrations. Discover an array of delectable desserts, including baked tarts, sweet breads, and individual cake slices. Offering a convenient and wholesome choice for busy individuals, Tous Les Jours will feature a range of light meals showcasing their signature breads thoughtfully curated with fresh fillings and vegetables. Complement your baked goods with a selection of aromatic coffee and specialty beverages, carefully crafted to perfectly pair with the sweet and savoury offerings.

Jaclyn Tan, Chief Marketing Officer of Stream Empire Holdings, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "It's with immense excitement that we open the doors to not one, but two new Tous Les Jours havens right here in Malaysia! These first openings since our partnership announcement in January are a testament to our heartfelt desire to share the art of Korean inspired baking with all of you. Each store, in Sunway Pyramid and Sunway Velocity, is a place where we've poured our passion into creating truly special, freshly baked delights. We can't wait to welcome our patrons and share the warm, inviting experience that Tous Les Jours is all about." 

Adding to this sentiment, Jeong Soo Won, Region Head of Southeast Asia of CJ Foodville commented, "It's fantastic to see Tous Les Jours re-engaging with the vibrant Malaysian market through these two exciting new locations. The speed at which these openings have been realised speaks volumes about the strength of our partnership. We at CJ Foodville are confident that Malaysians will warmly welcome back the unique flavours and inviting experience that Tous Les Jours is known for, and we are thrilled to support this expanded presence. "

Malaysians are invited to experience the freshly baked happiness that Tous Les Jours offers. Mark your calendars for the grand openings at Sunway Pyramid on 4 June 2025 and Sunway Velocity on 14 June 2025 and prepare to embark on a delightful journey of modern Korean-inspired bakery flavours.

Stay up-to-date with the latest offerings from Tous les Jours in Malaysia, visit @touslesjours_my on Instagram, and Tous Les Jours MY on Facebook. 

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