WATSONS MALAYSIA CELEBRATES 10TH JOM SIHAT GET ACTIVE CARNIVAL WITH RECORD-BREAKING ZUMBA AND SING-ALONG FUN RUN
Driving Health, Happiness, and Community Spirit with more than 7,000 participants.
Watsons Malaysia, in collaboration with Majlis Sukan Wilayah Persekutuan (MSWP), celebrated the milestone 10th edition of its Jom Sihat Get Active Carnival 2025 at The Exchange TRX. The carnival brought together more than 7,000 participants for a morning filled with fitness, fun, and wellness activities, including the 2.5 km and 6 km Sing-along Fun Run and breaking The Malaysia Book of Records’ Largest Live DJ Spinning Zumba in Malaysia.
The event was officiated and graced by YB Datuk Seri Dr. Zaliha binti Mustafa, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), who commended Watsons and Majlis Sukan Wilayah Persekutuan (MSWP) for their continuous efforts in promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering community spirit through engaging wellness initiatives.
“At Watsons, we believe that health and wellness should be fun, inclusive, and accessible to everyone. The Jom Sihat Get Active Carnival has always been about bringing communities together to stay active and celebrate life. This 10th edition is especially meaningful as we continue to innovate with exciting activities like the Sing-Along Fun Run and set new records with our Zumba. We’re proud to see thousands of Malaysians joining us today, proving that when we are active together, we are stronger together,” said Caryn Loh, Managing Director of Watsons Malaysia and Chief Operating Officer, Health & Beauty Asia, A.S. Watson.
The day kicked off with the Sing-Along Fun Run, where participants ran to the beat of familiar Malaysian and top hits. To get everyone moving, Majlis Sukan Wilayah Persekutuan (MSWP) led the warm-up session before the energy peaked with a record-breaking Zumba session, powered by a live DJ set.
Adding to the excitement, Watsons’ participating brand partners engaged with participants on games, product sampling, wellness services, and interactive activities. On top of that, KPJ Healthcare will be joining the Watsons’ team of pharmacists on-site to provide free health checks such as glucose and cholesterol checks, as well as full body BMI analysis to further strengthen Watsons’ commitment to promoting overall health and wellness.
The carnival also welcomed 100 participants from the disabled community, represented by Jabatan Belia dan Sukan Negara (JBSN), who actively took part in the Fun Run. This reflects Watsons’ belief that health and wellness should be inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Watsons also celebrated the Watsons Club Member Anniversary by continuing its tradition of rewarding members with the chance to win a brand-new home at Centrum Iris, Cameron Highlands. The campaign, launching on 1 September 2025 in conjunction with Watsons Malaysia’s 15th Anniversary, invites Watsons Club members who spend a minimum of RM50 in-store or online with a VISA card to participate. One lucky Watsons Club member will win a new home, and members can win other exciting prizes too. Contest ends 27 October 2025.
“As Watsons Malaysia is the No. 1 Health & Beauty retailer, we aim to engage with our members nationwide. We are committed to leading and strengthening the country's loyalty programs by offering enhanced benefits and rewards. This year, we want our members to enjoy better rewards, better member offers and saving with a seamless loyalty and rewards program. For the fourth year, we are excited to partner once again with LBS and this year we are offering the grand prize of a new home at Cameron Highlands.” added Caryn Loh.
The event was also attended by Danny Hoh, Chief Operating Officer of Watsons Malaysia, Watsons’ Ambassadors Ayda Jebat, the Watsons management team and representatives from MSWP.
To find out more, visit www.watsons.com.my or use the Watsons Mobile App!
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From East Asia to Everywhere: Emirates SkyCargo Strengthens Cargo Corridors
With 44 freighters, 13 charters and 311 passenger flights, Emirates offers a weekly capacity of 21,000 tonnes into 25 gateways across East and Southeast Asia, every week
With the launch of passenger services to Hangzhou, China, Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline, now offers over 21,000 tonnes of weekly tonnage in and out of East and Southeast Asia every week, across the largest and most diversified route network of any non-Asian airline. Deepening its footprint in the region, Emirates SkyCargo now serves 25 gateways across 12 countries and territories.
Firmly entrenched as the ‘factory of the world’, East and Southeast Asia has established thriving economic corridors, and require significant air freight capacity to shift goods worldwide. Dedicated Emirates SkyCargo freighters serve 9 gateways in the region, with 44 weekly flights, the highest freighter flight density on the airline’s vast global network; this schedule is complemented by 13 charter services to and from East Asia every week, delivering consistent capacity and stable connectivity for Asian businesses into Europe and the Middle East. Freighter and charter operations are underpinned by 311 weekly passenger flights, moving travellers and cargo via a mix of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.
With the high-frequency flight schedule, an Emirates aircraft takes off from East or Southeast Asia approximately every half hour.
“East and Southeast Asia are not just anchors of our global network – they are shaping the future of global logistics, and global trade,” said Abdulla Alkhallafi, Vice President of Cargo Commercial, Far East and Australasia. “From cutting-edge manufacturing hubs to high-growth consumer markets, the region drives the pace of trade. Our strategic growth strategy and continued investment in East Asia and Southeast Asia reflects this as we remain laser-focused on building the capacity, routes and partnerships to best serve the exponential demand.”
Fostering economic growth
As a global hub for innovation, e-commerce and advanced manufacturing, and boasting a thriving agricultural sector, East and Southeast Asia have long been key markets on Emirates SkyCargo’s global network. In an average week, Emirates SkyCargo uplifts over 450 tonnes of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and other perishable products, 100 tonnes of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, 75 tonnes of electronics, semi-conductors and smart goods, 180 tonnes of garments and over 1,300 tonnes of eCommerce.
The ‘Aerial Silk Road’ – a network of air routes, logistics hubs and aviation infrastructure mirroring the overland and maritime Silk Roads of yore – enables swift and efficient connectivity with global markets. With a vast network of over 145 destinations, Emirates SkyCargo is well positioned to facilitate global trade. In fact, Emirates SkyCargo plays a significant support role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, facilitating swift and reliable connectivity to over 50 countries participating in the initiative.
Strength through partnership
Beyond its own network and capacity, Emirates SkyCargo forged a strategic partnership with Teleport, the exclusive cargo partner of AirAsia, to better support the burgeoning trade between Southeast Asia and the wider world, via Dubai. Unlocking over 100 primary, secondary and tertiary regional airports, Emirates SkyCargo is able to better serve global customers with increased capacity, more flexibility and access into new markets in Asia; conversely, Emirates SkyCargo supports Southeast Asian businesses with better connectivity into Europe, the USA and Canada.
A series of ‘firsts’
Emirates has been setting benchmarks since the beginning of operations in East Asia. In September 2002, Emirates SkyCargo launched freighter services between Dubai and Shanghai, establishing the first direct air connectivity between the Middle East and the Chinese mainland, and pre-dating passenger operations by 18 months.
The streak continued in 2025, as Emirates SkyCargo launched a weekly freighter to Japan’s Narita International Airport, marking the first direct and scheduled freighter connectivity between Narita and the Middle East. Enabling faster and more flexible shipments, the freighter from Narita uplifts pharmaceuticals, semi-conductor parts and large or oddly-shaped shipments such as machinery parts.
As Emirates SkyCargo advances its ambitious 10-year growth strategy, East Asia and Southeast Asia remain priority markets for increased capacity, whether through additional flight schedules or brand-new routes. By deepening connectivity across the region and maintaining seamless links with key markets worldwide, Emirates SkyCargo will continue to play a pivotal role in strengthening global supply chains, supporting bilateral economic growth and shape the future of global logistics.
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KFC Paints Colourful Malaysian Moments Across 14 Outlets This Merdeka
KFC Malaysia has given its walls a local touch, and homegrown artists a canvas for this Merdeka season. What began as a celebration of Malaysian moments has grown into a vibrant mural movement, with 14 unique murals painted across selected KFC outlets nationwide this year.
From Penang to Sabah, each mural is rooted in one theme: KFC Cara Kita - the unique ways Malaysians enjoy KFC. Though the designs vary by state, every artwork tells a story of family, culture, tradition, or hope, seen through the artist’s lens and local pride. Some reflect nostalgic meals, others celebrate customs, street culture, and food rituals, with nods to regional dialects and landmarks.
KFC, Pizza Hut, and Life are all brands under QSR Brands, which continues to champion national unity by bringing Malaysians together through culture and creativity. This campaign reflects QSR’s dedication to celebrating homegrown artistry and community spirit in every celebration.
The initiative, part of QSR Brands’ 2025 Merdeka Campaign, was unveiled at KFC Drive-Thru Shah Alam Seksyen 2 today featuring a walkthrough of the mural gallery, artist panel discussions, and a media luncheon. The murals, created by 11 talented Malaysian artists, turn everyday KFC stores into colourful Malaysian spirit.
“For KFC, these murals are more than just paintings; they are stories that bring Malaysian pride to our outlets. These vibrant artworks are a testament to the cherished moments Malaysians have celebrated with us over the years,” said Hanim Mazam, Chief Marketing Officer of KFC Malaysia. “KFC Cara Kita is a true reflection of the creativity and collaboration with our talented local artists, our team and agency partners,” she added.
What makes this initiative powerful is the diversity of artists behind it. Chosen for their unique styles and local roots, the 11 artists, including Katun, Nas Suha, Bingka KL, and Haw, bring a blend of street art, cultural illustration, and modern storytelling.
Besides the 14 murals, Malaysians can also own a piece of the art - a limited-edition KFC Cara Kita Touch 'n Go Charm featuring artwork by Bingka, available exclusively on the KFC App at selected outlets.
The choice of mural art was deliberate. “Large-scale public art brings the rakyat’s stories to the surface, right where they belong. It becomes a space where the public can connect with something familiar and meaningful,” said Nas Suha during the discussion today.
The number of outlets itself is no coincidence. It represents the 14 states of Malaysia, as well as the 14 stripes and points on the Jalur Gemilang, further strengthening the campaign’s tribute to Malaysia.
QSR Brands’ Merdeka campaign goes beyond murals. In July, the brand held a mural workshop with university students, giving young Malaysians a creative way to show their patriotism. It’s a reminder that Merdeka is also about shaping the future.
“Merdeka reminds us of unity, resilience, and progress. OSR Brands, as a proud homegrown brand, bring people together through food and community, aiming to build meaningful connections and contribute positively to the broader Malaysian narrative,” Anis Yusof, QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd. Chief Corporate Communications Officer said.
KFC’s Merdeka spirit also reaches the classroom through its QSR Prihatin CSR programme. As proud beneficiaries of QSR Brands’ Sehati Feed to Educate programme, 500 students at SK Seberang Takir, Terengganu will enjoy KFC and Pizza Hut meals, receive care packs, and join fun Merdeka activities. The celebration extends to East Malaysia with SK Tabuan Ulu in Kuching, Sarawak, joining the campaign, bringing the spirit of unity and patriotism to communities across the nation.
Internally, QSR Brands’ staff participate in the “Surat Cinta Untuk Malaysia” contest, a letter from employees sharing personal messages that foster connection and national pride within the workplace. Meanwhile, QSR Brands has partnered with the Ministry of Communications, contributing RM2.8 million in-kind support for Malaysia’s 68th Hari Kebangsaan and Hari Malaysia 2025 celebrations.
As part of the celebrations, KFC Malaysia is also offering 2 Malaysian Favourite Sides for RM6.80 for the first time, such as Cheezy Wedges and Coleslaw Combo, Garlic Aioli Fries and Whipped Potato, Loaded Cheezy Fries and Wedges, symbolising Malaysia's 68th Independence anniversary.
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The Technology Depository Agency (TDA) backs the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for Malaysia to build internal capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign technology, particularly in areas such as cloud computing and cybersecurity. This is not only timely but critical to safeguard national interests and strengthen resilience.
The Prime Minister’s message underscores the urgency for Malaysia to achieve technological sovereignty. TDA fully supports this vision, which aligns with our mandate and must be adopted across all agencies and sectors.
At the heart of this effort is the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP), a strategic initiative spearheaded by TDA to foster partnerships between industry and academia. Through ICP, we drive technological advancement and enhance industrial capabilities via collaborative projects in research, technology transfer, training, and commercialisation. This ensures that knowledge and skills remain embedded within Malaysia, building a stronger ecosystem of local companies, innovators, and talent.
The forthcoming Government Procurement Act, which will soon be tabled in Parliament, is expected to further strengthen the implementation of ICP and Performance-Based Contracting (PBC). With stronger enforcement in place, these programmes can deliver even greater value in governance, technology development, and industrial growth.
TDA will continue to focus on three priorities:
These efforts will lead to greater national autonomy in technology and innovation, higher procurement integrity and efficiency, and tangible support for the Prime Minister’s development agenda.
Malaysia cannot only discuss capability building, we must act decisively. With ICP as the enabler, PBC as a proven mechanism, and stronger procurement enforcement as the driver, TDA is committed to making Malaysia a leader in home-grown innovation and industrial strength.
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