AEON AND AEON Credit enter joint venture to develop a future-ready membership and data ecosystem
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Two of Malaysia’s leading public-listed companies under the AEON Group - AEON CO. (M) BHD. (“AEON”) and AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (“AEON Credit”) - have formalized a strategic joint venture (“JV”) to establish a new entity that will drive the integration of customer membership, data intelligence and digital engagement across the AEON ecosystem in Malaysia.
This initiative is anchored in AEON Group’s vision that “customers are our starting point” and embraces our mission “to create a future lifestyle that leads to a smile for each and every person.” Customers can look forward to seamless access to benefits across AEON’s retail stores, e-commerce, financial services and digital banking, as well as the access to use and redeem rewards in more ways than ever before, and timely offers that fit their needs - making every interaction simpler and more rewarding.
With the required regulatory approvals, the JV will be jointly owned by AEON Credit (51%) and AEON (49%), with an initial paid-up capital of RM50 million. The JV is set to become a centralised orchestration layer that brings together customer engagement, digital media, data analytics and marketing solutions across retail, finance, digital and lifestyle touchpoints within the AEON ecosystem.
“This JV unlocks the true ecosystem synergy - bringing together retail, financial services and digital capabilities to create seamless added value for our customers,” said Mr. Daisuke Maeda, Managing Director of AEON Credit.
Mr Maeda added, “With AEON Bank joining the synergy as the JV’s official bank, it strengthens our shared commitment to digital innovation and data-driven growth. AEON Bank will also support AEON partners through business banking solutions, complementing the JV’s role in driving platform partnerships that benefit all AEON Group’s customers.”
Beyond customer benefits, the new entity will also act as a commercial data and marketing exchange hub, enabling AEON Group companies and partners to engage with AEON’s large customer base with greater relevance and impact.
“By aligning our retail scale with AEON Credit’s digital and financial infrastructure, we are co-creating an intelligent membership ecosystem designed to grow with our customers,” said Mr. Naoya Okada, Managing Director of AEON. “This JV is a cornerstone of our long-term digital transformation and group synergy strategy.”
As part of its development, the JV will unify data and membership management across AEON’s entities - namely AEON, AEON BiG Sdn. Bhd., AEON Credit, and AEON Bank Berhad, establishing a foundation for deeper ecosystem integration and shared value creation.
The JV is expected to commence operations by the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory and operational readiness, marking a significant joint investment in future-proofing the AEON brand for a digital-first consumer era.
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U MOBILE ULTRA5G is at the forefront of delivering Malaysia's most powerful 5G experience with its next-generation network
Today, U Mobile launched ULTRA5G, its new brand name for its 5G experience at Berjaya Times Square (BTS), the telco’s headquarters. The telco believes the name ULTRA5G aptly emphasisesU Mobile’s commitment to ultra-fast speeds, ultra-reliable connectivity, and ultra-wide coverage.
U Mobile users at BTS will now see an ULTRA5G identifier on their devices, thanks to the telco’s In Building Coverage (IBC). This marks a key step forward in U Mobile’s strategy to deliver deep and consistent 5G coverage across both indoor and outdoor environments.
The ULTRA5G experience, powered by intelligent, enterprise-grade network technology, can meet the evolving needs of Malaysia’s digital future. To highlight the network capability of the ULTRA5G experience, U Mobile showcased several demonstrations, including Malaysia’s first 4K livestream of the 800-metre-long roller coaster ride at Berjaya Times Square Theme Park, Asia Pacific’s longest multi-inverted indoor ride that runs for approximately two and a half minutes per session. The livestream was designed to highlight the depth and consistency of ULTRA5G coverage, which successfully spanned the entire building and maintained a smooth, stable connection even as the roller coaster hit speeds of 70 km/h.
Beyond the livestream, to illustrate the network capability of the ULTRA5G experience, the telco also conducted an immersive mixed-reality experience and a 5G network slicing demonstration, showcasing service differentiation and ultra-reliable performance.
“U Mobile is proud to launch ULTRA5G, our brand new name for our 5G experience that is supported by our next gen network. As the nation’s newest 5G network provider, U Mobile is focused on enabling digital transformation for consumers and businesses alike. ULTRA5G brings enhanced digital experiences, from ultra-reliable streaming and immersive gaming to high-quality video calls in crowded areas. For enterprises, ULTRA5G opens doors to advanced use cases like XR, robotics, smart cities, and IR 4.0 automation. With deployment ahead of schedule, U Mobile is also doubling down on indoor coverage to ensure the widest and deepest 5G experience in Malaysia,” said Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile.
Apart from Berjaya Times Square, the telco’s 5G network coverage has also been made available at Penang Bridge 1, connecting the full length of the bridge with only two towers, delivering a seamless connectivity experience for daily commuters.
The event marks the start of U Mobile’s 5G next gen network going live with deployment targets to reach 80% Coverage of Populated Areas (CoPA) by the second half of 2026. U Mobile intends to provide regular updates on ULTRA5G availability, with rapid network deployment expected to cover strategic locations such as airports, hospitals, convention centres, and other high-impact indoor and outdoor areas nationwide. This is in line with the company’s commitment to delivering the widest and deepest 5G network in Malaysia. For more information on ULTRA5G, please visit: www.u.com.my
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TITAN Watches Sets the Stage For A Dynamic New Chapter In Malaysia
Marking a Major Milestone, the Global Watchmaker Partners with Marco Worldwide to Bring World-class Design and Innovation to Malaysian Consumers
Titan Company Limited, the fifth-largest watch manufacturer in the world and a name synonymous with precision and style, brings its signature blend of craftsmanship and innovation to Malaysia, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion journey. Through a strategic partnership with Marco Worldwide Sdn. Bhd. (Marco Worldwide), customers can now purchase Titan watches at authorised Marco Worldwide dealers or online via the official brand website.
A part of India’s prestigious TATA Group, Titan Company Limited has evolved into a global watch powerhouse, with a presence in over 25 countries and a watch sold every three seconds. In Malaysia, the brand offers an extensive line-up of designs across its diverse collections—catering to different styles, from minimalist everyday essentials to bold, high-concept statement pieces.
According to Mr Gaurav Midha, Head of Business, Titan Company Limited, the reintroduction of Titan in Malaysia marks a significant step in the brand’s global expansion strategy. With a rising demand for accessible luxury and fashion-forward accessories, Malaysia serves as a strategic gateway to deepen Titan’s footprint across the region.
“As one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and fast-evolving markets, Malaysia presents a unique blend of style-conscious consumers, a growing middle class, and an appreciation for quality craftsmanship—making it an ideal market for Titan’s diverse range of offerings,” added Mr Gaurav.
The brand’s new chapter was further commemorated with an official signing ceremony between Titan Company Limited and Marco Worldwide, signifying the beginning of their strategic collaboration in Malaysia. Backed by Marco Worldwide’s strong retail expertise and deep understanding of the local market, Titan Company Limited is confident in establishing a stronger brand presence—one that is accessible, stylish, and deeply relevant to Malaysian consumers.
"With Titan Company Limited’s global legacy and Marco Worldwide proven retail capabilities, this partnership sets the foundation for a bold new era in Malaysia’s watch landscape. Watches today are not just instruments of time, they are expressions of personality. Titan Company Limited understands that through this partnership, we’re proud to bring to Malaysians a brand that not only tells time but tells a story. We are truly excited to see what the future holds as we introduce more consumers to Titan’s unique blend of innovation and elegance,” said Mr SJ Ong, Executive Director, Marco Worldwide.
In celebration of this milestone, guests were treated to a curated fashion runway in collaboration with local designer brand Inisaya—renowned for its modern interpretations of traditional batik wear. The showcase artfully unveiled some of Titan’s notable creations, with each watch styled into a wearable statement that fused watch design with fashion identity — reinforcing Titan’s positioning as both a timekeeper and a style accessory.
The runway spotlighted four standout offerings from Titan’s portfolio—Edge, an ultra-slim marvel of minimalist engineering and winner of multiple Red Dot Design awards; Raga, a refined expression of feminine strength and elegance; Titan Automatics, which reveal mechanical artistry through open-heart dials and kinetic movement; and Titan Stellar, a collection inspired by celestial elements, crafted with rare materials and intricate complications. Together, these lines showcased Titan’s diverse design language—where innovation, craftsmanship, and style converge.
Titan Company Limited’s global reputation is backed by award-winning design innovation, having received several international accolades including a nomination at the prestigious Grand Prix d' Horlogerie de Genève 2024 (GPHG). The brand’s commitment to timeless craftsmanship, modern aesthetics, and accessible luxury makes it a natural fit for Malaysia’s evolving fashion forward consumers. To find out more about Titan watches, visit Marco Worldwide authorised dealers or log on to https://titanwatches.my/
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HEINEKEN MALAYSIA REPORTS 2Q & 1H FY2025 RESULTS
The Group Remains Focused on Driving Growth by
Leveraging Strategic Commercial and Digital Opportunities while Improving Operational Efficiencies
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2QFY25 Results:
1H FY25 Results:
Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia) announced its financial results for the second quarter and half year ended 30 June 2025, reporting a minor decline in revenue and profit compared to the same period in 2024, amid evolving market dynamics. In the second quarter of 2025, the Group recorded revenue of RM540 million, a 5% decrease compared to 2024, reflecting a more cautious consumer sentiment. The Group’s PBT stood at RM109 million, a 9% decrease versus the same quarter last year, primarily due to softer revenue and increased cost pressures.
The Group continues to invest in commercial initiatives and digital infrastructure through the implementation of HEINEKEN’s Digital Backbone, a digital transformation programme designed to unlock the power of data, streamline processes and boost innovation to support long-term growth. This initiative is part of the Group’s EverGreen strategy to future-proof its business.
For the first half of 2025, the Group recorded revenue of RM1.30 billion, a 4% decrease when compared to the same period last year. PBT also eased by 4% year-on-year. This performance was attributable to a combination of factors including the timing of Chinese New Year, moderated consumer demand and the Group’s continued investments in commercial initiatives and digital infrastructure.
Commenting on the results, Martijn van Keulen, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, said, "The first six months of 2025 have been marked by a dynamic and evolving market landscape. Although we saw a moderation in consumer demand following the festive season and more cautious spending, our focus remains clear as we are committed to delivering our EverGreen strategy. We will continue investing in our core brands, by driving innovation and impactful activations that deepen connection with our consumers and leveraging digital capabilities.”
Key activations include:
The Board has declared a single tier interim dividend of 40 sen per stock unit for the financial year ending 31 December 2025 to be paid on 30 October 2025. The entitlement date for the dividend payment is 9 October 2025. Total dividend declared for the six months ended 30 June 2025 is 40 sen per stock unit.
On outlook, Martijn shared, “Despite the ongoing macroeconomic challenges, we remain agile and forward-looking by harnessing the power of digital solutions and data-driven decision- making. This approach strengthens HEINEKEN Malaysia’s long-term resilience to ensure we stay relevant to our customers and consumers in a dynamic market environment.”
The Group continues to prioritise its EverGreen strategy, which drives superior and balanced growth by aligning topline expansion, profitability, and capital efficiency with sustainable and responsible business practices. This integrated approach enables the Group to create long-term value for both shareholders and stakeholders, while contributing meaningfully to Malaysia’s broader socio-economic progress.
Reinforcing its sustainability leadership, the Company recently received several recognitions from the Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards 2025 and The Star ESG Positive Impact Awards 2024, including the coveted title of Most Outstanding ESG Initiative for Large Companies for its Water Management and Efficiency programme. In addition, HEINEKEN Malaysia was officially certified as a Great Place to Work®, affirming its people-first culture and dedication to employee engagement.
In terms of challenges, illicit alcohol continues to pose a significant challenge for the industry. The Group commends the ongoing enforcement efforts by the Royal Malaysian Customs to protect government revenue and safeguard consumers. Any increase in taxes could unintentionally drive demand for illicit products. HEINEKEN Malaysia will continue working closely with the authorities to combat illicit trade through collaboration and market education. For more information on HEINEKEN Malaysia, please visit www.heinekenmalaysia.com.
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