Auto ConneXion-Ford Drives Positive Impact in Malaysian Chapter of Global CSR Initiative ‘Ford Building Together’

For more than 122 years, Ford has stood with communities through good times and bad, driven by a belief that a stronger future is one that is built together. This spirit is at the heart of the global corporate social responsibility initiative ‘Ford Building Together’. Upholding the global commitment to give back, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford (Auto ConneXion-Ford) positively impacted 600 Malaysian beneficiaries from underserved communities in Klang Valley, Penang, Ipoh, and Kuantan in an 11-day campaign, providing crucial food aid and basic healthcare services with the support of 55 Ford volunteers. 

Auto ConneXion, the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in the country, selected a diverse cross-section of vulnerable groups, including B40 families, persons with disabilities (OKU), single mothers, Asnaf Fakir and Miskin, and the Orang Asli who would benefit most from the impact-driven aid.

The campaign’s state-by-state support comprised:

• *Klang Valley: 200 beneficiaries (B40, Asnaf, and OKU communities at Pangsapuri Putra Ria & Abdullah Hukum).
• *Penang: 100 beneficiaries (B40 and Asnaf communities in George Town & Jalan Patani).
• *Ipoh: 150 beneficiaries (Single mothers, B40, and Asnaf communities in Sungai Rokam).
• *Kuantan: 150 beneficiaries (The indigenous Orang Asli community in Kampung Paya Bungor, Gambang).

Jane Holloway, Senior Manager, Ford Philanthropy, International Markets Group, said, “At Ford, our mission goes beyond building high-quality vehicles. We are committed to empowering communities worldwide and driving positive change. Ford Building Together reflects our belief that when we unite with partners, volunteers, and communities, we can make a lasting difference.”

A cornerstone of the local campaign was the deployment of the Ford Mobile Clinic launched in February this year. The Ford Mobile Clinic, a collaborative effort involving Auto ConneXion-Ford, Yayasan Sime Darby, Ford Philanthropy, and MyFundAction, mobilised healthcare professionals to all four locations to provide essential healthcare services in rural areas.

Turse Zuhair Nahason Affan, Managing Director of Auto ConneXion-Ford, highlighted the local programme’s alignment with the global initiative: “Bringing the ‘full power of Ford’ to Malaysia means more than just financial contributions; it’s the driving force behind our Ford Building Together global initiative. We are dedicated to combining the passion of our employees and the strength of our dealer network to address the needs of local communities in Malaysia. By working together, we not only provide necessary aid where it matters most but we also foster genuine, lasting relationships as we work towards building a sustainable future for all.”

Premised on the global values of being grounded in action and partnership, the successful Malaysian initiative reflects the dedication of passionate volunteers from Auto ConneXion-Ford’s management and staff, its nationwide network of authorised Ford dealers, and strategic partnership with non-profit MyFundAction, which was instrumental in planning the on-ground execution.

Turse Zuhair added, “We are grateful to the entire team who made the Ford Building Together programme here heartfelt and meaningful, sharing precious time and skills to bring hope and wellbeing to locals in need. The company remains unwavering in our journey to foster empowerment and impact, one location at a time.”

The Malaysian activity was a key part of Ford’s annual Global Caring Month, a worldwide volunteer programme under Ford Philanthropy. This local effort contributed to what became the World's Largest Auto Dealer Food Drive, held under the Ford Building Together initiative. which saw over 1,600 Ford dealers across 31 countries collect more than 2 million pounds (over 907,000 kg) of food, far surpassing the initial target of distributing 500,000 kg of food aid. 

The recent effort builds upon Auto ConneXion-Ford’s established legacy of community support in Malaysia, which includes past projects like the Clean Water Project in Gerik and Operation Better World in Kuala Lumpur.

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Carabat AI Unveils Smart Living Gallery with Advanced Made-In-Malaysia Technologies for the Home 

Carabat AI, a Malaysian innovator in smart living technology,  today launched its first Smart Living Gallery at its SS15 flagship store here in Subang Jaya. The  launch marks a significant milestone for the company, bringing together its four core brands— Carabat AI, ExVix, Nuraiv and Quantro—into a single purposed built showcase to demonstrate  how connected home living technologies can be practical and accessible while delivering great 

value for money. 

The Smart Living Gallery presents an integrated showcase of Carabat AI’s ecosystem powered  by the Astana App, the company’s proprietary platform that connects smart switches, sensors,  air solutions and security devices into one seamless interface. Designed to resemble a real  home, the gallery allows visitors to experience how different technologies work together to  support daily routines. 

“Many Malaysians are curious about smart living, but they want to see how it truly fits into  everyday life,” said Shafiq Jailani, Chief Executive Officer of Carabat AI.  

“The Smart Living Gallery shows, in a practical and relatable way, how connected systems can  improve comfort, efficiency and peace of mind. Our goal has always been to make smart living  simple rather than intimidating, and the gallery brings that vision to life,” he added. 

Within the gallery, each of Carabat AI’s brands plays a distinct role in creating a cohesive smart  living experience. Carabat AI leads the premium smart home category with AI-enabled  devices, while ExVix provides affordable automation options for households seeking essential  functions. Nuraiv enhances indoor environments through air quality solutions, and Quantro  introduces modern kitchen appliances that complement contemporary home needs.  Together, these brands form a flexible ecosystem that can be customised to suit different  lifestyles, preferences and budgets. 

At the heart of this ecosystem is the Astana App, which removes the need for multiple  applications to control different devices. By consolidating lighting, air management, energy  use and home security into one unified interface, it simplifies the smart living experience and  makes it more accessible for homeowners navigating multi-brand setups. 

All technologies featured in the Smart Living Gallery meet international quality standards and  support multiple connectivity protocols, ensuring long-term compatibility as households 

expand or upgrade their devices. This future-ready approach allows Malaysians to adopt  smart living at their own pace while maintaining flexibility for evolving needs. 

As smart home adoption continues to grow in Malaysia, the company remains committed to  offering reliable and affordable products designed with local insights in mind. The gallery  serves as a tangible showcase of this mission, bringing together global engineering standards  and practical applications within a modern Malaysian household setting. 

For more information on Carabat AI’s smart living solutions and brand portfolio, please visit  www.carabat-ai.com. 

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UNIQLO Malaysia Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Thank You Festival Limited Offers on Popular Everyday Apparels, Exclusive Gifts, and More!

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO announces the return of its ‘Thank You’ Festival, a week-long celebration dedicated to appreciating customers for their continued support.  This year’s event is especially meaningful as it coincides with UNIQLO Malaysia’s 15th anniversary, marking a double celebration of gratitude and togetherness. From 21 to 27 November, shoppers can look forward to exclusive offers, special gifts, and limited-edition collections available in stores and online.

This year’s ‘Thank You’ Festival features limited-time offers on UNIQLO’s most on-demand LifeWear essentials, including HEATTECH innerwear, Souffle Yarn knits, Fleece jackets, Seamless Down, PUFFTECH outerwear, and AIRism tops. 

Customers will also be able to explore an exciting lineup of designer collaborations, including Clare Waight Keller’s latest collection , the UNIQLO x JW Anderson lineup, and UNIQLO U T-shirts. A new range of KAWS items will also launch on 21 November, coinciding with the ‘Thank You’ Festival. The offerings extend to kids and baby apparel as well, with pieces designed for comfort, and everyday adventure.

Held annually, the ‘Thank You’ Festival is UNIQLO’s way of expressing its appreciation to its customers, by offering limited-time deals and promotions along with new collection launches. This year, the brand celebrates as a way of giving back to the community that has grown with the brand over the past 15 years.

“The ‘Thank You’ Festival is our way of expressing sincere appreciation to the communities who have welcomed UNIQLO and LifeWear into their daily lives. We look forward to welcoming our customers with exciting in-store experiences, enticing novelty products, and LifeWear essentials at specially curated prices”, said Daniel Pieter, Marketing Director, UNIQLO Malaysia. 

Special Gift:

• *Receive a special edition UNIQLO Canvas Tote Bag with RM300 spend or more in a single receipt, in-store and online. 

Same Day Click & Collect

• *Place your order on Uniqlo website https://www.uniqlo.com/my/en/special-feature/kanshasai  before 12PM for same-day delivery at selected stores.

15 Popular Essentials: 

Join the celebration of the Uniqlo Thank You Festival in all Uniqlo stores nationwide and online at https://www.uniqlo.com/my/en/special-feature/kanshasai.   

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AEON INTRODUCES AEON STYLE SUPERMARKET - DELIVERING A MODERN AND CONVENIENT SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

AEON CO. (M) BHD. (“AEON”) is set to open its brand-new AEON STYLE Supermarket at Setia EcoHill, Semenyih. The supermarket will welcome customers starting 12 December 2025.

AEON STYLE Supermarket offers freshness, variety and convenient as its priorities. This modern supermarket concept elevates the everyday shopping experience by offering high-quality products, diverse selections, and an efficient layout that caters to the fast-paced lifestyles of today’s shoppers.

Customers can look forward to an exceptional fresh-food experience. The produce section showcases an expanded selection, including more than 30 Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) or assortments of fresh tomatoes. High quality Japanese fruits like strawberries, pears and apples are freshly air-flown to ensure peak taste and quality, while vegetables from countries like Australia provide even greater diversity.

Seafood lovers will enjoy the availability of live prawns, as well as a wide range of fresh fillet cuts including Atlantic Salmon, Fjord Trout and Tuna. Adding to the excitement, seasonal highlights such as Atlantic King Crab and freshwater fish are also available.

For those who enjoy exploring international flavours, the supermarket features over 2,000 imported food items. The Asian Food section, for instance, presents an extensive array of frozen products and everyday groceries from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China, allowing customers to conveniently bring home authentic tastes from across the region. Imported meat selections further expand the experience, giving customers the opportunity to recreate global dishes from the comfort of their kitchens.

In line with modern lifestyles, AEON STYLE Supermarket Setia EcoHill features an expanded Ready-To-Eat selection. All prepared to offer convenient meal solutions for busy customers. For lovers of bakery products, there is a tempting range of freshly made treats, including signature mini tarts in various flavours and healthy bread like the sourdough bread. Beyond the bakery products, customers also can pick up lunch boxes and ‘bentos’ featuring both local and Japanese menus, along with DIY-style options such as smoothies and instant noodles. 

The customer shopping experience is further enhanced by a comprehensive range from AEON’s exclusive TOPVALU brand. Known for its quality and affordability, TOPVALU features a thoughtfully curated selection of local and international products. Shoppers can find signature essentials such as TOPVALU’s extra virgin olive oil, along with a variety of high-quality household necessities and food items to meet everyday needs. 

To enhance convenience, AEON STYLE Supermarket Setia EcoHill incorporates innovative retail technology, including smart trolleys, self-checkout (SCO) counters, an AI weighing machine, and an avocado scanner for a smoother, faster shopping journey. Flexibility in delivery and pick-up is available through services such as FoodPanda and Click & Collect. A special pre-order feature will also be introduced, allowing customers to reserve selected products and meals in advance for guaranteed freshness upon collection. 

Expressing his enthusiasm for the launch, Naoya Okada, Managing Director of AEON CO. (M) BHD., shared, “We are delighted to open our doors in this dynamic and growing community. AEON STYLE Supermarket reflects our mission to modernise the retail experience while staying true to our core value of serving customers. This new concept will introduce a refreshed and elevated shopping experience for our customers. Setia EcoHill will be an important addition to our network, reinforcing our presence in the Southern Klang Valley region. We are confident that this new supermarket will attract shoppers and contribute to a vibrant retail environment.”

The opening of AEON STYLE Supermarket Setia EcoHill represents a significant step in AEON’s ongoing transformation journey. It underscores AEON’s wider strategy to innovate and refresh its retail formats, strengthening its position as a preferred destination for Malaysian shoppers. More AEON STYLE Supermarket locations are planned in the coming years, bringing added convenience and wider choices to communities nationwide.

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