The post The One Stop Shop for Paintings and Antiques appeared first on ExpatGo.
]]>The Art House Gallery
Occupying 7,000 sq.ft. in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Art House Gallery is the complete gallery to satisfy your needs for house furnishing, housing projects, office decor, and exotic gifts.
Artists and Artworks.
We have a curated selection of artists from Malaysia and Southeast Asia, with works in Oil Painting, Watercolour, Acrylic, Chinese ink & colour in a variety of styles from the classic to the post modern. If you seek it here, you will find.
Antiques Local, Regional and International.
Our local antiques range specialize in Nyonya Baba, Malay, ethnic art from Peninsular Malaysia (Orang Asli), and Dayak from Borneo and Indonesia. We pride ourselves as specialists in China antiques including furniture and porcelain. We can also restore and remount traditional Chinese paintings. Indochina antiques from Burma, Thai, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam in the form from paintings, textiles, and other esoterics also fall within our scope.
We not only sell, but also buy and trade in paintings and antiques, with connection to numerous reputable international art auctions – perfect for collectors and decorators alike.
Our Borneo Ethnographic Art Museum
Experience our exclusive Borneo ethnographic art museum, featuring curated exhibits that celebrate the unique culture of the region. Join us for art tours and lectures, and dive deeper into our collection with the book “Magic and Art of Borneo.”
Your journey into heritage and art begins with us, in Central Market at the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Explore our collection, immerse yourself, and bring home the perfect objet d’art.
Address: Lot 3.02&3.03, 2nd Floor, Annexe Building, Central Market No. 10, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
OPENING HOURS: 10:30am to 6:45pm daily
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: Leonard at 012-3886868
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]]>The post Eyewear Redefined: Gucci and Montblanc’s Fall-Winter 2024 Collections appeared first on ExpatGo.
]]>Kering Eyewear presents a dynamic fusion of craftsmanship, innovation, and luxury in the latest collections from Gucci and Montblanc. Both brands, renowned for their distinctive styles, have launched their Fall-Winter 2024 eyewear lines, offering a fresh perspective on high-end eyewear for the modern consumer.
Gucci’s Fall-Winter 2024 Eyewear Collection is a masterclass in design that blends timeless elegance with a contemporary edge. The collection, filled with sophisticated details and intricate craftsmanship, highlights the brand’s dedication to creating eyewear that is both luxurious and functional. Each piece in the lineup brings together classic elements with modern materials, from bold oversized frames to sleek, minimal profiles.
The materials used in this collection span a range of finishes, from shiny and matte to transparent effects, highlighting the oversized geometric shapes and streamlined profiles. Gucci’s signature elements, such as the Interlocking G logo and the iconic script, are featured throughout, presented in luminous gold and silver finishes, as well as in new embossed and lacquered versions.
A standout feature of this collection is the use of bilayer acetate structures, giving a nod to the ‘90s with bold contours, Square G details, and GG patterns accentuated with enamel and crystals. The lightweight metal frames also make a statement, with signature fork temples, Web-toned plaques, and elongated Horsebit details that bring a refined touch to the sportier designs.
Gucci also takes a step towards sustainability with a limited edition of numbered frames made from ReAce, a 100% recycled material derived from pre-consumer acetate scraps. Each frame has a unique pattern, formed from a mix of shavings that are molded into thick constructions, creating a one-of-a-kind accessory for eco-conscious fashion lovers.
Montblanc’s Fall-Winter 2024 Eyewear Collection, under the creative direction of Marco Tomasetta, is a celebration of the brand’s evolving legacy. Known for its meticulous craftsmanship and timeless designs, Montblanc’s latest collection merges elegance with everyday functionality, offering a range of sunglasses and optical frames that cater to the modern, discerning consumer.
The designs in this collection are inspired by Montblanc’s iconic Meisterstück writing instrument, celebrating its 100th anniversary with subtle yet refined elements. Slim contours, sleek metal rings, and the signature Snowcap emblem are featured throughout, giving a nod to the brand’s heritage. The Nib, a visual symbol derived from Montblanc’s famous pens, is prominently displayed on acetate, metal, and modern mixed-material structures, adding a touch of sophistication to the geometric profiles and navigator styles.
The Montblanc collection also features the dynamic Extreme 3.0 pattern, which is skillfully reproduced on rubber temples and classic rectangular frames. This sportier aesthetic is perfect for those seeking a combination of style and functionality, while the black-and-white Snowcap emblem further reinforces the brand’s connection to the majestic Mont Blanc mountain.
Montblanc’s eyewear offerings balance style and practicality, with frames that are designed to be comfortable for everyday wear, while still making a statement. The combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern design elements makes this collection a must-have for those who appreciate quality and luxury.
Both Gucci and Montblanc’s Fall-Winter 2024 collections demonstrate the brands’ dedication to innovation and luxury, offering eyewear that transcends fashion trends. Gucci’s blend of bold, oversized frames with classic design elements showcases the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries, while Montblanc’s refined craftsmanship and timeless elegance offer a more understated yet equally luxurious option.
For fashion-forward consumers, these collections provide not only eyewear that enhances their style but also reflects their appreciation for craftsmanship and heritage. Whether you’re drawn to Gucci’s daring designs or Montblanc’s sleek sophistication, the Fall-Winter 2024 collections are sure to elevate your eyewear game.
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]]>The post BoozeiT Publika Unveils a Whole New Look appeared first on ExpatGo.
]]>BoozeiT, one of Malaysia’s most well-known liquor retailers, has reopened its flagship store within Ben’s Independent Grocer at Publika after an extensive transformation, offering a massively refined and upgraded shopping experience. Established in 2011, this location serves as BoozeiT’s headquarters and was the brand’s first retail outlet.
Over the years, BoozeiT has continuously grown, and with this latest renovation, the flagship store at Publika aims to provide customers with an enhanced and more immersive experience. We visited and explored the refreshed space recently and loved it. Wines, spirits, and specialty drinks are all found here. The grocery store itself is fantastic, and BoozeiT’s new, larger space makes it even better. This is destination booze shopping at its finest!
Previously, BoozeiT operated in a smaller space with a cluttered layout, making navigation somewhat challenging for customers. Today, the store has expanded to a spacious 2,800 square feet, with neatly categorised sections and dedicated areas that allow for easier browsing and a more enjoyable shopping experience.
The newly revamped store features a sleek, modern design with a brighter and more open layout. Central to the store is a newly introduced dining area where patrons can enjoy fine wines and gourmet dishes with friends, all at more accessible price points. We loved this feature of BoozeiT’s space!
Among BoozeiT’s highlights is a temperature-controlled cold room displaying a rare selection of premium wines. The collection includes the Duclot Bordeaux Collection 2017, priced at RM100,000, exclusive limited-edition bottles from Bond, the Krug Champagne Collection, and a 1967 Macallan, valued at RM400,000. Few liquor retailers in Malaysia can offer such an extraordinary array of rare and premium options.
With over 3,500 stock-keeping units (SKUs) and an inventory valued at over RM4 million, BoozeiT is the largest liquor retailer in Malaysia by stock quantity. The retailer operates 32 branches nationwide, including three in Johor Bahru, with the rest located in the Klang Valley. BoozeiT plans to upgrade other branches, with the Bangsar Village 1 outlet being next in line for renovations, further elevating the brand’s retail experience.
As part of BoozeiT Publika’s grand reopening celebration, Choya, Japan’s leading umeshu brand, introduced four new varieties to the Malaysian market:
During the launch, guests enjoyed tastings of the new Choya products, as well as unique cocktails and desserts. Jensen, the Choya importer, led the media on a tour of the cold room, introducing the limited-edition 18-year-old umeshu, priced at RM13,500, with only two bottles available in Malaysia.
At the same event, Ms. Haze Shi, COO and PA to the Chairman of MTBL, presented the “Moutai Bulao.” This special product in the Moutai series is produced by Guizhou Moutai Distillery Group Health Wine Co., Ltd. Like its famous counterpart, Moutai Bulao is made from premium sorghum and wheat and undergoes traditional brewing techniques in Guizhou. Aged for a minimum of three years, the drink retains the rich aroma and long aftertaste of Moutai, while its formula has been adjusted to reduce spiciness and increase sweetness, making it more appealing to overseas consumers.
To commemorate BoozeiT Publika’s grand reopening, a range of exclusive promotions has been launched to reward loyal customers for their 13 years of support:
BoozeiT and Choya invite customers to experience the revamped BoozeiT Publika, with its improved shopping experience and exceptional selection of premium wines.
For more information, visit the official BoozeiT Facebook page: @BoozeiT Retail. Drop by the store inside Ben’s Independent Grocer at Publika.
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]]>The post Cheers to a Bolder Tomorrow with Tiger this Year of the Dragon appeared first on ExpatGo.
]]>As the Chinese New Year (CNY) approaches, Tiger Beer is urging its fans in Malaysia to not only set goals for the upcoming year, but also to reflect on their achievements. Harnessing the symbolic power of the Tiger and the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac, Tiger Beer is initiating its CNY 2024 campaign with a call to celebrate accomplishments and foster the courage to aspire to even greater heights in the year ahead.
The CNY campaign is set to take center stage in selected malls, transforming concourse areas into vibrant spaces of celebration. Commencing from the 11th to the 28th of January at Sunway Velocity (Kuala Lumpur), 24th January to 12th February at Gurney Plaza (Penang), and 23rd January to 9th February at Ipoh Parade (Ipoh), these activations promise an immersive experience. Shoppers stand a chance to win exclusive merchandise, including limited-edition Year of the Dragon items from Tiger’s exclusive collaboration with Against Lab. An enticing highlight is the opportunity to win a personalised Tiger six-pack with customised greetings, injecting a personalised touch into the festive season.
Simultaneously, Tiger Beer is launching exciting promotions across supermarkets and hypermarkets in Peninsular Malaysia. Until 10th February 2024, purchasers of selected Heineken Malaysia Berhad brews can enjoy complimentary La Gourmet Multi Electric Grills, Hotpots, or Reunion Dish Plate Sets.
Notably, selected 99 Speedmarts offer another avenue for rewards. Until 15th February 2024, buying two cartons of participating HEINEKEN Malaysia brands can fetch a free thermoflask. Tiger is also extending its celebration to coffee shops and food courts from 22nd December to 24th February 2024, featuring performances, promotions, and giveaways. Patrons buying big bottles of Tiger, Tiger Crystal, Heineken, and Guinness can check under their bottle caps for chances to redeem an RM8,888 Cash Prize, the Tiger Mahjong Set, or a Reunion Dish Plate Set.
In a bid to heighten the festive spirit, Tiger Beer offers opportunities to win an iPhone 15 Pro Max or RM88 TnG e-wallet credits. From 25th December to 25th February 2024, purchasing any two cans of beers under HEINEKEN Malaysia’s brands at convenience stores, provisions, and mini markets enters consumers into the contest. Additionally, shoppers spending RM90 and above on participating brands at pubs and bars until 24th February 2024 stand a chance to win RM388 TnG E-Wallet Credit or a Heineken Poker Set.
For those preferring online purchases, Drinkies provides a platform to acquire favorite brews and enjoy exclusive offers. From 2nd to 31st January 2024, purchasing carton bundles on Drinkies entitles consumers to a La Gourmet Multi Electric Grill and Hotpot. Gift options are also available, with the Tiger CNY gift wrap on Drinkies featuring festive greetings.
For comprehensive details on promotions and redemption processes, visit www.tigercny.tigerbeer.com. Stay updated on the latest developments by checking out the brand’s Instagram and Facebook. Note that Tiger and all related promotions are exclusively for non-Muslims aged 21 and above, promoting responsible consumption and discouraging drinking and driving.
Cheers to a bolder tomorrow!
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]]>The post Shopping Roundup For Fall 2022 appeared first on ExpatGo.
]]>The next chapter in Aēsop’s fragrance collection is inspired by liminal spaces both real and imagined, transporting the wearer to the edge of a pond, peering into its reflective surface.
Touted as a magnetic blend paying homage to the Greek myth of Narcissus, Eidesis was created with long-term Aēsop fragrance partner Barnabé Fillion. It’s the latest offering in the Othertopias range, which taps into a dreamy scent fantasy storyboard, with fragrant notes including petitgrain, black pepper, cumin, and frankincense.
Designed for those seeking complex and unique aromas that know no gender boundaries, Eidesis Eau de Parfum honours the imaginary worlds beyond the surface of the mirror – fusing floral notes redolent of the pool or looking glass, with an earthy, woody base of vetiver, sandalwood, and cedar.
Wearers will enjoy the delicate florals, which are artfully woven into the woodiness, rather than being an overpowering scent of their own, making Eidesis a genuinely terrific unisex fragrance that has been receiving rave reviews since it was launched earlier this month.
The packaging is smart and the chic bottle will look stylish on any surface, and we bet you’ll love the beguiling scent of Eidesis Eau de Parfum.
Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company, and a global leader in lifestyle and performance footwear, recently announced a new launch of the Max Cushioning series. The collection features three new lines: Max Cushioning Delta, Max Cushioning Hyper Craze, and Max Cushioning Essential.The new range is available online at www.skechers.com.my, Lazada, Shopee, and selected stores, and it will still be launched progressively until the end of this year for Max Cushioning Delta, Max Cushioning Hyper Craze and Max Cushioning Essential.
Building upon the existing range, this new launch is the fourth generation of the Max Cushioning line and features a collection specially designed for fitness enthusiasts of all levels.The latest iteration has been crafted to provide a comfortable, cushioned experience that stays consistent no matter how long you wear the shoes and offers excellent support.
Max Cushioning Delta strikes an outstanding balance between those who want to have a stylish pair of shoes but can also keep up with regular workout sessions in a gym. The Delta also features Goodyear® Performance Outsole for excellent traction for running outdoors andon the track.
Max Cushioning Hyper Craze is for hardcore fitness fanatics who want a comfortable and durable shoe to keep up with their intense workout sessions. It features the Goodyear®Performance Outsole and the HYPER BURST® cushioning to ensure consistent comfort no matter how demanding the wearer is.
Max Cushioning Essential is excellent for those who do light workouts and value comfort and support but also want a pair of durable, light and easy shoes to wear while out and about during your day. These are great for those who want an all-purpose pair of shoes.
Finally, in conjunction with the launch of Skechers Max Cushioning, the Skechers Friendship Walk 2022 is happening on 30th Oct 2022 at Piazza, Pavilion Bukit Jalil. Come dressed in your best fit to stand a chance to win RM1,000 worth of Skechers Apparels! Get 30% OFF Skechers Voucher and stand a chance to win 1 Year’s Supply of Skechers Shoes (T&Cs Apply). CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Recently launched in Malaysia, this unique Cognac, the Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal, commemorates the reward of excellence bestowed on Rémy Martin by King Louis XV of France in 1738.
This elegant Cognac is a blend of uniquely oaky eaux-de-vie, particularly smooth and memorable. A long and especially soft barrel toasting brings extraordinary smoothness and subtle notes of toasted bread, vanilla, and brioche to 1738 Accord Royal.
Like all Cognacs, this one can be enjoyed neat, on ice, or in a cocktail. Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal is highly recommended in classic cocktails like the Sidecar, in a Collins, or in signature cocktails made by the most talented bartenders. The 1738 Accord Royal mixes marvellously with citrus-forward flavours.
We love the Sidecar (pictured above), a timeless, balanced cocktail which offers nice complexity and yet is easy to make:
Combine in a shaker with ice, give it a good shake, and strain into a coupe or coupette glass. Garnish with an orange peel to complete the effect! (Simply double the measurements for two cocktails.)
Look for Rémy Cointreau 1738 Accord Royal Cognac wherever fine spirits are sold.
La Prairie sought to master the harmony of youth – a harmony that is fleeting. The scientific pursuit culminated in a breakthrough centred on skin ligaments, the skin’s vertical pillars that are directly correlated to essential elements of facial harmony – something that was as yet unaddressed by skincare.
Ever the pioneers, La Prairie scientists entered into a collaboration with a Swiss bioanalytical laboratory to develop ground-breaking test protocols that allowed them to identify and quantify components of skin ligaments. Based on this, La Prairie created an ideal blend of proprietary caviar ingredients, augmented with a specific high-efficacy active, designed to help visibly strengthen and re-densify the skin. The result is Caviar Infinite: the culmination of 35 years of Caviar Science, mastered.
Beads of the potent extract delicately melts into the surrounding gel upon application with its texture transforming into a light, refreshing fluid that infuses skin with an immediate tensing sensation and a satin-smooth finish. Over time, contours appear resculpted, volume feels regained and the appearance of wrinkles is reduced.
To celebrate the launch of Skin Caviar Harmony L’Extrait, La Prairie invites you to the Skin Caviar Lab at South Atrium, Gardens Mall from September 19 – October 2, where you can discover and experience the world of La Prairie:
To participate, please register to pre-book your visit at www.lpcaviarlab.com
Internationally renowned German sportswear brand MOROTAI launched in Malaysia in September, in an event that evoked the spirit of ‘Let’s Rise Malaysia’.
Originating from Birkenfeld, Germany, MOROTAI is named after the Indonesian island of Morotai, which gained fame as the location where Japanese soldier Nakamura Terua attempted to defend on his own as the last remaining soldier until 1974, not knowing that World War II had ended. Intrigued by this story, MOROTAI founder Rafy Ahmed wanted to channel this combative history into the brand’s philosophy, to awaken the fighting spirit and potential in everyone, regardless of their motivations.
As a sports brand that combines style and quality with maximum functionality, MOROTAI aims to simplify the lives of athletes with intelligent and innovative technologies. The brand’s product portfolio offers a range of collections suited for the diversity of everyday life. This includes innovative and high performance functional sportswear from the Engineered Line; pleasantly soft, light and comfortable travel clothes in the Sakura Travel Line; sporty, elegant and perfectly fitted swimwear from the Lake Constance line; and the MOROTAI Youth line to appeal to the younger demographic. MOROTAI is also coming up with their newest modest sportswear collection for the modest market in Asia.
To learn more, visit www.morotai.my.
Garmin Malaysia has announced its latest addition to the Approach series of GPS golf products – the Approach S42 GPS golf smartwatch, packed with over 42,000 preloaded courses, offers excellent battery life and supports connectivity with Garmin’s very own club tracking sensor and the Garmin golf app.
The lightweight Approach S42 presents an easy-to-read 1.2-inch colour touchscreen display with a sleek design that smoothly transitions from a daily timepiece to a comprehensive golf watch. On the course, golfers can rely on a wide range of features, including the AutoShot round analyser which tracks and records shot distances.
The Approach S42 can be worn on and off the golf course to access smart notifications and activity-tracking features such as steps, sleep, calories, vibration alerts, move bar, and built-in sports profiles. Switching bands on the Approach S42 is simple; golfers can opt for a stylish or sporty look.
The Garmin Approach S42 is a GPS golf smartwatch designed for lowering your score on the course and upping your style off the course. The equipped tracking sensor and Garmin golf application make it easier than ever to upload scorecards, review performance stats and much more.
To learn more, kindly visit www.garmin.com.my/approach.
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]]>The post 4 Ways to Cure Foot Pain Caused By Improper Footwear appeared first on ExpatGo.
]]>You are probably familiar with the pain in your feet. You may think it is normal to feel sore after a run or long walk.
However, if you are experiencing foot pain that lasts longer than 24 hours, you should take it more seriously. You may need to look at what you are doing wrong with your feet.
The following reasons we will mention below may apply to you. Keep reading.
The foot pain occurs when the muscles around the ankle become tight. This causes the bones to rub against each other, creating friction and eventually leading to inflammation.
If the muscles around the ankles get too tight, they can cause swelling as well as cramping. In addition, the pain can spread up into the calf muscle, knee joint, and even hip area.
One of the main factors that directly contribute to your foot pain is improper footwear.
A poorly fitted shoe is simply footwear that does not properly fit the wearer’s foot. As a result, it allows excessive movement and pressure on the body, leading to injuries such as blisters, calluses, and corns.
When you wear shoes that do not fit properly, they exert pressure on your feet. This pressure can cause injury.
Also, high heels can cause severe damage to your feet. Therefore, it is important to find comfortable shoes and support your feet.
The best way to avoid foot pain in the long run is by wearing proper footwear.
Your shoes should provide enough support and cushioning so that your feet remain healthy. They should also allow your toes to move freely without causing discomfort.
With Fly Flot shoes, you can be assured of a comfortable fit as well as long-lasting durability.
Fly Flot shoes are designed for the foot, which is open and flexible. In addition, Fly Flots are lightweight and provide good support, making them perfect for all-day wear.
They’re made from flexible, durable material so that they won’t break easily. And because they feature an extra thick cushioning layer underfoot, they provide superior support for everyday activities.
Rubberized grips allow for a firm grasp even if they become slick when wet, providing added safety in slippery conditions.
Fly Flot shoes have spinal support that helps to reduce harmful vibrations to the spine.
The sole has been specially designed with a soft polyurethane outsole that absorbs shock and vibration. As a result, it reduces the risk of injury caused by repetitive motion.
It helps to reduce plantar pressure by protecting the foot from ground pressure and impact forces. Improper footwear is the leading cause of foot pain. Therefore, wearing Fly Flot shoes will make them comfortable for long periods of standing or walking, even on uneven surfaces like cobblestones, gravel, and grass.
People find comfort in wearing shoes to be very important. Fly Flot shoes offer great comfort while still being lightweight and breathable.
Because of their flexibility, these shoes are easy to put on and take off. You will not feel any discomfort after putting them on.
This means that you can enjoy more time doing what you love without having to worry about uncomfortable shoes.
The amount of time we spend wearing shoes has increased exponentially over the years. More and more people are looking for ways to make their feet feel better. Thus, new shoe technology is being developed to help people avoid blisters, foot pain, and other issues.
Fly Flot shoes come with a unique design that provides a greater sense of safety and security. The sole features a soft rubber outsole with a built-in arch support system. This provides additional stability and protection against falls.
Check out our Fly Flot shoes HERE, where you can purchase our footwear online with FREE delivery nationwide!
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]]>The post Presenting Pieces of History with Art House Gallery appeared first on ExpatGo.
]]>Established in the 1970s by Mr Yiu Hong as the first local private gallery in Malaysia, Art House Gallery (AHG) has since become a one-stop-shop for the arts. Currently run by his son Leonard Yiu, AHG now proudly stands at three outlets, each with a distinctive style to cater to all clientele with widespread tastes.
Originally standing at four lots, this HQ location of the Art House Gallery specialises strictly in all-Chinese art. From Chinese ink and colour painting, Chinese antiquities, Chinese crafts, Chinese painting materials and art books, the gallery has had many strong years of solo art exhibitions, spanning to the hundreds. Larger group shows were jointly held at other established locations like the public art galleries at Petronas and Maybank HQs; shopping malls Lot 10 Isetan, Bangsar Shopping Centre, The Curve, and Starhill; and even in distinguished hotels like Shangri-La, The Regent, Hilton KL, Sheraton, Crown Princess, and Parkroyal.
As a destination located in the art hub of the capital city, this sister Art House Gallery hosts a more diverse collection. Guests can find oil paintings, acrylic arts, watercolours, traditional batik paintings, and sculptures from across the region including local Malaysia, China, Indonesia, India, and more.
Just next door to its sister location, the third Art House Gallery outlet houses a gallery-cum-museum space, remarked by guests to outshine even the National Museum’s collection! A ‘NOT FOR SALE’ section is dedicated to original artefacts from Sarawak and Sabah, alongside ethnographic/native/folk/traditional art from Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia regions, Indonesia, Indo-China, and China. Entrance fees are at RM5 per head, and guided tours can be arranged for large groupings.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/ahg12345/ to find out more about potential purchases, or to schedule a fun tour!
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]]>The post The Surging Growth of E-Commerce in Malaysia appeared first on ExpatGo.
]]>The year was 1994, and using a start-up loan from his parents, an enterprising young American named Jeff Bezos started a fledgling internet-based bookstore that he ran out of his garage in Bellevue, Washington. Even the internet itself was still a relatively fresh new thing in the US at the time, with most people there getting online via gateways like CompuServe or America Online.
The 30-year-old Bezos, with a degree in electrical engineering and computer science, grew his company quickly during the dot-com boom of the late 1990s, and – with its name chosen somewhat randomly out of the dictionary for its reference to something that was both exotic and different – Amazon.com went public just three years after its founding.
The rest, as they say, is history, and though ‘e-commerce’ was already a thing by that time – the term originated in California in 1984 – Amazon’s rapid growth, along with that of eBay, which also launched in 1995, propelled the industry’s meteoric rise in popularity in the US, with other countries rapidly following suit.
By 1999, e-commerce transactions surpassed $150 billion globally, though that was but a dim foreshadowing of what was to come. Less than two decades later, the economic impact of global e-commerce was truly staggering: retail transactions alone reached more than $2.3 trillion, while overall e-commerce transactions (including business-to-business) approached a jaw-dropping $30 trillion. And it’s only grown since then, particularly amplified by the last two years of the pandemic, with countless stay-at-home periods enacted by countries around the world at various times.
To say that Malaysia arrived late on the e-commerce scene is probably an understatement. Lazada was the first shopping site of any significant size, founded as a copycat model based on Amazon through a German incubator company called Rocket Internet which basically establishes companies that duplicate the business models of successful US tech or internet companies in emerging markets.
Lazada was founded in 2012 and subsequently soft-launched in a number of Southeast Asian markets that year, with a full launch in 2014. It quickly became evident that e-commerce’s most basic business model was inherently fraught with challenge in an economy that was still largely cash-based, and where consumers expressed a clear preference for shopping in physical stores. Even by 2015, just 1% of consumers in Malaysia were shopping online – a fraction of that in developed economies where cards and electronic banking are more commonplace. The challenges were only deepened by unreliable delivery, poor (or non-existent) return and exchange mechanisms, and a search function on the shopping site that often returned dubious results.
Still, Lazada continued soldiering on, but they wouldn’t do so alone for long. In 2015, Shopee launched in Singapore. Few things fuel innovation and improvement like competition, and the e-commerce industry is no exception. Suddenly, online shoppers had a choice between two relatively sizeable platforms, and a scramble for dominance quickly took shape. A year after Shopee’s entry into the market, Chinese behemoth Alibaba Group acquired a minimum 51% controlling interest in Lazada, which, with the infusion of another $1 billion the following year, increased the stake to 83%. A year after that, Alibaba invested another $2 billion, and effectively assumed ownership from that point on.
Both e-commerce sites continued to grow incrementally in Malaysia, and as consumers increasingly embraced a shift to e-banking and digital wallets throughout 2018 and 2019, the acceptance of online shopping grew in tandem.
But it’s probably safe to say that e-commerce realised its biggest, most lucrative jump thanks to an insidious, microscopic virus that we all know far too well. The normal lives of Malaysians came to a crashing halt on March 18, 2020 with the beginning of what would ultimately be a patchwork succession of hard and soft lockdowns. With traditional brick-and-mortar retail shops, malls, and restaurants all forced to close to in-person business dealings, Malaysians pivoted to online shopping and food delivery options by necessity. For many, it was a new exposure to the landscape of choice, convenience, and cost-effectiveness offered by shopping online. Commensurately, the e-commerce industry in the country experienced a dramatic surge in both growth and maturity, as partnerships with logistics players and last-mile delivery services multiplied.
The sites themselves have also improved, albeit rather more incrementally. The accuracy of search results has gotten better, and sorting ability has also been upgraded here and there. Integration with multiple payment options has definitely been a bright spot, too.
However, the user experience still lags significantly behind more mature e-commerce sites, with Amazon of course still setting the standard – hardly surprising given the company’s immensely deep pockets and 20-year head start.
But there’s an ace in the hole for local e-commerce sites: a one-day shopping event that’s rather uniquely Asian.
Just as the United States created a shopping holiday out of the day after Thanksgiving – Black Friday (presumably so named because it was the one day on which retailers would see their yearly accounting books move out of the red and into the black) – China turned an otherwise innocuous date into a shopping frenzy.
November 11 was observed by Chinese for years as sort of an anti-Valentine’s Day; a date celebrated by single people. (11.11 – nothing but ones… get it?) Ever-opportunistic, e-commerce latched onto this day as a major sales day. Other similar ‘sales holidays’ were floated as well (7.7, 8.8, etc.) – but nothing carried the panache or the psychological punch of the double-digit Singles’ Day, 11.11.
Now, in just a few years’ time, 11.11 has become in Asia what Black Friday is in America: the biggest single-day sales event of the year. But unlike Black Friday – which was born in brick-and-mortar stores and merely grew to encompass e-commerce (along with its dedicated online counterpart in the US, Cyber Monday, the Monday immediately following Black Friday) – 11.11 was incubated fully in the digital domain, at least regionally. Traditional retailers have certainly tried to ride the frenzied coattails of the 11.11 supersale, but it’s in the realm of e-commerce where this date delivers nearly all of its impact.
The annual sales blitz isn’t just a cash cow for e-retailers; for many, it’s helped them to define their entire online footprint and develop sales and marketing strategies for the rest of the year, not just one day in November. (It also gives them the cashflow to implement those strategies.)
“We love the flash sales feature [on 11.11] as it generates the highest exposure and traffic for us, as well as attract return customers,” said Fully Ecommerce Sdn Bhd director Fiorella Ng Yuen Kuan, in just one example reported recently by The Star. “During our first 11.11 event with Lazada, we saw an 800% uplift in sales. The platform voucher and perks helped loads in converting sales, achieving up to RM1.2 million sales throughout the whole campaign period.”
The sheer reach of the internet also helps small business reach far more prospective customers than they ever would with a small, local shop – and often with lower overhead. A single shop in Kajang, for example, would only draw customers from quite nearby, perhaps with a small percentage from elsewhere in Greater KL or beyond. But that same shop, with a good e-commerce presence, can attract shoppers from all over Peninsular Malaysia, growing its prospective customer base from a few hundred or a few thousand to several million.
The industry is finding its feet with increased confidence in the wake of the long Covid crisis, too. According to Lazada’s latest Digital Commerce Confidence Index report, 76% of Southeast Asia’s online sellers report feeling optimistic about future growth, despite operational challenges, such as supply shortages and shipping delays courtesy of the pandemic.
In fact, with over 900 sellers participating in the recent survey, four out of five (79%) respondents confirmed that they are increasing inventory levels, and almost half of those surveyed (47%) were looking to boost their staffing levels for the end-of-year period, too.
So get your credit card ready and prepare for those 12.12 sales next week! As Malaysia’s e-commerce landscape grows and matures, each year’s online holiday shopping should get progressively better, easier, and more rewarding!
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]]>The post More Amazing Deals on New Zealand Wines with TEG Media appeared first on ExpatGo.
]]>Good wining and dining doesn’t have to have a cap for the season. With the end of the year merriment coming into full swing; and the welcoming of the next year and the return to normalcy cause for a party, quality imported wines will make the season all that much sweeter.
And there’s more for everyone’s tastes as a range of spirits is also on sale, in ‘spirit’ of the season! View the deals below!
The wine deals are also viewable in The EXPAT (December 2021 edition, pages 68-71), click here to view.
To order or for more information, please call Terrence or Harish at 03 2631 8888 or email [email protected] or [email protected].
The post More Amazing Deals on New Zealand Wines with TEG Media appeared first on ExpatGo.
]]>The post Amazing Deals on New Zealand Wines with TEG Media appeared first on ExpatGo.
]]>Quality imported wines shouldn’t go to waste, but with the kerfuffle the pandemic brought about, all the usual rules have gone out the window. Lucky for us – and for you – an excess stock sale is now up for grabs!
Ordinarily served at hotels (which is how they ended up with surplus stock due to the many closures during the pandemic). New Zealand Unlimited provides a selected variety of wines, available for browsing below.
The wine deals are also viewable in The Expat (November 2021 edition, pages 60-62), click here to view.
To order or for more information, please call Terrence or Harish at 03 2631 8888 or email [email protected] or [email protected].
The post Amazing Deals on New Zealand Wines with TEG Media appeared first on ExpatGo.
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