There’s been a lot of talks and uproar among the netizens on the recent group who initially promoted on boycotting non-Muslim products didn’t sit well with the public. As it appears according to their retracted statement, their context was taken out of proportion and was said to promote Malaysian product first. Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail added that the ministry had been supportive of promoting local products where it imposes a strict 30 per cent local products policy to international brands wanting to open their hypermarkets and supermarkets here. (source: the New Straits Times online, Sept 7, 2019).
Cover image via L-R : behypy and Capitaland
With this misunderstanding of communication, you get to see the amount of Malaysians who have expressed their love and concerns when it comes to the importance of supporting local products. Our Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad even urge Malaysians to emulate the Japanese as they support and buy their products and now, it’s a globally popular quality goods. It’s due to their patriotism that made Japan a household quality product. He mentions that if Malaysians were to adopt the “Look East” policy which consists of countries like Japan, South Korea and China, we could also progress into a developed country one day. (source: the New Straits Times online, August 13,2018).
“buying close to home may be more than a feel-good, it’s-worth-paying-more-for-local matter. “-Time Magazine-
According to an article by Trade Ready, they compared what benefits one can get when you buy local products as opposed to buying globally.
Image via byakkaya/Getty Images
Buying local can;
- Helps the local economy
- Helps build thriving communities
- Better for the environment
- Encourages innovation
- Creates a good job for more people
That being said, Malaysia is home to so many beautiful things and products that you don’t need to source overseas. You have a plethora of locally made products that range from food & beverage items/restaurants, fashion, apps, and even beauty products. There are quite several products that Malaysians may not know is local.
Bonia
Image via Capitaland
The international and luxurious fashion retailer that is based in Malaysia has more than 800 sales outlets across Asia namely in Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, and also in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It has provided high quality and fashion of leatherwear, footwear, accessories for both men and women.
It all started in 1977 where Bonia’s founder, Mr Chiang Sang Sem was first inspired by the artwork of Giambologna, Italy. Then he had started the business with Bonia name in Singapore, which was involved in designing, wholesaling, and manufacturing of leather goods. In 1980, the Bonia Group has succeeded in becoming a market leader in Malaysia and Singapore. After that Bonia Group had expanded the branches and boutique to another country. (source: UKessays).
Today, the retail manages brands like Bonia, Sembonia, CarloRino and Braun Buffel.
Shangri-La Hotels
Image via Hotels.com
Yes, that’s right. This world-famous brand and high-end luxury hospitality is the brainchild of billionaire Robert Kuok. The group’s business operations span a range of activities and a number of countries in Asia. In addition to the hotels, the group’s portfolio also includes commodity trading, real estate, beverages, logistics, shipping, edible oil refining and plantations.
The name Shangri La is said to be a mountain of Tibet where a fictional land of peace and perpetual youth, setting for the 1933 novel Lost Horizon by the English author James Hilton.
Since its origin, the group has grown rapidly to satisfy the increased demand for deluxe hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific’s capital cities and sought-after leisure destinations. Today there are more than 95 properties, of which only 20 are third party management agreements, throughout the Asia Pacific, Europe, Indian Ocean, North America and the Middle East, representing a room inventory of over 40,000. (source: shangri-la.com).
PappaRich
Image via Uber Eats
It’s perhaps a place where Australians go for a dose of Malaysian cuisine. It’s storied history in re-creating authentic Malaysian cuisine that’s borne of age-old traditions and recipes, PappaRich brand today is synonymous with bringing the Malaysian experience all over the world through enjoyment of delicious local foods.
It first began in the year of 2005 in Malaysia and its recipes are even made locally. The PappaRich research and development team frequently travels to all corners of Malaysia to deliver a fine-tuning of Malaysian taste of food. Plus, they’ve completely re-defined sugar-free coffee but using a substitute of sugar called Stevia – non-diabetic ingredients. Defining a newer and healthier option for all Malaysians.
Besides locations in Malaysia, PappaRich has also made its stand in Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Sri Lanka and even in the United States of America.
Mamee Monster
Image via behypy
Mamee’s story began in 1971 when founder Datuk Pang Chin Hin and his partner opened a small manufacturing plant in Melaka that manufactured instant noodles. Then, it is born from the first ever product: Lucky Instant Noodles. During a trip to a rural village, his son, Pang Tee Chew saw farm workers eating dry instant noodles straight from a packet and the light-bulb moment started within him. The rest is history.
This Malaysian childhood happy pack has provided tons of smiles and reigniting old school memories with loved ones. Soon, Mamee products are marketed through blue monster mascot which is now a symbol for famous noodle snack. The company now makes more than 50 different products and Mister Potato crisps are its biggest seller.
The famous noodle snack is shared from all over the place like Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Fiji Island, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Scotland and many other places.
British India
Image via Britishindia.com
Established in 1994, BritishIndia is a homegrown lifestyle brand that currently has over 40 outlets across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. Created for the tropics and inspired by the grand romance of the Colonial era, our stores offer timeless designs created with the philosophy of comfort and effortless dressing for both men and women in mind.
Founder of British India, Pat Liew was set on growing the brand into a household icon of sorts in the local fashion industry. For her, British India is not high fashion but still stands tall among the top brands around the world. (source: The Star Online, 21 Dec 2013)
The fashion company launches 6 different collections per year for every line, and every line is averaging around 20 styles per collection to keep the merchandise in the retail stores fresh. It’s also a powerful brand enough to be considered a vehicle to promote tourism in Malaysia as tourists choose shopping as a way to infuse our culture through purchasing of local products. (source: martinroll.com, Sept 2016).
Sushi King
Image via penang food for thought
If you think this famous Japanese restaurant is from Japan itself, think again. Sushi King first opened its doors in 1995, pioneering a new era of Japanese cuisine in Malaysia with our unique ‘Kaiten Sushi’ or ‘Revolving Sushi’ with quick-service restaurant concept. Offering a wide variety of sushi along with an expansive menu of other Japanese food at affordable prices in a friendly, and cosy environment.
The founder, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Fumiko Konishi, a Japanese born businessman from Nanao has discovered a pathway for a potential market in Malaysia. From a single outlet in Kuala Lumpur, Sushi King have grown to encompass over 60 (and counting) restaurants nationwide, distinguishing themselves as the largest sushi chain of restaurants in the country.
Not only winning Golden Bull Award – awards for outstanding SME’s – for more many years, Sushi King also wins SuperBrand 2003/2004 and The Malaysia Book of Records.
BABA’s & U
Image via bukalapak
Everyone knows of this product that has helped Malaysians and other places serve good food on the table through savoury taste buds of powdery goodness. You have a selection of premium spices, flours, pre-mixers and many more that have put a smile on every person who cooks. They have a variety of range of item in them. It’s no wonder, one of three main meals consumed by Malaysian will have a product from the Baba’s range in them.
These spices can be found from all parts of the world including North America, Canada, Europe, South Africa, and Australia. It’s Malaysia’s leading curry powder and spice brand, capturing in more than 60% of the Malaysian market.
Baba’s started in 1977 as a sundry van business selling spices that caters to local housewives. Through word of mouth of how fantastic this product was, it then helped Baba’s to be the product it is now known as.
Beryl’s
Image via KLIA2
Here’s where you can get fine premium chocolate at an affordable price and it’s made in Malaysia! BERYL’s chocolate was established in 1995 with the mission to produce premium quality chocolate and fine confectionery delicacies.
Beryl’s carries three types of chocolate namely, white chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate. It comes in a wide range of packaging from gift pack, bar chocolate, canister pack to special design festive pack with an attractive appeal that captures the heart of chocolate lovers.
Today, Beryl’s is exported to Singapore, Macau, Hong Kong, Japan, Philippine, Vietnam and Thailand, and distributed in major hypermarkets, departmental stores, chain stores, convenience shops and retail shops.
Jobstreet.com
Image via jobstreet.com.ph
You might have come across this website when you’re seeking or applying for new jobs. As it is one of Asia’s leading online employment marketplaces, jobstreet.com has provided millions with work opportunity, and access to the latest job openings.
They began in 1977 in Penang with the purpose of improving lives through better careers. You can even now access to job applications from Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. It also does profiles on companies, salary matching and rating it by collecting reviews from employees.
Plus now they have their very own mobile phone app you can easily go in. Jobstreet serves over 89,000 employers and 3.4 million candidates. Delivering a staggering 48% of job placements which is the most at any other talent sourcing places.
Munchy’s
Image via Sabbyprue.com
The delicious history of one of the famous biscuit snack brands came about in the year of 1991. A bunch of biscuit aficionados formulated their first successful crunch with a second-hand wafer stick machine in a small peaceful town of Southern Malaysia. Then a wave of new fun unleashed with the launch of new products” MUZIC, MUNCHINI, and LEXUS, that made a new debut to the market and everyone started noticing Munchy’s.
They then began munching into new shores, with more than 50 countries making Munchy’s their go-to snack. Today, Munchy’s is currently the number 1 homegrown biscuit brand in Malaysia. Headquarters situated in Batu Pahat.