From tossing Yee Sang and throwing oranges into rivers to having decadent reunion dinners and snacking on yummy treats, Chinese New Year is the time when families and loved ones come together to celebrate the lunar year ahead. 

Generation after generation, new traditions have been adopted by Malaysian-Chinese families that make celebrations uniquely theirs. While some look forward to savouring elaborate meals by their ah mas and po pos, others will opt to spend family time by eating out or ordering their feasts from local favourite restaurants.

The introduction of food delivery services such as ShopeeFood, has given families the ease and convenience of ordering their festive meals with a few clicks. This has helped for more fuss-free feasts without spending hours in the kitchen. 

According to Chun Wai Lun,  a 22-year old ShopeeFood user from Selangor, Chinese New Year is a time she looks forward to reconnecting with her cousins she usually meets once or twice a year. A new tradition she started, Chun now hosts a ‘cousins-only’ meet up at her home after their reunion dinner.

She added, as restaurants tend to get crowded during festive seasons, she prefers having food delivered to her home. This relieves the headache of dealing with traffic and long queues. “ We spend less time stuck on crowded roads and more time just chilling together at home. Plus, there are always promotions during CNY that we get to take advantage of to save a few extra Ringgits, ” added Chun. 

Another user, Thomas Gan from Ipoh said he looks forward to spending time with his family more than home-cooked CNY dishes. This is because he only has a limited amount of time during the festive period to visit his hometown.

To convince his ah ma to relax during the festive season, Thomas and his siblings pool money to order CNY food to feed their large family. “I have five siblings, four of whom are married with children, and my uncles and aunties will usually join us for our CNY dinner. To reduce the stress of cooking, we ask our ah ma to only cook a couple of her signature dishes while we order the rest,” said Thomas. 

Thomas notes that ordering food delivery can be more cost-effective than cooking at home. “The price of buying raw ingredients is now  high. By ordering, we usually get good deals as festive promotions are always available. Besides that, everyone has the option to order their favourite dishes from different restaurants,” he added. 

Thomas also said that this new tradition has allowed for more family bonding time. “It’s nice to see my ah ma calm during the festive season, playing with her grandchildren or just enjoying dinner with the family without feeling tired from being in the kitchen all day.” 

With Chinese New Year just a few days away and one gets busier cleaning the house, shopping for necessities and preparing angpows, let ShopeeFood help ensure your meals are on time. Whether traditional, modern, fusion or something simple, ShopeeFood will help you fulfil all your food cravings at the best value and variety.To make  your experience even sweeter, enjoy discounts and deals from now until the end of the month. More information: https://bit.ly/CNY2023

Shopee Malaysia officially unveils ‘Past the Starting Line: Adapting to Malaysia’s Digital Consumers in 2023’ Consumer Trends Report. Of 2,150 Malaysian buyers surveyed, 60% remain steadfast in achieving ambitions and enjoyment in e-commerce in 2023. In fact, buyers under categories such as Mobile & Accessories (61%), Automotive (60%), Fashion (59%), and Home & Living (59%) are becoming more tech-savvy and fully aware of their diverse needs in supporting local businesses for a future-forward economy

1. Increased and savvier use of digital services

When asked what their New Year Resolutions are in 2023, 35% of Malaysians want to prioritise personal health and wellness this year. The degree to which they look to self-improve is spread: better lifestyle and living choices (26%), upskill and nurture hobbies (23%), and increase social confidence (16%). When thinking about discovering and buying items, 39% of buyers plan to buy more home and living products in 2023, 38% show interest in family essentials like household goods, 13% gain knowledge through books and games, and 10% equip themselves with workout and travel gear.

Because they are more digitally savvy and spending more time online in all parts of their consumer journey, 51% of buyers see the increased importance of greater personalization and shopping flexibility for the new year. In particular, 32% of Malaysians across all categories want to explore Shopee's circle deals and live shopping, and 17% want to embrace mindful shopping by being sustainable in support of local inclusive businesses. 

2. Growing adoption of digital services for rural communities

When Shopee asked the surveyed buyers about their interest in locally made goods from Borneo sellers, 5 in 10 buyers expressed interest in supporting local businesses in Borneo to improve their living standards. 35% consider shifting preferences to shop for more local goods, and the remainder carries on with their learned and adopted online shopping habits. Many are excited to support Made-in-Malaysia products from underserved communities in rural areas because of their high quality and durability. Sellers outside big cities can seek inspiration from Khairul Aming, local entrepreneur from Kelantan, who was awarded the Super Favourite MCO Entrepreneur at Shopee Super Awards 2022 for having remarkable growth through the support of loyal buyers.

“We continuously work with a user-centric approach to keep ourselves well-informed of the trends and buyer contexts to create a positive impact through our inclusive ecosystem. This helps us channel efforts and optimally address user needs to share the future of the digital economy. And thanks to all their efforts and blessings, Shopee ranks first in the YouGov Best Brand Ranking in Malaysia and won gold for Kantar’s Strongest Malaysian Brand in the ‘General Retailers’ and ‘Lifestyle App’ categories. We look forward to coming together, celebrating, and giving back to our local communities with greater hope so Malaysians can enjoy a joyful shopping experience,” said Kenneth Soh, Head of Marketing Campaigns at Shopee Malaysia.

3. The rise of younger, more purposeful buyers

With the rise of younger, more purposeful buyers, many will not compromise on principles. 7 in 10 Malaysians strive to make smarter purchasing decisions through insightful content such as product warranty, live demos, and unboxing to ensure the products they love are worth the value. Since buyers pay close attention to what a seller stands for and does, they can interact with Shopee’s diverse community of influencers and affiliates to discover and enjoy an authentic shopping experience.

Terence Pang, Chief Operations Officer at Shopee said, “We have seen in the past two years, how adoption of digital services like e-commerce can improve people’s lives and transform the way consumers and businesses connect. Despite many having come online, we’re only just past the starting line in Malaysia’s digital economy, with a greater long-term opportunity to help more people benefit. In the coming year, these digital consumers will continue to shape the future of the digital economy. Shopee is sharing key consumer trends we have observed that businesses need to adapt to, and those who do so, will lay the foundation for a resilient digital ecosystem that will enable them to reach more users in the future. We are committed to helping our partners understand these trends and unlock more opportunities.”

Buyers will continue to influence the future of the digital economy with higher expectations of their online interactions. 32% of buyers intend to spend more time in 2023 to de-stress and earn coins through Shopee Prizes. Over 29% choose to support local businesses and products via Shop Malaysia, 28% habitually find authentic and genuine goods at Shopee Mall, and the remainder follow trends and latest products sold on Shopee Live and donates to the underserved via ShopeeGivesBack.

‘Past the Starting Line: Adapting to Malaysia’s Digital Consumers in 2023’ Consumer Trends Report is part of Shopee’s thought leadership series. These data-driven insights allow online sellers and buyers to tap e-commerce and digital services to drive resilience and stay relevant. Further insights on Malaysian influencers will be shared in greater detail in the coming week. 

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Get into the Chinese New Year mood when you shop at Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA Sepang (MOP KLIA), Japan’s branded factory outlet shopping mall, from January 2 until February 5, 2023.

In ushering the year of the Rabbit, MOP KLIA has transformed its concourse into a bustling village filled with cherry blossoms, lanterns and rabbit figurines. There are ample photo zones created for shoppers to fill their social media with the festive spirit of MOP KLIA. Shopping experience is also made more enjoyable with the many entertaining Chinese cultural performances, rewarding deals, workshops and various activities for shoppers.

“We want to welcome everyone near and far to usher in the year of the Rabbit at MOP KLIA. It’ll be another unique shopping experience for all Malaysians and tourists alike with ongoing activities and performances throughout the Chinese New Year period. There will not be a dull moment here at MOP KLIA,” said TJ Cheah, Deputy Managing Director of MFMA Development.

Among the cultural performances that will take place on selected weekends from January to February include the Traditional Chinese Dance Performance, Instrumental Musical Performance, Five Emperor Drum Performance and the Lion Dance Performance.

Shopping is always rewarding at MOP KLIA. Exclusive gifts await shoppers at the Fortune Wheel Spinning booth located at Sunshine Square. Available on weekends, eligible shoppers stand a chance to win RM50 cash vouchers, a wealth rabbit money bank and other exclusive gifts. To participate, shoppers will need to spend RM300 in a maximum of 2 receipts, limited to the first 300 eligible customers per day.

Red packet collectors be on the lookout for MOP KLIA’s specially designed red packets! They are available for redemption with a minimum spending of RM300 in a maximum of 2 receipts.

Other limited edition gift redemption to lookout for is the Happiness Rabbit chopsticks and holder gift set. The gift set contains a pair of elegant chopsticks and a cute rabbit-shaped chopsticks holder. A minimum spending of RM800 in a maximum of 2 receipts is required for redemption and it is only limited to the first eligible 50 customers per day, available from 14 – 23 January.

Shoppers are also invited to partake in creative pursuits such as the Chinese Colour Calligraphy Art Workshop and Chinese Fan Painting Art Workshop, which shoppers are required to present a maximum of 2 receipts that shows the minimum spending of RM500 to participate. Other workshops such as Fan Painting, Chinese Drum and Bunny Mask making will require a minimum spending of RM50 in a maximum of 2 receipts.

Chinese New Year Late Night Sale

To make shopping more gratifying for shoppers during this festive season, MOP KLIA is organising a Chinese New Year (CNY) Late Night Sale campaign from 13 to 15 January 2023, from 10pm – 12am. Operating hours of the mall will be extended to 12 midnight during the campaign period.

Shoppers will be treated to ‘Happy Hour Cash Back’ from 8pm – 11pm. Additional discounts will be offered at selected stores during happy hours. With a minimum spending of RM200 in a maximum of 2 receipts, shoppers will be eligible to redeem cash vouchers.

MOP KLIA is strategically located, just 8 minutes away from KLIA and klia2 and approximately 45 minutes from KL City Centre. The outlet mall is easily accessible through various highways such as ELITE, LDP, KESAS, MAJU Expressway, North South Expressway Central Link, and NKVE. Getting to MOP KLIA is also convenient as there are ample public transportation services available. Free shuttle bus connecting between KLIA and klia2 will be extended to 1am during the 3-day CNY Late Night Sale.

For more information on upcoming offers, promotions and happenings at MOP KLIA, visit www.mitsuioutletparkklia.com.my or www.facebook.com/MOPKLIA.

Every year, we look forward to celebrating the year-end festivities with family and friends. Christmas is a time of joy and happiness and family gatherings, but it is also a time of cleaning, baking, and decorating the Christmas tree, leaving you little time to prepare lunch or dinner.  

Here are the top three reasons why you should sit back, relax, and take advantage of ShopeeFood amazing deals this Christmas.  

Value for Money

“I went to a new restaurant recently. It was a little far from my place, but I loved the food. Luckily, I found it on ShopeeFood! Imagine my excitement when I could order in my favourite food from that restaurant. And the best part is that they offer great discounts. It is truly value for money and my Christmas just got better.”

Variety of Food  

Christmas is my favourite time of the year. With so much to do, from all the cleaning, shopping, and decorating the Christmas tree, and so little time, I turn to ShopeeFood. You can order just about any type of food on the app. The choices are endless, and I can focus on getting ready for Christmas while my favourite foods are delivered right to my doorstep!”

Donovan David, Selangor

Convenient and Hassle Free

When it comes to the festive season, especially Christmas, everyone is busy cooking for Christmas day. With technology being at our fingertips, I have opted to just order in. I can spend quality time with my family and friends and at the same time order great food from ShopeeFood. The safety and convenience of ShopeePay make my life so much easier”.  

Melanie Siew Li Shean, Selangor.

The Chicken Rice Shop re-introduces its popular menu with an

improvised recipe of Grilled Butter Chicken

Anime characters have long created history not only in Japan but are now a culture widely adapted around the world! Driving on the Henshin (transformation) trend, The Chicken Rice Shop (TCRS) is eager to spice up Malaysians’ favourite meal by bringing a popular favourite back to the menu, the Grilled Butter Chicken with a new and improved katsu breading. Introduced for more than 15 years to Malaysians all over, the latest bold flavours of the Grilled Butter Chicken will return to stores nationwide from 7 November 2022 until 8 January 2023.

Levelling up the crunch, flavours, and satisfaction, Grilled Butter Chicken Katsu Henshin comes in three different sets of meals for everyone to enjoy. Packed with rich and savoury flavour in every layer, the all-new Grilled Butter Chicken Katsu Henshin features juicy chicken coated with katsu breading while also incorporating its signature golden buttery sauce, garnished with curry leaves and red chillies to add a hint of spice that will leave customers longing for more.

Wong Kah Yong, Chief Executive Officer of TCRS Restaurants Sdn Bhd shared that Japanese culture has always been one of the cultures wholeheartedly accepted by Malaysians throughout the years; from captivating anime drawings to mouth-watering food, there is plenty to offer and TCRS took this opportunity to develop and innovate a delectable dish with its own touch for its loyal customers.

“Over the years, TCRS has introduced multiple dishes inspired by different cultures to cater to the various needs of our customers. As we see the love for Japanese food continuously increasing among Malaysians, we thought to add this element into our recipes, and what better way to do so than adding the Japanese flavours into our highly sought-after menu, the Grilled Butter Chicken,” said Wong.

Joining in the excitement of this new menu, TCRS was also greeted by local cosplayers at their IOI City Mall outlet, where these passionate cosplayers also surprised customers who were dining by serving them Grilled Butter Chicken Katsu Henshin to celebrate the launch together and share their love for one of Malaysia’s comfort foods.

"While many people choose to display their love or appreciation through presents and / or other gestures, at TCRS, we express our affection and gratitude through food. Food has always been the heart of all cultures, there is no doubt that food is the key tool for fostering relationships and building connections,” Wong added.

Staying true to its tagline ‘Chicken Rice… and More,’ TCRS constantly strives to provide its customers with the best service, and this includes providing them with an exceptional dining experience in the hopes to end the year on a positive note and usher in new beginnings in 2023 through the goodness of its buttery and creamy chicken.

Apart from treating its customers to a fulfilling meal with their family and friends, TCRS will also be running an exciting #GBCKatsuHenshin Challenge on its social media platforms where fans can stand a chance to win TCRS vouchers for you to dine in at the nearest outlet and savour their Grilled Butter Chicken Katsu Henshin!

For more information on the latest Grilled Butter Chicken Katsu Henshin and the #GBCKatsuHenshin Challenge, visit www.thechickenriceshop.com or its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thechickenriceshop/ 

Shopee wrapped up the year-end shopping season with new local sellers achieving 12 times uplift in sales during the 12.12 Birthday Sale peak day as compared to an average day. Shoppers managed to save more through the best deals with brands and sellers, with over 23 million vouchers claimed on 12 December. 

Health & Beauty, Home & Living, and Mobile & Accessories emerged as the top categories sold on 12 December. Among them, the top keywords searched are dress, kasut perempuan, blouse, baju kurung and powerbank, as Malaysians prepared to welcome 2023. 

During the first two hours of 12 December, Shopee observed 8 times uplift in orders compared to an average day. Various cities across Malaysia outside the Klang Valley region emerged as top cities throughout the 12.12 Birthday Sale campaign period, with Johor Bahru, Kinta, Timur Laut, and Kuantan recording the highest number of orders.

Meanwhile, top 100 local sellers also achieved 8 times uplift in sales on the 12 December in comparison to average days. Top-performing local sellers include Dr Macio, Momo House, Hollywood MotorSport, cost2u and Tot.Retail & Wholesale. 

On top of that, buyers also engage with their favourite local influencers who shared product reviews, tutorials and more during the campaign period with over 425K engagements recorded across social media.

Local delicacies dominated food orders for the 12.12 Sale with Satay Ayam and Roti Canai emerging as clear favourites for ShopeeFood users across Northern, Central and Southern regions. ShopeeFood also recorded an uplift in vouchers sold, driven by users supporting local brands. This included merchant heroes such as Tealive, ZUS Coffee, Ayam Gepuk Pak Gembus, Tiga Budak Gemok, Gigi Coffee, Thong Kee Cafe, Pop Meals, Sakura Donburi, Restoran Meng Kee, Universal Sambal and Planet Nasi Kukus. For mainstream brands, McDonalds and KFC continue to be favourites.