Redmi A2+ Is Coming to Malaysia on May 9 for RM399
Kuala Lumpur/ Digital/ Updates

Entry-level Smartphone Redmi A2+ Is Coming to Malaysia on May 9

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Entry level Smartphone Redmi A2 Is Coming to Malaysia on May 9 1

Xiaomi’s latest entry-level smartphone under its Redmi sub-brand, Redmi A2+, is officially coming to Malaysia on May 9, more than a week later than its original launch on April 30. Those who are planning an upgrade or thinking of buying a secondary device will finally get their hands on a smartphone that won’t break the bank.

The Redmi A2+ may look identical with its predecessors, but it comes with significant upgrades that help improve its function.

It features an 8MP dual camera system that supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, a responsive rear fingerprint sensor, and a powerful MediaTek Helio G36 processor with 3GB LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB eMMC 5.1 storage, which is expandable up to 1TB.

Redmi A2+
Photo by Website/Redmi

Users who enjoy watching movies and playing games will appreciate the 6.52-inch full-screen HD+ dot drop display as the smartphone provides a broader view in 20:9 aspect ratio and a more stunning visual experience with its night light support.

In terms of battery life, the smartphone comes with a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery and 10W wired fast charging via micro-USB. Users can say goodbye to low-battery anxiety as they can watch 19 hours of video playback, enjoy 28 hours of calls, and have 626 hours of standby.

The Redmi A2+ comes with a textured back panel in shades of black, green, and blue. For updates and more details, visit Redmi’s website or follow their Facebook page.

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Kuala Lumpur/ Fashionista/ Style

Time Zone Launches New ‘Ice Smart 3.0’ And Opens Revamped Ampang Store

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Starlight picnic 1 Photo by Instagram/@icewatch

Leading Malaysian distributor of lifestyle watch brands, Time Zone, rings in the new year with the grand opening of their newly renovated Ampang Point store and the launch of the highly anticipated new edition of the ICE Smartwatches.

The grand opening took place last Jan. 14 and promises an elevated experience for its customers. Not only will this revamped outlet showcase a curated selection of global brands such as Komono, AÃRK Collective, and Picto, but will also serve as a dedicated after-sales and service center. Customers can get access to a range of services from maintenance repairs to custom graving for their timepieces, making this upgraded store your one-stop destination for all your watch needs!

Fashion and Function Collide: The ICE Smart 3.0

With new beginnings comes exciting offers and Time Zone accompanied the grand opening with the launch of The ICE Smart 3.0, the latest and most innovative model in the ICE smart collection which sets a new benchmark for wearable technology. While still maintaining its sleek and minimal design from the previous ICE Smart 2.0, this new model boasts upgrades targeted toward fitness enthusiasts.

Some of its notable features include:

  • A Built-in GPS to track all your sporting activities.
  • A 24/7 Heart Rate Monitoring & Health Insights that helps you stay on track with your fitness goals through real-time health metrics.
  • The Smart Notifications feature guarantees that you’ll never miss a call, keeping you connected with friends and family at all times.
  • Customizable Watch Faces to suit your style with a range of wallpaper designs.
  • An Always on Display feature made to complement your on-the-go lifestyle.
ICE Smart 3.0 black
ICE Smart 3.0 Black | Photo from Website/ice-watch.com
ICE Smart 3.0 Gold Milanese
ICE Smart 3.0 Gold Milanese | Photo from Website/ice-watch.com

Additionally, the ICE Smart 3.0 comes with a range of unique colors and a selection of stylish mesh straps in three different shades designed to blend function and fashion. As it’s made with fitness enthusiasts in mind, this new watch seamlessly transitions from day to night, making it the perfect timepiece companion for any occasion whether it’s a day out in the gym or a casual night out.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. This store reopening and the launch of Ice Smart 3.0 are all about creating an experience that truly resonates with them,” said Datuk Seri Meer Habib, Executive Chairman of Time Zone.

Prices for The ICE Smart 3.0 start from RM499 as stated on their official website. Follow Time Zone on Facebook and Instagram to discover more fantastic timepieces.

Location: Time Zone Ampang Sales & Service Gallery, IOI City Mall, SOGO KL, Plaza Shah Alam, Mitsui Outlet Park, Mid Valley Megall, Setia City Mall

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Kuala Lumpur/ Digital/ Updates

You Can Now Pre-Order the New OPPO Reno13 Series in Malaysia

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OPPOs Reno13 Series Is Now Available for Pre Order Photo by Website/OPPO Malaysia

Looking for a smartphone upgrade? Great news, because Chinese consumer electronics brand OPPO is launching the Reno13 Series, their newest lineup of 5G and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered smartphones.

The new series features three smartphones: the Reno13, Reno13 Pro, and Reno13 F. Currently, there are no details yet on the new series’ full specifications, but OPPO’s website indicates that the new phones will have AI Livephoto, AI Editor, and IP69 water and dust resistance features.

From today until Jan. 10, 2025, OPPO fans can pre-order the new smartphones via their online and offline channels.

Those who would like to purchase the Reno13 and Reno13 F phones can get them for a deposit of RM20 and get a rebate voucher worth RM100, while the Reno13 Pro model is available for a deposit of RM50 with a rebate voucher of RM200.

To make the purchase more rewarding, those who pre-order will also get free gifts worth up to RM2,266, which include a one-year screen and liquid protection plan, a multi-region warranty, OPPO Enco Buds2, and OPPO Enco Air4 earphones.

OPPO Reno13 joins the brand’s lineup of AI phones, which includes the Reno12 and Find X8 Series.

Stay tuned for OPPO Reno13 Series’ official launch by visiting their website or following OPPO Malaysia on Instagram and X (Formerly Twitter).

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Kuala Lumpur/ Digital/ Retail Tech

Shopee Malaysia Champions Homegrown Businesses through New Microsite

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20241223 Shopee Malaysia Photo by Shopee Malaysia

Local Malaysian products take center stage at Shopee Rai Lokal.

Shopee Malaysia recently launched the Shopee Rai Lokal microsite this 2024, which provides shoppers with a dedicated platform to discover locally made products and support their favorite homegrown businesses through exclusive vouchers and discounts.

This initiative has been around since 2019, and with the launch of the microsite, Shopee Rai Lokal bridges the gap between sellers and buyers and creates a direct pathway for shoppers to support local entrepreneurs.

“Shopee believes that providing our users with more opportunities to support our enterprising local sellers is key to driving Malaysia’s economic growth and fostering a resilient e-commerce ecosystem. By offering an enriched shopping experience, we connect consumers with the best of Malaysian products while empowering sellers with innovative tools, tailored education, and enhanced visibility to unlock their full potential and succeed in an increasingly competitive digital landscape,” said Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia.

Here were the following initiatives that Shopee Malaysia launched this 2024:

Local Fashion at the Forefront

Shopee Malaysia held the Raya Stail Kita Fashion Show last March 2024, which offered buyers an exclusive opportunity to explore the world of local Muslim fashion. Viewers and buyers were introduced to new fashion collections from local designers and taught how different garments could be styled and coordinated.

Equipping Sellers for Long-Term Success

Shopee Malaysia also had their five-part Digital Platform Upskilling Summit, which ensures that sellers are equipped to meet consumer expectations. This equipped over 1,000 sellers with important knowledge in regulatory compliance, product authenticity, and Halal certification.

Shopee partnered with government stakeholders and agencies such as the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living (KPDN), the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), and the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) to address industry challenges and strengthen consumer trust.

Driving Digital Transformation with Government Partnerships

Shopee Malaysia showed its commitment to promoting Malaysian-made products and supporting local sellers through its partnership and collaboration with KPDN’s annual Kempen Beli Barangan Malaysia (KBBM) campaign. This campaign engages over 1.8 million sellers through a specific microsite and provides prime marketing assets, including vouchers and livestreams, eventually making it easier for buyers to discover and support local sellers.

Shopee Malaysia also partnered with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) under the Best of Malaysia campaign, where they supported close to 3,000 Malaysian brands in growing their audience and expanding their reach to new markets in the Southeast Asian region. Through this program, Shopee was able to bring Malaysian businesses as competitive players in the global e-commerce market.

Giving Back to Communities, and Creating Inclusive Impact

Shopee Malaysia has continuously uplifted communities beyond the world of e-commerce and strengthened its commitment to making a difference for Malaysians through its community-driven CSR initiatives.

Shopee Malaysia’s Pek Kasih Mama campaign, launched with the Ministry of Health (MOH), has distributed care packs to underserved mothers across Malaysia, including Sabah, Sarawak, and Johor. They enhanced this initiative through the Shopee Mum’s Club, a virtual community empowering mothers with expert-led education through informative Shopee Live sessions.

This gives mothers a supportive environment to learn from each other’s experiences. Apart from this, the club gives valuable parenting tips, live content, exclusive vouchers, and tailored deals to support mothers in their parenting journey.

Shopee continues to support and uplift local sellers and communities through their transformative initiatives. Through their empowerment of local businesses, talents, and consumers; driving inclusivity in e-commerce; and creating strategic partnerships with government agencies, Shopee perseveres in contributing towards impactful digital innovation in Malaysia.

For more updates and promotions, visit Shopee Malaysia’s website and follow them on their Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram pages.

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Kuala Lumpur/ Digital/ Apps

You Can Now Book Rides With E-Hailing Service Bolt in Malaysia

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You Can Now Book Rides With E Hailing Service Bolt in Malaysia Photo by Website/Bolt

Have somewhere to be but don’t want the hassle of commuting? Great news, because Estonia-based mobility service Bolt has launched in Malaysia!

The platform, according to a list released by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), has officially earned a license to operate in the country. With the launch, Bolt now goes head-to-head with other existing ride-hailing services in Malaysia, including Grab and AirAsia Ride.

According to its website, Bolt is currently offering only its standard four-seater e-hailing service. Other services from Bolt, such as food delivery and courier services, are not yet available as of this writing.

To welcome new customers, Bolt has also rolled out a 50% discount for new users on their first seven rides across Malaysia, capped at RM15. For new users who are traveling around Klang Valley, there is also a 50% discount for their first 20 rides, available until Nov. 14 only.

The launch follows the brand’s expansion to Thailand, making Malaysia Bolt’s second venture in the Southeast Asian region. In Thailand, the platform offers a variety of services, including four- and seven-seater cars, as well as taxi and motorcycle rides.

To avail of their services, you can install the Bolt app via the App Store or Google Play. Those who want to be a Bolt driver can also sign up here.

Check out Bolt’s services or learn more about them via their website.

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Kuala Lumpur/ Venture/ Money

Digital Banks in Malaysia to Check Out for Convenient Services

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Website GX Bank Photo by Website/GXBank

Digital banking is revolutionizing the financial landscape worldwide, and Malaysia is no exception. With the rise of fintech, Malaysian consumers now have access to a range of digital banks that offer innovative solutions tailored to modern banking needs. This article explores some of the top digital banks in Malaysia worth checking out.

GX Bank

GXBank, Malaysia's first digital bank, offers a fully online banking experience without any physical branches. The bank is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur but operates primarily through its mobile app and website, providing 24/7 support through its hotline (+603 7498 3188) and email.

To open a GXBank account, you must be a Malaysian resident aged 18 or older and have a registered Malaysian mobile number. The account opening process is quick, typically taking about 4 minutes through the GXBank app. You will need to perform MyKad verification and a selfie for identification purposes. After your account is set up, there is no minimum balance required, no balance limit, and no lock-in period. For more information or to open an account, you can visit GXBank's official website or download their mobile app (App Store or Google Play).

Ongoing promotions:

  • RM8 Referral Reward: Earn RM8 cashback every time someone uses your referral link to successfully open a GXBank account.
  • Earn 1.5x GrabRewards points when you use the app.

AEON Digital Bank

AEON Digital Bank, Malaysia's first fully Islamic digital bank, launched on May 26, 2024. It operates without physical branches, leveraging digital platforms to provide comprehensive Shariah-compliant banking services. AEON Digital Bank is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, functioning primarily through its mobile app and website.

To open an account with AEON Digital Bank, you need to be a Malaysian resident aged 18 or above. The account opening process is fully online and straightforward. First, download the AEON Digital Bank app (App Store or Google Play), complete the registration process, which includes MyKad verification and a selfie for identity confirmation, and link your mobile number and email address to your account. Finally, set up a funding source to activate your account with a minimum deposit. For more information or to get started, you can visit the AEON Digital Bank website.

Ongoing Promotions:

  • Open a Savings Account-i and get rewarded with 3,000 AEON Points (RM15) instantly
  • Spend and earn 3x AEON Points anywhere (terms and conditions apply)
  • Enjoy an RM12 issuance fee waiver on your physical Debit Card-i
  • Enjoy a 1-year membership fee waiver for AEON Points Programme

Boost Bank

Part of the Boost fintech company and in partnership with RHB Bank, Boost Bank received regulatory approval to start operations in January 2024. Boost Bank is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. While the bank primarily operates digitally, its operations are backed by Axiata and RHB's established infrastructure.

Boost Bank initially held an alpha-testing phase to fine-tune the user experience and product offerings before their public launch on June 6​​. For more information and to stay updated on the latest developments, you can visit Boost Bank's official website. Download the Boost Bank app (App Store or Google Play) and create an account to enjoy their initial products:

  • Savings Account: No minimum deposit, hidden charges, or lock-in period. Plus earn up to 2.5% p.a. daily interest.
  • Savings Jars: A feature allowing users to set and achieve specific savings goals, with up to 4% p.a. daily interest.

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Kuala Lumpur/ Digital/ Updates

Apple to Open Its First Malaysia Store at The Exchange TRX This June

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Apple to Open Its First Store in Malaysia This June Photo by Instagram/The Exchange TRX

The long wait is over, technophiles! Upgrading your Apple devices is about to get easier, as the tech giant is set to open a new store in Malaysia this June, its very first in the country.

According to Apple’s website, the new store will open at Malaysia’s bustling lifestyle hub, The Exchange TRX, on June 22 at 10 AM local time.

“We are getting ready to open our first Apple Store in Malaysia. We can’t wait to see you. Jom!” the post reads.

In a video uploaded by tech YouTuber smashpop, the store appears to have a futuristic yet elegant design, with its exteriors clad in white with accents of gold. Its roof also has an unmistakable layered ridge layout, similar to the preview logo from Apple.

The new Apple store might be the brand’s first in the country, but Malaysia also has numerous authorized Apple resellers. This includes Machines, which recently opened a new outlet at Suria KLCC.

As of this writing, there are no further details yet about which Apple products will be offered at the store. In the meantime, you can visit Apple Malaysia’s website or follow The Exchange TRX on social media to stay updated.

Location: Apple, L1.40 The Exchange TRX, Persiaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, Kuala Lumpur

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Kuala Lumpur/ Digital/ Apps

Shopee Malaysia Offers 15 Days Free Return Service to Users

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Shopee Malaysia Rolls Out 15 Days Free Return Program

Scams and frauds have become very prevalent on the Internet, especially in the online shopping space. In response to this, leading e-commerce platform Shopee in Malaysia has launched a new service that guarantees risk-free shopping to its customers.

Called the “15 Days Free Returns” program, the new service allows customers to return eligible items within a 15-day guarantee period, whether the item does not meet expectations, has defects, or for any other reason—no questions asked!

Shopee Malaysia '15 Days Free Returns' Program Flyer
Photo by Shopee Malaysia

The service is free of charge, even for those who opt to return items more than once. Customers can also choose to have the items picked up from their doorsteps by any Shopee Supported Logistics (SSL) or drop them off at the nearest SPX Express, J&T, or Pos Laju outlets.

To use the new feature, customers can simply choose the “Change of Mind” option for their “Return/Refund” reason without the need to contact the seller directly.

Users, however, must make sure to follow the terms and conditions to be able to get the return guarantee. This includes ensuring that original labels are intact, sets have complete items, and electronics remain sealed, among others. View the full terms and conditions here.

“We understand that shopping preferences can evolve, and this program empowers users by allowing returns within the 15-day Shopee Guarantee period,” said Ming Kit Tan, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia, in a press release.

To view a detailed guide on the “15 Days Free Returns” program, visit Shopee Malaysia’s website.

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