1. Difficult conversations are best had with food, and celebrity chef David Rocco does just that. In his newest series, Dolce Southeast Asia, he explores, and discusses, cuisines and social issues that are prevalent in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and Cambodia. In the Malaysian episode, he sits with Zafigo’s very own founder, Marina Mahathir; celebrity chef, Chef Wan; photographer and chef, Zung Heng; singer, Zee Avi, and The Picha Project co-founder, Kim Lim to hear their stories.
2. After months of discussion, Japan finally announces travel bubble with Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Taiwan from 18 September. Japan is taking all measures to ensure travel is safe for both citizens and travellers so the application process is extensive and complex. Timeout summarised travellers would need to do in five steps: submit a written pledge to follow self-quarantine procedures after arrival, submit the testing certificate at the airport, get tested upon arrival at the airport, install the COVID-19 tracing app, and self-quarantine and avoid public transportation for 14 days.
3. During this time of social distancing, contactless services are the only way to stay afloat. Businesses across the board were forced to relook their digital presence, most recently being Malaysia Airports. It just launched its eCommerce site where customers will be able to shop for beauty, cosmetics, fashion, electronics and food & beverage from its existing physical outlets. The Group Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh said, “Malaysia’s e-commerce contribution to the digital economy is expected to see a growth projection of 20% in 2020 and this means that there is significant potential growth for Malaysia Airports and our retail partners. Our aim is to see shopMYairports contribute to at least 10% of retail sales at the airports.”
4. To add to that, a survey conducted by Standard Chartered said almost 73% of Malaysians feel “more positive about online shopping, but they were also more careful with their spending and wanted new ways to track their money digitally” and foresee the country adapting to a cashless lifestyle fully by 2030. It also showed that Malaysians between the ages of 18-44 are more likely to shop locally, more sustainably, and to support smaller businesses.
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