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New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Tealive operator launches 3-in-1 range ahead of IPO
PUTRAJAYA: Tealive has entered the fast-moving consumer goods segment with the launch of its 3-in-1 sachet beverage series, ahead of its planned listing on Bursa Malaysia's Main Market. In a statement today, the operator of Tealive and Bask Bear chains, Loob Holding Sdn Bhd, said the range features milk tea, coffee and chocolate variants, enabling Tealive to extend its café-quality beverages to at-home and on-the-go consumption. "We want to make our best-loved flavours accessible wherever our fans are. This 3-in-1 range is our way of bringing those special Tealive moments into everyday routines, whether you're commuting, at work, or simply relaxing at home," founder and chief executive officer Bryan Loo said after the launch. The business expansion comes at a time when the lifestyle tea brand operator is seeking to raise funds via an initial public offering (IPO), with proceeds earmarked for new store openings and debt repayment. Loo said the launch reflects the group's strategy to future-proof its brand and strengthen consumer engagement beyond retail outlets. The sachets will be available at AEON and Tealive stores starting June 15, followed by wider retail distribution in July. Each box, priced at RM12.90, contains sachets to deliver the same taste as in-store offerings. According to Loo, the new product line aims to position Tealive as a standout local fast-moving consumer goods player by leveraging trust, innovation in flavours, and consumer emotional connection. "Supporting local isn't just patriotic. It's a smart choice when the quality speaks for itself. We're showing that Malaysian-made can mean world-class," he said. He added that the company's expansion aligns with Loob's upcoming IPO plans. According to its draft prospectus submitted to the Securities Commission Malaysia, the IPO comprises a public issue of 58.46 million new shares and an offer for sale of 292.3 million existing shares, representing a combined 30 per cent of the enlarged share base. Funds raised will be used to open 12 new Tealive outlets and 13 Bask Bear outlets as well as to pare down borrowings. The group currently operates 831 Tealive and 135 Bask Bear outlets in Malaysia, along with 121 franchised Tealive stores abroad. -- BERNAMA
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabak Bernam company's songkok recycling programme helps with sustainability, preserving heritage
Driven by a passion for environmental sustainability and cultural preservation, a Sabak Bernam entrepreneur has introduced the concept of recycling old and damaged songkok (traditional Malay headwear). Mohd Hafzan Sardi, 37, founder of the Songkok Malaya brand that specialises in traditional songkok making, first introduced the concept with a two-month campaign last October. To his surpise, it received overwhelming support from the public. 'I was inspired to start this recycling campaign through my work in water resource management, particularly in river conservation and preservation campaigns in Selangor. 'That indirectly taught me about optimising resources,' said the former engineer. 'For example, cardboard and newspapers used as base materials in songkok making are not simply discarded. 'We can sort and turn them into compost or collect them with other materials before sending them to recycling centres,' he told Bernama. The initiative, promoted by the brand on social media, led to the collection of nearly 200 old and damaged songkok. Customers who exchanged their used headwear then received discounts on new ones. 'The market price for our premium traditional songkok, which is made entirely from fabric, ranges between RM50 and RM90, depending on the size. 'For children, the price is RM35,' said Mohd Hafzan. A Songkok Malaya worker attaches velvet fabric to the top section of a songkok as part of the production process. 'However, when customers exchange their old, worn-out or damaged songkok of any brand with ours, we offer our songkok from as low as RM25, while children's songkok are priced at RM12.90. 'The price also varies based on the type and design chosen.' Encouraged by the strong public response, Mohd Hafzan has planned to run a second round of the campaign this November, although manpower constraints would be a challenge. The company currently has five staff, including two tailors. Reflecting on his journey in business as the chief executive officer for Malaya Revolution Sdn Bhd, Mohd Hafzan said his participation in innovation competitions while working at a Selangor water-related agency inspired him to develop a durable and washable songkok. 'Traditionally, a songkok is made from cardboard or newspaper, which can be easily damaged when washed. 'However, through continuous research from 2018 to 2020, we replaced these materials with a more flexible fabric, that makes our songkok machine-washable without losing the shape. 'After that, I began selling on a small scale. 'In 2021, I joined the Bumiputra Entrepreneurs Startup Scheme under the Bumiputra Agenda Steering Unit, where I was fortunate to receive a RM500,000 grant, which became a turning point in expanding my business.' Today, Songkok Malaya produces several products, including traditional ones inspired by designs from Johor and Brunei, as well as custom-made ones. The brand has branches in Shah Alam, Selangor, as well as Marang, Terengganu, and distributes songkok all over the country. It also supplies products like traditional Malay attire accessories such as brooches, tanjak (traditional Malay headdress) and samping (waistcloth) for cultural events and festive occasions. The brand received several accolades including the Malaysia Design Award 2023, the Selangor Innovation Award 2022 and a gold medal at the International Innovation and Invention Competition through Exhibition 2022. Songkok Malaya was also selected for the Graduate Entrepreneur Advanced Programme under the Selangor State Development Corporation, a nine-month mentorship initiative that began last month. Mohd Hafzan expressed hoped more youths would step up to preserve heritage through innovation and keep traditional crafts alive.
