If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ve probably noticed that Shangri-La hotels and resorts seem to pop up everywhere. Similarly, if you are a person who appreciates high fashion, you may come across Jimmy Choo’s high-end designs. In case you weren’t aware, those are all Malaysian brands.
As a bonus, we’d like to encourage you to join us as we learn more about famous brands from Malaysia here on this blog. In addition, learn some interesting vocabulary related to brands or businesses. Let’s check it out!Top Malaysian Brands That Have Made Their Mark Abroad
Malaysia is one of the world’s top suppliers of commercial hardwoods and a significant palm oil and rubber producer. Aside from primary manufacturing, which continues to be important to the country’s economy, several Malaysian brands have become well-known and can be purchased by consumers worldwide. Let’s learn more about them; maybe you’ll find that you’re using a product invented by Malaysian people without even realizing it.
1. Shangri-La Hotels
Shangri-La, the luxury hotel and resort chain, aims to do hospitality well by providing its guests with magnificent accommodations and exceptional service at its properties in big cities worldwide. But do you ever realize they were originally from Malaysia? The Shangri-La Hotel Group is a worldwide chain of luxury resorts and hotels. Established in 1971 in Singapore by billionaire Robert Kuok, the group has expanded to include more than 100 hotels and resorts across the continents of Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, Australia, and the Middle East, with a total of more than 40,000 guest rooms.2. Jimmy Choo
Many still need to determine whether Jimmy Choo is a Japanese or Chinese company. But who exactly is Jimmy Choo? Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat was born in 1948 in Penang, Malaysia. Choo, whose father was a cobbler, grew up around shoes and the industry. At his father’s urging, Choo created his first pair of shoes at 11. After mastering his craft from his father, Choo moved to England in the 1980s to enroll in college. After that, in 1986, Choo built his first store in an abandoned hospital in Hackney. After only two years in business, Choo’s footwear was featured in Vogue. It became known for incredibly handmade women’s shoes. The success of the Choo label led to the introduction of handbags and other accessories today. Clearly, he’s one of the handmade heroes that made Malaysian craft become recognized.3. Ogawa
It’s a well-known massage chair that is both luxurious and functional. The name itself is reflective of a familiar Japanese brand. The company took its name from the Japanese, but its founder was not even Japanese. Instead, Ogawa was founded by two Malaysians, Wong Lee Keong, and Lim Poh Khian. They started a single storefront in Malaysia in 1996 but have since expanded to over 20 other countries, with over a thousand retail stores.
4. Bonia
Malaysia-based luxury clothes company Bonia has more than 700 stores in Asia. It sells shoes, premium leatherwear, and accessories. Chiang Sang Sem, the founder of Bonia, grew up as a kampung kid in Malacca. His parents were rubber tappers. Beginning his career in the textile sector in Penang, he worked previously in a handbag manufacturer owned by a friend of his uncle. After that, he started off by opening a factory of his own in Singapore in 1974 and has since accomplished a great deal. He got his start in Malaysia and Singapore, and now his brand Bonia thrives in boutiques worldwide.5. Padini
If you’re familiar with H&M and Zara, perhaps you’ve heard of Padini. It’s often believed to originate from Europe. However, the reality is that it was created in Malaysia. The Padini firm is located in Malaysia. The company offers various items through its different divisions, including clothing, footwear, accessories, etc. It expanded to become one of Malaysia’s most prominent clothing retailers, having more than 140 branches around the country and worldwide.6. BritishIndia
No, you haven’t gone back to the colonial era. Since its inception in 1994, BritishIndia has grown to become one of Malaysia’s most iconic fashion brands. Founded by Pat Liew, Group CEO and a veteran of the Malaysian retail industry, this company has consistently produced timeless and classic designs that resonate with shoppers across Southeast Asia. The creative direction and soul of the brand are meticulously overseen by its founder, ensuring that each collection exudes a distinctly elegant and sophisticated vibe. With its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, BritishIndia has established a strong presence in the region with over 40 stores spread across Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. This wide reach has allowed the brand to cater to a diverse range of customers, offering them a quality fashion experience that’s accessible to all!
7. Kyros Kebab
Kyros Kebab is one of the many Malaysian homegrown brands that significantly impacted Malaysian cuisine and the food industry. They introduced a fresh way to serve the traditional kebab. Kyros Kebab established its first stalls in shopping malls and supermarkets, which provided customers with a casual and comfortable environment to enjoy their favorite dishes, making it a popular choice for Malaysians. Kyros Kebab has always maintained a bright, fresh, and contemporary image that perfectly complements the modern lifestyle of today’s customers. The company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, flavorful kebabs in a trendy environment has helped it carve out a unique niche in Malaysia’s competitive food industry.8. Vochelle
Vochelle is a proudly Malaysian business acquired by the Maestro Swiss Group. It has been tantalizing the taste buds of chocolate lovers in Malay, Singapore, and other countries around the world. With its mouthwateringly creative flavors, Vochelle has built up its legacy for over a decade, delivering chocolatey indulgence to people. They stand out by using 100% premium cocoa butter to offer a rich and decadent taste that people keep coming back for. It has found significant export success in Southeast Asia and other tropical countries, as its chocolates were formulated to last in hot and humid weather. In addition, its chocolates are mixed with almonds, hazelnuts, and dried fruits to create layers of textures and flavors that consumers love.9. Karex
One of the world-renowned Malaysian brands, Karex Berhad, has earned the title of one of the world’s largest condom manufacturers, reaching 120 countries and generating $82 million in annual revenue. While condoms account for 93 percent of the company’s income, you might be surprised to learn that Karex also produces other essential products, such as personal lubricants, catheters, and nitrile gloves. The brand’s most significant markets include China, Brazil, Nigeria, and the U.S., showcasing its global appeal and commitment to providing quality products and services.10. Secret Recipe
Headquartered in Malaysia, Secret Recipe Cakes and Café Sdn Bhd originated in 1997 as a halal-certified café chain company. With a commitment to staying ahead in the industry, it has expanded its presence to numerous international locations, including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar, Maldives, and Bangladesh. Secret Recipe manufactures delightful fusion food and mouth-watering cakes, captivating the taste buds of generations while being served in a welcoming environment. It’s a safe bet to say that the brand has evolved into one of the region’s fastest-growing lifestyle cakes and café chains, boasting a multitude of café outlets and a loyal customer base.11. Beryl’s Chocolate
Founded in Malaysia, Beryl’s Chocolate is a delightful business specializing in producing chocolate for the food service industries, as well as manufacturing cookies and other scrumptious confectionery products. They’ve become a well-loved consumer brand not only in Malaysia but also in countries like the Philippines and beyond. With their mouth-watering treats gaining recognition from discerning customers both locally and overseas, it’s no wonder that Beryl’s Chocolate continues to successfully export its delicious creations to satisfy the sweet cravings of chocolate lovers around the world.Vocabulary Related To Brands Or Businesses
| English Word | Malay Word |
| Brand | Jenama |
| Brand awareness | Kesedaran jenama |
| Start-up | Bekerja bersama |
| Entrepreneur | Usahawan |
| Retailer | Peruncit |
In Summary
Which Malaysian brand do you recognize the most? All throughout the world, people can recognize these Malaysian brands through a powerful brand identity. It’s an excellent opportunity to spread interest in the country and, in particular, its rich cultural traditions. It takes the same level of attention and enthusiasm for one’s work as Jimmy Choo to develop a pair of shoes that can be considered a masterpiece of art. Is your interest in learning Malay sparked by your exposure to Malaysian brands? If yes, you should get the app that allows you to study Malay anywhere and whenever you choose!Learn Malay With Ling Now!
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