Pensonic Holdings Berhad Introduces Pleo “the first Personal Interactive Robotic”

Be it a cat, a dog or a rabbit, anyone can owns them, but to own a baby dinosaur which is able to interact with human, is the first of its kind in Malaysia. Pensonic Holdings Berhad, the pioneer in launching the first ever “Personal Interactive Robotic” Jurassic herbivorous infant Camarasaurus dinosaur called Pleo, at Westin Hotel, Kuala Lumpur recently. Present at the launch were, Group managing Director, Mr. Dixon Chew and Dato’ Kang Chin Seng.

Pleo is an autonomous robotic baby dinosour where each and every dinosaur, has its own unique mood & characteristics namely it can be happy & curious at times, it can be playful & lively, sometimes it can be scared & surprised with a whimpering sound or it can feel sad & vexed when scolded. Like the real baby dinosaur, Pleo can walk slowly, wag its tail, create sound, able to explore and respond to its surroundings.

Speaking at the media review, Group Managing Director, Mr. Dixon Chew said “Pensonic planned to introduce Pleo in order to perform household chores, provide entertainment and to look after children”. Elaborating on how Pleo could look after the children, Mr. Dixon said, “Pleo can be used to wake children when they fall asleep while studying, can make the children happy when they feel sad”.

Comes in green color, weighs 3.5 pounds, with a height of 7.5-inches and length of 21-inches, Pleo is rated for E for Everyone and is designed for older children, teens and adults. With a manufacturer’s limited 90-day warranty, contents from http://www..pensonic.com can be downloaded & saved on to SD card to enhance Pleo’s characteristics and capabilities.

Equipped by 1800 components, 14 motors, 15 microprocessors & sub-processors, more than 100 custom-designed gears, 40 sensors, infrared and camera-based vision system-object and color detection and navigation, two microphones-binaural hearing, SD card reader and high quality speakers sounds, Pensonic is the exclusive distributor for Pleo robotic products, which is owned by Ugobe, a technology company in US, and would be distributed in five South-East Asean countries namely, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia.

RAY-BAN Malaysia Reveals “Turn on the Ray-Ban Passion Contest” winners

Operating in more than 100 countries and dubbed as the best selling international eyewear brand in the world, Ray-Ban Malaysia has announced the “Turn on the Ray-Ban Passion Contest” winners recently. Prize giving ceremony were officiated by Mr. Winston Chong, General Manager of SIMA Marketing Sendirian Berhad and Mr. Calvin Lim, Sales & Marketing Manager of SIMA Marketing Sendirian Berhad.

With prizes worth more than RM70,000, the Ray-Ban contest was aimed to inculcate a trend of buying genuine products, thus, eliminating piracy products which has rampantly rooted in local market. The contest was also organised as a token of appreciation to all ray-Ban diehard supporters over the years and it is also aimed to stimulate the market among the group of genuine products consumers.

The contest Grand Prize (comprise a Yamaha FZ150i, a pair of Ray-Ban Limited Edition “Aviator”) was won by Mr. Mahmud Syaltut Bin Abdul Manap, Second Prize (comprise a Yamaha Ego S and a pair of Ray-Ban Limited Edition “Aviator”) went to Mr. Mohd Fadzlan Bin Ahmad, while the third prize (comprise a pair of of Ray-Ban Limited Edition “Aviator”) was won by Mr. Faizul Sawady Bin Amin Noordin.

For more information about Ray-Ban products, log on to www.ray-ban.com

Microsoft Malaysia Partners Dell in Unveiling the First Asia Retail Experience Store at Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur

Creating the ultimate digital lifestyle experience for all Malaysian tech savvy customers, Microsoft Malaysia form its partnership with Dell to unveil the first Asia Retail Experience Store at Mid Valley Megamall recently.

Strategically located at Lot S-098, 2nd Floor of Mid Valley Megamall, the experience store will enable customers to enjoy a more personalized experience in familiarizing themselves with Dell products. With an area size of 1200 square feet, the concept store will also showcase the latest Dell desktop and laptop product ranges powered exclusively by Microsoft genuine software. Unlike any other concept store, this Experience Store also provides sales support, thematic mini seminars and an on-site built-to-order sales coach to fulfill the needs of various end users.

Speaking at the launch of the new store, Mr. KT Ng, Director of Windows Client Group, Microsoft Malaysia said, “we have different levels of engagements with our customers and the Dell-Microsoft Retail Experience Store which will cater to students, housewives, gamers, and business operators to have a greater accessibility and feel of the products via ‘Experience Zone Concept’“. Echoing Mr. Ng sentiment, Mr. Ivan Omar, Senior Marketing Manager of ASEAN Consumer, Dell said,”…by joining forces (base on equal partnership) with the world’s leading software company and selecting a strategic location for our retail concept store, we can offer a unique kind of digital experience…”. Also present at the event was, Mr. Dylan Fan, Director of Data Ezy Systems Sendirian Berhad.

Maggi Chef’s Secret Enhances Malaysian Dishes

Nestle Professional has introduced the Maggie Chef’s Secret Concentrated Seasoning Powder at PJ Hilton recently.

Claimed as a unique recipe that enhances and brings out the natural flavours of the ingredients, the product uses the latest sensorial technology, which is specially formulated for the food industry.

Comes in an economical pack of 500 grammes, the Maggi Chef’s Secret can be prepared in 330 servings of vegetables and meat dishes.

Speaking at the launch Puan Zainun Nur Abd Rauf said the, ” product can be used for all types of dishes, be it Chinese, Malay, Indian or even western cuisine”. Puan Zainun also said, “even if the product contains half the level of sodium compared to other seasoning powder, due to its concentrated formulation, only a small teaspoon is needed to make 1 litre of broth compared to other seasoning powder that needs at least 3 teaspoon”.

At the launch using the Maggi Chef’s Secret Concentrated Seasoning Powder, celebrity chef Ahmad Sabri manage to cook “ayam tiga rasa” and vegetable “kalio” tastefully, while guest chef Bala Murali Nanda easily prepared the “chicken vol au vont” and “pan seared cod fillet with creamy ginger sauce”. Nestle Professional’s chef Ricky Chan cooked “angled luffa with fish ball soup” and “yaki meishi”.

SIGG’s Celebrating 100th Year Anniversary and Unveiling of its 2009 Collection

Created by Mr. Ferdinand SIGG, one hundred years ago, and being the best manufacturer of reusable aluminium bottles in the world, SIGG has celebrated its 100th year anniversary and unveiled its latest 2009 collection as well as limited edition ‘SIGG 100 Years’ commemorative bottle, at Westin Hotel, Kuala Lumpur recently. Present at the momentous occasion were, Mr. Mark Lang, COO of SIGG Switserland AG, Mr. Terence Lee, Business Director of Living Wing Sendirian Berhad and Mr. Stanley Woo, Sales Director of Asia Region, SIGG Switzerland AG.

Combining functionality with fashion and fun with a clear focus on 100% recyclable, guaranteed environmentally compatible and resource preserving, SIGG’s sleek bottles are tested for extreme durability and leak-proofness with many bottles enduring years of wear and tear without visible aging, making them a truly timeless classic. With the amazing features of its latest collection, SIGG also launched its new inner liner-which has the same performance of the previous liner-but in terms of its eco-friendliness, it has been vastly enhanced.

As the Green Wave sweeps the globe, people everywhere are catching up and becoming caught up in SIGG – from celebrities and design leaders such as Gisele Bundchen, Michael Kors, eco-warriors, sports enthusiasts, kids and regular folks.

Extending its cooperation with “1% For The Planet” in 2009, SIGG Switzerland AG will donate one percent of its worldwide sales to projects dedicated to the environment ecological programs. SIGG’s present theme “Using a SIGG is simply Eco-Logical!”, allows every users to eliminate the usage of 2000 plastic bottles for over 7 years (which is an average usage for a SIGG bottle).

Available at more than 13 outlets in Klang Valley, SIGG bottles retailed from RM69.90 to RM129.90. For more information about SIGG, log on to www.sigg.com

GlaxoSmithKline Unveils ‘Breathe Right Nasal Strips’ to Help Breathing and Snoring

A consumer survey in US reveals that any person can snore. The study estimates that in the general population of a country, 45% of men and 30% of women snore on a regular basis. To reduce snoring and to have an ease of breathing experience, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (GSK), a leading healthcare and pharmaceutical manufacturer, has introduced Breathe Right Nasal Strips to all Malaysians.

The Breathe Right Nasal Strips are innovative strips applied to the bridge of nose and they are clinically proven to reduce snoring, with a spring-like band (inserted underneath the strips) that gently holds up the sides of the nose, where they open the nostrils and increase airflow into the nasal airways (expands up to 31%). When air is channel through the nostrils, the mouth closes automatically, thus reducing the loudness and frequency of snoring. The Breathe Right Strips also relieve nasal congestion due to colds or allergies, as well as easing symptoms due to a deviated septum.

The Breathe Right Nasal Strips are non-drug treatment and  ideal for consumers who are concerned about side effects, especially the pregnancy mothers. The are available for those with dry or sensitive skin. Retailed at RM6 for 4-strips pack & RM12 for 12-strips pack, the strips are available in pharmacies nationwide.

Sony Introduces the new BRAVIA Z450A “Motionflow”

Fulfilling users’ expectations to enjoy a crystal-clear, excellent resolution and the best Full HD cinematic entertainment experience, Sony Malaysia has unveiled its new high performance BRAVIA Z450A series.

Adding to its present range of Bravia Full HD LCD ’siblings’, this Z450A is equipped with Motionflow technology that enables the display of fast image movements with total precision and smoothness by increasing image stability and multiplying the frames to four times per second. With Motionflow 200Hz technology, 150 unique frames are created between each of the existing 50 frames, allowing clearer picture and smoother motion quality resulting in a more comfortable viewing experience.

Powered by BRAVIA Engine 2 technology, the improved, fully digital integrated picture-enhancement engine, the Z450A series reproduces black shades that display objects with an impressive depth of reality. Coupled with Advanced Contrast Enhancer, the Z450A series is equipped to produce crisp, noise-free images with perfect contrast every time.

“Entertainment plays an essential role in our consumers’ lifestyles and Sony endeavours to provide the most cutting-edge technology to enhance their HD entertainment experience in every way possible,” said Mr. Taku Taguchi, General Manager of Product Marketing Division, Sony Malaysia. “The Z450A series represents a marked improvement in LCD TV technology with the world’s first LCD TV with Motionflow 200Hz technology for exceptional motion picture viewing.”

Another feature integrated in the BRAVIA Z450A series is the use of a 10-bit LCD panel and Live Colour Creation technology to reproduce natural, vibrant and accurate colour gradation that comes with a wider range of shades to provide a true-to-life viewing experience.

Recreating the movie watching experience in homes is made easy with the BRAVIA Z450A series. Featuring 24P True Cinema technology, the Z450A series enables automatic recognition of films shot at 24 frames per second format, and selects the appropriate imaging standard for playback in film-like motion. Adding stereo to the cinematic atmosphere, the BRAVIA Z450A series also features S-Force Front Surround system that delivers a wider listening area for realistic virtual surround sound. The Voice Zoom function further maintains the level of ambient surround sound to maximise audio clarity, enhancing overall viewing and audio experience.

The BRAVIA Sync-compatible Z450A series is connected to a wide range of Sony’s home entertainment devices via one remote control. With three High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) outlets, users able switch movies on their Handycam to manage, edit & share photos taken on their Cyber-shot using the BRAVIA Sync remote function.

Claimed as the world’s first LCD TV enhanced with Motionflow 200Hz technology, the BRAVIA Z450A series also incorporates the Digital Media Port (DMP) feature that allows users to manage their music and videos from portable devices such as Sony’s Walkman MP3 players and Bluetooth-enabled Sony Ericsson mobile phones.

Available in 52”, 46”, 40” sizes, the new BRAVIA Z450A series will be in Asia Pacific from mid December 2008.

Edaran Tan Chong Launches the Versatile 2.5litre Nissan NAVARA

Benefiting from the growing demand for versatile double-cab 4×4 vehicles that provide work and pleasure,
Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has unveiled the all-new Premium Sports Utility Truck, Nissan Navara at One Utama recently.

Claimed as the “mother” of all pick-up trucks, the rugged good-looking Nissan NAVARA has sold more than 480,000 units in over 140 countries due to its Electronically Controlled 4WD System that allows easy switch between 2WD and 4WD without having to stop the vehicle while travelling below 100km/h, Limited Slip Differential that provides necessary traction to any wheel that needs it, a responsive 5-speed transmission with overdrive, Balance Shaft System that reduces engine vibration and noise, classy interior spaciousness that comes with a luxurious fine leather seats with 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, one-touch driver’s side power window & auto door lock in a silver finished switch panel, large front door pocket and large glove box divided into two storage spaces.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Thierry Viadieu, President of Siam Nissan Automobile and Corporate Vice President of Nissan Motor Co.,Ltd said,”the NAVARA is highly rated for its toughness, off-road capabilities and comfort across the world”. Echoing Mr. Thierry’s sentiment, Dato’ Ang Bon Beng, Executive Director of ETCM said, “the NAVARA’s engine is undoubtedly the best in its segment as it offers the highest power and torque amongst all mid size pick-up trucks in Malaysia”.Also present at the event were, Mr.Itaru Nishikawa, President of Nissan Technical Center South East Asia Co.,Ltd, Mr. Toshimitsu Nose, Senior Vice President of Product Planning Nissan Asia Pte Ltd and Mr. Kazuhiro Doi, General Manager of Technology Marketing Department, Nissan Motor Co.,Ltd.

Powered by 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder, in-line, DOHC, 16-valve YD25DDTi common-rail direct injection diesel engine equipped with variable nozzle turbo and intercooler that churns out 174PS of power and a massive 403Nm of torque from as low as 2,000rpm, NAVARA can manage a top speed of 175km/h, while the century sprint takes 11.8 seconds and average fuel economy is estimated at 27.7mpg.

Equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) which optimises braking performance electronically to prevent wheel lock-up, energy-absorbing structures Zone Body construction, Scratch Shield Paint, AFS, Pre-Crash Seat Belt system and SRS dual front airbags, the NAVARA is the only pick-up truck to offer Xenon headlamps (JPJ compliant) with 4 levels of adjustable beam height to ensure the best possible driving vision at night.

Adding to its lists of accolades the NAVARA has garnered 23 prestigious awards from 15 countries such as, 2006 Consumer Digest’s Best Buy in US, Off-Road Award 2007 (Pick-Up of the Year) in Germany, Lifestyle Pick-Up of the Year 2007/2008 in UK, Pick-Up of the Year 2008 in Spain and Grand Prix Group’s Best Pick-Up 4WD 2008 under 2500cc in Thailand. Available in 3 variant colours, namely, Supreme Black, Twilight Grey and Tungsten Silver, the new Nissan NAVARA (is fully imported as completely built-up unit from Thailand) retails at RM103,721.90 on-the-road (inclusive of insurance, road tax, registration fee and ownership claim fee) with 3-year or 100,000 km (whichever comes first) warranty.

Meanwhile, in conjunction with the NAVARA launch, Nissan Motor Co.,Ltd (Nissan) and Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd has jointly unveiled its Nissan Technology Square with the aim to showcase its technologies that blends with environment and road safety concerns. Nissan Technology Square is part of Nissan’s commitment to support education by providing Malaysian students an opportunity to interact with Nissan’s senior management represented by Mr. Itaru Nishikawa and Mr. Kazuhiro Doi. Students will be given dialogue to kept abreast about Nissan’s latest technology.

For more information, log on to www.nissan.com.my

Castrol Set to Expand its Market with New EDGE Sport 0W-40 Full Synthetic Oil

Castrol has set its new benchmark in the best of engine lubricants with the unveiling of Castrol EDGE Sport 0W-40 Full Synthetic engine oil at Kuala Lumpur recently. Targeted for different consumer segments, the fully synthetic race-proven engine oil formulation is solely engineered for those who appreciate an extra level of power and performance.

Undoubtedly, the best in its class, the EDGE Sport 0W-40 is definitely the most cutting edge engine lubricant that suits highly stressed and competitive engines, sports cars, luxury sedans designed for road and racing circuits. Capables to deliver a maximum horsepower up to 45% longer than the nearest competitor synthetic oil, the EDGE is innovatively engineered to response to the toughest performance standards by surpassing the seven critical engine protections, namely, protecting engine at maximum horsepower for a longer period, stabilising overall engine temperature, protecting engine parts against wear and tear, reducing burn-off as well as allowing optimum engine performance between oil changes, performing extremely well in extreme hot & cold whether conditions, reducing emission of pollutants and maintaining an efficient fuel consumption.

Under the Ring of Fire Test, the EDGE Sport 0W-40 ables to withstand temperatures up to 340 degree Celcius, as soon as it cooled down, the engine could run for another 72 hours of 5600rpm and 150 degree Celcius oil temperature (Endurance Challenge Test) and under an extreme cold conditions, the EDGE is also able to withstand as low as -55 degree Celcius (compared to other conventional fully synthetic oil which has solidified under those conditions). With the accreditation from MII FE European fuel economy test (beyond ACEA limit), the EDGE also improved fuel consumption by 2.5% compared to other conventional fully synthetic oil. Mr Gan Soon Kiat, General Manager of Castrol for Malaysia & Singapore region, pointed out that “at -55 degree Celcius, the viscosity of the EDGE lubricant engine oil is the main reason behind its liquid form”.

Speaking at the media preview which was held at Coppers, Bangsar, Mr. Mark Ng, Head of Marketing, Castrol, said “at Castrol, we aim to continuously strive to provide superior technology for consumers who value performance without compromising on quality”. Also present at the event was, Mr. Shukor Yassin, Technical Service Manager of Castrol.

Retails at RM245 for a 4-litre pack, the EDGE is available at all local spare parts and accessories shop.

ASIMO “The World’s First Advanced Humanoid Robot” to Bring Hope and Inspiration to All Malaysians

Honda Malaysia has brought the new version ASIMO “Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility” with the aim to inspire all Malaysians to reach for their dreams. The latest enhanced ASIMO has the capability of dancing, kicking a ball, serving drinks and run at speed of 6km per hour (compared to 3km/hour previously).

Speaking at the press preview, which was  held at One Utama, Mr Atsushi Fujimoto, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia, said ” Everyone in Honda lives and breathes the tagline ‘The Power of Dreams’. After 22 years of painstaking research and development, that dream has become a reality through ASIMO which symbolises Honda’s technological advancement. I hope via ASIMO, we will be able to share with Malaysians our Challenging Spirit that drives us all this years.” Mr. Fujimoto added, we aim to create an ideal robot that one day can ease people’s lives. Also present at the event was, Mr. Azman Idris, President and Chief Operating Officer of Honda Malaysia Sendirian Berhad.

Born on October 31, 2000, with the height of 1.3 metres and weight of 54 kilograms, ASIMO has been enhanced with Intelligent Real Time Flexible (i-Walk) technology to improve its mobility. It has a greater stability in detecting sudden movement, to recognise people’s faces as well as interacting with people, with his head-mounted eye camera and newly introduced IC (Integrated Circuit) card.

Meanwhile, winners of the “ASIMO Inspiring Dreams Contest” were invited to witness the launch of new version of ASIMO. Honda Malaysia will be organizing ASIMO road tours at 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya (14-16 November), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor (18 November), City Square, Johore Bahru (20-23 November), Penang Adventist Hospital, Penang (25 November) and Queensbay Mall, Penang (27-30 November, 2008).

For more information about ASIMO, visit www.honda.com.my/asimo or www.world.honda.com/ASIMO

Cisco Unveils its New Malaysian Office at One Sentral, Kuala Lumpur

In reinforcing its commitment to the country, Cisco Malaysia has recently unveiled its new Malaysian office located at One Sentral, Kuala Lumpur.

With the introduction of Cisco Connected Workplace concept, that incorporates leading collaboration, virtualisation and video technologies with the network as the platform, Cisco Malaysia has also unveiled Cisco TelePresence (a high-definition video and audio system) in its new office to allow virtual meetings to take place in multiple locations, with multiple organisations at one time. This breakthrough solution saves time required for critical business decisions, reduces the need for expensive business travel and also revolutionise the way organisation conduct business network communication in Malaysia.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Chris Khang, President for Cisco’s Asia operations said,”the opening of Cisco’s new office in KL Sentral reaffirms Cisco’s commitment in helping local organisations drive transformation”. Meanwhile, Mr. Randy Pond, Cisco’s Executive Vice President of Operations, Processes and System said, “it’s about changing the way in which companies interact with their customers, partners, suppliers and employees to drive continuous innovation and offer differentiated value”.

In conjunction with the unveiling of its new office, Cisco Malaysia also named Anne Abraham as its new Managing Director in Malaysia, with Kumaran Singaram being promoted to a regional role.

Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com

The Malaysian Chapter Winners Will Table its Solutions in Solving Global’s Critical Issues at UN GAID GYF

Finally Malaysia will have its representatives at the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT Development Global Youth Forum (UN GAID GYF) in Armenia from 21 – 24 October, to layout one or incorporate all of the eight United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in a written document, a 3 to 5 minutes video or a prototype to furnish and elaborate the proper strategies, plans and best solutions in tackling global’s most critical issues, where our earth is currently facing. The winners that will represent Malaysia to Armenia are, Janene Wong Ling Ern, Allen Lee Chern Wern, Aravindan a/l Sheridoman, Shahrizal bin Suboh, Siti Aishah binti Othman and Lai Sem Min. Also present at the event were, Guest of Honor, Mr. M Vimalan a/l Muthupandian, Principal Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, Mr.Kenneth Chin, Organizing Chairman of AYA Dream Malaysia Awards and Mr Johan Farid Khairuddin, UN GAID Global Youth Forum Representative .

In line with Malaysian government’s goals inculcated in Ninth Malaysia Plan as well as commitment to investing in nurturing, mentoring and developing various youth-oriented programmes that elevate their talents to a higher plateau, this project in its second consecutive year, is one of the numerous projects undertaken by ASTRO in championing the youth development campaign.

With the endorsement from Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Khairul Mizan, Channel Manager of Astro Ria, has pointed out, “Our goal is to cultivate a youth community of future thought leaders”. Mr Khairul added “We want to encourage more Malaysian youths in adopting a proactive approach to solving global problems in the spirit of selfless humility – and make the world a better place for future generations.”

The winning entries were selected based on the viability of the idea, creative use of ICT,the potential for commercialisation, and the proposed solution’s compatibility with at least one or all of the eight MDGs. All the representatives will be given an all-expenses paid trip to participate and showcase their work at the 2008 UN GAID Global Youth Forum, Armenia.