logo
KK Group Launches Three Brands Overseas, Accelerating Global Expansion

KK Group Launches Three Brands Overseas, Accelerating Global Expansion

Business Wire2 days ago
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On July 10, 2025, X11 opened its first overseas store at Pavilion Bukit Jalil in Malaysia, marking the full global launch of KK Group's three core brands—KKV, The Colorist, and X11. This milestone advances the group's global expansion strategy. KK Group runs three core brands—KKV (premium lifestyle), The Colorist (beauty), and X11 (trend toys)—united by the group's brand vision "Live a Life Without Boundaries." Operating in 6 countries with over 1,000 global stores, the group leverages operational strength to expand efficiently amid global business integration.
As Rojen Wu, COO of the group's international business, emphasized, 'We respect young people's lifestyles, understand their diverse interests, and are willing to explore the infinite possibilities of trendy life with local young people in the future.'
Share
X11 Debuts in Malaysia with Its First Store, as KK Group Strengthens Its Market Presence
KK Group's three core brands—KKV, The Colorist, and X11—have made their first joint debut at Pavilion Bukit Jalil in Malaysia. X11's first overseas store opened on July 10, attracting large crowds, with curated displays of trendy toys and top-tier IPs. Moving forward, KK Group plans to place greater emphasis on the Malaysian market.
During X11's launch, KK Group hosted a limited-time pop-up for its three brands at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, drawing a surge of Gen Z and enhancing youth interaction. A joint ceremony for X11, The Colorist, and KKV followed on July 12, with top executives from both sides attending the ribbon-cutting.
To date, KK Group has expanded its presence to 6 countries, forming partnerships with leading local groups in each market.
KK Group Engages Gen Z: Co-Creating Trends with Young Consumers
Statistics show that Gen Z accounts for over 30% of the global population, with the annual consumption growth rate of young people worldwide reaching 7% on average. KK Group's three core brands perfectly cater to the needs of young people: KKV is a lifestyle trend retail brand, The Colorist is a large-scale beauty trend retail brand, and X11 is a fashion culture trend retail brand. Their respective slogans—'100 LIFESTYLES,' '100 MAKEUP LOOKS,' and '100 FUN'—accurately align with the consumption preferences of local young people.
As Rojen Wu, COO of the group's international business, emphasized, 'We respect young people's lifestyles, understand their diverse interests, and are willing to explore the infinite possibilities of trendy life with local young people in the future.'
KK Group Expands Globally: Setting New Trends Worldwide
KK Group remains committed to its globalization path while advancing localized operations for its brands in global markets. Going forward, the group will not only expand its store footprint but also strengthen localized operations. In different regional markets, it will adjust product assortments based on consumer preferences and enhance connections with local shoppers through localized marketing strategies, enabling the brands to better integrate into local lifestyles.
In the future, KK Group aims to accelerate store expansion in Malaysia and across the globe, with plans to open 200 overseas stores by the end of 2025, while further deepening localized operations. This will ensure that, no matter where consumers are, they can experience the globally consistent trendy quality at KKV, The Colorist, and X11 stores, while also finding products that fit their local preferences.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

From Side Hustle To Paycheck: Why Employers Are Hiring You For Your Passion Projects In 2025
From Side Hustle To Paycheck: Why Employers Are Hiring You For Your Passion Projects In 2025

Forbes

time2 hours ago

  • Forbes

From Side Hustle To Paycheck: Why Employers Are Hiring You For Your Passion Projects In 2025

In 2025, side hustles aren't just for extra cash – they're becoming a gateway to full-time jobs. With over half of Gen Z and Millennials juggling passion projects alongside day jobs, employers are starting to take notice. What once raised eyebrows in interviews is now opening doors, as recruiters increasingly view side hustles as signals of initiative and market-ready skills. This shift marks a new chapter in how hiring managers evaluate candidates. Resume gaps are being filled with freelance gigs, Etsy shops, personal podcasts, and YouTube channels. Here's why employers in 2025 are hiring you because of your side hustle, not in spite of it. 1. Side projects signal skill in action Your side hustle isn't just a hobby – it's evidence that you can turn an idea into something real. Whether you've launched a design portfolio on Behance, grown a niche newsletter, or taught yourself to code through late-night projects, recruiters are paying attention to what you've built. This aligns with a larger hiring trend: employers are focusing less on where you studied and more on what you can do. According to Deloitte's 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, nearly 70% of Gen Z and 59% of Millennials say they regularly develop new skills outside of formal employment – often through personal initiatives. Passion projects show you can do much more than just follow instructions. 2. Gen Z and Millennials are leading the charge Side hustles are practically second nature to younger workers. Recent data shows that 57% of Gen Z and 50% of Millennials maintain a side hustle – far more than older generations. According to Intuit, nearly two-thirds of these workers plan to keep side gigs long-term, and 49% say their primary motivation is 'to be their own boss.' Another 42% say it's about following their passions. This shift isn't just economic – it's cultural. For Gen Z especially, building something of your own, whether it earns £50 or £5,000 a month, reflects identity, resilience, and drive. Employers attuned to this mindset see side hustles as proof of leadership and self-motivation – the very traits missing from many traditional aren't just isolated efforts – as explored in this recent Forbes article, some combinations of side hustles are earning Gen Z and Millennials thousands per month while building highly transferable career skills. In 2025, passion projects like newsletters, podcasts, and creative side gigs are becoming powerful ... More assets in the hiring process – not just hobbies. 3. Employers see passion and initiative In the past, hiring managers might have seen side hustles as distractions. In 2025, that mindset is fading fast. As one recruiter told Newsweek, 'For me, having a side hustle is what gives me confidence even in a tough job market.' Recruiters surveyed by GMAC via BusinessBecause also found that 61% of employers perceive Gen Z business-school graduates as just as professional as their predecessors – suggesting that personal projects don't harm credibility, they enhance it. A well-documented side hustle offers real‑world experience and authenticity, showing you live your values and practice skills outside corporate structures. 4. The gig economy mindset is reshaping full-time roles Younger professionals – especially Gen Z – are increasingly adopting a gig-style approach even in traditional jobs. A recent Investopedia piece notes that this generation is drawn to autonomy and varied income streams, with many building side incomes to maintain flexibility and independence. Add to that Deloitte's data: nearly 70% of Gen Z and 59% of Millennials develop new skills outside formal work, often via self-driven projects. And Intuit found 49% pursue side hustles to 'be their own boss' – signalling that a portfolio approach is not a fallback, but a career strategy. 5. Even seasoned professionals are jumping in Side hustles aren't just for early-career creatives or Gen Z TikTokers. Across industries, experienced professionals are picking up passion projects that reflect changing values – and the job market is embracing it. reports that 52% of Millennials now manage side hustles alongside their full-time jobs. From media lawyers running photography businesses to lab technicians monetising niche blogs, more workers are merging purpose with pay – and some are even being recruited because of it. For employers, this hybrid profile – entrepreneurial and purpose-driven – is increasingly attractive in fast-moving industries. These 'polyworkers' are motivated not just by money, but by growth, exploration, and future resilience. Even if burnout is a risk, many see the benefits – diversified income, skill development, and a stronger personal brand – as worth it. 6. How to showcase your side hustle in a job search If you want your side hustle to help land your next role, be intentional in how you present it: Your passion project could be your best career move As the hiring landscape evolves, the line between resume experience and personal projects continues to blur. In 2025, employers aren't just asking what you've done: they're asking what you've built. Gen Z is reshaping the world of work in bold, entrepreneurial ways – from side hustles to micro-career pivots – as highlighted in this recent Forbes trend report. And for employers, these self-starters are becoming the most compelling hires of all.

Why is Gen Z embracing portfolio careers?
Why is Gen Z embracing portfolio careers?

Yahoo

time9 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Why is Gen Z embracing portfolio careers?

Why is Gen Z embracing portfolio careers? For decades, the default vision of a 'career' looked a lot like a straight line: graduate, land a full-time job, climb the ladder, retire. But today's young professionals are redrawing that picture entirely. Rather than anchoring themselves to one employer, many are building what's known as a portfolio career: juggling multiple roles, projects, and clients simultaneously. The shift to portfolio careers isn't about restlessness or side hustles. It's about reimagining work in a way that values flexibility, autonomy, and personal convictions over traditional notions of job security. And it's reshaping the workforce in real time. The rise of portfolio careers for Gen Z Research conducted in the fall of 2023 from Upwork, an online marketplace for hiring skilled freelancers, showed that 53% of Gen Z workers said they were already working full-time hours on a variety of freelance projects—not surprising, as 70% prioritized flexibility and autonomy above steady paychecks and formal titles. Gen Z continued to redefine how it works through portfolio careers in 2024 and is still doing so today. The evidence points to a foundational shift in how younger workers approach their careers—and it's one that businesses and professionals alike will need to understand and adapt to. The 4 forces fueling Gen Z's portfolio career movement Gen Z didn't arrive at the portfolio career model by accident. A combination of societal shifts, technological advances, and lived experiences has shaped their expectations—and opened doors that weren't available to previous generations. Our research identified four key drivers behind this changing mindset. 1. Flexibility The pandemic permanently disrupted how we think about work schedules and locations. For Gen Z, rigid 9-to-5 office jobs often feel outdated; they've seen how well options like remote work can be for businesses. Today, more than 60% of Gen Z workers say that inflexible work arrangements are a deal-breaker. Recent surges in remote work have proved that productivity doesn't have to be tied to a desk, opening up access to jobs far beyond one's immediate geography. That freedom is now a minimum expectation for dedicated portfolio careerists. 2. Technology The rise of high-speed internet and digital platforms has made multiclient work—and building different sources of income—more accessible than ever. Work marketplaces connect freelancers with clients around the world, and platforms like Etsy and even social media allow more self-employed creators to monetize their art, technical skills, and niche interests—all without a traditional employer. Earning potential and financial stability is no longer tied to full-time employment with a single company. 3. Values Gen Z is the most diverse generation to yet enter the workforce, and they expect to be able to reflect their identities and priorities in their work. Whether they're passionate about environmental advocacy, creative expression, or social justice, Gen Z wants professional experiences that align with their personal values. Working with multiple clients, either in lieu of a single full-time role or through part-time jobs and side hustles that take place after their day job ends, gives these young workers greater control over their professional and personal fulfillment. 4. Economics Gen Z's outlook has also been shaped by economic volatility—from the Great Recession to the pandemic and growing student debt. Many members of Gen Z see portfolio work as a hedge against financial risk. Instead of relying on a single employer for financial security, they spread that risk across multiple income sources. For some, portfolio work is a preference; for others, it's a survival strategy. Benefits and tradeoffs of the portfolio approach Portfolio careers aren't without their own set of risks and challenges, though. Understanding both sides of this type of work is essential for people of any age—and for the companies interested in attracting and retaining freelance talent. What's working Faster skill development. By juggling different roles or projects, Gen Z professionals with portfolio careers can accelerate their learning. Some projects reinforce existing skill sets, while others push them into new territory and force them to figure out how to use transferable skills in new ways. Personal brand ownership. Building a portfolio means building a brand. Many freelance or project-based workers gain reputations across different industries and platforms, showcasing their value beyond a single company or title. Lifestyle flexibility. Remote, flexible work allows people to prioritize travel, passion projects, or personal well-being without compromising income in the pursuit of work-life balance. What's harder Lack of traditional benefits. In the U.S., freelancers without employer-sponsored healthcare, paid leave, or retirement plans must self-manage these essential protections—and budget accordingly. Burnout risk. Managing multiple clients or projects requires strong boundaries and reliable systems. Without them, working too many hours is an easy mistake to make. Potential isolation. While flexibility is freeing, some portfolio workers miss the casual community of an office, or have trouble finding mentors. Digital tools and coworking spaces can help to establish a deeper sense of connection with other people in a similar industry—as well as other entrepreneurs and portfolio workers. What portfolio work means for employers As Gen Z reshapes the labor market, employers sticking to traditional models may face mounting challenges—not just in hiring, but in retaining and engaging top talent, too. Companies that want to stay competitive will need to develop their strategy across three key dimensions. 1. Talent acquisition If your ideal candidate expects flexibility and autonomy, a rigid job description and in-office requirement might cause them to look for work elsewhere. Businesses may need to rethink full-time headcount as the only solution. Instead, employers should consider building blended teams: a core of full-time employees supported by a network of freelancers brought in as needed for specialized projects. Such an approach doesn't mean replacing staff with independent contractors—it means scaling talent to match changing business needs, while also aligning with how the next generation prefers to work. 2. Worker retention Traditional career ladders may not hold much appeal for Gen Z, who often prioritize variety, skill growth, and purpose. Companies can create rotational programs that offer the same dynamism and new opportunities found in freelance work, without requiring employees to leave the organization. 3. Workplace culture Gen Z expects more than a paycheck. Remote work options, flexible hours, and purpose-driven missions are no longer perks—they're expectations. To meet the moment, organizations need to invest in technology as well as structural and cultural change. That means redesigning how work is organized and evaluated, and ensuring flexibility is baked into the operating model ... not bolted on as an exception. Getting started: Small steps, big shifts The shift toward portfolio careers doesn't require organizations—or individuals—to overhaul everything overnight. In fact, the most sustainable changes often start small. Whether you're leading a team or managing your own career, the key is to begin with intentional experiments that reflect the future you want to build. For companies Modularize projects. Break down large initiatives into smaller, clearly defined parts that can be tackled by freelancers or rotating team members. Tools like Kanban boards or shared project management platforms make remote work easier to manage and scale. Build an internal talent marketplace. Let employees interested in gaining new skills explore cross-functional roles or different challenges within the organization. Doing so can improve retention and also surface hidden talents and growth opportunities. Foster skill-sharing. Encourage employees to teach and learn from each other across departments. Doing so keeps the work environment dynamic and aligns with Gen Z's appetite for variety and development. For individuals Explore without leaping. If you're curious about portfolio work but not ready to go all-in on a career change, test the waters through side projects, freelance platforms, or skill-building initiatives. Map your options. Create a roadmap for transitioning into a portfolio career. Identify the skills you want to develop, the clients or industries you're interested in, and a timeline that makes sense for you. Bring variety into your current role. Even within a traditional job, you can seek out cross-functional work, side initiatives, or professional development opportunities that mirror the dynamism of portfolio work. No one model fits everyone—but given the data, you might want to ask: How could a more flexible, diversified approach to work strengthen your resilience, fulfillment, or business outcomes? The future isn't fixed—it's flexible As Gen Z redefines the meaning of career success, the workforce is becoming more fluid, interconnected, and opportunity-rich. Whether you're a business leader navigating a shifting talent landscape or a professional rethinking your own path, embracing the portfolio mindset opens new doors. Freelancers are connecting with innovative companies to solve critical problems, push boundaries, and build meaningful career portfolios—on their terms. Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation. This story was produced by Upwork and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Is college actually worth it anymore? Gen Z isn't sure, study says
Is college actually worth it anymore? Gen Z isn't sure, study says

New York Post

time10 hours ago

  • New York Post

Is college actually worth it anymore? Gen Z isn't sure, study says

Is college becoming obsolete? A survey of 1,000 full-time Gen Z employees across the US, conducted by ResumeGenius, found that a good number of these young adults wish they'd pursued a different degree — or not attend college at all. According to the survey, about one in four Gen Zers said they regret attending college or wish they had chosen a higher-paying career path. Many young adults are starting to question if their college education was worth it. Seventyfour – 'Many Gen Z students feel they were told college was the only path, only to see people with strong degrees underemployed or overlooked,' Tallo CEO Allison Danielsen told Fortune. Adding, they're 'questioning whether college still delivers real value.' Tallo, a career consultancy company, surveyed more than 2,000 participants aged 18 to 30 and found that 62% of young adults said they aren't in the career they intended to pursue. 25% of those surveyed said they are actively struggling to find a job in their industry of choice — which is making them wonder if getting a college degree was worth it. It's not easy for today's college grads looking for work. shapovalphoto – Not all Gen Zers are unhappy — the ResumeGenius survey found that about a third of workers from this generation were content with their career choice. 49% of those who are actively looking for a job feel their college education has lost value in the job market thanks to AI, according to an Indeed report. As AI continues to evolve, it's clear that many of the traditional entry-level roles, often seen as stepping stones into the workforce, are rapidly being automated. 'Entry-level jobs tend to involve routine, well-defined tasks — exactly the kind of work current AI systems are best suited to automate,' Professor Daniela Rus, the Director of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at MIT, told Newsweek. Experts argue that while some of these roles might not disappear entirely, they are evolving into something unrecognizable. For Gen Z, this transition could wipe out or change the roles they expected to apply for. However, their chances of being employed aren't completely deleted — they just might need to adapt to using this new technology. Experts claim digital nomads' familiarity with technology, particularly AI, could make them valuable assets in this new era. 'The advantage Gen Z has is that they are digital natives. They are well-positioned to work alongside AI, not in opposition to it,' Rus told Newsweek.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store