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Malaysia Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
News Analysis: Increased tariffs will strain Malaysia-U.S. ties, disrupt trade links
by Jonathan Edward, Wang Jiawei KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Bilateral ties between Malaysia and the United States are likely to be strained following the U.S. administration's imposition of a 25 percent tariff on Malaysian exports, according to analysts. Noting that Malaysia has limited leverage against the unilateral decision by the U.S., they urged the country to deepen ties with other key trade partners and build economic resilience against such external disruptions, as the tariffs and other disruptive policies are likely to persist as a long-term trend. Economist Samirul Ariff Othman told Xinhua that although Malaysia has avoided emotional retaliation, continued provocation or further economic pressure may leave the government with no choice but to adopt a tougher stance. "Quiet diplomacy can only go so far. Should the U.S. persist, Malaysia will need to recalibrate its strategic alignments," he said. Khazanah Research Institute Deputy Director of Research Yin Shao Loong said that the tariffs seem to be driven more by the U.S. administration's failure to meet its own deadlines for tariff negotiations, and that negotiations are likely to continue and eventually make headway. Meanwhile, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers President Soh Thian Lai said that the latest round of tariffs risks destabilizing business links and supply chains with feedback from manufacturers during the initial implementation of the 10 percent tariff already pointing to serious concerns over the sustainability of export operations. "This latest escalation risks further destabilizing an already fragile industrial landscape, severely impacting export competitiveness and placing additional strain on manufacturers," he said. Soh added that while strategic exports such as semiconductors were exempted, the broader ecosystem supporting the semiconductor industry including parts, machinery and services remains exposed to disruption. The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), a Malaysian think-tank, cautioned the government against accepting terms imposed by the U.S. that will be harmful to Malaysia's long-term strategic interests while stressing the need for a collective defense by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) against disruptive policies. "The underwhelming outcomes from bilateral negotiations for Malaysia and other countries reinforce the need for collective action to combat Washington's divide-and-conquer strategy. We can not allow fragmented engagement to weaken ASEAN's position on the global stage," it said in a statement. "Malaysia must continue to avoid being drawn into retaliatory trade barriers or a false choice between major powers, and continue to diversify and deepen partnerships with countries that share its interest in open and mutually beneficial trade," it said.
Malaysia Sun
01-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
From toys to milk tea, Chinese brands widen market share in Malaysia
Chinese brands like Mixue, CHAGEE, Luckin Coffee, and Pop Mart -- known for its blind box collectibles -- are captivating global markets, showcasing the power of China's homegrown IP through cultural innovation and technological agility. by Jonathan Edward, Wang Jiawei, Cheng Yiheng KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese brands continue to widen their share of the consumer market in Malaysia, with strong and growing demand for a range of products from milk tea to designer toys. Just a brief walk around the capital Kuala Lumpur, one can easily spot outlets of China's beverage giant Mixue, milk tea chain CHAGEE, and Luckin Coffee -- a leading Chinese coffee brand. Cherishing food and beverages, Malaysians have flocked to these chains and flooded local social media channels with glowing reviews. Meanwhile, other items, such as Pop Mart -- a popular Chinese toy company known for its blind box collectibles, particularly the Labubu character -- are also rapidly gaining ground. Besides the ubiquitous presence of Chinese-developed smartphones and other consumer electronics, these collectibles have become a global sensation, highlighting the strong competitiveness of Chinese-developed intellectual property (IP) in the open market, while also showcasing culture and creativity. A GROWING CULTURAL PHENOMENON At Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a major shopping center in the bustling tourist district in Bukit Bintang, signs indicate that the latest Labubu figurines are completely sold out, highlighting the surging popularity of Chinese cultural products in Malaysia and the enthusiasm they're generating among local youth. Among those visiting was Chong Man Hen, who had come especially to Kuala Lumpur to visit the store as he is an enthusiastic collector of figurines that combine traditional designs with a modern look. "I tend to collect products with traditional Chinese-style designs," he told Xinhua. "What makes these Chinese designer toys special is that they help bridge the gap between us and traditional Chinese aesthetics -- it gives a quick idea of what the character is about. Plus, being mini figures, they're especially appealing to me." "People around the world can be exposed to Chinese history and culture through (these products), and it's an easy way to understand more. When brands come in, like the traditional-style CHAGEE, I'm happy to try their products and it's nice that we don't have to go all the way to China to experience them. We can enjoy the same things here in Malaysia," he said. Inside a nearby CHAGEE outlet, a group of young girls were placing drink orders on their phones, while unboxing blind boxes from Pop Mart. Their anticipation of finding a rare edition spoke volumes about the emotional connection these collectibles have sparked. Scenes like this -- pairing Chinese-style beverages with trendy cultural goods -- have become increasingly common across Kuala Lumpur. UNIQUE PRODUCTS WITH A WIDE APPEAL These cultural products are also contributing to the local economy, drawing interest not just from Malaysians but also international visitors. Esther Yong, a university student and avid collector, noted that people from countries without access to Pop Mart are now traveling to Malaysia just to get their hands on the figurines. "I think (Chinese products) help Malaysia's economy," she said. "I've seen quite a few foreigners come to Malaysia to buy Pop Mart (products) -- some even take entire boxes home. I think it's beneficial for the economy." Esther also suggested that the retailer expand its product line to appeal to the interests of collectors like herself. "Chinese cultural elements are definitely a plus point for me ... Personally, I really like ancient Chinese elements, like the traditional costumes in Empresses in the Palace. If a series with that kind of style were released, I'd love it," she said. Meanwhile, Sharon Mendoza, a tourist from Mexico, said that she had first encountered the figurines in Pop Mart while visiting China and has kept an eye out for them on her subsequent travels. "There is no such brand in Mexico ... If there was a Pop Mart store, I would visit there like every weekend," she said with a laugh. "Everywhere I know there is a Pop Mart store, I would like to go, because I like to gift these toys to my family and my friends." The rise of Chinese brands in Malaysia is more than a commercial trend, but part of a broader cultural shift. Whether through designer toys, food and beverage chains, or cinematic experiences like animated films, China's creative industries are finding resonance among global audiences. "We're seeing the growing power of Chinese IPs," said a local cultural analyst. "More importantly, we're seeing how Chinese culture is being reimagined, localized, and embraced by new audiences around the world."
Malaysia Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysia Sun
Feature: From toys to milk tea, Chinese brands widen market share in Malaysia
by Jonathan Edward, Wang Jiawei, Cheng Yiheng KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese brands continue to widen their share of the consumer market in Malaysia, with strong and growing demand for a range of products from milk tea to designer toys. Just a brief walk around the capital Kuala Lumpur, one can easily spot outlets of China's beverage giant Mixue, milk tea chain CHAGEE, and Luckin Coffee -- a leading Chinese coffee brand. Cherishing food and beverages, Malaysians have flocked to these chains and flooded local social media channels with glowing reviews. Meanwhile, other items, such as Pop Mart -- a popular Chinese toy company known for its blind box collectibles, particularly the Labubu character -- are also rapidly gaining ground. Besides the ubiquitous presence of Chinese-developed smartphones and other consumer electronics, these collectibles have become a global sensation, highlighting the strong competitiveness of Chinese-developed intellectual property (IP) in the open market, while also showcasing culture and creativity. A GROWING CULTURAL PHENOMENON At Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a major shopping center in the bustling tourist district in Bukit Bintang, signs indicate that the latest Labubu figurines are completely sold out, highlighting the surging popularity of Chinese cultural products in Malaysia and the enthusiasm they're generating among local youth. Among those visiting was Chong Man Hen, who had come especially to Kuala Lumpur to visit the store as he is an enthusiastic collector of figurines that combine traditional designs with a modern look. "I tend to collect products with traditional Chinese-style designs," he told Xinhua. "What makes these Chinese designer toys special is that they help bridge the gap between us and traditional Chinese aesthetics -- it gives a quick idea of what the character is about. Plus, being mini figures, they're especially appealing to me." "People around the world can be exposed to Chinese history and culture through (these products), and it's an easy way to understand more. When brands come in, like the traditional-style CHAGEE, I'm happy to try their products and it's nice that we don't have to go all the way to China to experience them. We can enjoy the same things here in Malaysia," he said. Inside a nearby CHAGEE outlet, a group of young girls were placing drink orders on their phones, while unboxing blind boxes from Pop Mart. Their anticipation of finding a rare edition spoke volumes about the emotional connection these collectibles have sparked. Scenes like this -- pairing Chinese-style beverages with trendy cultural goods -- have become increasingly common across Kuala Lumpur. UNIQUE PRODUCTS WITH A WIDE APPEAL These cultural products are also contributing to the local economy, drawing interest not just from Malaysians but also international visitors. Esther Yong, a university student and avid collector, noted that people from countries without access to Pop Mart are now traveling to Malaysia just to get their hands on the figurines. "I think (Chinese products) help Malaysia's economy," she said. "I've seen quite a few foreigners come to Malaysia to buy Pop Mart (products) -- some even take entire boxes home. I think it's beneficial for the economy." Esther also suggested that the retailer expand its product line to appeal to the interests of collectors like herself. "Chinese cultural elements are definitely a plus point for me ... Personally, I really like ancient Chinese elements, like the traditional costumes in Empresses in the Palace. If a series with that kind of style were released, I'd love it," she said. Meanwhile, Sharon Mendoza, a tourist from Mexico, said that she had first encountered the figurines in Pop Mart while visiting China and has kept an eye out for them on her subsequent travels. "There is no such brand in Mexico ... If there was a Pop Mart store, I would visit there like every weekend," she said with a laugh. "Everywhere I know there is a Pop Mart store, I would like to go, because I like to gift these toys to my family and my friends." The rise of Chinese brands in Malaysia is more than a commercial trend, but part of a broader cultural shift. Whether through designer toys, food and beverage chains, or cinematic experiences like animated films, China's creative industries are finding resonance among global audiences. "We're seeing the growing power of Chinese IPs," said a local cultural analyst. "More importantly, we're seeing how Chinese culture is being reimagined, localized, and embraced by new audiences around the world."
