KUALA LUMPUR: Superbrands, the independent global authority and arbiter of branding for key global multinational corporations (MNCs) and top local brands across a wide spectrum of different industries, has paid tribute to 22 Malaysian brands this year.
Superbrands director Mike English said: "The Superbrands organisation exists to identify, recognise and reward excellence in branding but current events have thrust Superbrands to the forefront of the world of branding by using our global expertise to advise brands on how they can weather the storm of the Covid-19 crisis.
"The lockdown has transformed the way customers research, browse, shop, and pay - even B2B customers are making decisions through digital channels because salespeople aren't meeting with them in person. The trend to digital customer experience will likely continue even after the crisis as people develop new habits and get used to the convenience," he said.
Digital customer experience is likely to become most brands' primary marketing channel - and that means they are now competing on e-commerce capabilities, mobile-first design, cashless payments as well as cross-channel logistics and fulfillment.
"During these extraordinarily hard times a brand must develop a character that is authentic and genuine, and channel these brand identities through various content and social media platforms. 2020 might not be the year we wanted but brands can take steps to mitigate the problems and move forward and eventually emerge stronger than ever," he said.
The Superbrands Malaysia 2020 Awards, considered as the 'Oscars of Branding' by the corporate world, are presented to the winning brands represented by their chief executive officers, managing directors, marketing directors and other top marketing and PR executives.
Superbrands also unveiled its Superbrands book, which includes a two-page profile of each of the Superbrands.
"The awards are a wonderful showcase for brands to highlight and promote their successes, and we are happy that many local brands which include new entrants, have made it to the Superbrands list this year in addition to globally recognised brands. These brands were not only voted by our distinguished brand council members but also by marketing professionals, who voted through an online poll," he said.
After rigorous selection criteria set by the Superbrands Council, leading Malaysian brands were scored by the council and through the online poll and the highest scoring brands were then designated as Superbrands.
"Malaysia's best brands which range from fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) to locally owned family businesses, are featured in the book. Participation in the Superbrands book is by invitation only and acknowledges the inherent strength of the organisation and its brand value.
"Brands participating in the Superbrands programme are entitled to use the Superbrands logo on their advertising, packaging and other marketing communications collaterals. The brand's story is also featured in the Superbrands reference book and on the Superbrands website," added English.
SUPERBRANDS MALAYSIA 2020 recipients
1. 1Minute Miracle
2. Alkauthar Eduqids
3. Asri Ahmad Academy
4. Bestari
5. Chear Motor
6. DZI Kingdom
7. EB Frozen
8. Eskayvie
9. Everbest
10. Ezcare Warranty
11. FG Walet
12.Medella
13. Mommyhana
14 N8 Sports Nutrition
15.NR Cosmetics
16.Noir Health & Beauty
17.Sabella
18.Siti Healthcare
10.Sunshine Kingdom
2-. Vantage Five
21.XES Shoes
22. Yokohama