Brand controversy is great, actually

In specific scenarios.

Author

Vulcan Post
May 03, 2024

“Controversy” is a word that probably scares many of us, and for good reason. For some business owners, it’s a nightmare to have your business embroiled in controversy.

So, why and how did ZUS Coffee wield it as a marketing strategy in its early days, and build up its influential position?

Should brands be following suit?

For you today, we have:

  • Facts you didn’t know about ZUS Coffee and what business lessons are hidden in them

  • A dragonfruit farm in Sepang with a Guinness World Record, which we drove 50km to visit

  • The resilient woman behind BilaBila Mart who was once told, “As a female, you better not talk so much. You [should] ask your husband to feed you."

📢 Controversy was pivotal to ZUS Coffee’s success?

⚠️ In building their brand awareness and customer loyalty, yes. You likely remember when they were called a copycat of Starbucks, and more recently when their name and logo were called into question. There are regrets, COO Venon Tian shared, but there’s always a silver lining to learn from.

Grab a coffee, here’s your to-read list:

💅🏼 A rude remark… pushed her to start her own business, BilaBila Mart, that’s now 50 stores strong. This is the story of Lee Hui Jing, who didn’t let her ex-friend’s (and ex-co-founder) sexist words put an end to her entrepreneurial spirit. She went on to be named EY’s Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023!

🏆 You can’t eat this record-holding Sepang dragonfruit… because it’s a statue. This 9-foot-tall structure got a Guinness World Record, but don’t let that outshine how this humble family farm is actually innovating their business.

💎 Apple Watches are sooo basic… which is why this local entrepreneur is blinging them up. His inspo? Classic, luxury timepieces. Using traditional techniques from the Swiss watchmaking industry, his cases have sold for up to RM8,000 a piece.

This Penangite chef left caviar for charcoal, now grills Texas BBQ

After 11 years in fine dining, this chef is taking it low and slow with his smoked and grilled meats.

Malaysian billionaires in 2024: Who’s new, who’s missing?

On the list, we mean. Familiar names remain, while some heirs have inherited legacies and wealth.

Is Cyberjaya Malaysia’s failed Silicon Valley?

We investigated why this perception exists, how Cyberview is fighting it, and where we can go from here.

ESG this, ESG that… Does it really matter for your SME?

Short answer: Yes, it futureproofs your business, and investors will find you sexier. Long answer:

Local businesses selling unusual things

Yes, we do have a TikTok too, where our articles can be watched in bite-sized videos! Click on the thumbnails to watch the videos!

⌚ Watch how this Malaysian is making watches that don’t tell you the time. Well, not in the traditional way, at least. His intricate watches tell personal stories instead.

🍰 Slices of cake are so yesterday, and while there are aesthetic layered cakes in soda cans, this baker has put his own spin on things. Introducing: cakes in “tuna” cans. Yum-meow?

👷 Brick by brick, this local team has built up their reputation as builders, but not in property. Clients pay them to make life-sized replicas of things like Myvis out of plastic bricks.

Partner Spotlight (with an exclusive offer!)

From Malaysia to Macao, we’re flying to the Las Vegas of Asia to experience 2024’s anticipated BEYOND Expo, and we’re excited to share some free tickets with you for the event too!

🤷🏻 Why should I care?

  • You might know Macao as an entertainment hub, but did you know that the region is upping its business game too? Business is a biiiiiig part of its tourism appeal, and Malaysia can learn a lot from it. BEYOND Expo might just give your business some ideas on how to tap into bigger markets.

  • And speaking of markets, three major themes at BEYOND Expo 2024 will be healthcare, climate tech, and consumer tech, which are sectors with immense market potential. Knowing how to cater to the Total Addressable Market (TAM) of these sectors holds huge opportunities for your business. Some global numbers as of 2023 at a glance:

  • Stakeholders and players from the global tech ecosystem will be gathering to share exciting tech innovations, such as last year’s flying cars and robot minibuses, powered by AI. We’re expecting to be inspired by some really exciting stuff too this year! With all these great minds gathered in one place, it’s the ideal spot to network and shake on some business deals.

📅 I’m in, when is it happening?

Mark your calendars for May 22 - May 25, 2024.

🎟️ Where are my tickets?

Use our exclusive promo code [BEYOND_Vulcan] at checkout, and secure your free BEYOND Pass* now at: https://www.beyondexpo.com/registration/

*Terms & conditions apply, first-come-first-served.

Check out content marketing opportunities with us today.