Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026: Malaysians Define Independence as Their New Legacy

As Malaysians prepare for longer lives, many are placing greater importance on maintaining their independence as they age, according to the latest findings from the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026: Independence as the New Legacy. The study found that Malaysians increasingly view self-reliance, good health, financial security, and avoiding becoming a burden on loved ones as the legacy they can leave their families.

I am honoured to be invited to the press conference of Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026: Independence as the New Legacy

The survey, which gathered insights from more than 9,000 respondents across Asia, including 1,000 in Malaysia, explores attitudes toward longevity, health, caregiving, retirement preparedness, and financial well-being.

Independence as the New Legacy

The findings reflect a shift in how Malaysians are defining what it means to live well in later life. Rather than focusing solely on longevity, many are placing greater importance on maintaining the freedom, confidence, and resources needed to live life on their own terms for as long as possible.

Nearly nine in ten respondents identified preserving independence and self-reliance as their primary longevity goal. For many, independence extends beyond financial means. It is about retaining the ability to make personal decisions, having access to quality care when needed, and avoiding dependence on others.

Left: Vibha Coburn, Group Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Malaysia

Right: Jason Chong, Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Investment Management

This evolving mindset is also reshaping traditional views of legacy. Four in five respondents believe that maintaining their own independence and financial security is one of the most meaningful legacies they can leave their families, a sentiment that is particularly strong among younger adults aged 25 to 34. Reflecting this priority, respondents indicated they would allocate more than two-thirds (68%) of their assets to supporting their own long-term health and financial well-being, compared with 32% earmarked as a financial inheritance for their children.

Among those who view independence as a legacy, health and quality of life are seen as key priorities. Seven in ten respondents are actively focused on maintaining their well-being, while more than half (56%) express concern about the potential financial impact of unexpected expenses in later life. Together, these findings highlight a growing recognition that health, wealth, and independence are deeply interconnected, and that preparing for a longer life requires planning across all three.

Vibha Coburn, Group Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Malaysia

“These insights reinforce an important reality. As Malaysians live longer, planning for later life is not just about what they leave behind for their families. It is also about living healthier and staying financially secure, so that they can maintain their independence for longer,” said Vibha Coburn, Group Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Malaysia.

Warisan Malaysia Buffet Dinner at Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown

This Merdeka & Malaysia Day season, discover "Warisan Malaysia" buffet dinner at Midtown Brasserie, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown — an immersive culinary journey celebrating Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry through heirloom recipes, regional specialities and traditional craftsmanship.

Available on 28 August, 4 September and 25 September 2026, the limited-edition dining experience is more than a buffet. It is a thoughtful celebration of the stories, traditions and flavours that have shaped Malaysia's identity across generations.

At the heart of Warisan Malaysia is a collaboration between the hotel's culinary team and Jabatan Warisan Negara, bringing together two of Malaysia's greatest treasures, its food and its heritage. While more than eight chefs recreate recipes inspired by their mothers and family kitchens, guests can also explore an intimate showcase of handcrafted Malaysian artistry featuring handloom sarees, handwoven shawls, fabric jewellery, naturally dyed handblock textiles, handicrafts, traditional games and more.

Dr Farizawati binti Sabri, Director of the Conservation Department, Jabatan Warisan Negara, alongside Till Martin, General Manager of Midtown Brasserie, officially launched the event early August 2026.

Suria KLCC Sets Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2026 in Motion with RR by Rizman Ruzaini

Suria KLCC opened Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) 2026 in style on Monday, 3 August, presenting the official opening show of the 14th edition through its esteemed retail partner, RR by Rizman Ruzaini. Held at the Esplanade, KLCC Park, “Suria KLCC presents RR by Rizman Ruzaini” unveiled the label’s Cruise 2026 collection, RR Vol 4: Heritage in Motion, to a full house of 500-strong guests, kicking off a week-long celebration of Malaysian fashion under this year’s theme, Destination: Home Ground.

From left_Ruzaini, KLFW founder Andrew Tan, Suria KLCC CFO Penny Chua, Datuk Mohd Salem Kailany, Francis Tan, Suria KLCC General Manager Ameer Thajudeen and Rizman at the opening showcase of KLFW 2026

True to its title, Heritage in Motion drew on Malaysia’s nostalgic streetscapes for its inspiration,

with a runway presentation and event styling built around motifs of trishaws, bicycle gears and
vintage travel – a visual love letter to a bygone era of Malaysian mobility, reimagined through RR’s signature contemporary silhouettes. Staged inside KLFW’s newly reimagined show hall – a monochromatic, heritage-inspired structure adapted from archival batik prints from Yayasan
Sabah – the collection was presented on an all-white, hourglass-shaped runway before an
audience of industry figures, media and fashion enthusiasts, with the show simultaneously
broadcast live on a large LED screen to shoppers across Suria KLCC.

The opening night drew a distinguished turnout, including Datuk Sr Mohd. Salem Kailany, Group Chief Executive Officer of KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd, Francis Tan, Executive Director and CEO of Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd, and KLFW Founder Andrew Tan, underscoring the significance of RR by Rizman Ruzaini’s selection to steer this year’s opening showcase. With almost two decades in the industry behind them, Rizman Nordin and Ruzaini Wan Jamil made it a fitting choice to set the tone for a week that, this year, sees the duo return for a rare double feature – with a second showcase following later that same evening.

Francis Tan, Executive Director and CEO of Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd, said the opening show reflected the calibre of the retail partnership Suria KLCC has built with the label, “Rizman Ruzaini represents a great success story within the Malaysian fashion industry, and we are proud to count them among our esteemed retail partners here at Suria KLCC. Entrusting them with the opening show is a reflection of the platform we have built, and the standard Suria KLCC continues to set for Malaysian fashion. Heritage in Motion captured exactly what Destination: Home Ground is about – taking what is distinctly Malaysian and giving it a stage worthy of the world. It set the perfect tone for what promises to be an unforgettable week of Malaysian creativity.”

NESH’s New “Glacier”, The Malaysia Book of Records Holder for Smallest Ice-Dispensing Water Filter Machine

NESH Malaysia has achieved another significant milestone with the launch of its latest innovation, Glacier (All-in-One, Beyond Expectation), at Pavilion Bukit Jalil. The groundbreaking product launch marks a new chapter in smart water solutions, with Glacier officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the Smallest Ice-Dispensing Water Filter Machine.

Designed for modern lifestyles, Glacier embodies NESH Malaysia’s vision of combining

innovative technology, smart functionality, and elegant design into a single compact solution.
The breakthrough showcases how everyday hydration can be transformed through smarter,
more convenient, and more efficient water filtration system.

NESH Malaysia’s Business Development Manager, Jay Soh, shared that Glacier was
developed in response to the growing demand for space-saving water filtration systems that
deliver exceptional performance without compromising on style and aesthetics.
“Today’s consumers are looking for water filtration systems that fit seamlessly into their
lifestyles—products that are compact, intelligent, and able to deliver greater convenience.
Glacier demonstrates our commitment to creating innovative water solutions that address real-life needs while enhancing the everyday experience at home,” said Jay Soh.

Reinforcing the brand’s commitment to continuous innovation, NESH Malaysia’s Chief
Marketing Officer (CMO), Glanes Soh, highlighted that Glacier reflects the company’s
ambition to redefine expectations within the water filtration industry.

“Glacier is more than just a water dispenser. It is a new, complete hydration experience that
brings together ice-making, purification, temperature control, and smart hygiene technology in
one beautifully designed system. We believe innovation should make life simpler, and Glacier
is created to deliver exactly that,” said Glanes Soh.

Redefining the Future of Water Experience

Engineered as a complete all-in-one solution, Glacier delivers versatility and convenience
across every aspect of daily hydration. Its standout features include:

Twinkle Twinkle Brings Farm Tales to Kuala Lumpur

POP MART has opened the Twinkle Twinkle Farm Tales Pop-Up at Urban Node, The Exchange TRX on 13 Aug 2026. The first pop-up in Southeast Asia dedicated to the Farm Tales Series, the 11-day event runs until 23 August 2026, featuring the new collection, Twinkle Twinkle’s first appearance in Malaysia and signing sessions with creator Daxin.

For a limited time, Urban Node has been transformed into a playful Twinkle Twinkle farm. Inspired by the Farm Tales Series, the space brings the character’s signature rosy cheeks and star-shaped form into a setting filled with farm scenes and animal-inspired details, inviting visitors to step into the imaginative world of Twinkle Twinkle and its animal friends.

The new Twinkle Twinkle Farm Tales Series will launch at the pop-up on 21 August. Visitors can also shop a selection of pop-up-exclusive merchandise from 13 August, including T-shirts, plush bags, fridge magnets and more. Exclusive gifts with qualifying purchases will also be available while stocks last.

Twinkle Twinkle Makes Its First Appearance in Malaysia

POP MART Friend Twinkle Twinkle will meet fans in Malaysia for the first time on 20 and 21 August at Level 1 of The Exchange TRX, in front of Love, Bonito. A limited number of meet-and greet sessions will give local fans the opportunity to interact and take photos with Twinkle Twinkle in person.

Meet-and-greet tickets will be available through a limited giveaway from 13 August to 15 August. Visitors who spend RM120 or more in a single receipt at the pop-up will stand a chance to receive a ticket.

Marriott Bonvoy and the Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation Launch Nationwide Orangutan Conservation Collaboration

Marriott Bonvoy and the Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation (BMOUIF) has announced a collaboration through ‘A Story That Matters: Uniting Hospitality and Conservation ​for a Better Future​,‘ a nationwide campaign that brings together hospitality, conservation and education to support the protection of endangered orangutans.

United by a shared commitment to protecting Malaysia's natural heritage, Marriott Bonvoy and BMOUIF have come together to transform travel into a meaningful force for conservation. Combining Marriott Bonvoy's hospitality platform with BMOUIF's decades of expertise in orangutan conservation, the collaboration aims to raise awareness of Malaysia's rich biodiversity and encourage more travelers to become part of a meaningful conservation journey.

At the heart of the campaign is Aggy, a young Bornean orangutan whose story shines a light on the remarkable conservation work of BMOUIF. Orphaned shortly after birth, Aggy survived thanks to the unwavering dedication of veterinarians and caregivers who nurtured him through his most vulnerable months. Today, he has been successfully reintroduced to Orang Utan Island, where he has been accepted by an adoptive orangutan mother, a heartwarming milestone made possible through months of dedicated care and rehabilitation.

Through Aggy's symbolic adoption, the collaboration aims to inspire guests and Marriott Bonvoy members to support BMOUIF's ongoing conservation, rehabilitation, research and education efforts while helping secure a brighter future for endangered orangutans.

The campaign forms part of Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, Marriott International's sustainability and social impact platform, reinforcing the company's commitment to creating positive impact in the communities and environments where it operates.

Hospitality is about creating meaningful connections, not only with people, but also with the destinations we are privileged to be part of," said George Varughese, Market Vice President – Malaysia, Marriott International. "Our collaboration with the Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation reflects Marriott Bonvoy's commitment to using travel as a force for good. We hope this initiative inspires our guests and members to engage more deeply with Malaysia's natural heritage and demonstrate how even small actions can contribute to protecting it for future generations."