January-February. 2026 | @ Halal

LIFESTYLE

SMOOTH ROAD AHEAD: Travel with no worries with the HopeGoo app.

As overseas travel picks up momentum across the region, travellers are prioritising ease, reliability, and support alongside cost. It is against the backdrop of changing travel expectations that HopeGoo makes its official debut in Malaysia.

Originally launched in Mainland China and Hong Kong, HopeGoo enters the Malaysian market with a clear goal: to simplify international travel by making it convenient at every step of the journey. The app goes beyond booking flights and hotels; it serves as a trusted companion for travellers navigating new cities.

One of HopeGoo ' s most distinctive features is its " Your Travel Companion " 24 / 7 One-on-One WhatsApp Butler Service, a human-centred approach in an industry increasingly dominated by automation.

Travellers who are heading to destinations such as China, where language barriers and digital ecosystems can feel overwhelming, would have direct access to live assistance that can make a tangible difference. Whether it ' s rescheduling a missed connection, clarifying transport options, or handling last-minute changes, support is integrated into the experience rather than treated as an afterthought.

Malaysia ' s selection as a key growth market reflects more than just numbers. China has long been a popular destination for Malaysian travellers, alongside regional favourites such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore.

Family visits, education, business trips, and leisure travel all contribute to strong outbound demand, particularly during peak seasons like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and school holidays. As travel calendars fill up, tools that ease the travelling journey become increasingly valuable to these visitors.

What distinguishes HopeGoo is its careful attention to localisation. Multilingual support, compatibility with local payment methods, and region-specific promotions show an understanding that Malaysians plan trips in diverse ways.

" Our priority is to ensure the experience reflects how Malaysians plan, book, and travel overseas," said

HopeGoo ' s Apps User Growth Senior Manager Kent Chin.

" Beyond competitive pricing, travellers value peace of mind when they are abroad," Chin added. This emphasis on support and reassurance has become central to HopeGoo ' s design philosophy.

New-user incentives, such as eSIM discounts, travel vouchers, and referral rewards, encourage exploration of the platform. However, the real advantage lies in the seamless support across cultures. HopeGoo ' s immersive translation feature demonstrates an awareness of the practical challenges international travellers face, where digital fluency often determines how smooth a journey feels.

Backed by Tongcheng Travel, one of China ' s largest travel platforms, HopeGoo brings extensive industry experience and technological infrastructure. Group Vice President at Tongcheng Travel Yu Chi Xiao explained, " Putting local users at the centre of our strategy while connecting broader travel journeys has always been our main principle."

In an era where travel can still feel complex despite digital tools, HopeGoo steadily supports journeys through preparation, accessibility, and thoughtful service. For Malaysians who are ready to explore beyond familiar borders, that reliability may prove to be the most meaningful feature of all.

IN recent years, beauty has shifted from being purely about results to becoming a reflection of values. Consumers are paying closer attention to origins, ethics, and authenticity, and favouring brands that feel considered rather than excessive.

In this space, RIMAN has steadily positioned itself as a global player, extending Korean beauty beyond trends and into everyday routines.

Founded in South Korea in 2018, RIMAN has steadily expanded into North America, Europe, and Asia, bringing a focus on ingredient integrity and mindful production to the fast-moving world of K-Beauty. Its approach balances innovation with care by creating formulations that are both transparent and effective.

At the heart of its formulations is Giant BYoungPool, a proprietary Centella Asiatica variety cultivated on Jeju Island. Together with a 20-year Plant Variety Protection( PVP) granted by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, this plant is carefully grown on the world ' s first Smart Farm for Centella.

The process is to ensure a high concentration of active compounds and consistent quality, essentials for creating products consumers can trust, including those seeking halal-certified skincare.

RIMAN ' s flagship brand, ICD, integrates Giant BYoungPool into clinically validated formulas that blend texture, efficacy, and sensory appeal. Selected products carry halal certification, especially those that contain Lava BYoungPool Water.

This reflects the company ' s awareness of the growing demand among Muslim consumers for skincare that aligns with their values without compromising performance. It is a thoughtful nod to inclusivity, providing peace of mind to users who want their daily routines to resonate with both their lifestyle and beliefs.

Global expansion has been a hallmark of RIMAN ' s journey. Starting from its United States and Canadian debut in 2022 to recent milestones in London and Macau, the brand

has showcased its philosophy of ingredient transparency and operational excellence at international conventions.

As it prepares to enter the Japanese market, RIMAN continues to emphasise products that are mindful, reliable, and suited to a global audience, where halal compliance sits alongside sustainability, efficacy, and heritage-driven innovation.

In a crowded market, RIMAN stands out for combining performance with mindfulness. Its approach demonstrates that skincare can be universally desirable while remaining attentive to cultural and lifestyle nuances, making every morning and evening routine an opportunity for beauty that respects both the individual and the world they inhabit.-