All about ice cream, advertising taxes and Writers of Mass Destruction

This story was featured in MARKETING Weekender – Issue 362

23 ice cream brands available in Malaysia

• Wall’s
• F&N Magnolia Ice Cream
• Magnum
• Cornetto
• Häagen-Dazs
• Baskin-Robbins
• Nestlé Ice Cream
• Gelato Fruity
• Inside Scoop
• The Last Polka
• Sangkaya
• Gelatomio
• Pops Malaya
• Lickety
• Yum Yum
• Kind Kones
• Crème De La Crème
• Merry Me
• Moo Cow
• Double Scoops
• New Zealand Natural
• Ben & Jerry’s
• Polar

Sangkaya’s competitors

Sangkaya is a popular brand of coconut milk-based ice cream in Malaysia. Its main competitors in the local market are:

• Inside Scoop – a premium ice cream brand that offers a wide range of flavors.
• The Last Polka – an artisanal ice cream brand that uses natural ingredients and unique flavors.
• Gelatomio – an Italian-style gelato brand that offers both classic and modern flavors.
• Kind Kones – a vegan and gluten-free ice cream brand that uses natural and organic ingredients.
• Crème De La Crème – a premium ice cream brand that uses high-quality ingredients and offers unique flavours.

Market size

According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the ice cream market in Malaysia was valued at approximately USD 160 million in 2020, and it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 5.8% from 2021 to 2026.

Withholding Tax and Online Advertising

If a non-resident company or individual advertises online in a country where withholding tax is imposed, they may be required to pay a percentage of the advertising fee as withholding tax. This means that the actual cost of the advertising will be higher than the advertised cost, as the non-resident company or individual will be required to pay the withholding tax on top of the advertised fee.

This can have several effects on online advertising. For one, it can discourage non-resident companies or individuals from advertising in countries where withholding tax is imposed, as it makes the cost of advertising higher and reduces their return on investment. It may also lead to a reduction in the amount of advertising revenue generated by online platforms in those countries, as non-resident companies or individuals may choose to advertise elsewhere to avoid the additional cost of withholding tax.

On the other hand, imposing withholding tax on online advertising can generate revenue for the government, which can be used to fund various public services and initiatives. It can also encourage local businesses to advertise more, as they may not be subject to withholding tax and can therefore advertise at a lower cost than non-resident companies or individuals.

Digital tax in Malaysia

A Digital Service Tax (DST) was implemented in January 2020. The DST is a 6% tax on digital services provided by foreign service providers to consumers in Malaysia. This includes services such as online advertising, streaming services, and online marketplaces.

The DST was implemented to ensure that foreign digital service providers are paying their fair share of taxes in Malaysia, just like local businesses are required to do. The tax also aims to level the playing field between foreign and local businesses.

The DST applies to foreign service providers with an annual turnover of more than RM500,000 in Malaysia. It does not apply to local businesses or individuals.

In general, the Malaysian Digital Service Tax (DST) is passed on to consumers by foreign service providers who are required to collect and remit the tax to the government.

ChatGPT or WMD (Writers of Mass Destruction)?

ChatGPT can be a helpful resource for copywriters in a few different ways:

• Idea generation: Copywriters can use ChatGPT to generate new ideas for content. By inputting a topic or keyword, ChatGPT can generate a list of related ideas that copywriters can use to develop new content.
• Research: Copywriters can use ChatGPT to conduct research on a given topic. ChatGPT can provide information on a wide range of subjects, from industry trends to scientific concepts, which copywriters can use to inform their content.
• Brainstorming: ChatGPT can be a useful tool for brainstorming headlines, taglines, and other copywriting concepts. By inputting a few keywords or phrases, ChatGPT can generate a list of related ideas that copywriters can use to develop their own unique concepts.
• Voice and tone: Copywriters can use ChatGPT to help develop a brand’s voice and tone. By inputting a few sample sentences or phrases, ChatGPT can generate similar content that copywriters can use to help shape the tone and style of a brand’s messaging.

Memorable ads from Malaysia

• Petronas “Tan Hong Ming” ad: This 2007 ad by Petronas tells the heartwarming story of a young Chinese boy and his Malay classmate who develop a friendship despite their different backgrounds.
• Milo “Champion Breakfast” ad: This iconic ad from the 1990s featured a catchy jingle and images of active children enjoying Milo as part of their breakfast routine.
• KFC “It’s Finger Lickin’ Good” ad: KFC’s long-running “Finger Lickin’ Good” slogan has become a ubiquitous part of Malaysian advertising culture, with many memorable ads over the years featuring catchy jingles and mouth-watering visuals.
• Maxis “Power of 10” ad: This 2013 ad by Maxis features a powerful narrative that showcases the importance of communication and connection in a rapidly changing world.
• TNB “Negaraku” ad: This emotional ad by TNB celebrates the diversity and unity of Malaysia, featuring a heartwarming rendition of the national anthem by a diverse group of Malaysians.