Editor
Jodee Tan chevron_right
Welcome to our second edition of Tapau, a collective ProductNation web newsletter run by the editors and their ADHD brains, where we share with you about anything and everything worth your time. This is also a space for our creativity to run free, so all support for this project will be appreciated & well-loved.
Tapau ("daa-pow") means takeaway in the Malaysian context, borrowed from the Mandarin language. In every episode, we hope you takeaway at least one piece of information you find helpful, whether it's a tech or gossip news!
If you find something interesting to explore, please reach out to us at [email protected] or @productnationco on Instagram!
What's Up
This section is where we talk about stories most people should know about.
Touch N'Go implemented an SOS feature where they'll pay for your toll right away (in case you're stuck at a man-less booth with no balance). The catch is you have to pay them back within 24 hours later. This will definitely come in handy since Malaysians will not get anymore subsidised toll fares from the upcoming festive holidays (this was still in discussion as of date written).
Meanwhile, the world amuses over TikTok banned in the US, so everyone flocked to Xiaohongshu (RedNote). But just within 3 days TikTok was back in US, all thanks to Trump in light of his presidential inauguration. Err, thanks Trump and congratulations?
Tech Tarik
If you want interesting tech updates worth your time, Tech Tarik is where you can get ahead with the latest news.
- On an annual basis, Q1 is not complete without a Samsung Unpacked event, and this time it happened in their enemy's turf (hint: fruit). The latest installation would be the Samsung Galaxy S25 series. New Galaxy AI updates & magnetic accessories are available too!
- Speaking of which, make sure to get pre-order promos if you're buying the Galaxy S25 series!
- If you're someone who wants internet off the grid (or you just have really bad internet), Starlink by SpaceX is now in Malaysia. This is a mini-satelite that lets you get internet connection even without telco towers nearby.
- Nintendo Switch 2 is confirmed!!!! Rahhhhh! While we will miss its colourful retro design in the original Switch, we can't wait to see what this Steam Deck look-a-like will do!
Living & Breathing
Here's where we get to unwind with some lifestyle discoveries and whatnots.
- If you need a last minute Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner, of you just want to entertain your family, head here to find the best restaurants for CNY in Klang Valley.
- China's hottest cafe is in town! Luckin Coffee just debuted its first store in Malaysia at Sunway Pyramid, and they already have big plans to launch 5 new outlets by end of January 2025. Too bad they will unlikely carry their Moutai coffee (non-halal) which is exclusive to China.
- Have you ever seen a fish take an MRI scan? Because same (below):
View this post on Instagram
Welcome To Our Makeshift Introsepctive Lounge;
New Year's feels just like a week ago but we're almost at the end of January. How???
- Am I of the very few that avoids looking at Chinese New Year Zodiac readings because they're always the same. What do you mean I should be careful who I hang out with this year, shouldn't that apply every year?
- If you don't know how to survive family during CNY or the festive holidays, just remember a few things: be nice, give answers that sound vague or nice to others, and laugh if you think you said something malicious. I swear these works.
Happy holidays!
That's all for our second edition. Doing this newsletter is fun but can be nervewrecking trying to pick the most interesting and crucial news to help you readers survive life. Once again, this newsletter was inspired by The Verge's newsletters. We still don't know how frequent we can do this, but at least we are on to this second installment. Until then, see you in the next round!
[Cover image credit sources: PULSE Highway, Vox & ProductNation]