Friday, August 7, 2026

What to Read After Watching The Odyssey: Kobo’s Reading Guide for Myth-Lovers, Movie Fans, and Epic Adventure Seekers

Hi Everyone,

Some stories are so big, one screen is not enough to hold them. With The Odyssey sparking fresh interest in Homer’s legendary tale across Malaysia, audiences are once again being drawn into a world of gods, monsters, heroes, longing, loyalty, and the long road home. But for those leaving the cinema still thinking about Odysseus, Penelope, Circe, and the myths that shaped them, the adventure does not have to end when the credits roll.

 

Rakuten Kobo is inviting readers to go beyond the big-screen spectacle with a curated eBook guide inspired by The Odyssey, featuring the original epic, essential Greek mythology, modern retellings, alternative perspectives, and accessible adventure-led reads. Whether you are discovering Homer for the first time, revisiting the classics after watching the film, or looking for a fresh take on familiar myths, Kobo makes it easy to continue the journey anytime, anywhere.

 

In Malaysia, readers can enjoy 25% off eBooks sitewide from to8 Aug with the promo code SYOK26081. The promo will return on 16 till 18 Aug and customers may use the code SYOK26082.

 

Exclusions may apply. Please refer to Kobo’s website for full terms and conditions.

 

For readers who want to start with the original: The Odyssey by Homer (Translated by Emily Wilson)

 


Before the big-screen spectacle, there was the epic poem that started it all. The Odyssey follows Odysseus on his long and dangerous journey home after the Trojan War, as he faces shipwrecks, monsters, temptations, divine interference, and the enduring pull of home. For readers who want to understand the heart of the story, this is the place to begin.

 

 

For readers who want the story before the journey: The Iliad by Homer (Translated by Emily Wilson)

 


To better understand the world that shaped Odysseus, readers can turn to The Iliad, Homer’s epic account of the Trojan War. Filled with rage, honour, grief, glory, and tragedy, it offers a powerful look at the conflict that comes before The Odyssey, and the mythic figures whose stories continue to echo through literature and popular culture today.

 

 

For readers who want mythology through a woman’s eyes: Circeby Madeline Miller

 


For those fascinated by one of The Odyssey’s most memorable figures, Circe offers a rich and moving retelling of the enchantress often remembered for turning men into pigs. In Madeline Miller’s hands, Circe becomes a complex heroine with her own power, loneliness, choices, and story to tell.

 

 

For readers who love romance, tragedy, and heroic legend: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

 


Set in the world of the Trojan War, The Song of Achillesreimagines the bond between Achilles and Patroclus with tenderness and heartbreak. It is a deeply emotional read for those drawn to mythology for the human relationships, longing, and tragedy at the centre of these ancient stories.

 

 

For readers curious about Penelope’s side of the story: The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

 


Odysseus may be remembered for his long journey home, but what about the woman who waited? In The Penelopiad, Margaret Atwood gives Penelope a sharp, witty, and thought-provoking voice of her own, offering a fresh perspective on loyalty, storytelling, and the myths we think we know.

 

 

For readers who want to hear from the women of Troy: A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes

 


The Trojan War has often been told through the men who fought it, but A Thousand Ships shifts the focus to the women whose lives were changed by it. Sweeping and emotional, Natalie Haynes’ retelling gives voice to queens, captives, mothers, daughters, goddesses, and survivors across the mythological world.

 

 

For readers who want a fun, modern way into mythology: Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

 


Not every myth-inspired read needs to begin with an ancient text. For younger readers, longtime fans, or anyone looking for a lighter and more accessible adventure, the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series brings Greek gods, monsters, quests, and prophecies into the modern world. Fast-paced, funny, and full of heroic chaos, it is perfect for anyone who wants more mythology after watching The Odyssey.

 

With Kobo, readers can discover these titles as eBooks and read on their preferred device, whether that is a Kobo eReader or the Kobo app on iOS and Android. Progress is synced across devices, making it easy to start a chapter at home, continue on the commute, and pick up again wherever the journey leads.

 

Because sometimes, the best way to enjoy a story is to read the one that came before it, and the many brilliant stories it inspired after.

 

Readers looking to purchase a Kobo eReader or accessories can conveniently browse and shop for their preferred devices through Kobo’s official store on Lazada here.

 

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Kempen “Gaji Seumur Hidup” Nestlé Malaysia Kembali Dengan Edisi Terbesar

Hi Korang,

Kempen ikonik Gaji Seumur Hidup anjuran Nestlé Malaysia kembali buat edisi ketiga pada 2026, menawarkan peluang lebih besar kepada rakyat Malaysia, sambil terus menyantuni pertubuhan amal yang berbakti kepada komuniti memerlukan.


Kempen tahun ini menawarkan ganjaran yang mampu membawa perubahan besar dalam kehidupan, dengan seorang pemenang Hadiah Utama bakal menerima RM3,500 setiap bulan seumur hidup. Di samping itu, dua pemenang Hadiah Pertama akan menerima RM3,500 setiap bulan selama dua tahun, manakala 18 pemenang Hadiah Sagu Hati akan menerima RM3,500 setiap bulan selama setahun. Tambahan lagi, seramai 10,000 pemenang mingguan masing-masing akan menerima PIN Tambah Nilai e-Dompet Touch 'n Go bernilai RM100, menjadikan jumlah keseluruhan hadiah bagi kempen ini melebihi RM4 juta. Selain memberi ganjaran kepada pengguna, kempen ini juga akan menyumbang RM900,000 kepada 21 organisasi amal, meneruskan komitmennya untuk menyokong tujuan amal dan komuniti yang memerlukan.

En. Juan Aranols, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Nestlé Malaysia, berkata, “KempenGaji Seumur Hidup sangat dekat di hati kami dan mencerminkan harapan, aspirasi dan realiti harian rakyat Malaysia. Bagi kebanyakan keluarga, pendapatan bulanan tetap boleh membantu menunaikan tuntutan dan komitmen harian, menjaga orang-orang tersayang, melabur dalam masa depan anak-anak dan membuat perancangan awal dengan lebih yakin. Apa yang menjadikan Gaji Seumur Hidup lebih bermakna ialah manfaat sampingan yang diterima bukan sahaja oleh para pemenang. Menerusi sokongan kami kepada pertubuhan amal, kempen ini memberi harapan dan peluang kepada komuniti memerlukan sambil mencerminkan komitmen kami untuk mencipta nilai bersama demi manfaat rakyat Malaysia.”

Diperkenalkan buat julung kalinya pada 2020 sebagai kempen pertama seumpamanya yang bertujuan memberikan sokongan bermakna kepada rakyat Malaysia ketika pandemik COVID-19, Gaji Seumur Hidup kembali pada 2024 dan sekali lagi mendapat sambutan yang luar biasa. Dalam kedua-dua edisi tersebut, kempen ini telah menawarkan hadiah tunai berjumlah lebih daripada RM8 juta kepada beribu-ribu rakyat Malaysia, sambil menyumbang sejumlah RM1.5 juta kepada 35 badan amal di seluruh negara. Inisiatif ini memperluaskan impak kempen bukan sahaja kepada para pemenang, tetapi juga kepada komuniti di seluruh Malaysia.

Pada 2024, salah satu penerima sumbangan ialah Persatuan Kesedaran dan Sokongan Penyakit Mental Malaysia (MIASA), yang menerima RM84,000 selepas dipilih oleh pemenang Hadiah Utama.

Puan Hajjah Anita Abu Bakar, Pengasas dan Presiden MIASA berkata, “Sumbangan Nestlé Malaysia menerusi kempen Gaji Seumur Hidup bukan sahaja dari segi dana. Program ini telah memberikan pendedahan lebih besar kepada persatuan kami dan mencetus perbualan penting yang perlu dimulakan di Malaysia. Usaha menangani kesihatan mental bukan mudah, justeru apabila terdapat rakan kerjasama seperti Nestlé Malaysia yang sanggup berdiri teguh bersama, kami semakin yakin bahawa kita boleh mewujudkan negara Malaysia yang lebih berbelas kasihan dan prihatin.”

Pelancaran Gaji Seumur Hidup 3.0 lebih istimewa lagi dengan kehadiran Encik Amirrul Hafiz Bin Razak, En. Spencer Lim, dan En. Lim Yuen Heng yang merupakan Pemenang Hadiah Utama pada tahun 2020 dan 2024, yang menceritakan bagaimana kempen ini telah mengubah kehidupan mereka.


Semasa mengimbas kembali kisah peribadinya, En. Lim Yuen Heng berkata, “Memenangi Gaji Seumur Hidup merupakan satu rahmat besar buat keluarga saya. Ia memberikan kami keyakinan kewangan yang lebih kukuh dalam menghadapi keadaan ekonomi yang tidak menentu, di samping membantu kami memenuhi keperluan isi rumah, menyiapkan kerja-kerja penambahbaikan rumah serta membuat simpanan untuk pendidikan dan masa depan anak kami. Walaupun saya dan isteri masih terus bekerja, hadiah ini memberi kami ruang untuk merancang masa hadapan dengan lebih baik, termasuk persediaan untuk persaraan. Saya amat berterima kasih kepada Nestlé Malaysia kerana mewujudkan peluang ini serta membawa impak positif dalam kehidupan kami.”

Dengan memasuki edisi ketiga, Gaji Seumur Hidup terus mencerminkan komitmen Nestlé Malaysia dalam meraikan aspirasi rakyat Malaysia serta membuka peluang yang dapat membantu meningkatkan kualiti hidup ramai. Kempen pengguna ini berlangsung dari 1 Ogos hingga 30 September 2026. 

Pengguna boleh menyertai dengan membeli produk Nestlé yang mengambil bahagian bernilai minimum RM20 dalam satu resit, dan menghantar penyertaan melalui borang web rasmi atau WhatsApp. Penyertaan berganda dibenarkan sepanjang tempoh kempen berlangsung. Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila layari https://nes.tl/gaji-seumur-hidup-2026.

Friday, July 31, 2026

Carlo Rino Celebrates Modern Femininity with Its Eau de Parfum Collection

Hi Everyone,

Carlo Rino celebrates modern femininity through its Eau de Parfum Collection, a curated range of six signature fragrances, designed to complement every mood, occasion and personality. Extending beyond its signature elegance of handbags and accessories, the collection invites women to express their individuality through the world of fragrance.



Crafted with a higher concentration of premium fragrance oils, the Carlo Rino Eau de Parfum Collection delivers a richer, longer-lasting scent experience that transitions effortlessly from day to night. Each fragrance is thoughtfully composed to leave a sophisticated and memorable trail while reflecting the confidence, individuality and timeless charm of today's woman.

Inspired by the belief that fragrance is an extension of personal style, the collection is created for women who embrace both strength and softness, allowing them to express different facets of their personalities through scent.

 

The collection features six distinctive Eau de Parfum fragrances, each telling its own story while inviting women to discover the scent that best reflects who they are. The collection opens with ‘The One’, a floral woody musk scent that embodies confidence and timeless sophistication for women who leave a lasting impression wherever they go. ‘It's Me’ celebrates authenticity and individuality with a floral aquatic scent that encourages women to embrace every facet of who they are, while ‘25°’ captures the effortless warmth and carefree spirit of a perfect day, offering a fresh and uplifting scent for everyday wear.

Completing the collection are ‘Spring’, a delicate floral fragrance inspired by new beginnings and the beauty of the changing seasons which gives off a floral and fruity scent. ‘Rose’ is an elegant interpretation of the classic bloom, exuding grace and femininity by blending elements like peach, green leaf and blooming rose. ‘In Love’ blends a soft, floral, sea breeze and pear scent that evokes heartfelt emotions and romantic moments, creating a lasting impression wherever the day takes you.

Whether worn as a signature everyday scent or selected to suit different moods and occasions, the Carlo Rino Eau de Parfum Collection encourages women to express themselves through fragrance as naturally as they express themselves through fashion. The collection also reflects Carlo Rino's continued evolution into a complete lifestyle brand, offering products that accompany women beyond style and into the moments, memories and emotions that define everyday life. 

The Carlo Rino Eau de Parfum Collection is available at all Carlo Rino boutiques and its official website.