I was doing my Master’s assignment and the task was to find a local company to rebrand. Easy enough, right? But in the middle of my deep dive (you know the one where you open 20 tabs, then suddenly you’re watching a YouTube video on the implications of the tariffs), I stumbled on a bunch of brands I thought were international but are actually Malaysian.
Some of these brands are even exported all over the world while flying low on the radar locally. And if I, a born Malaccan (and a proud one at that) didn’t know these brands were local, then I’m guessing a few of these will surprise you too.
So here are some proudly Malaysian brands you probably didn’t know were from our tanah air:
1. Bonia
Founded in 1974 with its HQ in KL, Bonia is actually named after Bologna, Italy (hence the Italian vibes and Euro atas feel). But this sleek, luxury leather handbag brand is as Malaysian as it gets.
2. Royal Selangor
Did you know that the world’s largest pewter manufacturer is Malaysian? And it has been around since 1885? Royal Selangor even collaborated with Star Wars and Marvel!
3. Secret Recipe
Okay, I kinda assumed Secret Recipe was a Southeast Asian chain, maybe Singaporean or Thai. But nope—100% Malaysian. They’ve been around since 1997, and now have over 440 outlets across Asia. Hmm… I should sapotlokal and order a slice of Chocolate Indulgence cake now.
4. PappaRich
The branding is strong with this one—it gives “franchise from Australia” energy. But surprise, PappaRich was started right here in KL in 2005. With outlets in the US, Australia, and Singapore, it’s one of those brands that makes you do a double take when you realise eh wait, ni kita punya?
5. Marrybrown
This one blew my mind. I never thought a fast-food chain with over 500 outlets in more than 16 countries, including Sweden and Maldives, would be Malaysian. Started in Johor Bahru in 1981, Marrybrown even beat KFC to the halal fast food game in some parts of the world.
6. BritishIndia
So this colonial-core luxe resort wear is Malaysian. Founded in 1994, BritishIndia was born out of the vision of a local fashion entrepreneur. It’s stocked in high-end malls all across Southeast Asia—but it’s KL-bred.
7. Beryl’s Chocolate
Since I’m rebranding Beryl’s for my assignment, it only feels right to include it here. Yes, that iconic maroon box of Tiramisu Almonds that pops up every festive season is a brand from Seri Kembangan, Selangor.
8. Mamee
Remember the iconic blue monster from the package of our childhood snack that just needs to be renyuk (crush), goncang (shake), makan (eat). Mamee started in Melaka (hello, whose hometown is that?) back in 1971, and now it’s sold in 100+ countries. We even have Mamee Jonker House, which is a whole interactive museum & café combo.
9. Lewré
Elegant shoes. Designer vibes. You’d never guess this was Malaysian. Lewré started in 1997 and has even been worn by international celebs and royalty. Not bad for a homegrown label.
10. Julie’s Biscuits
Another Malaccan brand I could have sworn was from overseas. That little girl on the box is practically part of our collective memory. Julie’s exports to over 80 countries, making her one of Malaysia’s most lowkey global icons.
Honorable Mentions
- The Manhattan Fish Market – Inspired by the NYC fish scene but very much Malaysian.
- Padini – That place you buy basics from in every mall? Malaysian.
- Kinohimitsu – That collagen drink you keep seeing? Not Japanese, but Malaysian.
I love how these brands prove that Malaysian companies can build global presence without shouting their nationality from the rooftops. It’s giving subtle flex.
It also made me think how often do we overlook our own? Because clearly, Malaysia’s got taste, range, and some seriously underrated branding game.