Popular Indonesian lifestyle F&B brand Ai-CHA has officially received JAKIM halal certification for its first Malaysian outlet at Berjaya Times Square, making it the first Indonesian ice cream and tea brand in the country to do so. The brand plans to certify at least five more outlets by the end of this year, reinforcing its long-term commitment to serving Malaysia’s diverse consumer base with confidence and consistency.
The milestone was announced by Danny Tahardi, Global Deputy General Manager of Ai-CHA, who shared that halal compliance has always been a cornerstone of the brand’s expansion strategy in Malaysia. “Even as we scale up our presence in Malaysia, achieving a Malaysian record of opening 300 outlets within 12 months, we put tremendous emphasis on the halal aspect of the business,” he stated, adding that five more outlets were on track towards obtaining halal certification by year-end.
Ai-CHA’s halal-certified ingredients, dedicated compliance team, and alignment with JAKIM’s rigorous standards reflect more than just regulatory approval – they form a key part of Ai-CHA’s brand promise.
“We want all consumers to be fully confident they are consuming halal food and drinks when they step into an Ai-CHA outlet,” Tahardi added.
Commitment to Halal, Community and Franchisees
Echoing this commitment, Jason Chung, Country Manager for Ai-CHA Malaysia, reaffirmed that halal is not only a consumer priority but also a business value that enhances franchisee trust. “Halal is at the heart of our brand mission. It’s not only important to our customers, but it also strengthens franchisees’ confidence. We’re here to grow the right way with transparency, consistency and care,” he said.
The company has also formed a Halal Committee, led by Encik Zafran Khair, who confirmed that comprehensive staff training and certified sourcing protocols are in place across all locations. “We’re grateful for the trust and confidence of all Malaysian customers. On our end, we’re putting all our resources to ensure proper training down the line for all stakeholders in our pursuit of halal certification for each outlet,” he noted.
Malaysia’s Fastest-Growing F&B Chain
Ai-CHA’s growth in Malaysia has been meteoric. Since entering the market in 2024, the brand has expanded to 362 outlets nationwide, serving approximately three million customers monthly. It was recently honoured with two Malaysia Book of Records titles:
- Most Ice Cream Chain Stores Opened in a Year
- Most Beverage Chain Stores Opened in a Year
Additionally, Ai-CHA earned the 2025/2026 Consumer Choice Award from the National Consumer Action Council (MTPN), underscoring its popularity and service excellence.
A New Chapter: Beyond Ice Cream and Tea
To celebrate its halal milestone, Ai-CHA is running a limited-time “Buy 1, Free 1” promotion at its Berjaya Times Square outlet through 6 August 2025. Looking ahead, the brand plans to expand its menu at selected outlets by introducing hot snacks such as fried chicken and French fries, positioning itself as a comprehensive halal snacking destination.
“Our goal is to create a brand that resonates deeply with Malaysians,” Chung added. “This is only the beginning of our journey.”
Ai-CHA currently operates in nine countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Brunei.
