MILO® Champions Sports Inclusivity at Every Level

 MILO® Champions Sports Inclusivity at Every Level 

By supporting Para SUKMA XXI and other sporting initiatives, Malaysia's beloved beverage reaffirms its enduring commitment to making sports accessible for all.

Building on its recent role as Platinum Sponsor for SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024, MILO® continues its unwavering commitment to making sports accessible to all Malaysians by supporting PARA SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024. As Platinum Sponsor, MILO® demonstrated its long-standing dedication to empowering athletes of all abilities for the recent games that was held from 22 September to 28 September 2024 in Sarawak.

"For over 70 years, MILO® has been a key part of Malaysia's sporting journey. We are committed to ensuring sports are inclusive for everyone, and our support for Para SUKMA XXI reflects this mission. Our philosophy, "Sports is a great teacher", drives us to create opportunities for Malaysians of all ages and abilities to participate in sports, ensuring no one is left behind," said Lim Kerwin, MILO® Head of Sports Marketing.

Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak, added, "We are honoured to once again work closely with MILO", not only for the esteemed Para SUKMA XXI, but also in its continuous efforts to champion sports inclusivity for all Malaysians. Their dedication has not only encouraged greater participation in sports among Malaysians, including those with physical limitations, but has also paved the way for the development of a more inclusive sports scene for this community."

A Legacy of Sports Inclusivity

For decades, MILO® has been championing Malaysia's sporting culture, believing that sports inspire active lifestyles and instil values like teamwork and sportsmanship in the younger generation.

The brand is dedicated to making sports accessible to all, regardless of physical ability, background, or experience level, embodying a spirit of inclusivity and equal opportunity.

This commitment is reflected in MILO's long-standing support of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM), as evidenced by its recent contribution of over RM500,000 to honour the nation's sporting heroes. This includes providing RM10,000 to each of the 26 Olympic and 30 Paralympic athletes who competed in Paris, in recognition of their inspiring dedication and performances.

MILO®'s commitment to sports inclusivity starts at the grassroots level. Through its long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Malaysia School Sports Council (MSSM), MILO® supports the MSSM Pendidikan Khas programme, ensuring that children with special needs have access to sports from an early age. This programme nurtures young special needs athletes, fostering their passion for sports and providing them with opportunities to develop their skills and pursue their dreams of representing Malaysia internationally. Paralympic long-jump champion, record-breaker, and gold medallist Datuk Abdul Latif Bin Romly, a recipient of the MSSM-KPM-MILO® awards in the Anugerah Pendidikan Khas Putera Category 2015, is a prime example of the programme's success.

Extending Inclusivity to Underrepresented Communities

MILO®s commitment to inclusivity extends to other underrepresented communities to grow sports participation.

Through the Kejohanan Sukan Sekolah Murid Orang Asli (KSSMOA), MILO® provides Orang Asli children from Sabah and Sarawak with opportunities to engage in sports. Additionally, MILO®'s COPA FUTSAL tournament promotes sports inclusivity for women and girls of all skill levels, providing an open platform for them to compete and hone their skills in a supportive environment.

This commitment also goes beyond competitive events. For the past decade, MILO® has proudly supported IMC Training Centre Malaysia's annual Let's Play Telematch Carnival, where special needs individuals and children from across the country participate in fun, inclusive sporting activities.

Aside from supporting sporting events and organising various sporting initiatives, MILO® also devotes its resources to develop healthier and tastier products that adheres to strict nutrient criteria, including reduced sugar, sodium, and fat with increased fibre content. Certified with the Healthier Choice Logo (HCL), MILO® remains an iconic, nutritious, and energising beverage loved by generations.

About MILO®

MILO® is the leading nutritious chocolate malt beverage in Malaysia beloved for its iconic taste. Packed with the goodness of malt barley, milk and cocoa with a unique blend of 6 vitamins and 3 minerals, MILO® has fueled generations of champions with the energy to go further. For over 70 years, MILO® has grown alongside Malaysia and been a vital part of the nation's sports heritage, providing athletes the nutrition as well as the platform to grow and flourish through the various MILO® grassroots sports programmes.

About Nestlé Malaysia

Nestlé is the world's largest food and beverage manufacturer.

Headquartered in Switzerland, Nestlé is present in more than 180 countries around the world, and our 270,000 employees committed to Nestlé's purpose of unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. Our performance is driven by our Nutrition, Health and Wellness strategy. Nourishing Malaysians since 1912, Nestlé has earned the trust of our consumers through our quality brands and products. We are committed to improving the lives of the communities in which we operate, whilst maintaining our Halal excellence and integrity. To learn more about Nestlé, do visit https://www.nestle.com.my/ask-nestle/we-are-nestle

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Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 : Unboxing and Review

It's been a year since I was signed up to be a part of Shokz Malaysia's ambassador program and it has been nothing but a great collaboration and sharing. Being able to experience and provide review of the Bone Conduction and Air Conduction headphones gave me the in-depth knowledge and understanding on how each product may and could suit different individual lifestyle. 

If you missed them, here are the list of products I have had the chance to review:

Shokz OpenFit Air [Unboxing+Review]

Shokz OpenSwim [Unboxing+Review]

Shokz OpenComm [Unboxing Review]

Shokz OpenRun Pro [Unboxing Review]

Shokz OpenFit [Unboxing Review]

Shokz OpenSwim Pro is in progress, and I am de-prioritizing it today to bring to you the brand new, just launched, fresh from the oven Shokz OpenRun Pro 2.

Hello OpenRun Pro 2

I received this unit under embargo and only to be posted on September 20th. However, some of you sharp eyed enough would realised I have been wearing it in a few of my IG stories... but if you missed it...

I have a knack for writing long reviews and understand not everyone enjoy reading a rather longish review, so here is the TL:DR version:

Pros:

• Less vibration vs OpenRun Pro. Way less ticklish if you are sensitive about it.
• Sound quality noticeably better than OpenRun Pro. The DualPitch™ is not a marketing gimmick.
• Because of open ear concept, you can hear your surroundings and still able to have a conversation while running or cycling or in the gym. Beyond sports-usage, the ability to hear your water boiling, fire alarm and other surrounding noises. 
• Less potential for in-ear infection or impacted ear-wax as it does not go into the ear. No sweat or heating/hot issue as the unit doesn't sit in the ear canal or has the earpad covering like the traditional headphones.
• Comfortable fit, doesn't fall out. Difficult to lose as it is secured in a band-construction
• Suitable for those with medical or auditory condition. Those with ringing ear (tinnitus) condition may be able to enjoy music better as it does not rely on the eardrums to transmit sound vibration. Works well with hearing aid as the vibration helps amplify the sound picked up by the bone conduction.

Cons:

• Pricier at RM899 (aligned with their flagship) - but this in my mind is subjective if you were to compare to the higher end earbuds or Bluetooth communicator devices (specific for work)
• Sound leakage if you bump the sound too high (above 75%). If you are in a quiet environment or taking a confidential call/privacy matters, it is best to lower the volume or find a more secure place.
• Can potentially cause hearing loss much like traditional headphone/earphone due to exposure to loud noises for much longer hours.

The Full Review

If you been using the OpenRun series, you will know about the bone conduction technology and how the open ear design keeps you alert while you are still able to listen to your favourite podcast, music or just using the device to get coaching feedback from your training.

With a lot of competing brands and products, it is often easy to get lost in the choices and prices; needless to say, Shokz is the pioneer in open-ear bone conduction earphones that has existed since 1994. 

Shokz as a brand has kept innovating and improving on their range of products that grew from military application to consumer products and (After)Shokz has made them popular.

Thanks to Shokz Malaysia (Nove Marketing), I received the unit ahead of the official launch and has the chance to re-learn and give this new addition a test so I can share my review with you today.

Here is the unboxing video. 

Environmentally friendly packing from recycled corrugated cardboard material

Items you get in this box consist of

• The OpenRun Pro 2
• USB-C Charging cable
• Premium Case
• Manual and warranty card

All in

Premium carry case

Slot for cable

Sitting very pretty

How it look with all items removed

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 specification (that is important to know):

New DualPitch™ technology delivering crystal clear sound

• New technology DualPitch™ that combine both TurboPitch™ and DirectPitch™; one brings in the mid and highs, and the other the bass  
• 30.3 +/- 0.5 grams - lightweight (slightly heavier than Pro by 1 gram)
• IP55 protection - water resistance (meaning, do not immerse in water), sweat proof, splash proof
• 1 hour to fully charge (2 hours for Pro)
• 12hours of battery life - 5mins charge allow 2.5 hours usage (2hours more battery life + 1 hour more on Quick Charge compared to Pro)
• Latest (10th) generation Bone Conduction technology with TurboPitch™) allowing enhanced bass with clearer vocal
• 2 Years Warranty

Review

Shokz has been integral in my lifestyle - both at work and play. Having experienced all the models available, I can say that I am very familiar with the functionality.

Eco-friendly packing

The ability to be fully aware of my surrounding is audible even down to my own footstep. As long as it's not cranked up to more than 80% of the max volume, I can hear people talking, traffic rumbling and even dogs barking during my activities. I felt safer and felt way less guilty using headphone for a workout in a trafficked public area. Best of all, at a conversational volume, i can have music playing in the background like white noise while still having a chat while running with friends. 

Getting to know the device (parts)

There are minimal changes to the buttons arrangement and how it works on the OpenRun Pro 2 when compared to the Pro. Which is good news as it is zero learning for those familiar or upgrading from OpenMove OpenRun and the OpenRun Pro.

Love the orange colorway

The biggest change is the USB-C charging port versus the proprietary magnetic charging. If you lose the magnetic cable, you will have to buy a new one. With USB-C, which is easily available, you are certain that you can charge the unit without worrying you forgot the cable.

covered port

USB-C exposed

There are a few additional parts that makes this different from the Pro version. The charging port is one, which now comes with a cover and without Moisture Detection function (aka it will blink/'beep if you try to charge it while the magnetic port is damp).

Because of the air-conduction, the vent that points directly to your ears is more pronounced and obvious, also making the contact patch much larger compared to the Pro.

The air-vent for the Air-Conduction driver is large. Bass all the way

The placement of the dual-microphone has changed with one of the mic being placed on top/higher than the Pro. Shokz claim this new iteration has greatly reduced noises and provide crystal clear vocal from users during calls and conversation. 

They move the upper mic to the very top of the driver, hidden behind the titanium band

I have been using this set and tested it by making a call in front of a fan and the counterparty did not hear any wind noises as my voice came through to them clear. I have made calls in noisy environment (indoor swimming pool with splashes and a lot of chatters from the pool side) and the counterparty still hear me clearly. I feel confident to use this as my daily call/conference call headset if I have to travel light to office or out of home.

The next small change is the multifunction button where it was shrinked smaller and moved slightly to the front. My finger automatically moved to the back or closer to the driver initially and quickly learnt to readjust as needed. Two runs and I am all re-learned.

The multi-function button is moved slightly to the front and smaller footprint. Note the air-vents for the Bone-Conduction driver next to it

No changes to the volume and on/off rocker. Pairing is same as OpenRun Pro; hold it long enough from OFF position and it will start pairing to new device.

Same volume rocker and on-off switch

Charging LED same position

The air-vent for the Air-Conduction driver is large. Bass all the way

Air-vent at the bottom to aid the Bone-Conduction driver to deliver the mid and high 

No changes to one of the mic position (that small dot). There is another vent for the Bone-Conduction that mirror the left side driver.

They move the upper mic to the very top of the driver, hidden behind the titanium band

The Bone-conduction unit vibrates as it send them to your cheekbone for the whole music/sound production. The speakers and the air-vents gives the overall surround experience, apart from allowing the driver unit to push air from the vibration (hence the bass enhancement) sound delivery.

Connectivity

Fresh out of the box and once linked to the phone (iPhone) and app, a quick check and updating the firmware as needed.

The Pro comes with Bluetooth V5.3 and allow Multipoint pairing. V5.3 is the latest protocol and it worked as it should. Minimal delay making it suitable for both sports and play.

Straight forward pairing with laptop (Windows 11)

I have the unit paired to my Garmin FR965, iPhone12 and 13, and my work laptop. You can link up to two devices at any one time. It however require activation of Multipoint connection.

easy and fast pairing on my FR965

Done!

The instruction is here or you can also do it via the Shokz App which is much easier with a flick of the toggle button in the app. But if you want to do it the harder way... the same process as doing it for OpenRun Pro.

Straight forward with a few steps to follow

Using it with Multipoint meant I have the freedom to switch between two devices without needing to disconnect from other devices. At work, I switch between phone (for Spotify) and laptop (for meeting/calls). you are limited by the 12 hours battery life. If you are a heavy user, do keep your device charged to avoid interruption. It is sufficient for a day or two use (assume up to 4hours of total usage per day).

You can tell that I am a fan

On the new devices since OpenFit Air, it is more straight forward on the connection function, and it is all defaulted to just "Headset". Previously on the OpenRun Pro, there were option for Headset and Headphone, which essentially limits how the sound is optimized for music or call. So no more guessing game with the OpenRun Pro 2. 

The Multifunction button allow for playing/pausing, switching music, answering and ending calls. 

Find the complete guide here

The complete user guide for Pro 2 is similar to Pro and can be found here

Fitting

The unit hook over your ears, it clasps lightly over the top of your ear with the driver unit sitting on your face, parallel to the ear canal on this area called the Auricle. The Pro 2 claims to have 16% less "clamping" force versus the Pro version. The bigger contact area helps to distribute pressure better ensure a daylong comfort.

Personally I felt no differences in how it sits on my head and side of my face. It remain as comfy with no pressure points around my ears. It doesn't interfere with sunglasses or my reading glasses as well.

Once placed in position, you hardly will notice it weigh wise, but you know it's there due to the light pressure the titanium band holds it against your face. There is a "mini" version where the band is shorter.

Not noticeable from the front

right side

Left side

If you have a small (circumference) head, you may want to consider going the "mini" version with 1.5inches shorter band. Having said this, if you are planning to use the normal sized band over a hoodie, it will interfere with the clothing. Some adjustment to the unit to move the rear side downwards/towards the neck may be needed at the expense of the bone-conduction driver sitting slightly higher on the cheekbone.

Using it while cycling, the OpenRun Pro 2 won't interfere with the positioning as long as it's not an aero-helmet. 

Sound - Now with 4+2 Customizable EQ and DualPitch™

This is a flagship model - and rightly so with dual-driver known as DualPitch™ technology that changed how the OpenRun pro delivers the sound. DualPitch™ brings in both bone conduction and air conduction into one unit. Resulting in precise high and mids using the bone conduction and subterrean bass delivered from the air conduction. 

The introduction of DualPitch™ also reduced the vibration effect of the OpenRun series that uses TurboPitch™. Those of you that felt a bit uncomfortable on the strong vibration may want to test and try if the sensation has been reduced. Personally, I actually like the vibration. It reminds me of the days when i had 2 units of 12 inches subwoofers installed in my car.

Having experienced and tested all the Shokz product, I can say that the Pro 2 is definitely a different listening experience. You have to hear it to believe it. Also, as mentioned above, it has way less ticklish sensation or vibration or I would say there was none in my week of testing this product pre-launch. 

Customised EQ 

4 preset EQ which is Standard, Vocal, Bass Boost, Treble Boost is same as the OpenFit series. And as they are the same, you have the ability of creating and saving two other EQ that suits your listening style. It is important to note that the EQ only works when you stream using your phone (where the app resides) and not when it is streamed from your devices (laptop or watches). 

More than sufficient for all your intent and purpose

This is because the quality is significantly impacted by the sound codec of your device and limited by what Shokz can process. In this case, OpenRun Pro uses sub-band codec or SBC which allow up to 300kbps transfer rate. This is also the most general codec compatible with all Bluetooth transmission, at the expense of quality. 

The Shokz is compatible with profiles such as A2DP (high quality audio signals profile), AVRCP (remote control profile for sending command such as play, skip, pause etc), HSP (Headset profile aka to be used for communication) and HFP (handsfree profile). 

About IP55 Protection

The IP protection of Pro 2 is the same as Pro which is IP55. It is however lesser than the OpenRun with IP67. In my last year of using the devices with IP55, there is absolutely no issue to have the unit drenched in sweat and in rain. No issues to pour water over my head or even taking it to shower. Only do not immerse the unit in water (read: do not wash it in washing machine) or take it for swimming.

IP stands for International Protection (rating). It comes with two numbers and an optional letter. It defines the degree of protection against solid contact and water in electrical enclosures.

The first digit defines the level of protection the enclosure provides against access to hazardous parts such as electrical contacts, moving parts, and ingress of solid objects (like dust, sand, finger)

The second digit refers to liquid protection against well, water or liquid, generally.

The bigger the number, the better the protection. Naturally the IP67 would meant better protection versus IP55. 

• IP55 protection against limited dust ingress and protected from low-pressure water jets from all direction
• IP67 protection against total dust ingress and immersion up to 1m depth, but not meant for swimming

Looking at it, it is evidence enough that IP55 is sufficient protection taking into account splashes of water from heavy rain or sweat. I would not worry too much as all my unit has been in service for the past 2 years with no issues. The Pro 2 will definitely stand to this level of usage if not better as with better materials and technology vs the older models.

TL:DR 

Pros:

• Less vibration vs OpenRun Pro. Way less ticklish if you are sensitive about it.
• Sound quality noticeably better than OpenRun Pro. The DualPitch™ is not a marketing gimmick.
• Because of open ear concept, you can hear your surroundings and still able to have a conversation while running or cycling or in the gym. Beyond sports-usage, the ability to hear your water boiling, fire alarm and other surrounding noises. 
• Less potential for in-ear infection or impacted ear-wax as it does not go into the ear. No sweat or heating/hot issue as the unit doesn't sit in the ear canal or has the earpad covering like the traditional headphones.
• Comfortable fit, doesn't fall out. Difficult to lose as it is secured in a band-construction
• Suitable for those with medical or auditory condition. Those with ringing ear (tinnitus) condition may be able to enjoy music better as it does not rely on the eardrums to transmit sound vibration. Works well with hearing aid as the vibration helps amplify the sound picked up by the bone conduction.

Cons:

• Pricier at RM899 (aligned with their flagship) - but this in my mind is subjective if you were to compare to the higher end earbuds or Bluetooth communicator devices (specific for work)
• Sound leakage if you bump the sound too high (above 75%). If you are in a quiet environment or taking a confidential call/privacy matters, it is best to lower the volume or find a more secure place.
• Can potentially cause hearing loss much like traditional headphone/earphone due to exposure to loud noises for much longer hours.

This unit of Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 (orange) is provided to me under the Shokz Malaysia and Nove Marketing Sports Ambassador program for 2024/2025 year. The unit retail for RM899.00 and comes with 2-years warranty. Make sure you only get your Shokz from Nove Marketing as the authorised distributor and also from Malaysia authorised dealers. 

There are a few scam website that often offer too good to be true pricing. To purchase, please click this link and use TRISTUPE15 on check out for 15% discount on older models (sorry this is not applicable for OpenRun Pro 2, OpenFit Air and OpenSwim Pro at this moment of time)

Thank you Shokz Malaysia

Full Technical Info of OpenRun Pro 2 vs the two previous generations

About Shokz:

Shokz is a US world's leading brand. Shokz's headphone focuses on Open-Ear technology, which are bone conduction technology and DirectPitch™ Technology with the purpose of ensuring the listening experience while keeping safe.

Bone Conduction Technology: transmits sound via vibrations through the skin and temporal bone directly to the cochlea, bypassing the ear canal and eardrum. This ensures clear sound even in noisy environments without affecting others.

• Bone Conduction Headphone: OpenMove, OpenRun, Open Run Pro, OpenRun Pro 2, OpenSwim, OpenSwim Pro, OpenComm, OpenComm 2
• DirectPitch™ Technology: which is also called Air Conduction Technology, enhances audio by using phase cancellation, where opposing sound waves cancel each other out. With multiple vents, it directs sound towards the ear canal, reducing leakage and enabling immersive, private Open-Ear listening.
• Air Conduction Headphone: OpenFit, OpenFit Air

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