I would really like to go to work today, but I can’t. No more town portal.

- More excuses via SORRY FOR MAY 15. 



Guess what?

At exactly 3 p.m. today, Groupon Malaysia was visited by a very enthusiastic bunch – eager to get their hands on the long-awaited game.

Wait, what game is this?

credits: tumblr.com

.

.

.

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It’s what most gamers have been waiting for,

Diablo III!

credits: tumblr.com

Fellow gamers rallied in line as our fellow colleagues swiftly tend to increasing redemptions.

The first lucky 15 received freebies in the form of an exclusive Diablo III poster from AsiaSoft.

We suggest pinning it on the door with a “Do Not Disturb” sign! :p

 Considering the overwhelming response we got for Diablo III – our first ever gaming deal, we would like to know what games you would like to see next so we can get more games featured on our site.

Happy gaming!

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On a separate note,

There will be more Groupon freebies to be won!

Who knows, you might be the lucky chosen one

credits: tumblr.com

So, keep your eyes on our Groupon blog, Facebook and Twitter page.

We’ll keep you posted

As Mother’s Day is dawning upon us in less than 10 days, it’s time to get serious about getting mommy dearest something extra special.

Use this chance to thank the most important woman in your life by showering her with awesome gifts that will make other moms envious. If you don’t have anything planned out for your mom yet, here are some deals for you to show what an impressive and remarkable offspring you are

Express your love and appreciation with a 12-stalk gerbera daisy hand bouquet from Le Bouquet.

If flowers are not sweet enough, pamper mommies with sweet treats such as Pottery Sponge Cakes for RM32 or Premium Ice Cream Cakes for RM55.

Ensure your mom never forget those special moments together with up to 300 pieces of digital 4R mementos with Foto-ZZoom.

For moms that’d rather spend time with loved ones on this special day, trade gifts for dates with a cash voucher worth RM100 valid at fourteen retail outlets at The Intermark, Kuala Lumpur before tending to weary bodies with a soothing 2-hour and 10 minutes full body massage package from Pullman Putrajaya Fit and Spa Lounge.

For those with an inclination for creative do-it-yourselves, here are some crafty alternatives:

credits: Rust & Sunshine; Karin’s World

- Bouquet of DIY flowers made from tissue papers.

- Spontenous DIY photoshoot indoors or outdoors. All you need is a camera and a smile

- Movie/Drama Marathon or reminisce through old photos / good ol’ days spent with your mommy dearest.

- A booklet of homemade IOU’s or vouchers for various household chores (e.g shoulder massage, breakfast in bed, chore-free day, etc), good from now till forever.

- Bask in nature with a stroll in the park while catching up on each other’s lives.

Use the day to appreciate your mom, grandmom, or other significant women in your life who has been through motherhood.

Show her how much you care, regardless of the day and time in your life. Simply because every moment counts!

Pamper mommy dearest, the way she loves it. Drop by our “What Moms Want” site for more great Mother’s Day gift ideas.

Happy Mother’s Day from Groupon Malaysia!

For all those of you job seekers out there, cracking your heads, figuring out if we provide work experience opportunities, the answer is: Yes, we do!

If you are keen to join our GTP, we are keen to hear from you!

Wait, what is GTP?

GTP, in other words, Groupon Talent Program, is a three-month program, ideal for graduates with an excellent academic track record, who are looking for a kick-start career within the e-commerce sector.

In this program, selected candidates will have to go through a series of tailor-made assessments that will help match candidates to specific roles based on their areas of interest and capabilities.

Best of all, candidates will be given the chance to secure a permanent role within the placed department upon a successful completion of the program!

Read more about it here →

Whilst undertaking a wide range of tasks, our GTP-ers will have an insight into multiple departments at Groupon. Here’s what some of our past and present GTP-ers have to say about the program:

Pauline

1. No. of weeks / months in Groupon Malaysia
8 months anniversary soon ! (gasp)

2. What have you learned since working here?
i) Learn how to learn and unlearn
ii) Be humble
iii) Work can be so fun especially working around with awesome people !

3.  What do you like the most about Groupon?
Groupon is a good place for you to kickstart your career. It’s fast paced, innovative and yet inspiring environment helps you to develop into a better person. Working with fun colleagues will never make your working life dull.

Aaron 

1. No. of weeks / months in Groupon Malaysia
25 weeks = 5 1/2 months

2. What would people find surprising about the working environment here?
Do you really wear costumes to work?!?!?!?

3. What do you find challenging about your role?
To find a good balance between making our merchants happy, our subscribers happy (which is the most important) and of course, to make Groupon happy when striking a deal.

4. What do you like the most about Groupon?
AWESOME PEOPLE! hands down.

Kimberly

1. No. of weeks / months in Groupon Malaysia
4 weeks

2. What have you learned since working here?
Work fast, move fast, adapt fast. Encountering businesses that are new to me. Being independent and empowered to perform my task. The ability to communicate and adapt to human behaviour.

3. What do you find challenging about your role?
I find much joy when a lead becomes a successful deal. Thus, it frustrates me when a lead is harder to stumble upon than how Cinderella would find her glass slipper. It is also a challenge when dealing with different human characters, adapting strategies for different situations.

The secret to becoming the fastest growing company lies in an exceptional team behind the scenes. At Groupon, we hire only the very best – or as the French would put it, it’s the crème de la crème we want

Think you have what it takes to be part of the GTP?

Join us now on our exciting journey and send in your CV/resume to talent@groupon.my!

It’s been a while since we last updated. *dusting the cobwebs off the blog*

In between our last post and now, we have been trapped in the Lair of G-Pit, managed to break our way out and are back with full force!

Now that we’re back to rock and roll, we’re thrilled to present our Townhall!

Hmmm, “What is Townhall?“, you all might ask?

Once a month, every single G-Peeps, from all around the cities in Malaysia, will be gathered together at our Groupon Malaysia HQ for a monthly meeting, which we call Townhall

“Okay, so what exactly do we do during Townhall?“, you all might ask again?

To put it in simpler words, we share our achievements, gratitude, and other interesting news/updates happening in Groupon.

What’s more is that we pair it with other eventful celebrations like graduation, new hire induction along with a monthly dinner at the end of the Townhall.

Not to forget, for every monthly dinner, one particular department will be selected to host and come up with a theme.

These below are some of the themes that we had for our past monthly dinners…

January: Pyjamas

Ever wondered yourself going to work in Pyjamas?

February: Twins

We thought it might be fun dressing like each other!

and

March: Back to School

Ahh, the reminiscence of going back to school!

So, what’s the theme for the month April?

As the host for this month’s upcoming Townhall, our Customer Management team has been revamping the office to make it look smashing.

Here’s a peek on what they have been doing

April Theme:  Heroes vs. Villains 

adasnsdkjfsdkfsf, we’re so excited for our upcoming Townhall!

If you happen to drop by our G-Crib, do spot the smirks of our heroes and villains around

If you were to dress up as a Hero/Villain – who will you be?

Thanks for tuning in.

Till then, we (G-Heroes) are off to save the world from the G-Villains!

credits: tumblr.com

;D

Partnership with WFP

Firstly, we would like to sincerely thank everyone for being a part of the ‘Groupon for Women’ initiative for WFP in shaping the future of Asia. In conjunction with the International Women’s Day, Groupon Malaysia set an objective to channel the power of collective buying to make a difference in the lives of mothers and children in Asia. So we created a deal where one could provide 2 weeks of nutritious meals for just RM10, to feed a mother and child who have limited access to nutrition.

It is extremely satisfying to say, with over 12 days of feature on our site in March 2012, we have collected RM92, 320.00. This only means one thing; nutrition-based meals for 8,500 mothers and children in Asia. Your single gesture just made a big difference for two lives.

Thank you, everyone!

Partnership with Capri Communications for the ‘WOMEN:girls’ campaign

So when Low Ngai Yuen, the official spokesperson of the ‘WOMEN:girls’ campaign and Lai Cheng of  Capri Communications approached Groupon Malaysia to participate and inspire women and girls in conjunction with International Women’s Day, we said YES! to them.

And the story to inspire women and girls began….

The campaign ran for a period of 10 straight days in March 2012, from conducting inspirational talks in schools to organising a mentor-mentee programme and passing of inspirational notes to random strangers.

The series of back-to-back events throughout the campaign were complemented with a networking session and inspiring talks by renowned speakers like Ras Adiba Radzi,  Ivy Josiah, Melinda Looi, Anisha Sasheendran (Groupon Malaysia’s Chief Talent Officer), Dr. Hartini Zainudin, Poesy Liang, and Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir.

We also got everyone in Groupon Malaysia to write an inspirational note to women and girls, which was distributed with apples by 20 Groupon employees on March 17, 2012 to 700 random strangers in Bukit Bintang.

We’re glad that the smallest gestures of our efforts drew smiles from random strangers.

Moral of the story:

The smallest gesture may just make a big difference in one’s life. Be it a contribution, compliment or a smile, you have the power to make someone’s day =)

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Food, the energy to your daily routine, our body needs to be fed with energy-providing foods daily as it helps build the body structure as well as it’s function. Diseases and sicknesses are often caused by the lack of nutrients in one’s body, kids are especially sensitive when they do not get enough calories every day. They become weak, underweight and often die.

In time for International Women’s Day, Groupon Malaysia and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have ventured into a unique partnership to raise awareness and support for nutrition activities that benefit mothers and children in Asia, through the ‘Groupon for Women’ initiative for WFP’s Mothers-to-Mothers campaign. The campaign which is also supported by Ms. Marion Caunter hopes to garner the backing of Malaysians to contribute for a worthy cause.

Contributions from this programme will go directly to the pregnant and nursing mothers and their children for the first 1000 days. To each RM10, you’ll be contributing to 2 weeks of their daily nutritions, thus we will be able to fight hunger and bring a better tomorrow to the kids of our future!

With little effort needed, today’s Groupon gives you the chance to make a difference in someone else’s life. This programme aims to provide over 1,300 nutritious meals to pregnant and nursing mothers, and their children aged six to 23 months of age across Asia!

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“By empowering women with food and nutrition, we can fight hunger in the first 1000 days of an infant’s life. We are grateful to Groupon Malaysia for providing an e-commerce platform for Malaysian women to support women in need,” said Ms. Monica Marshall, Deputy Director of Private Partnerships for WFP.

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To donate, please visit http://wfp.groupon.my.

Groupon’s Season of Love page makes gift-giving easy for marooned love bards and star-crossed lovers while niftily avoiding accusations of forgotten dates. Personal notes take surprise presents further as loving words touch lovers in mostly appropriate places.

Groupon’s nifty envelope allows you to express romantic gestures without having to resort to yodeling from below balconies. Write fond memories, pet names or personal nuances that will appear with a special link for you to share with your loved ones. Messages can be dedicated to crushes, significant others, best friends and that special someone you’ve been eyeing from their bedroom window. Valentine’s Day gives you an excuse to indulge in a little PDA, as messages can be shared on Twitter and Facebook for friends and former lovers to see.

Help fill our heart in conjunction with the Season of Love,
as we compile what love means to you in a commercialized expression of love… Ahem, heart-shaped collage.

So share with us: “What is Love to You?”

Watch this video and get your heart here.

For more info visit us on Facebook.

Hailing from Groupon Taiwan, one among the many many Groupons around the world, Yuki graced us with her presence as we showered her with friendliness and 5 hours, 7 minutes of fame from photo-takings and friend-making! 

Yuki, who works as a cookie maker to the merchants of Groupon Taiwan, had been introduced to each team in Groupon Malaysia. Her big white smile, freshly scrubbed skin and her melodic sway to every step definitely brought sunshine to our Monday blues! 

Despite the busy schedule, Grouponers nevertheless took time off to discover her likes, dislikes, shoe size, favourite places in Taiwan, and thoughts about Malaysia and Malaysian men 

Moving on, here’s 5 minutes with Yuki!

1) What are your first impressions of Malaysia?

- The weather, it’s really hot here. I remember wearing a thick sweater while boarding the plane to Malaysia and was overwhelmed with the tropical heat of
Malaysia upon touching down. Editor’s note:

- The traffic jam in Malaysia, back in Taiwan, we never have to wait 15 minutes at a traffic light! Ed: This wasn’t even rush hour!

2) Best food you’ve tasted in Malaysia thus far?

- Laksa Melaka

- Satay Celup Melaka

- Melaka Chicken rice ball

Ed: Yes she just got back from Melaka, Captain Obvious

3) Where was your first stop for some retail therapy in Malaysia?

- Pavillion, I think I bought too much. Or too little. I’m not sure (laughs)

4) Thoughts on Groupon Malaysia’s office?

- I’m loving the playground area Ed: the beanbag area

- Great people, very welcoming and friendly. The working environment gives me a sense of motivation to work, it’s so fun! But who was that topless guy running around? Ed: No comments

5) Have you tried Pearl Milk Tea (Bubble Tea) in Malaysia?

- Nope, but my friend told me that it does not taste as good as the Pearl Milk Tea in Taiwan!

6) Can you say anything in Bahasa Malaysia?

- Erm…”Atas” and “Terima Kasih” Ed: Please keep this interview clean

- Back in Taiwan, we have shows that broadcasts the “Rasa Sayang” song! *hums the tune to Rasa Sayang*

Well, we’re glad Yuki had fun as she moves on to the other parts of Asia for her Worry & Trouble Free (W.T.F.) Tour with nothing but a camera, lip gloss and a sense of direction.

Please put your hands together for the cheerful Nik, bubbly Ilani and cool Kuhan.

Interview

1) Share with us what’s your position in Groupon (what do you exactly do)?

Nik: I attend to customer’s needs and questions turning their frown upside down.
Ilani: Groupon in-house shrink. I listen to customers’ woes and tales of joy. Lull them with my sweet talking’s and resolve cases faster than Speedy Gonzalez.
Kuhan: I’m a Customer Service Associate at Groupon. If you want to know in my own words I would say “Receive,Retrieve & Deliver”.

2) If you could describe yourself as a colour, what colour would you be?

Nik: I will be green because apart from it being my favourite colour, it is calming as well as the color of harmony and balance which best describes me! It goes really well with my skin tone too!
Ilani: Lime green. Vivid, striking, zesty, exciting, fun, crazy. I love over-crediting myself once in a while too.
Kuhan: The color black makes me feel poise and confident. This color gives me the feeling of having control in life and it also proves that I’m not as dark as the real black! haha!

3) What’s the most random thing you’ve done in Groupon office?

Nik: I would say working while wearing a bright pink colored superhero mask given to me by a colleague as a Christmas present. And also (toy) sword fighting to settle a discussion with my colleague (different colleagues, don’t worry).
Ilani: I’ve done so many random things on daily basis that people’s beginning to think it is my nature to be as random as random goes.
Kuhan: The day after Groupon Malaysia’s annual dinner, we were working at the office and I decided to imitate a ‘fire dance’ performance by our CEO. It was great (I think) as my team cheered and enjoyed my performance. Hope I performed better than my CEO.. haha!

4) When you were growing up, what did you want to be?

Nik: I wanted to become awesome so I’m pretty sure that I’m halfway there and also to be the ultimate best at whatever it is that i’m doing, which includes eating so that’s why my physique is a bit on the large side. =(
Ilani: Marine biologist/activist. To be an advocate, to save whales and other marine lives. Although, as of now I just support the cause and contribute in which ever ways possible. Save the whales!
Kuhan: To become a happy, confident, well-balanced, and loving person. To be proud of my life and all of the things that I have done, be able to speak for myself without being shy. I also wanted to learn to do a variety of things and to enjoy the learning process as well as the final product. I wanted to know that I have great family and friends. All in all – I want to be a good person.

5) How’s the experience like working in Groupon? What do you like about your job?

Nik: It is absolutely awesome! Some offices have that environment which makes you feel like time is standing still, but here in Groupon it feels like it’s on fast-forward! It’s crazy and fun which makes me greatful (yes, i flipped the word) to be a part of this wonderful company. The thing that makes me like my job is being able to satisfy and exceed customer’s expectations so they’ll know that they are in good hands. And also the fact that i’m surrounded by awesome people!
Ilani: Excellent in the most surreal way. Communicating with people has never been this satisfyingly entertaining.
Kuhan: Groupon is totally an awesome place. It suits the word “work & play”. Being here is definitely better than being at home as I enjoy the culture, spirit and understandings. After joining Groupon I feel like I never want to leave this heaven!

6) What’s your all-time favourite movie?

Nik: That would be Crossroads starring Britney Spears…nope, I can’t lie! It’s actually Any Given Sunday. I’ve watched it hundreds of times and i still get that awesome feeling after I’m done with it.
Ilani: This is hard. I’d say “The Sweetest Thing” and “The Fantastic Mr. Fox”.
Kuhan: My favourite would be ” Hantu Kak Limah Balik Rumah “.

7) Since it’s the start of a brand new year 2012, what would you like to achieve this year, any crazy thing you’ll like to do?

Nik: I would like to reach a healthier weight limit and also keeping on being awesome at what I’m doing in Groupon. For something crazy, it’s a toss up between not shaving for a month or actually watching Crossroads starring Britney Spears.
Ilani: I’m carrying forward my 2011 resolution which is to join yoga classes and stick with it for at least a year. Apart from that, I was thinking of travelling to Maldives and swim along with giant manta rays. Hey, anything’s possible!
Kuhan: I’m not sure what’s the next crazy stuff that I’ll embark on, but for now I’m actually very interested in checking the updates on “@ ) ! @”. (how does those symbol looks like? what if I don’t use ‘shift’?). I know most of you would want to ‘facepalm’ now right? Thank you.

Nik, Ilani and Kuhan plays an important role in Groupon as caring “love guru’s” on a mission to shower love on Grouponers, fixing missing pieces of puzzle to complete the art work. When they are not on the phone with some of our loyal fans, they then become samurai masters that “hit” their keyboards non-stop trying to answer questions and love letters from our awesome customers. Their mission is to turn scowl faces to smiley ones. Interested to be part of the caring “Love Guru” team? Write in to us at talent@groupon.my .

We were blessed throughout the whole of 2011, where most of the time we were on the receiving end.

Blessed with your love and your support, we figured, we should be on the other end of the spectrum as well, the giving end. =)

Thanks to UNICEF, we’ve been given this a spectacular opportunity to realize that initiative.

In case you’ve missed our previous update , check it out here! “Giving Life a Chance”

On 3rd of January 2012, up to the 13th of January, we’ve successfully collected up to 15273 donations, which translates to RM152,730! =)

If it hadn’t been for you, this amount wouldn’t have existed.

From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank you for your support and generosity in being part of this project!

“Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Mohandas Ghandi