KFC MY gets inspired by transport department, starts auction for plate

Shortly after the Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) opened up bids for car registration plates starting with "KFC" , and raked in over RM2 million as a result, KFC Malaysia has decided add its own spin to the matter. The brand has decided to take a page out of JPJ's book by holding its first-ever open bidding for its limited-edition KFC Original Plate. This time round, it will not be a car registration plate but a literal one with the design "KFC 11", showcasing the brand's 11 secret herbs and spices.

The bid opens at RM11 where Malaysians can participate with a minimum bid increase of RM1. The highest bidder will be deemed as the winner with 100% of the profits going towards KFC Add Hope Malaysia, the local installment of KFC’s global initiative to end world hunger. The open bidding will run on 25 February from 11am to 11pm.

KFC Malaysia's deputy GM marketing Evelyn Ng said the highest bidder will be the sole owner of the plate in which only a single unit is available globally, with all proceeds going towards a good cause.

"We want you to know that we share your love for KFC and we’re pleased to increase the excitement with our very own KFC Original Plate up for bid," she added. A+M has reached out to KFC for additional information.

From 13 to 17 February, Malaysians were open to bid for the KFC car registration plates at a minimum of RM20,000. According to media reports, car plate numbers KFC100 and KFC8 had a minimum bid of RM800 and RM20,000 respectively. Meanwhile, other numbers such as KFC4543 had a minimum bid of RM300.

Separately, the fried chicken restaurant chain recently appointed Chan May Ling as CMO to replace Angelina Villanueva who took on a regional role at KFC Asia. Chan will lead the marketing team in continuously driving KFC's brand growth and driving its market leadership and report to brand head Chandrasagran Munusamy. She was previously with telco Digi and its largest shareholder Telenor for about 13 years in total, according to her LinkedIn.

Meanwhile, Villanueva spent more than five years with the Malaysia operations, joining the company in August 2015. Prior to KFC, she was with Star Media Group as senior GM, group marketing and corporate communication for four years. Villanueva also worked at Ogilvy for approximately 16 years.

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