The Straits Times / The Business Times News on OSIM

OSIM launches new massager named uPapa

HOMEGROWN lifestyle products company OSIM has launched a new massage product that it says was inspired by Japanese taiko drums. The uPapa massager for the back, thighs, calves and feet features an innovative pounding action designed to relieve weary muscles, stress and strain.

uPapa hits the market after a marketing and advertising blitz by OSIM, which last month flew in Chinese actress Shu Qi to launch uPilot, a massage chair with a joystick that gives users full control. Similarly, uPapa allows them to customise their experience from a range of seven rhythmic modes, seven drumming positions and five massage intensities.

The release of uPapa shows OSIM is soldiering on with its aggressive marketing strategy despite a fair share of woes. It had to recall 3,000 uZap mini slimming belts because of battery problems. And it had to publicly defend its foot and calf massager iSqueez after doubts were cast on the product's safety.

OSIM has looked a little rocky since red flags were raised last year. It suffered a $9.8 million net loss in Q3 - its first in six years - reversing a profit of Q3 2005 net profit of $10.4 million. OSIM called Q3 2006 result a 'blip' and said it expected a better showing for full-year 2006 than 2005. So a profit warning issued last month came as a surprise - and what followed was the market's knee-jerk reaction. OSIM's stock price sank 20 per cent to close at $1.05 on Feb 1.

OSIM announces its financial results for 2006 ended Dec 31 today. OSIM's stock closed at $0.97 yesterday, up 4.3 per cent.