On December 31, 2025, Kardinal announced the global launch of two new open-system vaping devices—Kardinal OS and Kardinal Syn—marking the company’s formal entry into the open-system segment. This milestone reflects Kardinal’s strategy to meet the growing global demand for long-term, refillable vaping solutions among adult nicotine users.
Established in 2017 in the historic city of Malacca, Malaysia, Kardinal is an award-winning Southeast Asian leader in alternative nicotine products. Founded on a vision to redefine the smoking alternative industry through innovation, responsibility, and precision engineering, the company began by crafting premium e-liquids and has since expanded into a full portfolio of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS).
Daniel Ong, CEO of Kardinal, commented:
“The introduction of Kardinal OS and Kardinal Syn marks an important step in our commitment to responsible innovation. By combining user-driven design with sustainable product architecture, we are offering solutions that not only meet today’s needs but also anticipate the direction of the industry.”
Two Devices. One Goal: Serving Evolving Vaper Profiles
Kardinal’s latest product lineup features two distinct devices, engineered to serve different use cases and adult user profiles.
Kardinal OS: Precision-Tuned for Performance
Kardinal OS is a high-performance open pod system designed for experienced vapers seeking control, reliability, and modern engineering. Key features include:
- Adjustable wattage (5–30W) with OLED display
- Stepless airflow control for MTL and restricted DTL experiences
- Smart vibration feedback for pod detection and battery status
- Refillable 2ml pods compatible with 0.4Ω to 0.8Ω coils
- USB-C fast charging (5V/2A)
- Metallic multifunction button for firing, adjustments, and locking
Kardinal OS offers a modernized alternative to traditional mod-and-tank setups—engineered for consistency and convenience.
Kardinal Syn: A Familiar Format, Reinvented
Designed to support adult users transitioning from disposable vapes or combustible tobacco products, Kardinal Syn is a compact, cigarette-style open system inspired by heated tobacco formats. Features include:
- 13W constant output optimized for smooth MTL delivery
- 0.8Ω mesh coil refillable pods & 0.8Ω ceramic coil prefilled pods
- Dual mouthpiece options: reusable plastic tip and soft cotton-filter tip
- Charging case with OLED screen for power and pod management
- Magnetic fittings for secure, intuitive use
- USB-C charging: 1A for the stick, 2A for the case
Kardinal Syn bridges the gap between familiarity and sustainability, particularly in markets where cigarette-like design cues remain influential.
User Insights Validate Kardinal’s Dual Approach
Prior to commercial release, both Kardinal OS and Kardinal Syn underwent extensive internal testing and user trials. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive across different consumer types:
- Kardinal Syn received strong resonance among transitioning users for its cigarette-style format, soft filter tip, and approachable power delivery—providing a familiar experience in a reusable form.
- Kardinal OS was highly rated by advanced users for its customizable power output, airflow precision, and stable performance—delivering a technical experience that meets modern expectations.
The dual-device strategy reflects Kardinal’s insight-driven approach to product design: address specific user needs without overengineering, and deliver practical innovation that meets real-world preferences.
Built for What’s Next: Compliance-Ready, Future-Proof
With global vaping markets shifting away from disposables and toward sustainable formats, Kardinal is positioning its product development in line with emerging policies and consumer values.
Both devices are refillable open systems, manufactured in ISO-certified facilities, and developed exclusively for adult nicotine consumers. Kardinal prioritizes safety standards, reusability, and compliance-readiness across markets.
Key aspects of regulatory alignment include:
- Clear separation from youth-oriented product design
- No use of disposable or non-recyclable components
- Long-cycle product structure with consistent nicotine delivery
- Forward-compatible hardware architecture to support future compliance updates
By integrating engineering precision with responsible manufacturing practices, Kardinal’s new platform is designed not only for today—but for what comes next.
Partner Advantage: Sustainable Growth for Retail & Distribution
The launch of Kardinal OS and Kardinal Syn offers clear advantages for distribution partners seeking long-term category growth:
- Stronger unit economics via pod and accessory replenishment
- Broader product mix to serve entry-level and advanced segments
- Reduced inventory churn versus disposable formats
- Brand equity from one of Southeast Asia’s most recognized vape manufacturers
- Compliance-conscious engineering that eases multi-market deployment
Kardinal’s entry into open systems isn’t just a product release—it’s a signal of strategic clarity in a market that increasingly values sustainability, user control, and operational scalability.
About Kardinal
Kardinal is a Southeast Asian pioneer in alternative nicotine products, founded in 2017 in Malacca, Malaysia. The brand has earned multiple industry awards and built a reputation for delivering practical, engineered solutions for adult smokers seeking better alternatives.
Every Kardinal product is designed with purpose—balancing reliability, longevity, and consistency. From closed-pod systems to high-performance disposables and now open systems, the company’s portfolio is built on proprietary technologies such as the ceraKoil™ ceramic heating system and reinforced by rigorous quality control across ISO-certified facilities.
Kardinal prioritizes innovation, compliance, and transparency. The company does not glamourize vaping or make exaggerated health claims. Its mission is to provide responsible alternatives for adult nicotine consumers while contributing to a more sustainable and informed future for the industry.
For more information, visit: Kardinal | Malaysia’s Award-Winning Vape Brand
Contact
- Business inquiries: business@kardinal.com
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kardinaldotcom
This press material was provided by Kardinal for media and industry reference.
