Archive for December 1st, 2015
A Journey Through Time IX Ends on a High Note with Exquisite Performances by Sensational Mezzo Soprano Carly Paoli and Renowned Italian Tenor Alessandro Safina
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia /PRNewswire/ — Critically-acclaimed British mezzo soprano Carly Paoli and renowned Italian tenor Alessandro Safina closed Starhill Gallery’s A Journey Through Time IX with rousing performances that left guests of the Tourism and Culture Gala Night: Watch and Jewellery of the Year Awards Presentation 2015 enchanted and enthralled. The star of the evening Carly Paoli recently performed at the Carcalla for UNICEF concert in Rome, Italy with the legendary Jose Carreras and Andrea Bocelli.
Their powerful performance was the perfect finale to the 8-day event which was held from 20 to 27 November 2015.A Journey Through Time IX featured a series of curated experiences with the participation from over 125 international watch, jewellery and lifestyle brands. The myriad of activities had much to offer the thousands of watch and jewellery enthusiasts, fashionistas and trend spotters who turned up at Starhill Gallery this year.
In attendance at the Tourism and Culture Gala Night: Watch and Jewellery of the Year Awards Presentation 2015was YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia and YBhg. Tan Sri Dr. Francis Yeoh, Group Managing Director of YTL Corporation Berhad.
“We share this proud moment with YTL Group and Starhill Gallery. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysiahas been a keen collaborator with Starhill Gallery on A Journey Through Time ever since its inception nine years ago,” said YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Bin Abdul Aziz.
“We have seen it grow both in scale and reception each year. Now in its ninth year, we remain strong in support for the grand endeavour that Starhill Gallery has put in to organise such a prestigious event that is both revered and anticipated by all watch and jewellery enthusiasts in Asia. We are excited with what Starhill Gallery has in mind for next year when the event will be in its 10th year,” he further added.
YTL Group and Starhill Gallery is proud to be part of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia’s strategy that nurtures stakeholders’ engagement, support and participation to achieve the nation’s agenda to have tourism remain as one of the prime contributors to the socio-economic development of the nation.
“We hope that our successful collaboration since the inception of A Journey Through Time nine years ago will continue to grow from strength to strength. We are committed to diversify and build on the event to make it a bigger draw for overseas visitors to our country each year,” said YTL Corporation’s Group Managing Director, YBhg. Tan Sri Dr. Francis Yeoh in his speech at the prestigious evening.
The much-anticipated announcement of the winners for Starhill Gallery’s Watch and Jewellery of the Year Awardswas made during the evening.
Curated Experiences for All Things Beautiful
A Journey Through Time IX featured collections from international watch brands including Bedat & Co, Breguet,Cecil Purnell, Hermes, HYT, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Maitres Du Temps, Moritz Grossmann, Muhle-Glashutte, Omega, Speake-Marin and Zeitwinkel. Exquisite jewellery brands that showcased their special collections this year includedCarrera y Carrera, Ceres, Emperor’s Fine Jewels, Gubelin and Mouawad.
Key event highlights were:
- The renowned UK fashion designer Julien Macdonald Fashion Shows featuring eight specially-created pieces for A Journey Through Time IX inspired by his travels around Malaysia and his latest collection from the recent London Fashion Week. Visitors also enjoyed the Julien Macdonald Retrospective exhibition featuring pieces designed for celebrities including Beyonce, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Kylie Minogue and Kim Kardashian.
- The exclusive Omega watch exhibition which showcased the limited edition James Bond collection for the first time in Malaysia.
- Seven horology workshops led by horologists, seasoned collectors and brand experts covering diverse topics for enthusiasts from beginners to seasoned collectors.
- Specially-created A Journey Through Time IX menus at Shook! Restaurant and a Fashion High-Tea at Newens Tea House.
- The memorable A Journey Through Time IX Sunday Brunch at Shook! Restaurant with a performance by UK pop-idol Gareth Gates.
- The Starhill Gallery Christmas Charity Drive for Dignity for Children Foundation at Newens Tea House was officiated by the critically-acclaimed British mezzo soprano Carly Paoli.
- Specially hosted gala nights and high-tea jewellery showcases by luxurious brands in Starhill Gallery includingBedat & Co’s Gala Night, Gubelin’s Gala Night, Mouawad’s Jewellery High-Tea and Carrera y Carrera’s Jewellery High-Tea.
Media Assistance
For any media inquiries and requests pertaining to A Journey Through Time IX, please contact:
Asha C. Devi
Email: asha@arciscommunications.com
Arcis Communications
Mobile: +6016 2557931
Angeline Chandran
Email: angeline@arciscommunications.com
Arcis Communications
Mobile: +6016 9166461
Gamania and Playphone Partner to Launch a Unique and Exciting Mobile Gaming Destination
TAIPEI, Taiwan /PRNewswire/ — Gamania introduces their newest venture into mobile gaming, and announces their partnership with Playphone, a San Francisco-based mobile technology pioneer, to bring a mobile gaming destination. Gamania will combine their developing and publishing knowledge with Playphone’s advanced social gaming platform that has 41 million users worldwide.
According to MIC’s report the Taiwan mobile game marketing is anticipated to reach $5 billion US dollars, pointing out that Taiwan already taken the spot of the 4th biggest marketing of Google Play in terms of gross revenue in Q3 2015 is only the tip of an iceberg. The 92% smartphone penetration says it all. Gamania’s CEO Albert Liu states that: “Gamania will demonstrate what our competitors have been trying to accomplish for years — we will bring in the best titles worldwide onto the best platform offer. Gamania and Playphone aim to create a new dynamic and are confident that our knowledge and resources will set a fresh example for the future of mobile gaming.”
Gamania is the perfect partner for Playphone to build a distribution and monetization channel tailored just right for Asian markets. Both Playphone and Gamania have proven knowledge of gamers’ playing habits in their respective territories, and the partnership will equip each other with the right information to guarantee extraordinary performance.
Ron Czerny, chief executive of San Mateo, California-based PlayPhone said, “We are focused in building innovative and advanced social gaming experiences for mobile users. Gamania and Playphone are now working together to take each other one step further towards the future of mobile gaming — this partnership will open a new line of service from two very powerful teams with deep experience in gaming.”
Playphone introduces a platform that lets mobile gamers discover, download, play and share games. It provides advanced community features like battle where users can bet and win rewards that they can then use to purchase in-game products. The Playphone platform with live operations capability is highly customizable to the local region.Their strategy of entering specific markets that show rapid growth in mobile device penetrations is a game-changer — the key is to work with the best local distribution and marketing partner, and to offer the best platform and customer support that caters to the gamers in the region.
More information please visit http://tw.gamania.com/
For further information, visit playphone.com or Twitter @playphone.
CWT Scores at Singapore Productivity Awards 2015
SINGAPORE /PRNewswire/ — CWT Limited (SGX:C14) (“CWT” or the “Group”), a leading provider of integrated logistics solutions and Singapore’s largest home-grown logistics provider, today announced it has been recognised through the Award of Excellence in Logistics sector at the Singapore Productivity Awards 2015 (“SPA”). The prestigious award was presented by Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade and Industry who was guest-of-honour at SPA Gala Dinner last Friday, to Mr Kay Kong Swan, CWT’s CEO of Integrated Logistics.
In Minister Lim’s speech, it was highlighted that CWT developed and operates TransHub, Singapore’s first multimodal container transportation hub that facilitates resource sharing and consolidates trucking operations among local hauliers. This has raised container transportation operating efficiency. Transhub also maximised land space efficiency through its in-house developed vertical chassis parking system that allows at least nine container chassis to be vertically stacked and stored in an area normally occupied by one. CWT was also mentioned for its career progression and development programme that has empowered staff at operational ranks to progress onto leadership positions. Employees are also sponsored for relevant degree programmes where required. These initiatives have reinforced the company’s leadership position in the market. The full speech can be found on MTI’s website.
“We are humbled to receive this award which reaffirms the progress we are making with our productivity and innovation programmes,” said Mr Kay. “By focusing and improving on infrastructure design innovation and operating model to optimise supply chain synergies in our holistic approach to logistics business, CWT continues to raise our operating efficiency and deliver productivity for customers.”
CWT adopts a leadership-driven, multi-pronged approach in its productivity push through its people skillsets, technology and process innovation to keep pace with the changing demand of customers. In addition, besides raising productivity within CWT, the Group also works closely with various logistics associations to raise the productivity level for Singapore logistics industry with the aim of strengthening Singapore’s market position as a key regional distribution and logistics hub.
CWT is currently embarking on a 2,345,000-square foot Mega Integrated Logistics Hub (“Mega Hub”) which will lead to quantum productivity improvement in supply chain operations upon completion in 2017. The Mega Hub will house essential interrelated logistics and supporting activities under a single roof to create an ‘hub within a hub’ ecosystem of logistics clusters and sub-clusters for optimal resource utilisation and flow synergy, resulting in economies of scale, higher operating efficiency and cost effectiveness for customers and the supply chain industry. Its innovative design and layout would also result in intensification of land use and enhance productivity.
The SPA, organised by Singapore Business Federation (“SBF”), recognises and celebrates organisations for their leadership and performance in their productivity journeys. The judging panel for the Awards comprises industry leaders from organisations such as SBF, SPRING Singapore, Singapore National Employers Federation, Singapore Retail Association, Singapore infocomm Technology Federation and DP Information Group.
About CWT
CWT is a leading provider of integrated logistics and supply chain solutions. Our business is about connecting world trade. We move, build and power customers’ supply chain forward. We combine our logistics capabilities, global network and resources to add value for customers. CWT Group also provides commodity marketing, financial and engineering services ancillary to its core logistics business. For more information, visit www.cwtlimited.com.
For more information, contact:
CWT Limited
Lynda GOH
Deputy Group CEO & Group CFO
Tel: +65-6307-8338
Fax: +65-6261-2373
Email: shlynda@cwtlimited.com
Johan LIM
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
Tel: +65-6307-8018
Fax: +65-6261-2373
Email: cbjohan@cwtlimited.com
Related stocks: Singapore:C14
Aon Hewitt’s View on Transforming the HR Landscape
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia /PRNewswire/ — Today Aon Hewitt, the global talent, retirement and health solutions business of Aon plc (NYSE: AON), released the latest trends and insights from its Total Compensation Measurement™(TCM) 2015 Study at a Rewards Conference attended by HR professionals from prominent Malaysian corporations. Global TCM is Aon Hewitt’s comprehensive compensation benchmarking study that covers 25,000 positions across 180 countries. Other key topics discussed during the session were sales compensation in retaining high performers, leadership practices and Best Employers practices.
Salary Increase by Industry Sector in Malaysia
While Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is forecasted to increase from 3.1% in 2015 to 3.6% in 2016 globally, the economic climate closer to home is a crucial element when making decisions related to employee rewards. WithinSouth East Asia (SEA), Philippines and Vietnam experience the highest growth in 2015 at 6.0% and 6.5% respectively and are projected to continue to enjoy the highest growth in 2016. Indonesia witnesses the highest Consumer Price Index (CPI) at 6.8% in SEA year on year whereas Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand andVietnam show a moderate CPI. Philippines has the highest unemployment rate at 6.3% in 2015.[1]
Following the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), drastic depreciation in ringgit currency, declining commodity prices and other related economic factors in Malaysia this year; Malaysia experienced a decline in GDP to 4.7% in 2015 and a projection of 4.5% in 2016, a slightly reduced CPI at 2.4% in 2015 and a projection of 3.8% in 2016, and a slightly increased unemployment rate at 3.0% in 2015 and 2016.[1]
In this context, the Aon Hewitt salary survey shows however a stability of the salary increases for 2015 at 5.6% and a projected increment of 5.8% in 2016.[2]
Prashant Chadha, Managing Director of Aon Hewitt in Malaysia said: “With a rocky 2015 and shrinking budgets, organisations must make rewards decisions not just with reliable data but also driven by the bigger picture and economic climate. Best Employers pair their rewards decisions with other aspects like Performance, Careers, Culture, Diversity, etc. to further strengthen their total rewards approach in line with employee value proposition.”
Aon Hewitt Total Compensation Measurement indicates that overall salary increment in 2015 and projected salary increment in 2016 remain relatively consistent across all employee categories whereas variable payouts (performance bonus) increased slightly in 2015 to about 2 to 3 months of annual base salary and are projected to remain stable in 2016. Aon Hewitt 2015-2016 Malaysia Salary Increase Survey shows higher salary increases projection across most industries in 2016.[3]
Malaysia recorded the second highest involuntary turnover rate at 6.0% and third highest voluntary turnover rate at 9.5% this year in SEA. Aon Hewitt TCM 2015 Survey in Malaysia shows the correlation between voluntary attrition reasons and retention measures, the top 3 being: “Better External Opportunity”, “Further Studies” and “Work Life Balance” while key measures taken to attract and retain employees are “Pay Above Market”, “Improved Work Life Balance” and “Timely and Meaningful Feedback from Managers”.[3]
Nur Amani Yusnida, Aon Hewitt Performance, Reward and Talent Practice Lead in Malaysia said: “With salaries and increases remaining stable since 2011 (average increase of 5.7% over the past 5 years) employers are taking the ‘wait & see’ cautious approach to budgeting salaries. The consistent theme seems to be ‘Doing more with less’, optimising costs wherever possible. Voluntary turnover is trending down this year at 9.5% from 12.2% in 2014 reflecting the volatility and instability of the market conditions in Malaysia.”
In addition, Aon Hewitt’s recently launched Hot Topic Survey provides insights on how organisations are reacting to the recent economic environment impacting both employers and employees in Malaysia. The study reveals that the highest impact of the current economic environment on organisations comes from the depreciation of the ringgit followed by the implementation of the GST. The recent road toll hike also has a significantly negative impact on employees. However, employees view the minimum wage increment and increased salary cap for SOCSO eligibility that was proposed in the 2016 Budget as positive. To cope with higher living cost, 22% of organisations indicated their plans of providing higher salary increases than initially budgeted for and 7% of organisations are providing a one-off salary adjustment. 47% of organisations have revised their benefits program in the last 2 years, particularly the medical limits and mileage claim. 76% of organisations reported an increase in medical claims and 72% indicated an increase in medical leave following the recent haze issue.[4]
Surendran Ramanathan, Aon Hewitt Southeast Asia Retirement and Investment Practice Lead said: “The current economic environment has adversely impacted both employer and employees, companies are facing budget constraints whilst employees are expecting to cope with the increase cost of living. Therefore companies should ensure their rewards dollars are spent more prudently to get the biggest bang for the buck.”
Prashant Chadha emphasized: “Based on our Best Employers Research and through numerous CEOs and HR directors interview we note that, while organisations optimise costs, employees must continue to strive, and high-performers will not only benefit from pay for performance but also from other career-linked total rewards to ensure retention and alignment to business goals.“
Aon Hewitt Best Employers — Malaysia 2015 Country Report shows that 78% of Best Employers combine structured, formal recognition programs with manager-driven recognition as opposed to market average of only 40%. The study also revealed that Best Employers compensate their high performers 21% higher than their average performers. This differentiation results in higher employee perception in terms of recognition and performance impact on pay.[5]
The Best Employers have also shown their strength across all four pillars of Best Employers specifically in high Employee Engagement, compelling Employer Brand, Effective Leadership and a High performance Culture. The Best Employers enjoy 38 percent higher income than market average, attain 50 percent higher growth in profits than market average and have filled 38 percent more job openings internally compared to market average.
Gap between Rhetoric and Reality in Malaysia Organisations
[1] Source: International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[2] Source: Aon Hewitt 2015-2016 Global Salary Increase Survey
[3] Source: Aon Hewitt Total Compensation Measurement™
[4] Source: Aon Hewitt Hot Topic Survey, November 2015. SOCSO (Social Security Organisation) provides social security protection to employees and their dependants through social security schemes to improve the employees’ social wellbeing.
[5] Source: Aon Hewitt Best Employers — Malaysia 2015 Country Report
About Aon Hewitt
Aon Hewitt empowers organisations and individuals to secure a better future through innovative talent, retirement and health solutions. We advise, design and execute a wide range of solutions that enable clients to cultivate talent to drive organisational and personal performance and growth, navigate retirement risk while providing new levels of financial security, and redefine health solutions for greater choice, affordability and wellness. Aon Hewitt is the global leader in human resource solutions, with over 30,000 professionals in 90 countries serving more than 20,000 clients worldwide. For more information on Aon Hewitt in Asia Pacific, please visit www.aonhewitt.com/apac
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Media Contact Prashant Chadha Managing Director, Aon Hewitt Malaysia Tel: +605.2773.6837 |
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Romy Serfaty Tel: +852.2917.7952 Email: romy.serfaty@aonhewitt.com |
Sign up for News Alerts: http://aon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=58
Follow Aon Hewitt on Twitter @AonHewittAsia
Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20151127/8521508137-a
Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20151127/8521508137-b
The Inaugural ProWine ASIA 2016 Attracts Strong International Participation
SEOUL, South Korea and TAIPEI, Taiwan/PRNewswire/ — The inaugural ProWine ASIA 2016 has attracted strong international participation from worldwide renowned wine and spirits producers, distributors and industry stakeholders who will converge at the Singapore Expo from 12 to 15 April 2016. The most relevant trade fair of its kind in Southeast Asia, the event will be held alongside the 20th installment of FHA2016 for the first time.
To date, ProWine ASIA 2016 has received a strong vote of confidence from both international group pavilions and individual exhibitors across 17 countries and regions, including Australia, Austria, Argentina, Canada, Chile, France,Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain and USA.
Some of the key confirmed exhibitors include producers and distributors from France, Italy, Singapore and Spain, led by SOPEXA, ICEX, Prodeca, Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation, and Winalia. Exhibitors in the international group pavilions include Ambrosia, Armagnac Castarede, Bottles and Bottles, Champagne J. De Telmont, Chateau Condamine Bertrand, Famille Laudet, Far East Distillers, JC Wine & Spirits, Makoto-Ya, Pierre De Segonzac, Vinovalie and many others.
Confirmed individual exhibitors include Angus Dundee Distillers, Boutinot, Cognac Guy Lheraud, Hammeken Cellars, Jackson Family Wines, Sileni Estates and Villa Domizia Quattroerre Company.
This strong international participation reflects the growing market opportunities in the region, which will see seven million new prospective drinkers join the market yearly, with a 13 percent increase in spending.
Southeast Asia at the heart of Wine & Spirits Consumption
An emerging, affluent middle class is driving a surge in demand for sophisticated consumer goods such as wine and spirits. According to the International Wine & Spirit Research (IWSR) 2014-2019, Asia is expected to see the largest volume increase of any region across the beer, wine, spirits and mixed drinks categories. Total yearly consumption is set to surge by almost 1.2bn nine-litre cases by 2019[1]. These figures are increasingly fuelled by the wine trade in Southeast Asia, a region of rapidly developing economies and home to 600 million people. By 2020, this region alone will account for 30 percent of Asia’s wine business.
Hosting ProWine ASIA 2016 in Singapore, the hub of Southeast Asia, is the best way to connect regional wine and spirit traders with international producers looking to foray into the burgeoning Southeast Asian market. It is a valuable and opportune platform for industry players to network and close fruitful collaborations, with its impressive representation from all relevant wine producing nations and regions, including ‘newcomers’ to the international wine business.
Trade visitors to the event can look forward to participate in more than 300 tasting sessions, masterclasses, in-depth seminars, lectures and presentations hosted by various key industry players. They will also get a chance to take part in specially crafted workshops that will cover topics including autochthonous grape varieties and the diversity of wine.
“As one of the world’s most successful trade fair organizers responsible for more than 20 of the world’s number one trade exhibitions and conferences, we are excited to partner with Singapore Exhibition Services to bring ProWineASIA to Southeast Asia for the very first time. ProWine ASIA will bring international exhibiting companies into closer contact with buyers from across Southeast Asia. These opportunities will also exist through our programme of events that incorporate masterclasses, seminars, as well as special tastings and presentations by exhibiting companies that are keen to leverage the unprecedented opportunities that Southeast Asia has to offer to wine and spirit companies of all sizes,” says Ms. Beattrice J. Ho, Project Director at Messe Dusseldorf Asia.
“We are honoured to partner Messe Dusseldorf Asia to bring the world’s leading wine and spirits trade fair toSoutheast Asia,” highlights Ms. Ting Siew Mui, Project Director of Lifestyle Events at Singapore Exhibition Services. “With an increase in consumption of wine and spirits in our region, this event comes at a great time forSoutheast Asia. Through the collaboration, we can further develop and extend FHA’s wine and spirits segment. This will enable us to help industry players in the region meet sales demands and keep abreast of latest industry trends and developments.”
ProWine ASIA 2016 is modelled on the globally recognised wine and spirits trade fair ProWein, organised by Messe Dusseldorf in Germany. Since its inception in 1994, ProWein has gained a reputation as a leading hub for the wine and spirits sector, and is increasingly seen as a trend event and order platform with international appeal. ProWineASIA looks forward to bringing the same sophistication, expertise and robust global flavour of exhibitors toSingapore and Southeast Asia.
Event at a glance:
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ProWine ASIA 2016 |
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Date: |
12 – 15 April 2016 (Tuesday – Friday) |
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Venue: |
Singapore Expo, Hall 10 |
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Opening Hours: |
10am – 6pm (12- 14 April 2016, Tuesday – Thursday) 10am – 4pm (15 April 2016, Friday) |
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Admission: |
Business and trade professionals |
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Website: |
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About Singapore Exhibition Services Pte Ltd
Singapore Exhibition Services organises a portfolio of international tradeshows serving the Communications, Engineering, Machinery and Lifestyle industries. Our events consistently attract a high level of overseas participation with foreign exhibitors accounting for almost 80% of the show floor. Singapore Exhibition Services is a member of Allworld Exhibitions Alliance, a global network with over 50 offices worldwide. Please visitwww.sesallworld.com for more information.
About Messe Dusseldorf Asia
Messe Dusseldorf GmbH is one of the world’s most successful exhibition organisers, responsible for organising more than 20 of the world’s number one exhibitions in various industries including health and medicine, machines, plant and equipment as well as commerce, trades and services – namely, the globally acclaimed MEDICA, K Fair, interpack, drupa, wire/Tube and Prowein held in Dusseldorf, Germany. Its subsidiary office – Messe Dusseldorf Asia(MDA), with extensive expertise in organizing trade fairs in Southeast Asia, has developed a portfolio of numerous trade fairs in Southeast Asia since 1995. MDA’s trade fairs for the health and medicine sectors in Thailand andSingapore (MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND, MEDICAL FAIR ASIA, MEDICAL MANUFACTURING ASIA and OS+HASIA), machines, plant and equipment sector in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam (indometal, INDOPACK, INDOPLAS, INDOPRINT, PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL, Plastic & Rubber Vietnam, T-PLAS, Tube Southeast ASIA and wire Southeast Asia) have met with resounding successes and are today benchmark events serving the regional markets of Southeast Asia and beyond.
Please visit www.messe-duesseldorf.de/MDA for more information.
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[1] |
IWSR Forecast Report: http://www.theiwsr.com/content/press/PR Nov 2014.pdf |
Food&HotelAsia2016 Will Feature Many Firsts as Food and Hospitality Scene in Asia Heats Up
SEOUL, South Korea and TAIPEI, Taiwan, /PRNewswire/ — The international food and hospitality scene is heating up, with Asia taking the lead. In six months, the region’s premier industry event, FHA2016(Food&HotelAsia2016) will bring more than 300 first-time exhibitors to the region’s most established and comprehensive food and hospitality trade show, including a host of new international group pavilion entrants.
The new exhibitors will bring with them, a range of new products and ingredients, equipment and supplies, and best-of-breed services. This results in a bigger and more diverse exhibition profile, offering more choices than ever before to industry buyers, and adds to FHA’s appeal as the tradeshow to see and be seen at.
“For the 2016 event, we are seeing many new local and international companies joining us for the very first time. This is a firm reflection of the importance the industry places in the event, and solidifies its position as the event of choice for food and hospitality players, mega and small, from across the region and beyond,” says Ms. Ting Siew Mui, Project Director of Lifestyle Events at Singapore Exhibition Services, organiser of FHA.
Held from 12 to 15 April at the Singapore Expo, FHA2016 will clock another first with its unveiling of ProWine ASIA 2016. Teaming up with Messe Dusseldorf Asia to bring this newest ProWein satellite event to FHA, ProWine ASIA2016 presents an ideal gateway for international producers of wine and spirits wishing to tap into the Southeast Asiamarket.
Many firsts in 38 years
One of Singapore Exhibition Services’s flagship industry events, FHA2016 will highlight many firsts, including:
- First-time exhibitors: Local conglomerates such as Boon Tong Kee, Fraser & Neave, Lam Soon, Owl International and Yeo Hiap Seng will take the stage with approximately 3,000 returning exhibitors. Also joining the line-up of new exhibitors is a host of global brands, including Arla, Blue Diamond Growers, Scelta Mushrooms, SodaStream Professional, and many more.
- First-time international group pavilions: Algeria, Hungary, Poland, The Netherlands
- First outdoor extension: For the first time, space at FHA2016 will be extended to accommodate exhibitors from FoodAsia
- First ProWine ASIA: With Messe Dusseldorf Asia, Singapore Exhibition Services will bring the first ProWineASIA exhibition to Southeast Asia — co-located with FHA2016. Modelled after the globally recognised wine and spirit trade fair ProWein in Dusseldorf, ProWine ASIA will tap into Messe Dusseldorf’s wealth of experience, expertise and standing as the business-promoting order platform for international wine and spirits segment. Through the staging of ProWine ASIA, FHA will be able to grow and extend its existing wine and spirits segment.
- First Sweet High Tea challenge: Part of the renowned FHA Culinary Challenge, the new Sweet High Tea Challenge, open to teams from hotels, restaurants, confectionaries, airlines, culinary training institutes and catering establishments, will see teams of two competing to impress judges with a high tea set for six.
- First Hotels & Resorts Management conference track: This track will explore topics on suitable business models for hospitality owners, the use of smart technology for operational efficiency, sustainable hotel design and new design trends for hotels and resorts, as well as an update on new hospitality projects in the Asian region.
- First talk track on F & B Productivity: Covering sustainable kitchen concepts and design, the new segment at the Food and Beverage Design, Technology & Operations conference track features case studies on effective designs to maximise productivity, trends in menu engineering and successful outsourcing of culinary preparations.
Asia-Pacific driving new opportunities and growth for Food and Hospitality Industries
Recent demographic and policy changes in Asia Pacific have led to a surge in international travel and retail spending in the region. The growing middle class, affordable air travel and accommodation, as well as the ASEAN Open Skies Policy [1], which allows ASEAN airlines to fly freely throughout the region, are creating enormous potential for local and international brands.
To benefit from the influx of affluent travelers into the region, hoteliers and retailers need to look at ways to improve productivity. One way of achieving this is through the adoption of new technologies that help provide more personalised services to guests.
To address these trends, FHA2016 International Conference will discuss key issues affecting the food and hospitality industry, looking at commercial opportunities for hotels, green hotel design, big data analytics for smart operations, and food traceability, to name a few. Joint plenary sessions featuring CEO Insights, Stakeholders Panel Discussions and think tanks will see experts from around the world sharing their perspectives and views on the latest trends in the food and hospitality sectors.
“I am very heartened that our twentieth installment is off to a great start and I am very excited to see the event come to fruition. The food and hospitality industry is evolving rapidly with changing consumer needs and behaviors. Consumers today not only expect good service from hospitality and foodservice establishments, they are also increasingly drawn to products derived from ethical, clean and safe manufacturing. We will be covering these trends at FHA2016, and we look forward to having meaningful discussions with participants,” adds Ms. Ting.
FHA2016 will feature six specialised exhibitions, namely FoodAsia, HotelAsia, SpecialityCoffee&Tea, Bakery&Pastry, HospitalityStyleAsia and HospitalityTechnology, each with their own unique themes and areas of focus.
Adding to the holistic experience, FHA2016 will host a series of activities including intense, prestigious competitions targeting professionals from specific groups and sectors of the food and hospitality industry. These include the FHA Culinary Challenge 2016, the FHA Barista Challenge 2016, the FHA Latte Art Challenge 2016 and Asian Pastry Cup 2016.
The last edition of FHA in 2014 garnered the attention of more than 65,000 trade attendees and played host to about 3,000 exhibitors from 65 countries and regions.
[1] ASEAN Briefing, ASEAN Open Skies Policy to be Implemented in 2015 (Jan 2 2015)
FHA2016 & ProWine ASIA 2016 Combined Projected Statistics
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– Exhibition Area: |
100,500sqm |
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– No. of Exhibitors: |
3,350 from 70 countries/regions (80% from overseas) |
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– Group Participation: |
66 |
Events at a glance:
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FHA2016 (Food&HotelAsia2016) |
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Encompassing: |
Bakery&Pastry, FoodAsia, HotelAsia, HospitalityStyleAsia, HospitalityTechnology and SpecialityCoffee&Tea
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Date: |
12 — 15 April 2016 (Tuesday — Friday) |
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Venue: |
Singapore Expo, Halls 1 — 9 |
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Opening Hours: |
10am — 6pm (12 — 14 April 2016, Tuesday — Thursday) 10am — 4pm (15 April 2016, Friday) |
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Admission: |
Business and trade professionals |
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Website: |
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ProWine ASIA 2016 |
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Date: |
12 — 15 April 2016 (Tuesday — Friday) (co-located with FHA2016) |
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Venue: |
Singapore Expo, Hall 10 |
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Opening Hours: |
10am — 6pm (12 — 14 April 2016, Tuesday — Thursday) 10am — 4pm (15 April 2016, Friday) |
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Admission: |
Business and trade professionals |
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Website: |
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Asta Chemicals Named Top SMEs in Asia at the ACES Awards 2015
SINGAPORE/PRNewswire/ — Asta Chemicals Sdn Bhd is proud to receive the Top SMEs in Asiaat the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards 2015 on 5 November, in InterContinental Hotel Singapore. The award gives us due recognition to our Company’s excellent management of our resources that are governed by policies of transparency, integrity and sustainability. Part of our Corporate and Social Responsibilities are thecommitment to promote and integrate the Green agenda into our daily operations. We were the proud recipient of the “Newcomer MY Carbon Award in 2014 ” from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Malaysia.
Asta Chemicals Sdn Bhd was established in 1973 in Malaysia. As a chemical manufacturing company, it specialises in producing formaldehyde and thermosetting synthetic resin (adhesive resin) catering to wood-based industries, along with specialty chemicals for the foundry, abrasives, automotive, animal feed producing and oil and gas industries.
The company supplies to a wide range of customers, both Malaysian-based and worldwide. In keeping with its vision statement, Asta Chemicals seeks to be the leading supplier of binders, adhesives and coating resins to the national wood, industrial and specialty chemicals market.
For more information contact:
Kevin Looi
Phone Number: 03-2284 9118
Email: kevin.looi@astachemicals.com
Tech in Asia Expands Into Bangalore
SINGAPORE /PRNewswire/ — Tech in Asia, the go-to online platform for Asia’s tech community, has announced its expansion into the heart of India’s startup scene, Bangalore. The move follows successful expansions into Japanese and Indonesian markets in 2014 and 2012 respectively, and will see the establishment of a full-time team managing events, business development, and more in-depth editorial coverage.
The decision to enter India follows months of firsthand research into one of Asia’s most promising markets, and conversations with local players and influencers to better understand how Tech in Asia can serve and help to build the local ecosystem. With a dramatic increase of seed funding from $15M in 2014 to an expected $100M in 2015,India is clearly primed for high growth in the coming months and years.
“Through our own data and editorial coverage, we have witnessed astounding growth in investor attention and funding towards the Indian market,” says Andrew Wang, Chief Operating Officer at Tech in Asia. “Our move intoBangalore reaffirms our commitment to serving and building Asia’s startup ecosystem, through quality editorial coverage and premier events that connect Asia’s tech ecosystem.”
Tech in Asia has maintained an editorial presence in India since 2014, spearheaded by passionate journalist Malavika Velayanikal. As part of its expansion efforts, editorial output from India has been ramped up, with six full-time writers now living and breathing in the protean world of Indian tech startups. Comprising a judicious mix of the latest news and detailed analyses, commentaries and practical infographics, this increased output serves to bridge knowledge gaps both within the Indian ecosystem as well as for outsiders seeking to better understand the Indian market.
With multiple successes across Singapore, Jakarta, and Tokyo, Tech in Asia will also take its acclaimed conference to the bustling city of Bangalore on 6 and 7 July 2016. In line with the company’s mission of serving and building Asia’s startup ecosystem, the conference will be Asia-centric and domestically-focused. Through the multi-stage format premiered at the recently concluded Tech in Asia Jakarta 2015 conference, the inaugural edition of Tech in Asia Bangalore aims to host 1000 attendees, approximately 20% of whom are expected to be investors, and exhibit 100 startups in total. More information about the conference can be found atevents.techinasia.com/bangalore.
About Tech in Asia
Tech in Asia (YC W15), the online platform for Asia’s startup ecosystem, helps users to keep abreast of Asia’s tech industry, share their thoughts, and connect with startups and investors alike. With an ever-growing team based all across Asia and the US, spanning editorial, events, and data functions, Tech in Asia is dedicated to bringing Asia’stech ecosystem closer together, by providing a platform and facilitating meaningful discussions amongst all who are willing to add value to Asia’s tech community and ecosystem.
About the Tech in Asia Conference series
Tech in Asia’s signature 2-day conferences are held triannually in Singapore, Tokyo, and Jakarta. They are amongstAsia’s largest conferences organized for the region’s tech ecosystem, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, media, and corporations interested to learn more about the startup community. For more information, visitevents.techinasia.com.
For media enquiries, please reach out to Renhao at renhao@techinasia.com.
Kaligo.com Partners with Visa to Reward Commercial Cardholders and Help Companies Manage Travel Expenses
SINGAPORE /PRNewswire/ — Visa and Kaligo.com, a leading global hotel booking platform that rewards frequent travellers with thousands of airline miles or credit card points on every booking, today announced a strategic alliance to help businesses and corporations with their hotel bookings. Kaligo Business Plus provides Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with an easy and intuitive travel tool that enables them to earn highly accelerated rewards, reduce costs and manage travel expenses. The rewards-centric hotel booking solution provides Visa and Card Issuers with product differentiation, deeper SME engagement and greater travel policy compliance.
The benefits for SMEs are compelling:
- Delight employees – Reward business travellers with thousands of attractive miles and points on their hotel bookings, so they can fly for free on their next holiday
- Reduce travel spend – Easily set daily rate limits by city and by employee category, reflecting the desired travel policy
- Get powerful insights – Quickly view reports to see the entire company’s booking activity in one place, and export data to feed into other SME tools for accounting or analysis
- Boost policy compliance – Leverage Kaligo’s rich rewards to drive more spend compliance on the Visa commercial card
More SMEs are now moving away from relying on traditional travel agents and allowing their staff to book their own travel. It is this band of frequent travellers — business executives, sales representatives, those who travel regularly for work — Kaligo is targeting. In a study commissioned by Visa and conducted by RFi Group, it is estimated that between three percent and five percent of all business expenses are on travel[1].
Kaligo Business Plus makes it convenient to find the ideal business hotel with tailored review scores and special filters for business travellers. Companies can easily configure travel policies and realise cost savings. In just a few clicks, an administrator can create employee profiles within the company’s Kaligo Business Plus account. Tracking company spend by employee category or team is easy with real-time dashboards and reports.
Vikram Kshettry, Head of Small Business Products, Asia Pacific of Visa said, “We are very pleased to partner with Kaligo. The tailored Kaligo Business Plus proposition drives key benefits for issuers, Visa and SMEs. This exclusive offer to Visa cardholders provides cost savings for companies and convenience for business travellers. We will be working with over 60 Visa Issuers in Asia Pacific to communicate and promote Kaligo Business Plus to their Eligible Visa Cardholders.”
Kyle Armstrong, CEO of Kaligo.com said, “We are delighted to work with Visa on this initiative. The combination of Kaligo’s broad inventory of 365,000 hotels, our wide range of rewards program options and Visa’s extensive reach that connects consumers, businesses and financial institutions in more than 200 markets to fast, secure and reliable electronic payments, yields compelling benefits for SMEs. Our offering allows SMEs to reduce their travel spend, gain powerful insights and boost policy compliance.”
“We are delighted to be the first bank to partner with VISA and support their collaboration with Kaligo to launch Kaligo Business Plus. Citibank’s VISA Commercial Cards clients in Singapore will benefit from Kaligo’s hotel booking solution that allows them to better manage their corporate travel needs and at the same time, earn reward points of up to 25 times faster which can be used to redeem hotel stays and flights among other attractive offers,”said John Denhof, Head of Cards and Personal Loans at Citibank Singapore.
Remarks:
[1] The Visa SME Payments Survey 2015 was conducted by RFi Group with close to 1,000 companies interviewed in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
Note to editors:
About Visa
Visa is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable electronic payments. We operate one of the world’s most advanced processing networks — VisaNet — that is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second, with fraud protection for consumers and assured payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa’s innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: pay now with debit, ahead of time with prepaid or later with credit products.
About Kaligo
Established in Singapore in 2014 and with offices in London, Atlanta and Sydney, Kaligo.com is changing the way travellers book accommodation online by offering greater rewards than ever before. With a specialist team, co-founders Kyle Armstrong and Sebastian Grobys who share backgrounds in travel, banking and loyalty have built a uniquely customer-centric platform. Choosing from over 365,000 boutique and chain hotels at competitive rates, Kaligo customers earn thousands more miles and points, to the extent that one single booking can mean a free flight, upgrade or lifestyle treat. For more, please visit: www.kaligo.com
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