29 August 2025

New artists announced for Clockenflap 2025

Source: Clockenflap. Additional acts have been announced for Clockenflap this December. Table.
Source: Clockenflap. Additional acts have been announced for Clockenflap this December. 

Clockenflap
, Hong Kong’s biggest international outdoor music and arts festival, returns to Central Harbourfront from 
5-7 December, 2025. Tickets are on sale now. 

A second wave of acts that have been added to the lineup. With over 30 artists announced already, and many still to come, excitement is building for the three-day weekender in December.

J-pop fans are in for a treat as Japanese superstar Vaundy will make history at Clockenflap, marking his first-ever public performance outside Japan on the festival's opening night. This will be his sole Asian show outside his home country this year. Meanwhile, veteran Japanese rockers Ellegarden and American singer-songwriter Jeremy Zucker have been added to the bill on Sunday.

Art-pop legends Sparks will also play Hong Kong for the first time ever on Friday night, while French nu-disco act L’Imperatrice will light up the festival on Saturday. 

Other new highlights include: 

DJ duo of Johnny Takigero and Pesky Azabu Punks, and Hong Kong shoegaze band CHUNG’S ASTROLOGY will pay tribute to the late Hong Kong indie legend Kwan King Chung—the band's founding member—by performing his final works at Clockenflap (Friday).

Saturday will see UK techno legend Dave Clarke, Japanese duo Rikon, Belgian maverick BOLIS PUPUL, and Taiwanese funk act ROBOT Swing appear. 

Sunday acts include Polish guitar rising star Marcin, Singaporean synth-pop chanteuse Yeule, British DJ/producer Special Request, UK dubstep DJ RSD, Taiwanese singer-songwriter Andr, and Estonian nu-folk duo Puuluup.  

Names already announced for this year’s festival, include: British indie-folk singer-songwriter Passenger, maverick UK multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier, German electro-house hellraisers Digitalism (DJ Set), and fêted Hong Kong vocalist PANTHER Chan on Friday; Indonesian rap star Rich Brian, former Portishead frontwoman and trip-hop trailblazer Beth Gibbons, US alt-indie favourite Soccer Mommy, Japanese indie-popsters Chilli Beans., and Thai vocalist Phum Viphurit on Saturday. 

Lined up for Sunday are Scottish indie legends Franz Ferdinand, Mandarin pop star Yoga Lin, Canadian post-rock masters GODSPEED YOU! Black Emperor, Californian indie heroes TV Girl, and UK-based Japanese DJ Riria, whose acclaimed Boiler Room performance has captivated fans globally.  

In addition to multiple stages hosting must-see international, regional and local acts, Clockenflappers will be able to enjoy an array of art installations, unique branded attractions and experiences, workshops and performances, and a wide selection of food and beverage outlets. 

For arts lovers, MINIMAX - A MOBILE & MODULAR THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE* premieres in 2025.

Early bird tickets went on sale in May.

Details

Tickets can be purchased at the official ticketing platform Ticketflap at www.ticketflap.com/Clockenflap2025  

Three-day general admission tickets cost HK$1,990, and 
Single-day general admission tickets cost HK$1,280. 

A JAL travel package is available at www.jal.co.jp/jp/ja/intltour/chn/hkg_mfm/clockenflap-pre/

*MINIMAX is financially supported by the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme of the Government of the
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The content of this programme does not reflect the views of thegovernment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

28 August 2025

Vanta set to become a culture, connection and creativity hub

Source: Vanta. Members will enter the private club into a two-level dining and lounge salon where Italian marble, quartz finishes, and bespoke materials set a sophisticated tone. 

Singapore private club Vanta is set to launch this December along Orchard Road.

Envisioned as an invitation-only community for those poised to shape the future of business and culture, Vanta aims to reflect the values of Asia's new tastemakers. 

Spanning 16,000 sq ft at MacDonald House, the club boasts a two-level dining and lounge salon, private dining rooms and an AI golf simulator.

“Vanta represents the intersection of influence, culture and connection within Singapore's dynamic landscape. We aren't just creating a beautifully designed space,” said Wayne Lin, CEO of Vanta. 

“We're cultivating an ecosystem where leaders, creators, and investors come together to spark meaningful ideas and lasting impact. Our vision is for Vanta to become the epicentre of innovation and cultural exchange in Asia.” 

A defining feature of Vanta will be its approach to food and drink. Michelin-starred Consulting Chef Alvin Leung will curate the culinary programme, while the beverage selection includes investment-grade whiskies, rare single malts and collectible bottlings; vintage and limited-release wines; as well as small-batch sake brews, aged koshu, and coveted junmai daiginjo. 

Beyond the bottle, Vanta's calendar will be filled year-round with art exhibitions, talks, and cultural salons. 

“At Vanta, exclusivity isn't about status - it's about significance,” Lin added. 

“We've designed this club for individuals who are actively shaping conversations and leading change across industries. It will be a place where connoisseurs, especially those with a passion for whisky, wine and sake, can connect, collaborate, and define what's next for business and culture.” 

26 August 2025

Wego to promote summer travel to Türkiye for MENA travellers

Wego, the travel app and online travel marketplace, has partnered with the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) to launch a regional campaign highlighting Türkiye's diverse summer experiences to travellers across the MENA region.  

Source: Wego. Aerial view of Istanbul.
Source: Wego. Wego partners with Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency to spotlight summer experiences for MENA travellers. Aerial view of Istanbul.
 

Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer, Wego said: "Türkiye continues to be a top destination for travellers across the MENA region, offering a unique mix of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. We are proud to collaborate with the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency to bring even more visibility to the country's summer offerings. With Wego's technology and reach, we're making it easier for travellers to discover, plan, and book their perfect Turkish escape."

As part of the campaign, Wego and TGA will spotlight how centuries-old heritage meets modern-day lifestyles in Türkiye. Travellers can explore the art and café culture of Istanbul, wander through the wonders of Göreme, and experience the creativity in Izmir and Ankara. Wego's platform will offer real-time comparisons, curated travel inspiration, and mobile-first convenience.

Sinan Seha Türkseven, Acting GM of TGA said: "According to UN Tourism's data, Türkiye is the world's 4th biggest incoming tourism market by the end of 2024. The Middle East geography is traditionally one of our biggest source markets. The historical and cultural ties we have between our countries, Türkiye's optimal climate, unique cities and landscapes, as well as similar gastronomy traditions, make us a highly preferable tourism destination for MENA territories. In this context, we are especially happy to partner with Wego, which is a dominant player in its market, to highlight the depth and diversity of Türkiye's cultural appeal to travellers from the Middle East and North Africa.

"Türkiye is a land where ancient stories and modern lifestyles intersect, offering every visitor a journey through rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and world-class cuisine. We have 22 UNESCO Heritage Sites in our country. We are also the world's No. 2 country with regards to ...UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, which makes Türkiye an ideal destination for cultural explorations. 

"This campaign reflects our commitment to sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and authentic experiences that welcome all travellers to discover Türkiye's warm hospitality and vibrant spirit. Given that our countries are within a maximum of 4 hours' flight distance and the existence of convenient visa regulations, we hope our collaboration with Wego will add to our existing penetration in the respective markets."

Türkiye's culinary offerings take centrestage in the campaign, inviting travellers to savour iconic dishes such as kebab, mantı*, and baklava, enjoy street food in local markets, or dine with panoramic views of the Bosphorus. Coastal destinations like Bodrum and Çeşme are highlighted for their fresh seafood and relaxed seaside atmosphere.

The campaign also emphasises Türkiye's diverse summer experiences, including music and food festivals in cities like Istanbul and Bodrum, thermal spa retreats in places like Pamukkale, and resorts catering to all types of travellers.

To further enrich the campaign, TGA is promoting initiatives focused on sustainable tourism and cultural preservation. These include ecoconscious travel programmes in the Black Sea region, restoration efforts in historical towns such as Safranbolu, and expanded gastronomy routes that support local producers and protect culinary traditions.

*Manti are dumplings filled with ground meat and onions.

21 August 2025

Indosat, Google Cloud introduce AI-driven smart search in Indonesia

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat) has launched an AI-powered semantic search feature for the apps developed for its myIM3 and bima+ brands. Developed in collaboration with Google Cloud, the technology enables searches with greater relevance, personalisation, and efficiency as searches are done through understanding the question rather than just looking for keywords. 

Source: Indosat. A mobile phone showing an app.
Source: Indosat. A mobile phone showing the myIM3 app.

This capability helps Google Cloud's Vertex AI platform to gain deep insights into customer behaviour and preferences. As a result, searches for services such as data packages, lifestyle features, and loyalty programmes like IMPoin and BonsTri can be dynamically tailored to meet each user's specific needs.

Bilal Kazmi, Director & Chief Commercial Officer Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, said: “With the support of Google Cloud, we are delivering a search system that is not only intelligent but also delivers tangible value, enhancing both user convenience and business performances. This collaboration represents a strategic step towards providing smarter, more personalised, and relevant digital experiences for our customers. 

"At Indosat, we are committed to ensuring that technology makes life easier, brings services closer, and serves as a powerful tool to empower Indonesia in navigating the digital era."

Fanly Tanto, Country Director, Indonesia, Google Cloud, stated: “As an industry-leading organisation in Google Cloud’s Indonesia BerdAIa programme, Indosat has been at the forefront of innovating with advanced, enterprise AI. Vertex AI Search’s in-built understanding of queries in Bahasa and English, the semantic meaning behind queries, and spelling variations will help surface more relevant digital services recommendations that meet the diverse lifestyle needs of millions of myIM3 and bima+ users. 

"This deployment demonstrates how the unique combination of Google Cloud's open platforms and Google-quality search can be seamlessly integrated with an enterprise’s custom-built AI models and existing applications, enabling smarter and more personalised digital experiences for its customers.”  

According to McKinsey’s research in the future of personalisation, 71% of consumers expect personalized interactions from brands. AI-driven personalisation also improves operational efficiency. As part of this launch, Indosat is introducing an interactive campaign, 30 Days of Treasure Hunt, running from August 21 to September 19, 2025. Through AI-powered search gamification, customers are encouraged to search for specific keywords or queries on the official Instagram accounts of IM3 @indosatim3 and Tri @triindonesia, and then access them via the search bar in the myIM3 or bima+ applications.

The most active users each day will have the opportunity to win a variety of e-vouchers, with a total prize pool of up to IDR5.5 M. To participate, customers can download the myIM3 app at https://myim3.co/getnow and the bima+ app at https://bima-3.co/getnow 

In addition, the semantic search technology is further supported by Sahabat-AI, an open-source large language model (LLM) specifically designed for the Indonesian language. Sahabat-AI is built to understand local contexts, including support for various regional languages and dialects, making customer interactions more engaging, relevant, and meaningful across Indonesia.

Surf and Turf special at the Edge, Pan Pacific Singapore

Source: Pan Pacific Singapore. Surf and Turf at Award-winning Buffet Restaurant, Edge, located at Pan Pacific Singapore. Flat lay view of key dishes at the buffet.
Source: Pan Pacific Singapore. Surf and Turf at Award-winning Buffet Restaurant, Edge, located at Pan Pacific Singapore.

From 22 August 2025 until 5 October 2025, Pan Pacific Singapore’s award-winning buffet restaurant, Edge, presents Surf and Turf — a limited-time-only dinner experience every Friday, Saturday and Sunday led by Executive Chef Andy Oh and his culinary team.

Showcasing the finest from both land and sea, this indulgent buffet highlights premium seafood, succulent meats, and Edge’s signature international spread. 

Renowned for its open kitchens, Edge has conceptualised a surf and turf spread that overflows with temptations from both sea and land. Ocean delights include giant freshwater prawn, steamed lobster claw chawanmushi, and smoky barbecued slipper lobster. On land, the feast continues with succulent marinated lamb T-bone, rosemary spring Chicken, and the grand centrepiece — a slow roasted prime Rib carved to order.

Guests are also invited to capture and share their Surf and Turf adventure on social media. By tagging @PanPacificSingapore and @EdgeRestaurantSG, then adding the hashtag #Edge2025, diners can enter a draw to win a Sunday Funday Brunch experience for four persons, worth S$472 — an affair involving bubbles, gourmet delights, and weekend revelry.

Details

Surf and Turf at Edge
22 August 2025 until 5 October 2025
Only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
6 pm to 10 pm
S$128++ per adult, inclusive of free-flow soft drinks
For an additional S$30++ per adult, free-flow Tiger Beer for two hours

*All prices are subject to service charge and prevailing government taxes unless indicated otherwise.

Make a reservation at +65 6826 8240 or email dining.ppsin@panpacific.com

Hashtags: #EdgeSG, #PanPacificSingapore, #ShareYourMoments

20 August 2025

Samsung Galaxy Watch8 series helps users get healthier

A recent study has estimated that Singapore could save up to S$650 M in direct healthcare costs if Singaporeans made long-term changes to their lifestyles.

Sleep is one area where Singaporeans could do better. According to a 2024 YouGov study, 66% of Singaporeans continue to struggle with getting seven or more hours of sleep.

This is where a smartwatch can help. The  recently-launched Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic are boast the thinnest and most comfortable Galaxy watches ever6  for continuous health tracking. Features on the Samsung Health app8 which can help consumers build healthier habits include:

- Vascular Load1: the amount of stress on your vascular system while sleeping. 

- Bedtime Guidance2, a feature that measures users’ circadian rhythm to suggest the optimal time to go to bed.

“Sleep remains a cornerstone of our approach to health, as it influences physical and mental well-being, social relationships and even work performance,” said Dr Hon Pak, Senior VP and Head of Digital Health Team, Mobile eXperience, Samsung Electronics, in a statement shared in July. 

“Now, we envision our Galaxy Watch delivering holistic insights centred around sleep — insights that lead to meaningful changes in daily life. We believe this aligns with our vision of empowering you to lead healthier lives through proactive care and holistic health management.” 

If high levels of stress persist, High Stress Alert will immediately signal users for a break. There is also the Mindfulness Tracker, through which users can record their mood and receive guidance on breathing exercises to relieve stress.

The Galaxy Watch is also the first in the industry to introduce Antioxidant Index3, a feature to measure carotenoids via its BioActive sensor. Antioxidants help to protect against cell damage and slow ageing. 

The BioActive Sensor can provide a number of real-time insights: 

- The Sleep Apnea4 feature, approved for use by the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA), enables users to detect moderate to severe signs of sleep apnea, when proper breathing is affected while sleeping. The condition affects approximately one in three Singaporeans.

- The Galaxy Watch8’s enhanced Electrocardiogram (ECG)5 can better capture ectopic beats, extra or skipped heartbeats that occur outside of the normal heart rhythm. While mostly harmless, identification of frequent ectopic beats could add to insights for preventive care. 

The Galaxy Watch8 Series further delivers personalised fitness insights. Running Coach9 calculates users’ fitness level from 1 to 10 and develops a tailored training plan complete with real-time guidance and motivational insights. With the Together feature which now supports running, users can gamify their fitness journey by challenging friends and family. 

Plus, the AI-powered Energy Score10 gives consumers a snapshot of their energy level, combining physical and mental energy metrics to guide users to plan for a healthier day ahead.  

The distinctive cushion design, which debuted with Galaxy Watch Ultra, now defines the entire Galaxy Watch lineup. To achieve the thinnest design yet, the internal structure of the Galaxy Watch8 Series was completely reengineered, resulting in an 11% thinner design7. Combined with the Dynamic Lug system, the new Galaxy Watch8 Series fits snugly on the wrist, providing greater comfort and improved stability6 for a better fit and enhanced health-tracking accuracy.

A 3 nm processor delivers faster performance and greater power efficiency. The display is 50% brighter6 with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits for easy visibility, even under bright sunlight, while the dual-frequency GPS provides more detailed and precise location results6

Source: Samsung. The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic smart watches were launched in Singapore in July. Key visual of two watches.
Source: Samsung. The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic smart watches were launched in Singapore in July.


Developed in close collaboration with Google, the Galaxy Watch8 Series is the first smartwatch to come out of the box with Gemini11, Google’s AI assistant, and be powered by Wear OS 6. Go hands-free using natural voice commands to get things done on the go with Galaxy Watch apps like Samsung Health, Calendar, Reminder, and Clock. For example, saying “Start a 30-minute run” initiates the workout in Samsung Health.  

Available in 44 mm or 40 mm sizes and in Graphite or Silver, the Galaxy Watch8 provides comfort and style. Meanwhile, Galaxy Watch8 Classic brings offers a rotating bezel and a quick button for added convenience. The Classic model measures 46 mm and comes in Black and White. Both models can be matched with a diverse range of bands12

For those who love outdoor adventures, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is the most advanced and durable Galaxy Watch model yet. The 2025 edition has a storage capacity of 64 GB, up from 32 GB in previous editions. In Singapore, a new Titanium Blue colour will be introduced as part of the launch.

For consumers who are looking for a more discreet wearable that offers continuous health tracking, Samsung recommended the Galaxy Ring. With up to seven days of battery life, the ring is available in Titanium Black, Titanium Silver and Titanium Gold, in sizes 5-1513.

Samsung also recently announced the availability of the One UI 8 Watch update for Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) to help more Galaxy users to unlock motivational health features.

1 Service only available with Galaxy Watch Ultra or later released Galaxy Watch Series. To measure vascular load, wear the Galaxy Watch when sleeping for at least three days out of the most recent 14 days. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition.

2 Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or sleep disorder. Bedtime guidance is available on Android phone (Android 11 and above) requires Samsung Health app (v6.30.2 or later). It is based on three days of sleep analysis of user’s circadian rhythm and sleep pressure.

3 Service only available with Galaxy Watch Ultra or later released Galaxy Watch Series. To measure, place the centre of your finger on the sensor at the back of the Watch and hold it for 5 seconds. While the Antioxidant Index can be measured using any finger, the thumb is recommended for the most accurate result. Repeated measurement due to uneven skin texture may lead to inaccurate results.

4 The Sleep Apnea feature is an over-the-counter (OTC), software-only, mobile medical application operating on a compatible Samsung Galaxy Watch and Phone. This feature is intended to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in the form of significant breathing disruptions in adult users 22 years and older, over a two-night monitoring period. It is intended for on-demand use. 

This feature is not intended for users who have previously been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Users should not use this feature to replace traditional methods of diagnosis and treatment by a qualified clinician. The data provided by this device is also not intended to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders. Availability may vary by market, carrier, model or a paired smartphone.

5 The ECG feature is only available in select markets. It is not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment. The feature is not intended for users with known arrhythmias other than AFib. Users should not interpret or take clinical action based on the device output without consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. 

6 Compared to the previous Galaxy Watches.  

7 Compared to the Galaxy Watch7 Series.

8 Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring or management of any medical condition or disease. Any health-related information accessed through the device and/or application should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek any medical advice from a physician. Certain features may vary by market, carrier, or the device paired.  

9 Prior to starting the coach program, taking a running level test and receiving a level designation is required.  

10 Only available when user register a compatible Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring at least once.  

11 Gemini mobile app available on select devices, languages, and countries at launch. Availability of features will be progressively rolled out in Singapore. Requires compatible Wear OS watch to be connected to a compatible device. Check responses for accuracy. Internet connection and set up may be required. Features may differ depending on subscription and account. Results for illustrative purposes and may vary.  

12 Sold separately. Availability of watch bands may vary by market or carrier.  

13 Colour and size availability may vary by market.