Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena welcomes the year with menus full of prosperity

Source: Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena. The Reunion Seafood Buffet at Sky22.

This festive season, Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena invites guests to gather above the city lights to savour festive Lunar New Year feasts. 

Available every Friday and Saturday evening till 28 March 2026 (excluding 14 February), the restaurant presents the Harmonious Lunar New Year Semi-Buffet Dinner, a festive indulgence with sweeping city views as a backdrop. Guests are invited to enjoy free-flow starters and desserts, from freshly-poached prawns and a well-stocked salad bar to puddings, cakes, pastries and a chocolate fondue.

Mains and seasonal specials include Samsui chicken dressed with ginger scallion sauce and served with jasmine steamed rice, eight treasure fried rice topped with foie gras, prawn and assorted cured meats, and hearty Sky22 Wagyu beef burgers, served with fries. For an elevated celebration, opt for the claypot lobster golden pao fan (+S$15), garnished with ikan bilis, scallion and fried ginger.

Co-workers seeking an auspicious addition can opt to add the auspicious salmon yusheng to the experience. Brimming with smoked salmon, marinated octopus and jellyfish, crispy fish skin and julienned vegetables, the tossing ritual is available at S$38++ for three to four persons, and S$58++ for eight to 10 persons.

For celebrations that call for abundance, Sky22’s Reunion Seafood Buffet brings the table to life with oceanic bounty. Available every Sunday till 1 March 2026, and on Lunar New Year holidays from 16 February to 18 February 2026, the feast features freshly-shucked oysters and poached snow crab to start. Generous servings of scallops, prawns, sushi, salad bar and charcuterie follow alongside hot appetisers including steamed sea bass fillet dim sum, and oyster Rockefeller.

At the live stations, guests can opt for cooked-to-order seasonal options such as claypot lobster golden Pao Fan, Eight Treasure Fried Rice, or the Treasure Pot Pen Cai. Other festive sharing serves include the Singapore chilli Crab, and Braised Beancurd with shiitake and leek.

Birkin International Hotel celebrates Chinese New Year and Ramadhan 2026

Birkin International Hotel, a new coastal haven located in Klebang, Melaka offers guests the perfect blend of seaside serenity and the cultural charm of heritage. The hotel is set to welcome 2026 with two major festive dining celebrations, featuring a vibrant Chinese New Year buffet dinner and the much-anticipated Gulai Kawah Tradisi Ramadhan buffet. 

Source: Birkin International Hotel. Celebrate the season of togetherness at Birkin International Hotel with a Chinese New Year spread, featuring auspicious yee sang and classic favourites, followed by a comforting, flavourful Ramadhan buffet.

The Chinese New Year buffet dinner has been curated to capture the joy, abundance, and togetherness of the Lunar New Year. Available on 16th, 17th and 18th February 2026, from 6:30 pm to 10 pm at Birkin Kitchen, the buffet features festive favourites and classic Chinese New Year dishes. 

To complement the buffet experience, Birkin International Hotel also offers the Prosperity Toss (yee sang, sometimes called lohei or yusheng) from 26 January to 3 March 2026. Available in three variations — Prosperity Ahead, Abundance Year, and Abalone Fortune — the yee sang symbolises good fortune, success, and abundance, and serves as a meaningful addition to any Chinese New Year celebration.

For guests seeking a more private dining experience, the hotel's Chinese set menu will be available till 3 March 2026, served in private rooms from 6:30 pm to 10 pm. 

As Ramadhan approaches, Birkin International Hotel continues its tradition of bringing people together through food with the Gulai Kawah Tradisi Ramadan Buffet, running from 27 February to 19 March 2026, daily from 6:30 pm to 10 pm.

This buffet showcases authentic Malaysian heritage cuisine, with a strong emphasis on traditional flavours and communal dining. Highlights include the fan-favourite kambing gulai kawah, alongside a spread featuring rusa golek, kambing golek, nasi Arab, ayam bakar tandoori, ayam panggang Maharani, ketam bunga masak lemak, murtabak tomahawk, ekor asam pedas, and sup sum-sum, a beef or mutton soup made with marrow-filled bones. 

"These festive promotions reflect our commitment to celebrating Malaysia's rich cultural diversity through food and meaningful experiences," said Kevin Lee, GM of Birkin International Hotel.

"Whether welcoming the Lunar New Year with prosperity and joy or breaking fast together during Ramadhan, we aim to create memorable moments for our guests."

Details

The Chinese New Year buffet dinner costs RM180+ per adult. 

The Ramadhan buffet is priced at RM205+ for adults. There is a Buy 10 Free 1 promotion as well. 

Call +6012-558 7295 or email reservations@birkinhotels.com for reservations and enquiries.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended, and all promotions are subject to availability. Prices are subject to prevailing sales and service tax (SST).

Iftar, kampung-style at the Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview

Source: Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview. Iftar buffet at Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview.

This Ramadhan, Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview invites guests to break fast over a spread inspired by kampung-style cooking. Returning by popular demand, the hotel's Kampung-Style Iftar Buffet celebrates the spirit of togetherness through familiar dishes that have long been part of family gatherings and festive evenings.  

Rooted in the simplicity of village life, kampung-style cuisine is defined by bold spices, slow-cooked recipes, and dishes meant to be shared. Priced at S$58 nett per person, the spread includes staples such as bubur lambuk, accompanied by a variety of traditional condiments. 

Signature highlights include fragrant ayam lemak chilli padi, tangy ikan masak asam pedas, and crispy kampung ayam goreng. At the laksa live station, bowls of rich, aromatic coconut-based dish will be prepared on the spot. 

Guests can also enjoy a refreshing selection of drinks, including bandung, iced Milo, and blue lagoon longan. 

To conclude the meal, guests can indulge in a selection of traditional desserts, including assorted Nyonya kueh, a chendol DIY station, and the hotel's signature durian pengat. 

Details

27 February – 15 March 2026
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
6 pm – 10.30 pm (last entry at 9.30 pm)

Jubilee Ballroom, Level 4
Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview
382 Havelock Road, Singapore 169629

Advance reservations of at least one day prior required. Reserve online at https://sevn.ly/xyBu4k54 

+65 6349 4872 | WhatsApp +65 9837 3635 | eatery@fourpointssingaporeriverview.com

Enjoy 20% off the Iftar Buffet with promo code IFTAR2026 when booking directly via the official reservation platform. Terms and conditions apply.

All-in-one Web3 hub for everyday crypto use

Source: Atlantis Lab. Young discusses the inspiration behind Atlantis (live screen on right).

Atlantis Lab has launched Atlantis, a user-friendly unified Web 3 access hub that centralises decentralised apps.

Developed and incubated within crypto education community CryptoKnight Academy, Atlantis is built to address one of the most persistent challenges in retail crypto participation globally: fragmentation. 

Across surveys, coaching sessions and live classes at CryptoKnight Academy, the institution received consistent feedback that users were juggling too many tools, struggling with visibility of their portfolio, and making avoidable mistakes because of unfamiliarity with each platform.

“Most people do not lose money in crypto because they are careless or reckless. They lose money because the tools are fragmented, confusing, and easy to get wrong,” said Zachary Young, Founder of Atlantis Lab and CEO of CryptoKnight Academy.

“Atlantis was created to change that experience. We centralise the interface, not the assets, so users can rely on one clear control panel for Web 3 while their funds stay in their own wallets and on decentralised protocols, where they belong.”

The typical user hops between wallets, exchanges, portfolio trackers and analytics sites just to understand their overall positions, Young explained. With multiple interfaces and workflows to manage, every additional interface and unfamiliar workflow increases the likelihood of errors, incorrect transfers and exposure to unsafe links.

Atlantis consolidates these actions into a single web-based hub that lets any crypto owner track, manage, and interact with their investments across multiple wallets and exchanges. The launch release, free and open to anyone worldwide, allows users to:

• View their overall holdings through a cross-chain portfolio tracker

• Explore and monitor the top 100 coins and conduct basic research – users can search for any coin that’s not in the top 100 as well

• Send funds directly from their connected wallets - up to 10 are supported currently

• Swap tokens using the best rates

• Bridge assets (move assets from one chain to another) across supported chains

Atlantis operates as a non-custodial access layer - it does not hold, pool or manage user funds. As such, private keys or seed phrases are not requested, and it does not operate order books or act as a trading counterparty. Users interact directly with established protocols and services, while Atlantis focuses on delivering a stable, intuitive front-end experience and making sure "everything you need is inside".

“In environments where users are increasingly cautious, innovation has to lower risk rather than add to it,” said Young.

“That is why Atlantis is built with self-custody as the default, a deliberately simple interface, and education integrated into the ecosystem. We want complete beginners to understand what they are doing and feel confident taking basic actions, rather than feeling overwhelmed or exposed.”

Atlantis was inspired by years of behavioural insight drawn from more than 40,000 individuals, including students, investors and entrepreneurs who have learned how to navigate crypto through CryptoKnight Academy’s programmes, then enhanced by trainers and coaches. 

“We took the student journey ,and tools required and compiled them into one platform and had our developers build it. And then we got feedback from our trainers and coaches to improve the UI/UX to make it more user friendly for crypto beginners. Our trainers and coaches are in the thick of things teaching the students how and which tools to use so this combination is the most powerful,” Young noted.

Key design principles include:

• Self-custody by default, with no control over user funds or credentials

• Safety through simplification, reducing confusion and operational risk

• Integration with education, reinforcing informed decision-making and good user habits

The platform connects to multiple popular decentralised providers for data, connectivity and transaction routing, reducing reliance on any single service and supporting a more resilient user experience. "We are not aiming to be the fastest and the best. Our aim is to be the easiest and the simplest," noted Young, emphasising that the aim is to build a flexible ecosystem.

In future phases, Atlantis will feature broader chain and protocol support, a smoother mobile experience and smarter insights layered on top of the existing tools.

Each phase will follow the same principle that shaped the launch version of Atlantis: reducing complexity, minimising user risk and making Web3 intuitive for mainstream users, wherever they are, Atlantis Lab said.

"Atlantis is for everyone, it's a global thing," said Young at the launch. He also stressed that the platform is self-funded.

"We will not collect money for it," he said. 

Founded in Singapore in 2017, CryptoKnight Academy’s mission is to make crypto profitable, simple and practical for everyday users by combining education, risk awareness and real-world application.

Atlantis Lab is a Web3 venture focused on building products that make crypto simpler, safer and more intuitive for everyday users. Its flagship platform is Atlantis.

Explore

Try out Atlantis at enteratlantis.com

Five talent shifts redefining Singapore hiring

Source: PERSOL. 2025 talent trends and hiring priorities.

PERSOL's Industry Insight Report 2025 has revealed that employee expectations for flexibility, purpose and growth now outweigh pay as key drivers of career choice, reshaping how organisations attract and retain talent across the Asia Pacific region. 

Based on findings from 12 markets and four core sectors – manufacturing, consumer, professional services and supply chain, the report offers a regional view of how work and workforce priorities are evolving: 

Automation, sustainability regulation and demographic change are redefining the labour market across the region. Employers continue to face widespread skills shortages, with demand for digital, analytical and hybrid capabilities outpacing supply in most major markets. Environment, social and governance (ESG) awareness and compliance literacy are also becoming essential hiring criteria as organisations respond to growing sustainability expectations.

The report highlights that Gen Z and Millennial professionals are reshaping what they value at work, prioritising flexibility, purpose and development opportunities over pay alone. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), Asia and the Pacific remains the world’s fastest-growing employment region, underscoring the need for businesses to evolve workforce strategies in line with these shifting expectations.

Elvin Tan, Regional Director and Head of Operations APAC at PERSOL said, “The region’s talent economy is at a crossroads. Workforce gaps are no longer just about headcount. They are about adaptability. Employers who balance technology investment with cultural intelligence and purpose-led hiring will emerge stronger in the next cycle.”

In Singapore, these shifts are even more pronounced, PERSOL said. Employers are seeing strong demand for talent in e-commerce operations, data analytics, sustainability reporting and supply chain optimisation. Foreign manpower controls and expanding ESG reporting requirements are intensifying competition for hybrid digital-ESG talent, the report found. Meanwhile, local professionals increasingly prioritise purpose, flexibility and career progression over compensation alone, prompting organisations to rethink how they attract and retain talent.

The report identified several shifts in how employers hire, engage and compete for talent across Asia Pacific.

At the heart of this transformation is the rise of hybrid skills, where digital fluency and human capability increasingly go hand in hand - employers are now seeking professionals who can navigate technology and strategy in equal measure.

Closely linked to this is the growing importance of sustainability and compliance literacy. As ESG expectations become more deeply embedded in business strategy, roles once limited to sustainability teams are now expanding across finance, operations and supply chain functions.

The study also points to a significant shift in the employer-employee dynamic, with candidates behaving more like consumers. Jobseekers expect transparency, mobile-first communication and a sense of purpose from the hiring process. In Singapore’s highly-competitive market, digitally-skilled and sustainability-focused candidates actively assess employers for clear values, culture and long-term growth pathways.

These evolving expectations are most visible among younger professionals, particularly Gen Z and millennials, who prioritise flexibility, belonging and personal growth. For many, meaningful work and supportive leadership now matter more than salary alone.

The report concluded with a call for deeper collaboration across business, education and government to bridge the widening skills gap. This includes strengthening partnerships that align workforce development with national priorities in digital transformation, sustainability and advanced manufacturing.

Details

Read the PERSOL Industry Insight Report 2025 at www.persolapac.com/industry-insights-2025

New POCO mid-range phones land in Singapore

POCO, a leading technology brand among young tech enthusiasts, has launched the POCO M8 5G and POCO M8 Pro 5G, marking a major evolution of POCO M Series into the mid-range segment while bringing flagship-inspired 5G entertainment features to all users.

"Following our entry into the premium market with F8 Series, POCO M Series is taking another bold step with a full-scale upgrade to the next level," said Kang Lou, Senior Product Marketing Manager and spokesperson at POCO Global.

"Combining portability, high-quality audiovisuals, long-lasting battery life, and exceptional durability, the M Series is designed to deliver exceptional entertainment experiences for everyday users." 

POCO M8 Pro 5G 

Leading the POCO M8 Series, the POCO M8 Pro 5G brings flagship-level experiences to the mid-range segment. POCO M8 Pro 5G features a streamlined design with smooth quad-curved edges and a floating deco. Its 8.31 mm-thin, 205.9 g body¹⁵ makes one-handed use effortless.

Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 Mobile Platform, it achieves an AnTuTu score of over 1,061,253⁸ — an increase of 66% from the previous generation⁹ — delivering faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and more stable gaming.

Major upgrades over the previous model equivalent can be seen across the battery, display, speakers, and camera system. Built for uninterrupted entertainment, the POCO M8 Pro 5G features a flagship-level 6,500 mAh (typ) silicon-carbon battery with up to a 6-year lifespan² for reliable, long-lasting power. The advanced POCO battery management system intelligently optimises charging efficiency across daily routines, enabling longer battery life, faster charging, and improved safety.

100 W HyperCharge is supported, enabling the battery to reach 100% in 40 minutes⁴, and with up to 22.5 W reverse charging⁵, so the device can double as a power bank for essential accessories on the go. And for the first time in the POCO M Series, POCO M8 Pro 5G features the POCO IceLoop Cooling System with real liquid cooling, improving heat dissipation to sustain peak performance during extended gaming and intensive use.

On the entertainment front, the POCO M8 Pro 5G sports a 6.83" 1.5 K CrystalRes Flow AMOLED display for clear visuals. Enhanced by advanced luminous materials and Sunlight display 4.0, it reaches a peak brightness of 3,200 nits⁶, ensuring clear, comfortable viewing even in direct sunlight. For vibrant visuals, POCO M8 Pro 5G supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, while TÜV Rheinland-certified 3,840 Hz high-frequency pulse width modulation (PWM) dimming and direct current (DC) dimming reduce eye strain for long sessions. 

With a high touch sampling rate, the device also offers ultra-responsive, precise control. 

Dual 1115F speakers deliver rich, balanced 3D sound, enhanced by Dual Gold Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos. A 400% volume boost⁷ ensures clear, powerful audio, even outdoors.

Connectivity and intelligence are also enhanced. With the Xiaomi Surge T1S Tuner, POCO M8 Pro 5G delivers stronger signal reception and more stable connections. Xiaomi Offline Communication debuts in the M Series as well, enabling km-level voice calls without cellular networks — ideal for outdoor or low-signal environments. Powered by Xiaomi HyperOS¹¹, along with Google Gemini¹² and Circle to Search with Google¹³, the device enables faster searches and more intuitive access to information. 

POCO M8 Pro 5G elevates everyday photography with a fully upgraded 50MP Light Fusion 800 main camera and flagship-level optical image stabilisation (OIS), increasing light intake for sharper, more vibrant photos and stable shots. The upgraded 32 MP front camera delivers higher-quality video calls, while the Ultra-Clear Portrait Algorithm delivers sharper, more natural selfies. The return of 4K video recording at 30fps, combined with DXG High-Dynamic Range video technology, enables more versatile capture with built-in HDR, bringing greater clarity and richer detail to videos.

Unlocking new creative possibilities, POCO M8 Pro 5G features a smarter imaging system powered by intuitive AI tools.¹⁴ The AI Creativity Assistant makes photo editing effortless,¹⁴ while Dynamic Shots 2.0 enables easy capture and editing of motion with high dynamic range (HDR) support and video-to-dynamic-shot conversion.

POCO M8 Pro 5G combines Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2¹⁶ with a high-strength structural design to enhance drop resistance. Its durability is proven by SGS Premium Performance Certification,¹⁷ covering resistance to bending, crushing, and drops. The device also carries IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K dust and water resistance ratings,¹⁸ while Wet Touch Technology 2.0 ensures smooth, responsive touch operation even in wet conditions. 

Source: Xiaomi. The POCO M8 Pro 5G is available in three colourways.

The POCO M8 Pro 5G is available in three colours (Black, Green, Silver) and two variants (8 GB + 256 GB, 12 GB + 512 GB).

POCO M8 5G 

The POCO M8 5G redefines design expectations in its segment with an ultra-slim 7.35 mm profile and a 178 g body,¹⁵ making it the thinnest smartphone in the POCO M Series. The floating deco and dual-curved body are part of a design that stands out in its class.

Beyond appearance, POCO M8 5G is engineered to endure. The device has passed the SGS Comprehensive Shock and Drop-resistance test,²¹ undergoing six series of rigorous quality tests. In addition, the IP 66 dust and water resistance rating¹⁸ makes POCO M8 5G resilient against spills, splashes, and dust exposure, while Wet touch technology 2.0 keeps every touch responsive even in wet conditions.

The POCO M8 5G also has a sunlight-friendly display, dual speakers, exceptional durability, and a silicon-carbon battery. The phone is available in three colours (Black, Green, Silver) and two variants (8 GB + 256 GB, 8 GB + 512 GB). 

Details

Model	Variant	Recommended retail price (S$)	Early bird price (S$) From January 8 to 18
POCO M8 Pro	8 GB + 256 GB	389	369
	12 GB + 512 GB	449	429
POCO M8	8 GB + 256 GB	329	299
	8 GB + 512 GB	359	329

From now to January 18, 2026, consumers can enjoy early bird prices when they purchase the: 

• POCO M8 Pro 5G on mi.com, and its Shopee and Lazada stores.
• POCO M8 5G on mi.com and its Lazada store. The phone will be available on Shopee from 8 pm, January 14, 2026. 

² Based on theoretical calculations tested by POCO Internal Labs, where daily user habits were simulated (one full charge and discharge every 1.5 days). Over 80% of the battery's capacity is retained after 1,600 complete charge cycles, which corresponds to over 6 years of usage. Actual results may vary depending on testing conditions and usage habits.

⁴ Charging data tested by POCO Internal Labs, actual results may vary. Forty minutes to 100% tested under top speed mode, using the in-box 100 W charger under a 25°C room-temperature environment with the screen off.

⁵ Supports up to 22.5 W wired reverse charging, compatible with devices verified through POCO labs testing.

⁶ Data obtained from POCO Internal Labs. Actual results may vary depending on the testing environment and software version. Please refer to the actual experience.

⁷ 400% volume compared to the same model at 100% volume. This feature only applies to media sounds, ringtones, and notification sounds, not alarms. Only available in speaker mode, not with headphones. Volume data tested by POCO Internal Labs. Actual effects may vary due to software and scenarios. Please refer to your actual experience.

⁸ Data tested based on AnTuTu v11.0.3 by POCO Internal Labs. Actual results may vary.

⁹ Data tested by POCO Internal Labs. Actual results may vary.

¹¹ Availability of Xiaomi HyperOS features, apps, and services may vary depending on software version and product model.

¹² Results are for illustrative purposes only and may vary. Check responses. Setup required. Compatibility and availability vary. 18+. 

¹³ Available on select devices and internet connection required. Works on compatible apps and surfaces. Results may vary depending on visual matches. Check responses for accuracy.

¹⁴ Availability of AI features may vary based on region. Please check your local website for more information.

¹⁵ Data regarding dimensions and weight tested by POCO Internal Labs. Actual results may vary.

¹⁶ POCO M8 Pro 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass and other cover glass with equivalent or higher durability. Please refer to the actual products.

¹⁷ The product has obtained SGS 5 stars Premium Performance Certification, indicating that it meets the SGS technical standards for drop resistance, bending resistance, and compression resistance. As a precision electronics product, there is still a risk of damage if the phone falls. Please be careful to avoid drops or collisions.

¹⁸ The device is certified to be splash and dust resistant exclusively under specific laboratory conditions, not corresponding to normal use conditions. The warranty does not cover liquid damage caused by conditions other than those used in testing. Ingress protection may deteriorate due to wear and tear, physical damage, or disassembly required for repair. For more information, please see the official website.

¹⁹ The refresh rate can be adjusted to up to 120 Hz for supported apps.

²⁰ Three hundred percent volume compared to the same model at 100% volume. This feature only applies to media sounds, ringtones, and notification sounds, not alarms. Only available in speaker mode, not with headphones. Volume data tested by POCO Internal Labs. Actual effects may vary due to software and scenarios. Please refer to your actual experience.

²¹ The product has passed the SGS Comprehensive Shock & Drop-resistance test; the associated report number is SUER250700093071. 

²³ Data tested based on AnTuTu v11.0.0 by POCO Internal Labs. Actual results may vary.

²⁴ Additional random access memory (RAM) will occupy a corresponding amount of read-only memory (ROM) storage. Memory extension is available only when there is sufficient storage space on your device. Actual extension of RAM storage capacity varies across different models.

²⁵ The microSD card for expandable storage is sold separately; please refer to the actual use.