AIG Singapore introduces online travel insurance offer

AIG Asia Pacific Insurance (AIG Singapore) has launched a new online travel insurance product – Travel Guard Direct – that leverages data to provide customers with insights on their destination countries. as part of its push to digitise the customer journey from purchase to claims, bringing greater efficiency and convenience.

The product is the first in Singapore to allow customers access to real-time claims information for top destination countries across Asia Pacific, the US and UK, so that customers can better understand travel risks, and make informed choices about the level of coverage they need. Real-time information on the platform includes claims for top destinations; for example, top claims for travellers to Thailand tend to be medically related.

It is priced according to destination, duration and age, so customers can benefit from more accurate, effective pricing based on the risks involved. Customers can also select a plan by travel destination, when they had to figure out which zone their destination belongs to in the past.

Ignatius Chng, VP and Head of Group Personal Insurance, AIG Singapore, said Travel Guard Direct was developed with a more customer-centric experience in mind and is part of the company’s ongoing digital transformation efforts to use technology to meet changing customer needs.

“As a market leader in travel insurance, we wanted to harness our data and digital capabilities to profile customers more effectively and deliver more relevant solutions. As customers are more digitally savvy, they prefer bite-sized information and fuss-free online purchases. With Travel Guard Direct, we hope to create a more personalised experience that reflects each individual’s preferences and circumstances.” Chng said.

The move follows a tieup with DBS to offer instant travel claims e-payment in October. AIG Singapore’s policyholders who are existing DBS or POSB account holders will receive quick payouts to their bank accounts for successful travel insurance claims once these have been approved, without needing to wait for cheque payments. As an example, travel inconvenience claims involving flight or baggage delay are expected to take three working days, down from the current eight. 
Details:

Travel Guard Direct provides four plan types: Basic, Standard, Enhanced and Supreme. Customers can select either a return or one-way trip option, while the Enhanced and Supreme plans include an add-on Cruise Vacation Benefit, which provides customers with cover on their cruise vacations by topping up as little as S$3. 

Customers will also be able to submit and receive claims, as well as view price comparisons for individual trips and annual policies on AIG Singapore’s website. 

Mintel unveils packaging trends for 2018

Source: Mintel website. Interior of the
Packaging Trends 2018 report.

Mintel, the global market intelligence agency, has announced five trends set to impact the global packaging industry over 2018:

- Packaging will play a pivotal role in reducing global food and product waste.

- Online brands will reinvigorate their packaging in order to enhance the e-commerce experience.

- Brands who adopt clear and succinct package messaging will be rewarded as consumers prefer brands that embrace minimalism.

- Brands will be called to keep marine conservation at the forefront of packaging development and to anchor the circular economy for future generations.

- Contemporary packaging formats will see the centre-of-store take centrestage.

Mintel says that the throwaway culture of today will evolve into one that understands and embraces the role of packaging as a primary means to reduce global food and product waste.

Consumers have long considered packaging as often unnecessary, and ultimately as just waste to be disposed of. But that misconception is now changing. A focus on package innovations that extend food freshness, preserve ingredient fortification, and ensure safe delivery is increasingly benefiting consumers. Brands will need to act fast by exploiting on-pack communication tools to educate consumers to the benefits packaging can bring, from extending shelf life of food to providing efficient and safe access to essential products in developed and underserved regions of the world, the company suggests.

As more and more consumers embrace online shopping, packaging will play a pivotal role in brands' and consumers' e-commerce experiences.

Online shopping is becoming increasingly widespread around the globe and is near ubiquitous in some markets. However, while online shopping’s key advantage is convenience, consumers expect more from their favoured brands. When designing packaging to be viewed online, and transit packaging to be opened upon delivery in the home, the experience of e-commerce packaging must reflect consumer expectations from shopping with that brand in-store.

Aiming for packaging designs that enlighten consumers’ purchase decisions, brands will reject approaches that offer too much or too little.

Mintel warns that brands are in real danger of being rejected if consumers feel overloaded with information, leading to the questioning of provenance, authenticity, and transparency. The ‘essentialist’ design principle bridges the divide between not enough and just enough of what is essential for consumers to make an enlightened and confident purchasing decision.

Plastic packaging adrift in the world's oceans will become the catalyst driving brands to rethink packaging in a context consumers can understand and act upon.

Concerns over safe packaging disposal will increasingly colour consumers' perceptions of different packaging types, and impact shopper purchase decisions. Only by communicating that a brand is working towards a solution will this growing barrier to purchase be overcome. While collecting waste plastic from the sea to recycle into new packaging can raise consumer awareness, it won’t solve the problem. In order to keep plastic out of the sea, a renewed effort towards the circular economy is needed to keep packaging material in use.

Brands will look to contemporary packaging formats to help reinvigorate the centre-of-store aisles avoided by younger consumers.

Young shoppers are increasingly ‘shopping the periphery’, visiting the fresh and chilled aisles around the store perimeter and turning their backs on processed, ambient, and frozen offerings in the centre of the store. The use of transparent materials, contemporary design, recyclability, or unique shapes can help draw in younger consumers to the store centre, making it as appealing as the burgeoning perimeter to younger consumers.

David Luttenberger, Global Packaging Director at Mintel, said: “Our packaging trends for 2018 reflect the most current and forward-looking consumer attitudes, actions, and purchasing behaviours in both global and local markets. Such trends as those we see emerging in e-commerce packaging have stories that are just now being written. Others, such as the attack on plastics, are well into their third or even fourth chapters, but with no clear ending in sight. It is those backstories and future-forward implications that position Mintel’s 2018 Packaging Trends as essential to retailer, brand, and package converter strategies during the coming year and beyond.”

Explore:

Download the Global Packaging Trends 2018 report

Read the TechTrade Asia blog post about ocean plastics in the supply chain

Qatar Airways shares 2017 achievements

Qatar Airways is celebrating growth and network expansion in its 20th year of operations.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar Al Baker, said: “This year, our twentieth anniversary as an airline, is particularly special for us. As we reflect on our achievements, we reaffirm our commitment to providing excellence in the skies, ensuring that our passenger’s holiday or leisure trip starts the moment they step onto one of our aircraft. We remain committed to expanding our global network, and to taking our passengers anywhere in the world they wish to go.”

New destinations for Asia Pacific and the Middle East in 2017 included Auckland, New Zealand – the world’s longest commercial flight; Sohar, Oman; Adana, Turkey; and Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Source: Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways hosted a private gala dinner with influential business leaders, industry experts and heads of commerce to help complete the celebrations for the launch of its newest route to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

In addition to launching flights to Chiang Mai, its fourth destination in Thailand on 13 December, the airline also introduced a fifth daily non-stop service to Bangkok as well as a daily service to Krabi. In January 2018, it will commence service to Pattaya, making a fifth Thai destination.

New destinations for 2018 include Penang, Malaysia and Canberra, Australia. Qatar Airways will also add a new direct daily service to Hanoi, with Ho Chi Minh City’s daily service increasing by three flights a week to 10 starting 1 January 2018.

The airline introduced its superjumbo A380 aircraft to Melbourne, Australia and will soon introduce it on its Perth route, enhancing capacity to Australia ahead of the airline’s launch of service to Canberra in 2018. Qatar Airways also became the first airline ever to fly the state-of-the-art Airbus A350 to the Maldives twice daily.

2017 saw Qatar Airways launch its new Business Class seat, Qsuite, in March 2017, bringing a First Class experience to the Business Class cabin. Qsuite, a patented Qatar Airways product, offers the industry’s first-ever double bed in Business Class. Adjustable panels and movable TV monitors allow groups travelling together to transform their space into a private suite, allowing them to work, dine and socialise together.

Qatar Airways also responded to demand from passengers seeking to transport their pets around the world by reducing the price to the lowest rates ever into and out of Doha. As the only airline that will carry pets as excess baggage to and from Qatar, the airline has reduced the cost of travelling with a pet.

Qatar Airways Cargo added Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Yangon, Myanmar to its dedicated freighter network in 2017, strengthening its commitment to supporting the global air trade and supply chain industry. Qatar Airways Cargo has accommodated increased domestic demand since the diplomatic blockade on the state of Qatar began in June, 2017. The cargo carrier opened two new facilities during the summer, its dedicated Climate Control Centre and Cargo Overflow structure, providing close to an additional 10,000 sq m of temperature-controlled handling space to manage an increase in food imports into Qatar.

Details:

Flights to Penang run on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday:

Doha (DOH) to Penang (PEN)
QR850 departs: 2:30am and arrives 2:30pm

Penang (PEN) to Doha (DOH)
QR851 departs 8:30pm arrives 11:20pm

Flights to Pattaya are scheduled as follows:

Doha (DOH) to Pattaya (UTP)
QR828 departs 8:05pm and arrives 6:30am the next day, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Pattaya (UTP) to Doha (DOH)
QR829 departs 7:50am and arrives 11:40am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Flights to Adana are on Monday, Thursday and Saturday

Doha (DOH) to Adana (ADA)
QR438 departs 7:20am and arrives 11:25am

Adana (ADA) to Doha (DOH)
QR439 departs 12:25pm and arrives 4:15pm

The Doha – Chiang Mai flights operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

Doha (DOH) to Chiang Mai (CNX)
QR822 departs 7:55pm and arrives 6am the next day

Chiang Mai – Doha flights operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Chiang Mai (CNX) to Doha (DOH)
QR823 departs 7:10am and arrives 10:55am

Singapore employees want career prospects and a good work environment

Source: CareerBuilder Singapore. The attributes of an Employer of Choice.

According to the Employer of Choice Survey* 2017 by CareerBuilder Singapore, it takes more than the common strategy of offering a good salary to attract and retain talent. The survey found that employees in Singapore rank good career growth and a non-discriminatory work environment above monetary compensation as top deciding factors for their ideal employer. 

Source: CareerBuilder Singapore. What an ideal job looks like.

Respondents valued the ability to learn and grow in a job and a conducive and pleasant environment, with attractive pay, bonuses and monetary compensation only coming in as the third most important factor. Other key factors being considered include job security, a comfortable physical work environment, and good employee benefits.

Source: CareerBuilder Singapore. Why people switch jobs.

When it comes to switching jobs, almost two in three respondents cited a “lack of career growth opportunities” as the top reason to do so. This is significantly higher than other reasons such as an unfriendly work culture and unhappiness with their bosses.

Pull factors that encourage potential employees to view a job as ideal are likewise rarely related to money alone. Good relationships with colleagues and bosses, as well as a respectful work culture that offers work-life balance and advancement opportunities are other important attributes in an ideal job.

While employees generally prefer working in the public sector over the private sector, there is a growing trend for startups to be seen as highly attractive employers. The survey this year showed close to 59% (an almost 10% rise compared to last year) in those stating that they would be interested and willing to work in a startup. The top reasons cited were that startups provide “lots of learning opportunities” (84.8%), opportunities to work closely with a group of passionate and enthusiastic colleagues” (66.4%), along with an “exposure to a wide spectrum of job roles” that employees might not necessarily be exposed to in larger or more established companies.

The top five startup employers of choice were Carousell, then Redmart, Uber, Honestbee and Ninja Van.

“The Employer of Choice Survey 2017 results offer interesting insights to how any company, big or small, can stand out, draw and retain talent. Contrary to the common belief that job-seekers only want money, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups too can have a fair chance at securing good employees with an informed understanding of what matters most to job-seekers,” said Sam Ng, MD, CareerBuilder Singapore.

Other survey findings include:

· Tech companies are seen as highly preferred employers. Out of the top 10 employers listed in the private sector Employers of Choice category, five were tech companies. For three consecutive years, tech giant Google has been seen as the most preferred Employer of Choice in the private sector. Apple ranks No. 2, followed by Singapore Airlines, the Changi Airport Group and 3M for private employers of choice. Other tech companies which were ranked favourably include Microsoft and Facebook.

In the public sector, the top five Employers of Choice were, in order of preference, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Central Provident Fund Board and the Ministry of Education.

The SME list included music, lifestyle and experience specialist Timbre Group in first place, followed by Zouk Management, WTS Travel & Tours, Garena Online and Jumbo Seafood.

· Passion is top priority: the majority of job-seekers chose to enter a specific industry due to their keen interest in the line of work, followed by the industry’s relevance to what they studied in school. Among the various industries, the banking/finance/investment industry (21%), as well as the government/civil service/military industry (19.6%) and the healthcare/medical industry (17.9%) were the most preferred industries to work in. The results show that job-seekers seem to follow their passion when it comes to choosing a job.

· Fresh graduates expect promotions fast, along with work-life balance. Among fresh graduates who were polled, one in two (53%) expect their first promotion within two years of being employed in a company. Close to one in three fresh graduates also expect to be promoted to a managerial role by the third year of their employment. However, the survey also found that despite the huge desire to climb the corporate ladder, most of the fresh graduates polled (68.5%) were only willing to put in the standard hours at work, which suggests that they value work-life balance quite significantly.

· Employees seek jobs online, as opposed to the traditional newspaper classified advertisements. Respondents continue to rely heavily on online resources and word of mouth to find jobs. Online job portals (45.5%) were the most commonly used channel, followed by ads, banners, emails, features and news on the Internet (33.5%), connections through family and friends (26.7%), and social media (25.3%).

*The Employer of Choice Survey 2017 was conducted between May to September 2017 among close to 3,000 working adults as well as tertiary undergraduates, aged 16 years and above.

Bloem celebrates 4th anniversary with new services, partnerships

Kadola (left) and Tan (right) cut a cake
during the anniversary celebration.

Singapore bespoke florist Bloem has celebrated its fourth anniversary with multiple partnerships and the introduction of a Concierge service.

"People think the economy has been challenging for many businesses but success is relative," said Sukri Kadola, Founder and CEO, Bloem, 80% of whose business comes from corporate projects. "Of the last four years 2017 was probably our best in terms of business. Our popup at Robinsons really gave us the exposure to corporates."

Bloem also launched a Concierge service that includes reminders for key dates in clients' lives. "If you don't know your clients enough, it is just going to be another flower shop," said Kadola, Founder and CEO, Bloem. "Please bear with us when our team talks to you and asks a lot of questions. It is part of our service as a bespoke company.

"We want to understand our customers better. We will know their names and what they ordered last year."

Kadola also shared that the 2018 series of workshops, titled the Secret language of flowers, will be more personalised, and held at Blue Jasmine, which has a halal-certified ala carte menu.

The Thai restaurant at the Park Hotel at Farrer Park already uses flowers in cooking, said Blue Jasmine Executive Chef Bright Kan San. He said dried flowers are used with coconut milk and sugar to create an infusion for the rice in its mango sticky rice dessert to impart a deep blue colour to the rice. The flowers are also used to make drinks that change colour when lemon juice is added, he said.

Source: Blue Jasmine web page. Mango sticky rice dish where the rice is made with the butterfly pea flower.

Bloem's new-look workshops will offer one-to-one coaching and go beyond the traditional creation of a flower arrangement, Kadola said. Bloem will differentiate its workshops through sharing the history of the flowers used as well as their medicinal benefits, for example. Kadola also said that the flowers chosen for the workshops will generally be less common as well. Four workshops a year are planned, with the dates to be confirmed on Bloem's Facebook page. 

"I want to help customers understand what is beautiful, what is not; what is tacky, what is sophisticated," he said.

Bloem has also teamed up with the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training (FAST) to teach its members flower arrangement on Sundays, charging only to cover costs. "It is about empowerment," Kadola said, noting that the skills could be used in the long term.

Ivy Tan, Honorary Assistant Secretary for FAST, said that the association offers domestic helpers activities during their days off and is open to working with corporations on a similar basis to provide enrichment activities for members.

Table arrangement by Bloem.

Flower arrangement by Bloem in the shape of a peacock.

Bloem provided all the flower arrangements for the celebration, including these wall arrangements.

Table arrangement by Bloem. The three pomanders hanging from the ceiling in the background are also Bloem creations.

Details:

Like Bloem's Facebook page to get the latest workshop dates

Like FAST's Facebook page to learn about the latest activities for members

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post on Bloem's store at Robinsons, The Heeren

Hashtags: #BlueJasmine, #parkhotelfarrerpark

Shilla Duty Free opens six retail stores at HKIA

The Shilla Duty Free has begun operations at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) after its successful bid on the perfume and cosmetics, and fashion accessories concessions earlier this year. Six temporary retail outlets opened for business on 12 December 2017. The move follows the November opening of the Shilla Duty Free’s 1,375 sq m T4 main store at Singapore Changi Airport.

Source: Shilla Duty Free. The Shilla Duty Free has unveiled six temporary retail stores inside Hong Kong International Airport. Store exterior. 

Source: Shilla Duty Free. The Shilla Duty Free has unveiled six temporary retail stores inside Hong Kong International Airport. Store interior. 

The Hong Kong license marks Shilla as the first operator to simultaneously secure duty free perfumes and cosmetics concessions across the major hub airports of Incheon International, Hong Kong International and Singapore Changi. 

Shilla also introduced a new vision for experiential retail - Beauty&You. Outlets will be transformed in phases into the new identity, with a grand opening slated for the summer of 2018. In Singapore, the T4 store features high ceilings and spaciousness to foster more creativity in the designs of the brand counters. Large digital screens have been incorporated into the walls and pillars in order to amplify the key branding messages and promotions.

Beauty&You presents a new retail concept for HKIA, combining innovative store designs with a wide array of products, excellent service and exciting activities to delight guests at every stage of their shopping journey. The new Beauty&You store layout will incorporate both branded counters and non-branded areas, as well as immersive engagement zones. At the same time, the number of brands featured across the six stores at HKIA will eventually increase to over 200. 

“We’re extremely excited to expand The Shilla Duty Free network to one of the busiest airports in the world,” says Alice Woo, MD, Shilla Travel Retail Hong Kong. “The airport served more than 70 million passengers annually and 1,100 aircraft daily in the past 12 months. Hong Kong’s proximity to other Asian countries and mainland China also makes HKIA a powerful and promising hub for duty free sales.

"With the upcoming launch of Beauty&You, we hope to redefine the airport retail experience and customer journey through personalised service, interactive and engaging environment in one of the most robust travel markets in the world.”

KSA grows MICE industry

KSA hosted over 10,129 business events approved by the Saudi Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB) in 2017, a 16% increase compared with 2016.

The healthcare, education, technical and communications sectors accounted for the highest share of business events held in 2017 in 22 targeted economic sectors. The Riyadh region accounted for 47% of the events, the highest business activity in 2017, followed by the Makkah region with (32%), and the Eastern Province with (17%).

Engineer Tareq Al Essa, Executive Director, SECB, said that KSA's strategy to develop the Saudi MICE industry is based on eight pillars: institutional building, systems and regulations, research and information, resources and financing, marketing, developing organisers, plus facilities and events. He also shared that the SECB has achieved 75% of Saudi meetings industry development plan for the years 2014-2018.

SECB is also a new member of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC). 

“The Saudi Academy for the management for Management of Events, Exhibition and Conference is the first body specialised in education and training dedicated to events management in the Middle East and it will remain one of the development arms of the meetings industry in the kingdom,” he said.

Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Card debuts in Vietnam

Sacombank, one of the largest commercial banks in Vietnam, and JCB International, the international operations subsidiary of JCB, have launched the Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Card in Vietnam.

This is the highest JCB credit card family for individual customers in Vietnam and is targeted at those with an income from VND80 million per month. The Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Card will offer them promotions and premium privileges.

Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Cardholders receive cashback for all transactions on weekends in specific merchant categories such as restaurants and supermarkets, at the rate of 15% for overseas spending, 10% for domestic spending and 0.5% for spending on the weekdays. In addition, cardholders are offered a special dish when dining at high-end Japanese restaurant merchants.

Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Cardholders are entitled to a number of other privileges such as travel insurance packages around the world; free use of over 57 lounges in Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, and Thailand; refunds of 0.5% of all expenditures in addition to food expenses; 24x7 global support through a free hotline when booking car rentals, hotels, restaurants, and golfing in Japan.

Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore adds health and fitness initiatives

Source: Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore. The fitness centre.

Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore, which offers luxury serviced apartments, has introduced a curated selection of quality health and fitness initiatives.

Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore GM Roy Liang says, “Many of our guests are frequently on the road and battle to maintain a healthy lifestyle amidst their busy schedules. By providing these convenient fitness collaborations right on our doorstep, we hope this will provide an extra incentive to help maintain their work-life balance.”

An unlimited colourful salad bar is offered as part of the Executive Set Lunch at the in-house restaurant Se7enth. Additional healthy eating options are offered as well.

A new 24-hour fitness center has also opened.

To further expand the property’s fitness offerings, Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore has collaborated with top-class fitness brands. The first partnership is with WorldTrainer, a global network of personal trainers that allows guests to access experienced personal trainers no matter which part of the world they are located. This ensures that their fitness regime is not disrupted by their frequent business travel.

Another partnership is with Aquaspin, who is providing dynamic water aerobics and aqua biking classes at the infinity pool, perfect for guests to enjoy the panoramic city view while resistance training against the cool water. Guests will gain access to classes at the property’s outdoor infinity pool for a discounted fee.

Situated within OUE Downtown and directly above the lifestyle mall Downtown Gallery, guests also have direct access to a diverse range of fitness and wellness brands. Favourable rates are available for classes at fitness studio Haus Athletics or at fitness studio Wings To Wings.

Comprising 268 furnished units, Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore offers a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. The property provides travellers with an exclusive residence tailored with all the luxuries of a hotel; complete with a range of premium facilities and amenities including the 74-seater Se7enth restaurant with in-room dining options, The Oakwood Executive Club, a contemporary lobby bar, an outdoor infinity pool and jacuzzi, high-speed Internet connectivity, fitness centre, Boardroom with meeting facilities, a residents’ lounge, and an outdoor barbeque.

Details:

Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore is located at 6 Shenton Way, OUE Downtown 1.

Explore:

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about the launch of Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore

MGallery enters Middle East with The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel

MGallery has opened The Retreat Palm Dubai, marking the brand's first step into the Middle East. The hotel already rates a 3.9 stars out of five on its website.

Part of the MGallery by Sofitel “Serenity” collection, The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel is a holistic wellbeing resort on the East Crescent of the Palm Jumeirah in the UAE, and less than an hour from two of Dubai's major airports. It is a 25-minute drive to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, 20 minutes from Al Maktoum International Airport, and 35 minutes away from Dubai International Airport. 

The beachfront resort features 255 non-smoking rooms and suites, including four rooms for people with reduced mobility, as well as a Club Lounge. Exclusive touches include a turndown gift, a special pillow menu and a range of organic-certified bath products. The rooms and suites also have state-of-the-art in-room entertainment and the latest connectivity facilities, including a dedicated app that includes room service ordering functions. 

The classic room offers 35 m² of space, zip beds convertible to twin or king configurations, sea views, balconies, free Wi-Fi, a 42" TV, minibar, shower and bath tub, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows. The Club One bedroom suite, on the other hand, is 80 m² with a twin or king Sofitel MyBed.

Source: The Retreat Palm Dubai website. The Club Lounge.

Guests staying in Club rooms and suites enjoy complimentary access to the Club Lounge. The lounge offers armchairs indoors, a roof terrace, as well as exclusive privileges such as private check-in and check-out, access to a business centre and dedicated meeting room, as well as complimentary fresh juices, coffee, tea and afternoon snacks.

There are a variety of dining venues and the world's first Rayya Wellness Center offering 360-degree wellness solutions. The All-Day Dining Restaurant features live cooking stations and a dedicated BBQ station, offering hearty, healthy meals prepared a la minute with the freshest ingredients. Various theme nights are offered throughout the week. The Pool Bar serves snacks, savouries and salads. 

Source: Accor Hotels website on The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel. Meetings can be accommodated in a 15-man meeting room. 

MGallery has 90 addresses in 24 countries around the world, and is the fastest-growing brand within the AccorHotels luxury brands. Another 32 hotels are planned in the five years.

Details:

The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel is at the East Crescent, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE.

Call + 971 4 524 7777 with enquiries.

UberEats Malaysia recommends Christmas takeaways

UberEATS has recommended some of their partners for those who need food deliveries over the festive period. UberEATS is Uber’s standalone meal delivery app. As with the ride-hailing capabilities of the main Uber app, UberEATS customers can track their order, customise their drop off, and use the same account they use to take rides.

Source: UberEATS. Dishes from The Gravy Factory.

The Gravy Factory

The Gravy Factory offers local and Western delights. UberEATS recommends the lamb stew.
Search on UberEATS: The Gravy Factory

Source: UberEATS. Dishes from OURS Eatery.

OURS Eatery
It's all about healthy fast food. UberEATS recommends their beef rendang.
Search on UberEATS: OURSEatery

Source: UberEATS. Brownies from Brownies Bar by the Accidental Bakers.

Brownies Bar by The Accidental Bakers Chocolate brownies galore. UberEATS recommends their signature dark chocolate brownies that are moist and fudgy, as well as their famous durian brownie.
Search on UberEATS: Brownies Bar by The Accidental Bakers 

Source: UberEATS. Dishes from Ben's
KLCC.

Ben’s KLCC
Lots of starters here. Ben’s classic cream of mushroom soup with a side of garlic baguettes, Ben’s fried calamari and the peri-peri fried wings are all recommended.
Search on UberEATS: Ben’s KLCC

Eatomo
Eatomo's menu includes Japanese-style pasta with clams covered with lemon butter sauce. Go fusion with the tangy spicy masago roe sauce instead.
Search on uberEATS: Eatomo

Source: UberEATS. Dishes from Eatomo.

Details:

UberEATS is available in more than 100 cities in all inhabitable continents around the globe. In Malaysia UberEATS serves Kuala Lumpur neighbourhoods, in the Kuala Lumpur central business district, Bangsar and Damansara Heights from 9am to midnight. Payment can be made through credit and debit cards, with an initial delivery time of 35 minutes. There is a RM5 delivery fee but no minimum order.

Explore:

Download the UberEATS app on Google Play or the App Store; orders can also be made online

Hashtag: #UberEATSKL

New toll roads in Java

Source: Sekretariat Kabinet Republik Indonesia.
President Jokowi at the inauguration of the Surabaya -
Mojokerto Toll Road.

Indonesia President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo inaugurated the Surabaya – Mojokerto (Sumo) Toll Road, which is 36.27 km long, on 19 December. This extends toll roads in East Java, Indonesia to 199 km.

The extension is part of a 1,167 km Trans Java Toll Road from Merak to Banyuwangi, expected to to be completed by end-2019. A Merak – Surabaya toll road project is to be completed by end-2018.

The southwest corner of the office could boost your company's fortunes

Source: Joey Yap Private Limited.
Infographic on how directions can impact
life in 2018.

Dato’ Joey Yap, a speaker, author and Chief Consultant of Joey Yap Private Limited, a fengshui and Chinese astrology consultancy, has compiled a list of 2018 fengshui direction forecasts for a successful year of the earth dog.

In fengshui philosophy, different directions govern different aspects of an individual's life, with the location of the aspects changing every lunar year. The position of the front door - the door designated as the main door in the floor plans, which may not be the door which is used most often; where in the office a person sits and so on are said to affect their health, career prospects and relationships. Some of the concepts look very much to be common sense whereas others are more esoteric.

There are "good" directions and "bad" directions, as well as ways to encourage positive outcomes and mitigate negative ones. The individual's date and year of birth are also said to affect outcomes. 

In the following table Dato' Yap outlines which directions in the workplace - or home - can influence specific life aspects such as wealth (southeast), career (southwest), and health (west). 

For specific activation and mitigation a fengshui practitioner should be consulted. Different practitioners may offer different interpretations of the same situation; look at their track records to get an indication of their effectiveness.

Direction/location	Forecast for 2018
Southeast	Fruitful if activated as the main wealth sector of the year. Activation typically refers to bringing in an object of a certain element or things in a certain colour to be placed within the sector. Maximising sector benefits will increase wealth accumulation Professional pursuits will flourish in this sector Solid foundation will be in place for future promotions at work
South	Encourages scholarly and academic pursuits Boosts endeavours in humanities, literary and artistic fields Positioning the main door here will result in fulfilling journey for long distance travels Promotes a meaningful and fulfilling romantic relationship
Southwest	Profitable career prospects throughout the year Initiatives at work will be recognised by superiors Social influence will improve by using this sector as the office main door Causes minimal complications in the form of upheavals in the office
West	Turbulent energies will cause severe health complications Aggravation of existing medical conditions Expectant mothers may face pregnancy issues and babies may have poor health Negative energies can be suppressed by placing heavy metal objects
Northwest	Positive outcomes for career advancement Opportunities for travel and wealth accumulation Positive improvements in academic pursuits Promote relationships and social skills
North	Bears the most negative energy of the year Most inauspicious sector to begin endeavours with Avoid renovations or groundbreaking works in this sector Negative energy can be suppressed with heavy metal objects
Northeast	Promotes conflicts, arguments and heated disagreements Legal complications which lead to health problems due to stress Placement of oil lamps will suppress negative energies
East	Inflicts adverse effects on emotional and physical wellbeing Introduces a host of various illnesses Causes constant arguments that will impact your life Having the main door here means the occupants will be more prone to theft and burglary

Source: Joey Yap Private Limited.

Explore:

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about how your animal sign will fare in 2018

Joey Yap shares forecasts for the 12 animal signs in 2018

Source: Joey Yap Private Limited.
Infographic for the 12 animal signs in 2018.

In Chinese culture the lunar year is believed to bring new fortunes, with people belonging to each of the 12 animal signs within the Chinese zodiac facing different opportunities and challenges.

In the Chinese zodiac, each year is characterised by one of 12 animals as well as one of five elements. While we are still in the year of the fire rooster, which runs from January 28, 2017 to February 15, 2018, things are expected to change from February 16, 2018, when the year of the earth dog takes hold.

Here are Chinese zodiac forecasts for the year of the dog from Dato’ Joey Yap, a speaker, author and Chief Consultant of Joey Yap Private Limited, a fengshui and Chinese astrology consultancy:

Dog - people born in 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, and 2030*

Overall luck

• 2018 is a mixed bag with a fair share of personal and professional problems, even as you attain success
• Matters from one aspect of your life could spill over into others – which is why the positive boost and confidence in your work life may be one of the reasons you encounter personal life problems
• Your ability to summon the same inner strength you get from your job to overcome these obstacles will determine how successful you are at coming out on top

Wealth

• You might be constantly worried about a potential financial loss
• A weaker presence of the Indirect Luck Star (偏财) means good fortune is not in your favour
• Manage your finances effectively – focus on saving money, don’t gamble or hit slot machines, and cautiously sign new contracts

Career

• A lot of work-related pressure and harsh superiors – could result in productivity decrease
• Consistency and determination is key to deal with this tough work year
• Unwise to move jobs – make the best out of the current situation.

Relationships (romance)

• Weak love prospects – these are demanding times for couples
• Married couples should practice tolerance because even simple misunderstandings can result in a big decline in bond strength.
• Single people have to contend with a largely isolated social life – they should focus on other life aspects instead

Health

• Road safety is crucial - lack of alertness on sidewalks or when driving could lead to severe injuries 
• Avoid using metallic objects as they could contain rust or other harmful materials
• Digestive complications might be experienced, so diet and exercise more

Pig - people born in 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, and 2031

Overall luck

• A great year to showcase capabilities and earn the career advancement and business development you have been eyeing
• You will also acquire heightened popularity, from gaining friends easily to making great business proposals that translate into thrilling investments
• However, being the life of the party could be draining, so schedule some personal time away from work and people every week to unwind and prevent negativity from burning you out

Wealth

• Could encounter plenty of obstacles early in the year – e.g. revenues and savings stagnation. Careful preparation and positivity can resolve this quickly
• After that, a surge of wealth by promotion or bonus pay could occur, but people might be petty about returning money borrowed from you

Career

• Aid from colleagues will help you conquer minor obstacles. These strong alliances will help you overcome any resistance that could undermine your productivity
• You can thus showcase your talents to highly appreciative superiors

Relationships (romance)

• Each year, different stars are associated with different zodiac signs. Each star is associated with either positive or negative outcomes in specific aspects of life. For pigs, the presence of the Sky Happiness Star (天喜) ensures love comes to your doorstep in contrast to last year’s forecast
• 2018 will be filled with joyous events – long-term couples should begin marriage plans before the year ends
• Single people might be able to finally start a romantic relationship so they should be vigilant about potential partners in their social circles

Health

• Unfortunate health prospects this year
• Unknowingly participating in ill-fated events could lead to physical and psychological issues
• The Sky Happiness Star can protect you from harm as long as you exercise diligently and avoid extreme activities.

Rat - people born in 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 and 2032

Overall luck

• 2018 is the year individuals should take their personal development to the next level, thanks to the support of the Eight Seats Star (八座)
• Expect fortunes to increase, and an enhanced ability to learn – consider picking up new skillsets, improving current skills, or even enrolling in courses to add value to your abilities
• Academicians, scholars or students will especially benefit from this powerful boost

Wealth

• Prepare for a potential monetary loss due to unlucky financial investments or delayed reimbursements. Counter this situation by purchasing real estate at the start of the year – do not pour savings into heavy investment schemes
• Overall, smooth-sailing. 

Career

• A rocky career year – focus on career advancement instead of petty people
• The noise from petty people will soon fade and you can start reaping the benefits e.g. promotions and pay raises
• Also, embrace help from generous people to have a stable career in 2018

Relationships (romance)

• A good year to start romantic relationships – single people should be alert in their social gatherings to find that special someone
• Couples do not fare too well in the health sector – it could even lead to hospitalisation
• Encourage your partner to engage in sports and compound your earnings to afford a healthier diet

Health

• Pay extra attention to your wellbeing as the Blood Knife Star (血刃) appears in your midst
• Avoid participation in extreme sports like hiking to evade serious injuries. However, the Nobleman (天乙貴人) Star’s presence will ensure aid is nearby for your health problems

Ox - people born in 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 and 2033

Overall luck

• This will be a good year to improve financial standing, so explore opportunities whenever possible
• Female-dominated industries will more likely prosper this coming year and you will also receive timely assistance from the women in your life (e.g. a female senior manager could offer helpful advice or even a promotion recommendation) – so be open to this generosity
• Your good luck could be tainted if you indulge to much in the excess of wealth without keeping your ego in check – remember to keep a level head and practice self-restraint

Wealth

• The Moon Star (太阴) is in your Wealth Palace, auguring great wealth accumulation in 2018. According to fengshui principles, a person's fortune or physical space can be divided into nine "palaces", each of which governs a specific life aspect such as career, family and wealth. 
• You might witness a surprising pay rise in your job through bonuses or promotion
• However, be cautious about your finances – invest in decent real estate and avoid risky financial investment

Career

• Few to no fluctuations in your work. The Broken Star (破碎) could still cause disruptions between you and your colleagues however
• Be composed around your peers and work diligently – eventually you will gain their respect and help

Relationships (romance)

• Absence of luck from the Peach Blossom Star (桃花) signifies unlucky prospects for single people; however, they should still socialise as they could still discover their romantic partner
• Stable couples should move forward with their wedding plans

Health

• A negative turn of events is implied due to an inauspicious star’s presence in your palace
• Medical receipts could be a usual sight if health is not taken seriously
• Consult a doctor if you contract a serious illness so that it will not get worse. Take up a sport to mitigate these issues

Tiger - people born in 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 and 2034

Overall luck

• Both welcome and unwelcome events play out through the year – a significant boost in wealth and success regarding business and professional aspects can be expected although you need to put in the hard work (like planning out sound strategies) to be richly rewarded
• Malicious lies and rumours about you being spread around could lead to misunderstandings between you and people who are important to you – additionally, be wary of who you trust as they could turn on you
• Be careful in your social interactions or you might get into legal entanglements. Unwanted chaos in money matters could also appear so manage your finances properly and avoid making large investments or lending money
• Having to deal with all this could lead to emotional volatility, which is understandable, just don’t let it consume you

Wealth

• 2018 indicates early financial losses due to poor investment returns and mismanaged budgeting
• However, the presence of a noble person (貴人, people who will render significant support to you) somewhat mitigates these problems – that person will ensure you acquire your necessary assets despite your constant spending all year long
• Consider donating to a charity you admire as a sign of paying it forward for the assistance you have received

Career

• Expect disputes stemming from misunderstandings with superiors and colleagues to happen this year – thus, be watchful of your interactions
• Also, be alert for malicious colleagues looking to doublecross you
• The presence of the Three Stages Star (三台) should help to reduce workplace hostility – do your part in improving your communication competency to avoid future work disputes

Relationships (romance)

• The Three Stages Star signifies togetherness – unmarried couples in a loving relationship should thus strongly consider marriage to solidify the bond
• Single people hoping to be in a relationship should continue searching despite the absence of Peach Blossom luck as the Three Stages Star shines upon them.

Health

• Inauspicious stars in your palace call for extra vigilance over your health
• Be ready for any attacks by diseases on your body by maintaining hygiene and consuming all proper vitamins and minerals
• Consider asking people to join you in a team sport, and seek immediate treatment if you do fall sick

Rabbit - people born in 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 and 2035

Overall luck

• Expect to be surrounded by abundance of love and support from kind and generous people – if you are aiming for career growth, you will easily find experienced mentors willing to guide you to success
• Also, you will be invited to many places and make many new friends which could lead to great collaborations in your favour – you will get an extra edge in job hunting and business investments. Someone will also aid you in personal finance management
• All this however could distract from your family and loved ones – do not take them for granted and pay extra attention to senior family members who might have minor health risks so you will be able to spot if anything is amiss
• Avoid engaging in flings and instead spend more quality time with your spouse to strengthen the bond

Wealth

• Bad luck in the form of legal, personal and professional disputes could see you sustain significant financial loss – so monitor both your money and social interactions
• There are many opportunities to increase overall wealth – overall, a profitable year to gain substantial wealth

Career

• Abundance of auspicious tidings with the Grand Duke Combination Star (岁合)’s presence
• A blossoming rapport with your superiors will occur, leading to more chances to showcase your abilities at work
• However, practice caution in your work ethic or you might overwork yourself to a risky level of fatigue

Relationships (romance)

• Disagreements ranging from trivial to weighty could easily lead to quarrels between you and your loved one
• 2018 brings a lot of peace-making opportunities however, so that you can stabilise the relationship
• Newer couples should be tolerant and considerate of each other’s character or the relationship could end early

Health

• More illnesses and injuries may enter your life
• However, you also have the chance to boost your overall wellbeing – you can lessen your chances of contracting ailments as long as you are dieting properly and exercising sufficiently

Dragon - people born in 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 and 2036

Overall luck

• You have the ability to turn turbulence and challenges into opportunities for personal growth – although setbacks are inevitable this year, it is how you play your cards that decides the the outcome
• When considering a business expansion or large-scale projects, you should consider all possibilities, make sure you have sufficient resources and be properly prepared. Make sure you are practical about your 2018 goals and ambitions so that you are not unnecessarily demoralised or stressed later
• You may find unexpected changes hard to deal with this coming year – however, changes also brings opportunities, so make them work in your favour by accepting and making the most out of them instead of going against the tide

Wealth

• Might experience a constant monetary loss this year – formulate a suitable financial plan to manage your financial outlook
• Inadequate financial planning and lack of caution in financial deals could lead to monetary outflow
• Weak Indirect Wealth luck this year means that you should build up your savings and avoid high-risk activities like heavy investment or gambling

Career

• Massive pressure and a harsh superior could cause you to feel seriously fatigued in 2018. Also, constant conflicts and a negative work space could affect your work competency
• Keep motivating yourself and build strength of character to push through these obstacles
• This may not be the best time to move jobs – although this feels as if you are stagnating, view this situation more positively and try to stay humble and tolerant during this time

Relationships (romance)

• Weak Peach Blossom luck means that unmarried couples should focus on maintaining their relationship
• Married couples should be more considerate as the simplest misunderstanding could lead to a heated argument
• Single people will have to deal with being lonely for now and should instead focus on improving other aspects of their life

Health

• Be wary of physical threats from the road (e.g. driving, walking on sidewalks) as you could incur minor-to-fatal injuries – strictly follow road safety regulations at all times
• Handle iron objects carefully as the rust particles they carry are a potential health hazard
• Follow healthy nutritional and dietary practices to prevent intestinal issues

Snake - people born in 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 and 2037

Overall luck

• A generally good year with some minor issues – you will overcome the occasional obstacle or heated argument easily as your social and personal life will flourish
• Unexpected events could still take place at inconvenient times however, so quickly adapt and adjust your strategy to accommodate this new element at play
• Legal trouble from unexpected hiccups in your plans and arguments stemming from accidentally offending someone could also occur – avoid getting into more trouble by carefully interacting with people and having a clear, calm mind
• You can expect to hear snippets of good news frequently and look forward to experiencing many happy occasions. In fact, your luck may be so good that you will be able to turn things around in your favour

Wealth

• Lots of uncertainty in your financial wealth – might incur monetary losses initially due to failed investments and excessive gambling
• Yet, several compassionate individuals will help you recuperate those earlier losses – so accept their help to experience an ultimately rewarding year for your wealth

Career

• Begin by reshuffling your career priorities – e.g. changing job positions or even companies
• Once your work life is stabilised, start making grander plans for the year ahead and you will slowly but surely get to execute them
• The second half of the year will sharply boost your luck prospects – use this period to reenergise your work performance for the rest of the year

Relationships (romance)

• Single people should start searching for a potential partner this year as it will lead to a fruitful relationship with the right person
• Unmarried couples in a devoted relationship should become engaged as soon as possible to have a long and prosperous marriage
• Married couples should not act on amorous feelings towards others outside of their marriage as doing this will avoid a marital breakdown caused by either you or your partner starting an extramarital affair

Health

• Health is very important, especially for senior citizens
• Elderly people could be visiting hospitals more than usual due to health ailments – they should heed their doctor’s advice and take prescribed medication to maintain their health
• Also, they should immediately see a doctor if they experience stomach or intestinal problems to mitigate the issue

Horse - people born in 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 and 2038

Overall luck

• You are surrounded by supportive people and that will give strength and assistance when you feel dragged down by rapid change
• Golden opportunities to accumulate wealth (e.g. good chances of earning a pay raise or getting bonuses). Also, look out for lucrative investments in property or shares and reliable tips from your social circle to lay a good foundation for your fortune – but there is a high risk of financial loss due to impulsive decisions, so think through any deals carefully, avoid financial gambling and consider all consequences
• Acquire skills to positively solve any conflict that arises – do not hold back from pursuing your goals
• Be cautious about the possibility of accidents and communication difficulties – prepare adequately before you travel, invest in physical activity and be considerate when you speak. Be aware of family members’ health conditions too

Wealth

• Make sure to accept aid offered by generous friends to experience a wealth surge
• Great work performance will also grant you the chance to achieve a business profit or salary raise as more opportunities present themselves

Career

• Conflicts and differences of opinions with colleagues could be disadvantageous to you (e.g. colleagues isolating you)
• They could even backstab you too – remedy this by attending social events and practicing open communication to strengthen your bond with them

Relationships (romance)

• Unmarried couples should marry this year to boost companionship strength
• Even with the Peach Blossom Luck’s absence, single people should consider professing their love to that special someone as there is a good chance of getting into a romantic relationship

Health

• A high risk of road accidents this year – ensure that you follow traffic rules to try to avoid this possibility
• Take care when using metallic objects as they might bring you serious harm
• Diet healthily and exercise frequently to prevent the appearance of digestive problems

Goat, sometimes called sheep - people born in 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, and 2027

Overall luck

• A good year with positive events – some trials and tribulations are present, but not enough to dampen your year as you will have help and golden opportunities to overcome them
• Noble people in the form of mentors or random individuals will make troubles you face more manageable
• You will have ample opportunities to not only display your talents at work to secure a good bonus or promotion, but you will also be able to increase your wealth by engaging in asset acquisitions
• However, you may have to deal with malicious lies and existing relationship conflicts. It is best to ignore them and focus on your work. Family disputes will also arise, but remain reasonable here for a peaceful resolution –family and friends will still aid you when you most need it despite differences of opinion

Wealth

• Do not let work distract you from looking for opportunities to improve your financial standing
• Those doing clerical work might have huge workloads from hopping in between work settings, so manage your responsibilities appropriately 

Career

• Be open to ideas and collaborative opportunities from the opposite sex to receive highly favourable work prospects
• Your diligence and persistence is rewarded this year, so motivate yourself to strive for more career achievements and showcase your talents to benefit in the long run

Relationships (romance)

• Ladies will experience weaker love prospects than men due to the weak Peach Blossom Luck
• Thus, ladies should focus on developing other facets of their life while men should mingle in their social circles more for a good chance to discover their life partner
• Unmarried couples should start planning their marriage, while married couples should be careful about their feelings towards people outside of their marriage as it could lead to future issues

Health

• Your mind and body are in prime condition to tackle 2018
• Perform physical activities, learn a new sport and watch your diet and personal safety to equip yourself for a year free of major disease and physical afflictions

Monkey - people born in 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 and 2028

Overall luck

• A trying year for both professional and personal lives – maintaining a right mindset and finding the strength to persevere is key to handling this
• You could bolster your career in terms of a fortunate job-related travelling stint however, so embrace it to gain an advantage in advancing your career in the long run
• Those in academic-related fields like learning and researching will find their endeavours yielding results in the form of significant breakthroughs
• It is advisable to refrain from attending funerals as there are prevalent negative energies that could have a noticeable negative impact on your wellbeing

Wealth

• More money leaves you due to unrestricted spending
• Sensible purchases and self-control at the start of 2018 could offset monetary losses later on
• Effectively plan your financial budget and avoid high-risk activities to curb spending and increase savings

Career

• You will encounter a stream of obstacles (e.g. difficult superiors and barely meeting deadlines) that will stunt your work progress through the year
• Be persistently diligent in work assignments and have good interactions with colleague and superiors to make progress in your work output

Relationships (romance)

• A weak presence of the Peach Blossom Luck Star means a bad relationship outlook for single people – they should adjust romantic expectations to avoid disappointments
• Married and unmarried couples are prone to illnesses and injuries this year – so a team effort is needed to maintain each other’s health (e.g. attend a gender-inclusive gym)
• This could also be a chance to foster intimacy between couples

Health

• Light or heavy road-related injuries could affect your physical wellbeing – keep safe by obeying traffic rules
• Avoid extreme sports unless you are adequately prepared
• Be aware of work hazards that could present a physical risk to reduce their negative effects on your wellbeing

Rooster, sometimes called Chicken - people born in 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, and 2029

Overall luck

• Last year’s eventful nature could leave you exhausted, so 2018 will provide the good breather you need, giving you the chance to recharge, re-examine, improve your lifestyle and wellbeing to try find a healthy balance
• There is a tendency to be anxious in your work, so try maintaining a good work-life balance. If not, you might get worked up on small things and not advance your career
• You might have feelings of isolation and loneliness, but they’re not actually a reflection of your current loneliness – do not let the fear of abandonment or absent support control you. Go out and mingle with people close to you to get a positive reality check instead

Wealth

• A significant loss could plague your 2018 financial outlook so it is advisable to purchase assets that will not likely depreciate early in the year
• The presence of the Indirect Wealth Star means you will benefit greatly from side income

Career

• A huge workload could put you in an undesirable position this year, so hold off planning new projects for career advancement and instead focus on the current tasks given
• Welcome job-related travel opportunities because the lessons learned there will help you produce better work results
• Extra help from your friends will also contribute to a smoother career outlook this year

Relationships (romance)

• The Peach Blossom Luck Star’s presence means that single people should start mingling in their social circles to find a romantic partner 
• Unmarried couples should start executing wedding ceremony plans
• Married couples will experience multiple joyful occasions, possibly welcoming a new child

Health

• Be vigilant about health as fatigue and illnesses plague your calendar year
• Don’t worry because a noble person in the medical field will guide you back to health if you do fall ill
• A healthy routine and physical activity should help keep you in good health

Explore:

Check for upcoming corporate events by Yap

Read Yap's tutorials

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about Yap's forecasts for directional influences in 2018

Read a personal exploration of secret friends, a fengshui concept

*The lunar years do not correspond exactly with the Gregorian calendar. People born in the January or February need to check if they were born before or after Chinese new year that year. Even though people born in 2018 will generally be considered to have been born in the year of the dog, the ones who were born before February 16, 2018 are actually roosters.