IE Singapore, UOB sign MoU on connectivity collaboration

International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, the government agency promoting international trade and partnering Singapore companies in going global, and United Overseas Bank (UOB) have partnered to accelerate trade and internationalisation for Singapore companies through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that marks IE Singapore’s first strategic partnership with a Singapore bank.

IE Singapore and UOB aim to assist 200 Singapore companies in their overseas expansion over the next three years, especially to Southeast Asia, China, Japan and Europe.  Companies expected to benefit from the IE Singapore-UOB collaboration include those in consumer-related sectors, business services, digital solutions, infrastructure, real estate, tourism, hospitality, logistics and trade.

In line with IE Singapore’s strategy to build and strengthen wholesale trade in Singapore, UOB will provide advisory and solutions on trade financing for Singapore companies expanding overseas. Both parties will also develop innovative initiatives and financial tools to ease the internationalisation process. This includes piloting new fintech solutions to raise cross-border trade efficiency. 

The collaboration will provide Singapore companies with customised trade and financing solutions, deeper access to in-market connections, business partners and professional service providers across Asia, including business tieups with UOB’s global clients. UOB will offer financial solutions such as supply chain financing, cross-border financing, venture debt, cash management and settlement, as well as professional services including public listings, bond issuances and corporate finance advisory.

In particular, its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Advisory Unit is strong in cross-border banking, especially in Southeast Asia. The unit has already helped more than 1,700 companies fulfil regional growth ambitions since 2011, and will work with IE Singapore to provide greater links to local government agencies, industry partners and professional service providers. 

Said Chua Taik Him, Deputy CEO, IE Singapore, “This connectivity collaboration helps IE Singapore and UOB to reach out to more Singapore companies, offering them better market insights, business intelligence and a more comprehensive choice of financial solutions. Through strengthening such cross-border business infrastructure, we hope to drive the growth of wholesale trade and overseas expansion of Singapore companies.”

Frederick Chin, MD and Head of Group Wholesale Banking, UOB, said, “At UOB, we channel the same commitment that transformed us into a leading regional bank into helping companies fulfil their growth ambitions both domestically and in overseas markets. We do this by providing our unique combination of local presence and expertise, astute market insights, regional network connectivity and seamless cross-border solutions. Through our collaboration with IE Singapore, we will be able to deepen further our support of Singapore companies as they spread their wings overseas.”

Lee Ark Boon, CEO, IE Singapore, noted that there has been heightened economic uncertainty in 2016. "Weak external demand is affecting Singapore’s trade. Competition has also intensified as regional countries continue to develop their economies. Nevertheless, Asia remains a bright spot and there are vast opportunities for Singapore-based companies to tap into," he said.

"As a small country with an open economy, connectivity is core to Singapore’s prosperity. We started as a trading port and over the decades, we have built up the depth and breadth of our international linkages to become one of the most connected countries in the world². Today, our excellent connectivity forms the backbone for trade and investments. Connectivity goes beyond the physical flow of goods – combining physical trade and logistics networks with emerging financial and digital innovations. This provides opportunities for our companies to create new business models, which gives us the competitive edge."

Lee used the example of the evolving Singapore wholesale trade sector to illustrate his point. "We will require connectivity in the form of electronic payments, e-marketplaces and other value-added services. 5. Hence, it is crucial that key business services functions, such as finance, logistics and professional services, are fully integrated into the overall ecosystem, leading to more seamless business and trade flows to and through Singapore," he said.

The collaboration taps the rising potential of ASEAN, especially in intra-regional trade. In the past five years, intra-ASEAN trade almost doubled from US$332 billion to US$600 billion in 2015, and total intra-ASEAN trade is expected to hit US$1 trillion in 2020¹. The region’s growing middle income class, increasing connectivity and expansion of e-commerce will create greater demand for goods and services, which will in turn drive the increase in cross-border and B2B transactions.

Lee noted that the partnership combines complementary strengths to offer better financial and professional services; as well as market access through each other’s overseas network for Singapore companies looking to expand regionally, especially in ASEAN. "ASEAN is a key market for Singapore. A recent study³ by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) shows that the ASEAN-5 economies, comprising Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, have overtaken the US as the largest final demand market for Singapore.

"As the ASEAN Economic Community deepen its roots, it will further boost intra-ASEAN investments and trade flows, underpinned by our region’s rising middle class and urbanisation. On the trade front, it is forecast that intra-ASEAN trade will grow to US$1 trillion in 2020. ASEAN as our economic hinterland is no longer rhetoric but reality and opportunity," he said.

Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and CEO, UOB, said both organisations have "a shared vision and deep commitment to helping Singapore businesses grow". "The world today is of slower growth yet more volatile and less predictable. Asia is not spared. However, the fundamentals here work in its favour, whether it’s demographics, intra-regional business flows or the rising middle income. As for ASEAN, the economy is valued at more than US$2.5 trillion. Its growth continues to outpace those of the EU and US.

"Connectivity initiatives present further opportunities. We have One Belt One Road, Asean Economic Community, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific. These and ongoing digitalisation will draw markets closer," he said, adding that continued engagement, a practical, paced approach and learning from past lessons could help to realise the collective potential of the region.

According to a recent UOB Asian Enterprise Survey, limited growth in domestic markets was one of the top barriers to growth cited by Singapore enterprises. "From our survey, we also know that Singapore companies seek strong local business connections when they trade and expand overseas. With this MoU, UOB and IE Singapore will work together to provide jointly the connectivity that these companies need in their overseas ventures, in particular, in Southeast Asia, China, Japan and Europe," Wee said.

"As partners, we will also explore the use of innovative tools and initiatives, including fintech solutions, to help Singapore companies conduct cross-border trade more effectively," Wee added. "With UOB’s own roots as a small and medium sized enterprise (SME), we have deep insights and full appreciation of what it takes to pioneer a business, to grow it in your home market and then to take it regionally. We also understand the importance of having the right partnerships to help accelerate the process of growth and expansion."

UOB had previously partnered IE Singapore in its Internationalisation Finance Scheme to facilitate overseas expansion.

1 Source: Asian Banking and Finance, 16 October 2016.
2 Singapore ranked first in the McKinsey Global Institute Global Connectedness Index in 2014, and in the top three positions of the DHL Global Connectedness Index from 2007 to 2013.
3 Extracted from Singapore Minister S Iswaran’s speech at the MTI Economic Dialogue on 6 September 2016.  Iswaran is Minister for Trade & Industry (Industry) and Co-Chairman of the Committee on the Future Economy.

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region for SWIFT

SWIFT announces that 29 new corporates in Asia Pacific had joined the co-operative from May 2015 to December 2015.

SWIFT provides a single communication channel for corporates to exchange financial information with all their domestic and global banks. This allows corporations to gain value from additional global visibility and maximum efficiency from their financial and treasury operations. Through the connection with SWIFT, they are able to collect and achieve greater automation through standardisation.

Today, more than 1,500 corporate groups are already on SWIFT globally, representing an estimated 30,000 underlying legal entities that are using SWIFT to manage multiple banking relationships. The past year saw expansion in SWIFT’s engagement with its corporate customers. Compared to the first half of 2015, the second half increased the number of corporates who joined SWIFT by 50% making Asia Pacific the fastest growing region of new corporate connectivity. Besides multinational corporates SWIFT welcomed Cgnpc and Max Money, which connected to take advantage of SWIFT for Corporates offerings.

Some of the corporates that joined in second half of 2015 include:

China:

Air China
Finance Company of Ansteel Group
Konka Group Company
Volkswagen (China) Investment Company
Yanfeng Global Automotive Interior Systems Co.

Japan:

Nomura Research Institute
Ricoh Company
The Yokohama Rubber Co.

Hong Kong:

CGNPC Huasheng Investment

Malaysia:

Max Money

India:

Tata Consultancy Services

Singapore:

Singapore Power

Korea:

Hyundai Mobis Co.
Lotte Data Communication Company
Hotel Lotte Co. (Duty Free)
Samsung Engineering Co.

Eddie Haddad, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, SWIFT says: “We have been working very hard to assist corporates of all sizes to reduce costs, manage risks whilst increase operational efficiency and visibility in all of their treasury operations. With this new wave of corporate groups joining us, the benefits are clearly pervasive across treasury professionals and we are glad this offering is permeating across all segments in Asia Pacific.”

The Overseas Integration Building Task Force Team of Lotte Duty Free says, “Lotte Duty Free is the top leading corporation in the Korean duty free business. As a global business player with operations in Asia Pacific and United States, we are currently aiming for a country by country rollout plan targeting communication with all our banking partners through an automated environment to increase our efficiencies in operations and management. After a successful implementation in the Japan market, it had proven that having SWIFT connectivity clearly benefited us. We are now able to gain global cash visibility, minimise operational risks, and align a single platform that enables communication to all our banks globally with distinct international standards. We expect that SWIFT will become a key business partner in our global business expansion.”

SWIFT for Corporates offers a range of products and services for multibanked corporates to connect with banks and financial institutions through a single, secure and reliable channel.

posted from Bloggeroid

HKTDC fairs for gifts, premiums, printing and packaging attract over 60,000 buyers

Source: HKTDC. 

The 31st Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair  and 11th Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair attracted more than 60,000 buyers from 134 countries and regions, said organisers the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). Around 50,000 buyers visited the Gifts Fair, while over 14,000 buyers attended the Printing & Packaging Fair. Markets such as the Chinese mainland, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia saw growth.

"In the face of a fluctuating global market, suppliers should promote their brands and products even more proactively, while distributors and retailers should seek out new competitive products," said Benjamin Chau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director. "Showcasing top-quality items and providing a diverse range of choices, the two fairs are the ideal platform for both promoting and sourcing products."

The HKTDC organised a total of 171 buying missions from 75 countries and regions for the two fairs, comprising more than 13,200 buyers. At the fairground, business matching services were also provided to foster business opportunities and partnership-building. Moreover, in view of the keen demand for small-order sourcing, the HKTDC Small Orders display at the Gifts Fair featured over 360 showcases offering more than 2,500 products available for orders of between five and 1,000 units. A total of 23,000 business connections were generated during the four-day fair.

Chau also noted that, during the Gifts Fair the HKTDC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Thailand, a key ASEAN country, to strengthen business promotion and cooperation between Hong Kong and Thailand. This includes offering a top-quality promotion platform for Thai products through the HKTDC's fairs and online promotion services, covering sectors such as garments, fashion accessories, textiles, food and agricultural products.

Decorative gifts, figurines lead market growth

The HKTDC commissioned an independent onsite survey during the Gifts Fair, interviewing some 920 buyers and exhibitors about their views on market prospects and product trends. The survey found that the industry is cautiously optimistic about the gifts market this year. Close to half of the respondents expect overall sales to remain the same in the coming year with 20% expecting sales to improve. Thirty-seven per cent of respondents expect production costs and sourcing costs to increase. More than 60% of respondents, however, do not expect to raise free on board (FOB) selling prices or retail prices, suggesting that they will not transfer increasing costs to customers. 

Source: HKTDC. Tian.

As to the market with the highest growth potential, most respondents pointed to the Chinese mainland, followed by Hong Kong and Korea.

The survey also analysed product trends in the gifts and premium market. Most respondents said they expect decorative gifts and figurines to have the strongest growth potential this year, followed by tech gifts, then advertising gifts and premiums. As for products, the industry generally believes that consumers are increasingly focused on product practicality and quality, followed by their pricing and cosmetic design.

Exploring business opportunities

Tian Guofeng, Director, Exhibition Department, China International Center for Economic & Technical Exchanges, Ministry of Commerce, said this was the first time that the Ministry had organised a delegation to the Gifts Fair, comprising 10 companies from Yunnan Province. "As the Hong Kong fair is not only the world's largest gifts and premium fair but also the most influential show of its kind, it will help Yunnan manufacturers develop overseas markets," said Tian. 

Source: HKTDC. Fukushima.

"Exhibitors from Yunnan Province are showcasing a wide variety of high-end products such as metal ware, silverware, wooden gifts, pottery, stone carvings and gunny handbags. Responses from buyers have been very encouraging."

Shosuke Fukushima, Director of Japan Pavilion, Business Guide-Sha, said that Japanese exhibitors achieved very good results at last year's fair, so they returned this year with 17 companies joining the Japan Pavilion, the largest-ever such delegation. "Japanese exhibitors are here showcasing all kinds of trendy products such as cosmetics, garments, stationery, toys and video games. The Hong Kong fair is an international trade fair where Japanese exhibitors can talk to many buyers and learn more about the market needs. More importantly, Hong Kong is a key gateway for Japanese companies to look for distributors and retailers from all over the world. We'll continue to organise the Japan Pavilion next year."

Hong Kong exhibitor Eco Concepts, which produces various green products with PLA (polylactic acid), was at the event for the fifth time. PLA is a type of biodegradable plastic that comes from renewable resources such as corn or tapioca. Phoebe Wong, Director of Eco Concepts, said the company had received a US$9,000 order from a Thai buyer on the first day of the event. 

"Through business matching services provided by the HKTDC, we have met with more buyers from Europe, probably because our products can meet their strict requirements in terms of environmental protection. On the first day of the fair, we have already got an order worth US$9,000 from a Thai buyer," said Wong.

Source: HKTDC. A wide range of product samples were on show.

Another Hong Kong exhibitor, Gianna Company, strives to inject new design elements into products. The company's Managing Director Lawrence Tong said the market trend towards innovative designs is prevalent. "We received onsite orders worth over HK$2 million in total from long-time clients. We have also established contacts with many potential buyers from various countries at the fair," said Tong.

Meanwhile, at the Printing & Packaging Fair, Hong Kong exhibitor Tommy Yu, Senior Manager of VersaTech Energy Innovation, and Environmental Consultant of The Hong Kong Printers Association, noted cleaner production is the way forward amid growing environmental concerns. The Hong Kong Printers Association made good use of the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair to promote new technology for cleaner production. "Many large-sized printers have taken the task seriously and we want to encourage more SMEs to join the wave through the exhibition. In the first few hours of exhibition, about 50 visitors including printing-related companies from Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, the Philippines and Taiwan approached us. They showed keen interest in how new technology in cleaner production can work for printers."

New products and onsite orders

Sia Yew Ming, Senior Corporate and Trade Marketing Manager, Mediacorp TV Singapore, was a first-time visitor to the Gifts Fair. She came looking to develop products that are related to their TV programmes with a view to selling them to consumers through convenience stores and bookshops in Singapore. She said that, with so many suppliers at the fair, there was a great variety of products at competitive prices. She placed an order of 500 units of USBs and 500 units of power banks on the second day of the fair. "I have found a lot of new ideas and new products here. I have found 10 potential suppliers and will follow up after the show," she said.

B. Food Product International from Thailand sells food products domestically as well as to different markets worldwide including Asia and Europe under two major brands S-Pure and Betagro. Sakhorn Jullarat, the company's Product and Process Development Director, said, "We put strong emphasis on the quality and safety of the food we produce every day. This is our first visit to the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair. We've already found five potential suppliers for packaging items that will be used for our frozen and chilled food products. We can find a lot of interesting packaging products and ideas here. We would like to visit the fair again next year."

Interested?

Watch the associated video

Vital Voices Global Mentoring Walk to be held in Kuala Lumpur on 27 March

Women Entrepreneur Network Association (WENA), an NGO in Malaysia, will be organising the Malaysian leg of the Global Mentoring Walk for the fourth time.

On 27th March 2016, hundreds of women are expected to join together at Taman Rimba Kiara, TTDI for the tenth annual Vital Voices Global Mentoring Walk. This walk is a part of a global movement to inspire a rising generation through mentorship. Held in celebration of International Women’s Day in communities around the world, the Vital Voices Global Mentoring Walk convenes established women leaders and emerging women leaders to walk together in their community.

Participants discuss professional challenges and successes to establish a mentoring relationship. The event in Kuala Lumpur is one of 86 mentoring walks taking place around the world, creating a global movement to highlight the importance of women’s leadership and to accelerate the impact of women leaders through mentoring.

Interested?

The walk will be held on 27 March 2016 from 7.30am – 12.00pm at Taman Rimba Kiara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Register

PIA cuts fares for international and domestic flights post-strike

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has reduced fares on domestic and major international flights. Fares on the Karachi-Islamabad-Karachi and Karachi-Lahore-Karachi routes will start from Rs7,500.

PIA had been dealing with what it said was an illegal strike, and praised the teamwork of PIA employees in managing passengers in the face of resulting flight reductions. The airline made arrangements with Air Blue on 4 February to accept PIA's confirmed ticket passengers for flights to Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Dubai, Muscat, Jeddah and Riyadh. Arrangements had also been made with Shaheen Air to accept PIA's confirmed ticket passengers for domestic flights.

On 12 February PIA reported that its flight schedule has fully returned to normal within two days of ending the strike, expressing gratitude to customers for their confidence in the national carrier. PIA has also pledged to give full refunds for any international and domestic tickets that were not utilised during strike days.

Interested?

According to a Suroor Asia blog post, PIA also announced fare discounts in January 2016 

HOTPING sees sales outside Korea grow to 100 million won

Source: HOTPING website.
Highly elasticated pants.

Korean women's clothing specialty mall HOTPING entered the global market in July 2015 and has since seen monthly international sales surpassing the 100 million won mark, contributing 10% of total sales.

"We believed that winning new markets quickly would secure future competitiveness after we started up in 2014 and we launched the English, Chinese, and Japanese versions of our online mall through the global e-commerce platform of cafe24," explained CEO Kim Yeo-jin. "We received orders from international customers even when we had the Korean site only, which also quickened our entry into the global market."

HOTPING is a portmanteau word mixing 'hot trend' and 'pink'. The platform caters for plus sized women with sizes from 44 (equivalent to XS in the US) to 105 (equivalent to XXL) for most of its products. The company has reached prominence through sponsoring the wardrobes featured in Korean costume dramas, especially in countries swept by the Hallyu, or Korean Wave, notably the US, China, and Japan. News anchors have also been enquiring about sponsorship. HOTPING is becoming popular with its line of Magic Pants, which are highly elasticated pants that can be worn comfortably.

"We will continue to make efforts to win new markets and will also continue offering beautiful clothes to our customers at reasonable prices like we do now," said Kim.

Capital Express Service from Singapore Airlines connects Singapore, Canberra and Wellington

• New service to bring international flights to Canberra

• First to link Canberra with Wellington

Singapore Airlines is to introduce services to both Canberra and Wellington with the launch of a new ‘Capital Express’ route. The new flights from Singapore will connect the capitals of both Australia and New Zealand. Subject to regulatory approvals, flights will be operated four times per week from 20 September 2016 on a Singapore-Canberra-Wellington routing. Return flights will be on a Wellington-Canberra-Singapore routing.

Flights will be operated with 266-seat retrofitted Boeing 777-200s fitted with 38 Business Class seats and 228 Economy Class seats. Singapore Airlines will be the first airline with flights between Canberra and Wellington. It will also be the first airline to operate regularly scheduled international services to and from Canberra.

“This new service linking Singapore, Canberra and Wellington reflects the close ties between the three countries,” said Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong. “We are excited about the prospects for our new ‘Capital Express’ route, which we are confident will appeal to leisure, government and corporate travellers. We are especially pleased to be bringing more convenient travel options to customers with Canberra’s first regularly scheduled international flights and the first non-stop links between the capitals of Australia and New Zealand.”

The new Canberra services will add to Singapore Airlines’ already extensive Australia network, which currently includes flights between Singapore and Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Subsidiary SilkAir also serves Cairns and Darwin, while a wide-ranging partnership with Virgin Australia extends Singapore Airlines’ Australia network to another 40 codeshare destinations.

Singapore Airlines’ new Wellington services will complement existing services between Singapore and both Auckland and Christchurch. Singapore Airlines also has an extensive partnership with Air New Zealand.

Flight Schedules*

Flight Number	SQ291	SQ291
Routing	Singapore-Canberra	Canberra-Wellington
Days of Operation	Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday	Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Time of Departure	23:00	09:50
Time of Arrival	08:35+1	15:05

Flight Number	SQ292	SQ292
Routing	Wellington-Canberra	Canberra-Singapore
Days of Operation	Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday	Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Time of Departure	20:15	23:30
Time of Arrival	22:05	05:50+1

*All times stated are local based on a launch date of 20 September 2016. Timings will change soon after due to daylight savings in Australia and New Zealand.

Interested?

Flights will be available for booking on a progressive basis through the Singapore Airlines website, call centres and travel agents in the coming weeks.

posted from Bloggeroid

Qatar Duty Free presents new Dolce&Gabbana display at Hamad International Airport

Source: Qatar Duty Free. A new Dolce&Gabbana display features a 4m snow globe at Hamad International Airport that will be on display until 14 January 2016.

Qatar Duty Free welcomes the festive season with the installation of a Dolce&Gabbana display featuring a larger-than-life snow globe at Hamad International Airport (HIA). The snow globe, at four m high, is the centrepiece of a display showcasing Dolce&Gabbana’s products, and celebrates the launch of their newest fragrance for men, The One Royal Night. It will be on display until 14 January 2016.

The black and gold display, which is located behind the HIA Lamp Bear sculpture, brings the magic of a winter wonderland to the desert, with a snowman, gifts and the snow globe featuring the Doha skyline. The joint collaboration between Dolce&Gabbana and Qatar Duty Free offers plenty of options for passengers looking to buy a gift.

Qatar Duty Free Senior Vice President Keith Hunter said: “Qatar Duty Free prides itself on offering passengers exclusive fragrances and beauty products, and this is no exception. This partnership not only marks the launch of The One Royal Night at HIA, but is an opportunity for Qatar Duty Free to offer customers the Dolce&Gabbana makeup and Velvet collections. We hope that those travelling from, and through, HIA will enjoy visiting the beautiful display and exploring some thoughtful and personalised gift ideas.”

Source: Qatar Duty Free. The One Royal Night for men is featured together with Velvet niche fragrance collection and D&G makeup.

The One Royal Night for men is an exclusive fragrance within Dolce&Gabbana’s Classic House, The One. The newest fragrance, with an Arabian twist, is an exclusive product from the designers for the Middle East, inspired by the richness, culture and traditions of the region.

The One Royal Night for men is described by Dolce&Gabbana as a blend of opulence and sophistication boasting a woody composition with notes of cardamom, basil, wild pear wood, and spicy nutmeg, followed by a base of cedar, sandalwood, labdanum* and pure amber in its most refined form. Qatar Duty Free will also offer a select number items from the Dolce&Gabbana makeup and niche fragrance collection, Velvet, for the first time at the display.

Dolce&Gabbana makeup available include Classic, Voluptuous and Matte lipsticks, nail polish, Perfect Luminous Liquid Foundation, Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation, Perfect Matte Concealer, eyeliners and mascaras. The Make-Up Essential Palette Beauty Voyage is also available and includes eyeshadows, eyeliner, blush, illuminator, lipstick and lip liner in a stylish compact case.

The Velvet Collection offered will include both 50ml and 150ml bottles of some of Dolce&Gabbana’s most popular niche fragrances such as Velvet Love, Velvet Patchouli, Desert Oud and Tender Oud.

Interested?

For all Dolce&Gabbana products purchased at the display personalised engraving and gift-wrapping will be offered free of charge. 

*Labdanum, also called laudanum, is a resin from shrubs called Cistus ladanifer and Cistus creticus.

Ningxia International Conference Center now open

Source: tvsdesign.

The Ningxia International Conference Center is now open in Yinchuan, the capital city of Northwest China's Ningxia province. The 700,000 sq ft facility is the new home of the China-Arab States Economic and Trade Forum.

"The architecture of this conference centre was inspired by ancient Chinese metaphors and strong Islamic artistic patterns, harmoniously merging elements of both cultures," says tvsdesign Design Principal Rob O'Keefe. 

"We designed the facility around a central outdoor courtyard, an element that becomes the facility's epicentre, where people will meet, share knowledge and develop new ideas."

The project's most notable design element is a unifying and dynamic steel shell that was created by stitching together a circle and a square. In addition to aesthetic appeal, the complex's facade also protects it from the desert sun and filters the strong daylight to reduce heat.

New Air China rules for flights departing from Beijing

Air China passengers departing from Beijing are advised to reach the airport early. Air China has changed the check-in closing time for domestic flights at Terminal 3, Beijing Capital International Airport. Prior to August 20, 2015, passengers were allowed to check in 30 minutes before departure. Since August 20 passengers have to check in at least 45 minutes before departure.

The check-in closing time for international flights is 60 minutes prior to departure.

Additional time should also be factored in for checked baggage inspections. According to the airline, the following items are not accepted in checked baggage on flights departing from Beijing Capital International Airport. Items in the following list suspected to be present during the security check, will require the passenger's baggage* to be opened for inspection, after which the items will be confiscated:

(1) Bullets, ammunition, weapons, knives, crossbows, and other arms and dummies
(2) Items of an explosive nature
(3) Inflammable, explosive, toxic, corrosive and radioactive materials
(4) Lithium batteries, mobile chargers, lighters and matches
(5) Other prohibited items specified by the state

The airline has also updated its rules on lighters and matches on its flights departing from all airports. Passengers are not allowed to carry either item with them on Air China flights, whether in carry-on baggage or in checked-in luggage. The rule applies whether passengers purchase Air China tickets from the official website, via a distributor or through retail agents.

*Baggage may not be loaded onto a flight if it is delayed because of inspection procedures.

ZUK Z1 international edition to launch in September

ZUK, an Internet company backed by Lenovo, has launched the international version of its Z1 smart phone. The international version of the Z1 is expected to go on sale in Europe, America, the Southeast Asia and the Middle East from this September, priced from US$299.

ZUK and Cyanogen, a mobile OS company, are partnering to bring a customised Android experience to international users. The ZUK Z1 international version will be the first device from ZUK to come preloaded with the commercial Cyanogen OS. Cyanogen OS 12.1 is optimised for performance, power consumption, security and privacy.

ZUK announced the Chinese version of the Z1 in Beijing earlier in August. The company received over 2 million pre-orders within one week, and 40,000 handsets sold out immediately after the sales began on August 18.

The ZUK Z1 international version has almost the same topline hardware configurations as the Chinese version. The Z1 is the world's first smart phone featuring a reversible Type-C charging port with USB 3.0 level data transfer speeds. It also features a 5.5" 1080P FHD display, 3MB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a 13-megapixel rear camera.

Source: ZUK website. The China version of the Z1.

Said ZUK CEO Chang Cheng: "We've had a great start in China market, and we wish we can achieve success in overseas markets too. We believe a great product sells itself."

Added Vikram Natarajan, Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships and Distribution for Cyanogen: "We recognise there is a great diversity of consumer needs in international markets. With the ZUK Z1, we're empowering users with a significant level of customisability and flexibility."

2015 Namyangju Slow Life International Festival to delight visitors this October

Source: Slow Life Planet website.

An international festival promoting the slow food movement as well as an all-round healthy lifestyle will take place in the South Korean city of Namyangju in October. 

Under the theme Good Food, Good Life the Namyangju Slow Life International Festival (남양주슬로푸드국제대회) will run for 10 days from October 8 in the provincial city, located about 30 km east of Seoul. 

The fair is the second of its kind to be held in Namyangju city, after it launched the Asio Gusto festival in 2013. The city has since changed the name of the programme and decided to make it a regular event that is held every two years.

Visitors can expect to enjoy concerts, tasting sessions and other hands-on activities. A food show starring some of the most popular chefs from South Korea will be held during the festival, and visitors will also be able to try traditional foods and beverages from a diverse mix of cultures.

Interested?

Individual tickets: 7,000 won
Group* tickets: 6,000 won
Early bird** tickets: 5,000 won
Buy tickets**

*A group should have at least 10 people. 

**Early bird prices are available till October 7, 2015.

***Tickets at each tier cost 1,000 won less for teenagers and children.

Dabur Herb'l Sensitive Toothpaste to address tooth demineralisation in Middle East

Source: Dabur International.

Dabur International has launched the Dabur Herb’l Sensitive Toothpaste in the Middle East. The new ‘sensitive’ variant is fortified with natural ingredients such as cinnamon, mint and licorice root along with potassium ions to provide instant and long-lasting relief from tooth sensitivity. 

According to the company, brushing twice a day with Dabur Herb’l Sensitive Toothpaste not only provides instant relief from sensitivity, but also strengthens gums and prevents the formation of plaque, gum inflammation, and tooth decay, ensuring fresh breath.

Abhinav Kumar, Group Product Manager, Dabur International, said: “A study has revealed that tooth sensitivity has emerged as a common oral problem in the Middle East. However, many people are not aware that it is a dental problem and therefore do not undertake measures to treat it. Realising the need for a highly effective ‘sensitive’ toothpaste that can provide relief from the first use, Dabur International has introduced Dabur Herb’l Sensitive Toothpaste in the Middle East. Its natural formula is proven to provide sensitivity protection from the first use by acting against demineralisation."

Wanda Vista brand goes international

Qian Jin, President of luxury hotel chain Wanda Hotels & Resorts, has officially announced the international expansion strategy for its Wanda Vista brand.

The Wanda Vista brand represents the most exclusive five-star plus properties under Wanda Hotels & Resorts, created for guests with a taste for art and culture. With locations in key international cities and designed with strong Oriental influences, the brand advocates dedicated service tailored to the unique needs of each guest.

With plans to expand to overseas markets by 2018, Wanda Vista will also be the company’s first international brand. The first six overseas markets targeted for this expansion include Sydney and theAustralian Gold Coast.

“Wanda Hotels & Resorts is dedicated to its company mission to uphold Chinese values, build mutual respect, and perform beyond expectations. Even as we are shaping this international brand, we hope to stay true to this mission and bring Eastern hospitality to the world,” said Qian.

Wanda Vista hotels will be situated within the most central locations of a city and feature cutting-edge architecture to give it the distinctions of a new local landmark.

“We aim to be the leading hotel choice at each destination, embracing Chinese tradition and values to deliver an outstanding experience for both business and leisure travellers, domestically and internationally,” added Qian.

By the end of 2020, Wanda Hotels & Resorts aims to own and operate over 160 hotels worldwide.

The Wanda Vista brand has been turning heads since the Wanda Vista Taiyuan, modelled after the distinctive traditional Shanxi Qiao family courtyard, opened in 2012. By the end of 2014, there were a total of 10 Wanda Vista hotels operating in major Chinese cities including Shenyang, Yantai, Tianjin, Taiyuan, Lanzhou, Changsha, Kunming, Nanning, Dongguan and Quanzhou. In November this year, another Wanda Vista will open in Hohhot city.

Source: Wanda Vista website. The Wanda Vista Xishuangbanna.

Wanda Vista Resort Xishuangbanna, the company’s first resort hotel, will officially begin operations on September 26, marking an important milestone for Wanda Vista, and kicking off the brand’s dual targets of developing both luxury five-star hotels and resorts. Wanda Vista Resort Xishuangbanna is located in Jinghong city of Xishuangbanna province, a prime location within the holiday destination. The hotel incorporates local architectural influences into its design and uses locally-sourced materials and handcrafted artworks, offering guests with a sense of the local art and culture.

The resort spans a built up area of 46,149 sq m and houses 151 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, as well as luxurious facilities such as meeting rooms, a spa, and a pagoda.

Wanda Hotels & Resorts also donated RMB1 million to the Wanda Children’s Foundation by the China Charity Federation during the announcement.

posted from Bloggeroid

Singapore-based eBay sellers reach an average of 41 international markets

Source: eBay report.

eBay today announced details of the growing successes for Singaporean businesses via its online marketplaces, which has been experiencing solid growth on the back of a revitalised US dollar.

Singapore’s retail exporters* sell to an average 41 international markets – ranked second in Southeast Asia behind Thailand and five destinations higher than US retail exporters.

“The US is the top trade corridor for Singaporean retail exporters and the strengthening US dollar has been a key driver of growth,” said Jason Lee, Director, eBay South East Asia.

An exciting trend for Singapore businesses seeking new revenue streams is the speed in which entrepreneurs are able to become a retail exporter, with 22% of Singaporean retail exporters on eBay hitting the US$10,000 sales mark in the past year alone.

“This demonstrates the huge opportunity for savvy entrepreneurs seeking a global customer base as compared to traditional exports, which has typically been limited to larger businesses,” said Lee. “We are seeing an increasing number of success stories from Singapore – SMEs selling on eBay’s US, UK, Australia and other global marketplaces.

“SMEs form the backbone of Singapore’s economy, and eBay aims to help local SMEs and entrepreneurs by providing them with a platform where they can not only have a local presence but more importantly, deliver goods and services on an unprecedented global scale. This is very much in line with the government’s emphasis on innovation and internationalisation, which is central to economic restructuring.”

In traditional commerce, many companies of all sizes have limited exposure to international markets. Commerce platforms like eBay allow entrepreneurs, including small retailers, to reach global markets directly in a way that is unprecedented in economic history.

In 2007, Gift of Time, a local premium watch retailer, began selling on eBay. Since then, the retailer’s business has expanded significantly, from one employee in Singapore to 16 staff selling watches around the world, including the US, UK, Germany, Australia, Russia, Brazil and China.

Jeson Wu, Founder, Gift of Time commented: “We have grown much faster than any of the Singapore watch retailers here, because of one simple reason – we decided to go online. Today, more people are using their computers and mobile devices to browse and shop online, so you need to make sure that your business is where the customers are going. Our presence on a credible platform like eBay also allowed us, a lesser established local merchant, to connect with and gain trust among foreign customers."

“Since entry barriers for Internet-enabled trade are lower, it is easier for newcomers to enter the market and for commerce enabling platforms such as eBay to have a pro-competitive effect. We have been working closely with the Economic Development Board (EDB), SPRING Singapore and the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) to help SMEs in Singapore further expand retail exports,” added Lee.

According to eBay:

· Southeast Asian regional retail exporters reach an average of 33 international markets, more than other regional blocs such as NAFTA with an average of 27, and EU28 with an average of 17.

· The US, UK, Australia, Germany and Canada are the top five destinations for eBay retail exporters from Singapore; whereas in traditional (offline) commerce, major export destinations are Malaysia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia and the US.

· The main products sold by eBay commercial sellers from Singapore are in the ‘Jewellery and Watches,’ ‘Cell Phones & Accessories’ and ‘Clothes, Shoes & Accessories’ categories.

These and other findings were recently issued in an eBay report, Commerce 3.0: Enabling ASEAN SMEs. The analysis in the report is based on research by Sidley Austin on datasets from eBay, and follows research conducted in the Asia Pacific, US and Europe.

Interested?

Find out more about Commerce 3.0: Enabling ASEAN SMEs

View customer testimonial videos from corporate eBay sellers in Southeast Asia, including Gift of Time and JLC Enterprises

 

*Singapore retail exporters are defined as eBay sellers in Singapore who have accumulated US$10,000 in sales to global customers (buyers outside of Singapore).

NANYANG, The Musical explores the world of Singapore's artist pioneers

Source: SISTIC website.

Director Alec Tok (卓金炎) has returned to the Singapore stage after 15 years spent making theatre abroad. NANYANG, The Musical, a coming-of-age story inspired by the lives and times of Singapore's first-generation artists, reunites lyricist Xiaohan (小寒) and composer Eric Ng (黄韵仁), the song-writing team behind hit musicals such as Liao Zhai Rocks and Lao Jiu, with arrangements by Goh Kheng Long (吴庆隆).  

Produced by One Kind Theatre (艺种戏剧), NANYANG will debut during the Singapore International Festival of Arts 2015 (SIFA), running from 6 to 8 August at the Drama Centre Theatre. The hero is Chen Kang, an up-and-coming painter from Xiamen, China who moves to 1930s Shanghai in a bid to advance his career. While there, he meets a group of kindred spirits with whom he explores and questions the fundamentals of traditional Chinese painting and European Impressionism. Chen even falls in love with one of them: Liying, a talented painter.

But the Japanese invasion of Shanghai and the spread of World War II to Europe drive Chen and his friends out of China and into Southeast Asia, where they became part of the Chinese diaspora in the region known for its collective identity, Nanyang (South Seas). Before settling in Singapore, Chen and his friends make a pivotal trip to Bali, where, inspired by the exoticism of the island, they develop a unique artistic style.

"I am very grateful to SIFA for giving me this opportunity and platform to converse and connect with our Singaporean audience through the language of art and theatre. This will be the first time that my stage work will be seen here after I went off to the US to study at the Yale School of Drama. It has been very exciting because this commission has allowed me to work with some of the best theatre artists practising here and in the region," said Tok.

Tickets are on sale at SISTIC* for the Mandarin musical with English subtitles. Early bird sales, with 20% discount, end on 10 May. There are also discounts for bundles as part of SIFA sales. Tickets range from S$25 to S$75 and could be an opportunity for organising a corporate outing for customers, partners or employees.

*SISTIC's hotline will operate from 10am to 8pm from May 2015. 

Sunway's Resort Cafe offers breakfast to dinner options for business dining

Source: Sunway.

Located at the lobby level of the five-star Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa, the new 362-seater Resort Cafe celebrates the cultural influences of Malaysia's Malay, Chinese and Indian communities.

The 17,588 sq ft restaurant features eight main themes: the Monumental Fruit and Salad Towers, Malay Archipelago (dishes from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia), Indo-Chine (dishes from Thailand and Vietnam), Oriental Far East (dishes from Japan, Korea and China), Spices of India (dishes from India), Mirage of the Gulf (dishes from the Middle East), Best from the West (Western comfort food, grills, rotisserie and churrasco) and desserts. Over 60 dishes from seven different menus rotate daily, while ala carte selections feature over 50 signature dishes.

The octagonal towers for greens and fruits are a first of their kind in a Malaysia restaurant. The displays have blowers circulating 10°C cold mist over the food, keeping it fresh and appetising for a longer time. 

The Resort Cafe is open daily from 6am to 11pm. For reservations, call +60 3 7495 2009 or visit www.sunwayhotels.com.

Flickr Wall Art now available internationally

Yahoo has launched Flickr wall art in international markets, allowing companies to decorate their walls with the work of Flickr photographers around the world. 

In October, Yahoo announced the Flickr Wall Art service, which allows Flickr photographs from licensed artists who are part of the Flickr Marketplace to be turned into museum-quality wall prints that can be purchased on Flickr. 

The Flickr team has curated Flickr-licensed photographs in popular categories such as abstract, landscapes, travel, and animals that can be ordered in sizes from 8”x10” up to 20”x30” and shipped internationally.

Flickr's Premium Photo Mounts are printed with professional grade paper and mounted with 1” wood-textured edges. With the Gallery Canvas Wrap option, artist-grade canvas is stretched across a traditional 1.25” wood frame. 

 

Check out more information in the Tumblr post here and start browsing here. 

Read the blog post about a similar service from Getty Images here.

*These images from Flickr are the author's, but not in the Flickr Marketplace.

World Health Organization calls Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned 8 August that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

As of 4 August 2014, there have been 1,711 cases (1,070 confirmed, 436 probable, 205 suspect) of Ebola virus disease (EVD), including 932 deaths. Between 5 and 6 August 2014, a total of 68 new cases of EVD (laboratory-confirmed, probable, and suspect cases) as well as 29 deaths were reported from Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

On 6 August, a Saudi man suspected of being infected with the Ebola virus passed away at 8.45am at a specialised hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The patient had been admitted to the intensive care unit late on 4 August after exhibiting symptoms of viral hemorrhagic fever following a business trip to Sierra Leone, Saudi's Ministry of Health said. The cause of the infection is still under investigation, and people who had been in contact with the man are being traced or monitored for symptoms of Ebola.

The WHO further provides the following recommendations for states which are currently not affected by EVD nor adjacent to a state which is affected:

• There should be no general ban on international travel or trade; restrictions outlined in recommendations regarding the travel of EVD cases and contacts should be implemented.
• States should provide travelers to Ebola affected and at-risk areas with relevant information on risks, measures to minimise those risks, and advice for managing a potential exposure. 
• States should be prepared to detect, investigate, and manage Ebola cases; this should include assured access to a qualified diagnostic laboratory for EVD and, where appropriate, the capacity to manage travelers originating from known Ebola-infected areas who arrive at international airports or major land crossing points with unexplained febrile illness (fever). 
• The general public should be provided with accurate and relevant information on the Ebola outbreak and measures to reduce the risk of exposure. 
• States should be prepared to facilitate the evacuation and repatriation of nationals (e.g. health workers) who have been exposed to Ebola. 

On 11 August, WHO will convene a panel of medical ethics experts to begin looking at the use of experimental treatments in the ongoing EVD outbreak in West Africa. At this time, there are no registered medicines or vaccines against this deadly virus, though several experimental options are currently under development.

Emirates has already suspended flights to Conakry in Guinea until further notice due to the Ebola outbreak, the company said on its website. "We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers, however the safety of our passengers and crew is of the highest priority and will not be compromised," the company stated, asking affected customers to contact their travel agent or Emirates Call Centres for rebooking options, and visit the website for further updates.

Airlines flying to Sierra Leone include British Airways and Air France. British Airways has cancelled flights to Sierra Leone and Liberia till August 31. Air France also flies to Guinea, while Lufthansa flies to Nigeria.

Gulf Business has also reported that hajj visas are not being issued to pilgrims of the affected countries.

View the latest FAQ on EVD here.
Read about Singapore's preparedness activities here. Read about what India is doing about tracking nationals exposed to Ebola here.

Asian trademarks in a globalised world

Brands from emerging economies do not have the luxury today of taking decades to establish an international reputation, said panelists during the International Trademark Association's (INTA's) 136th annual meeting, it was reported in a newsletter published by IP Mirror, a domain name registry which also offers cloud hosting services and brand protection.

Source: INTA website.

According to IP Mirror, some of the suggested options for Asian brands focused on global expansion that were discussed at the event in early May in Hong Kong include:

• Adapting localised products for the international market while maintaining trademarks in the new markets.
• Spending more time and money on establishing what the brands represent, as most Asian brand names are likely unheard of, so paying attention to how the mark is presented and what message it invokes is just as important as what name is being registered.
• Buying overseas trademarks to gain access to new channels to market to foreign shoppers, or bringing those brands back home to local consumers seeking established overseas brands. 

"As with any expansion, getting the appropriate localised or regionalised domain names help to secure your online brand in the respective markets," said the company in the newsletter.

INTA separately announced that wage premiums in industries with intensive intellectual property rights (IPR) are significantly higher when compared with other industries: 41% in the European Union* and 42% in the US**.

"Innovation supports millions of jobs worldwide… but only when it is protected by IP rights,” said INTA President Mei-lan Stark (Fox Entertainment Group, US). “Today, the most successful economies, fuelled by the most highly paid workforces, are those in which innovation is encouraged and IP rights are protected.”

INTA coverage on World Intellectual Property Review can be viewed here. New Legal Review did an INTA 2014 roundup here.

*Intellectual property rights intensive industries: contribution to economic performance and employment in the European Union published by the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) and the European Patent Office in 2013.

**IP and the US economy – industries in focus published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2012. published by the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) and the European Patent Office in 2013.