Mastercard elevates premium travel with Asia Pacific’s first Taste by Priceless dining club

Source: Mastercard. Asia Pacific’s first Taste by Priceless dining club is located at Hong Kong International Airport.

Mastercard cardholders from around the world can now enjoy Asia Pacific’s first Taste by Priceless dining club at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), marking the official opening of a new premium airport dining experience. Available to World Legend, World Elite and World Mastercard cardholders travelling through Hong Kong, the benefit can be accessed regardless of where their card was issued.

Located at Terminal 1 near Gate 40, Mastercard’s Taste by Priceless is designed for travellers seeking distinctive dining experiences. Blending culinary storytelling, local chef-led programming and immersive design, Taste by Priceless is offered as part of The Mastercard Collection, Mastercard’s globally-connected portfolio of exceptional dining, entertainment and travel benefits. Through The Mastercard Collection, eligible cardholders can access premium experiences throughout their journey.

Taste by Priceless in Hong Kong features seasonal menus co-created with acclaimed chefs, blending Asian and Western cuisine with celebrated local culinary heritage, and offers distinct dining experiences, designed to accommodate travellers’ preferences and schedules:

The Counter

An intimate, chef-led tasting featuring a multicourse menu with dishes such as shiso & romaine salad, and Superior Chicken soup

The Cove

A relaxed à la carte setting offering tapas-style dishes including pil pil prawns, prawns cooked with garlic, olive oil and chilli, and miso glazed cauliflower

The dining experience is complemented by a selection of Mastercard’s signature desserts and cocktails, created exclusively for Taste by Priceless venues around the world.

World Legend cardholders enjoy unlimited complimentary access for themselves and up to three guests, while World Elite and World cardholders may access Taste by Priceless at a preferential rate. Once admitted, guests can enjoy the full Taste by Priceless experience, including chef-curated dining, signature desserts and beverages, all included as part of their visit. Eligible cardholders can access the dining club within three hours of departure, with no prior reservation required.

“Trips today extend beyond the destination itself,” said Joyce Bo, Executive VP, Core Payments, Asia Pacific, Mastercard.

“As airports increasingly become part of the journey rather than simply a transit point, more travellers are looking for experiences that are worth arriving early for. Taste by Priceless reflects how travel is evolving, turning even a short stopover into a meaningful culinary moment while enabling financial institutions to elevate their premium customer proposition.”

Beyond dining, the venue has been designed as an immersive, multisensory space that blends Mastercard’s brand heritage with local cultural influences. At its heart is a commissioned installation by emerging Chinese artist Xinran Guan, whose oil paintings explore harmony between the material and immaterial.

The launch of Taste by Priceless in Hong Kong expands Mastercard's growing portfolio of elevated airport dining experiences for cardholders, joining Taste by Priceless at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo and a new location slated to open in Mexico City later this year. Beyond the airport, cardholders can also enjoy exceptional dining experiences through Mastercard's broader Priceless portfolio, including LUMA at Hong Kong's historic 1881 Heritage and Priceless restaurants in Rome, Mexico City and São Paulo. 

The Mastercard Collection Taste by Priceless is a part of The Mastercard Collection, Mastercard’s global portfolio of premium travel, dining and entertainment privileges. The Mastercard Collection offers seamless access to fine dining, including more than 400 award-winning restaurants across 10 Asia Pacific markets, alongside priority access to world-class entertainment and travel experiences worldwide. 

Details

Kyra | Taste by Priceless 

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Terminal 1 Near Gate 40, Departures Level (L7) (Accessible by elevator or escalator on mezzanine level) 

Daily, 6 am – 23:59 pm (subject to change) 

Taste by Priceless is open to eligible Mastercard cardholders worldwide, regardless of where their card was issued. Eligible cardholders may access the venue using: 

+ A physical World Legend, World Elite, or World Mastercard card (digital cards are not currently accepted) 

 + A same-day confirmed boarding pass and matching government-issued photo id     

No prior reservation is required. Once admitted, guests can enjoy chef-curated dining, signature desserts and beverages, all included as part of their visit.  

Privileges

World Legend Mastercard cardholders: Unlimited complimentary access for the cardholder and up to three guests Promotional offer (until 30 September 2026): US$70 / HK$550 per person for World Elite and World Mastercard cardholders, and for additional accompanying guests of World Legend Mastercard cardholders 

For full eligibility, pricing and access details for all Mastercard cardholders, please refer to the Terms & Conditions.

Audio Exotics brings the art and precision of sonic truth to Hi-End Asia

Source: AE. The Engström Tube Suite will be on display at Hi-End Asia this year.

Audio Exotics (AE), a curator of ultra-high-end audio experiences, will be participating for the first time at the Hi-End Asia International Audio Visual Show, unveiling two system philosophies that embody its pursuit of musical purity, emotional truth, and the art of silence - according to AE, “Silence is not the absence of sound — it is the canvas upon which music breathes”.

The Engström Tube Suite with APL technology and Cessaro Horns features Lars 3 power amplifiers, a Monica preamplifier, and a M-Phono stage, paired with the APL Tube DAC and Streamer and voiced through Cessaro Horn loudspeakers. Together, the Engström–APL–Cessaro ensemble defines the art of purity: the natural liquidity of tubes, the serenity of design, and the living poetry of music in motion.

Engström embodies the rare Scandinavian synthesis of technical mastery and poetic minimalism. Each amplifier is designed to be both an instrument of power and a sculpture of sound and form. Hand-built in Sweden, the Lars 3 and Monica exude tonal refinement that balances warmth and transparency, delivering a sound described by reviewers as “liquid, dimensional, and emotionally luminous”. Their aesthetics — glass, copper, and wood in architectural harmony — evoke serenity and purity.

The APL Tube DAC and Streamer, crafted by Alex Peychev Laboratories (APL) in Bulgaria, continues this tradition of emotional digital playback. Its fully discrete tube output stage, handmatched components, and proprietary digital topology transform bits into breath. Anchoring the system are Cessaro Horn loudspeakers, hand-built in Germany, whose dynamics and tonal realism make music feel physically alive, AE said.

The Göbel High End & JMF Solid-State Suite and the Stellavox IDEM mono amplifier expresses the opposite pole of Audio Exotics’ philosophy — the precision of silence and the architecture of control.

Göbel High End loudspeakers from Germany translate material science into emotion. Their proprietary bending-wave driver technology and resonance-optimised construction unveil textures and micro-details that transcend traditional loudspeaker boundaries.

Driving them are JMF Audio electronics from France — precision-crafted amplifiers and converters born from professional mastering heritage. Assembled by hand in the Jura mountains, each JMF component is designed for neutrality, power, and silence. Their amplifiers reveal the full dynamic energy of a recording while preserving the intimacy of a human voice or the decay of a string.

The Pink Faun Ultra 2.16 music transport from the Netherlands anchors the digital stage with ultra-low-noise linear power supplies, OCXO clocking, and modular I²S architecture for true-time playback. Feeding into the Synästec DAC from Germany — a design that marries FPGA architecture with analogue finesse — the result is extraordinary transparency and tonal depth.

Touraj Moghaddam, founder of Vertere Acoustics and one of the visionaries of modern turntable design, will personally present his turntables in both systems. His presence bridges the tactile beauty of analogue with AE’s philosophy of curated listening — a testament that music, when faithfully rendered, unites all forms of technology and craft.

Details

Hi-End Asia will be held from 23 October to 25 October 2025 at level 3, Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre. Get tickets from www.hiendasia.com

Audio Exotics has sponsored a premium lucky draw prize for the event, an Ediscreation Fiber Box Mk. II, valued at S$2,500. This advanced fibre isolation system is designed to deliver cleaner, purer signal transmission for the ultimate audiophile experience.

All ticket holders are automatically entered into the lucky draw.

*DAC stands for digital-to-analogue converter; and FPGA for field-programmable gate array. 

Surf and Turf special at the Edge, Pan Pacific Singapore

Source: Pan Pacific Singapore. Surf and Turf at Award-winning Buffet Restaurant, Edge, located at Pan Pacific Singapore.

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

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

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

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

Details

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

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

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

Hashtags: #EdgeSG, #PanPacificSingapore, #ShareYourMoments

Artisanal catering from Rasel

Rasel Catering Singapore, a premium halal catering service, has expanded its capabilities to take their brand to pole position.

Alan Tan, Co-Founder and MDof Rasel Catering Singapore said, “Rasel meets the world at MICE events and weddings. We observe the worldly palates of today’s customers and need for upscale halal food. Service today means augmenting not only the taste of a dish and look of a buffet but also sharing our expertise to add value throughout the entire service experience for our customers.”

“From the scale of the occasion, to overcoming the design challenges of the chosen venue and expectations of their families or superiors, our customers can expect the full spectrum of halal service solutions which is Rasel’s new hallmark. They can rely on our professional advice and deep knowledge to overcome even the most unexpected of challenges to make their occasion a truly original one,” said Chris Loh, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Rasel Catering Singapore.

Newly appointed as Director of Culinary at Purple Sage Group and Rasel Catering Singapore, Chef Teo Yeow Siang will oversee the Rasel kitchen. Executive Chef Boey Min Hwa will helm the kitchen itself. Selected from to support the Singapore National Culinary Team, Chef Hwa has a strong passion for the culinary arts and continues to hone his craft.  He has assisted both the Hot Cooking and Hot Present Cold categories which clinched Singapore’s first-ever double gold medals including Best Overall Champion at the 2016 IKA Culinary Olympics in Germany.

Chef Hwa marries his Western skills to inject fresh vigour into Rasel’s premium repertoire. Chef Hwa said, “I belong to the crossover generation and so I understand the changing demands of baby-boomers as much as Xennials (those born between the late 1970s and early 1980s).  It excites me to craft old favourites as new creations and present it to delight our customers who are looking for something original to surprise their guests at their events.”

Leveraging digital technology advancement, Rasel also introduced the iBox as a queue-cutting solution at MICE events to increase efficiency in food service. Participants at such large-scale events can order their food via mobile phone. With the given code, they can just key the code in at an iBox to retrieve their meal.

Rasel continually observes, listens and acts on strengthening its core competency in food service to cater to clients with different needs.  As such, it also launched Simply Buffet which is small on price but big on taste. This new tier provides an alternative for customers who prioritise price without compromising the quality of the food.

Tan said, “Simply Buffet was created to complete our spectrum of solutions for our customers. Depending on our guest’s occasion, Rasel has extended our menu to include another joyful feature to meet our customers’ more specific needs.”

Some of the food served at the launch included:

Source: Rasel Catering. Chilled soya curd with lemongrass syrup.

Source: Rasel Catering. Crispy kale, Asian slaw and seaweed tofu.

Source: Rasel Catering. Jasmine and lychee cake.

Source: Rasel Catering. Satay-marinated leg of lamb with homemade peanut sauce.

KEEPERS Red Letter Sale to showcase Singapore designer brands

The largest Singapore designer sale will be returning in 2019, larger than before, with over 50 designers offering up to 90% discount.

The sophomore edition of the KEEPERS Red Letter Sale will see offerings from favourite accessory brands, publishing houses, home and décor labels, fashion and footwear brands as well as a selection of food and beverage partners to keep shoppers energised. Shoppers will be able to:

- Explore local tales and fables at Epigram Books

- Create their own scents with local perfumeries Artisan of Sense, The LAB Fragrances and SIX

- Try out eco-conscious and natural skincare labels such as Alcheme Skincare, which offers a free skin consultation for a custom skincare blend, Frank Skincare, a small-batch luxury skincare brand that is made entirely in Singapore, and RE:ERTH, powered by exclusive nature-derived active ingredients such as Japanese white turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria).

- Enjoy Nodspark's non-toxic vinyl nail wraps. There is a S$4 discount off the next purchase for every eight empty Nodspark packaging sent back to the retailer.

Ladies' fashion brands at the sale include A.Oei Studio, Aijek, Ans.ein, Dotted Line, GINLEE Studio, Hansel, Max Tan, Run After, Sabrina Goh, The Form, Triologie, Twotaels Co, Vilry.co, Weekend Sundries and Whole9Yards.

Men can look forward to local labels such as Ashenfeld, evenodd (both menswear and womenswear) and Graye Studio (a unisex label). Peas and Plums also covers kidswear.

Source: KEEPERS. Poster for the event.

Get swimsuits and lounge wear from K.BLU ad Kenzlily. Queenmark scarves will be on sale, and Rocket Eyewear’s travel-inspired shades. Shoes will be available at Anothersole and The World at Your Feet.

There will be accessories galore, from Desti Saint’s leather clutches and bags to Gnome & Bow’s storytelling bags and wallets, It Takes Balls’ hand-knit bags and Ling Wu’s bags of exotic leather. Round out the look with Blithe & Merry’s tassel earrings or Eden & Ellie’s beaded jewellery, pearl and semi-precious gems with Stones that Rock, and Carrie K.’s meaningful modern heirlooms.

Carrie K.’s Modern Heirloom collection is a contemporary twist to Singapore's multicultural, heritage stories, inspired by the Peranakan tiles. Carrie K. Hexa Rings come in auspicious Pink Amethyst, Amethyst, Sky Blue Topaz, Green Amethyst, White Topaz, and Red Garnet, all part of the CNY 2019 Zodiac Lucky Colours series. Each hexagon-shaped gemstone is custom-cut and bezel-set.

Refuelling stations will be operated by Demochoco, Fossa Chocolate, GTCL, Intermission Bar by The Projector, Spatula & Whisk and Wine & Philosophy.

 KEEPERS works to foster greater appreciation and desire for craftsmanship and independent design in Singapore. Through regular events at the National Design Centre, KEEPERS offers a platform for designers and craftsmen to connect with the public.

Details:

The Keepers Red Letter Sale will be held from 11 to 13 January 2019 on levels one and two at the National Design Centre, from 11 am to 7 pm.

JeweLuxe Singapore presents first-of-its-kind luxury retail concept

Jeweluxe Singapore, a curated showcase of design, craft, artistry and innovation from all corners of the globe, will debut in Singapore this October at the custom-built TENT@Ngee Ann City along Orchard Road, Singapore.

Open to the public from 6 to 15 October 2017, visitors to the exhibition can expect to be inspired by a showcase for collectors, connoisseurs and aficionados across all segments of sophisticated living, including jewellery, timepieces, vintage, eyewear, fashion, art and living style.

Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board’s Kickstart Fund, the first-of-its-kind jewellery and sophisticated living showcase will meld offline and online concepts together., feature elements of a retail exhibition and an e-commerce marketplace.

“For over a decade, I have built a successful platform through Singapore JewelFest for passionate jewellery designers and brands from around the world to showcase their exquisite creations and gem stones. To satiate the evolving tastes of shoppers for a more discerning retail mix of affordable luxury, I am excited to introduce the brand new JeweLuxe Singapore – the world’s first multi-segment retail exhibition with an e-commerce marketplace,” said Angela Loh, Founder and CEO of JeweLuxe.

The exhibition hopes to achieve more than S$9 million in sales in its inaugural year. “Singapore is a city of sophisticated shoppers who appreciate unique pieces, be it jewellery, timepieces, art or any lifestyle propositions. The city also attracts discerning shoppers from Asia and around the world who enjoy the variety of international and independent brands in Singapore, making the retail experience at JeweLuxe Singapore the ideal springboard for brands to access Southeast Asia’s affluent segment,” added Loh.

The inaugural exhibition from 6 to 10 October casts a spotlight on the rare and the iconic, featuring designers who are icons of America curated by Paolo Costagli, American designer and jeweller. Kimberly McDonald, Sylva & Cie, Amedeo and Moritz Glik who make their Asia premiere at the first edition of JeweLuxe. Some of the jewellery houses showcasing rare and exceptional gems are Mouawad (US), Glajz (Singapore), DeGem (Malaysia), Hans D. Krieger Fine Jewellery (Germany), Karen Suen (Hong Kong), Scavia (Italy) and Moiseikin (Russia). Iconic jewelled eyewear by Lotos (Germany); and rare vintage timepieces, jewels and objects presented by Betteridge (US) and Revival Vintage Jewels & Objects (Singapore) will be some of the living propositions showcased.

Edition Two (11 to 15 October) will showcase European and Asian excellence. A lineup of European jewellery designers and brands includes Federica Rettore (Italy), Federico Buccellati (Italy), Magerit (Spain) and Rodney Rayner (UK) who are making their Southeast Asian premiere; as well as Heinz Mayer (Germany), Castaldi Gioielli (Italy) and Rota e Rota; and award winning Asian designers including Shirley Zhang (China), Caratell (Singapore), Simone Jewels (Singapore), Kavant & Sharart (Thailand), and Baerjewels (Hong Kong). Handcrafted handbags and timepieces by Graziella (Italy) and Zannetti (Italy) will also be displayed.

For both editions, WTP The Furniture Company (Singapore) and Art Front Gallery (Singapore) respectively will be curating the desirables in living style and contemporary art. Visitors can also look forward to a series of high quality educational and appreciation events on design, craft, artistry and innovation with The Savoir Series.

By 2025, the expected online share of total luxury sales globally is projected to double to €70 billion annually, making e-commerce the world’s third largest luxury market after China and the US*, say the organisers of JeweLuxe. While the exhibition provides shoppers with the opportunity to interact directly with world renowned designers and artisans, the e-commerce marketplace ensures shoppers a connected experience and the convenience of making their purchases at any time of the year.

The JeweLuxe World e-commerce marketplace will also curate highlight features for special occasions as well as provide a personalised shopping experience with the JeweLuxe Concierge. “The launch of a one-of-a-kind multidimensional sophisticated living showcase is the perfect opportunity to extend the retail experience into a year-round online retail concept. The e-commerce marketplace, JeweLuxe World, will be a digital community for buying curated pieces of the finest design, craft, artistry and innovation, and also for sharing insights and appreciation,” said JeweLuxe Chief Digital & Marketing Officer Nelson Lee, a serial digital entrepreneur and partner of online marketplace goBob.sg as well as independent digital agency Section.

Besides Costagli, other curators include:

Brenda Kang, founder and owner of Revival Vintage Jewels, curated the collectibles at the event. She is one of few vintage jewellery experts in Asia.

Federica Rettore, a sculptor who has her own line of jewellery, for European excellence, and Dr Bernard Cheong, founding partner of Lifeline Medical Group in Singapore, for timepieces. Dr Cheong is also an influential horologist and respected collector of watches, mechanicals and men’s collectibles in Asia, and the first collector and non-watchmaking industry ambassador appointed for the Foundation de la Haute Horlogerie.
 

Source: JeweLuxe International. From left: Founder and CEO, JeweLuxe International, Angela Loh; Digital Architect of JeweLuxe World e-commerce marketplace Nelson Lee; New York Designer and Jeweller Paolo Costagli; Horologist and Watch Collector Dr Bernard Cheong; Italian Designer, Federica Rettore; Singapore’s Antiques and Vintage Jewellery Expert, Brenda Kang.

Interested?

JeweLuxe Singapore will be a 10-day exhibition from 6 to 15 October 2017 at TENT@Ngee Ann City, Orchard Road, Singapore.

*http://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/is-luxury-ecommerce-nearing-itstipping-point 

Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain adds Presidential Villa

Source: Six Senses. Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain resort.

Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain is situated near the UNESCO World Heritage & Natural Cultural site of Dujiangyan, also known as the homeland of the giant pandas.

Drawing on the region’s roots as the birthplace of Taoism Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain is launching a Presidential Villa that embodies Taoist elements of achieving harmony with nature and the vision of reconnection and self-development.

At the heart of the resort, the Presidential Villa is in close proximity to the main dining and entertainment areas, while surrounded by unobstructed views of the Qing Cheng mountains. The 845 sq m two-storey villa houses four individual suites ranging from 80 to 110 sq m as well as one valet room to accommodate large groups or groups travelling together. Each referring to a Taoist philosophy, the four suites are named 上善 (good), 自然 (nature), 天合 (harmony), and 仁和(benevolence).

The design aesthetics of the Presidential Villa reflects Six Senses’ commitment to sustainable living and preserving heritage and culture. Chinese-inspired, locally made furniture is used, complemented by panelled walls with classic rattan fittings and accents. A collection of naturally-lit, multifunctional areas include a living room, library, dining room (seating up to 10 people), fully-equipped kitchen and spa treatment room. Leisure facilities include a private cinema and an 80 sq m heated outdoor swimming pool with jacuzzi, as well as a round-the-clock butler service.

Interested?

Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain
2, Dong Ruan Road
Qingcheng Mountain Town
Dujiangyan, Chengdu,
Sichuan, 611844
China 
Call +86 28 8728 9871 with enquiries

First, business class Oman Air passengers can customise digital content for in-flight consumption

Source: Oman Air. The Media Box, with local and Arabic media added, is now available to first and business class Oman Air passengers departing Muscat, Oman.

Passengers can now enjoy digital news and entertainment in the recently-renovated first-class and business-class lounges for Oman Air in Muscat, Oman. 

The Media Box - one of the largest e-paper media libraries, developed by Media Carrier - will be available. Customers compile a personalised set of on-board reading material from a portfolio of international magazines and daily newspapers. The range has been extended through a collaboration with United Media Services (UMS), a media and communication company in Oman and UAE, to include local and Arabian media from the region.

The Web-based platform supports any Internet-enabled device, smartphone or tablet. Passengers register in the lounge using the free Wi-Fi by entering their name and flight number and then download their chosen reading material. Newspapers and magazines are then presented in unabridged form, in the same layout used in print versions, on their personal devices. An analysis of downloads is expected to reveal which media are favoured by different passenger segments and can be used to create a more targeted service in the future.

Abdulaziz Al Raisi, EVP–Products & Brand Development, says: "Oman Air is committed to continuously finding new ways to surprise and delight our customers, increase convenience and make their passenger experience even more enjoyable...As a result of their excellent, longstanding expertise, the media and sales professionals from Media Carrier/UMS impressed us with their e-paper media library. This service will be warmly welcomed by our premium customers at Muscat, and further extends Oman Air’s innovative digital strategy.”

Media Carrier specialises in marketing and distributing digital content. It supplies the travel industry with e-papers through the Media Box, and counts Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings and Air Berlin as well as more than 1,000 hotels around the world as customers.

Muscat-based UMS works predominantly in the Arabian region and has been responsible for supplying Oman Air with newspapers and magazines in the Middle East, including Gulf countries and the Indian sub-continent, since 2009.

Business district-based Collective Works is launched in Singapore

A common co-working space within Collective Works Capital Tower.

Singapore’s first CBD-based coworking space Collective Works has launched its second space, a joint venture with CapitaLand. The 22,000 sq ft, high performance ‘office of the future' occupies the entire level 12 of the 52-storey Capital Tower in Tanjong Pagar.

Collective Works has become known for its design aesthetic and superior attention to detail such as ergonomics, ambience, lighting and acoustic sound profiling. Technology infrastructure includes secure on-site server hosting, videoconferencing, IP telephony and redundant fibreoptic broadband.

Designed by interior architects Contrast Design, the office interior is based on the concept of unfolding space, with surprises around every corner. The office is divided into different zones, each tailored to boost productivity, facilitate connections and encourage collaboration.

Solutions for businesses range from hot desks, dedicated spaces as well as formal offices of different sizes. Quiet, secure meeting rooms, spaces for conference calls and brainstorm areas have all been built into Collective Works. There is also a studio for creation of media such as podcasts.

Jonathan O’Byrne, founder of Collective Works called co-working a "personal mission" that was born when he started his own business, but could not find "the right kind of workspace". "As a designer from a design background, I could create spaces and create solutions that could solve human problems," he said. "(It is about) improving the quality of work and improving the quality of workspace.

"Interest has been very strong and from a broad range of industries. We are in discussion with more than 60 companies looking to join Collective Works Capital Tower over the next few months. We are paying particular attention to mix of the community and Collective Works Capital Tower is proving to be diverse but consistently premium.”

Members in the new space include global venture capital firm 500 Startups as well as a number of marketing, computer programming and data analytics companies. There is interest from global financial, technology and law firms too.

O’Byrne added: “Across Asia we have witnessed an exponential surge in demand from entrepreneurs seeking more personal business solutions. Our new space and our premium community create a unique ecosystem for our clients within the prestigious Capital Tower.”

Wen Khai Meng, CEO of CapitaLand Singapore, said the two companies look forward to providing more exciting spaces to meet all business needs in future. He called the new Collective Works space a flexible, high quality working environment with opportunities to network, collaborate and share. “CapitaLand is a progressive and forward looking real estate developer and our coworking partnership with Collective Works exemplifies this," he said.

"This partnership leverages CapitaLand’s market leadership and extensive network. Besides reaching out to a vibrant new market, Collective Works Capital Tower will augment CapitaLand’s offerings to existing customers and corporate partners. To date we are excited to welcome a number of high profile members to Collective Works Capital Tower including 500 Startups who will undoubtedly bring new buzz to the Capital Tower community. Coworking is in line with CapitaLand’s ‘office of the future’ vision, where people work in hubs of collaboration, community and creativity. We will be watching this space keenly as it evolves.

"We will take care of your every need. Just sign up, and focus on your work," he said.

A living wall greets visitors at the reception area.

One of the many offices within Collective Works. All offices come with glass walls and similar furniture but are of different sizes to accommodate different business requirements.

The office has been designed with discussion areas in nooks and corners to stimulate creativity and collaboration.

Many of the common working areas have impressive views of the city.

Tables marked with the 'CO' sticker - for co-working - are meant for common use.

The Standing Room, so named because it is meant for discussions to take place among people who are standing, was conceived to change the dynamics of decision-making. 

Each meeting room has a touch panel outside showing when it has been booked.

Lockers for Collective Works members come in different sizes. Each locker has a combination lock of four digits instead of the standard three for extra security, and a slot at the top for mail.

Sound-proof phone booths for conference calls.

Coffee quality may seem like a small detail for a co-working space, but Collective Works came up with Custom Blend B from Colombian Arabica and Ethiopian Sidamo Cherry Red coffee varieties. The beans are blended and roasted by a boutique roaster in Singapore, processed in batches of only 20kg batches a month for freshness. Three blends were originally developed but Blend B was the favourite.

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

LAVISH introduces new level of premium catering to Singapore

Premium catering extraordinaire LAVISH rebranded at its 18th Anniversary gala extravaganza in late January, where the company also unveiled the future of catering with a combination of food technology and science. The company is well-known for its experience in helming catering for MICE, corporate galas, private banquets, product launches, after-parties, as well as dinner and dance functions.

Source: LAVISH. The gala dinner was held
at Gardens by the Bay.

Jerry Sim, Director of Strategic Business at LAVISH said, “We recognised at the outset that as Singapore modernised to become an important MICE hub, so would the demand for world-class indoor and outdoor catering. As the average spend per head has more than tripled over the last 10 years from S$70 to S$250, we leveraged on food technology and invested in our long-serving team to develop their passion and skills. Our Service Ambassadors are trained to provide intuitive service before the guests even ask for it. We relooked each aspect of our business and even went on learning trips to enable the company to lead in the catering industry.” 

LAVISH’s Executive Chef Teo Yeow Siang (Chef Siang), a member of the internationally acclaimed Singapore National Culinary Team, presented a unique spread of food fashion that invited gastronomists to expect the unexpected. The menu included local favourites, all reinvented to showcase LAVISH's vision of 'dining 2.0'. 

Source: LAVISH. The team preparing for the gala dinner.

Chef Siang said, "Ten years ago, the catering brief was generally: give us good food and feed us till we are full. Today, we must help make the host look good as well.” Dragon’s Pearl, the chef’s adaption of frozen citrus foam, thrilled guests as they expelled vapours through their nostrils on consuming the mythical pearl - just like mythical dragons. Instead of live cooking or carving stations, LAVISH had a standing degustation menu of intricately created tasting portions inspired by sushi, served on a conveyor belt at a 3m x 3m live station. Dishes included the Reversed Chawanmushi, consisting of cold chawanmushi, scallop tartar, wasabi yuzu, and spring onion foam, as well as Earth, a sous vide egg, wild mushroom ragout, truffle crumble, and porcini foam.

Source: LAVISH. The LAVISH Culinary Theatre featured small bites on a conveyor belt.

Source: LAVISH. The LAVISH Culinary Theatre featured small bites on a conveyor belt.

Chef Siang also showcased some of the dishes that had won awards at international culinary competitions. The Taste of Chef's Award Winning Culinary Journey menu included lobster fritters, mentaiko aioli and seaweed dust, which won an award at the Culinary World Cup 2014; pan seared king crab in brick pastry, lemon puree, a winner at FHA 2012, and braised beef cheek, char leek, bush tomato, smoked onion & potato foam, which made waves at the Culinary World Cup 2010. 

Source: LAVISH. Canapes.

Source: LAVISH. Hainanese chicken rice, LAVISH style. This dish showcased local favourites in the earlier part of the dinner. 

Source: LAVISH. Charcoal Cones containing marinated Thai beef and coconut espuma (a culinary foam). LAVISH had in the past used spicy shredded duck as an alternative for those who do not take beef.

Source: LAVISH. A croquembouche adds interest as a centrepiece.

Source: LAVISH. Edible mahjong tiles.

Source: LAVISH. The exquisite dessert selection.

Sim observed, “We are taking the road less travelled by providing the overall dining experience. Our planning would take into consideration the décor to ambient lighting, the wow factor as well as minding cultural etiquette. Gone are the days when special diet means vegetarian or meat-free. Now, we have gluten-free, no shellfish, no flour, no mushrooms, no pepper…Jain and kosher are no longer the only special cultural dietary requirements.”

Source: LAVISH. From left: Teo and Sim.

"It’s my own level of wow. My team is very passionate about what we do. We try to surpass ourselves because to us, each event is a special event,” Chef Siang added.

Interested?

View LAVISH's curated menus

Wanda Reign Chengdu officially open

Source: Wanda Hotels & Resorts. The Wanda
Reign Chengdu.

International luxury hotel group Wanda Hotels & Resorts has officially opened a new Wanda Reign hotel in Chengdu. Wanda Reign is the group's premium brand of luxury hotels, and the Chengdu property is its second Wanda Reign hotel, after Wanda Reign Wuhan, as well as the brand's first location in China's southwest region.

"It is with great pride that we bring the premium Wanda Reign label to Chengdu, a city steeped in history and culture, to present our most discerning domestic and international guests with the finest hospitality experience and revitalise the local hospitality industry," said Wanda Reign Chengdu General Manager Roger Marcz.

Wanda Reign Chengdu enjoys a prime central location in the city's business district, where South Renmin Road meets the Jinjiang River. Chengdu is also the starting point of the Southern Silk Road. 

Elements of Chinese culture are woven through the hotel for a sense of place. Designed with a New Chinese Art Deco theme, the hotel incorporates local Shu motifs, such as the Chinese hibiscus, Sichuan-style trellis patterns, tassels and lanterns, into classic Art Deco. This attention to style extends to staff livery, which has been created by local designer and Paris Haute Couture Week alumnus Lawrence Xu.

The hotel comprises 240 rooms and suites, featuring the Bed of Reign in every room. The beds are equipped with Talalay latex mattresses handmade in the US and dressed in New Zealand wool, and complemented by the hotel's signature Dream Catcher services, which offer amenities such as aromatherapy, soothing music and bedtime reading materials. Most of the rooms also have massage chairs for the ultimate comfort. 

All hotel rooms are equipped with an interactive TV, iPad room control system, smart lighting, an intelligent sensor-controlled bathroom and complimentary 1GB Wi-Fi access. Guests on the executive floor are offered personal care amenities from Hermès, while the Presidential Suite hosts guests in 330 sq m filled with handcrafted furnishings and fine art, including glazed porcelain, metallic sculptures and a hibiscus painting detailed in gold leaf. 

ZHEN is the Chinese restaurant on the 5th floor serving refined Cantonese and local Sichuan cuisine. Customised Prosperity Feasts can be created upon request. The hotel's Sky Lobby is located on the 41st floor and enjoys a bird's eye view of the city as well as of the city's landmarks, Tianfu Square in the north and the Jinjiang River in the south. Café Reign, also on the 41st floor, is the highest restaurant in Chengdu, and offers all-day dining including seafood grills and aged steak. 

Designed for its most elite clientele, the exclusive Club Reign delivers a customer service experience of comfort, privacy and unparalleled luxury. At Wanda Reign Chengdu, a range of private dining and recreational facilities have been especially designed for Club Reign members, including the RIVER DRUNK Huaiyang restaurant with four private dining rooms. The RIVER DRUNK, Chengdu's first Huaiyang restaurant in a luxury hotel, serves classic Huaiyang dishes with a touch of Sichuan influence. The restaurant's open terrace offers panoramic views of the city as well as attendants and private chef services.

The Galaxy Bar on the 7th floor features a private elevator, reception hall and networking lounge, making it a suitable venue for a corporate event or private party. The Universe KTV offers five rooms, each equipped with its own control system, professional-grade audio equipment and private dance floors.

For private parties or corporate functions, a grand ballroom and six private function rooms can be found on the 3rd floor. The grand ballroom offers 1,150 sq m of pillar-free space with a ceiling height of 8m, and is equipped with a 90 sq m high-definition LED screen as well as an elevator built for transporting vehicles and accommodating bulky equipment. For an unforgettable reception, the hotel's chauffeured Bentley is also available to welcome guests.