Harnessing romance story-telling to boost sales

Research from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School has linked romance-themed storytelling and the increased likelihood of making impulsive purchases.

Highlights of the research include: 

- Tourists exposed to romance-themed storytelling are more prone to impulsive buying compared to those in non-romantic settings.

- The effect is driven by a reduced sense of personal control that stems from an internalised belief that "romance is uncontrollable".

= Colour plays a crucial role: blue backgrounds enhance the impulsive buying tendency in romantic settings, while red backgrounds mitigate it.

The study, led by Professor Lisa Wan Chun-ying of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at CUHK Business School, could present new opportunities for tourism marketers to enhance visitor experiences and boost consumer spending, the university said.

Titled Harnessing romance: The effect of exposure to romance-themed attractions on tourists’ impulsive buying and published in Tourism Management, the 2023 study involved 820 participants. Some participants were shown images of a medieval bridge which came with a love story, while others were told a romance-neutral story about friendship related to the bridge. Those exposed to the romance theme were more likely to make impulsive purchases compared to those under the non-romantic condition.

Elevate everyday experiences with the Samsung Galaxy A16

Source: Samsung. The Galaxy A16 5G in Gold. The Galaxy A16 features a body that is 7.9 mm thick, and has a 'key island' design for improved grip.

The Samsung Galaxy A16, now available in Singapore, features larger screens, enhanced designs, and improved reliability. Available in 5G and LTE versions, the Galaxy A16 offers immersive visuals, a sleek look, as well as secure and reliable experiences with Samsung Knox, all at an accessible price point.

The Galaxy A16 has an improved, sleeker design, with a body measuring 7.9 mm in thickness—down from 8.4 mm in last year’s Galaxy A15. Rounded corners and a linear camera lens layout are design highlights, while a 'key island' design contributes to an easy and intuitive grip. The device has an IP54-rating* for dust and water resistance. 

Streamlined bezels further emphasise the 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display. The display is a notable upgrade from last year’s 6.5" screen on the Galaxy A15. Super AMOLED provides true-to-life colours and sharp clarity, which is ideal for watching videos, gaming, or browsing content. 

Under the hood, an advanced octa-core processor ensures smooth performance for high-quality videos, games, and multitasking. Users can stay connected throughout the day with the 5,000 mAh battery and 25 W Super-Fast Charging capability.

The device is secured by Samsung Knox, Samsung’s defence-grade, multilayer security platform. Samsung Knox Vault is also integrated into the Galaxy A16, providing high-level security to protect private, personal data such as user passwords and secrets from hardware-based attacks such as voltage glitches, temperature tampering, and laser interference.

Camera-wise, the Galaxy A16 is equipped with a versatile triple lens, headlined by a 50 MP main sensor. Along with a 5 MP ultra-wide and 2 MP macro lens, the Galaxy A16 ensures every shot is detailed and vibrant. A 13 MP front camera, offers visual details, sharpness, and more accurate colour rendition for selfies.

The Galaxy A16 will receive six generations of One UI and Android OS updates, as well as six years of Samsung Security Maintenance Releases (SMR). 

Details 

The 5G version is available in Gold, Blue Black, and Light Green, while the Galaxy A16 LTE is available in Grey, Black and Light Green.

Model	Colour	Built-in Storage**	Recommended retail price (including GST)
Galaxy A16 5G	Gold, Blue Black, and Light Green	8 + 128 GB	S$318
Galaxy A16 LTE	Grey, Black and Light Green	8 + 128 GB	S$288

 

The Galaxy A16 is available for purchase in Singapore at selected telecommunication operators (M1, Singtel, Starhub), and also via the Samsung Online Store, Samsung Shop App, Samsung Experience Store, Samsung Official Stores on Lazada and Shopee, as well as major consumer electronics and IT stores. 

From 15 November to 31 December 2024, consumers who purchase the Galaxy A16 will receive a complimentary 25 W power adapter worth S$38, while stocks last. T&Cs apply.

*Galaxy A16s are rated as IP54. Based on lab test conditions, the device is sprayed by 10 l of fresh water per minute for 5 minutes at all angles. Not advised for beach or pool use. Water and dust resistance of device is not permanent and may diminish over time due to normal wear and tear.

**Actual user-accessible internal memory is less than specified total memory due to storage of the operating system, the software used to operate device features, and other built-in applications, and may vary after software updates/upgrades.

Baccarat and the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore present a season of enchantment

Source: Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. Baccarat and Mandarin Oriental, Singapore collaborate to present a season of enchantment.

Baccarat, the French house renowned for its crystal creations and Mandarin Oriental, Singapore will run a festive collaboration across 29 November 2024 - 5 January 2025 featuring cocktails, afternoon tea sets, exhibits and a room package. 

Conceived as part of Baccarat's 260th anniversary with exclusive experiences across the globe, the collaboration with Mandarin Oriental, Singapore continues the successful Baccarat Cocktail World Tour with MO BAR in Q124.

Upon stepping into Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, guests will find themselves surrounded by elements in Baccarat's iconic red, which represents its passion for craftsmanship and the Christmas spirit. A Christmas tree comprising two Baccarat x Marcel Wanders 24 l and 40 l Le Roi Soleil chandeliers will showcase the allure of Baccarat crystals, complete with branches, tassels and octagons.

Accompanied with an amalgamation of red gift boxes at the lobby to the photo wall placed at the entrance of MO BAR, guests can also spot collections showcased on panelled bar shelves, pedestals and lounge tables that convey Baccarat's joie de vivre.

There will be exclusive festive cocktails at MO BAR, two designed by Kim Jung Hoo, Head Bartender at MO BAR Singapore and two crafted by Hidenori Fukuda, Head Bartender of B Bar, Tokyo. Each incorporates Christmas-sy notes, and will be served in Baccarat glassware.

A Christmas edition of an afternoon tea experience is to be launched as well. In honour of Baccarat's 260 years in craft excellence, Christmas-themed savouries and sweets will include a collaboration cake - Baccarat Gem - presented on Baccarat crystalware.

Displayed on tiered trays and wares from Baccarat, curated savouries in the Enchanted Festive Tea Soirée (S$88++ per person) include foie gras logs with Christmas berries, Grand Marnier spiked nougat de Sainte-Maure and Dungeness Crab Gâteau with xérès-infused watermelon; while the sweet spectrum features red wine granite, Moss for a green tea travel cake coated in dacquoise and the 'petit' Baccarat gem. 

The Baccarat Gem (S$18++) is a limited-edition cake available at The Mandarin Cake Shop in the shape of an octagon fashioned after Baccarat's crystals. Crafted by Mandarin Oriental, Singapore's team of pastry chefs, the cake in Baccarat's iconic red brings together luxurious flavours in every bite with rosemary cream, wild strawberry compote, eglantine coulis, and a delicate layer of Earl Grey tea mousse.

A curated selection of Baccarat products including tumblers, vases and tea sets will be available, complete with gift boxes. Those who wish to learn more about each product can scan tableside QR codes, or speak directly with Baccarat sales representation. 

In celebration of the holiday season, a room package has been introduced. Guests can obtain two nights' stay in luxurious suites, complemented by an exclusive in-room amenity, Baccarat x Mandarin Oriental afternoon tea and cocktail experiences, and a Baccarat Gift Set featuring a pair of crystal tumblers to take home.

Details

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
5 Raffles Ave., Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 63380066

For reservations and bookings enquiries at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore visit https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/singapore/marina-bay/festive-season#baccarat .

Baccarat Boutiques Singapore
The Baccarat Boutique at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is at Galleria Level,B1-68, 2 Bayfront Avenue, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
Tel: +65 6688 7168
Takashimaya Department Store Singapore, Basement 1, 391 Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City,
Tel: +65 6835 1252

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore hotel guests can enjoy 10% savings when shopping at the Baccarat pop-up at The Mandarin Cake Shop and Baccarat boutique at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

Hashtags: #MandarinOrientalSingapore, #BaccaratSG, #Baccarat260years, #EverythingTastesBetterinBaccarat

Take a rail journey to festivities at The Peninsula, Hong Kong

Kick off the festive season in grand Peninsula style in Hong Kong on 21 November 2024, with The Peninsula Express – Festive Extravaganza, an evening comprising of a musical performance followed by a feast in the form of a culinary festive market.

Celebrating the glamour and excitement of vintage rail travel, The Peninsula Express pays tribute to the legacy of The Peninsula Hong Kong, which has welcomed guests after a long rail journey from Europe to Tsim Sha Tsui Station, once situated across the road from the hotel. The Peninsula Express will return to the hotel this festive season for the third and final year.

Taking place in the iconic lobby of The Peninsula Hong Kong, guests for A Culinary Journey Aboard The Peninsula Express will be taken on a train journey from Beijing to Shanghai with its final stop in Hong Kong through music and dance, with a surprise appearance by a celebrity. 

Guests will step into Grand Salisbury Station, where the custom-built Peninsula Express train carriage awaits its guests for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. With its exterior painted in signature Peninsula Green, and wood panelling, vintage light fixtures and elegantly-set dining tables inside, the carriage gives diners the sense of journeying through iconic destinations inspired by The Peninsula Beijing and The Peninsula Shanghai.

The festivities will include a time-honoured tradition at all Peninsula hotels - the tree-lighting ceremony. After the ceremony, guests are invited to continue their evening with a feast featuring delights from Swiss chalet Chesa, The Verandah, Michelin-starred Spring Moon, and Imasa.

Source: The Peninsula, Hong Kong. The Peninsula Express will return to The Peninsula, Hong Kong this festive season for the third and final year.

Details

The Peninsula Express – Festive Extravaganza

21 November 2024

5:15 pm at the hotel’s forecourt

The festive performance begins at 6 pm, followed by the festive feast at 7:30 pm.

HK$10,000 per person, covering the performance, the tree-lighting ceremony, a surprise appearance by a celebrit artist, and a selection of dishes from each of the hotel's restaurants. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

For general enquiries or reservations, please contact The Lobby at +852 2696 6772, or by email at thelobbyphk@peninsula.com.

For performance enquiries or reservations, please contact The Verandah by phone at +852 2696 6766, or email at theverandah@peninsula.com.

*Reservations may only be booked on a per table basis. Price shown is the minimum charge per table, for seating up to four guests. Pre-payment is required within 24 hours upon receiving the online payment link to secure the reservation. Exclusive private or corporate charters are available upon request. The Peninsula Express seats up to a maximum of 24 guests.

More details about the festive programmes at The Peninsula Hong Kong are available on the hotel’s festive webpage at https://www.peninsula.com/en/hong-kong/special-offers/festive/the-peninsula-concert-2024

Holiday dining is also available at:

Gaddi’s 

The Michelin-starred French restaurant Gaddi’s features Chef de Cuisine Anne-Sophie Nicolas’ French haute-cuisine specialities, served together with a sophisticated wine list. 

Felix 

On the 28th floor, Chef de Cuisine Aurélie Altemaire curates a selection of seasonal flavours, complemented by creative cocktails and spectacular Victoria Harbour views over the city skyline. 

Spring Moon 

Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine and a refined Art Deco-style setting have made Spring Moon a longtime favourite. Chinese Cuisine Executive Chef Lam Yuk Ming and his culinary team present dishes to celebrate the Winter Solstice, Christmas and the New Year. 

Chesa 

This Michelin-selected Swiss restaurant offers charming ambiance reminiscent of a traditional alpine chalet. Known for its warming fare and cozy decor, Chesa features iconic dishes such as cheese fondue and raclette. 

The Lobby 

Always decorated in grand classical Peninsula style, with a picture-perfect Christmas tree as its focal point, The Lobby provides a sophisticated backdrop for guests to indulge in refined global cuisine – at breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a signature afternoon tea throughout the festive season. 

This experience is complemented by live carol performances by local choirs, creating a truly magical atmosphere. 

The Verandah 

Bountiful buffet offerings, warm service, and a relaxed ambiance combine at the holiday season with a miniature railway that is set up at the restaurant’s entrance every year. Originally designed and built by The Peninsula’s craftsmen, the mini train has become a cherished symbol of the festive season at the hotel. 

Imasa 

Japanese-food enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with a menu that includes kaiseki set dinners and osechi menus, in which each dish has is an auspicious wish for the coming year. 

Teas of Hope afternoon tea 

To celebrate the season of sharing, The Peninsula Hong Kong also invites holiday guests to enjoy Teas of Hope, featuring sweet and savoury festive delights curated by The Lobby’s Chef de Cuisine Kay Ng. Guests can enjoy the tea either at The Lobby or aboard The Peninsula Express. 

Available up to 13 December 2024 and from 27 to 30 December 2024, the Teas of Hope is priced at HK$550* per person. For each afternoon tea served, US$5 will be donated to Make-A-Wish International.

Yuletide delights

Experience the essence of Christmas at The Peninsula with a festive log cake. As with last year, this year’s log cake derived inspiration from The Peninsula Express train and is priced at HK$888 each. Orders can be placed at the hotel’s online shop.

Staying in style

Guests who stay for two or more consecutive nights will enjoy: 

- Daily buffet breakfast at The Verandah for two 

- HK$1,000 hotel credits (room guests) or HK$ ,000 hotel credits (suite guests) to be redeemed at hotel restaurants and The Peninsula Spa (treatments only) during the stay, per guestroom per night (except Imasa and The Peninsula Boutique & Café) 

- Third adult guest supplement charge of HK$ 1,100* 

- One bottle of Peninsula Champagne per guestroom per stay 

- Priority festive dining reservations for any of the hotel restaurants before 21 November 

- Priority festive dining waitlists for any of the hotel restaurants after 21 November 

- Peninsula Time – flexible check-in from 6 am and check-out time until 10 pm (blackout dates apply, including 22-25 and 28-31 December 2024 and 1 January 2025)

Booking period: Ends 30 December 2024

Stay period: From 9 December 2024 to 1 January 2025

Book now on peninsula.com, or call The Peninsula Global Customer Service Centre at +852 2910 1628 for more details.

Peninsula Festive Hamper

Each hamper is inspired by the steamer trunks that travellers once packed for round-the-world voyages. The seasonal delicacies within include The Peninsula Champagne Brut by Deutz, handmade chocolates, gingerbread cookies, Christmas cakes, smoked almonds, wasabi nuts, and duck rillettes, as well as Christmas crackers, and a Peninsula Bear with Christmas stocking. The hamper is priced at HK$3,388.

For more information, please contact the Concierge at + 852 2696 6527, or email hamperphk@peninsula.com.

The gift of Peninsula luxury

A Peninsula Gift Card lets recipients choose from a variety of signature experiences at The Peninsula Hong Kong – including dining experiences and therapeutic treatments. For more information, please visit gifts.peninsula.com/hongkong.

*All prices listed are in Hong Kong dollars and are subject to a 10% service charge.

Singtel launches Expressions Through Art showcase

Singtel has launched the 3rd edition of Expressions Through Art, a showcase aimed at raising awareness of the talents and abilities of students from special education (SPED) schools in Singapore. The exhibition featuring 37 artworks by students across all 25 SPED schools in Singapore, will be held for the first time at Gardens by the Bay. 

The artworks will be subsequently exhibited at the National Gallery Singapore and digitised versions will be displayed on the windows of six SMRT trains in December. This year’s edition features a combination of scenes from Gardens by the Bay, as well as depictions of animals and landscapes.

The campaign was kicked off by Singtel Group CEO Yuen Kuan Moon and Gardens by the Bay CEO Felix Loh. Yuen said: “Art is a powerful medium for expression, and we’re proud to be able to give these students a chance to shine through this initiative. We’re also glad to have partners like Gardens by the Bay, National Gallery Singapore, and SMRT who are helping to showcase the students’ talents in more locations so more people can appreciate the capabilities of these students, fostering a more empathetic and inclusive society.”

Singtel also supports SPED students through the Singtel Touching Lives Fund (STLF), its flagship corporate philanthropy programme. STLF has raised over S$58 M in support of the critical educational needs of children and youth with special needs across more than 20 charities, as well as for six SPED schools which offer customised education programmes. 

As a lead-up to the Expressions Through Art 2024 campaign, 10 students were given a tour of the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay and attended an art workshop where they translated their impressions of the Supertree Grove into creative art pieces. These were among the 37 artworks featured in this year’s campaign.

Aged between seven to 18 years old, the 44 students participating in the Expressions through Art 2024 campaign used watercolour paints, coloured pencils, and markers to bring their imaginations into vivid reality.

Pathlight School Principal Linda Kho said: “We are grateful for initiatives like Singtel’s Expressions Through Art that provide a platform for students with special needs to shine. Art is a powerful medium for self-expression and enables our students to express their unique perspectives and creativity. Opportunities like these not only showcase their talents and abilities, but also inspire them to continue developing their artistic passion and maximise their potential."

Noorizan Bte Sharif Foeddin, parent of Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS) School (West) student-artist Nurshaqirah Ryhana Bte Shamsha added: "Events like Expressions Through Art help to build the confidence of children with disabilities, and I am incredibly proud that the talent and hard work of my daughter have been recognised. My daughter is also excited and pleased to have had her artwork selected for the art exhibitions, and we hope to be a part of similar events in the future.”

Details

The exhibition will be held at the North Colonnade near the Supertree Grove of the Gardens by the Bay from up to 22 November 2024, followed by the National Gallery Singapore from 9 to 22 December 2024. The digitised versions will be displayed on SMRT trains on the North-South, East-West and Circle lines from 9 to 31 December 2024.

Members of the public who wish to make a contribution, can donate online via DBS iBanking, POSB iBanking or the Singtel Dash app.

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Premier League, StarHub unite to combat piracy in Singapore

Source: Premier League. Premier League stars are helping to raise awareness of the dangers of illegal streams in the Boot Out Piracy campaign. Becker of Liverpool.

With the Premier League 2024/25 season under way, the Premier League, in collaboration with its local broadcast partner StarHub, is continuing its action to educate consumers about the dangers of accessing pirated content and to combat illegal streaming in Singapore. 

The League’s Boot Out Piracy campaign for this season brings together some of the biggest names in football — Alisson Becker (Liverpool FC), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolves), and Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) — to address the dangers of illegal streaming. 

Through a series of videos distributed across digital platforms, these players speak directly to Singaporean fans, warning them of the significant risks associated with accessing Premier League content through unauthorised channels. This campaign follows a recent study by cybersecurity expert Professor Paul -Watters, which highlights the serious risks associated with illegal sports streaming - cybercriminals are exploiting illicit sports streaming sites, putting Singaporean consumers at risk of identity theft and fraud through browser hijacking, malware and misleading ads. 

The August 2024 research examined 25 popular illicit sports streaming sites in Singapore, and found that almost two thirds (65.6%) of advertisements on these platforms are classified as “high-risk”, which significantly increases the likelihood of exposure to malware or fraudulent scams. The risk of encountering malicious activity on these platforms is 44%. 

Premier League General Counsel Kevin Plumb said: “We know how passionate our fans are in Singapore and across Asia, staying up late to follow the latest Premier League action. We also know the risks and dangers of watching matches through illegal streams and want supporters to enjoy Premier League content in the best quality and safest way through authorised sources. 

“As well as promoting important messaging, we are working harder than ever with Singapore’s law enforcement authorities and our partners at StarHub to enforce legal measures and take action against piracy. This includes collaborating with StarHub to identify and shut down piracy syndicates and working together with local authorities to address the distribution of illegal streaming devices. 

“We encourage fans to protect their online safety and to enjoy Premier League matches via authorised platforms, which will provide the best viewing experience.” 

Professor Watters remarked: “The research findings underscore the urgent need for online users to stay vigilant and avoid platforms that stream pirated content. Users may be under the impression that these sites are harmless, but cybercriminals are always planning to launch cyberattacks such as data breaches, ransomware and malware, putting users at significant risks. The Premier League’s Boot Out Piracy campaign helps make these risks clear to fans in Singapore.” 

As the exclusive broadcaster of the Premier League in Singapore, StarHub has a pivotal role in the Boot Out Piracy campaign. “As the Home of Sports, StarHub is dedicated to providing fans with the best possible viewing experience. We firmly believe in the importance of protecting our content from piracy,” said Johan Buse, Chief of Consumer Business Group, StarHub. 

“Piracy undermines our industry and threatens the future of sports content. By prioritising content protection, we ensure that fans can enjoy their favourite sport in a safe, secure environment. StarHub is proud to support Premier League's Boot Out Piracy campaign, and we are committed to fostering a vibrant sports community where every moment is valued and celebrated. Together, we urge fans to enjoy the game through legitimate channels, safeguarding the future of football for everyone." 

The Premier League has been working closely with local law enforcement to crack down on illegal streaming services in Singapore. Most recently a man who sold illegal streaming devices at Sim Lim Square in Singapore was sentenced to 10 months’ jail, following investigation carried out in collaboration between the Premier League, the Singapore Attorney-General Chambers, and the Intellectual Property Rights Branch of the Singapore Police Force. 

As part of its broader strategy to protect its content and safeguard the intellectual property rights of local broadcasters, the Premier League has been conducting site-blocking efforts aimed at identifying and blocking access to websites that stream football matches illegally. A total of over 560 domains in Singapore have been blocked by the Premier League. The Boot Out Piracy campaign will be showcased across broadcast channels and social media platforms in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam in the upcoming months.