Trust and transparency hold the key to APAC checkout: Visa

Visa, a world leader in digital payments, has released new survey* findings on the state of digital commerce in Asia Pacific, revealing that while consumers are increasingly using AI to shop, concerns over security and transparency are creating hesitation at the crucial moment - checkout.

With Asia Pacific’s rapid shift towards digital commerce and mobile-first shopping, the research shows that consumers are drawing a clear line between using AI to help them browse and trusting the same technology to handle their money and personal data, Visa highlighted. Clearly demonstrating how AI is used to spark discovery and securely handle payments is critical if consumers are to feel confident using the technology to shop and pay. 

“The way people shop is changing quickly, with AI now playing a growing role in how consumers discover and choose products,” said TR Ramachandran, Head of Products & Solutions, Asia Pacific at Visa. 

“But as AI becomes part of the checkout experience, trust and control become even more important. Consumers want to understand how their data is being used and feel confident that every transaction is secure. Building that trust is what will determine whether AI-powered commerce can truly scale.” 

Consumers across Asia Pacific are increasingly relying on AI for the early stages of shopping, with 74% using AI-powered tools to discover, track or learn about products. Yet 26% remain unsure if AI recommendations fully align with their best interests, pointing to a desire for greater transparency and user control in AI-powered shopping. 

The research also reveals that this caution is more pronounced among affluent households**, where 39% express higher expectations around how their data is used, compared to 29% among lower-income groups. Digital-first markets such as Australia (38%), New Zealand (37%) and Singapore (34%) also show above-average caution. 

These findings underscore the need for trusted frameworks in AI-driven commerce, an area where Visa is enabling businesses to connect consumers, AI agents and merchants through a secure, scalable trust layer supported by Visa Intelligent Commerce and the Trusted Agent Protocol.  

While consumers are comfortable using AI to compare prices and better understand product features, this confidence fades as transactions become more personal. The study finds that 32% of consumers remain reluctant to share personal or payment information with AI systems, and nearly half (45%) say they would be more open to AI-powered or agentic commerce if they had stronger assurances around payment security.

These findings highlight that while AI can successfully drive discovery, secure authentication and trusted payment experiences are essential to convert interest into action to unlock the full lifecycle of AI-enabled commerce. 

“Consumers are ready for AI to play a more active role in shopping, and agentic commerce has already started scaling beyond concept and into daily life,” added TR Ramachandran. 

“For this shift to accelerate, trust and secure authentication must be in place. With solutions such as Tokenisation and Visa Payment Passkeys, Visa is delivering the seamless and secure experiences customers need — enabling people to shop with greater confidence as AI becomes a more natural part of everyday commerce.” 

Openness to agentic commerce varies across Asia Pacific, revealing that digital maturity does not automatically translate into trust. India and Vietnam lead the region, with 42% of consumers in each market open to using AI for online purchases, indicating strong appetites to experiment with new ways of shopping.

In contrast, consumers in digitally-mature economies show greater reservation towards AI-enabled online shopping, with 14% in Singapore, 14% in Japan and 16% in New Zealand expressing interest. This hesitancy reflects higher expectations for data protection, security and personal control before embracing agentic commerce. The study also found that improved payment security is the strongest enabler of increased adoption in these markets, reinforcing the need for a secure and trusted agentic ecosystem.

*The State of Digital Commerce in Asia Pacific 2025 study was commissioned by Visa and conducted by YouGov in September 2025. The study surveyed 14,764 consumers aged 18 years and above across 14 Asia-Pacific markets.

**For the purposes of this study, “affluent households” refer to respondents with a monthly household income of US$8,000 or above. 

Lalamove: Singapore SMEs challenged by high logistics costs and operational pressures in 2026

Lalamove, the on-demand delivery platform, has revealed that high logistics costs remain one of the top concerns for Singapore businesses. More than 43% of surveyed small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) indicated that rising logistics expenses are top of mind for the coming year.

The survey also revealed that expectations for delivery volumes in 2026 are modest. Over a third (36%) of SMEs believe their delivery volume will remain unchanged next year, while 27% expect a slight increase of up to 20%. Only 10% anticipate a stronger rise of more than 20%, reflecting a generally cautious outlook on business growth.

Conducted between September and November 2025 with more than 900 SME respondents, the survey found mixed views on Singapore’s overall business environment in the year ahead. Nearly three in 10 (28%) SMEs said they feel cautious, 25% expressed uncertainty or pessimism, 27% reported feeling optimistic about the outlook, while the remaining 20% indicated no change in sentiment.

As operating costs continue to rise across sectors, SMEs are becoming increasingly selective when choosing logistics partners. When respondents were asked about the most important factors in selecting an on-demand delivery platform, 55% named affordable pricing as their top priority. Another 50% said that safe delivery with no damage is the most important consideration. This was followed by 38% who identified delivery speed as their top deciding factor.

These findings suggest that SMEs are prioritising practical and cost-efficient delivery options, reflecting the broader economic sentiment of cautious spending and the need to manage business expenses more tightly, Lalamove said.

The survey highlighted several pressing challenges that SMEs expect to face in the next 12 months. Over four in 10 (43%) respondents pointed to high logistics costs, 42% cited rising rental expenses, and 38% expressed concern over lower consumer spending.

At the same time, SMEs are also experiencing greater pressure to meet rising customer expectations. Over half of the respondents shared that their customers are now demanding faster delivery compared to last year, adding another layer of operational pressure on businesses.

According to Lalamove, these combined challenges underscore the need for logistics solutions that offer affordability, reliability and speed, three factors that SMEs increasingly see as essential in their day-to-day operations.

When asked about the types of vehicles they typically rely on for deliveries, SMEs showed a balanced mix of preferences. Over a third (36%) said they frequently use motorcycles, while 32% reported using cars. Another 32% rely on vans and lorries. This distribution highlights the diverse nature of SME demand, showing that Singapore businesses depend on delivery solutions ranging from small item transport to larger, bulkier goods fulfillment.

Alex Lin, MD of Lalamove Singapore, said: “Our survey findings reflect both the resilience and the challenges faced by SMEs today. Businesses are under pressure from rising costs while meeting increasing customer expectations for speed and reliability. At Lalamove, we remain committed to supporting them with cost effective, flexible logistics solutions that help them stay agile and competitive. By continuously improving our services and staying close to the needs of our users, we aim to be a trusted partner for SMEs across every stage of their growth."

MIFB 2026 promotes a unified Made-in-Malaysia ecosystem

Source: MIFB | MCE | MyFoodTech 2026. The showfloor in 2025.

The Malaysian International Food & Beverage Trade Fair (MIFB) 2026 returns with a renewed national focus, positioning Malaysia's food and beverage industry as a connected domestic ecosystem that is not only built to scale, but is also supported by strong international participation.

Anchored by the theme Future-Ready F&B: Powering the Next Wave, MIFB 2026 builds on 25 years of industry experience to operate as a trade-first platform that empowers Malaysians. Alongside Malaysia Café Expo (MCE) and MyFoodTech, the platform connects the entire F&B value chain from homegrown brands to international players, unlocking market access, capability development, and export readiness through a comprehensive ecosystem aligned with regional demand - reinforcing Malaysia's position as a future-ready ASEAN F&B trade hub. 

Beyond product showcasing, MIFB 2026 brings together local and international small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), distributors, brand owners, manufacturers, marketers, innovation partners, and volume buyers, and serves as a central touchpoint for industry insights, emerging trends, and evolving business models. 

Supported by strong international participation, the platform enables companies to benchmark against global standards, gain practical market intelligence, and strengthen their capabilities. 

A key pillar of MIFB 2026 is its curated Buyer Programme, which prioritises organisations actively seeking innovative products, international partnerships, and cross-border sourcing opportunities both locally and internationally. Participating buyer profiles include: 

- Retailers, hypermarkets, and supermarkets 

- Convenience store operators 

- Distributors, wholesalers, and importers 

- Hoteliers and hospitality groups 

- Restaurants, café operators, and foodservice providers 

- Airline caterers, cruise liners, and in-flight service providers 

- Entertainment venues, leisure operators, and institutional buyers 

MIFB 2026 brings together MCE and MyFoodTech to create an all-in-one integrated space that highlights key growth segments shaping the future of F&B, with Malaysian and international exhibitors contributing complementary capabilities across: 

- Ready-to-eat (RTE), ready-to-cook (RTC), ready-to-drink (RTD) 

- Halal-certified products 

- Fresh, chilled and frozen seafood 

- Technology and solution providers for F&B, such as kitchen equipment, automation, and food-service technologies 

- Café ecosystems, from café equipment, coffee, and bakery, to patisserie, franchise, and licensing brands

As part of its annual programme, MIFB and MCE 2026 will also host the Malaysia National Coffee Championship (MNCC), organised in partnership with the Malaysia Specialty Coffee Association (MSCA), the only World Coffee Events (WCE)-licensed competition body in Malaysia. 

The championship crowns four national champions to represent Malaysia at the World Coffee Championships (WCC), serving as the definitive national platform to recognise, benchmark, and elevate Malaysian coffee talent on the global stage.

The 2026 programme will also feature a series of trade-driven highlights designed to spark innovation, share market insight, and encourage cross-sector collaboration locally and internationally, including:

- Knowledge Hub & Live Theatre – expert-led sessions covering emerging trends, innovation and business solutions, offering practical insights and fresh perspectives

- Halal Certification Workshop – guidance on halal certification requirements, application procedures, regulatory frameworks and management systems

Chef's Table – an immersive space bringing buyers and creators together to explore culinary innovation and business potential

Malaysian food and beverage companies are invited to participate in MIFB, Malaysia Café Expo and MyFoodTech 2026 to connect with buyers and partners actively seeking Made in Malaysia products and solutions, as well as international collaborators that support capability building and market expansion. Retailers, distributors, hospitality groups, and food-service operators are invited to register for the Buyer Programme to engage directly with both Malaysian and international exhibitors.

Details

MIFB 2026, from 15-17 July 2026 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, is open to trade visitors and participants only. To register, visit https://mifb.com.my/exhibit/

Take up a vegetarian omakase course at Sushi University

Source: Tabimori. Daikon sprouts, treated with the same kobujime (昆布締め) technique used for seafood sushi, develop a richer umami profile. In kobujime, the sushi topping is marinated with kelp before serving.

Tokyo-based Tabimori's Sushi University tour has a new vegetarian omakase option. According to the internationally-focused travel company, Japan has seen a surge in international tourism in recent years, but vegetarian and vegan visitors may face limited opportunities to enjoy Japanese sushi.

"Some participants completely avoid fish, while others simply dislike raw seafood. With our growing experience in accommodating such needs, we believe the time is right to offer an authentic, plant-based sushi omakase experience—one that stays true to the spirit of Japanese culinary artistry and hospitality," the company stated.

Historically, Edomae sushi chefs used techniques such as salting, simmering, steaming, marinating, and aging to enhance umami and preserve seafood before refrigeration. Today, these same techniques are applied to vegetables: salting reduces bitterness, gentle heating enhances natural sweetness, marinating in kombu adds depth, and fermentation develops complex flavours. In this way, vegetarian and vegan omakase become more than a fish substitute—they are a refined, nuanced expression of plant-based ingredients, the company pointed out

As part of the Sushi University experience, Tabimori will explain the philosophy behind Japanese culinary traditions, such as the traditional concepts of "five tastes" (五味 or gomi), "five colours" (五色 or goshiki), and "five techniques" (五法 or goho)—the core elements of washoku (和食, Japanese cuisine). 

- Five tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, umami 

- Five colours: white, yellow, red, green, black

- Five techniques: raw, simmered, grilled, fried, steamed

These ideas, developed to balance taste, presentation, and sensory experience, form the heart of Japanese culinary philosophy, Tabimori said. The principles reflect Japan's long-held wisdom—taste harmony, visual beauty, and nutritional balance. 

Sushi University offers an omakase sushi course for vegetarians and vegans (¥16,000) and five other courses for general travellers (¥19,000–¥69,000), all of which include meals and interpreting services. The omakase sushi course for vegetarians and vegans includes hotel pickup services as well as an interpreter. 

Vegetarian and vegan guests will enjoy sushi crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients selected by skilled sushi chefs. Guests can watch the chefs work up close at the counter, and request a custom menu on the spot. 

Explore

Book a sushi course online at https://sushiuniversity.jp/

Hilton Malaysia invites guests to plan ahead and save

With early booking savings, enhanced Hilton Honors benefits and stays designed for every traveller, Hilton invites guests to plan ahead and make the most of Malaysia's 2026 long weekends.

The Plan Ahead and Save 2026 campaign encourages travellers to book early and enjoy up to 25% savings on stays during Malaysia's long weekends and public holidays throughout 2026.

To qualify, guests should book their preferred travel dates by 10 March, for stays valid through 31 December 2026.

In addition to early booking savings, guests can enjoy an enhanced Hilton Honors loyalty programme, including a faster path to Elite status, simplified paths to earning points, and the introduction of Diamond Reserve, a new premium tier offering even more benefits.

With Plan Ahead and Save, guests enjoy up to 25% savings during these peak periods for Malaysia such as:

14 - 18 Feb: Chinese New Year 
Hilton Petaling Jaya – Features connected rooms.
DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka – Close to heritage attractions. 

Source: Hilton website. The Hilton Kota Kinabalu.

21 - 23 Mar: Hari Raya Aidilfitri 
Hilton Kota Kinabalu – Relaxed stay.

1 - 3 May: Labour Day 
DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur – Convenient for shopping, dining, and short breaks. 

30 May–2 Jun: Wesak & Agong's Birthday 
DoubleTree by Hilton Damai Laut Resort – Beachfront and Pangkor island activities. 

29 - 31 Aug: Merdeka Day 
DoubleTree by Hilton Putrajaya Lakeside – Scenic lakeside escape.
Hilton Kuching – Laidback riverfront retreat. 

7- 9 Nov: Deepavali 
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang – Beachside fun. 

25–27 Dec: Christmas
DoubleTree by Hilton Damai Laut Resort – Festive beachfront stay. 
DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam iCity – Seasonal dining and city celebrations 

Details 

To book, visit https://asiapac.hilton.com/en/country/malaysia

Hashtags: #HiltonForTheStay, #PlanAheadAndSave

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At the live stations, guests can request cooked-to-order seasonal options such as the claypot lobster golden pao fan, Eight Treasure fried rice, or the Treasure Pot pen cai. Other festive dishes include the Singapore chilli crab, and braised beancurd with shiitake and leek.

Usher in prosperity with seasonal golden pastries and confectionery, such as pineapple tarts, orange & chia seed tea cake, kueh lapis, and tang yuan. The experience concludes with fortune cookies. 

Details

Harmonious Lunar New Year Semi-Buffet Dinner 
Available till 28 March 2026 (excluding 14 February), every Friday and Saturday
6.30 pm to 10 pm
S$38++ per person

Reservations can be made at https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/sky22sincy/harmonious-semi-buffet-dinner-6652914096357376

Reunion Seafood Buffet 
Available till 1 March 2026, every Sunday and during the Lunar New Year (17 and 18 February 2026)*  
12 pm to 2.30 pm
S$68++ per adult (50% off every 2nd adult diner on Sundays, excluding eves of public holidays, and public holidays)

Reservations can be made at https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/sky22sincy/reunion-seafood-buffet-6193287663665152 

*The buffet is also available for dinner on Lunar New Year Eve, 16 February 2026, from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm. 

Auspicious gifts  

The Abundance Treasure Pot pen cai, serving eight to 10 persons, features premium ingredients including baby abalone, fish maw, prawn and sea cucumber alongside seasonal vegetables and dried oyster, is available for takeaways at S$328.88+. The Auspicious salmon yusheng is also available as a takeaway for S$68+. 

Details

Both options will be offered to 11 March 2026. Preorder at least seven days ahead at https://courtyardsingapore.oddle.me/en_SG 

Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points at participating hotel restaurants, bars, as well as for golf and spa sessions through the Marriott Bonvoy App. Use points for free nights, experiences, shopping, and more at any hotel or resort participating in Marriott Bonvoy, including at 30 Marriott brands worldwide. Membership is free.