4 November 2026

Malaysian mobile banking app users can now make overseas DuitNow QR payments via Alipay+

Source: PayNet. From left: Michael Guo, GM, Alipay+ SEA, ANZ and South Asia, Ant International; Praveen Rajan, CEO, PayNet; Danny Chung, GM, Alipay+ Global Growth Center, Ant International; and Azrul Fakhzan B. Mainor, Chief Commercial Officer of PayNet.
Source: PayNet. From left: Michael Guo, GM, Alipay+ SEA, ANZ and South Asia, Ant International; Praveen Rajan, CEO, PayNet; Danny Chung, GM, Alipay+ Global Growth Center, Ant International; and Azrul Fakhzan B. Mainor, Chief Commercial Officer of PayNet.


Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) has launched outbound DuitNow QR payment connectivity through Alipay+, the unified wallet gateway of Ant International. Malaysians can now use supported local mobile banking apps to pay at participating Alipay+-supported merchants in five destinations: mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, South Korea, the Philippines and Laos. The initial three launch banks are Maybank, CIMB and Hong Leong Bank, with Bank Islam set to join soon.

The launch forms part of PayNet’s long-term roadmap to extend secure and interoperable payment connectivity beyond Malaysia. It aligns with Bank Negara Malaysia’s vision for faster, more efficient and inclusive cross-border payments.

At participating merchants in the five supported destinations, customers can open the DuitNow QR payment function in their Malaysian banking app and scan the merchant’s QR code displaying the Alipay+ logo. They can then review and confirm the transaction within the same application, without downloading another app or creating an Alipay+ account.

3 November 2026

Singapore, Malaysia lead the largest AppliedEdu ASEAN rankings

The National University of Singapore (NUS) and Sunway University in Malaysia are ranked ASEAN's No. 1 public and private universities respectively in the AppliedEdu University Rankings 2027 for ASEAN*. 

Source: Sunway University. Mandy Mok, Founder and CEO of AppliedEdu (left) and Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President and Vice-Chancellor of Sunway University (right).
Source: Sunway University. Mandy Mok, Founder and CEO of AppliedEdu (left) and Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President and Vice-Chancellor of Sunway University (right).

NUS leads the public university rankings for the 3rd consecutive year, while Sunway University retains the top private university spot for the 4th consecutive year.

A total of 316 universities across nine ASEAN countries have been ranked, up by a third from 237 last year. More than 100,000 validated student survey responses inform the results, alongside academic peer nominations and verified institutional data. 

Malaysia claims seven of the top 10 private university positions and half of the top 10 public university positions. It also has more institutions in the top 50 of each category than any other country, with 21 private and 16 public universities. 

"Being named ASEAN's No. 1 private university for the fourth consecutive year is a proud moment for Sunway University and for Malaysia. Our ambition is for every graduate to leave with the knowledge, confidence and experience to build a meaningful career and contribute positively to society. That is what being a mission-driven 5th Generation University means to us. This recognition drives us to keep raising the standard of the education we offer," said Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President and Vice-Chancellor of Sunway University.

The AppliedEdu ranking approach gives the greatest weight to teaching and learning, which accounts for 40% of the assessment. Employability contributes a further 20% for private universities and 15% for public universities. Together, these measures represent 60% and 55% of the respective scores, making the quality of education and graduate student outcomes central to the results.

Students directly inform the assessment through their views on teaching, facilities and campus life. Public and private universities are ranked separately, using different weightings to reflect their missions. Research, institutional reputation, community engagement and internationalisation complete the assessment, recognising a range of contributions that universities make to students and society.

"Rankings should do more than recognise achievement; they should drive improvement," said Mandy Mok, Founder and CEO of AppliedEdu. "They should help universities build on their strengths, identify where change is needed, and make informed decisions that deliver better outcomes for students and the communities they serve." 

Across ASEAN:

Singapore

The National University of Singapore retains ASEAN's No. 1 public university position for the 3rd consecutive year, followed by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, in 2nd place. Four of the country's five ranked universities feature in the top 50.

Malaysia

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia is the country's highest-ranked public university, placing 3rd in ASEAN. Among private universities, Sunway University retains its regional No. 1 position, while Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation has climbed from 5th to 2nd. Taylor's University and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS rank 3rd and 4th respectively.

Indonesia

With 102 institutions, Indonesia has the largest representation in the rankings. Universitas Airlangga leads the country's public universities at 10th in ASEAN, while Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta jumped 22 places to 61st. 

Among private universities, Bina Nusantara University (BINUS) leads the country, rising from 8th to 5th regionally. Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang recorded the largest rise across both categories, rising 53 places to 57th. The Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo advanced 39 places to 37th, while Institut Teknologi Nasional Bandung is up 27 places. Both are private universities.

The Philippines

With 79 ranked institutions, the Philippines has the second-largest national representation. The University of the Philippines leads the country's public universities at 25th in ASEAN. Among private universities, the University of Santo Tomas leads the country, climbing six places from 14th to 8th regionally. First City Providential College also moved up 27 places in the private university rankings.

Thailand

Thailand has 43 institutions in the rankings. Chulalongkorn University leads the country's public universities at 9th in ASEAN, with 11 Thai institutions featuring in the public top 50. Krirk University is the country's highest-ranked private university, placing 7th regionally.

Vietnam

Vietnam's public universities recorded strong gains. The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City led the country's public universities at 33rd in ASEAN after climbing 23 places. Ton Duc Thang University jumped 27 places to 34th, while Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City rose 22 places to 44th. Among private universities, Duy Tan University leads the country at 14th regionally, while Nguyen Tat Thanh University advanced 30 places to 26th.


Brunei

Universiti Brunei Darussalam remains the country's highest-ranked public university and returns to ASEAN's public university top 10, climbing from 12th to 8th.

Cambodia

The University of Puthisastra is the country's highest-ranked private university, placing 28th in ASEAN.

Myanmar

The University of Yangon is the country's top public university, placing in the 101–110 band in ASEAN.

Across the region, 23 universities entered the top 100 for the first time. They include Indonesia's Universitas Brawijaya at 36th among public universities, Thailand's Shinawatra University, a private university at 21st, and Malaysia's IMU University at 25th (private universities).


The top 10 public universities, ASEAN 2027 

1 (2026: 1) National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore

2 (2026: 2) Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), Singapore

3 (2026: 3) Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Malaysia

4 (2026: 4) Universiti Malaya (UM), Malaysia

5 (2026: 5) Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia

6 (2026: 6) Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia

7 (2026: 9) Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia

8 (2026: 12) Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Brunei

9 (2026: 10) Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

10 (2026: 11) Universitas Airlangg,  Indonesia



The top 10 private universities, ASEAN 2027

1  (2026: 1) Sunway University, Malaysia

2 (2026: 5) Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Malaysia

3 (2026: 3) Taylor's University, Malaysia

4 (2026: 4) Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), Malaysia

5 (2026: 8) Bina Nusantara University (BINUS), Indonesia

6 (2026: 2) UCSI University, Malaysia

7 (2026: 6) Krirk University, Thailand

8 (2026: 14) University of Santo Tomas, Philippines 

9 (2026: 11) INTI International University, Malaysia

10 (2026: 10) Management and Science University (MSU), Malaysia 

Details

Full ASEAN results are available at appliededu.com/rankings

*The ASEAN rankings weigh six criteria: Teaching & Learning (40%), Employability (15% public, 20% private), Research (15% public, 10% private), Institutional Reputation, Community Engagement and Internationalisation (10% each). Public and private universities are never ranked together: each category has its own methodology and weights, reflecting the different missions they serve.

Two surveys sit at the heart of the method. The AppliedEdu Student Survey 2026 gathered the views of students on their teaching, facilities and campus life, with more than 100,000 responses validated and counted across the universities that took part. The AppliedEdu Peer-Nomination Survey asks academics which universities they hold in the highest regard, with every university's academics weighted equally and nominations of one's own institution excluded.

A record number of universities submitted a full set of verified institutional data through the AppliedEdu VAULT and took part in both surveys, the highest level of participation in the rankings' history. The rankings are overseen by the independent AppliedEdu Ranking Advisory Board and have been published since 2021.

The first 100 places in each table are ranked individually; places from 101 are listed in bands of ten, alphabetically. The full tables are at appliededu.com/rankings and the methodology at appliededu.com/rankings/methodology

A finer Christmas with Ryan's Grocery

Source: Ryan's Grocery. Earth & Yuletide box.
Source: Ryan's Grocery. Earth & Yuletide hamper.
Ryan’s Grocery, the full-service organic butchery and allergen-friendly specialist, has released its A Finer Christmas 2026 collection celebrating the art of butchery, carefully developed flavours and thoughtful entertaining.

The collection features handcrafted festive roasts, premium gourmet delicacies and curated Christmas gifts.

The art of butchery

A highlight of the collection is roast beef with truffle in bacon & beef (1.3 kg, S$178). A beef roast is filled with truffle stuffing and hand-wrapped in a criss-cross blanket of bacon and beef. 

Roasting develops a crisp, savoury exterior while the beef remains juicy. Meanwhile, the truffle stuffing adds aromatic depth. 

“The roast beef with truffle in bacon & beef is a creation close to our hearts. After months of research, development and refinement, we’ve brought together the flavours, textures and craftsmanship we envisioned. It’s something truly special that we’re proud to share with our customers this Christmas,” said Wendy Foo, Founder, Ryan’s Grocery. 

The roast beef with truffle in bacon (1.2 kg, S$158) is similarly prepared by hand, with truffle stuffing and a criss-cross bacon blanket that turns crisp and savoury when cooked. Another testament to the butchers’ skill is Ryan’s boneless turducken (6 kg, S$328), carefully deboned and assembled from turkey, duck and chicken with a sausage stuffing. Its layered construction calls for precision, patience and exceptional handwork. The collection also includes pork crown with stuffing (1.2 kg, S$108). 

Newly introduced is the boneless duck with stuffing & apple (2.8 kg, S$108). A deboned whole duck is filled with savoury Irish pork stuffing, green apple and dried cranberries, mixed with fresh marjoram and aromatic spices. The apple and cranberry complement the richness of the duck. 

Easier entertaining 

Your Festive Table brings together festive bundles, signature roasts and delicatessen selections. The new pork belly with herbed bratwurst stuffing (1.2 kg, S$138) joins the Signature Roasts range*. Comforting yet distinctive, it offers a
flavourful alternative to traditional Christmas roasts. 

Festive bundles begin with the classic turkey with chicken chestnut stuffing Set (5 kg, S$238). Beef Set options
include Australian Wagyu MB5+ roast (2 kg, S$458) and Australian grass fed Striploin Roast (2kg, S$398). Pork Set
options include pork belly with herbed Bratwurst Stuffing, Pork Belly with Bacon Cranberry Stuffing or Smoked hickory Iberico ribs (S$308 each). All sets include honey baked Ham, Gourmet Gravy, Cranberry Sauce and a cooler
bag. 

A new Ryan’s chimichurri sauce (200 g, S$11.90) adds a gluten-free accompaniment, combining coriander
leaf, Italian parsley, thyme, chilli padi, onion and garlic for an herbaceous, gently fiery contrast to rich roasted
meats. 

Other treats include Ryan’s festive gourmet hampers (S$80 - S$298), cheese and delicatessen platters, Italian panettone and pandoro, and sweets such as raspberry pistachio kunafa and gianduja chocolate vegan log cake (S$79 each).

Under the Super Early Bird promotion, customers can enjoy 15% off selected signature roasts, Festive Delicatessen, festive accompaniments and value-added raw items from the Be Your Own Chef collection, alongside 10% off selected festive bundles.

Details

The Super Early Bird promotion runs till 8 November 2026. Thereafter, a 10% early bird offer is available for eligible orders placed by 6 December 2026. 

Selected festive items, including Christmas turkey, are subject to availability. Early pre-orders are encouraged. Orders should be placed at least seven days in advance. Terms and conditions apply.

View the catalogue at https://ryansgrocery.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-A-Finer-Christmas-eCatalogue-preview.pdf

Full ordering details and terms are available at www.ryansgrocery.com

Hashtags:  

*Signature roasts require reheating. 

1 November 2026

Festive celebrations at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali

Update your diary for a festive season filled with memorable dining, cherished traditions, and moments of togetherness. At The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, Christmas and New Year bring a collection of curated experiences, from festive celebrations to distinctive culinary offerings and restorative wellness rituals, all set against the beauty of Nusa Dua. 

Source: The Ritz-Carlton, Bali. Celebrate the holidays with a collection of dining experiences and celebratory gatherings. A festive buffet spread.
Source: The Ritz-Carlton, Bali. Celebrate the holidays with a collection of dining experiences and celebratory gatherings.

From 1 December 2026 to 5 January 2027, guests are invited to experience the warmth of the season and the spirit of Balinese hospitality.

"The festive season is a time to gather with loved ones, celebrate traditions, and welcome the new year with a sense of anticipation. At The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, we have curated a range of experiences to suit different ways of celebrating, from festive dining and family activities to moments of relaxation and renewal. We look forward to welcoming our guests to share in the celebrations and create lasting memories with us," said Go Kondo, GM of The Ritz-Carlton, Bali.  

Christmas gatherings

Christmas at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is an invitation to gather over memorable meals and enjoy the quieter pleasures of the holiday season. Throughout December, guests can savour a festive afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton Lounge & Bar, while Christmas Eve brings a choice of refined dining at The Beach Grill and a buffet at Senses. A Christmas choir adds to the evening's atmosphere. 

On Christmas Day, a leisurely brunch at The Beach Grill is complemented by an Indonesian-inspired buffet at Bejana. 

As the year draws to a close, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali invites guests to welcome 2027 from New Year's Eve, when The Beach Grill presents a five-course dinner. Bejana showcases the flavours of Indonesia through a festive buffet, while Senses offers an international buffet experience. 

The celebrations continue at Senses Lawn, where the New Year's Eve Countdown Celebration brings guests together beneath the Bali night sky to welcome the year ahead. Guests can choose from standard entry, an all-inclusive pass with free-flow drinks, or a VIP table experience featuring Moët champagne. 

Beyond the celebrations, the festive season also offers an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with a sense of wellbeing. At The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Glow into the Season is a two-hour ritual that brings together three complementary treatments. Beginning with a 15-minute seaweed foot polish to refresh tired feet, the journey continues with a 60-minute relaxing massage designed to ease tension. A 45-minute Valmont Vitality Facial completes the experience, helping replenish the skin's hydration and restore its natural radiance. 

For those seeking to make the festive season a complete Balinese escape, A Festive Escape brings together the comforts of a resort stay with the pleasures of the holidays. The package includes daily breakfast at Senses, or a 24-hour in-villa breakfast service for villa bookings, alongside a one-time Christmas or New Year's Eve buffet dinner for two at Senses Restaurant.

Details

Reservations are available from 1 September to 20 December 2026, for stays from 18 December 2026 to 6 January 2027. To qualify for the offer, the entire stay must fall within the promotion period and include either 24 December or 31 December 2026. The offer is available with the promotional code EVE and is subject to advance purchase.

For dining reservations, contact Restaurant Reservations at +62 821 4465 5057 or rc.dpssw.restaurant.reservation@ritzcarlton.com 

For spa reservations, contact rc.dpssw.spa@ritzcarlton.com

31 October 2026

Imaging is the highlight of the vivo x500 Series

Source: vivo. Marketing materials featuring Jay Chou and the X500 series.
Source: vivo. Jay Chou is the ambassador for the X500 series.

- A smarter, more connected experience

- Advanced ZEISS telephoto imaging

- Cinematic video upgrades

- The largest batteries ever in an X Series phone

Singapore has welcomed the vivo X500 Series, comprising two flagship models: the X500 Pro Max and X500. The series pushes the boundaries of mobile imaging with an advanced ZEISS telephoto lens system. 

The X500 Pro Max features a 200 MP ZEISS APO telephoto camera, paired with the 400 mm-equivalent vivo ZEISS telephoto extender Gen 2 Ultra for outstanding telephoto performance. Powered by the smoother, smarter experience of OriginOS 7 and the largest battery capacity ever offered in the X Series, the new lineup elevates the flagship smartphone experience to new heights.

Next-level flagship imaging

Co-engineered with ZEISS, the X500 series combines vivo’s innovation with ZEISS’ expertise in imaging to deliver professional telephoto capabilities. The X500 Pro Max features a 200 MP ZEISS APO telephoto camera with a 1/1.4" ultra-sensing sensor HP0 and an 85 mm equivalent focal length. It incorporates CIPA 7.0 professional stabilisation, enabling longer handheld exposure times in low-light conditions while reducing motion blur.

Powered by the X-Track Engine, the X500 Pro Max delivers professional-grade subject tracking across both snapshot and video modes. Lock-On Subject Tracking1 keeps subjects sharply in focus, even when they move briefly out of the frame or become temporarily obstructed. The X500 Pro Max supports AF Tracking at up to 60 fps in Snapshot Mode, delivering smooth and responsive tracking performance.

The Super Snapshot Engine enhances long-range shooting capabilities, with 30x Long-Range Motion Snapshot on X500 Pro Max and 20x on X500 Pro. This makes it easier to capture fast-moving subjects from a distance with clarity and consistency. For video creation, 4K 120 fps Pro AF Tracking Video and Auto Framing Video further support precise subject tracking and framing.

For creators demanding even greater reach, X500 Pro Max supports the 400 mm-equivalent vivo ZEISS telephoto extender Gen 2 Ultra. Supporting more than 10 shooting modes, including Stage, Snapshot, and Pro, it gives creators greater flexibility when capturing distant subjects. 

The X500 is designed as an everyday creative companion, combining a 72 mm equivalent ZEISS APO telephoto camera with a ZEISS Pro-Level Ultra-Sensing Camera featuring a 50 MP 1/1.28" sensor like the one used in the X300 Pro. For portrait enthusiasts, the all-new Cinematic Portrait optimises portrait lighting across daylight, dusk, and indoor environments, applying film-inspired styles to make it easy to capture natural-looking portraits anytime, anywhere. Taking portraiture a step further, vivo Color Palette offers granular control over tone, glow, and grain.

Cinematic excellence

X500 Pro Max feature imaging systems centre around a ZEISS TrueDynamic main camera, empowering creators to produce video with rich details and dynamic range in challenging lighting conditions. The camera supports Cinematic Pro Log Video, capturing greater detail across highlights and shadows for cinematic visual latitude comparable to professional cinema cameras. 

A dedicated log curve, specifically tuned to the camera’s 17 EV ultra-high dynamic range2, preserves rich detail and tonal gradation while providing professional creators with greater flexibility in post-production. 

The main camera also debuts 4K Dolby Vision Portrait Video, bringing cinematic image quality and intelligent portrait enhancement to video. It preserves rich tonal depth and natural skin tones across complex lighting conditions. The new 4K Cinematic Portrait Video mode offers a range of cinematic colour styles, including the Sunny Day and Vibrant styles co-developed by vivo and ZEISS. Combined with ultra-high dynamic range, these styles deliver a classic cinematic look straight out of the camera.

For high-speed video capture, the ZEISS TrueDynamic main camera supports native 4K 240 fps High Frame Rate Video with extended recording time. Available in Video, Pro Video, and Slo-mo modes, it offers greater flexibility for slow-motion shooting and post-production, preserving fine detail and fluid motion even when capturing fast-moving subjects. Complementing this high-speed capture capability, X500 Pro Max features 3° Gimbal-Grade OIS, helping keep footage stable and smooth.  

The X500 series is also ideal for everyday content creation. It supports Multi-Focal 4K 120 fps High-Spec Video and 4K Cinematic Color Video. In Film Style mode, it delivers a 2.4:1 aspect ratio and industry-leading film effects, including motion blur, halation, and grain, to faithfully recreate the distinctive look of film—enabling cinematic, atmospheric footage to be captured with a single tap. Stage Mode 3.0 features Auto Framing Fancam Video, 4K Dual-View Stage Video, 4K Stage All-in-One Recording, and Super Telephoto Stage Snapshot.

To further enable cinematic storytelling, the X500 series features enhanced 4K Cinematic Color Video, offering classic film-inspired colour styles including Paris Afterglow, Golden Hour, and Pastel, along with support for 4K recording. Additional creative tools in Movie Workshop on the X500 series bring greater versatility and creative possibilities. Auto Framing intelligently tracks subjects to keep them centred in the frame, while Vortex Shot enables ultra-steady 360° rotating shots with one tap.

OriginOS 7: Smoother, more connected, and smarter

The X500 Series runs on OriginOS 7, which provides seamless cross-device connectivity and AI-powered productivity. Powered by Ultra-Core Computing, Memory Fusion, and Dual Rendering, it is designed to maintain a consistently smooth experience over time. Origin Workbench enables seamless task switching with floating windows and drag-and-drop file transfers across apps, making complex workflows feel effortless. Origin Smooth Engine delivers fluid animations with interruptible interactions, making every swipe and tap feel instantly responsive.  

OriginOS 7 also features enhanced cross-ecosystem connectivity, enabling interoperability with Apple devices, including AirPods and Apple Watch, as well as with iCloud. For everyday sharing, Quick Share3 simplifies file transfers across devices, supporting interoperability with AirDrop, while Seamless Device Switch supports one-tap migration by transferring only essential information. 

For productivity and entertainment, vivo Office Kit facilitates collaboration between vivo smartphones and Mac computers through tools such as Jovi PC and Camera Sharing.

On the design front, OriginOS 7 offers a range of personalisation features. Dynamic Translucent Material adds a distinctive visual aesthetic, while Wiggle (Boing) transforms static images into dynamic visuals. System-level StickIt extracts subjects from photos, allowing subjects to be placed anywhere for greater creative expression.  

AI-powered productivity tools further simplify everyday tasks. Snap & Go recognises information in screenshots, while AI Next Up turns recognised schedules into automatic reminders on the home screen. AI Recorder enhances recording with speaker recognition, transcript outlining, transcript refinement, and smart summaries. Supporting six templates, such as Meeting Summary, Lecture Notes, and Interview Summary, it helps turn recorded conversations and content into clear, structured insights4.

Advanced performance, efficiency, and endurance

The X500 Pro Max is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro, built on TSMC's 2nm process with a new 2 + 3 + 3 architecture to deliver powerful GPU performance and power efficiency. The X500, on the other hand, is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9600M for smooth everyday performance.

The X500 series introduces the largest batteries ever in the X series with the BlueVolt Battery System5: X500 Pro Max houses a 7,800 mAh battery6, and the X500 is equipped with a 7500 mAh battery7. All models support 90 W wired FlashCharge and 40 W wireless FlashCharge. The 2nd-Gen semi-solid‑state battery technology enables reliable operation even at temperatures as low as -20 °C, while Bypass Charging keeps the device cool even when used while charging. In addition, On-device AI learns individual usage patterns to intelligently optimise battery consumption without compromising core experiences like photography and gaming. 

The series features a ZEISS Master Color Display, delivering master-level visual performance with natural, true-to-life colours. For an even smarter and more comfortable viewing experience, X500 Pro Max is equipped with an advanced 2K ZEISS Master Color Display. Across the series, displays deliver up to 2,000 nits of global peak brightness and a 100% P3 colour gamut.

The X500 Pro Max is available in Starry Gray and Sunset Orange. The X500 Pro Max features a 6.85" display, the largest display ever on a vivo flat-screen smartphone, delivering a more immersive visual experience. 

The X500 introduces an all-new Floating Camera Module with a squared, streamlined form, and is available in Dusk Black and Sunny White. X500 Pro Max debuts a premium look with Tideline Design, where the camera module meets the body in a gentle slope inspired by the smooth curve of a receding tide. Across the lineup, IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance8, 3D Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanning, USB 3.2, and an infrared blaster add even more convenience to everyday use.

The vivo X500 series is available in Singapore starting from 31 October 2026, with launch promotions running from 31 October to 30 November 2026.

Details

The vivo X500 Series is available at vivo Experience Stores, authorised retailers and participating telco partners. 

Customers purchasing the vivo X500 Series can also enjoy the following benefits, subject to applicable terms and conditions:
 

- A free 200 mm telephoto extender + case (worth S$399; while stocks last) 

- Google AI Pro with 5 TB of cloud storage for 3 months (worth S$87) 

- Two-year international warranty coverage (worth S$129) 

- Three-month screen protection coverage (worth S$199)

 

Additional benefits are available for in-store purchases of the vivo X500 Series:  

- Jay Chou exclusive gift box (worth S$69)  

- 0% interest instalments when paying with DBS/POSB credit or debit cards with an additional S$50 off when purchasing the vivo X500 Series through an eligible instalment payment plan. Meanwhile, OCBC cardholders can enjoy 0% interest instalments for up to 24 months

- Extra S$50 trade-in bonus from 1-30 November 2026, with trade-in value of up to S$1,320

 

Launch promotions running until 30 November 2026 include:

- The vivo X500 (12 GB + 512 GB): S$1,899 (retail price: S$1,999)

- The vivo X500 Pro Max (12 GB + 512 GB): S$2,299 (retail price: S$2,499)

- The vivo X500 Pro Max photographer kit: S$3,099 (retail price: S$3,299)

 

Various vivo accessories are also available for purchase individually:

- The vivo ZEISS telephoto extender Gen 2 Ultra (400 mm): S$349

- The vivo imaging grip kit (compatible with vivo X500 Pro Max): S$179

- The vivo Buds Ultra (available in Black and White): S$229

- The vivo Buds clip (available in Black, White and Purple): S$199

- The vivo power bank 10000 33 W in White: S$69


For greater payment flexibility, DBS/POSB cardholders can enjoy 0% interest instalments 
In addition, customers purchasing the vivo X500 Series in-store can receive a Jay Chou Exclusive
Gift Box.
For more information, please visit:
Website:
X500: https://www.vivo.com/sg/products/x500
X500 Pro Max: https://www.vivo.com/sg/products/x500-pro-max
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vivoSingapore/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivo_singapore/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vivo_singapore
Shopee: https://bit.ly/41oNP5q
Lazada: https://bit.ly/4g4D6Dq
vivo Experience and Service Store | 313@somerset
313 Orchard Rd, #B2-44/45, Singapore 238895
vivo Experience Store | Jurong Point
1 Jurong West Central 2, #B1-15 Singapore 648886

1 Lock‐On Subject Tracking only supports human subjects.

2 The 17 EV ultra-high dynamic range is only effective in Video mode when selecting the Golden and Vivid colour styles. It is not effective in Photo mode. For the best 17 EV high-dynamic-range experience, it is recommended to use Golden Hour Portrait Video in Portrait Video mode.

3 This feature relies on third-party services. Its availability or functionality may change due to factors related to these services. The feature description on the promotional page will be updated as needed. Please refer to the actual user experience.

4 The availability of AI features may vary depending on the apps, device settings, country, region and language, etc. Please refer to the actual use.

5 This product supports 90 W FlashCharge and 40 W Wireless FlashCharge.

90 W FlashCharge means that X500 Pro Max is equipped with vivo's/JOVI's/iQOO's standard charger which supports a maximum charging power of 90 W. Actual charging power is dynamically adjusted as the scene changes and subject to actual usage.

40 W wireless charging can be achieved when the phone's standard charger and cable are used with a vivo 50W Vertical Wireless Flash Charger 2 (or iQOO 50 W vertical wireless charger 2). The actual charging power is dynamically adjusted based on the scenario and is subject to actual usage. Please note that X500 series is not compatible with the first- generation vivo 50 W vertical wireless flash charger (or iQOO 50 W vertical wireless charger).

6 X500 Pro Max features a single-cell design: typical capacity is 7,800 mAh (3.71V), with a typical energy of 28.94 Wh; rated capacity is 7605 mAh (3.71V), with a rated energy of 28.22 Wh.

7 X500 features a single-cell design: typical capacity is 7,500 mAh (3.76 V), with a typical energy of 28.20 Wh; rated capacity is 7270 mAh (3.76 V), with a rated energy of 27.34 Wh.

8 This product is rated as IP68 and IP69 for splash, water, and dust resistance under IEC standard 60529 and was tested under controlled laboratory conditions. The resistance to splashes, water and dust is not permanent and may be reduced due to daily use. Please avoid damage caused by liquid ingress.

30 October 2026

Etihad’s A380 debuts in Thailand

- Etihad celebrates the inaugural A380 service between Abu Dhabi and Bangkok 

- The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky, is launched to Thailand  

- Daily A380 service brings greater capacity and an enhanced premium experience 

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has flown its Airbus A380 into Thailand for the first time. The service introduces The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky, to Thailand, alongside Etihad’s First Apartments, Business lie-flat seats and Economy cabin.

Daily A380 operations between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Bangkok are now available as the peak winter travel season begins, supporting strong demand for travel between Thailand, the Middle East and Europe. The launch further enhances Etihad’s premium offering across Asia, following the introduction of the A380 on its daily Abu Dhabi–Tokyo service in June 2026.

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, Etihad Airways, said: “The arrival of our A380 in Bangkok is a significant milestone and another example of how we are investing behind strong customer demand. Thailand is an important premium market for Etihad, and deploying our flagship aircraft allows us to increase capacity while bringing our most distinctive guest experience to the route.

“We see tremendous opportunity across Thailand and the wider Asian market, and our investment in the region reflects our confidence in its continued growth. Bangkok joining our A380 network is an important part of that journey as we expand our capacity, strengthen connectivity through Abu Dhabi and offer guests even more reasons to choose Etihad.” 

The Residence 

At the pinnacle of Etihad’s A380 is The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky. Accommodating up to two guests, the 125 sq ft private suite features a separate living room with a reclining two-seater sofa, a bedroom with a double bed, and an ensuite bathroom with a full-height shower. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, luxury bedding and loungewear, premium amenities, and a tailored fine-dining experience supported by dedicated cabin crew. The experience also includes Etihad Chauffeur and access to a private lounge suite in Abu Dhabi.

First

First features nine private apartments arranged across a single aisle, each with sliding doors for greater privacy. The 39 sq ft suite includes a Poltrona Frau leather reclining lounge chair and a separate ottoman that converts into an 80.5" long bed, complemented by full turndown service, luxury bedding, designer loungewear and premium amenities. Guests can also enjoy a 24" touchscreen, a chilled refreshments cabinet, access to an onboard shower room, and an à la carte fine-dining experience accompanied by a premium selection of beverages and boutique wines.

Business 

The upper deck is home to 70 Business seats, each offering direct aisle access and converting into an 80" lie-flat bed. Guests can adjust the seat firmness, enjoy an in-seat massage function and stay entertained through an 18.5" touchscreen, with Wi-Fi connectivity and charging facilities available throughout the journey. The experience is complemented by destination-inspired à la carte dining, a curated selection of premium beverages, and LANEIGE amenities in Etihad’s new Business amenity kit line: the Destination Collection. Business guests can also relax and socialise in The Lobby, Etihad’s serviced lounge and bar area located between the First and Business cabins.

Economy 

The A380 accommodates 415 guests in Economy, with seats offering an 18.95" width, 6" recline and 32" legroom. Every seat features Etihad’s fixed-wing adjustable headrest, an 11.1" touchscreen, USB charging and access to Wi-Fi connectivity. Guests can enjoy complimentary destination-inspired meals or snacks and drinks, with pillows and blankets available on longer flights. Neighbour-Free seating also gives guests the option to enjoy additional personal space during their journey.  

Travellers can also take advantage of Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, extending their journey with a complimentary hotel stay of up to two nights and the opportunity to experience the UAE capital as part of a single itinerary.

Flight schedule – all times local

Flight

From

Departure

To

Arrival

Days

Aircraft

EY402

Abu Dhabi

9.20 pm

Bangkok

6.35 am+1 (next day)

Daily 

A380

EY403

Bangkok

8.35 am

Abu Dhabi

12.20 pm

Daily

A380