Singapore company offers portable COVID-19 test

Cell ID, a Singapore-incorporated medtech company, is selling a palm-sized portable genetic test kit that uses laptop software to detect if a person has COVID-19. Called the Quiz PCR Biochip, the test uses biotechnology to perform testing outside of the laboratory at the rate of two tests at a time.

Positive results can be confirmed as quickly as in five minutes while negative results are returned within an hour. A QR code on the biochip allows healthcare providers to quickly identify and electronically deliver the test results to the person being tested.

“Quiz PCR Biochips are affordable, single-use genetic tests that can detect COVID-19, anywhere at any time,” said the inventor, Xander Sim, CTO and co-founder of Cell ID.

“Currently, we can manufacture 8.5 million biochips in a month, which is 17 million tests.”

Source: Cell ID. The Quiz PCR Biochip is a portable genetic test kit for detecting COVID-19.

The test requires a tiny amount (10 µl) of a nasal swab or saliva specimen to be applied to the biochip, which when plugged into a laptop, runs a real-time RT-LAMP assay for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Two genetic tests are able to run concurrently using the same or different protocols - PCR tests or RT-LAMP assay. The biochips are hot-swappable, meaning that one biochip can be removed and replaced with another without requiring the entire system to shut down first. To operate the test, under two hours of training is required.

“We designed the Quiz PCR Biochip to be free of the cold-chain limitations of conventional tabletop PCR tests found in laboratories,” added Sim. 

“The Quiz PCR Biochip is capable of thermocycling for PCR tests, as well as single temperature operation for RT-LAMP assay. Our RT-LAMP assay fully meets the 95% CI accuracy standard.” CI stands for confidence interval, a way of measuring accuracy, while thermocycling refers to the cycles of heating and cooling required as part of the PCR test process.

The effectiveness of the biochips has been tested in Singapore in collaboration with Singapore healthcare agencies at two quarantine facilities (EXPO and a foreign workers' dormitory) between July and October 2020. A third-party laboratory independently validated the test’s efficacy in Switzerland in November 2020.

PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction, while RT-LAMP refers to reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification. RT-LAMP tests are generally cheaper and faster than PCR tests. PCR testing also requires operators to undergo more training.

Sales are subject to regulatory approval.

Explore:

Read an INSEAD blog post about the nuances of COVID-19 testing

Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery set to become mystery hideaway in Kyoto

Source: Accor. Interior, Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery.

Accor has introduced its second MGallery Hotel in Japan with the opening of Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery.

Situated in Kyoto, the hotel is designed by architect Yukio Hashimoto and is centred around a Japanese garden, offering an elegant portal to the four seasons. Hashimoto’s philosophy focusses on designing ambience rather than focussing solely on materials, allowing him to create timeless and minimalistic interiors.

The luxury boutique hotel offers a collection of 25 rooms, from 40-45 sq m deluxe rooms to the 53 sq m Rikyu Suite. Select rooms feature balconies with views towards Nijo Castle (二条城) and all rooms overlook the Japanese gardens, along with amenities including espresso machines, air purifiers, mini-bar facilities and separate bathrooms.

The hotel’s restaurant and bar, Singular, specialises in French offerings prepared using local ingredients. Chef Susumu Okubo, who trained under the French culinary masters Alain Ducasse and Pierre Gagnaire, will lead the restaurant, inviting guests to experience culinary masterpieces inspired by Japan's beauty and the rich culinary traditions of Kyoto. Okubo most recently served as Chef de Cuisine at the one-star Michelin restaurant Pierre, in Osaka.

Patrick Basset, COO for Accor, Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia and the Maldives said: “The opening of our second MGallery hotel in Japan signals our confidence in this brand to offer something truly distinctive to travellers. We know that our guests are continually seeking authentic and original experiences, and we predict this to be an even stronger trend in the years to come. With the opening of Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery, we look forward to welcoming guests to come and experience many memorable moments in Kyoto, a charming city with countless unique stories to tell.”

The hotel is near Nijo Castle – one of the 17 Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The central Kyoto district offers an array of sights and attractions including Kyoto Gosho (京都御所), the Imperial Palace and the imperial family's residence till 1868. Nijojo Mae Station (二条城前駅) is a short walk away, offering guests convenient accessibility via the Tozai Subway Line (東西線). For the convenience of guests who travel by train, the hotel offers a private transfer service from Kyoto Station.

“We are very excited to introduce this truly special hotel in Kyoto which is sure to become one of Japan’s most mysterious hideaways. We look forward pursuing the highest levels of excellence and crafting an array of authentic experiences for our guests on their next visit to this historic city,” said Yuko Sato, GM, Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery.

Details:

To celebrate the hotel’s opening, guests can experience a 10-course menu (including wine) at Singular, from JPY77,000 until 17 March 2021. Members of Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme Accor Live Limitless (ALL) can enjoy 20% discount on the best available rate including breakfast starting from JPY48,800 on weekdays from Sundays to Thursdays until 17 March 2021.

SuperGamerFest celebrates e-sports in SEA

PVP Esports has unveiled the programme for its virtual gaming and e-sports festival and awards show SuperGamerFest (SGF). Hosted by avid gamers based in Singapore – local musician and Dota fanatic Sezairi and host and streamer Victoria Cheng – the five-day festival is set to entertain audiences across Southeast Asia with celebrity showdowns, e-sports fun, exclusive interviews and the inaugural SuperGamerFest Awards.

Source: Singtel/PVP Esports. Main banner for SuperGamerFest.

Key highlights include: 

E-sports action as part of the Regional Grand Finals of the PVP Esports Community Championships 2020: Season 2. Country champions across eight countries* for the Open and Campus categories will battle it out to be Regional Champion for game titles Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Valorant.

From 9.30 am Singapore time (SGT, GMT +8) on 5-6 December (Mobile Legends) and 12-13 December (Valorant)

Exclusive interviews with back-to-back The International (TI) champions OG; CEO of one of the world’s largest e-sports organisations Team Secret, John Yao; Twitch Co-Founder Kevin Lin speaking for the first time since his departure from Twitch; and F1 driver for Red Bull Racing Alex Albon, who will share the impact gaming has had on his life. 

Sezairi will catch up with players, from OG over a candid chat as they share their triumphs and struggles as professional e-sports players competing at the highest level for Dota 2. Yao will provide an insider’s look into the e-sports industry – not just as a professional player but also advice for those who are keen to enter the industry as professionals.

An Intimate Chat with OG: 5.15 pm SGT, 11 December

An Insider’s Look at the Esports Industry with John Yao: 9pm SGT, 11 December

Kevin Lin: Life beyond Twitch: 8.20 pm SGT, 12 December

Alex Albon: Game on, Race on: 8.50 pm SGT, 12 December

Star-studded celebrity showdowns, featuring regional top-tier streamers and gaming influencers with a combined social following of 39 million across Southeast Asia. Fans will want to stay tuned for rounds of hilarity and good-natured fun as the gaming heroes and celebrities from the region take on popular games Among Us and Human: Fall Flat.

Human: Fall Flat: From 5.30 pm SGT, 11 December

Among Us: From 7:30 pm SGT, 11 December

The inaugural SuperGamerFest Awards. The awards are Southeast Asia’s first regional gaming content and e-sports awards created to celebrate the achievements and passions of creators and e-sports professionals. 

Shortlisted nominees across the region will be revealed on PVP Esports’ Facebook page in late November.

As part of the SGF Awards show on 12 December, the evening will feature guest performers SGAG – Singapore’s homegrown comedy platform, Australian YouTuber Wendy ‘Wengie’ Huang and additional special appearances from the world of sports and entertainment.

From 7 pm, 12 December

A rich repository of content on-demand for fans will also be exclusively available on the SuperGamerFest 2020 microsite. This includes interviews with industry stalwarts: former VP of the Houston Rockets’ e-sports team Clutch Gaming Sebastian Park – also known as the first dedicated e-sports front-office executive in North America and in the NBA; EVOS founder Hartman Harris sharing his thoughts on the future of e-sports in Southeast Asia, and Dota 2 coach from SK Telecom’s T1 - Park “March” Tae-won. 

Additionally, the content library will feature bonus team videos from renowned regional and global e-sports organisations like FaZe Clan and additional educational content meant to improve player knowledge and tips on navigating the gaming entertainment industry.

Available on demand from 5 – 13 December

Throughout the festival, fans can also look forward to being the first to hear exclusive industry announcements, plus a variety of pre-event and on-stream contests where they will stand a chance to win limited-edition prizes such as the Huawei Nova 7SE, Freebuds Pro and Watch FIT, GSP 601 and GSP 602 Professional Gaming Headsets by EPOS Audio and gaming peripherals from Xtrfy.

Powered by Singtel and Globe, Singtel’s joint venture in the Philippines, SGF is supported by partners AIS, Dunia Games, MaxStream, EPOS Audio, Xtrfy, Huawei, Royal Ergonomics, Redbull, preferred streaming partner Twitch and production/venue partner Ebenex Live. SGF is produced by event and festival production firm Branded and gaming and e-sports experts Yup.gg and is part of the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) annual Singapore Media Festival. 

PVP Esports is a regional e-sports league based in Singapore. It is also home to the PVP Championship and PVP Community (Campus and Open) Championships.

Details:

Admission to SGF is free.

Source: Singtel. Programming schedule for SuperGamerFest.

Hashtag: #SuperGamer2020 

*Participating countries for PVP Esports Community Championships (Season 2): Brunei (Open only), India, Indonesia, Malaysia (Campus only), Myanmar (Open only), the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Sing! Men's Chorus launches virtual choir performance

Singapore's all-male choir Sing! Men’s Chorus (SMC) has marked the resumption of arts performances in Singapore with the launch of its first virtual choir project, Why We Sing. The music video, on SMC's YouTube channel, was two months in the making and embodies a very powerful message of hope – that the local arts community can reach a new normal where society recognises performance arts, including music as essential to community development.

SMC's Choral Director Gregory Chen said such projects are important to keep engagement and conversation going on the importance of the arts in Singapore. He selected Why We Sing by Greg Gilpin, a US-based composer, arranger and choral conductor, to be the first virtual project for the choir as it reminds us of why music is important to our souls, and to connecting with others, especially at a time when it is tougher to have physical meetings. Lyrics in Why We Sing allude to soothing souls and bringing "together lives that have been torn apart", referring to the singing as a "neverending gift that circles back again".

"While the number of arts professionals may be relatively small, the total arts community that includes schools, religious communities and countless other voluntary enthusiasts far outstrips that number. Their collective activity fosters firm friendships, responses to meaningful causes and a gentler nurturing energy that not only entertains but also inspires, supports and promotes charity among people outside of their organisations in ways that laws, politics, science and money cannot buy. To ignore their vital role in society is to underestimate their value within their communities and to commit a disservice to the needy and underprivileged,” shared Chen.

SMC has a cult following among the choral community for its entertaining annual concerts as well as other projects. The Chorus has put up at least one full concert every year, with the exception of the 2020 season, when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all possibilities of group rehearsals from being carried out. With the new normal in place, the choir will now take its performances online, and plans to roll out more virtual content for its growing global fanbase.

SMC, formerly known as the Singapore Men's Chorus, was formed to provide an avenue for those interested in male chorale and present another form of choral music for the public to enjoy. It all started with a chance meeting at a wine-tasting party between two men, Todd Katschke and Jason Ong, both of whom had been active in choral music for many years. Since there was no men's chorus in Singapore, Katschke and Ong decided to plug the gap. SMC was born with 11 members in 2005, and has grown to over 30 members today. Members hail from all walks of life, and from vastly different musical backgrounds. For some members, SMC has been the first training ground for choral music.

Details:

 

Watch Why We Sing. It is dedicated to the Singapore arts community.

Following the release of Why We Sing will be a documentary giving a peek behind-the-scenes of what it takes to put together a project of this nature, especially under the tight restrictions of the last few months.

Labuan welcomes more financial services firms in 2020

Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (Labuan IBFC) continues to attract financial services firms from across the globe in 2020, with more than 50% increase in licensing application approvals for 1H20, making a total of more than 800 licensed entities currently operating in the midshore jurisdiction.

While an offshore jurisdiction typically offers preferential tax rates and other advantages to companies that an onshore jurisdiction might not, a midshore jurisdiction is positioned in between the ends of the spectrum. Labuan IBFC offers a balance between client confidentiality and compliance with international best standards and practices, with a business-friendly environment, simple and attractive tax system, and a robust, modern and internationally-recognised legal framework enforced by its regulator, Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA).

"Notwithstanding the challenges and movement restrictions due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are glad to continue to have growth, an increase in licenses approved during the first half of 2020," said Datuk Danial Mah Abdullah, Director-General of Labuan FSA in his welcome speech at the third Asian Captive Conference (ACC).

"Having said that, we remain cautious on the outcome in the second half of the year but am optimistic that we will pull through this 'COVID-19 rollercoaster year' on a positive note," he added.

Other than the safety precautionary measures for COVID-19, Mah said Regulatory Reliefs were provided to help alleviate the operational difficulties of the market. "We will continue to support the market players during this difficult and challenging time as we navigate the new normal together. We are always engaging with our players on this," he said.

Mah said that Labuan IBFC as a midshore jurisdiction takes the approach of proportionality in regulation and market engagement, noting this philosophy is appropriate during these times of change and uncertainty, and will serve the jurisdiction well moving forward. He explained that Labuan IBFC is a "whitelisted" jurisdiction by the European Union and deemed largely compliant by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. With this, coupled with Labuan FSA's continued commitment to adhere to the highest regulatory and supervisory standards, Mah is confident that the global financial services industry will continue to regard Labuan IBFC positively today.

Meanwhile, Labuan IBFC Inc. CEO Farah Jaafar-Crossby said, "The growth in licensed entities definitely evidences Labuan IBFC's relevance as intermediaries continue to look for safe harbour jurisdictions, that are well regulated to international standards set by global multilateral organisations."

Specifically in reinsurance, Labuan IBFC continued to see growth in the insurance industry with 11 new licensed being approved of which seven were captive insurance entities, reinforcing its jurisdictional reign in the Asia captive market.

"Captive insurance is certainly growing in size as it now attributes 31.4% of total gross premiums underwritten in Labuan IBFC, amounting to US$267.9 million with 72.8% of the total captive premiums from international markets," Mah said.

"This is in line with the status of Labuan IBFC as a regional wholesale risk intermediating centre. In fact, for the first half of 2020, 64.5% of total gross written premiums of the reinsurance industry originated from international markets.

"We expect this percentage to increase as we develop Labuan even further as a centre of risk management and reinsurance through innovation. For instance, Labuan IBFC is the only jurisdiction in Asia that offers protected cell companies (PCC)."

He also added that it is a natural progression that as the Labuan community of financial institutions continue to grow, more intra Labuan IBFC trade will occur. ,"This is a natural progression of a jurisdiction with more than 800 licensees, with the insurance market representing nearly 30% or 220. As we mature as a financial centre, cross-pollination of businesses is part of a natural development cycle that reinforces a vibrant intra-Labuan business ecosystem for all institutions to partake in," Mah said.

Returning to work calls for travel and expense adjustments

Business processes had to undergo dramatic changes with lockdowns, but it's not a matter of 'business as usual again' when companies return to work, says Andy Watson, SVP & GM, Asia Pacific Japan & Greater China, SAP Concur.

According to Watson, examples of travel and expense-related changes that were made at the beginning of work-from-home mandates include:

- A slowdown in international business travel and its associated expenses.

- Temporarily ending expensed meals for business lunches, dinners, or in-office meetings.

- Increase in office expenses like monitors and chairs as employees furnish their home offices.

- New expenses to consider like Internet and mobile phone bills for employees who must work from home.

"New policies and processes need to be put in place to accommodate travel restrictions and changes in expenses. While finance managers need to stay flexible as the business environment continues to evolve, spend control and compliance should still be a high priority," Watson said.

Some questions that he suggested finance managers ask as they prepare for return to work to help keep control and compliance top of mind include:

What will travel look like for the company?

"Finance managers must work with travel and HR counterparts to determine the need for employee travel, if at all, and how to keep employees safe. A recent SAP Concur business traveller study found that 91% of Asia Pacific (APAC) business travellers feel concerned about resuming travel. They are especially worried getting sick themselves (55%) or infecting their family (51%)," Watson pointed out.

"Clear guidelines should be developed, even if they are temporary or evolving, so it’s clear who can travel, when they can travel, and how they can travel. Duty of care plans should also be re-evaluated and businesses should ensure they know at all times where employees are traveling for business and how they can communicate with them in the event of an emergency."

Watson also cautioned that organisations that are not proactively protecting employee wellbeing on business trips could risk consequences. "Fifty-one percent of APAC business travellers told the same study they would ask to limit travel if their company does not implement the measures they want. About 14% would look for a position that does not require travel – including 5% who would consider a position at a different company," he said.

Who needs to approve travel and expenses?

"While it may be temporary, businesses may have to implement a more stringent approval policy for travel and other expenses. Due to health concerns related to travel and the need to conserve cash flow, business leaders like CFOs may want to have final approval over all travel and expenses until the situation stabilises," Watson observed.

"To help ensure new approval processes don’t cause delays and inefficiencies, finance managers should implement an automated solution that streamlines the process and allows business leaders to review and approve travel requests, expenses, and invoices right from their phones."

What types of expenses are within policy?

Watson noted that prior to social distancing, employees may have been allowed to take clients out for entertainment. Additionally, in-person team meetings held during the lunch hour may have included expensed lunches. "As employees return to work, finance managers need to determine if these activities and expenses will be allowed again. Clear guidelines must be put in place and expense policies need to be updated to reflect any changes," Watson said.

What happens to home office items that were purchased?

"While new office equipment may have been purchased for employees’ home offices, they remain the business’s property and what to do with them as employees return to work needs to be determined," Watson highlighted.

"Perhaps employees will continue to work from home a few days a week and need to keep the equipment to ensure productivity. However, if a full return to work is expected, finance managers have options that can maximise their asset investment and possibly save the company money, like replacing old office equipment with the new purchases, reselling to a used office furniture company, or donating to a non-profit. Such considerations will become increasingly relevant, with a recent SAP Concur finance study revealing that 71% of employees in APAC want their organisations to subsidise or fully pay for the expenses needed to create a productive home working environment. Employer provision of IT peripherals is widely expected," he elaborated.

How can cost control be ensured?

"For many businesses, cashflow will be tight for the foreseeable future. Spend needs to be proactively governed and managed to help ensure recovery and stability. An important aspect of controlling costs is having full visibility of expenses throughout the company," Watson said.

"Some organisations have experienced the pressing need to deal with paper invoices that are continuing to be mailed to their largely empty offices. Invoice digitisation and automation will let firms take control of the accounts payable process. With control and real time visibility into their liabilities, they can accurately forecast their cash positions and make better business decisions."

Watson recommends implementing an automated spend management solution that integrates expense and invoice management as it brings together a business' spend, simplifying finance managers’ work and giving them a better understanding of where they can save, where to renegotiate, and where to redirect budgets based on plans and priorities.

"Once finance managers have asked themselves the questions above and determined how they want to approach travel and expense procedures, it’s vital they create guidelines and communicate clearly to employees. Compliance can only be ensured if employees have a clear understanding of what has and has not changed with travel and expense policies, and what’s expected as they return to work," he concluded.

Look to Double Days for retail boosts: Criteo

- “Double Days” are growing into sales events of their own – during the most recent 9.9 (9th September) sale saw substantial growth in retail sales in Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia, of 213%, 183% and 156% respectively.

- Singles’ Day 2019 (11th November) saw a 414% increase in online retail sales and 273% increase in online retail traffic across Southeast Asia. In Singapore, online retail sales and traffic increased significantly, by 477% and 126% respectively.

- In Indonesia, 12.12 (12th December) remained the largest shopping moment within the country (Online retail sales and traffic increases of 258% and 77%)

Criteo, the advertising platform for the open Internet, has unveiled seasonal data for trending shopping festivals for Southeast Asia. In Singapore, Singles’ Day was revealed to be the biggest shopping event of the year in 2019. According to Criteo’s Seasonal Sales Dashboard, which recorded over 2 billion transactions across 5,000 retailers from 35 markets, Criteo found that Singles’ Day 2019 saw a 414% increase in online retail sales and 273% increase in online retail traffic across Southeast Asia. In Singapore, online retail sales and traffic increased significantly, by 477% and 126% respectively.

Singles’ Day, once again, had the highest conversion rate, with an increase of 155% in Singapore, and strong year on year growth of 49% from 2018.

“Singles’ Day continues to be a key retail moment for our region. Specifically, in Singapore, where we continue to see new records in online retail sales and retail traffic on this date, every year,” said Taranjeet Singh, MD, South East Asia and India at Criteo.

“In light of today’s evolving landscape and developments as result of the current pandemic, retailers need to seize the opportunity of Singles’ Day 2020 to succeed with customers and drive strong sales.”

Across Southeast Asia, Singles’ Day remained the largest shopping event in countries including Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. In Indonesia, 12.12 remained the largest shopping moment within the country.

Southeast Asia

- 10.10 (10th October): Online retail sales and traffic increased by 24% and 10%

- Black Friday (the Friday after Thanksgiving): Online retail sales and traffic increases of 44% and 20%

- Cyber Monday (the Monday after Black Friday): Online retail sales and traffic increases of 42% and 25%

Indonesia: 12.12 was the winning shopping festival, followed by Singles’ Day:

- 10.10: Online retail sales and traffic increases of 158% and 40%

- Singles’ Day: Online retail sales and traffic increases of 149% and 60%

- 12.12: Online retail sales and traffic increases of 258% and 77%

Taiwan: Singles’ Day was the largest shopping moment, followed by 12.12 and Black Friday:

- Singles’ Day: Online retail sales and traffic increases of 400% and 165%

- Black Friday: Online retail sales and traffic increases of 59% and 49%

- 12.12: Online retail sales and traffic increases of 149% and 61%

Criteo data also revealed that “Double Days” are growing into sales events of their own. In Malaysia and Vietnam for example, 7.7 (7th July) turned out to be an emerging sales peak this year, with increased retail sales by 132% and 64% in the two countries, respectively.

Most recently this year, substantial growth was recorded in retail sales in September, during 9.9, particularly in Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia, of 213%, 183% and 156% respectively. In October, during 10.10, the Southeast Asia region recorded an overall 46% increase in sales when compared to the last two weeks of September, and saw a conversion rate of 460% during the retail moment.

Criteo also noted that shopping apps continue to grow in popularity amongst users in Southeast Asia. According to Criteo’s Peak to Recovery study, which surveyed over 13,000 consumers worldwide in May 2020, 53% of consumers discovered at least one form of online shopping during the peak of the pandemic – be it purchasing through mobile apps, or picking up online purchases in stores – that they wish to continue.

“The unique circumstances of navigating COVID-19 have resulted in evolving consumer behaviour with regards to online shopping. Not only are people shopping more, they are also more inclined to using apps for retail,” explained Singh.

“In Q3 2020, our data revealed that the share of app sales was 75% for retailers with a shopping app and that Southeast Asia was one of the regions with the highest app share globally. With shoppers now inclined toward in-app retail experiences, retailers should step up efforts to engage consumers through these mediums during key retail moments like Singles’ Day for maximum traction.”

Jo Bjordal, CMO, ZALORA explained, "COVID-19 has changed shopping behaviour across our markets, with more people shifting to buying things online. The demand and consumption patterns for product categories have changed dramatically too.”

When it came to key changes in retail preferences, Bjordal elaborated on spikes in consumer demand that fashion e-tailer ZALORA has seen in the last recent months, even during the last Double Day, 10.10. “Within the lifestyle segment, we have seen a spike in demand towards the loungewear, beauty, kids, as well as continued growth in sports and wellness categories. In fact, these categories at ZALORA have grown by as much as 400% as seen in this year’s 10.10 sales days, as people continue to prioritise personal wellbeing and spend more time at home. On the other hand, demand for women’s apparel and occasion wear products has declined as compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, although this is expected to pick up again once the situation around COVID-19 stabilises, and countries gradually ease into their respective re-openings,” he said.

Criteo said brands should keep in mind the following best practices to drive maximum traction with customers as they get ready for Singles’ Day this year:

Target the most valuable audiences

Through website and campaign optimisation, brands can be assured of a wider reach from new and existing customers. This includes finding new, interested shoppers and re-engaging existing customers through data and insights.

Maximising customer value

Customers are looking to get the most value from their purchases, so it is key to ensure that this is communicated to customers, and brands look for unique ways to differentiate their offerings, apart from providing substantial discounts in cost. This could include unique and practical customer services, including safer store shopping options and online-meets-offline purchasing to address customer concerns during the pandemic.

Enhancing ad relevance

It is not enough for brands to advertise Singles’ Day deals – they need to ensure that ads are served in the right context and with the relevant content to their specific audience. This means considering the timing at which ads are served, preferably at a time when a consumer is likely to make a purchase.

YTO Cargo Airlines begins Singapore-Hangzhou cargo operations

Source: Changi Airport Group. Chinese express carrier YTO Cargo Airlines launches new services between Singapore and Hangzhou.

Chinese express carrier YTO Cargo Airlines [圆通航空] has launched thrice-weekly services between Singapore and Hangzhou. The new carrier’s first flight from Hangzhou landed at Changi Airport on November 2, 2020.

From November 2020, Alibaba’s logistics arm, Cainiao [菜鸟网络], will utilise YTO Cargo Airlines’ services for the transportation of e-commerce shipments. YTO Cargo Airlines’ direct airfreight route between Hangzhou and Singapore will improve Cainiao’s stability and efficiency in achieving its goal of global delivery within 72 hours in Southeast Asia, amid a surge in cross-border e-commerce orders. It will also cater for the expected increase in air cargo demand during year-end online shopping festivals such as Singles Day on 11 November.

Lim Ching Kiat, Changi Airport Group’s (CAG) MD of Air Hub Development said, “We are pleased to welcome YTO Cargo Airlines to Changi’s family of airlines. In these challenging times, the additional capacity provided by YTO Cargo Airlines will help support global supply chains and facilitate the transfer of essential goods between countries. As an express carrier, YTO Cargo Airlines will enable fast air transportation of cross-border e-commerce shipments so that customers can benefit from timely deliveries, amid the rise of online shopping and disruptions in the aviation industry.”

David Su, YTO Cargo Airlines’ Chairman said, “We are delighted to launch our newest route to Changi Airport, together with our shareholder and core strategic partner Cainiao. Singapore is one of the key hubs in the Southeast Asia market, while Hangzhou is the cradleland of e-commerce in China. We are committed to responding to customer demands by providing five-star service and supporting bilateral trade between China and Singapore.”

Singapore’s air trade – imports and exports* – with China, Changi’s top air cargo market, has remained relatively resilient during the pandemic, growing 7% year-on-year to more than 108,000 tonnes in the first nine months this year. This is largely due to strong import flows of personal protective equipment (PPE) in earlier months, as well as e-commerce products.

In the past seven months, Changi has also added four new freighter links to China, bringing the total to seven** as of October 2020. Including freighter, passenger and cargo-only passenger flights, there are currently 14 city links between Singapore and China, providing greater convenience and capacity for the air transportation of goods between the two countries.

For the first nine months of 2020, Changi Airport handled 1.13 million tonnes of airfreight throughput in total.

*Imports make up about 60% of the volume, and exports make up 40%.

**Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou and Nantong are the new freighter links since April 2020, joining links to Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen.

Sony Singapore names Grand Prize winner for Alpha Creators Contest 3.0

Source: Sony. Sim Zhe Yong won the third Alpha Creators Contest in Singapore.

Sony Electronics has concluded the third Alpha Creators Contest in Singapore, awarding its Grand Prize to Sim ZheYong, an Assistant Architect, for his #SonyBeTheChange photo-series, titled A Second Look.

The photography competition, which saw more than 1,252 entries cumulates in an in-store photography exhibition at the Sony Store at 313@Somerset, running till 3 January 2021. More than 100 shortlisted photographs and stories will also feature in a virtual gallery exhibition.

“The Sony Alpha Creators contest was introduced as a platform for both aspiring and professional photographers to advance photographic culture and develop their passions. 2020 has been an unprecedented year for everyone, and we wanted to empower Singaporeans with the opportunity to express their creativity and share their stories of change during this time,” said Nathaniel Neo, Head, Digital Imaging Marketing, Sony Electronics Singapore.

"I am extremely grateful to have had this opportunity to be a part of the Sony Alpha Creators contest. It would be great if there were more opportunities like this for aspiring Singaporean storytellers to push the boundaries of photography and challenge the perceptions and expectations of the audience,” said Sim Zhe Yong, Winner, Sony Alpha Creators 3.0.

Sim's images, shot on the Sony Alpha 7C, Sony’s latest compact full-frame camera, showcases a side of Singapore that that often goes unnoticed. A Second Look showcases the struggles of people who are 'fighting' for different things in life. For his photo series, Sim took a step back to better understand who he was shooting and what was happening around him. Each interaction gave him a snippet of life from the subjects' perspective. This enlightening experience redefined his photography journey as he was able to approach and see things differently, instead of taking everything at face value.

Semi-finalists (Yean Chin, Lawrence Tam, Izhar Razali) took home S$1,000 in cash while the Grand Winner also received a Sony Alpha 7 III or choice of Sony product worth S$2,500.

The Sony Alpha 7C is the world’s smallest and lightest* full-frame body. It combines Sony’s full-frame image quality, advanced autofocus (AF) capabilities and versatile video shooting functions in a compact design. The new camera features a 24.2 MP (approximately effective) 35 mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine, offering high sensitivity, outstanding resolution, a 15-stop wide dynamic range and high-speed image data processing.

*Among full-frame interchangeable-lens digital cameras with an optical in-body image stabilisation mechanisms, as of September 2020. Sony survey.

GeForce RTX 3080 and 3090 buyers eligible for Call of Duty game bundle

Source: NVIDIA. The standard edition of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War bundle will include the Woods Operator Pack and the Confrontation Weapons Pack.

NVIDIA has announced that for a limited time, buyers of GeForce RTX 3080 or 3090-equipped graphics cards and PCs will get a copy of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.  

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is the latest game in the blockbuster Call of Duty franchise and launches November 13, 2020. The game is a perfect showcase for the latest NVIDIA technology following the addition of immersive ray-traced shadows to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. NVIDIA effects to the Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War campaign on PC include: 

 - NVIDIA RTX-accelerated ray-traced ambient occlusion, local shadows, and sun shadows effects for more immersive gameplay. 

 - NVIDIA DLSS to boost frame rates while generating beautiful, crisp game images. 

 - NVIDIA Reflex to reduce system latency. In the beta, NVIDIA Reflex reduced system latency by up to 20%. 

- NVIDIA Ansel to frame and snap unique hi-resolution screenshots. 

 - NVIDIA Highlights in Multiplayer mode, ensuring memorable in-game moments are automatically recorded and saved.  

Details: 

Gamers must buy from specific retailers and e-tailers by December 10, 2020 will get a copy of the standard edition of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. The edition included in the bundle also features the Woods Operator Pack and Confrontation Weapons Pack. 

For a list of participating products and partners, visit Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War GeForce RTX Bundle home page.