25 June 2025

POCO F7: Futuristic design meets power

Source: Xiaomi. Poster for the new POCO F7 smart phone.

POCO, a technology brand for young tech enthusiasts, has launched the POCO F7 in Singapore. The smart phone is powered by the new Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Mobile Platform, bringing flagship-level power and efficiency to more users. 

To mark this evolution, POCO has rolled out a bold new look - the POCO F7 Cyber Silver Edition - featuring a Snapdragon logo on the back. This launch also marks the debut of Rydr, POCO's first-ever virtual avatar. 

"With POCO F7, we're advancing our commitment to redefine flagship performance by making it accessible to a wider audience. The launch of POCO F7 Cyber Silver Edition - with its distinctive aesthetic - further embodies our vision to connect more deeply with a new generation by blending futuristic style and powerful technology," said Angus Ng, Head of Product Marketing at POCO Global.

POCO F7 embodies speed, power, and intelligent action, a reflection of the brand's ongoing pursuit of breakthrough performance and deeper engagement with the tech-savvy generation. 

Looks

Introducing an all-new design language inspired by speed, POCO F7 features a streamlined surface, an aluminum alloy frame, and a glass back cover. Minimal bezels in front frame the display, achieving a 94.23% screen-to-body ratio2, adding to the sense of immersion and visual flow. Complementing this, large-radius curves enhance ergonomics, offering a comfortable grip. At the back, a blade-like neon flare camera deco embodies precision and a sense of motion, while a golden-angle tangent line divides the panel.

Ruggedness

Beyond appearance, POCO F7 is engineered to endure. The reinforced structure offers bending resistance rated up to 70 kg2, reducing impact from accidental pressure. IP68 dust and water resistance8 add further dependability.

Power

At the core of POCO F7 is the recently-debuted Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Mobile Platform, built on an all-big-core CPU architecture that enables faster, more efficient processing. With an AnTuTu benchmark score of 2,084,5351, it achieves over 30% performance improvement² over the previous generation.

To keep this power stable under pressure, POCO F7 features the brand's most advanced and effective cooling system yet: a 6,000 mm² 3D Dual-Channel IceLoop System. with the biggest loop heat pipe ever used in a POCO device. 

Supporting this is a 6,500 mAh (typical) battery - the largest in the POCO F Series. Paired with 90W HyperCharge3, which charges the battery to 80% in just 30 minutes4, it delivers extended screen time with minimal downtime. For added convenience, POCO F7 supports 22.5 W reverse charging5, offering broad compatibility across Xiaomi and other major smartphone brands.

Display

To match its flagship-level performance, POCO F7 features a 6.83" 1.5 K ultra-bright display that strikes the ideal balance between visual impact and everyday usability. With high brightness, precise touch response, and advanced eye comfort features, it delivers flagship-level clarity, comfort, and control.

For clear visibility even in harsh light, the display reaches 3,200 nits peak brightness and covers up to 25% average picture level (APL), enhancing brightness across a larger screen area without being limited to high dynamic range (HDR) or standard dynamic range (SDR) content. This is further supported by POCO's Sunlight Display 4.0, which enhances contrast in real time for vivid, accurate visuals.

Built with both comfort and precision in mind, POCO F7 is equipped with TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) certification, TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free certification, and TÜV Rheinland Circadian Friendly certification, reducing eye strain. Paired with 3,840 Hz pulse width modulation (PWM) dimming, Wet Touch Display 2.0, and a 2,560Hz7 instant touch sampling rate, the screen adjusts seamlessly across different use scenarios, whether navigating with damp fingers or responding to fast-paced gaming.

Camera

The camera interface has also been redesigned for clearer navigation and a smarter user experience. At the heart of the camera system is a 50 MP Sony IMX882 main camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS), delivering high-quality images across diverse lighting conditions.

Features like UltraSnap and Live Photo further elevate the shooting experience with speed, depth, and motion. POCO F7 offers versatile 26 mm, 35 mm, and 52 mm focal lengths for portrait photography, coupled with a real light spot feature that gives backgrounds a soft blur. A new AI function, AI Beautify, further enhances image quality by refining tone, clarity, contrast, and brightness levels. 

Performance 

Translating performance into real-world responsiveness, POCO F7 runs on Xiaomi HyperOS 26. On the gaming front, WildBoost Optimization 4.0 brings further gaming enhancements with support for 1.5 K Super Resolution and Smart Frame Rate for up to 120 frames per second (FPS) in Genshin Impact. Completing the flagship experience is the Surge T1s signal tuner, which enhances cellular performance and boosts Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stability to keep the device reliably connected.  

Details

POCO F7 comes in Black, White, and Cyber Silver, with two storage variants. 

Variant

 

Recommended retail price (RRP)

Early bird price

Additional online voucher

Price after

applying voucher

12 GB + 256 GB

S$559

S$529

S$30

S$499

12 GB + 512 GB

S$599

S$579

S$30

S$549

 

From 9 pm, 24 June 2025 to 9 July 2025, consumers can enjoy early bird pricing when they buy the POCO F7 at mi.com and its Shopee store, while stocks last. They are also eligible for a S$30 online discount if they shop on mi.com and Shopee, while the vouchers last. The exclusive Shopee early bird promo is at https://shopee.sg/product/1540255279/44003963704

From 9 July 2025, the phone will retail at mi.com, as well as its Shopee and Lazada stores.

*Available storage and RAM are less than the total memory listed due to storage of the operating system and software pre-installed on the device.

¹ Data tested based on AnTuTu v10.4.9 by POCO Internal Labs. Actual results may vary.

² Data tested by POCO Internal Labs, actual results may vary.

³ 90 W HyperCharge means the adapter output power is 90 W. Actual power output may vary depending on the environment.

⁴ Data is obtained from POCO Internal Labs with a test room temperature of approximately 25 ℃. Actual results may vary due to different test environments. Please refer to actual experience.

⁵ Supports up to 22.5 W wired reverse charging, compatible with devices verified through POCO labs testing.

⁶ Availability of Xiaomi HyperOS 2 features, apps and services may vary depending on region, software version and phone model.

⁷ 2,560 Hz instant touch sampling rate is activated under Game Turbo Mode.

⁸ The device is certified to be water and dust resistant exclusively under specific laboratory conditions not corresponding to normal use conditions. The warranty does not cover liquid damage caused by conditions other than test conditions. Ingress protection might deteriorate due to wear and tear, physical damage and/or disassembly needed for repair. Please visit the official website for more information.

20 June 2025

Revitalised community hub at West Mall

Source: SingLand. West Mall has been enhanced. 


Singapore Land Group (SingLand) has completed West Mall’s asset enhancement initiative (AEI), solidifying the mall’s position as a vibrant community hub in Bukit Batok and catering to the needs of the growing Tengah community and beyond.

"West Mall has been serving the Bukit Batok community for over two decades. With the neighbouring estate of Tengah taking shape, it was an opportune time to enhance the mall to better serve the enlarged catchment of residents," said Goh Poh Leng, Head of Commercial at SingLand.

"This AEI has introduced a wide array of dining and retail options with the addition of the new basement wing Eat@W. Other highlights include a weatherproof outdoor public space and expanded library facilities which will be unveiled in the first half of next year. Together, we have created an inclusive place at West Mall where people can gather, connect and share memorable experiences."

West Mall now offers an expanded array of culinary delights, with the mall’s net lettable area increasing by 13% with an additional 22,000 sq ft in basement one. Eat@W in basement one features over 20 new food and beverage and retail options. New-to-market dining concepts such as Singapore’s first GOCHIYA (#B1-14), which allows diners to cook their own teppanyaki, while Lao Ma Ban Mian (#B1-K10/K23) offers specialty noodle dishes.

In addition, an open plaza at level one is now a sheltered community space, designed to host activities such as mass workouts and seasonal events. It also offers a direct sheltered connection from Bukit Batok MRT station to the mall. 

In line with SingLand’s sustainability efforts, four charging points have been installed at the mall’s basement two earlier this year. This is part of the Group’s plan to ramp up electric vehicle charging facilities by 25% across its properties.

As part of the AEI, West Mall’s logo was also refreshed.

17 June 2025

Erajaya Digital, bolttech launch new device protection programme

Erajaya Digital, a business vertical of Erajaya Group, one of Indonesia’s leading digital and lifestyle device retailers, has officially launched a new device protection programme. This service goes beyond physical device repair and protection by introducing an added layer of cyberprotection that notifies customers if there is an attempt to use their personal data. 

The service, presented through a collaboration with bolttech, a provider of embedded protection solutions, combines fast, reliable repair services with essential digital security in a convenient and affordable package. It can also alert customers of any attempts to misuse their personal data. 

“We’ve seen how customer needs have evolved. They’re not only looking to protect their devices physically, but also want peace of mind when navigating the digital world. That’s why we’re launching this value-add service with bolttech,” said Joy Wahjudi, CEO, Erajaya Digital.

This service offers: 

- Protection from physical damage, such as drops, screen cracks, and liquid exposure 

- Fast, guaranteed repairs by certified technicians 

- Cyberprotection features, including personal data leak monitoring and real-time alerts on unauthorised data use.

“We’re proud to partner with Erajaya Digital to bring this next-generation protection service to customers, combining device care and digital safety into one seamless solution,” said Andrew Cons, GM – Indonesia, bolttech.

Details

The service is now available at Erajaya Digital’s retail stores, including erafone, Xiaomi by erafone, and Huawei by erafone. For more information, visit the nearest participating store.

12 June 2025

Travelgoogoo introduces eSIM travel club

As seasoned travellers and experts in international data roaming, the team at Singapore-based Travelgoogoo is committed to redefining global travel connectivity. Incorporated in 2023, Travelgoogoo was founded by a team with expertise in telecommunications and insurance technology (insurtech) sectors, and counts individual travellers and business partners among its customers. Their Travelgoogoo365 membership programme was launched in April to bring what they say is "the simplest, most affordable eSIM experience to date".  

Said Tony Chew, Chief Partnerships and Investment Lead at Travelgoogoo: "Travelgoogoo365 embodies our vision of uniting telecommunications, travel and digital services to deliver smarter, more connected experiences. Through strategic partnerships with likeminded organisations, we are embedding seamless connectivity where it matters most — in the journeys people take, the platforms they use, and the communities they engage with. This is just the beginning of a more collaborative, borderless future for travel." 

Richard Bok, Founder and CEO at Travelgoogoo, commented: “We want to be the last eSIM travellers will ever need to install. With Travelgoogoo365, there is no need to mull over what data roaming plan to get or swap eSIMs every trip. One membership, one eSIM, 123 destinations, and a full year of messaging and data voice calls that just work. That, to us, is brilliant basics — simple, affordable, and built for what travellers truly need: reliable access. We are not just introducing a product. We are rewriting the rules of roaming."

Travelgoogoo365 is a travel club that offers members free texting, data voice calls, and photo sharing on their favourite messaging apps across 123 destinations, 365 days a year — without the need to purchase a data plan. Powered by a lifetime global eSIM, Travelgoogoo365 removes the hassle of installing a new eSIM for every trip. Members also enjoy member-exclusive rates on additional data roaming purchases.

Travelgoogoo365 membership, priced at US$14 per year, offers basic data roaming* across 123 destinations for 365 days. As part of an introductory offer, members receive a free 3 GB high-speed data starter pack, usable in any one of the 123 destinations. After the initial data roaming pack is used up, members continue to enjoy unlimited basic connectivity - ideal for staying in touch via messaging apps - on all future trips within the year.

Members can unlock full-speed data for other apps through on-demand top-ups. Data plans include a 10 GB pack to popular destinations, including Thailand, Japan, China, the US, and the UK, priced from US$13–US$16.50. According to Bok, members can enjoy rates as low as under US$2 per GB.

Key features for the programme include:

- Ease of use: A single global eSIM model eliminates the hassle of juggling multiple SIM cards or dealing with complex setup processes.

- Unlimited messaging: Stay connected with WhatsApp, LINE, Telegram, Viber, WeChat, Zalo, and other popular messaging apps through unlimited texts, data voice calls and photo sharing.

- Flexible data roaming: Members purchase full-speed travel data only when they need it.

Travelgoogoo365 also includes 24x7 chat support for members who encounter connectivity issues when they are travelling.

Travelgoogoo CFO Julian Wong emphasised: "At Travelgoogoo, we are revolutionising connectivity with a frictionless eSIM solution designed for both our B2B2C partners and D2C users. Our focus on conversational commerce allows us to engage customers on their preferred messaging channels, starting with key platforms and expanding over time to ensure a seamless experience. Whether embedding connectivity into partner ecosystems or providing a direct, hassle-free journey, we are redefining how people stay connected, no matter where their journeys take them."

Travelgoogoo partners with established telecommunication service providers that offer robust infrastructure and high-performance network coverage. This allows the company to secure reliable, high-speed connectivity with multiple local carriers in key travel destinations at competitive rates. The strategic approach also enhances network redundancy, optimises performance and eliminates roaming hassles, delivering a seamless mobile experience without the need for physical SIM cards.

Bok shared that Travelgoogoo is working to expand into more countries, guided by customer demand and local regulatory requirements. The company is working to include Singapore in the coming months.

*By definition, residents of a country are not roaming and would not be able to make use of the data pack for domestic consumption.

Xiaomi SU7 Ultra debuts in Gran Turismo franchise

Source: Xiaomi.

Xiaomi and Polyphony Digital at Round One of the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 that the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra — Xiaomi EV’s top-of-the-line high-performance luxury electric vehicle (EV) — will debut in the Gran Turismo 7 racing simulator for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The SU7 Ultra is the the first Xiaomi model featured in the franchise, and reflects the rise of smart high-performance EVs in the automotive industry.

Gran Turismo is widely recognised as one of the world’s most authentic driving simulators, with engineering parameters mirroring real-world performance.

Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi highlighted at the partnership announcement event that the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra as a standout in the smart EV segment. He said: "The Chinese automotive industry has progressed rapidly, and Xiaomi — a newly established player in the automotive sector — has already created an exceptional vehicle, Xiaomi SU7, as a pivotal part of its comprehensive smart ecosystem, which spans smartphones and wearables to home appliances.

"Beyond this, Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Prototype has shattered conventional performance benchmarks at the Nürburgring. Witnessing these achievements, I am deeply moved by Xiaomi’s courage, curiosity, passion, and relentless dedication to realising such milestones. This spirit resonates profoundly with Gran Turismo and Polyphony Digital’s philosophy." 

Xiaomi EV's R&D team rigorously tests technologies like torque vectoring and adaptive damping at circuits including the Nürburgring Nordschleife, ensuring real-world safety and handling excellence translate to the driving experience. 

Lei Jun, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Xiaomi Group said: "We deeply resonate with Mr Yamauchi's visionary philosophy of building a better society through technology. This aligns perfectly with Xiaomi's mission to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through accessible and innovative technology. Our shared values paved the way for this collaboration.

"Gran Turismo's worldwide reputation for uncompromising quality and experience makes us particularly honoured to have Xiaomi SU7 Ultra included. We look forward to introducing more Gran Turismo players and automotive enthusiasts to the capabilities of high-performance smart EVs like ours."

Xiaomi's first smart EV, the Xiaomi SU7, debuted in 2024. The top-of-the-line Xiaomi SU7 Ultra integrates proprietary innovations, including Xiaomi’s HyperEngine V8s (27,200 rpm; 578 PS; 635 Nm)*, a self-developed trimotor configuration system. 

Engineered with up to 21 carbon fibre components (5.5 m² coverage) for optimal weight distribution and luxury craftsmanship, the EV design merges performance with elegance. With 1,548 PS, a top speed exceeding 350 kmph, and a maximum 0–100 kmph acceleration of 1.98 seconds, Xiaomi SU7 Ultra holds multiple track records for four-door vehicles. 

Zhoucan Ren, Chief Test Driver and Head of Vehicle Dynamics Development at Xiaomi EV, stated: "Our team will maintain a continuous presence at the Nürburgring to relentlessly refine our products and push the boundaries of what's possible in high-performance luxury vehicles."

*Rpm stands for revolutions per minute; PS for pferdestärke, a way to measure horsepower, and Nm or Newton metres is a unit of measurement for torque. All are indications of engine performance.  

9 June 2025

Dusit Princess Melaka celebrates grand opening in UNESCO Heritage City

Dusit Princess Melaka, Dusit International's debut property in Malaysia, had its grand opening on 29 May 2025, unveiling one of the largest meeting and event spaces in Melaka. The hotel introduces a new standard of upscale Thai-inspired hospitality to the state and further enhances the city's appeal as a regional MICE destination.

Located in the heart of the city, the upscale Dusit Princess Melaka blends modern elegance with rich local heritage, offering guests unobstructed views of the city and the Straits of Melaka. With five-star facilities, contemporary comforts, and Dusit's signature brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, the 296-room property brings a fresh offering to the local hotel landscape.

Among its lifestyle facilities are the deepest swimming pool in the state, a fully equipped 24-hour gym, and distinctive dining venues, including Zest Restaurant, Long Feng Chinese Restaurant, and the Famosa Lounge.

Spanning 774 sq m and featuring full LED screen capabilities and versatile room configurations, the hotel's meeting and event space is tailored to meet the demands of high-profile events.

Guests also have access to a range of curated local experiences that offer an immersive journey through the city's sights, flavours, and culture.

“Dusit Princess Melaka opens at a crucial moment for the tourism sector,” said Mohamad Bukhari bin Che Man, Director of MOTAC, State of Melaka. 

“As we gear up to host global events such as UN Tourism 2025 and lead into Visit Malaysia 2026, the hotel represents a meaningful addition to Melaka's expanding hospitality landscape and supports the state's continued development as a modern global tourism hub. 

"It also reflects the state's growing appeal to international travellers and trusted global brands and aligns with our vision for responsible, inclusive, and high-value tourism growth. With its extensive lifestyle and business facilities and Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, the hotel is well positioned to enrich visitor experiences and support Melaka's emergence as a regional leisure and MICE tourism centre.”

Gilles Cretallaz, COO, Dusit International, said: “This grand opening marks a significant milestone for Dusit, as we officially introduce our distinctive Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to Malaysia. With its rich heritage, strategic location, and forward-looking development plans, Melaka provides the ideal setting for our debut in the country. 

"Dusit Princess Melaka exemplifies our commitment to delivering warm, authentic, and meaningful experiences, and we are delighted to welcome guests from around the world, including delegates attending UN Tourism 2025, to experience the best of both Thai and Malaysian hospitality.”

Source: Dusit Princess Melaka. VIPs pose during the hotel's grand opening ceremony.
Source: Dusit Princess Melaka. The hotel's grand opening ceremony was officiated by Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam, Governor of Melaka, and attended by Mohamad Bukhari bin Che Man, Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MOTAC), State of Melaka.

In 2024, Melaka welcomed over 15 million visitors — a 74% increase year-on-year — reinforcing its position as one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic travel destinations. The Melaka State Government has extended its Visit Melaka Year campaign through 2026. This aligns with the national Visit Malaysia 2026 initiative, which aims to attract 35.6 million tourist arrivals.

Explore

To celebrate its grand opening, Dusit Princess Melaka has launched a limited-time offer – Melaka Retreat – inviting guests to enjoy daily breakfast at Zest, a RM50 daily F&B credit redeemable at any of the hotel's dining outlets, complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability), and an additional 15% discount for Dusit Gold members. 

The offer is available for booking until 4 January 2026, for stays from now through that date, exclusively at dusit.com/dusitprincess-melaka/specialoffers/