Marketing bonanza during Ramadhan: Google

According to Think With Google, Ramadhan is a very special month for marketers in MENA. Consumer spend increases 53% during the month of Ramadhan (May 17 to June 14 2018), especially on regular household items - this rise was recorded in KSA and the UAE among other countries.

Broadcast content on YouTube peaks for the year during Ramadhan, Google said. Marketers also have up to two weeks post-Ramadan to engage with their audiences as people catch up with their favourite shows on their own time.

There are typically shorter working hours and more free time, which is reflected in online spending habits. According to the Think With Google Ramadan 2018 guide:

A month before Ramadhan, cooking videos on YouTube become popular. Watch times peaks at almost 30% higher than average in the first week of Ramadhan, Think with Google said. Searches for recipes are also 50% higher than the annual average, especially at the start of the month.

During Ramadhan, people are more willing to watch videos in longer formats - there is a 60% year-on-year increase. Audiences also spend more time on mobile, and organic viewership of advertising increases.

Source: Think with Google report. Overall engagement with YouTube videos increases during Ramadhan.

The changes in behaviour continue for two weeks post-Ramadhan, so marketers can capitalise on engagement at this time. Searches for air travel and hotels go up 20 to 25% around Eid, too.

YouTube is more popular than TV, AThink with Google said. With TV ads set at a 100 baseline, YouTube ads were scored at 150 by KSA respondents, according to the Ipsos MENA 2017 Ramadan Insights report.

Google also runs the Lantern Award, which celebrates MENAs most engaging and creative Ramadhan and Eid al Fitr YouTube campaigns. Last year’s Lantern Award winner, from VIVA Kuwait, described how frustrated women can get when their Tupperware is forgotten at guests’ homes, in a humorous manner.  

To master content during Ramadhan, Think with Google suggests:

- Use storytelling, and use multiple stories instead of repeating content

- The idea of giving back to society is a favourite for audiences during Ramadhan

- Be authentic, addressing real user needs, passions and relevant real-life issues

- Get reliable consumer insights

- Leverage on the increased interest in travel, beauty and fashion during Eid


Think With Google has also shared Ramadhan advertising figures for 2017 in a blog post.
According to the Google division, 23% of ad spend was dedicated to Ramadhan in MENA, quoting to Ipsos 2017 research. In contrast, Ramadhan viewership on YouTube over the last three years has increased threefold compared to TV, whose viewership remained flat. 

Explore:

Download the Ramadan 2018 guide from Think with Google (PDF)

Entries for the 2018 Lantern Award close 24 June.

View the 2017 Lantern Award winner and finalists (generally in Arabic. Some have English subtitles)

MENA IPOs see year-end surge in 2017

Source: EY. MENA IPO activity from Q116 to Q417.

-  MENA IPO activity witnessed a 60% surge with eight deals in Q417, raising the highest value since 2014

-  UAE leads the MENA IPO value with US$2.2 billion in Q417

-  More regional energy companies to go public in 2018 and beyond

In the fourth quarter of 2017, MENA IPO activity witnessed eight deals, representing a 60% surge in volume over the same period in 2016. The MENA IPO value, or capital raised, amounted to US$2.95 billion in Q417, over 10 times the capital raised last year and the highest since 2014, said EY.

The UAE led the MENA IPO market in value, having raised a cumulative of US$2.2 billion in capital, primarily contributed by the Emaar Development IPO (US$1.3 billion), which has been the biggest IPO in the region since 2014.

The UAE also saw another successful issuance in the form of the ADNOC IPO which raised a capital amounting to US$850.9 million.

In Oman, the Muscat Securities Market recorded the highest number of listings with three IPO deals during Q417, raising a combined capital of US$8.9 million.

The MENA IPO activity is expected to gain momentum in 2018 bolstered by economic reforms and privatisation drive of countries such as KSA. This, coupled with improved oil prices, favourable government initiatives and strong investor appetite, is likely to spur more listings in the MENA, especially from regional government-entities.

Gregory Hughes, MENA IPO Leader, EY says: “The IPO activity is poised for further growth in 2018, especially with government and quasi-government owned assets preparing to go public in Kuwait, Egypt, KSA and the UAE. The IPO activity in the region is likely to see a mix of local and international floatings. In addition, family-owned, owner managed, and private equity-backed businesses are also signalling their intention to go to the market during 2018; this again could include a combination of local and international offerings of different sizes.”

KSA remains a bright spot in the region. The IPO market in the country looks buoyant with major regulatory reforms underway. Public listings of Saudi Aramco, Saudi Exchange, and other large government-related entities are expected soon.

Tadawul - the KSA stock exchange - is also on its course to join MSCI’s Emerging Market Index and has been swift in improving the regulatory environment and allowing foreign investments to be in line with global standards.

In the last quarter of 2017, Tadawul raised an announced value of US$110 million, while KSA's parallel market, NOMU, saw a decrease by 48% in 2017 with no IPOs in Q317 or Q417. However, effective from 1 January 2018, the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) has allowed direct investments by non-resident foreign investors on NOMU.

Mayur Pau, MENA Financial Services IPO Leader, EY, says: “The CMA’s recent updates could encourage more small and mid-cap companies to go public in 2018, leading to a rebound in IPO listings on NOMU alone.

"The ADNOC IPO is one of the most successful regional issuances in recent times and it is likely to pave the way for more public listings from the MENA energy sector.”

Pau also noted that the IPO activity pipeline for the UAE and Kuwait look promising with major government-owned firms announcing their plans to go public within the next two years.

Collectively, the GCC markets witnessed six IPOs deals in Q417, recording a volume increase of 200% from the same period last year, while the deal value rose by over 10 times the capital raised in the previous year, reaching US$2.4 billion in Q417. The real estate sector raised the highest capital with US$1.3 billion, closely followed by the energy sector with US$850.9 million. The real estate investment trust (REIT) fund came third with capital of US$110 million raised.

Activity in the global IPO market surged in 2017 with the listing of 1,624 deals, raising an aggregate capital of US$188.8 billion. EY said this is a significant growth trajectory in the number of deals listed (up 49%) and capital raised (up 40%), in comparison to 2016. The numbers also make 2017 the most active year for IPOs since 2007 and the global IPO market is projected to grow even further in 2018.

“With a large number of companies already gearing to go public in the next couple of years and that one of the world’s largest IPO may come from the MENA itself, the outlook for regional IPO activity remains robust,” concludes Hughes.

Qatar Airways shares 2017 achievements

Qatar Airways is celebrating growth and network expansion in its 20th year of operations.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar Al Baker, said: “This year, our twentieth anniversary as an airline, is particularly special for us. As we reflect on our achievements, we reaffirm our commitment to providing excellence in the skies, ensuring that our passenger’s holiday or leisure trip starts the moment they step onto one of our aircraft. We remain committed to expanding our global network, and to taking our passengers anywhere in the world they wish to go.”

New destinations for Asia Pacific and the Middle East in 2017 included Auckland, New Zealand – the world’s longest commercial flight; Sohar, Oman; Adana, Turkey; and Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Source: Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways hosted a private gala dinner with influential business leaders, industry experts and heads of commerce to help complete the celebrations for the launch of its newest route to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

In addition to launching flights to Chiang Mai, its fourth destination in Thailand on 13 December, the airline also introduced a fifth daily non-stop service to Bangkok as well as a daily service to Krabi. In January 2018, it will commence service to Pattaya, making a fifth Thai destination.

New destinations for 2018 include Penang, Malaysia and Canberra, Australia. Qatar Airways will also add a new direct daily service to Hanoi, with Ho Chi Minh City’s daily service increasing by three flights a week to 10 starting 1 January 2018.

The airline introduced its superjumbo A380 aircraft to Melbourne, Australia and will soon introduce it on its Perth route, enhancing capacity to Australia ahead of the airline’s launch of service to Canberra in 2018. Qatar Airways also became the first airline ever to fly the state-of-the-art Airbus A350 to the Maldives twice daily.

2017 saw Qatar Airways launch its new Business Class seat, Qsuite, in March 2017, bringing a First Class experience to the Business Class cabin. Qsuite, a patented Qatar Airways product, offers the industry’s first-ever double bed in Business Class. Adjustable panels and movable TV monitors allow groups travelling together to transform their space into a private suite, allowing them to work, dine and socialise together.

Qatar Airways also responded to demand from passengers seeking to transport their pets around the world by reducing the price to the lowest rates ever into and out of Doha. As the only airline that will carry pets as excess baggage to and from Qatar, the airline has reduced the cost of travelling with a pet.

Qatar Airways Cargo added Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Yangon, Myanmar to its dedicated freighter network in 2017, strengthening its commitment to supporting the global air trade and supply chain industry. Qatar Airways Cargo has accommodated increased domestic demand since the diplomatic blockade on the state of Qatar began in June, 2017. The cargo carrier opened two new facilities during the summer, its dedicated Climate Control Centre and Cargo Overflow structure, providing close to an additional 10,000 sq m of temperature-controlled handling space to manage an increase in food imports into Qatar.

Details:

Flights to Penang run on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday:

Doha (DOH) to Penang (PEN)
QR850 departs: 2:30am and arrives 2:30pm

Penang (PEN) to Doha (DOH)
QR851 departs 8:30pm arrives 11:20pm

Flights to Pattaya are scheduled as follows:

Doha (DOH) to Pattaya (UTP)
QR828 departs 8:05pm and arrives 6:30am the next day, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Pattaya (UTP) to Doha (DOH)
QR829 departs 7:50am and arrives 11:40am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Flights to Adana are on Monday, Thursday and Saturday

Doha (DOH) to Adana (ADA)
QR438 departs 7:20am and arrives 11:25am

Adana (ADA) to Doha (DOH)
QR439 departs 12:25pm and arrives 4:15pm

The Doha – Chiang Mai flights operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

Doha (DOH) to Chiang Mai (CNX)
QR822 departs 7:55pm and arrives 6am the next day

Chiang Mai – Doha flights operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Chiang Mai (CNX) to Doha (DOH)
QR823 departs 7:10am and arrives 10:55am

Singapore employees want career prospects and a good work environment

Source: CareerBuilder Singapore. The attributes of an Employer of Choice.

According to the Employer of Choice Survey* 2017 by CareerBuilder Singapore, it takes more than the common strategy of offering a good salary to attract and retain talent. The survey found that employees in Singapore rank good career growth and a non-discriminatory work environment above monetary compensation as top deciding factors for their ideal employer. 

Source: CareerBuilder Singapore. What an ideal job looks like.

Respondents valued the ability to learn and grow in a job and a conducive and pleasant environment, with attractive pay, bonuses and monetary compensation only coming in as the third most important factor. Other key factors being considered include job security, a comfortable physical work environment, and good employee benefits.

Source: CareerBuilder Singapore. Why people switch jobs.

When it comes to switching jobs, almost two in three respondents cited a “lack of career growth opportunities” as the top reason to do so. This is significantly higher than other reasons such as an unfriendly work culture and unhappiness with their bosses.

Pull factors that encourage potential employees to view a job as ideal are likewise rarely related to money alone. Good relationships with colleagues and bosses, as well as a respectful work culture that offers work-life balance and advancement opportunities are other important attributes in an ideal job.

While employees generally prefer working in the public sector over the private sector, there is a growing trend for startups to be seen as highly attractive employers. The survey this year showed close to 59% (an almost 10% rise compared to last year) in those stating that they would be interested and willing to work in a startup. The top reasons cited were that startups provide “lots of learning opportunities” (84.8%), opportunities to work closely with a group of passionate and enthusiastic colleagues” (66.4%), along with an “exposure to a wide spectrum of job roles” that employees might not necessarily be exposed to in larger or more established companies.

The top five startup employers of choice were Carousell, then Redmart, Uber, Honestbee and Ninja Van.

“The Employer of Choice Survey 2017 results offer interesting insights to how any company, big or small, can stand out, draw and retain talent. Contrary to the common belief that job-seekers only want money, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups too can have a fair chance at securing good employees with an informed understanding of what matters most to job-seekers,” said Sam Ng, MD, CareerBuilder Singapore.

Other survey findings include:

· Tech companies are seen as highly preferred employers. Out of the top 10 employers listed in the private sector Employers of Choice category, five were tech companies. For three consecutive years, tech giant Google has been seen as the most preferred Employer of Choice in the private sector. Apple ranks No. 2, followed by Singapore Airlines, the Changi Airport Group and 3M for private employers of choice. Other tech companies which were ranked favourably include Microsoft and Facebook.

In the public sector, the top five Employers of Choice were, in order of preference, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Central Provident Fund Board and the Ministry of Education.

The SME list included music, lifestyle and experience specialist Timbre Group in first place, followed by Zouk Management, WTS Travel & Tours, Garena Online and Jumbo Seafood.

· Passion is top priority: the majority of job-seekers chose to enter a specific industry due to their keen interest in the line of work, followed by the industry’s relevance to what they studied in school. Among the various industries, the banking/finance/investment industry (21%), as well as the government/civil service/military industry (19.6%) and the healthcare/medical industry (17.9%) were the most preferred industries to work in. The results show that job-seekers seem to follow their passion when it comes to choosing a job.

· Fresh graduates expect promotions fast, along with work-life balance. Among fresh graduates who were polled, one in two (53%) expect their first promotion within two years of being employed in a company. Close to one in three fresh graduates also expect to be promoted to a managerial role by the third year of their employment. However, the survey also found that despite the huge desire to climb the corporate ladder, most of the fresh graduates polled (68.5%) were only willing to put in the standard hours at work, which suggests that they value work-life balance quite significantly.

· Employees seek jobs online, as opposed to the traditional newspaper classified advertisements. Respondents continue to rely heavily on online resources and word of mouth to find jobs. Online job portals (45.5%) were the most commonly used channel, followed by ads, banners, emails, features and news on the Internet (33.5%), connections through family and friends (26.7%), and social media (25.3%).

*The Employer of Choice Survey 2017 was conducted between May to September 2017 among close to 3,000 working adults as well as tertiary undergraduates, aged 16 years and above.

KSA grows MICE industry

KSA hosted over 10,129 business events approved by the Saudi Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB) in 2017, a 16% increase compared with 2016.

The healthcare, education, technical and communications sectors accounted for the highest share of business events held in 2017 in 22 targeted economic sectors. The Riyadh region accounted for 47% of the events, the highest business activity in 2017, followed by the Makkah region with (32%), and the Eastern Province with (17%).

Engineer Tareq Al Essa, Executive Director, SECB, said that KSA's strategy to develop the Saudi MICE industry is based on eight pillars: institutional building, systems and regulations, research and information, resources and financing, marketing, developing organisers, plus facilities and events. He also shared that the SECB has achieved 75% of Saudi meetings industry development plan for the years 2014-2018.

SECB is also a new member of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC). 

“The Saudi Academy for the management for Management of Events, Exhibition and Conference is the first body specialised in education and training dedicated to events management in the Middle East and it will remain one of the development arms of the meetings industry in the kingdom,” he said.

Double 12 Global Shopping Festival to woo Alipay users

Source: Alipay Facebook page. Flag advertising the Double 12 Global Shopping Festival.

Alipay, the world’s largest online, mobile payments and lifestyle platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group, today kicked off its 2017 Double 12 Global Shopping Festival in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines.

Globally, Double 12 will occur in 15 countries and territories spanning across four continents. Over 500 brands and 100,000 merchants are participating worldwide to offer exclusive promotions throughout December to Alipay users.

“With Alipay’s global vision to enable smart lifestyle for consumers, Double 12 Global Shopping Festival is our ‘glocalisation’ strategy to achieve the vision through localised service offerings,” said Cherry Huang, GM, Cross-border Business for South and Southeast Asia, Alipay.

“The South and Southeast Asia region continues to be an attractive travel destination for mainland Chinese travelers. Our extensive merchant network in this region across hospitality, food and beverage (F&B), attractions, and shopping will provide mainland Chinese travellers a cashless experience while they eat, play and entertain. In particular, some of our most attractive Double 12 promotions are available at airports and prime shopping districts, where millions of Chinese travellers frequent.”

Singapore

- Department stores Tangs, Metro and Robinsons along Orchard Road will offer Alipay users discounts of up to 50% on selected products.

- Suntec City: one RMB50 shopping e-coupon and one RMB25 dining e-coupon per Alipay user

- Flying Through Time show admission at Resorts World Sentosa: 40% off when you purchase more than two adult admission tickets

- Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari and Singapore Zoo: selected souvenirs and drinks at 50% off

- Wild Wild Wet: 50% off the 2nd ticket purchased

Malaysia

- At Suria KLCC, Alipay users will be able to redeem a RMB20 shopping e-coupon and a RMB10 dining e-coupon collected via their Alipay app. These can be used at selected merchants. Besides that, over 100 merchants in the shopping complex will accept Alipay payments, with many offering 50% discounts to celebrate the shopping festival.

- At the Robinsons department store, mainland Chinese travellers can enjoy deals of up to 50% off selected items, while Eraman duty-free stores at airports will be holding a Swarovski jewelry lucky draw for Alipay users who spend over RMB2,000 via Huabei, a consumer financing service featured within the Alipay app. 

Thailand

- Apartment store Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, Siam Center, Emporium, Em Quartier and Bluport will offer Alipay users shopping discounts of up to 50% on selected products.

- Fashion brand LaLaMa by NaRaYa and NARA by NaRaYa will offer Alipay users shopping discounts of up to 50%.

- 7-Eleven convenience stores across Thailand offer 50% discounts on selected products to Alipay users.

In addition, Ant Financial’s strategic partners, including Truemoney in Thailand and GCash in the Philippines, will introduce Double 12 for local e-wallet users for the first time. In Thailand for example, more than 10,000 merchants will be participating in 1212 D-day Deals for Truemoney users while 3,000 merchants will offer exclusive discounts on 1212 GCash Day in the Philippines.

Explore:

Watch the event launch in Australia on Alipay's Facebook page

Hashtag: #Alipay1212, #Double12, #ShoppingFestival

Urban Ventures x House of Noise 2017 is much more than a street musical showcase

Source: Urban Ventures. Graphic for the event.

Social enterprise Urban Ventures is back December 16 after the success of its last Street Party. In collaboration with Noise Singapore by the National Arts Council, organisers LOPELAB, a creative studio of superheroes with super powers in urban design, marketing, and events management and Thunder Rock School, which focuses on music learning and creation, have launched Urban Ventures x House of Noise 2017, a street musical showcase designed to promote the best of the local music scene and grow the support of local talent and artistes.

The event will include emerging talents from the Noise Music Mentorship 2017, DJ sets, heritage tours, urban planning workshops, a popup barber, GIF photobooth, free manicure and face painting, popup F&B stalls and a Christmas market.

Big on all things Singapore, Urban Ventures x House of Noise 2017 will spotlight young local talents, and showcase Singapore artisanal brands at the Christmas market.  The street party will feature three stages; the Electric Avenue featuring a showcase by Pioneer DJ’s Mix Us Happy programme as well as DJ JustMack, Keong Saik Stage and Jiak Chuan Stage featuring some of the best emerging music talents in Singapore.

Brought to party-goers by Noise Singapore, House of Noise will showcase the best and brightest musicians from the Noise Music Mentorship 2017. There will be 19 new music acts including progressive rock outfit Test the Divide, groovy funk/soul band Astronauts, and singer-songwriter Krysta Joy.

The 3rd stage - Electric Avenue near to the junction of Keong Saik Road and Neil Road will feature a showcase from Mix Us Happy, a DJ experience initiative by Pioneer DJ, for DJ enthusiasts who have never had professional DJ experience. Embrace self-expression and dance on with DJ JustMack into the evening.

While live music is the highlight, the organisers hope to expand the diversity of the activation across all audiences by featuring new F&B brands at a Christmas market. The Christmas Market features a curated selection of local brands like Plain Supplies, Fours, Monument Lifestyle, Beans To Bars and more.

And to keep energy levels up, Urban Ventures is featuring both F&B pop-up booths and outdoor refreshments with the likes of 1KS, Caribbean extraordinaire Lime House and Bao Makers.

Get pampered at the face painting and manicure stations by Vaniday. New wave barbershop Hombre Barberblade will also be there to offer classic haircuts and shaves.

Those interested in the design of our urban spaces can learn about the Future Cities Laboratory at the Urban Design Workshop. Introducing new forms of citizen participation in urban design, participants will get the opportunity to envision their ideas for Keong Saik Road through an online design tool and provide suggestions for improvement through map-based surveys .

This year, Urban Ventures has partnered with GrabPay so vendors at the party can be paid cashlessly.

Urban Ventures’ Street Party Volume 7 saw the attendance of more than 12,000 individuals as Keong Saik Street lit up with music, art and selfexpression. Influencers graced the event together with five drag queens, two DJs, six bands and eight poets to share their love for fashion and the arts.

Details:

The street party will be along Keong Siak Road and Jiak Chuan Road on 16 December 2017, 4pm - 1030pm, rain or shine.

Main Stage on Jiak Chuan:

Aural-Ink, Astronauts, Banana Suicide Forest, CMMN GRND, Maxime,RETROFOCUS, ROYAL ESTATE, Sine, Test The Divide, Trust The Chaos.

Acoustic Stage on Keong Saik:

Abby Simone, Florencia Song, Jamie Chong, KrystaJoy, KYLA T, Nigel Cheah, Pavithiren Prestian, Sarah Ann Wee, Vivien Yap.

Christmas Market on Keong Saik:

C is for Colette, Beans to Bars, PLAIN SUPPLIES, Pins & Pongs, Katfood, Oana, Envet, The Clay Day, BLESS YOU MY DEAR, Hush Candle, Center Pottery Singapore, Monument Lifestyle, FOURS, Twirls of Yarn, SOAMI, Edition Eats, Zoetelier, The Everyday Club, Noir Hom, STITCHED by ellyphany, Out & Ink, and Dawnut's Factory.

Food popups include:

Indline.Sg, Bao Makers, Lime House, Park Bench Deli, DON HO - Social Kitchen & Bar, and more!

Electric Stage on Keong Saik:

• PioneerDJ MixUsHappy Showcase (4pm-9.30pm)
• DJ JustMack (9.30pm onwards)

Pop Up Barber by Hombre BarberBlade (4pm-10.30pm)
Make an appointment
 
Urban Design Workshop by Future Cities Laboratory (5pm-9pm)

Free Beauty Services by Vaniday
• Express Manicure (5pm-7.30pm)
• Face Painting (5pm-9pm).

Festive 2017 at the Westin Singapore

Source: The Westin Singapore website. The apple glazed turkey at Seasonal Tastes.

Usher in the year end holidays at the Westin Singapore with Christmas offerings designed for festive merriment, with mouthwatering yule log cakes, hearty roasts, thoughtful Christmas hampers and epicurean selections at Seasonal Tastes and Cook & Brew.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Highlights of the Christmas eve lunch buffet at Seasonal Tastes include lobster bisque, grilled Aussie tomahawk, maple and miso glazed salmon, and panettone bread pudding with vanilla Anglaise (a light pouring custard).

The Christmas eve dinner, Christmas Day lunch and Christmas Day dinner buffets will feature festive table mainstays such as the roasted turkey stuffed with mum’s bread and cranberry accompanied by a selection of fresh seafood on ice, pasta cooked a la minute, and local favourites such as the signature Singapore chilli crab and Canton salt baked spring chicken. Top off the feast with a selection of desserts such as the cream cheese pistachio berries Yule log.

Details:

Christmas eve | 24 December 2017

Lunch buffet: S$78++
Dinner buffet: S$98++*

Christmas Day | 25 December 2017

Lunch and dinner buffet: S$98++*

Boxing Day | 26 December 2017

Lunch buffet: S$78++

New Year's eve and New Year's Day

Look to 2018 over a sumptuous New Year’s eve dinner buffet or start the year right with the New Year’s Day lunch buffet. Both meals include hand-pulled Italian burrata (cheese made from mozarella and cream) and freshly-shucked French and Canadian oysters.

New Year’s eve | 31 December 2017

Dinner buffet: S$108++*

New Year’s Day | 1 January 2018

Lunch buffet: Adult S$58++

For reservations, call +65 6922 6968.

Source: The Westin Singapore website. The Australian lamb shank.

The Cook & Brew has a new menu with decadent new dishes like the Nova Scotia lobster and avocado toast topped with Ossetra caviar, or the 1824 farm’s Australian beef flat iron. End the meal on a sweet note with a slice of peanut butter and chocolate ice-box cake. 

Details: 

For reservations, call +65 6922 6948.

Explore:

Browse the new menu.

Source: the Westin Singapore website. The vanilla, raspberry and pistachio cheese Yule log cake is available for takeaway.

Get a wide range of homemade classics and sweets for the office colleagues or business partners such as the vanilla, raspberry and pistachio cheese Yule log, or prepacked Christmas hampers. There are also festive fusion options such as ee-fu noodles braised with roast turkey, wild mushrooms, and a touch of truffle oil. 

Details:

The Christmas takeaways are available till 31 December. Discounts are available for credit card payments. Learn more and order online.

Explore:

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog posts about Christmas and New Year celebrations at the Hotel Jen Tanglin and at the Goodwood Park Hotel.

*Inclusive of a beverage. 

Christmas 2017: the gadget gift guide

Reward yourself for 2017 with gadgets galore as we approach year-end. WorkSmart Asia's picks this year include:

Limited edition Star Wars shavers

Source: Philips Singapore. Philips limited edition shavers, inspired by Star Wars. From left: the Poe Dameron-inspired Philips Star Wars Shaver SW6700/14; the BB-8-inspired SW5700/07 and the Stormtrooper-inspired SW170/04.

Philips has a new range of limited-edition shavers which emulate different characters from the Star Wars movie collection. The Star Wars shavers offer wallet-friendly prices and all-star performance.

Rounded edges and four-direction Flex Heads on the lightweight SW170/04 shaver ensure a comfortable, protective shave. The BB-8-inspired SW5700/07 shaver has five-direction flex heads that glide close to the skin for a close shave, and an Aquatec Wet & Dry seal that gives a close shave wet or dry. The Poe Dameron-inspired Philips Star Wars Shaver SW6700/14 (RRP S$219) has eight-directional ContourDetect flex heads that automatically recalibrate to every curve of the neck and face. The design is inspired by Poe Dameron’s X-wing fighter, right down to scratched metal finishing and red stripes. 

Explore:

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about the new Philips Star Wars shavers, which will be available till 31 December, 2017.

Audio accessories

Source: Sony. The Sony XB80BS EXTRA BASS Wireless Sports In-ear Headphones are available in different colours.

Designed for fitness buffs, the S$199 Sony XB80BS EXTRA BASS Wireless Sports In-ear Headphones are ultra-durable and can even be washed after workouts.

Source: Sony. Sony WF-1000X Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones.

The Sony WF-1000X Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (S$349) are minimalist and eliminate the challenge of tangled wires.

Source: Sony. Sony WH-1000XM2 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones.

The Sony WH-1000XM2 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (S$549) have a smart listening feature which automatically detects activities such as travelling, walking, and waiting, then adjusts ambient sound settings so that users can hear what is going on around them.

Details:

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about the launch of the Sony wireless noise cancelling headphones.

Source: Sony. The Sony EXTRA BASS SRS-XB20 speaker.

Crank up the playlist with the Sony EXTRA BASS SRS-XB20 speaker (S$169). Its single-coloured line light even synchronises with the beat. This speaker is water resistant for partying anytime, anywhere.

Source: Sony. The Sony HT-MT500 surround sound system.

Boost the home theatre experience with the Sony HT-MT500 atmospheric surround sound system. Its minimalist and space-saving design, reminiscent of origami, fits in seamlessly with any space.

Cameras with versatility

Source: Canon. The Canon EOS 6D
Mark II camera.

Canon Singapore recommends the Canon EOS 6D Mark II for photography enthusiasts. Take up to 1,200 still images on a full charge - the latest addition to Canon’s full-frame line boasts the latest DIGIC 7 image processor, a higher resolution 26.2MP sensor, 45-point all cross-type autofocus (AF) system and a 6.5fps continuous shooting speed. A touchscreen Vari-angle LCD monitor enables intuitive operation of the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system for fast and precise autofocusing.

Details:

The EOS 6D Mark II body costs S$2,899 while the EF24-105mm f/4L IS II ultra sonic motor (USM) lens is S$4,299. The EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens is S$3,949. 

Source: Canon. The PowerShot G1 X Mark III.

The ideal no-fuss travel camera is Canon's PowerShot G1 X Mark III. Despite housing a larger sensor and a built-in high resolution electronic viewfinder of 2.36 million dots, the PowerShot G1 X Mark III stays compact at only 399g. This is Canon’s first compact camera to be equipped with Dual Pixel CMOS AF and an APS-C sized CMOS sensor for high-speed AF. Capture anything with a continuous shooting speeds of 7fps during AF tracking and 9fps during fixed AF. 

Get wide-angle shots with the new panoramic feature and underwater captures up to a depth of 40m, made possible with the Canon underwater casing (WP-DC56). 

Details:

The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III costs S$1,499. It is available online at the Canon store.

Source: Sony. The Cyber-shot RX100
V compact camera.

Sony's ultimate compact camera – the Cyber-shot RX100 V (S$1,499) lets users shoot continuously at up to 24fps or in slow motion to capture every detail, even in extremely low-light conditions.

Source: Sony. The Sony FDR-X3000 Action Cam.

Never miss a moment with the Sony FDR-X3000 Action Cam (S$799). It captures stable images with Balanced Optical SteadyShot and action movies in 4K. Shoot anywhere with Action Cam real-world rugged design.

Source: Canon. The EOS M100.

Social media buffs may want to consider the Gold Duet: a mirrorless EOS Canon camera with a gold jacket that comes bundled with a Canon printer in champagne gold. Boasting of the DIGIC 7 image processor and 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, the EOS M100 also has Wi-Fi and near field communications (NFC) connectivity.

Users can pair the EOS M100 with their smart devices to share content through social media. The built-in Bluetooth low energy capability maintains a constant connection to a compatible smart device with low power consumption. With this constant connection, users can view images or trigger a remote capture from the camera even when from Auto Power Off mode.

Source: Canon. The PIXMA TS9170.

The pictures can easily be printed on the premium wireless Photo All-In-One PIXMA TS9170. The printer features a six-ink system with a new Photo Blue Ink for even more vibrant prints. Nine creative filters and a new Message in Print app offers fresh looks and the ability to embed secret messages.

Details:

The Gold Duet is available for sale in Singapore only at the following selected authorised dealers: Best Denki @Vivo, Best Denki @Ngee Ann, Courts Megastore @Tampines, Cathay Photo Peninsula Plaza, Cathay Photo Marina Square, Nu Photo at Sim Lim, Nu Photo at Orchard (Concorde Hotel), Lucky Store at Katong, and SLR Revolution at Plaza Singapura or High Street outlets.

The bundle, S$1,128, comes with free gifts worth S$225: the EOS M100 Gold Jacket - a protective case that fits around part of the camera body, a PIXMA TS9170 Targus Bag, Photo Paper Starter Kit, and a 16GB SD card.

Printers for different applications

Source: Canon. The SELPHY CP1300.

Canon has a printer for every need. Quick prints are easily made on-the-go with the Canon SELPHY CP1300 (S$199). The new Wi-Fi Shuffle Print mode allows up to eight smart devices to be connected at the same time while a 2x6" layout feature supports photo booth-style printouts.

Users can choose from the traditional glossy photo finish, a matte finish and a fine, grid-patterned finish. A special film coating that protects against colour bleed and fading for up to 100 years when the prints are stored in an album. With the optional battery pack, users can print up to 54 postcard-size prints on a single charge. 

High-volume, low-cost printing at up to 400 monochrome documents and 180 colour pages, are a breeze for the PIXMA E3170. The PIXMA E3170 can also offer borderless printed photos at 4R, 5x5 and 5R sizes. The printer’s built-in Wi-Fi capabilities mean mobile devices and tablets can easily connect for printing needs. A 1.5" LCD display with intuitive icons serves as a user guide.

Source: Canon. The Maxify MB5470.

The MAXIFY MB5470 printer (S$459) is targeted at small and medium sized businesses (SMBs). Print up to 2,500 pages of A4 documents and enjoy at least 50% ink savings with Canon's PGI-2700XL ink cartridges. To ensure that all data is secure, the MAXIFY MB5470 offers machine management and document security options. A 3.5" touchscreen LCD enables slide-and-swipe touch operation.

Presentation magic

Source: Canon. The RAYO i5.

Canon also suggests pairing the S$699 RAYO i5 mini projector with the S$69 Presenter PR100 R remote control. Measuring 111 x 111 x 17.2mm and weighing 269g, the RAYO i5 is portable and allows presentation decks stored on smart devices to be streamed directly via either wired or wireless connections. The projector can enlarge content to a 158” image on any surface while delivering continuous brightness at 100 lumens. Screen resolutions go up to 854 x 480 (WVGA) pixels.

The ergonomically-designed PR-100R has full slide control buttons, and works wirelessly at distances of up to 30m.

Explore:

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Christmas sets at Watsons Singapore

The Christmas 2017 Singapore luxury gift guide

Christmas surprises at Goodwood Park Hotel

Hotel Jen Tanglin's festive takeaways and meals

The Christmas 2017 Hong Kong luxury gift guide

Holidays at the Black Sheep Restaurants, Hong Kong

Festive meals at the Eclipse Hospitality Group restaurants 

Christmas 2017 Hong Kong luxury gift guide

In Hong Kong, premium gift ideas abound. Stand out with the following as unique incentive or corporate gifts:

For fashionistas

Source: The 5th C. My
5-Ways chandelier
earrings.

Hong Kong-based diamond consultancy and jewellery brand The 5th C has unveiled My 5-Ways, a fully-customisable pair of diamond earrings. In their most basic form, My 5-Ways are classic stud earrings. But with a couple of quick adjustments, they can be transformed into studs with drops, dangling earrings or chandelier earrings.

In the picture on the left, the three-petalled pieces at the top can be worn on their own as stud earrings, while the pearls can also be worn by themselves, as hook earrings. The petals can also be matched with the triangular shapes alone, or with the pearls alone.

Jessica Cu, founder of The 5th C says, “While we’ve designed some unique creations in the past, My 5-Ways is something truly revolutionary from a technical standpoint.”

Each My 5-Ways is customised with the wearer’s choice of stones. “My 5-Ways are made-to-order,” Cu says. “You can mix-and-match spectacular brilliant white diamonds, black pearls, bold emerald gemstones and white, yellow, rose or black gold settings. The options are endless and completely up to the preferences of each client.”

Details:

Call +852 2654 6288 to make an appointment to visit The 5th C’s showroom in Central. 

Source: Zimmerli website.
The Sea Island v-neck t-shirt.

Necessities for modern men

The Zimmerli Sea Island v-neck or crewneck t-shirt from Swiss brand Zimmerli is designed to be worn under a shirt. The tee is made from rare cotton handpicked in Barbados. According to the Zimmerli website, Sea Island cotton from the West Indies is so soft that it can be mistaken for cashmere or silk, but is more durable. Sea Island cotton (Gossypium barbadense) is considered one of the finest cotton types in the world, and is traditionally worn by royalty.

Details:

Available at Lane Crawford, Harvey Nichols and The Swank for HK$1,480. 

Source: Falke. No. 3 Finest Camel & Silk Gentlemen Socks are made with camel fur and silk.

When it comes to socks, Falke is the name synonymous with fine socks and hosiery. The brand’s most exclusive product is their No. 3 Finest Camel & Silk Gentlemen Socks, which are woven by specialists in Italy from a mixture of camel fur and pure silk. Thanks to the insulating properties of the camel fur, these socks are cool in summer and warm in winter. Falke shears its camels when they are 18 months old, when their fur is at its softest. No camels are harmed in the process. 

Details:

Available at Sogo for HK$690 per pair.

Gourmet festive foods

Source: HABITŪ. The Brewrista di HABITŪ festive hamper.

This holiday season, HABITŪ has released a series of hampers for coffee connoisseurs. The most extravagant, the Brewrista di HABITŪ, contains a top-of-the-range Hario V60 coffee dripper complete with filter papers, a HABITŪ rose gold cup, a HABITŪ hand grinder and a stock of Christmas Edition Classico No.3 Coffee Beans. 

This Christmas blend consists of five single-origin coffee beans from around the world: Huila from Colombia, Cerrado from Brazil, Sidamo from Ethiopia, Mbeya from Tanzania and Mandheling from Indonesia. Expect a well-structured, full-bodied espresso with nutty and chocolate flavours, with a smooth and clean mouthfeel when milk is added. 

Details:

Available at all HABITŪ outlets for HK$428. View the Christmas menu (PDF)

Explore:

HABITŪ is also offering workshops and has made its venues available for Christmas parties. A three-course Christmas meal from HK$288 per person. View the Christmas party menu (PDF)

View the HABITŪ Christmas video

Turkey delivery

The Eclipse Hospitality Group, which runs the Grand Central, Coyote and McSorley's dining outlets among others, has a one-of-a-kind turkey delivery service. The premium festive turkey set includes a 4.5 to 5.4kg carved or whole roasted US turkey with the choice of several festive sides – think turkey stuffing, gravy, roasted potatoes, fiesta yams, desserts, and more.  Orders can be delivered to the doorstep between 12-6pm. A Festive Roast Package is HK$1,180, and The Feast Package costs HK$1,980.

Details:


Order online or by e-mailing events at eclipse.com.hk five days prior to pickup or delivery.

View the order form (PDF)

Meals with a difference

Source: Gaucho Restaurants. Christmas brunch.

Argentinian restaurant Gaucho has prepared a lavish Christmas feast for the holiday season, from starter platters to share and hearty mains. Light bites include the tuna ceviche and the watermelon salad, as well as braised beef baked back ribs for meat lovers.

Mains include the ancho (200g), a marbled prime ribeye steak cooked as the diner wishes; an oven baked salmon and the braised lamb shank, slow-cooked for four hours with herbs and spices. All mains are accompanied by generous portions of classic Christmas sides to share such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips.

For sweets, Gaucho offers dulce de leche cheesecake, or dulce de leche 'cookie men’, apple crumble, and chocolate brownies.

Details:

Gaucho’s Christmas brunch will be available on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day (December 24-26) from 11am-4pm. The menu will also be available for dinner on Christmas Eve (December 24) and Boxing Day (December 26) from 6pm onwards. 

A range of sets are available, beginning with Rudolph Reindeer at HK$518 for free-flow starters, sides, and desserts with a choice of one main.

Guests who book on Dining City for Gaucho’s Christmas Brunch promotion enjoy a 10% discount off the total food and beverage bill on their booking date. Bookings are accepted till 10 December.

Gaucho is at 5th Floor, LHT Tower, 31 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong

Call +852 2386 8090 for reservations

A moment in time

Source: Studio Harcourt. Chinese actress,
television producer and pop singer Fan Binbing
by Studio Harcourt.

First established in Paris in 1934, Studio Harcourt opened its first international outpost in Hong Kong in 2016. The black-and-white Prestige Portrait is Studio Harcourt’s signature and most popular shot, featuring refined, flattering lighting inspired by the golden age of cinema. Countless celebrities have sat for their own Prestige Portrait, including Karl Lagerfeld, Fan Bingbing and Catherine Deneuve. 

Individuals and groups can be photographed for a Prestige Portrait. Each session includes a makeup session with Studio Harcourt’s team, and the choice of a range of photos. Selections are printed on Studio Harcourt art paper and sent to Paris to be certified with the iconic Studio Harcourt signature. They are then delivered in an elegant gift box.

Details:

Prices start at HK$22,000 for an individual portrait. Studio Harcourt is located at 18/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central, Hong Kong. Call +852 2662 0030 with enquiries.

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The gadget gift guide 2017

Festive drinks at Starbucks
 
Christmas sets at Watsons Singapore

The Christmas 2017 Singapore luxury gift guide

Christmas surprises at Goodwood Park Hotel

Hotel Jen Tanglin's festive takeaways and meals

Holidays at the Black Sheep Restaurants, Hong Kong

Festive meals at the Eclipse Hospitality Group restaurants

Christmas 2017 Singapore luxury gift guide

It's the festive season and time to look for unusual gifts, whether as internal incentives or for customers. Here are some possibilities:

Facials 

The Kew Organics Red Carpet Organic Facial is a natural, age-reversing alternative to surgical procedures, the Kew Organics Red Carpet Organic Facial incorporates non-invasive skin-firming technologies for lifted, firmed and youthfully radiant skin.

The face treatment, which includes organic botanicals in Kew Organics serums, replenishes and the skin and firms all 57 facial muscles, resulting in fresh, youthful-looking skin, the company said.

Details:

The Red Carpet Organic Facial is priced at S$380 for 120 minutes; it will be available at 10% off for the month of December.

Party skin essentials 

Source: Kew Organics. The Kew Organics skincare range.

The Kew Organics skincare range includes solutions to smooth, plump and brighten:

Sugar Cane Royal Flush Exfoliant, S$69.70. This hydrating serum contains an organic cocktail of fruit acids and revitalising botanical extracts to remove dead cells and acne scars, brightening dull skin. It also minimises enlarged pores and reduces fine lines and wrinkles to reveal a youthful and healthy complexion.

Apple Stem Cell* Vitaglow Serum, S$79.70
Brighten dull-looking skin with this blend of natural skin brighteners and age-reversing Swiss apple stem cells. Antioxidant ferulic acid, sea vege complex and resveratrol boost cell renewal and deliver water-based humectants to replenish dehydrated skin.

Ultra-Revive H20+ Masque, S$80.40

Enjoy an intensive burst of hydration with this lightweight leave-on treatment that locks in moisture and nutrients while users sleep. High and low molecular weight proteins, hyaluronic acid and collagen release nourishment deep into the dermal layer, restoring skin’s optimal moisture supply. An antioxidant blend of green tea, asafoetida, vitamins C and E enhance resilience, leaving skin feeling smoother, supple, and younger. Use anytime you need an instant boost.

Skin treatments

Source: EstheClinic. The Glow To Go IPL
Skin Rejuvenation Treatment can be done quickly,
during lunchtime.

EstheClinic’s Glow To Go IPL Skin Rejuvenation Treatment will work fast to rejuvenate sluggish skin, smoothen fine lines, lighten uneven pigmentation and brighten dull skin, restoring youthful radiance and smoother texture to the complexion.

The treatment works on the deeper dermis layer of the skin to boost cellular activity, increase collagen production and promote regeneration, and is also highly effective in reducing uneven pigmentation on the skin’s surface, EstheClinic says. 

Using the MacPeel No Pain System IPL machine – developed for and used exclusively at EstheClinic Singapore, no numbing cream is needed, and the entire face can be treated in 15 to 20 minutes which EstheClinic estimates is twice as fast as traditional intense pulsed light (IPL) technology systems. The pain-free treatment has zero downtime, with results immediately visible from the first session, EstheClinic adds. 

The company also offers body whitening treatments, during which IPL is delivered to specific parts of the body to smooth wrinkles, refine pores and decrease hyperpigmentation. According to EstheClinic, the friction caused by constant shaving or waxing as well as natural

processes can areas of the body to darken.

EstheClinic is also introducing an exclusive, limited-edition EstheClinic The Gift of Glow skincare set comprising of three full-sized items from its Eladerm cosmeceuticals range priced at S$228 (retail value of S$270): 

Eladerm Le DermaBooster: This microneedling home device is made of ultra-fine titanium needles to gently and painlessly stimulate cellular activity, so that skincare penetrates deeper and collagen production is dramatically boosted. Skin becomes smoother and tightened after one week of use, EstheClinic says.

 
Eladerm Le Serum CosmeLED Global Anti-ageing Serum: This serum contains botanical extracts to increase cellular regeneration and renewal. It also contains chlorophyll, which gives the green colour to plants, to oxygenate the skin, speed up repair and protect cells from damaging free radicals.

Eladerm La Crème CosmeLED Global Anti-ageing Cream: This cream treats signs of ageing with botanicals, including chlorophyll, working quickly to firm and lift the skin.

Details: 

EstheClinic’s Glow To Go IPL Skin Rejuvenation Treatment costs S$250 per session for the face and S$320 per session for the face and neck. Packages of six and 10 sessions are also available. A series of six to eight sessions once every three to four weeks is recommended for optimum results.

The Glow To Go IPL Skin Rejuvenation Treatment is also available for the hands and area around the neck, with prices starting at S$75 per session.

Celebrate at the Grand Hyatt Singapore

Consider a festive meal at one of five restaurants at the Grand Hyatt Singapore, or tailor an event instead.

Five buffets for the festive season at the Grand Hyatt Singapore's restaurants. Special meals for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

The Christmas gift shop at mezza9.

Leave the planning to a dedicated Grand Hyatt Singapore event planner with the Grand Festive Package:

• Festive menu prepared by the Grand Hyatt culinary team
• Free-flow soft drinks and coffee/tea
• Selection of fresh floral arrangements for VIP tables and individual table centrepieces
• Use of built-in screens for video presentations
• Use of a day room for committee members
• Parking coupons (based on 20% of guaranteed attendance)
• Dedicated event planner

Details:

Download the Festive Package brochure (PDF) or call the event team at +65 6416 7373.

A gift card for travel lovers

Source: Mr & Mrs Smith website. Hicks illustrated the limited
edition Get a Room! gift card for Mr & Mrs Smith.

Mr & Mrs Smith, the boutique-hotel booking service specialising in the world’s most seductive stays, has partnered with illustrator Angelica Hicks to create the ultimate gift for hotel-lovers. 

Hicks – whose penmanship adorned Gucci’s summer T-shirt collection this year – created a limited-edition Get a Room! gift card that pays homage to the bellhop.

"It was such an enjoyably open brief and a chance to have some fun with all things travel – who isn’t a hotel lover at heart? For anyone who gets a gift card in their stocking this year, I hope it gets them excited about their getaway," said Hicks.

"This year we wanted to collaborate with a global artist who would not only come up with something really unique for us but who also wholeheartedly understands what the Mr & Mrs Smith travel club is all about. Angelica has created a fun, inventive and stylish gift card design full of Smith’s sense of mischief – and hers. Put one on your Christmas list," said James Lohan, co-founder and Creative Director, Mr & Mrs Smith.

Details: 

The limited-edition gift card is available in any amount from £50/US$64 upwards, and can be put towards a booking at any of the 1,000 handpicked stays in Mr & Mrs Smith’s global collection. The collection now also includes luxury villas, bespoke itineraries and unique experiences, too. Order online. At the time of writing the card was sold out, with a note that stocks will be available from December 4. 

Hashtag: #AngelicaHicksxSmith

Explore:

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog posts about

The gadget gift guide 2017

Festive drinks at Starbucks
 
Christmas sets at Watsons Singapore

Christmas surprises at Goodwood Park Hotel

Hotel Jen Tanglin's festive takeaways and meals

The Christmas 2017 Hong Kong luxury gift guide

Holidays at the Black Sheep Restaurants, Hong Kong

Festive meals at the Eclipse Hospitality Group restaurants

*The trend of using plant stem cells including apple stem cells has been observed in the cosmetics industry but there are currently few studies of its effectiveness available online. One such study noted that a preparation containing apple stem cells has anti-ageing properties. It is said that the apples used should be Swiss apples, specifically of the rare Uttwiler Spätlauber variety.