Reimagining Parkinson’s care

- Hayley Nea Iaduray has been named the Malaysia National Winner of the James Dyson Award 2026.

- Iaduray won for a wearable for Parkinson's patients.

- The invention will progress to the international stage of the James Dyson Award. The global winners, selected by Sir James Dyson will each receive RM162,999, while national winners are awarded RM27,160 each.

Hayley Nea Iaduray, a 24-year old engineering student from Monash University Malaysia, is the Malaysia National Winner of the James Dyson Award 2026 for her invention, ZeMor.

ZeMor is a tuneable, battery-free wearable device designed to help reduce hand tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease. Inspired by the engineering systems used to stabilise skyscrapers during earthquakes and typhoons, ZeMor applies the same principle on a miniature scale to help reduce involuntary hand tremors.

Parkinson's disease is one of the fastest-growing neurological disorders worldwide, affecting more than twice as many people today compared to 25 years ago¹,². Global researchers projected that the number of people living with Parkinson's could rise to 25.2 million by 2050, driven largely by ageing populations³.

1 World Health Organization (WHO), Parkinson Disease (2023)  

2 World Health Organization (WHO), Launch of Parkinson Disease Technical Brief (2022) 

3 BMJ, Projections for prevalence of Parkinson's disease and its driving factors in 195 countries and territories to 2050 (2025)

Celebrate beneath one moon with Eu Yan Sang

This Mid-Autumn, Eu Yan Sang celebrates coming together with the people who matter with their Beneath One Moon gift set, available in-stores and online from 28 August 2026.

Beneath One Moon is designed to become part of the celebration itself. Priced at S$68, the set brings together mooncakes, tea and togetherness in a gift box that is also a serving table and tray. Simply open the box, transform it into a serving table, brew a pot of tea and share the mooncakes.

Each set includes two 180 g traditional baked mooncakes, a travel tea set with two teacups, and six mini glutinous tuo cha (5g each). Glutinous tuo cha are cakes of compressed tea mixed with a herb that imparts the aroma of glutinous rice to the tea.

Each mooncake has a different flavour. A mooncake created for sharing, Golden Reunion (金月团圆) captures the very heart of the festival, the joy of gathering again around one table.

Reduced-sugar white lotus paste envelops two salted egg yolks, their golden centres reminiscent of the full Mid-Autumn moon. Melon seed slivers add a delicate nutty bite, bringing together sweet, savoury and a subtle crunch within golden pastry.

Abundant Harvest (百果盈香) invites slow appreciation, particularly when enjoyed with a freshly-brewed cup of tea. This mooncake celebrates the generosity of the season through a medley of macadamias, almonds, walnuts, melon seeds and sesame seeds. Sweet winter melon strips adds a traditional note, while dried orange lends a fragrant citrus lift that balances the richness of the nuts and seeds.

Inspired by the beauty and symbolism of the full moon, the Beneath One Moon gift box opens to reveal a Mid-Autumn landscape in shades of rose, gold and twilight, framed with intricate oriental lattice detailing. The mooncakes, teapot and cups can be arranged directly upon it.

Source: Eu Yan Sang. Eu Yan Sang's 2026 Mid-Autumn gift set, Beneath One Moon, brings together mooncakes, tea, a travel tea brewing set and a keepsake serving table. 

Details

Eu Yan Sang Beneath One Moon Mid-Autumn gift set (S$68 nett)

Each gift set includes:

• 1 × Golden Reunion — Reduced sugar white lotus double yolk mooncake with melon seeds (180 g)
• 1 × Abundant Harvest — Baked assorted nuts mooncake (180 g) 
• 1 × travel teapot 
• 2 × teacups 
• 6 × mini glutinous tuo cha (5 g each) 
• 1 × specially-designed Mid-Autumn gift box that transforms into a serving table/tray

Available from 28 August 2026 at Eu Yan Sang Singapore stores and their website, while stocks last.

Starbucks: A moonlit celebration

Embrace the warmth of the season with the Bunny Mooncake Feast Collection, which captures the joy of Mid-Autumn through playful illustrations and heartwarming scenes of moonlit gatherings. 

The collection features two themes: Warm Harvest, with cosy orange, beige and natural tones, and Dark Elegance, combining deep navy hues with warm gold accents for a refined festive look. 

Details 

The Bunny Mooncake Feast Collection will be available from 2 September in-store, on the Starbucks Online Store at 10 am, and via LazMall and ShopeeMall from 12 pm (while stocks last).

Source: Starbucks. Mid-Autumn at Starbucks features a bunny mooncake feast.

 

The Starbucks mooncake assortment offers something for every palate. Each eight-piece set is available at S$69.90 and brings together traditional flavours along with modern tea and coffee-infused creations. 

In addition to two lotus paste mooncakes with egg yolk and two osmanthus oolong mooncakes, the sets contain an oolong yuzu mooncake; a pandan osmanthus mooncake; a black sesame mooncake with egg yolk; and a caramel coffee macadamia mooncake. All of the flavours are new except for the lotus paste flavour.

Details 

Starbucks mooncakes (single / gift box) are available at all stores and via Mobile Order & Pay, and Starbucks Delivers on the Starbucks app (while stocks last).  

Starbucks Rewards members can get 120 Bonus Stars when they purchase two Starbucks mooncake gift boxes and pay with a Starbucks card. They can also earn an additional 60 Bonus Stars for every mooncake gift box from the third box onwards.

Make your Starbucks moments even more rewarding with the new S$12.90 Voucher Pack*, available from 31 August to 6 September.

Details

The pack contains six vouchers for: 

• 2x tall drinks 

• 1x Venti Buy-One-Get-One Free deal 

• 1x 10% off merch 

• 1x free size upgrade 

• 1x S$2 off minimum S$10 spend

The voucher pack is valid for 10 days from the date of purchase. 

Starbucks Rewards lets members earn Stars with every purchase while enjoying exclusive treats, birthday perks and seasonal rewards throughout the year. Sign up for free at https://www.starbucks.com.sg/rewards/join

*Terms and conditions

- 10% off merchandise offer excludes IP collections (Molly, Mofusand). 

- Drink promotion is not valid for the kaya toast series, Molly + Starbucks strawberry cream frappuccino, Starbucks Reserve and Starbucks Weave beverages.  

Hai Tien Lo welcomes the Mid-Autumn festival

Source: Pan Pacific Singapore.
Hai Tien Lo has unveiled its
2026 Mid-Autumn selection.

Hai Tien Lo is featuring a selection of handcrafted mooncakes for the Mid-Autumn festival up until 25 September 2026, curated by Executive Chinese Chef Edden Yap and his culinary team. 

Available in sets of four mooncakes, the collection is presented in a vibrant orange box adorned with floral motifs, designed to be a versatile keepsake that doubles as a jewellery box. The baked mooncake selections include the signature Hai Tien Lo no. 1 tea baked mooncake (S$95 nett for a box of four), featuring a fragrant blend of tea and herbs.

For a refreshing take on the classic baked mooncake, the roselle with wolfberries and white lotus paste baked mooncake (S$95 nett for a box of four) makes its debut this year. 

Traditional favourites include the double yolk white lotus paste baked mooncake (S$99 nett) and the single yolk white lotus paste baked mooncake (S$95 nett), both crafted with salted egg yolk. Complementing the baked mooncake selection is the best-selling melt-in-the-mouth Mao Shan Wang durian snow skin mooncake (S$108 nett). 

Two specially-curated mooncake sets are available for gifting and indulging. The classic four treasures baked mooncake set (S$98 nett) comes in a keepsake box with floral motifs, and includes:

• One Hai Tien Lo no. 1 tea baked mooncake

• One roselle with wolfberries and white lotus paste baked mooncake

• One double yolk white lotus paste baked mooncake

• One single yolk white lotus paste baked mooncake

The premium four treasures baked mooncake set (S$188 nett) comes in an elegant, two-tiered box with intricate floral motifs, and includes:

• One Hai Tien Lo no. 1 tea baked mooncake

• One roselle with wolfberries and white lotus paste baked mooncake

• One double yolk white lotus paste baked mooncake

• One single yolk white lotus paste baked mooncake

• A teapot set with two teacups

• A tin with two packets of Hai Tien Lo No. 1 tea leaves

Details

View the Mid-Autumn Festival Mooncake brochure and order form at https://www.panpacific.com/content/dam/pphg-revamp/en/ppsin/pphg2-0/offers/mid-autumn-festival-2026/ppsin_offer_lunar_indulgence_brochure.pdf

To order, call +65 6826 8240 or +65 9009 5936, email specialevents.ppsin@panpacific.com, or visit panpacificsingapore.oddle.me up to 25 September 2026.  

Get savings of up to 25% until 25 September 2026. Enjoy the convenience of delivery or opt for self-collection at the hotel’s mooncake booth located on level 1 of Pan Pacific Singapore until 25 September 2026, from 10 am until 8 pm. 

For bulk orders, complimentary delivery to one location is available for a minimum order of 50 boxes, with one complimentary location extended for every subsequent 50 boxes ordered. For orders below 50 boxes, a delivery fee of S$60 nett per location applies.

For individual door-to-door deliveries, a fee of S$20 nett applies for up to two boxes per location, with additional boxes to the same address charged at S$4 nett per box.

Prices quoted are in Singapore dollars, and are inclusive of prevailing government taxes.

Celebrate Pan Pacific Singapore’s 40th anniversary with a host of benefits with the Pan Pacific Hotels Group’s loyalty programme, Pan Pacific DISCOVERY. Earn up to 7% cash back in DISCOVERY dollars (D$) on stays, dining, and spa. Enjoy perks, such as room upgrades and late check-out (subject to availability), birthday treats, and complimentary breakfast for Titanium members. For more information, please visit https://www.panpacific.com/en/panpacific-discovery/sign-up-today.html?r=PPSIN

Hashtags: #PanPacificSingapore, #HaiTienLoSG, #ShareYourMoments

Singtel Group celebrates National Day with new film

Source: Singtel YouTube channel. Beyond Connection is Singtel's National Day film for 2026. 

Singtel Group has launched its 2026 National Day film, Beyond Connection. The film is a tribute to the spirit of progress that has shaped Singapore over 61 years, charting the country's journey from a resource-poor island in 1965 to today’s global economic success story before looking ahead to how digital infrastructure and AI will support Singapore's next lap as a Smart Nation and regional AI hub.

Beyond Connection also tells the story of Singtel's own evolution and the role it has played in nation building.

Yuen Kuan Moon, Group CEO, Singtel, said: “The story of Singapore has always been one of looking beyond the horizon and building for the future. Every generation has played a part in building a stronger foundation for the next and this includes investing in the infrastructure and capabilities that have helped us dream bigger. 

"As AI reshapes economies and societies, we are entering another defining chapter. As national telco to today's digital infrastructure and services group, we feel privileged that we can continue playing a part in driving Singapore's Smart Nation ambitions and continued success by building the digital backbone that will help Singapore seize new opportunities in the AI era."

The film blends archival footage with present-day scenes to bring Singapore’s development and progress to life, capturing how Singtel’s technology and services played a role in transforming Singapore’s airport and port, healthcare and manufacturing sectors. 

Shots of Singtel's National Day Parade marching contingents, past and present, highlight the company’s longstanding role in supporting this journey. True to the spirit of AI, selected historical images were enhanced through AI-assisted production tools to improve their visual quality and introduce subtle movement while respecting their authenticity and original context.

Accelerating industry transformation

Beyond Connection illustrates how Singtel’s investments in digital infrastructure are unleashing fresh innovation in Singapore’s world-class healthcare sector while breathing new life into old industries. 

Contributing to community

The film also highlights Singtel's longstanding commitment to empowering every generation. Through the Singtel Touching Lives Fund, Singtel has supported children and youth with special needs for more than three decades. It has also lent support for the visual and performing arts through the Singtel Waterfront Theatre at the Esplanade and the Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery at National Gallery Singapore. It continues championing Singapore’s national athletes through a 15-year partnership with the Singapore National Olympic Council.

Lian Pek, VP, Group Corporate Affairs & Investor Relations, Singtel said: “Dare I say this is not our typical National Day celebration. With the world on the cusp of an AI-driven revolution, it is even more critical that a company with our DNA helps Singapore make its way in the brave new world while leaving no one behind. We know Singaporeans’ determination and resilience will always prevail and we celebrate that in the film while also reaffirming our support for the nation through innovation, partnerships and community.”

Explore 

Beyond Connection can be viewed on Singtel’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WErIVWHn91g

It will also air on screens at the National Day Parade, Singtel TV and various social media channels. 

Singapore launches new workplace safety and health resources

● Singapore enters next phase of efforts to support safer and longer working lives

● New initiatives aim to strengthen workplace safety and health (WSH) outcomes 

● AI-enabled SAGE platform will help WSH professionals access official guidance faster and strengthen risk management decisions

New national workplace safety and health initiatives have been unveiled at the Singapore Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Conference 2026. 

Source: WSH Council. From left: Tan Hee Teck, President, SNEF; Abu Bakar Bin Mohd Nor, Chairman, WSH Council; Singapore Minister of State for Manpower, Dinesh Vasu Dash; and Ngien Hoon Ping, Group CEO, SMRT Corporation.

Held at Marina Bay Sands, the 9th edition of the biennial conference focused on how Singapore’s WSH ecosystem can better anticipate emerging risks, strengthen shared ownership and translate safety insights into practical action across workplaces. Over 1,500 policymakers, business leaders, WSH professionals and industry practitioners attended activities under the theme Insight to Impact: Collective Effort for Stronger WSH Outcomes.

Singapore Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash launched the Safety Advisory and Guidance Engine (SAGE), an AI-enabled knowledge and decision-support tool developed by the Workplace Safety and Health Council in partnership with the Singapore Institution of Safety Officers. 

Designed for WSH professionals, SAGE helps users retrieve relevant information, identify workplace hazards and apply best-practice control measures based on Singapore’s WSH framework. SAGE provides guided task categories that help users navigate common WSH activities. This lowers the barrier to using AI for WSH tasks, making the platform easier to use regardless of the user's familiarity with AI. 

By making authoritative guidance easier to access, the tool aims to support faster, more consistent decision-making in safety-critical environments while complementing the experience and professional judgement of WSH practitioners.  

 The move comes as Singapore enters the next phase of its WSH journey. According to the Workplace Safety and Health Report 2025 released by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in March 2026, two all-time lows were achieved in the country. 

The workplace fatal injury rate fell to a record low of 0.96 per 100,000 workers in 2025, while major injury rates across most workplace settings declined to 15.7 per 100,000 workers.* However, reported workplace injuries rose by 2.5%, underscoring the need for continued vigilance even as Singapore remains among the safest working environments globally. 

Mr Dinesh also unveiled the Alliance for Action on Safety and Health for Employment Longevity (AfA-SHEL), which supports safer, healthier and longer working lives. The initiative will look at how workers can be better supported to remain in, or return safely to, employment after injury or illness. 

He said: “Singapore’s workplace safety and health progress is not a static achievement, but a continuous national effort. As we advance the WSH 2028 agenda, our focus must be on sustaining the progress we have made, strengthening support for workers, employers and WSH practitioners, and ensuring that our
WSH system remains responsive to the needs of a changing economy. By working together, we
can continue to raise WSH standards and build safer, healthier and more resilient workplaces.”

The AfA-SHEL was introduced by the minister during the MOM's Committee of Supply Debate in March 2026. Jointly led by MOM, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), the AfA brings together employers, workers, relevant government agencies, healthcare institutions, solution providers and other stakeholders to co-create practical, industry-led solutions to strengthen WSH and support employment longevity.

The AfA will focus on developing practical solutions in three areas: 

• Injury prevention for the general workforce, beyond high-risk workplaces

• Supporting returning to work after a serious injury or health episode

• Workplace adaption and job redesign to make work tasks, processes and environments safer and more suitable for Singapore's workforce, which comprises people with varied physical and health needs

The WSH Council further introduced a new WhatsApp channel to provide employers, workers and WSH practitioners with mobile-first access to events, alerts, advisories and resources. This complements the Council’s existing WSH Bulletin, social media channels and website.

Abu Bakar Bin Mohd Nor, Chairman of the WSH Council, said the next phase of WSH progress will require stronger shared ownership across the ecosystem. “As workplace risks become more complex, the next phase of WSH progress cannot rest on any one party alone. Workforce ageing, more unpredictable weather patterns, and new technologies are changing the risks that employers, workers, and WSH professionals have to manage," he said. 

"That means we must keep adapting our systems, tools and mindsets, while ensuring every part of the ecosystem plays its role in anticipating risks earlier, designing for safety from the outset, and embedding WSH practices on the ground. This shared ownership will be critical as we continue strengthening Singapore’s WSH culture.” 

The Top Executive WSH Programme (TEWP) has also been enhanced. From 1 September 2026, the TEWP will place greater emphasis on executive accountability, governance and due diligence. The enhanced programme was redesigned by the Institute of Adult Learning and Singapore University of Social Sciences in consultation with MOM, the WSH Council, training providers and the Singapore Institute of Directors. 

New enhancements include:

● Special emphasis on governance and executive leadership
● Targeted learning designed for C-suite leaders and board directors
● More examples of scenario-based and application-focused learning
● Greater focus on the CORE Framework and the 17 Approved Code of Practice measures
● Enhanced emphasis on evidence of leadership commitment and due diligence

The conference concluded with a call for organisations to strengthen shared responsibility, practical innovation and adopt a people-centred approach to workplace safety and health. 

Details

AfA-SHEL 

MOM is inviting Singapore-registered organisations to participate in the AfA through an open call ending 31 August 2026. Selected organisations will participate in an innovation programme to develop their prototypes over approximately 14 months, beginning in August 2026. Participants will receive funding support, access to WSH and industry experts, and consultancy support from an assigned account manager. 

Applications will be evaluated by the AfA Secretariat, comprising MOM, NTUC, SNEF, and the WSH Council. Around 30 organisations will be selected, with balanced representation across the AfA's three focus areas. 

Interested organisations can submit their proposals via https://go.gov.sg/afashel2026opencall by 31 August 2026. 

SAGE

Beta testing for SAGE begins in August 2026, with the full public launch slated for January 2027. The tool will be available in multiple languages – English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, Bengali, Hindi and Burmese.

WhatsApp 

Subscribe at https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarATmI4yltLGpon1z0j 

*Workplace Safety and Health Report 2025, Minister of Manpower. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/-/media/mom/documents/safety-health/reports-stats/wsh-national-statistics/wsh-national-stats-2025.pdf 

Cvent Accelerate Singapore 2026 returns for its 5th edition

Cvent Accelerate Singapore 2026, the 5th edition of Cvent's flagship Asia Pacific conference for event planners, marketers and hospitality professionals, will take place this August. 

The conference brings professionals from the events, hospitality and marketing industry to explore how AI, data and event-led growth (ELG) are transforming business events from operational exercises into measurable growth engines. 

"Cvent Accelerate Singapore has been the region's premier forum for event, hospitality and marketing professionals for the past four years," said Will Kataria, Country Head & Senior Director, Asia Pacific, Cvent. 

"The fifth edition is particularly significant as it's the first in Asia Pacific since our global brand transformation, and it arrives at a moment when AI is fundamentally changing what events can do. We're bringing together the industry's most forward-thinking leaders to share what's working, explore what's possible and push the conversation forward." 

The programme will feature keynote presentations, executive panel discussions, breakout sessions, live technology demonstrations and networking opportunities covering topics such as AI innovation and the future of event technology, event ROI and business impact, strategic planning in the AI era, and sustainable & high-impact event experiences. Key sessions include:

- Decoding the Shift: B2B Event Trends & The Path Forward in the AI Age 

- The Future of Event Tech: The Next Act 

- AI-Enhanced RFP to ROI: How Planners, Marketers, and Hoteliers Win Together Event 

- Pipeline Anxiety: Solving the Fears That Keep Marketers Up at Night 

- Relevance Redefined: How AI is Reinventing Venue Discovery for Planners 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience CventIQ, Cvent's AI capabilities embedded across its platform, and learn how AI is being applied across the event lifecycle to support planning, attendee engagement, content generation and post-event insights. 

This is the first Cvent Accelerate in the Asia Pacific following the unveiling of Cvent's new global brand identity in mid-July. Cvent's new brand promise is built around the Presence Premium - that a room full of real people has great value in an AI-first world. The company also announced at the brand identity launch that it will invest more than US$1 B in technology, AI, and product innovation, the largest investment of its kind in company history.  

Confidence among APAC accountants is up in Q2

- Confidence in Asia Pacific is now meaningfully above average after a sharp Q2 recovery, but it remains weak in North America and Western Europe.

- Economic pressures returned as the top risk priority among accountants in Q2 (22%), ahead of geopolitical instability (20%) and cybersecurity (14%).

Seven in 10 (72%) respondents expect inflation in their country to increase over the next three months.

Confidence among Asia-Pacific accountants and finance professionals rebounded sharply in Q226, according to the latest ACCA and IMA Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS), reversing a Q1 decline and pushing the region's confidence and New Orders indices above their historical averages. This is a stronger recovery than seen in North America and Western Europe, where confidence remains weak by historical standards.

The fallout from the Middle East conflict continues to impact the results the survey, which was conducted between 3 and 17 June, before the renewed fighting and resumption of the US naval blockade.

While the region is very exposed to developments in the Middle East, hopes of a potential resolution of the conflict and the relative resilience of the global economy have likely been factors boosting sentiment, as well as the global AI boom, of which the region’s exporters are major beneficiaries.

Over three-quarters of accountants globally reported increased operating costs in Q2 – above the previous record set in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – amid soaring commodity prices and supply chain disruptions resulting from the conflict. Over eight in 10 (83%) CFOs globally experienced increased costs, following a record-breaking rise of over 20 percentage points from Q1. This is close to series peaks recorded in 2022 and 2023.

Cost pressures also rose in the Asia-Pacific region, with the proportion of respondents reporting increased costs jumping nine percentage points to 66% in Q2, well above the survey's historical average. However, this remains notably less severe than in Western Europe (83%) and North America (74%), where cost pressures are close to record highs.

Despite soaring costs, there was some recovery in confidence among accountants globally in Q2, from what was close to a record low in Q1. While they remain quite downbeat by historical standards, the improvement likely reflects the relative resilience of the global economy and signs at the time of the survey of movement towards a potential resolution of the conflict, which may have reduced fears of worst-case scenarios.

That said, globally declines in the Global New Orders, Capital Expenditure and Employment indices point to some slowing in global growth, likely reflecting headwinds from increased private sector caution, rising inflation, and tighter-than-expected monetary policy, although they do not appear to be signalling a major economic slowdown.

Economic pressures returned as accountants' top risk priority in Q226 (22%), ahead of geopolitical instability (20%) and cybersecurity (14%). Respondents described how understanding today's risk landscape extends beyond traditional economic cycle management, pointing to the converging effects of prolonged wars, rising cybercrime and policy uncertainty. AI featured prominently, with comments focusing on sustainable value, cyber resilience and accountability.

Survey respondents in Singapore echoed these concerns. A Singapore CFO in professional services said: "The inability of economic analysts to forecast the future, and the reaction time of the government when dealing with unforeseen economic shocks are underestimated economic risks."

Another Singapore respondent added: "Increasing operating costs will result in many small businesses going out of business and demand for professional services will accordingly continue to decline."

Alain Mulder, Senior Director, Europe Operations & Global Special Projects at IMA said: "The AI boom is providing major support to the global economy and financial markets, but developments in the Middle East over coming months will be crucial. If progress can be made in resolving the conflict, that would clearly be supportive for global growth as we progress through the second half of 2026. But downside risks would quickly build if there were a return to major hostilities and surge in energy prices."

Jonathan Ashworth, Chief Economist, ACCA said: "Sharply rising costs were unsurprisingly a major issue for firms in Q2. If they increasingly try to pass these on to the consumer, this would significantly raise the risk of policy tightening by the world’s major central banks. That said, policymakers will be hoping for favourable developments on the diplomatic front, and a return of oil prices to around pre-crisis levels, potentially allowing them to sit on their hands for the rest of 2026."

Ashworth concluded: "Despite some improvement in confidence, accountants globally remain very cautious, likely in part reflecting the uncertain and unpredictable operating environment which has become the 'new normal' in recent years."

Details

Read the GECS Q2 2026 report at https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/professional-insights/global-economics/gecs-q2-2026.html

Sustainable Thai flavours celebrated in four-hands dinner at Dining on the Rocks

This August, Executive Chef Kien Wagner of Six Senses Samui and Chef Gongpitak (Im) Boontanaveerapat, Chef De Cuisine from Phuket's Jampa restaurant celebrate sustainable Thai flavours together at Dining on the Rocks, Six Senses Samui. Both chefs believe the best ingredients do not need much persuasion.

For two evenings only - August 13 and 15, 2026 - Executive Chef Wagner welcomes Chef Im for an exclusive four-hands dinner that highlights Thailand's produce, the people who grow it, and the stories that begin long before they reach the plate.

While Samui and Phuket sit just a few hours apart, each island offers its own distinct landscape, seasons and ingredients. This collaboration brings them together in a menu shaped by both places, combining produce harvested from Six Senses Samui's Farm on the Hill with ingredients sourced through Jampa's close network of regenerative farmers, artisans and fishermen.

Guests can expect a tasting menu that is bold in flavour yet restrained in approach, including seafood caught in southern waters, vegetables picked at their peak, as well as fruits, herbs and native ingredients presented with precision.

For Chef Kien, the dinner is a natural extension of the philosophy that guides the kitchens at Six Senses Samui. Chef Im has earned recognition at Jampa for redefining what sustainable dining can look like in Thailand. Awarded a Michelin Green Star, the restaurant is known for its wood-fired kitchen, minimal-waste philosophy and deep commitment to regenerative agriculture. These values will travel to Samui for this collaboration.

This six-course four-hands dinner will be served in two seatings each evening. As seating is limited, advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Details

For more information or to make a reservation, call +66 7724 5678 or email reservations-samui@sixsenses.com

86% of APAC consumers have penalised brands for poor service: Genesys

Genesys, a global cloud provider in AI-powered experience orchestration, has found that customer experience (CX) has become an increasingly decisive factor in consumer loyalty and spending decisions across the Asia-Pacific region (APAC).

Source: Genesys landing page. Consumers compare businesses against their best experiences.

The 5th edition of Genesys' State of Customer Experience report has revealed that half of APAC consumers say they would rather do anything else than contact customer service, with the sentiment rising sharply in Singapore (63%) – the highest among APAC markets covered in the research.

Poor service is also hitting the bottom line. Across APAC, 86% of consumers say poor service has caused them to spend less or stop doing business with a brand altogether. The impact is especially pronounced in markets such as the Philippines and Thailand, where the figure rises to 91%, while Japan stands out as a lower outlier at 67%.

The research found consumers across APAC are increasingly open to AI when it delivers better outcomes. Eighty-four percent expect AI to improve the quality and speed of customer service, while 82% believe it will improve personalisation - both above the global averages.

Consumers increasingly care more about outcomes than whether AI or a person provides the service, Genesys found. Across APAC, 80% do not particularly care whether their issue is solved by a person or AI, as long as it is solved quickly and completely. At the same time, 93% value efficient customer service as much as being treated empathetically, reinforcing the need to orchestrate AI and human agents to deliver the right support at the right moment. 

As customer expectations rise and patience for poor experiences declines, organisations face growing pressure to use AI to strengthen customer relationships and improve service outcomes at scale. Meeting those expectations remains a challenge for many organisations. 

While 96% of APAC consumers expect information to be remembered across channels, nearly half (46%) of organisations do not automatically pass information between virtual and human agents. At the same time, managing data for AI, AI readiness and keeping pace with AI innovation rank among the top challenges for CX leaders, hindering efforts to connect customer data, channels and interactions - leading to customer frustration and eroded loyalty. 

"Across APAC, consumers are increasingly confident in AI's ability to improve customer experiences. But they also expect organisations to remember context, connect every interaction and resolve issues with minimal effort," said Albert Nel, Senior VP and Regional Sales Leader for Genesys Asia Pacific. 

"As agentic AI becomes part of everyday customer engagement, organisations need to use it to reduce customer effort –not just automate interactions. The businesses that succeed will be those that connect AI, people and customer context to deliver faster resolutions and more seamless experiences." 

Other highlights include: 

Customer expectations have never been higher 

Nine in 10 (91%) of APAC consumers want every organisation to deliver experiences on par with the best experience they have ever had, while an equal percentage (91%) judge a company by the quality of its customer service. 

Consumers are embracing AI – but expect it to deliver

Forty-nine percent of APAC consumers are comfortable with AI making decisions on their behalf if it improves speed and resolution. Comfort is highest in South Korea at 56%, suggesting stronger consumer openness as AI becomes more embedded across the customer experience. 

But patience is limited when AI falls short: 82% of APAC consumers will give a virtual agent three attempts or fewer to resolve an issue. 

Poor experiences have real business consequences

Six in 10 (61%) APAC consumers would switch to a competitor after three or fewer bad experiences with their most favorite companies or brands. For 17%, it only takes one bad experience before they switch. 

Organisations see agentic AI and orchestration as key to closing the experience gap. Eighty-six percent of APAC CX leaders expect autonomous AI agents to orchestrate customer experiences within three years, while they plan to spend an average of 32% of their customer service or experience budget on AI-powered CX technologies over the next 12 months.

The findings suggest the future of customer experience depends not only on agentic AI adoption, but on how effectively organisations connect AI, human interactions, data and systems across the customer journey.

Details

Download the State of Customer Experience report at https://www.genesys.com/resources/state-of-cx

*Genesys worked with an independent research firm to survey 5,811 consumers and 1,560 CX and business leaders in more than 20 countries. The study includes responses from 1,426 (24%) consumers and 508 (14%) CX leader respondents across APAC, including Australia, New Zealand, India, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. 

The survey was conducted in March and April of 2026. Among the business respondents, the industries represented were airlines, automotive, banking, government, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, media and entertainment,professional services, retail, travel and hospitality, technology, telecommunications and utilities.

Seven trends for China's F&B market

Source: Comexposium-SIAL Exhibition Company. Poster for SIAL Guangzhou.

SIAL in China and trend forecaster WGSN have identified seven emerging trends shaping China's food and beverage industry in 2026.

The insights follow SIAL Shanghai 2026, which attracted 183,302 industry professionals from 132 countries and regions, and over US$14 B in intended onsite transactions, according to organisers Comexposium-SIAL Exhibition Company. 

The Shanghai show, to return 18-20 May 2027, underlined demand around healthier snacks, functional foods, clean-label products, premium beverages and food-as-medicine concepts. These categories are expected to shape the 4th SIAL Guangzhou (西雅国际食品展[广州]). Guangzhou is widely recognized as the gateway between China's production base and Southeast Asia.

The broader product mix planned for SIAL Guangzhou 2026 also includes nutritional solutions, natural products, ready-to-drink beverages, new-style tea drinks, specialty coffee, beverage ingredients, sweeteners, concentrates, convenience foods and products for the silver economy.  

New-style tea drinks and specialty coffee are feeding demand for ingredients, flavours and formats that can be scaled across retail and foodservice. Functional foods are moving closer to everyday consumption, appearing in snacks, beverages and ready-to-eat formats. Convenience, meanwhile, is redefined: consumers still want speed, but increasingly expect better ingredients, stronger provenance, and a sense of occasion.

The seven trends are: 

- Digestive, wellness, dairy

Functional dairy products, including A2 dairy*, camel milk and nutritional solutions, are meeting growing demand for gut health and personalised wellness.

- Clean-label protein snacking

High-protein snacks and premium meat-based products are redefining convenient nutrition with cleaner ingredients and better textures.

- Tea-flavoured innovation

Tea flavours are expanding beyond beverages into snacks, dairy, coffee and confectionery, creating new product opportunities.

- Asian low-alcohol by volume (ABV) revolution

Tea cocktails, sparkling rice wine and ready to drink (RTD) beverages are bringing new experiences to younger consumers.

- Low-glycaemic index (GI) & functional bakery

Low-sugar, slow-release energy and functional bakery products are offering healthier ways to enjoy everyday foods.

- Mood & sensory snacking

Extreme sour flavours, cooling effects and multi-sensory experiences are transforming snacks into experiences.

- Food-as-medicine wellness

Herbal nutrition, botanical drinks and zero-sugar solutions combine traditional ingredients with modern wellness concepts. 

Taking place from 3 to 5 September 2026 at the Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo, SIAL in Guangzhou arrives at a time when international buyers, distributors and retail procurement teams are looking more closely at supplier reliability, product differentiation and faster access to Asian growth markets.

The event is expanding to four exhibition halls this year, hosting over 1,500 exhibitors across 15 sectors. The ambition is to make South China’s edition a more prominent international sourcing platform, especially for buyers seeking export-ready Chinese suppliers and Asian market insight in the same place. 

New initiatives planned for 2026 include a Halal Food Village, reflecting rising demand from Muslim consumers across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East as well as growing interest from retailers and foodservice operators looking for certified products with international potential. 

The village will showcase halal-certified products from China's major Muslim food-producing regions, including Xinjiang and Gansu, alongside international exhibitors and country pavilions, including from Thailand. 

With Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Gulf markets continuing to expand on halal food imports that respond to mainstream expectations around quality, convenience and innovation, the segment is expected to become one of the exhibition's fastest-growing categories. 

According to the organisers, the halal category also overlaps with clean labelling, traceability, premiumisation and food safety, all themes that resonate beyond Muslim-majority markets. 

The International Top Buyer Programme is another major part of the 2026 proposition at SIAL Guangzhou. Targeting procurement leaders from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, the programme is designed to bring decision-makers closer to qualified suppliers through matchmaking, sourcing support, translation services, VIP networking, hotel accommodation and curated meetings.

Beyond sourcing, SIAL Guangzhou 2026 will include events such as the SIAL Innovation Awards, SIAL in China Awards, SIAL Snacking Awards, SIAL Cup Barista Challenge, SIAL Chic & Tea Contest, Match Me, SIAL White Paper Market Insights and SIAL Elite Hour.

Some of the buyers who will be present at SIAL Guangzhou 2026:

Retail

- Angliss Shenzhen Food Service (上海安得列郎晴食品贸易)

- Busy Ming Group Company (湖南鸣鸣很忙商业)

- Fujian Wanchen Food Group Company

- Guangdong Jiarong Supermarket Company 

- GuangDong Sai Yi Convenience Stores (广东赛壹便利店)

- Hema (China) Company

- Jiangmen Dachang Supermarket Company

- Meiyijia Holdings 

- Rainbow DIGITAL Commercial Company 

- WAL-MART (China) Investment Company

- Yonghui Superstores Company 

Catering

- Guangzhou Restaurant Group Co., Ltd. 

- Guangzhou Tao Tao Ju Company (陶陶居)

- GYH L

- Jiumao Jiu (Guangzhou) Holdings Company 

- Juewei Food Company

- Luckin Coffee Group Company 

- Mixue Group (蜜雪冰城)

- Shenzhen Yamei Catering Management Company

- Shenzhen Yiren Yiwei Hot Pot Chain Company

- Yuan JI Food Group Company 

- Zhongyin Babi Food Company (中饮巴比食品)

Hotels

- Cixi Tiandi Jiayuan Hotel Company 

- Fujian Lijiu Jiayan Hotel Management Company 

- Fuqing Longshun Hotel Company

-  HanTing Xingkong (Shanghai) Hotel Management Company 

- Jiangsu Yachengtong Hotel Management Company

- Shanghai Grand Glory Hotel Company 

- Shenzhen ZTE Hetai Hotel Investment Management Company (深圳市中興和泰酒店投資管理)

- Sheraton Hotels & Resorts

- Southern Airline Pearl Hotel

- Wenzhou Four Seasons Hotel Company 

- Zhejiang New Century Hotel Management Company 

E-commerce

- Douyin Company

- Dichao (Shenzhen) Network Technology Company 

- Fuzhou Pupu E-commerce Company

- Guangzhou Sankuai Network Technology Company

- Hangzhou Television Network Technology Company 

- JD 

- POIZON 

- Shanghai 100me Internet Technology Company 

- Taobao (China) Software Company

- VIPSHOP (China) Company 

- Zhejiang Tmall Technology Company

Trading 

- Dreamer Oversea Group Company

- Guangzhou Dingyi Food Group Company

- Guangdong Lingyu International Trade Company

- Guangdong Shengnong International Trading Company 

- Guangdong Wuyang Frozen Food Company

- Guangzhou Xiangsheng Import and Export Trading Company 

- Guangzhou Youxi Cheng Trading Company 

- Qingdao Ximengde International Trade Company

- Shanghai Youliang Industrial Company 

- Xi'an Hecai Trading Company

- Xiamen Kangperruixun International Trade Company 

Logistics

- Guangdong Green Tomato Supply Chain Management Company (广东绿番茄供应链管理)

- Guangdong Jiarong Supply Chain Management Company

- Guangdong Wentai Supply Chain Management Company 

- Guangzhou Nansha Haijixing International Supply Chain Company 

- HeNan Ocean Times Supply Chain Company 

- Hongpeng Supply Chain (Shenzhen) Company 

- Hunan Juyuan Jicai Supply Chain Company 

- Shenzhen Aojia Supply Chain Company 

- Shenzhen Asia Global Fresh Supply Chain (Group) Company 

- Shenzhen Shengjia Supply Chain Management Company 

- Shuhai (Shenzhen) Supply Chain Management Company 

Food manufacturing & processing

- Beidahuang Food Group Hebei Company

- Bestore Company

- Guangdong Beary Foodstuff Company 

- Guangdong Rimei Foods Company

- Guangdong Jiashili Food Group Company

- GUANG DONG JIA YOU Food Company

- Guangzhou Li Shanghuang Food Company 

- Haoxiangni Health Food Company

- Henry Food Company

- Shenzhen Jiulongzhai Food Company

- Zhejiang Yiming Food Company

Others

- China Nanhang Group Aviation Food Company

- Guangdong Meow Fish Cultural Gifts Company (广东喵鱼文化礼品) 

- Guangdong Zhongshan Health Industry Technology Company

- Hangzhou Leke E-commerce Company 

- Hubei Airport Group Aviation Logistics Company

- Lianhua (Xiamen) Aviation Food Company

- Shanghai Eastern Air Catering Company 

- Spring Airlines Company

- Wuxi Anjing Food Marketing Company, Suzhou Branch

- Zhuhai Hengqin Good Sing Culture CCI Capital 

- Zhengzhou Qianweiyangchu Food Company (郑州千味央厨食品)

 

Details

SIAL Guangzhou 2026 | 3–5 September | Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo, Guangzhou, China

Register at https://dwz.cn/I3xC9VAY

*A2 dairy does not contain A1 proteins. Traditionally, cow's milk contains both A1 and A2 proteins. 

Robert Walters: Singapore employees feel less motivated after a performance review

Robert Walters research on professionals in Singapore has found pressure is growing on employers to balance workforce engagement, progression expectations and cost control. 

Source: Robert Walters Salary Survey Singapore 2026 landing page. Key salary and compensation insights for Singapore. In contrast, 100% of businesses in the Philippines are giving pay rises in 2026 vs 84% expecting a raise this year. Filipino professionals are staying an average of 2.3 years with 71% of professionals looking for a new job this year, and 69% are confident about job opportunities. 

Only 10% of professionals say they feel more positive about their roles after their latest performance review, according to new research from global talent solutions partner Robert Walters. The process also left more than one in four (27%) professionals feeling less positive about their roles instead.

The findings are part of a global mid-year survey of professionals, which included close to 200 respondents from Singapore. Conducted in April 2026, they show that businesses are facing growing pressure to maintain workforce confidence and engagement heading into the second half of the year. 

Andrew Powell, Chief Commercial Officer at Robert Walters said: “Performance reviews are becoming increasingly important management moments, particularly as organisations look to balance worker needs while continuing to manage budgets. Employees want to know how their skills are valued, where they can progress and whether the business is investing in their long-term development.”

Among the respondents, 42% of professionals shared that they received a pay increase for 202. One in three of these respondents (15%) saw it as an inflationary increase. 

When asked if their current salary situation is influencing their likelihood of looking for a new job, 79% of the respondents shared that they are either actively looking for a new role or now open to new opportunities. This is an increase compared to the findings of the Robert Walters Salary Survey 2026, where 26% of professionals in Singapore said in late 2025 that they did not have the intention to change or look for jobs for at least the next year or more.

“Most professionals understand the economic pressures businesses are operating under and recognise that significant salary increases may not always be realistic,” Powell said.

“But it can be challenging for organisations to keep employees motivated when they aren’t having regular open conversations around progression, future earning potential or how compensation decisions are made.”

Kirsty Poltock, Country Manager for Robert Walters Singapore said: “Performance reviews are a two-way conversation and an important opportunity for professionals to understand how their individual goals align with the organisation's priorities. Even if salary increases are modest, employees can use these discussions to identify the skills, experiences and responsibilities that will position them for future progression. 

"Over the coming months, professionals who continue to build in-demand capabilities, embrace new technologies including the partnership of AI integration, and demonstrate adaptability will be better placed to seize opportunities as hiring activity picks up.” 

The findings suggest that performance and salary reviews are carrying greater significance in today’s market. “We are seeing many organisations take a more strategic and measured approach to compensation management. Market data can play an important role in helping to understand where they are competitive, where progression gaps might exist and how salary expectations are evolving,” commented Powell.

“As the world of work continues to evolve, professionals are placing greater emphasis on long-term career value and future opportunities. Organisations that understand how workforce expectations are shifting will be better positioned to build engagement, develop critical skills and remain competitive over the longer term.” 

Other highlights from the survey for Singapore include:

Talent snapshot

- Beyond compensation and benefits, talent value having flexible work arrangements, job security and stability, and inspiring colleagues and culture from an employer 

- An expectation gap exists: 27% of employers are likely to give new hires a pay rise of above 10%. However 83% of talent looking to move jobs expect more than a 10% pay rise, with 23% of them likely to request over 20% more in salary

Employer snapshot 

- More than a third (37%) of employers plan to increase their headcount, with most of them looking to increase it by 5-10% 

- Nearly seven in 10 (69%) employers are looking to give a salary increment of at least 3% in 2026 for current employees, and 56% are likely to give a salary increment of at least 6% to new hires 

- Lack of candidates with the right skills/experience, gap in salary and benefit expectations, and talent staying put (job hugging), are among the challenges faced by companies in attracting talent 

- Soft skills: 65% of employers value interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills, and 59% value problem-solving and critical thinking among their employees 

- Contract hiring: 55% of companies will start or continue to hire contractors in 2026 

- Roughly three quarters (74%) of companies hiring contractors do so for project or short-term needs. Other reasons include headcount limitations, and a “wait to try” attitude

AI-driven workplace 

- Almost eight in 10 (78%) businesses expect up to half of their workforce to need reskilling due to AI advancements 

- Employers are looking for talent with skillsets in critical thinking and fact-checking, data analysis, and are highly adaptable

- Top concerns by professionals over AI adoption at the workplace include having their jobs displaced due to automation, bias or unfair treatment due to algorithms, and the lack of relevant training

In Australia, the research found that professionals remain mobile, with career development, fair pay, and strong leadership driving decisions. Salary movement through 2026 is expected to be moderate and targeted rather than broad-based, with increases focused on in-demand roles as employers balance cost control with retention, Robert Walters said. At the same time, AI is reshaping roles and accelerating demand for specialised expertise, while workforce expectations continue to evolve - flexibility, wellbeing, and purpose now sit alongside salary as key drivers of engagement, the company added.

When it comes to Indonesia, the hiring landscape in 2026 will continue to be shaped by disciplined growth, operational efficiency, and heightened risk awareness. As a result, employers are becoming more selective, prioritising roles that deliver clear business impact and support long-term capability building, particularly across digital maturity, governance, and workforce sustainability.

This is reinforcing demand for talent who can translate digital and AI capabilities into tangible productivity gains, especially within finance, supply chain, risk, and operations. In parallel, regulatory and environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) considerations are increasingly embedded in core business decision-making, sustaining demand for compliance, risk, and ESG-aligned professionals.

From a talent perspective, professionals remain cautious and value-driven. Stability, leadership quality, and meaningful development opportunities are taking precedence over short-term compensation gains. To compete effectively, employers will need to articulate a credible employee value proposition, underpinned by clear career pathways and targeted, market-aligned remuneration.

Malaysia’s hiring landscape will be shaped by its focus on digitalisation, green growth, and energy transition. Key sectors such as data centres, renewable energy, electric vehicles, cybersecurity, AI, and financial technology will see strong demand for adaptable talent with data literacy and digital fluency. Contract hiring will remain prevalent following the 2025 Gig Worker Bill, while AI-driven tools will streamline recruitment processes and enhance workforce planning. Talent attraction and retention will be challenging due to limited hybrid-skilled candidates and rising expectations for flexibility, work-life balance, and purpose-driven workplaces. Employers must offer competitive salaries, career growth opportunities, and flexible arrangements while effectively managing diverse workforce models, Robert Walters advised.

Job mobility remains steady in New Zealand, but professionals are making more considered moves, seeking fair pay, meaningful career progression, flexibility, and strong organisational culture, Robert Walters said. Skills shortages across key sectors continue to shape hiring strategies, placing pressure on employers to compete on more than salary alone. Salary growth in 2026 is expected to be moderate and targeted, focused on in-demand roles as organisations balance retention with budget control.

Thailand’s hiring market in 2026 is likely to continue navigating cautious business sentiment. Employers are expected to maintain careful hiring approaches, prioritising C-suite leaders who can steer organisations through ongoing challenges. Demand for B2B sales & marketing roles will remain high as companies focus on expanding market share and driving revenue growth. Skills-based hiring will gain traction, with reskilling initiatives becoming central to workforce strategies. Salary increases for job movers with in-demand skills are projected at significant levels, while existing employees may see modest adjustments.

Attracting and retaining talent will remain challenging due to supply-demand imbalances, prompting employers to adopt human-centric leadership approaches and invest in continuous learning and development to foster loyalty and resilience within their teams, Robert Walters added.

As for Vietnam, Robert Walters said the hiring market is thriving as the country's economy makes a strong recovery. While the hiring market is gaining momentum, both employers and employees remain cautious and risk-averse. Hiring timelines are expected to be prolonged, and companies are increasingly relying on hiring based on potential rather than experience.

To attract and retain talent, employers in Vietnam are advised to offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, employee appreciation programmes, and growth opportunities. Creating a positive and inclusive company culture that emphasises work-life balance and teamwork is also crucial in building a strong employer brand.

Explore 

Tap on insights into pay levels and hiring trends with the Robert Walters Salary Survey 2026 for: 

- Australia at www.robertwalters.com.au/our-services/salary-survey.html

- Indonesia at https://www.robertwalters.co.id/our-services/salary-survey.html

- Malaysia at https://www.robertwalters.com.my/our-services/salary-survey.html, 

- New Zealand at https://www.robertwalters.co.nz/our-services/salary-survey.html, 

- Philippines at https://www.robertwalters.com.ph/our-services/salary-survey.html, 

- Singapore at https://www.robertwalters.com.sg/our-services/salary-survey.html, 

- Thailand at https://www.robertwalters.co.th/our-services/salary-survey.html, and for 

- Vietnam at https://www.robertwalters.com.vn/our-services/salary-survey.html

The Japanese edition (in Japanese) is available at https://www.robertwalters.co.jp/our-services/salary-survey.html while the Korean edition (in Korean) is at https://www.robertwalters.co.kr/our-services/salary-survey.html

The World Brands Foundation holds award ceremonies for The BrandLaureate awards in April

The World Brands Foundation (TWBF) has presented The BrandLaureate Bumiputera BestBrands Awards 2026 alongside The BrandLaureate Fast Moving Growing & Sustainable Business and Brands Awards 2026. 

For The BrandLaureate, each recognition platform is a reaffirmation of brand purpose, principled leadership, and long-term value creation. In today's increasingly discerning environment, brands are defined not only by visibility, but by the strength of their governance, the discipline of their strategy, and the trust they inspire among stakeholders, the company said.

Across the global halal landscape, the progressive growth of bumiputera enterprises and the evolving fast-moving growing and sustainable business and brands (FMGS) sector, branding has become a catalyst for credibility, competitiveness, and sustainable economic contribution.  

The BrandLaureate Bumiputera BestBrands Awards 2026, held under the theme Memperkasa Jenama Bumiputera, Keunggulan Diiktiraf, Prestij Dipertingkat (Empowering the Bumiputera Brand, Excellence Recognized, Prestige Enhanced) celebrates the strength, resilience and growing authority of bumiputera brands. 

In an increasingly competitive marketplace, these brands have demonstrated that strong identity, structured governance and strategic branding are catalysts for sustainable growth, the organisers said. 

This year's recipients include United AsiaPac Energy, Bartech Empire, Dians Signature, Kedai Emas Kamarulhadi (Kaharo Jewels), Normey Holdings, QUL Holdings Malaysia (QHSB), Sahabat Ikhtiar Trading Sdn Bhd (Sahabat Ar Rahnu), Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS).

The BrandLaureate Bumiputera BrandLeadership Award 2026 further recognised  individuals for excellence in leadership, brand building, and industry influence. This year's recipients include Puan Nurul Adlinna Mohammad Bakri, Founder of Bartech Empire and Puan Siti Adira Binti Suhaimi (Adira), a Malaysian singer and entrepreneur.  

"In a world of expanding opportunities and intensifying competition, branding is what elevates a business into a lasting force — it is what makes a brand be seen, heard, known, and remembered," said President Emeritus Professor Dr KK Johan, World President of The World Brands Foundation. 

Source: The BrandLaureate. The World Brands Foundation (TWBF) celebrated The BrandLaureate Bumiputera BestBrands Awards 2026 and The BrandLaureate Fast Moving Growing & Sustainable Business and Brands Awards 2026.

In addition, The BrandLaureate presented The BrandLaureate Fast Moving Growing & Sustainable Business and Brands Awards 2026. This award recognises brands that exemplify resilience, adaptability and sustained growth in an ever-evolving business landscape. In an increasingly competitive environment, these brands have demonstrated strong governance, innovation and strategic agility as key drivers of long-term value creation. 

Awarded organisations include Huachang Growmax, and Medipulih Group (Medipulih Klinik). 

Explore

See the full list of winners and award categories.

Pan Pacific Singapore commemorates 40 years of hospitality excellence

The iconic Pan Pacific Singapore, a landmark luxury hotel in the heart of Marina Bay and Singapore’s central business district, celebrates 40 years of excellence in hospitality in 2026.

Source: Pan Pacific Singapore. Celebrate Pan Pacific Singapore’s 40th anniversary with a series of exclusive experiences and offers.

Melvin Lim, GM, Pan Pacific Singapore said: “Over the past four decades, Pan Pacific Singapore has continually evolved, guided by our unwavering commitment to elevate guest experiences. Key milestones in Pan Pacific Singapore’s transformation include the launch of the 519-square-metre Ocean Ballroom in 2000, expanding the hotel’s portfolio of meeting venues and reaffirming our ambition to be the city’s preferred destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).”

Guests are invited to experience the warm hospitality and graceful luxury that has defined Pan Pacific Singapore for four decades. Celebrate Pan Pacific Singapore’s 40th anniversary with a series of exclusive experiences, from dining offers and spa treatments to luxurious staycations, an art showcase, and exclusive meetings and events packages. 

Edge 

At award-winning buffet restaurant Edge, Executive Chef Andy Oh and his culinary team invite guests to celebrate Pan Pacific Singapore’s 40th anniversary with an exceptional weekday lunch experience priced at S$40++ per person (usual prices or UP, up to S$72++). 

Available from now until 15 November 2026, this celebratory offer is valid with a minimum of four adult diners and limited to the first 40 guests per lunch period. Edge offers an extensive array of Asian and international fare, prepared with the freshest ingredients and cooked à la minute, with tantalising dishes and tempting desserts from the best of Singaporean, Chinese, Malay, Indian, Japanese, Thai, and western cuisines.

Highlights include Edge’s signature Singapore laksa with yong tau foo, Japanese golden chicken curry, a signature carving station with slow-roasted beef striploin with roasted root vegetables, home-cured beef salami, chicken ham, pastrami, mortadella, paprika Lyoner, and meatloaf, made in-house by the hotel’s Master Butcher Chef Haiko Mayer. 

Other stations to visit include a cured salmon station with Fassler smoked salmon, a rojak station, a kueh pie tee station, and more. For seafood lovers, Edge offers a spread of fresh seafood, including sustainable Boston lobster, tiger prawns, Pacific clam, half shell scallops, sea conch, black mussel, and crawfish. 

Sweet endings await with decadent desserts by Executive Pastry Chef Edina Si, such as homemade apple cinnamon tart, mango pomelo Swiss roll, durian pengat, and more. 

Details 

Edge Weekday Lunch Buffet

From now until 15 November 2026, Mondays to Fridays
Available for lunch from 12 pm to 2:30 pm
$40++ per person (UP up to S$72++)

View Edge’s menu at https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-marina/dining/edge.html

For reservations, visit https://www.tablecheck.com/en/pan-pacific-singapore-edge/reserve

Hai Tien Lo

Since its inception 40 years ago, Hai Tien Lo has been seen as one of the most respected Chinese restaurants in Singapore. Guests can savour traditional Cantonese dishes and authentic dim sum, as well as exclusive Chinese teas and exotic Chinese liquors.

Led by Executive Chinese Chef Edden Yap and his culinary team, the award-winning Hai Tien Lo presents an exquisite selection of authentic Cantonese cuisine with a modern twist. Available on weekdays from now until 30 December 2026, celebrate Pan Pacific Singapore’s 40th anniversary with a bottle of wine at S$40++, with a choice of Changyu Noble Dragon N158 or Changyu Riesling Dry White.

Savour these wines alongside Hai Tien Lo’s signature dishes, such as deep-fried Ibérico pork spareribs in creamy sauce, topped with shredded lime; stewed Japanese rice vermicelli with pan-fried lobster meat and scallop, in house-made sour tomato broth, steamed sea perch fillet with aged Teochew preserved radish, and more. 

Details 

View Hai Tien Lo’s menu at https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-marina/dining/hai-tien-lo.html

For reservations, please call +65 6826 8240 or email dining.ppsin@panpacific.com

Keyaki 

At Keyaki, experience a culinary journey that promises to elevate the dining experience as Executive Japanese Chef Teruya Noriyoshi and his culinary team present authentic Japanese cuisine with the finest ingredients imported directly from Japan. 

Head Teppanyaki Chef Eric Yong presents a weekday teppanyaki lunch set priced at S$40++ per person. Available at Keyaki’s teppanyaki counter, the menu is limited to the first 12 guests per lunch period. 

The experience begins with a trio of appetisers, featuring foie gras terrine in rice waffle, mozuku seaweed with snow crab meat, and jimami tofu. Guests may select a main course of Hokkaido white pork, chicken, or Wagyu beef (available at an additional S$30++), followed by signature garlic fried rice and miso soup. 

Details 

Keyaki Weekday Teppanyaki Lunch Set 

From now until 30 December 2026, Mondays to Fridays
Available for lunch from 12 pm to 2:30 pm
S$40++ per person

View Keyaki’s menu at https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-marina/dining/keyaki.html

For reservations, call +65 6826 8240 or email dining.ppsin@panpacific.com

Pacific Emporium

Executive Pastry Chef Si and her pastry team present a series of commemorative cakes at S$40++ each, available exclusively at Pacific Emporium. 

From now until 30 June 2026, guests can indulge in the coconut crystal cake, a delicate mix of coconut chiffon, light coconut cream, and coconut crystal jelly. From 1 July until 31 December 2026, the spotlight shifts to the hojicha buckwheat cake with seasonal fruits, featuring hojicha-infused cream, buckwheat sponge, brown sugar mochi, and an assortment of fresh seasonal fruits. 

Details

View Pacific Emporium’s menu at https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-marina/dining/pacific-emporium.html

For reservations, please call +65 6826 8240 or email dining.ppsin@panpacific.com

PLUME 

Helmed by Head Mixologist Akmal Haqim and Bar Manager Siew Han Jun, PLUME is a destination cocktail bar poised to enchant the most discerning of connoisseurs. In honour of Pan Pacific Singapore’s 40th anniversary, guests are invited on a sensory journey featuring a curated tasting flight priced at S$40++. 

The experience presents three bespoke tasting-sized cocktails, each inspired by the flavours and ingredients of the Asia-Pacific region, and paired with a complementary bar bite. 

The tasting flight is refreshed every two months.

Details

View PLUME’s menu at https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-marina/dining/plume.html

For reservations, please call +65 9459 7165 or email plume.ppsin@panpacific.com 

St Gregory 

Step into a world of serenity and tranquillity at Pan Pacific Singapore’s award-winning spa. In celebration of the hotel’s 40th anniversary, St Gregory invites guests to pause and unwind with a specially curated 40-minute express massage, offered at a promotional price of S$100 nett. 

Designed to ease tension and restore balance, this rejuvenating treatment provides a restorative pause amid the city’s bustle. 

Details

View St Gregory’s menu at https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-marina/experiences/st-gregory.html

For more information, call +65 6826 8140, email stgregory.ppsin@panpacific.com, or visit bit.ly/PPSINStGregory

A luxurious 40th anniversary retreat 

The exclusive 40th Anniversary Stay Package offers a one-night room stay for two persons with breakfast at Edge and a welcome drink at PLUME.  

Details 

For more information, visit https://eshop-ppsin.panpacific.com/products/2d1n-stay- voucher-h12026

Meetings and events packages 

The Stay and Savour meetings package offers special rates for events booked from now until 30 June 2026, for events taking place between now and 30 September 2026. Savour an exclusive culinary experience featuring wellness-inspired selections, regional favourites, and local specialities. 

This celebratory package is available for events with a minimum of 15 rooms booked and 30 guests per event day. Enjoy special room rates from S$320++, inclusive of one complimentary breakfast, and choose from three curated culinary experiences with live stations, at S$118++ per person. 

The options include A Nourishing Affair, a wellness-inspired lunch buffet, A Journey Through Southeast Asia, a cocktail reception with canapés inspired by the region, and Tastes of Singapore, a heritage- inspired dinner buffet.

Additional concessions: 

• Full-day meeting packages start from S$130++ per guest, inclusive of one lunch and two refreshment breaks 

• Enjoy a complimentary one-hour extension with any two-hour free flow beverage package purchased for the event 

For social events, packages start from S$148++ per person with a minimum of 40 guests. Highlights include four hours of exclusive venue use, an eight-course Chinese set menu, free flow of soft drinks and Chinese tea throughout the event, a bottle of house wine for every confirmed guest table, and more. 

Enjoy a choice of one of the following:

• A complimentary 2 kg birthday cake prepared by Executive Pastry Chef Si and her pastry team 

• A 30-litre barrel of beer 

• A one-night stay in a Deluxe Room with breakfast for two persons 

• A complimentary buffet dinner voucher for four persons at Edge

Additional concessions: 

• A complimentary longevity birthday bun 

• Carpark coupons for up to 20% of confirmed guests 

• A customised centrepiece for each guest table 

Details

For enquiries, call +65 6826 8052 or +65 6826 8248, or email sales.ppsin@panpacific.com (meetings) or celebrate.ppsin@panpacific.com (events). 

Public Art Space – A Voyage of Hue and Imagination 

As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, Pan Pacific Singapore and Singapore-born autodidact abstract artist, Dr Low Lee Yong, famously known as Dr Lowly, present a curated selection of Dr Lowly’s works. Inspired by nature and emotion, Dr Lowly’s works explore imagination, impermanence, and hope. Each canvas becomes a dance between control and release, echoing experience, mystery, and renewal. His art celebrates both the fleeting grace of the natural world and the quiet resilience of the human spirit. 

The showcase is on view at the Public Art Space on Level 2 of Pan Pacific Singapore, from now until 1 June 2026. It highlights his signature Squeeze and Splatter technique - dynamic bursts of acrylic that transform spontaneity into structure and disorder into visual poetry, featuring vibrant layers of colour and movement.  

Dr Lowly will donate 100% of proceeds from the sale of two artworks, Ferocious Focus and Stripped Stare, to the Children’s Cancer Foundation.

Details

For more information, contact Dr Lowly on +65 8060 7474 or email contact@DrLowly.Art

Memories and stories 

Follow Pan Pacific Singapore on Instagram and Facebook for a curated series of photos and videos showcasing flashbacks, iconic moments, and behind-the-scenes glimpses from four decades of history. Delight in heartfelt stories from long-serving staff, former colleagues, and generations of loyal guests, reflecting on their fondest memories of Pan Pacific Singapore. 

“Out of our 515 associates at Pan Pacific Singapore today, we are especially proud that some have been with us since our pre-opening days 40 years ago. Their long service reflects the strong sense of family that defines our culture. As we commemorate this extraordinary milestone, we remain committed to continuous training and development programmes that enhance our associates’ skills, knowledge, and understanding of luxury service, enabling them to deliver even more innovative and exceptional experiences for our guests,” said Lim.  

Commitment to community 

Pan Pacific Singapore is proud to be the Official Hotel Partner of Dementia Singapore, supporting initiatives that raise awareness of dementia and provide meaningful benefits to individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

Through this partnership, Pan Pacific Singapore offers exclusive stay and dining privileges to members of CARA, Dementia Singapore’s lifestyle and community platform connecting persons living with dementia and caregivers to a supportive ecosystem of solutions.

The collaboration also creates opportunities for Pan Pacific Singapore employees to participate in dementia advocacy efforts, including awareness talks by Dementia Singapore and internal training programmes organised by the hotel to enhance understanding of dementia-related issues within the hospitality sector.

Details 

For more information, please visit https://dementia.org.sg/

Pan Pacific DISCOVERY benefits

Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts’ loyalty programme, Pan Pacific DISCOVERY, allows members to earn up to 7% cash back in
DISCOVERY dollars (D$) on stays, dining, and spa. Enjoy perks such as room upgrades and late check-out (subject to availability), birthday treats, and complimentary breakfast for Titanium members.

Details

For more information, visit https://www.panpacific.com/en/panpacific-discovery/sign-up-today.html?r=PPSIN 

Highlights through the years

Pan Pacific Singapore boasts 790 guestrooms and suites, wellness and fitness facilities, six restaurants and bars, and 2,329 sq m of meeting and event venues. It has held a distinguished place in the city’s skyline since 1986. 

This was followed by a major transformation in 2012, which saw the full renovation of over 280 guestrooms. In the same year, the hotel launched Edge, one of the city’s largest buffet restaurants with 330 seats, featuring an extensive selection of Asian and international cuisine. 

The Pacific Club Lounge, which was originally located on Level 33, was moved to the highest floor of the hotel on Level 38, offering clubroom and suite guests a more spacious and exclusive experience with 360-degree views of the Marina Bay and the city skyline. The iconic floating pods were also introduced in the atrium on Level 1, which have since become a prominent architectural feature of the hotel. 

Enhancements continued in the years that followed. In 2016, the outdoor swimming pool underwent a comprehensive renovation, unveiling a refreshed oasis complete with water features, lush greenery, private lounging spaces, and a children’s wading pool, alongside a new poolside bar. 

The 806-square-metre Pacific Ballroom was revitalised in 2017, introducing opulent interiors, a distinctive honeycomb ceiling with programmable lighting, and state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities. 

Keyaki, one of Singapore’s oldest and most authentic Japanese restaurants, introduced the Keyaki Garden Pavilion in 2018, set within a serene Kyoto-inspired garden surrounded by koi ponds, offering a tranquil setting for intimate events. 

In 2023, Pan Pacific Singapore continued to evolve with the refurbishment of 476 rooms. The hotel also debuted the all-day dining restaurant, Pacific Emporium, serving local specialities and themed afternoon tea, alongside PLUME, the destination cocktail bar, featuring avian-inspired cocktails. 

The Ocean Ballroom and meeting rooms saw another refresh, featuring new luxury furnishings and advanced audiovisual technology. The hotel’s in-house butchery has also seen an expansion, from a single smokehouse in 1986 to three smokehouses today, supplying house-made cold cuts and cured meats to restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and hotels in Singapore.  

Pan Pacific Singapore also holds a number of notable firsts and cultural moments in its history. In 1986, Pan Pacific Singapore was the first hotel to introduce Network for Electronic Transfers Scheme (NETS) in Singapore, marking an early step towards cashless convenience. It also served as a filming location for the 1988 comedy film ‘Carry On Hotel’, featuring stars such as Jacky Cheung, Kent Cheng, Cherie Chung, Eric Tsang, and Joey Wang. 

Hashtags: #PanPacificSingapore, #PPS40thAnniversary, #EdgeSG, #HaiTienLoSG, #KeyakiSG, #PacificEmporiumSG, #PLUMESG, #ShareYourMoments 

*Prices quoted are in Singapore dollars, and are subject to a service charge and prevailing government taxes.