Singtel launches TikTok masterclass for SMEs

Singtel has launched a TikTok masterclass – a brand-building and e-commerce enablement programme, aimed at helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) strengthen their digital presence, connect with customers more effectively, and capture growth opportunities in the digital economy.

Developed in partnership with SIM Academy, the masterclass will equip local enterprises with practical skills to create impactful content, leverage social platforms for business growth, and navigate the opportunities and risks of social commerce. The initiative is supported by SkillsFuture Singapore. Eligible participants from qualifying SMEs can get up to 90% funding for this programme.

Participants will receive hands-on training in content creation, livestream selling, e-commerce activation and cybersecurity – critical capabilities in today’s fast-evolving, mobile-first marketplace. Participants will also benefit from post-workshop support, including engagement with retail merchants to aid e-commerce transition and potential co-marketing opportunities.

Ng Tian Chong, CEO of Singtel Singapore, said, “With Asia’s young, mobile-first population and growing appetite for social commerce, it’s vital that our SMEs are equipped with smarter, faster ways to reach their customers. Singtel is proud to provide SMEs with the digital tools, platforms and training to grow and compete in today’s connected world. Our new TikTok Masterclass is the latest in our series of efforts to help SMEs achieve more in the digital economy."

Ho Seong Kim, CEO of SIM Academy added: “At SIM Academy, we focus on delivering applied, outcome-driven learning through learner-centric course design. The TikTok Masterclass reflects our commitment to equipping businesses with practical skills for their business outcomes in today’s fast-changing digital economy.”

The three-day TikTok Masterclass includes three key components: 

• Training: Learn content creation, TikTok shop setup, and social selling techniques tailored for business growth on social platforms. 

• Application: Gain practical, hands-on experience at Singtel’s TikTok Creator House, located at its 313@Somerset flagship store. Participants will get two hours’ complimentary use of the professional-grade studio to create and livestream content in a simulated selling environment. 

• Cyber awareness: Develop an understanding of cybersecurity best practices for digital marketing and TikTok, to ensure safe and responsible online engagement. 

As of 2023, 82% of SMEs in Singapore had adopted at least one digital solution, with 91% having started their digital journey – leading the Asia Pacific region. Despite this progress, fewer than half report fully successful implementation, underscoring the need for continued guidance and support.

This masterclass is part of Singtel’s commitment to help SMEs digitalise, innovate and grow. In September 2023, Singtel introduced Cyber Elevate to help businesses bolster their cyber resilience, followed by the SPEED programme in April 2025, which supports SMEs in digitalising their operations and aligning them with sustainability goals.

As a SkillsFuture Queen Bee, Singtel plays a pivotal role in enabling enterprises – especially SMEs – to upskill, digitalise and innovate. Its end-to-end solutions – spanning mobility and connectivity, to cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT) and collaboration tools – are tailored to evolving business needs, helping SMEs scale sustainably. 

Details

The programme fee is S$3,000 per participant (before GST), with up to 90% funding available for eligible businesses under the Enhanced Training Support for SMEs programme, supported by SkillsFuture Singapore. To qualify, companies must meet the following requirements: 

• Be registered and incorporated in Singapore 

• Have a minimum 30% local shareholding by Singapore citizens or PRs 

• Have an annual sales turnover of not more than S$100 M or employment size of fewer than 200 employees 

Singtel plans to conduct 24 masterclasses over two years, with each class accommodating approximately 15 SMEs. Businesses interested in the programme can register their interest at https://www.singtel.com/business/smb/solutions/tiktok-masterclass

Thailand's first dining and sky observatory opens

Source: Anantara Layan Phuket Resort. A couple admire the most powerful telescope on Phuket island.

From a grill-focused menu to guided astronomy sessions and hands-on Thai cooking classes, DARA Cuisine Phuket and Sky Observatory is poised to become the island's new go-to venue for modern Thai dining and stargazing.

DARA, meaning 'star' in Thai, celebrates the country's culinary heritage and Andaman seafarers who used stars for navigation. The new Sky Observatory is equipped with a custom-built dome and Phuket's most powerful state-of-the-art telescope, offering an intimate rooftop experience where Sky Storytellers guide guests through the wonders of the night sky.

During the day, an all-star team of Anantara chefs deliver masterclasses in Thai cooking in the show kitchen. In the evenings, diners have the opportunity to try local specialties from all corners of Thailand alongside Royal Thai cuisine.

The Southern region is represented by moohong Phuket, a slow-cooked meat dish seasoned with soy, star anise and cinnamon. From the North, khao soi curry noodle soup offers translucent river prawns served with homemade egg noodles and pickles, as well as the restaurant's signature tam ka noon mun wan – pounded young jackfruit served as a salad with sweet potato chips for added crunch. Central Thailand's complex flavours shine in miang kham khai hoy mhen, a popular snack of the Siamese court involving wild betel leaves, as well as green curry with Phuket lobster.

In the Northeastern dishes, such as the kob thod nam pla with crispy frog legs and the nam tok nuea ko kun featuring Korat wagyu beef, regional ingredients get a creative twist from Head Chef Supakarn "Hong" Lienpanich's family recipes and passion for fermentation. For those with sweet tooths, the goat cheese and honey ice cream paired with Krabi cashew praline will delight.

With an on-site fermentation kitchen, barrel-aged fish sauce cellar, and a verdant herb garden, DARA is a living ecosystem that nurtures every ingredient to its fullest potential. “DARA's culinary philosophy is simple: honour the natural taste of quality local produce and let the ingredients shine,” said Chef Hong. 

“In addition to growing our own herbs, we've partnered with ecoconscious local farms and fisheries, which allows us to adapt to the rhythm of the seasons – from serving crisp harvest in the dry months to showcasing Thailand's natural abundance when the monsoon comes.”

Details

DARA Cuisine Phuket is in Anantara Layan Phuket Resort. It is open daily for cooking classes from noon till 3 pm, for dinner from 6 pm to 10 pm.

The Sky Observatory offers drinks and stargazing from 6 pm till midnight.

Hashtags: #phuket, #stargazing, #thailand, #foodies, #Anantara, #minorhotels, #restaurant, #bucketlist, #travel

Oman Air debuts premium lounge at new Muscat airport

Source: Oman Air. The new premium lounge at Muscat International Airport.

Oman Air, the national carrier of Oman, has opened a new premium lounge at Muscat International Airport. 

Oman Air passengers travelling in First Class and Business Class are eligible to use lounge facilities, which are inspired by the unique terrain found in Oman. The lounge reflects the natural beauty of the desert and the rugged landscape of the mountains. Mashrabiya (مشربية), the traditional windows screened by ornate latticework that are a traditional element of Arabic architecture, has been used to provide privacy in communal areas and add to the fluidity of the space.

Spread over two storeys, the lounge offers guests food and beverage services including dining areas and bars, a luggage room, entertainment area, a smoking room, prayer rooms, business centre, kids’ room, nap area, shower facilities, baby-changing facilities and a wellness area.

Covering 429.35 sq m with an overall capacity of 100 people, the area designated for First Class guests offers premium services including a personal chef, limousine service from the lounge to the aircraft and relaxation rooms. The Business Class area is 2,313.92 sq m and can accommodate 516.

All First Class and Business Class international guests travelling with Oman Air to Muscat International airport are also invited to enjoy the arrival lounge, which has semi-public spaces with plenty of light. 

The arrival lounge, on the mezzanine floor at the arrival side of the airport, is 237 sq m and has 90 seats. The service enables passengers travelling on short flights to freshen up after their flight, have some food or catch up on some sleep.

Activpass offers wellness activities at preferential rates

Source: Activpass. Activpass is a mobile-based marketplace for booking lifestyle activities.

Live spontaneously - this is the motto of the developers behind the Activpass integrated platform for businesses and independent professionals in the fitness, wellness and beauty services industries. The smart mobile passport offers over 1,000 services including yoga, personal training, circuit training, golf, body rehabilitation, pre- and post-natal massages, chiropractic, beauty and aesthetics treatments for users to try and buy, without the need to subscribe to a long-term package.

Users book fitness, wellness or beauty services of their choice, and then pay on-the-go. Activities are diverse, including Boogie Bounce Xtreme (BBX) Trampoline classes, electric muscle stimulation (EMS) training, and Korean Vita C Hydrolightening therapy.

Activpass members get preferential rates on classes and services offered, and through the LastMinute feature, can enjoy up to 90% off on last-minute bookings of up to three days in advance at spas, salons, gyms and studios. The app is able to personalise recommendations.

Bookings earn Activpass Points that can be used to offset the prices of future Activpass classes and services, or spent on third parties through the purchase of gift cards. The peer-to-peer digital sharing feature allows users to share packages purchased via the app with family and friends. Gifts can even be crowdfunded with others via the app.

Activpass currently has some 300 merchants on its platform. By the end of 2017, Activpass expects more than 1,000 merchants on board.

Interested?

The Activpass app is available for iOS and Android and can be downloaded at the App store and Play store respectively.

There are no membership fees. With geofencing and location technology built into Activpass, registration for the activities is automated - just turn up.

posted from Bloggeroid

Etihad introduces limited edition city-themed Business Class amenities

Source: Etihad Airways.

Etihad Airways has launched a new range of collectible limited edition Business Class amenity kits, the result of a unique collaboration between the airline and luxury travel brand LUXE City Guides, the guide for savvy travellers. The kits embody the flair synonymous with the Etihad Airways brand, and contain inflight amenities and natural facial products developed exclusively by London-based skincare and grooming brand Scaramouche + Fandango.

Six new stylised kit designs have been created by LUXE City Guides for Etihad Airways, inspired by some of the iconic cities on the airline’s extensive global network. The designs for Abu Dhabi, London and Madrid, have been specially produced for Etihad Airways, whilst the Los Angeles, Sydney and Hong Kong kits feature bespoke LUXE artwork. The initial limited edition offering will be expanded at a later stage, with new designs and more cities to be launched.

Each kit contains a customised Etihad Airways LUXE City Guide which corresponds to the showcased city, covering everything from hotels and restaurants, to spas, bars, boutiques and bespoke shopping, as well as services, specialists and personal guides. Scaramouche + Fandango has developed a unisex comfort kit and skincare offering in collaboration with Etihad Airways. Specially formulated for skincare needs inflight, the range consists of parabens-free products, high in natural ingredients, to enhance onboard wellbeing.

Calum Laming, Etihad Airways’ Vice President Guest Experience, said: “The introduction of these kits is not about providing brand names to our Business Class guests. It is about intelligent design, functionality and providing them with products which are attractive, natural, useful and re-usable. Collaborating with relevant, progressive lifestyle brands such as LUXE City Guides and Scaramouche + Fandango has enabled us to tailor amenities to the requirements of our guests while retaining all the authentic charm and sophistication of the Etihad Airways brand.

“Etihad Airways continues to reimagine the flying experience, setting a new benchmark for innovation and luxury. The introduction of these kits is part of a much bigger journey which was started with the introduction of our new revolutionary cabins on the flagship Airbus A380 and Boeing 787s, and the new service concepts introduced fleet-wide. These collectible kits also reflect the global nature of our business, while simultaneously highlighting the inspiration, style and unique qualities of our home, Abu Dhabi.”

Simon Westcott, LUXE City Guides Chief Executive Officer, said: “Etihad Airways offers one of the best inflight experiences in the world. In partnering with LUXE City Guides to create its new Business Class amenity kits, Etihad helps ensure that the premium experience extends long after its guests have landed. It is great to be working with fellow innovators.”

The comfort kit features a luxurious facial moisturiser enriched with vitamin E and made with anti-oxidants and essential oils to combat fatigue and the lower humidity levels in the cabin. Triglycerides and essential oils rebalance the skin’s natural moisture. A honey and shea butter lip balm enriched with vitamin E keeps lips hydrated. The new kits also include a sleep pack containing socks and eyemask, a care pack containing cotton pads and earbuds, in addition to a dental pack and earplugs.

The Abu Dhabi kit uses a unique design pattern inspired by the rich architectural heritage of the Emirate, translated into a style best described as Arabian Modernism. The pattern reflects the Etihad Airways’ brand and colour palette.

Qatar Airways adds third Doha-Jeddah daily flight

Qatar Airways launched a new daily All-First Class service from its hub in Doha to Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, adding a third daily flight to the route.

The Airbus A319 aircraft, which is fitted with a single aisle, two-by-two seating configuration with 40 seats, will enable passengers to experience the comfort of a private jet complemented by Qatar Airways’ five-star hospitality. Passengers on the A319 All-First Class flight are eligible to visit the Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Doha’s Hamad International Airport.

Source: Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways’ A319 first-class seats recline into fully-flat beds while the recently-launched Oryx One inflight entertainment system has increased the number of movies and TV shows on board from 950 to up to 2,000. Personal entertainment can be enjoyed with noise-cancelling headphones.

The new daily flights between Doha and Jeddah are scheduled as follows:

Depart Doha QR3002 at 9am. Arrive Jeddah at 11:20am.
Depart Jeddah QR3003 at 12:20pm. Arrive Doha at 2:40pm.

Discounted gym classes in Melbourne with this new website

Source:
FILLMYCLASS.

Just as there are discounts for last-minute flight and hotel bookings, cheaper gym classes can also be had at the last minute. 

A new website called FILLMYCLASS has been launched in Melbourne, Australia to match fitness enthusiasts with available class spaces in nearby gyms and studios.

"It's all about flexibility," says FILLMYCLASS founder Daniel Waide. "The goal is to get more people moving, and being able to pick and choose classes that suit you at any gym or studio means you're more likely to get active and stay active.

"FILLMYCLASS gives people the chance to attend classes without the intimidation of a lengthy membership, or the inconvenience of limited locations. You might want to attend yoga at a lunchtime studio near work, do a Pilates class on your way home, and meet a friend for a cycle class near a cafe on the weekend.

"This site means you're not limited by the geography or timetable of a single gym and for fitness locations it's a great opportunity to get people in the door, to try new fitness options and get comfortable with classes and instructors."

Fitness locations see how FILLMYCLASS can help them. "We're running these classes already and the atmosphere is always more fun when we have full classes and new people," says Clare Gioules, Head of Projects and Innovation for Goodlife Health Clubs.

FILLMYCLASS.com.au is up and running now, and offering limited free classes until the end of March 2015. Book a class here; no membership is required.

Temple University in Singapore hosts two class previews in mid-November

Temple University is offering introductions to two graduate programmes on 15 November in Singapore for those interested in human resource management and executive MBAs respectively.

The Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSHRM) is designed for HR professionals who wish to be real business partners geared towards managing the "human capital within the enterprise".

The MSHRM covers aspects of HR like leadership, communications, strategic challenges in HR, managing rewards, best practices in HR, and negotiations, among others. The course comprises 10 modules in 10 months. All courses are taught by faculty who are US-based. 

Temple University is offering a scholarship of up to US$10,000 for qualified applicants to attend the next cohort. Click here to complete a free initial application.

A second class preview for the part time Fox School of Business executive MBA (EMBA) programme will run concurrently with the MSHRM presentation. Sixteen modules can be completed in 15 months. The EMBA is taught by US professors from Temple University in Philadelphia. 

Click here to register for the MSHRM session, and here for the EMBA session. Both sessions will run from 10am to 11am at the ERC Institute Campus at 30 Prinsep Street, Singapore.

Etihad launches Sydney First & Business Class Lounge

Source: Etihad.

Etihad Airways has officially opened its First and Business Class Lounge at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport – the airline’s first in Australia and the newest addition to its collection of premium lounges worldwide.

Located in the international terminal’s Pier C, adjacent to Gate 51, the new lounge offers guests a relaxing environment with quality furnishings and a contemporary design inspired by Etihad Airways flagship lounges in Abu Dhabi.

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, who was in Sydney for the ribbon-cutting ceremony said: “It’s all about offering an experience in the lounge that not only sets the tone for but is also consistent with the flight experience ahead. I’m confident the wonderful team of hospitality professionals we have in our Sydney lounge, together with our check-in staff and guest service agents, will ensure we deliver on that promise.”

Set over two natural light-filled levels and an area of 792 sq m, the Sydney lounge offers business amenities with Macintosh computers; complimentary Wi-Fi; multi-zone electrical and USB power outlets; dedicated male, female and accessible bathrooms with shower facilities; male and female prayer rooms; and armchairs in the relaxation zone.

Lounge guests will also be treated to Etihad Airways signature food and beverage service with a choice of restaurant-style a la carte dining and a sumptuous buffet.

The Sydney lounge is open to Etihad Airways Diamond First Class and Pearl Business Class guests and qualifying members of the Etihad Guest loyalty programme. Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer Gold and Platinum members and Virgin Australia Business Class guests flying to Abu Dhabi are eligible to access the lounge pre-flight. Qualifying guests of other codeshare and partner airlines may also use the lounge when flying on Etihad Airways or Virgin Australia operated Sydney-Abu Dhabi services.

The new First and Business Class Lounge in Sydney complements premium lounge facilities in Abu Dhabi, Dublin, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Manchester, Paris and Washington DC. New lounges are planned for Los Angeles, New York (JFK) and Melbourne over the next 12 to 18 months.

Etihad Airways commenced services to Sydney in March 2007 and today offers twice daily non-stop flights together in partnership with Virgin Australia. The route is served by a mixed fleet of three-class Airbus A340-600 and Boeing 777-300 aircraft. The Sydney route will be among the first in the Etihad Airways network to experience The Residence by Etihad - the world’s most luxurious living space in the air – when the UAE flag carrier commences scheduled A380 services to Sydney in June 2015.

Etihad redesigns new aircraft for boutique hotel experience in the air

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has completely re-imagined what plane travel will look like in first, business and economy classes onboard the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to be delivered later this year.

Five years in the making, the airline's design vision is to bring the individuality and exclusivity of a luxury boutique hotel experience to the sky in a way that embraced Arabian Modernism, an aesthetic that combines the traditions of the region with contemporary design.


First Apartments

The First Apartment on the airline’s A380 fleet will offer a complete living space with a reclining lounge chair and an ottoman which converts to become a separate 80.5 inch long fully-flat bed. Each First Apartment has a total area of 39 square feet, 74% more space than Etihad Airways’ existing First Class suite. 

The First Suite on the Etihad Airways B787 offers guests an enhanced suite with chilled mini-bar, complete privacy and centre seats which can be joined to create a double bed.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “The final product is far superior to anything available in the market today and more akin to the offerings of the world’s top five-star hotels, as guests onboard our A380 and B787 will soon discover."

Nine First Apartments will be located in the upper deck of Etihad Airways’ A380s, six of which have ‘connecting doors’ that allow them to create apartments for guests travelling together. Configured along a single aisle, a first for the industry, Etihad Airways’ First Apartments include a 30.3 inch reclining lounge chair and separate full length ottoman which opens into an 80.5 inch long and 26 inch wide fully flat bed. 

The First Apartment also includes a chilled mini-bar, personal wardrobe, and a separate vanity unit with lit make-up mirrors and stocked with luxury branded amenities, as well as a shower room. 

The Etihad Airways B787 will feature eight First Suites in a 1-2-1 configuration. The B787 First Suite boasts a 26 inch wide Poltrona Frau seat that converts to a comfortable 80.5-inch long fully-flat bed.

Like the First Apartments on the A380, the First Suites on the B787 will also offer a chilled mini-bar and Poltrona Frau leather upholstery. 

First Class Chefs will provide a five-star restaurant-style service in the sky, with guests able to request dishes prepared to their personal tastes and preferences.
 
Click here and here to view video of the new first class cabins. 
Business Studio

The airline will debut its new Business Studio onboard its Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, offering a standard of luxury associated with the industry’s first class travel.
 
A total of 70 Business Studios will be located on the upper deck of the A380, while the B787 will have 28 Business Studios, all offering aisle access and a fully flat bed of up to 80.5 inches long.
 
“We’re confident this new product will meet the diverse needs and highest expectations of today’s business traveller who will experience the Business Studio onboard our new A380 and B787,” said Baumgartner.

The Business Studios, which are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, giving direct aisle access to all passengers, are also the airline’s first dovetail (forward and aft) layout, allowing optimal use of cabin space. The suite has a 22 inch wide seat and separate ottoman, which together create a fully-flat bed of up to 80.5 inches long.

The centre Business Studios, while ideal for those travelling together, also offer full privacy for passengers traveling alone with full-height screens between the suites. Generous storage is also available inside the Business Studio, including room underneath the ottoman for carry-on items and shoes, as well as a large top-loading cupboard for water bottles, head-sets, literature and other items. Each Studio also features an ample side-furniture surface convenient for resting laptops, tablets and books. A number of different lighting options provide flexibility, including a side lamp, a reading light, and mood lighting.
 
The A380 will have Etihad Airways’ full mobile and Wi-Fly connectivity, while the B787 is equipped with Wi-Fly.
 
The Lobby for First and Business

Source: Etihad. The Lobby.

On the A380, First and Business Class guests will be able to relax in The Lobby, a serviced lounge and bar area located between the First and Business cabins.
With semi-circular leather sofas, a marquetry table and a large TV screen, The Lobby is designed for relaxing and socialising.

The Lobby TV has a HDMI connection so it can be used for sharing content or it can also be set to the airline’s Live TV channels for sporting and other events.
 
Click here and here to view video of the new Business cabins. 
Economy Smart Seat

In the economy class the airline will debut its new Economy Smart Seat, which is customised with a ‘fixed wing’ headrest which offers greater comfort and relaxation to guests. Upholstered in locally-sourced camel leather, the fixed wing headrest is designed to provide a firm surface for guests to rest their heads, as well as additional privacy between seats.
 
Baumgartner said: “Etihad Airways has always understood the importance of providing a travel experience that cannot be matched by others, and we have spent the past five years creating an Economy Class product that will be favoured by millions around the world.”
 
Etihad Airways is introducing Panasonic's most advanced eX3 in-flight entertainment system across both fleets, providing more than 750 hours of on-demand entertainment, improved gaming and high definition screens across all cabins.

The system has touchscreen handsets that offer a second screen for passengers so they can view additional content while watching a movie. Noise cancelling headsets are provided across all cabins.
 
Across the entire fleet, Etihad Airways will continue to offer a choice of three main courses in economy class, as well as a café service with hot chocolate and cappuccino.

Click here and here to view video of the new economy class cabins.