Retail News CRM

Author: Mei Ling Tan

  • Korea Sale Festa’ kicks off with huge discounts from retailers

    Korea Sale Festa’ kicks off with huge discounts from retailers

    South Korea kicked off a nationwide shopping event on Thursday with a variety of promotions, cultural and entertainment events to draw more shoppers at home and abroad and revive the sluggish domestic consumption.

    The massive shopping campaign called “Korea Sale Festa” runs until Oct. 9, involving major retailers, manufacturers and traditional markets, while cultural and entertainment programs for foreign travelers will be held throughout October.

    The shopping festival is jointly hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to tie up the retail industry with tourism and cultural sectors to unleash pent-up demands in time with the major Chinese holiday season.

    A total of 249 retailers, manufacturers and online malls provide discounts and promotions at 59,000 stores across the nation, offering much wider options compared with last year’s fall shopping season when “Korea Black Friday” and “Korea Grand Sale” were held between September and October.

    This shopping season isn’t just limited to malls and online retailers. Consumers looking for a new vehicle, phone or television will find some attractive bargains at car dealerships and electronics stores as major companies join the shopping season. Among the big names are Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Hyundai Motor, AmorePacific and LG Household & Healthcare.

    samsung
    A sales manager at Samsung’s electronics store in Seoul explains discount deals on a refrigerator on Sept. 28, 2016, in this photo provided by the company.

    Three car makers — Hyundai Motor, SsangYong Motor and Renault Samsung Motors — offer up to a 10 percent discount on cars during the period, while Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics give half priced deals on best-selling home appliance items. Consumers can get up to a 670,000 won discount (US$612) on Samsung’s Galaxy S6 Edge Plus smartphone.

    Department stores give deep discounts on luxury goods, fashion items and cosmetics, knocking down price tags by up to 80 percent.

    Among the top price for a giveaway event is a 700 million won apartment offered by Lotte Department Store, the retail unit of Lotte Group.

    Online malls and social commerce sites, including Coupang and Ticket Monster, are also offering cyber deals during the period, with the government supporting part of their delivery fees to boost sales.

    About 400 traditional markets nationwide will hold various events and unique festivals in October to catch the eyes of visitors and spur the local economy.

    The event held ahead of the year-end holiday season is raising expectations among local retailers as it overlaps with a Chinese national holiday that runs from Oct. 1-7. It’s when deep-pocketed Chinese travelers hop on planes to go on a holiday shopping spree.

    According to industry officials, about 250,000 Chinese tourists are expected to visit South Korea during the weeklong autumn holiday.

    korea-sale-fiesta

    With so much money up for grabs, local retailers have prepared a bunch of promotional events and giveaways targeting Chinese patrons.

    Myeongdong, the busiest shopping street in downtown Seoul, has transformed to embrace Chinese travelers, supplementing Chinese-speaking shop assistants and putting up Mandarin signs for the latest beauty products.

    Duty free stores, which heavily rely on Chinese travelers, also offer promotional and entertainment events, teaming up with credit card companies.

    Shinsegae Duty Free holds “K-beauty and fashion week” during the Chinese holiday at its Myeongdong branch to attract those who are interested in beauty know-how and encourage purchase of Korean beauty products.

    Market watchers say the influx of Chinese tourists will give much-needed momentum to revitalize the tepid domestic consumption, which will in turn drive up shares related to consumption and leisure.

    “While last year’s sales event was mostly about offering discount deals, Korea Sale Festa is more systematic with wider discounts and cultural events for foreign travelers,” Nam Ok-jin, a researcher at Samsung Securities, said. “Special offers given during (China’s) National Day is expected to maximize the effect.”

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  • Hong Kong International Airport Celebrates National Day with Extra Rewards

    Hong Kong International Airport Celebrates National Day with Extra Rewards

    Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) celebrates the upcoming National Day holiday with a series of shopping and dining promotions to provide travellers a superb spending experience.

     From 30 September to 16 October 2016, HKIA will launch a limited time offer, giving out cash coupons valued up to HK$5,000 to encourage traveller spending at HKIA. 

    For details, please refer to the following table:

    Spending by Electronic Payments of

    HKIA Cash Coupons Redemption

    HK$5,000

    HK$200

    HK$20,000

    HK$1,200

    HK$50,000

    HK$5,000
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  • Indonesia raids Google office after warning on tax audit refusal

    Indonesia raids Google office after warning on tax audit refusal

    Google’s Jakarta office was raided by Indonesian authorities after they warned the company for refusing a tax audit.

    Officers visited Google’s office in central Jakarta “many times” in the past two weeks to collect data and repeatedly sought meetings with senior company officials, Muhammad Haniv, the head of special taxpayers at the Finance Ministry, said in a phone interview Thursday. Google has “paid all applicable taxes in Indonesia,” Taj Meadows, a spokesman, said by e-mail, adding the company is cooperating with the government.

    “Everyone must comply, whoever they may be,” Haniv said. “If you refuse to be audited, then we will keep chasing you.” The government had earlier written to the company warning it for refusing a tax audit, which can result in criminal punishment, he said.

    President Joko Widodo’s government is following in the footsteps of European authorities in pushing Google to pay more taxes as it steps up efforts to earn more revenue from internet companies. He’s under pressure to do so as this year’s state revenue is set to suffer an estimated 218 trillion rupiah ($17 billion) shortfall, while earnings from a tax amnesty program are set to miss his target.

    Indonesia May Block Websites of Tech Companies Avoiding Tax

    Indonesia has been asking internet companies to set up permanent local entities for tax purposes since as early as April. It’s also promising lower rates compared to the 30 percent corporate income tax and 25 percent value-added tax that would otherwise apply to Google’s sales of advertisement to local companies, according to Haniv.

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  • Indonesia To Participate In Manila Fame Expo

    Indonesia To Participate In Manila Fame Expo

    Several Indonesians will be among the master craftsmen from selected ASEAN countries to participate in Manilas premier design and lifestyle event in Pasay City, the Philippines, from October 20 to 22, 2016.

    The ASEAN Master Craft Design Festival, titled Manila FAME, which is being held at the World Trade Center and the Philippine Trade Training Center, will feature an exhibition called ASEAN Crafts to the World that will unveil the first collection of crafts developed through the project “Improving the Current Status of ASEAN Mastercraft Designers”, Alma Argayoso, the Philippine Embassys Trade Representative to Indonesia, said here recently.

    Another highlight of the festival is an exhibition that will feature the works of the first group of ASEAN Master Craftsmen Lim Masulin from Indonesia, Roselyn Long Lah from Malaysia, Al Valenciano from the Philippines, Tuong Phi Duc from Vietnam and Rush Pleansuk from Thailand.

    Lim Masulin, the featured artist from Indonesia is an entrepreneur, inventor and avid connector of the creative industry. He is best known as managing partner of Poiema Creative Group with brands like BYO Living, Chamero Couture and others.

    Indonesias craftsmanship will be highlighted in this years Manila FAME as it will feature not only Lim Masulin but also Indonesian architect Cosmas Gozali, who will curate the ASEAN Master Craftsmen exhibition.

    Fourteen Indonesian companies are also set to participate in the expo with the support of the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMESCO), Argayoso added.

    The project is organized by the ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA) and funded by the ASEAN – Republic of Korea Future Oriented Cooperation Program.

    “The project aims to strengthen and enhance the use of design in reinforcing cultural identity in design development, merchandising, packaging, and marketing of ASEAN products by supporting and sustaining the Master Craftsmen in the region,” according to Argayoso.

    The group will showcase home furnishings, gifts and housewares, garden accessories, and fashion merchandise.

    Meanwhile, the Master Craftsmen from the second set of ASEAN countries – Brunei, Cambodia, Laos PDR, Myanmar, and Singapore will observe the exhibition and prepare for the projects next phase which will then feature their collection of crafts.

  • Sarinah Celebrates National Batik Day

    Sarinah Celebrates National Batik Day

    Renowned retailer of traditional Indonesian products, Sarinah will celebrate National Batik Day on Sunday, 2nd October 2016 which will commence from 6:30 A.M. – 10 A.M. at its Thamrin department store location. As a leading state-owned enterprise with immense pride in its local heritage, Sarinah has also partnered with the Indonesian Batik Foundation as well as the Indonesian Scout Movement. Furthermore, Sarinah is also working alongside the Ministry of Law and Human Rights and will thus makes available a bazaar showcasing a range of locally-made products.

    During the “Batikmu, Batikku, Batik Kita Beda, Tapi Kita Indonesia” (Your Batik, My Batik, Our Batik is Different, But We are Indonesia) event, Sarinah’s Board of Directors will be joined by 1,000 members from the Indonesian Scout Movement for a wall signing ceremony which reiterates both parties’ dedication to preserving batik as an ancient Indonesian artform. In keeping with its role as a modern retailer, Sarinah will additionally host a fashion show featuring budding Batik fashion designers from Indonesia. This opportunity will enable guests and visitors to gain better understanding of the wide array of batik clothing styles and its position in the country’s increasingly trend-savvy society. To further provide an all encompassing shopping experience, Sarinah is set to further provide live entertainment for visitors.

    Sarinah’s participation in celebrating National Batik Day is an effort that demonstrates the company’s unsurpassed commitment to maintain traditional crafts and heritage as part of its business operations. As such, Sarinah exemplifies its standing as highly-regarded retail of modern and traditional products as well as its role as the Home of Indonesian Heritage.

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  • 15 New Generation SMEs To Be Featured In Manila FAME

    15 New Generation SMEs To Be Featured In Manila FAME

    In support of local handcraft ateliers under the Design for Exports Program, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) has recently enjoined 15 local manufacturers in a product development program.

    The program focuses on new generation weaves, basketwork, and related wares.

    These product collections will be presented during the Manila FAME: The Design and Lifestyle Event on October from 20 to 22 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, the Philippines embassy said in a statement, here Saturday.

    “The appeal of Philippines crafts lies in our raw materials and the unparalleled skill of our artisans. Through the DTI-CITEM efforts, we can further enhance this advantage and capitalize on it to help maintain – or even raise our position in the global handicrafts export industry,” CITEM Executive Director Rosvi C. Gaetos said.

    In recent years, when the global demand for basketwork has been steadily increasing, and eco-friendly designs are also gaining popularity among international buyers as these are considered sustainable, the Philippines remains the 4th largest exporter of basketwork and other related wares in the world.

    CITEM will provide the 15 companies full design and product development assistance to maximize their business opportunities in the global houseware industry through material and product development, market intelligence, and buyer matching. CITEM envisions the local manufacturers will enter niche markets as the current target market in weaves and related crafts is already dense.

    “We just cannot continue making only products. We need to create products full of soul, and that are unique, meaningful, and useful,” ED Gaetos was quoted as saying in the statement.

    The 15 handcraft ateliers currently undergoing product development using locally-sourced natural materials are from craft communities of Bicol, Pampanga, Cavite, Negros, Davao, Cebu, and Metro Manila. Companies that are making use of Philippine fibers (Abaca, Banana, Buntal, Cotton, Pineapple, Raffia), leaves (i.e. Pandan and Water Hyacinth), reeds, vines, bamboo, rattan, and wicker are Calfurn, Catalina Embroideries, Inc., Larone Crafts, Inc., Hacienda Crafts Company, Inc., Maria Vinecraft, Inc., Obra Cebuana, Inc., Shelmed Cottage Treasures, That One Piece Enterprise, and Tagum Agricultural Development Corporation (TADECO).

    The companies that make use of wood and metal are Basket and Weaves Handicrafts Mftg., Chanalli and Native Crafts and Arts Industries Inc., and Masa Ecological Development, Inc. (MASAECO) makes use of paper, pi�a fiber, and mulberry bark, while Asia Ceramics Corporation and Kilus Foundation are making products made of ceramics and synthetic materials.

    As part of the program, CITEM organized a presentation on the market and product directions consistent with global design and trends in basketry to a group of Manila FAME exhibitors, designers, and students. Attendees were introduced to the lifestyle and color forecast for 2017 and beyond, that largely embarks on elements of, light, natural, earthly colors and turquoise accents.

  • Eisai Provisions “EMILY” Smartphone App to Support Living with Epilepsy in Japan

    Eisai Provisions “EMILY” Smartphone App to Support Living with Epilepsy in Japan

    Eisai Co., Ltd. announced today that it has commenced provision of the “EMILY” smartphone app in Japan to enable people with epilepsy and their families to enjoy greater peace of mind. EMILY is the first epilepsy support app which features localized SOS notification for emergencies such as the occurrence of seizures and communication functionality. The app is available to download for free (in Japanese only). By encouraging the use of the app among a wide range of people and not just people with epilepsy and their families, the app aims to build communities that support epilepsy.

    Epilepsy affects approximately 1 million people in Japan. Treatment mainly consists of reducing the frequency of seizures and symptoms with drug therapy, which requires the administration of medicine on a regular basis. It is reported that approximately 70% of people with epilepsy are able to control their seizures with suitable antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).(1) However, people with epilepsy live in a state of tension and fear as they never know when they may experience a seizure.

    According to the results an internet survey conducted by Eisai on people with epilepsy or their families (932 respondents), when asked what was important for their daily lives, the most popular response was to be able to commute to school or be able to work with peace of mind.

    The EMILY app features an SOS function for times of emergency such as the onset of a seizure. By simply pressing a button displayed on the smartphone screen, a SOS will be sent to all supporters with the app installed in a 500 meter radius in addition to previously registered family members and friends. If a supporter who receives the SOS notification responds, they will be shown the current location of the sender on their smartphone and will be able to quickly come to their aid. Information on how to respond to a seizure will also be provided through the app. In addition, the EMILY app can be used to generate a report on seizures and treatment administration recorded daily, which is useful for accurately relaying this information to attending physicians. In order to help prevent users from forgetting to take medicine, the app also enables users to share alerts with family and friends as well as communicate with registered family members and friends via stamps (character images) and text. Furthermore, users can receive various kinds of epilepsy related information through the app including comments from other people with epilepsy.

    Dr. Masako Watanabe, head of the Shinjuku Neuro Clinic and supervisor of the EMILY app, commented that, “For patients with epilepsy, forgetting to take medicine leads to serious seizures. The burden of having to take medicine every day is actually quite heavy, and receiving contact and encouragement from family and friends really helps motivate patients to take medicine.

    In addition, the SOS function leads to reduced risk in the event of a seizure, and I hope that the app will become widely adopted by the general public.”

    Together with worldwide provision of its AED Fycompa which has a novel mechanism of action, Eisai is striving to continuously create new medicines for the field of epilepsy. In addition to Fycompa, Eisai provides the AEDs Inovelon and Fostoin as part of an extensive epilepsy product portfolio in Japan, and through the EMILY app as well as providing information via the Epi Support website, Eisai seeks to make continued contributions to address the diverse needs of, as well as increasing the benefits provided to, patients with epilepsy and their families, aiming to build communities that support living with epilepsy.

    1. Key Features of the EMILY App The name EMILY comes from a combination of the underlined letters of EPILEPSY and SMILE. The app includes various functions enabling users to record the administration of medicine and seizures, communicate using stamps and other media, send out an SOS and receive information.

    1) Logging of medicine administration and seizures, report generation

    Epileptic seizures are diverse, and with regular administration of medicine being important for treatment, it is critical to make a record of seizures and medicine administration and accurately relay this to attending physicians. With the EMILY app, users can easily record their administration of registered medicines. Also, the app can generate a report of medicine administration and seizures over a month, which is useful for accurately relaying symptoms to attending physicians. In addition to logging daily condition and occurrence of seizures, the app can also be used to record videos of seizures. Featuring an alarm function, users can be alerted when it is time to take medicine to prevent forgetting administration. Furthermore, it is possible to have an alert sent to family and friends so that they can send the user a reminder.

    2) Communication functionality using stamps (character images) and text

    The app enables messaging with registered family members and friends to confirm their treatment administration and wellbeing as well as send encouragement via stamps (character images) and text. Family and friends can easily communicate with stamps that represent lines such as “have you taken your medicine yet?”, “Yes, I did” and “good job”. By making it easy to communicate with family and friends, the app encourages regular administration of medicine.

    3) SOS function

    When people with epilepsy feel the need for emergency support such as the onset of a seizure, by simply pressing a button displayed on the smartphone screen, a SOS will be sent to all supporters with the app installed in a 500 meter radius in addition to previously registered family members and friends. If a supporter who receives the SOS notification responds, they will be shown the current location of the sender on their smartphone and will be able to quickly come to their aid. Upon arrival, information relating to how to respond to seizures will also be provided through the app.

    4) Distribution of knowledge and information useful to people living with epilepsy

    Through the app, users can check for various kinds of epilepsy related information such as comments and messages from other people with epilepsy as well as specialists. This information is not only useful for users and their families, it will also help deepen understanding of epilepsy among supporters who have installed the app on their devices.

    – The app can be downloaded for free (in Japanese only) via the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) Information on how to use the app is available through the Epi Support website (Japanese only).

    – Epi Support, a website for living with epilepsy: With an accurate understanding of epilepsy and some minor adjustments, it is possible to live a fulfilling life. Epi Support provides advice to enable people with epilepsy and their families to live with piece of mind. https://epilepsy-support.net/ (available in Japanese only)

    (1) “The Epilepsies and Seizures: Hope Through Research. What are the epilepsies?” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, accessed September 9, 2016,

    https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/epilepsy/detail_epilepsy.htm#230253109

  • Here’s why Singapore can depend on F&B industry for economic growth

    Here’s why Singapore can depend on F&B industry for economic growth

    It contributes $14.4b to the city-state’s GDP.

    The food industry has done more than relieving hunger as it has also made huge impact in the overall economic growth of Singapore, contributing a bulk to the city-state’s GDP.

    According to the Food Industry Asia report by the Oxford Economics, F&B industry contributes an estimated $14.4 billion to GDP and employs nearly 300,000 people.

    The study revealed that overall impact of the food industry is dominated by food distribution.

    “The wholesale and retail of food, along with activities linked to Singapore’s 6,700 food service locations (which include restaurants, coffee shops and street hawker stands) account for two-thirds of the food industry’s GDP contribution, and four-fifths of the employment it supports,” the study said.

    Meanwhile, the food manufacturing industry has also made a huge impact on Singapore’s GDP, with its direct support for 38,800 jobs.

    In 2014, the food manufacturing industry earned S$9.8 billion from sales in Singapore.

    More so, food manufacturers’ supply chain spending within Singapore supported $1.6 billion of domestic procurement, $610 million of GDP, 6,100 jobs, $31 million in tax revenues, and S$37 million in Central Provident Fund contributions in the same year.

    “Based on the report’s findings, the food manufacturing industry is equivalent in size to Singapore’s aerospace industry, and larger than industries such as speciality chemicals, petrochemicals, medical technology and land transport engineering,” the study noted.
     

  • This new pop up store is a retail experience like you’ve never experienced in Singapore

    This new pop up store is a retail experience like you’ve never experienced in Singapore

    The new pop up store at Tangs Orchard is unlike any you’ve ever seen before in Singapore.

    A combination of fashion, art and technology, 庄 Zhuang – Home for Singapore Designers is an art installation that is also a retail experience featuring Singapore local designers and brands

    .庄 Zhuang is the result of a collaboration between the of Textile and Fashion Federation of Singapore (Taff) and local retailer Tangs.

    Photo: Textile & Fashion Federation (Singapore) Facebook page

    Multi-disciplinary artist, Daryl Goh was commissioned to create Installation Lucid, an art installation that uses light and colours alongside 3D projection mapping technology.

    A cool rotating collection of outfits designed by local designers will also be projected onto a mannequin showcase – perfect for a Snap or Instagram Story!

    Photo: Textile & Fashion Federation (Singapore) Facebook page

    Some big Singapore fashion brands to keep an eye out for include Frontrow by Klarra, Mash-up, Revasseur, Ying the label, plus beautiful accessories from CN Collectiv and Desti Saint.

    Award-winning lifestyle brands like Hinika by Jarrod Lim, Desinere and Love SG will be present too.

    New brands will be introduced throughout the seven months, so each time you go to the shop it will mean a new retail experience with treasures just waiting to be bought.

    庄 Zhuang – Home for Singapore Designers is located at Tangs at Tangs Plaza, Level 4 to Level 6, from September 2016 to mid-April, 2017.

     

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  • Xiaomi Products Come to Korean Convenience Stores

    Xiaomi Products Come to Korean Convenience Stores

    Ticket Monster (T-Mon), Korea’s leading social commerce platform, announced Thursday that it will be supplying convenience store franchise CU with Xiaomi products for offline distribution.

    CU outlets have already been selling Xiaomi portable battery packs (5000mAh) since the beginning of September, which were also supplied by T-Mon, but they will now have nine other products from the Chinese company on offer, including ear phones, selfie sticks, LED lights, and USB fans. 

    The move is a win-win for both CU and T-Mon. 

    “With the widespread use of smartphones, sales of smartphone-related products such as portable battery packs have increased by 69 percent this year,” said official.

    “We’ll be increasing our Xiaomi inventory at outlets closer to universities, offices, and entertainment districts, while also targeting Chinese tourists at our stores near tourist attractions like Myeongdong and Gwanghwamun.” 

    As for T-Mon, it will be securing an offline distribution channel to further expand its revenue stream. 

    “By allowing offline sales of products that used to be sold exclusively online, we’ll be offering our partners new opportunities to increase their profits,” a T-Mon official said. 

    Xiaomi products have grown increasingly popular on Korea’s ecommerce platforms for their affordability. The company’s 5000 mAh battery pack, in particular, makes up about 80 percent of all portable battery sales on T-Mon. 

    Although the Chinese electronics giant has yet to introduce its smartphones to Korea, the brand has gained widespread recognition with massive popularity on ecommerce platforms like T-Mon and Coupang. 

    Xiaomi made its official entrance here in March through an exclusive deal with local distributor Youmi, and has since been selling a wide range of electronics and consumer goods including the Mi Band (fitness wearable), an air purifier, Bluetooth speakers, a bicycle, and even backpacks.

    The company also opened its first offline store at the Yongsan Electronics Market in June, and is rapidly expanding its outlets across the Seoul Metropolitan Area.

     

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  • Xiaomi hopes to open 1000 stores by 2020

    Xiaomi hopes to open 1000 stores by 2020

    To date, Xiaomi has focused overwhelmingly on internet sales of its smartphones and media devices in order to keep costs down. Even its tiny retail footprint has largely been limited to service centers and “experiences.” However, that’s all going to change in the next few years. Xiaomi has revealed that it plans to open 1,000 honest-to-goodness retail stores by 2020. It’ll make sure that customers can “touch and test” Xiaomi’s technology, CEO Lei Jun says. He hasn’t said where those stores will be, but it’s reasonable to expect most or all of them to be located in greater China.

    A spokesperson said that the retail plan is an acknowledgement that Xiaomi has “become a household name” in China, and that you’ll see its presence grow relatively quickly. The firm is converting its existing Mi Home outlets into full-on stores, and expects 60 Mi Home locations to be up and running by the end of 2016.

    The dive into retail is bound to be expensive for Xiaomi, and a gamble when the company is almost legendary for its razor-thin profit margins on hardware. It might not have much choice, mind you. While it’s true that Xiaomi is well-established, its smartphone shipments plunged this year — in no small part due to rivals like Huawei, which has a whopping 11,000 stores across China. Physical stores could both snap up more impulsive buyers and remind customers that Xiaomi is still a force to be reckoned with. There’s no guarantee that it’ll work, but Apple’s recovery in the 2000s was partly credited to launching stores that both increased availability and presented its products in the best light. Xiaomi is no doubt hoping for a similar effect.

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  • The Exploratorium To mount “Best of The Season, You Can Grab and Go” campaign

    The Exploratorium To mount “Best of The Season, You Can Grab and Go” campaign

    Siam Discovery The Exploratorium, the biggest arena of lifestyle experiments which allows any visitor to experiment, create and cultivate, is now mounting the biggest trends update campaign of the year: “Best of The Season, You Can Grab and Go”. It gathers the latest trends that are becoming popular in the world, the ones for every kind of lifestyles, during the 4 months from now on (September to December 2016), while also allowing everyone to experience. The grand opening of the campaign launch has recently taken place on 4th Floor, Siam Discover The Exploratorium.

    The launch event was crowded with a number of distinguished guests who have taste in various lifestyles including design, fashion, travel, adventure to name but a few. The gathering guest list included Ornchuma Durongdej, Hathairat Fingerhooth, Tada Varich, Pichamon and Pimpisa Chamanant, Monlissa Leenuttapong, ML Samornlada Chompol, Thitipong Lororasert etc. All of them were welcome by Siam Discovery’s executives, Chanisa Kaewreun and Kriangkrai Rulkhachantrkul. All the guests got updated on news of hot lifestyles: art and design from Phantipa Thanchookiet of Likay Bindery, travel from Kanitkul Natrbutr, and fashion trends from Nichakul Kitiyanubhongse of Harper’s Bazaar Magazine. A special fashion show was provided, presenting a wide range of lifestyle products.

    Ms. Chanisa Kaewreun, Executive of Siam Piwat Company Limited, said, “Best of The Season, You Can Grab and Go campaign has been initiated by Siam Discovery, which acts as a shopping market that sells every kind of design items, or a design supermarket. In fact, it is acknowledged among shoppers that Siam Discovery will be a very first choice when thinking about where to shop for any items with style and packed with creativity.

    “That’s why Siam Discovery is gathering top curators who have expertise in a variety of lifestyles and asks them to analyze trends and global movements in terms of design. Then, they will choose what items to become the latest trends in the world. Moreover, we are holding a number of workshops that feature different subjects: Art Design and Decoration coming with “Design Experiment Market” theme from 3 to 16 October 2016, Travel and Play with “The Wanderlust Experiment Market” theme from 17 to 31 October 2016, Fashion and Accessory representing “The Fashion Forward Experiment Market” theme from 1 to 8 November 2016. And closing with Sport and Adventure which represents “Active Experiment Market” theme from 9 to 20 November 2016. Siam Discovery will present a range of products according to these themes, available upon timelines. As well as workshops that are based on each of the themes for the four months, from now to the year-end 2016.”

    Nichakul Kitiyanubhongse said, “The hottest trend in fashion of the moment is a modern vintage style, which has lasted for ages. At the same time, a vintage style is growing in popularity. When wearing vintage attire, it’s no need to wear heavy make-up or dramatic hairstyle. It really appears an amazing trend.”

    Phantipa Thanchookiet said, “We can see two hot key trends in design and decoration in 2016 and 2017. One is design work friendly to the environment. This year, the eco trend becomes popular again. People are interested in things for their daily use, the ones with creativity and more eco-friendliness. Especially for furniture and home decorations. Let’s say which are becoming popular will have an eco-concept. The other is handicraft, which more plays a prominent role in creation in terms of design. Or even daily use products such as notebooks that can be decorated to tell the identity of an owner.”

    Kanitkul Natrbutr said, “I enjoy traveling and love to have adventures in new places to explore new experiences. And for each of my trips, I always blend in, my personality, with it. This is shown through my traveling stuff, from backpack and shoulder bag to water bottle and shoes or even outfits. After I had visited throughout the country and explored some neighboring countries, I feel like riding a bicycle wherever I go. That’s the beginning of my traveling together with my bicycle. This way makes me expand my horizons and have a close relationship with the nature. It gives me a unique travel experience, different from other kinds of travel. With a bicycle, I can find any places that I cannot by car. Or to enjoy being in the sunshine and the breeze, the surrounding nature that I can see with my eyes and feel with my heart.”

    Come play with us. Enjoy “Best of The Season, You Can Grab and Go” campaign which offers a variety of themes suitable for every lifestyle. Available from now to year-end 2016 at Siam Discovery The Exploratorium.

  • Digital Revolution to Add $150b to Indonesia’s Economy by 2025

    Digital Revolution to Add $150b to Indonesia’s Economy by 2025

    Digitalization is expected to boost productivity, especially in five major sectors: manufacturing, retail, transportation, mining and agriculture.

    “Just as an example, a digital procurement system can predict demand for equipment in a factory and suggest replacements when necessary. Predictive maintenance can reduce machine downtime by 25 percent to 70 percent,” Tan said.

    According to McKinsey’s estimation, the manufacturing sector in Indonesia can earn an additional $34 billion from digitalizing its operations over the next decade, while mining and agriculture can see up to $15 billion and $11 billion in additional output respectively.

    Better stock and route management enabled by technologies like Google Maps can provide an extra $24 billion to Indonesia’s retail industry and $16 billion to the transportation sector. Other sectors like telco and media, healthcare, utilities and finance can boost their earnings by up to $21 billion, McKinsey claims.

    To unlock these potentials, Indonesia needs to improve its information technology infrastructure, broadband affordability and regulatory support.

    The study shows that Indonesia — although it has the second cheapest internet among the 20 countries studied — still struggles with poor connection, narrow bandwidth and slow speed. Overall, Indonesian is ranked 18 on a list that includes Malaysia, Singapore and other Asean states — all ranked above it.

    “E-commerce in Indonesia is growing rapidly but is constrained by limited access to technology, lack of tech-savviness and not enough credit cards,” Agung Nugroho, an e-commerce expert, said as quoted by McKinsey.

    According to McKinsey, Indonesian businesses should create cross-channel business models to encourage online and offline sales.

    Other strategies include establishing a two-fold cyber protection system, leveraging big data to drive real-time access across value chains and focusing on a customer-centric experience — coming up with innovative products and services to keep customers loyal.

    The study also suggests that digitalization can happen quicker if companies build strong and dedicated technology departments that integrate operations in all divisions of their businesses.

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  • Sharia Finance Sees Promising Future

    Sharia Finance Sees Promising Future

    The Financial Services Authority (OJK) says that the sharia finance still sees promising future despite the slowing down of global economic growth.

    “I’m optimistic on the promising future of the sharia finance industry. However, there will be many challenges and uncertainty,” said Sarjito, OJK Deputy Commissioner for Capital Market Supervision, Thursday, September 29, 2016.

    The challenges and uncertainty include the difficulty in expanding the business in a different jurisdiction that gets hit by local regulations and also the interpretation of sharia itself.

    Sarjito continued, the other challenge is the weak of the sharia finance management and its governance. “The last one is the lack of human resources that are competent enough and having the adequate capacity in sharia finance,” he said.

    The sharia finance industry in Indonesia has shown an unbelievable progress. Based on the report of the Indonesian Islamic Finance, the asset of the sharia finance industry has a 10% growth, and reached Rp617 billion in 2015.

    The number has exceeded the conventional finance asset’s growth. The same trend is also seen in other countries that are also developing the sharia finance.

  • Indonesia receives awards at South Africa Tourism Fair

    Indonesia receives awards at South Africa Tourism Fair

    Indonesia won two prestigious awards at the largest tourism market and exhibition, entitled “the Gateway Show”, in Johannesburg South Africa, which ran from September 23-25, 2016.

    Deputy Assistant of European, Middle East, America and Africa Market Development at the Ministry of Tourism, Nia Niscaya, said, here on Friday, that the two awards included the Best International Destination, building a booth modelled after a Phinisi traditional ship.

    The other award received by Indonesia was The Highest Award; the Spirit of Gateway 2016.

    “This award is expected to open the eyes of the international public, especially in Africa, about Indonesias tourism potentials,” Nia said.

    Also, Gateway Show organizers praised the Indonesian promotions team for its work at the exhibition, in which they presented a variety of attractions and delicious culinary treats.

    At the Gateway Show, the Wonderful Indonesia booth showcased Indonesia’s unique foods and coffee, offering samples to visitors.

    The sellers who participated in the Wonderful Indonesia Team were Nusa Dua Beach Hotel Bali, Holiday Inn Bandung, Maya Resort Bali, Bhara Tours Bandung, Singapore Airlines and a local travel agency, Afronesia Tours dan the Facets.

    The Gateway Show is an international tourism market and fair, participated in by industries, media, and visited by South Africans.

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