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Tag: asia

  • IKEA donates Rs 92 crore for safe water projects in India, Indonesia

    IKEA donates Rs 92 crore for safe water projects in India, Indonesia

    Swedish furniture retailing giant IKEA will contribute 12.4 million euro (Rs 92.84 crore) to provide safe water and sanitation to one million people in India and Indonesia through Water.org. IKEA Foundation has announced a new grant of 12.4 million euro to Water.org on the occasion of the World Water Day, it said in a statement.

    “IKEA Foundation is committing 12.4 million euro to Water.org to expand its WaterCredit model, helping families have access to small, affordable loans so they can get safe water and sanitation,” it added. IKEA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of INGKA Foundation, the owner of the IKEA Group of companies.

    Commenting on the development, Matt Damon, co-founder of Water.org said: “Our work at Water.org has never been more important, and thanks to this grant and to IKEA Foundation, we are going to help hundreds of thousands of kids gain access to safe water and sanitation and impact their lives forever.”

    IKEA Foundation CEO Per Heggenes said: “We believe that every child deserves a healthy start in life and this is why we are supporting Water.org’s innovative programmes to help families in India and Indonesia access safe water and better sanitation facilities, giving them improved health and a life of dignity.”

    The World Bank estimates that 21 per cent of communicable diseases in India are linked to unsafe water and the lack of hygiene practices, and 50 per cent of India’s population continues to practice open defecation, the statement said. In Indonesia, more than 33 million people lack access to safe water and 100 million lack access to improved sanitation facilities.

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  • Indonesians share memorable Twitter moments to mark 10th anniversary

    Indonesians share memorable Twitter moments to mark 10th anniversary

    The Twitter logo appears on an updated phone post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. The social media site famous for its 140-character “tweet” limit turned 10 years old on Monday, having evolved from what was originally billed as a microblogging site into one of the internet’s most influential means of communication.

    Online social networking service Twitter on Monday celebrated its 10th anniversary, gathering many tweeters in Jakarta, including some of the nation’s most prominent figures.

    During the celebration, they shared their most memorable experiences with the microblogging site using the hashtag #KarenaTwitter (because of Twitter).

    Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, who spoke at the event on Monday evening, said Twitter had allowed him to express himself freely and to talk people who he might never have had an opportunity to meet with otherwise.

    Lukman said he signed up to the microblogging site in 2009 and admitted it was his most favorite social media platform.

    “After some comparison, Twitter is more enjoyable because of its short word count of only 140 characters and you can have a dialogue and unlimited communication,” he said.

    The minister added that the social media platform had exposed him to a wealth of information on a daily basis and prompted him to continue to learn new things, be more engaged and enrich his general knowledge.

    “Because of Twitter I feel stupid. There are many things I didn’t know about. The more people I meet on Twitter, the more I realize that I don’t know so many things,” Lukman said.

    Despite having almost 200,000 followers, the minister said his account was not yet verified.

    Singer Andien, who performed at the event, said Twitter had enabled her to get to know her now husband, Irfan Wahyudi. “This is a true story – without Twitter I may not have married my husband,” she said.

    Andien said she met her husband in 2002 but they did not become close until 2009, after she joined the social media platform. Andien explained that when she lost her cell phone that year, she messaged all her friends on Twitter with her new phone number. Among them was Irfan. After that, she and Irfan started to communicate more often and eventually grew closer. The couple married in May last year.

    Twitter Indonesia’s business head Roy Simangunsong thanked the Indonesian Twitter community for their continued enthusiasm. He said 77 percent of Twitter users in Indonesia were active daily tweeters. Of that amount, over half send out two tweets per day on average.

    Twitter had been witness to many historical moments in Indonesia, Roy said. Today, the wide range of interests and public sentiments can also be seen in the various hashtags that are used, he added.

    “From simple things like how they find a mate to gaining the confidence to be able to do business and become part of the everyday world using Twitter, we can see how Twitter has become an important element of Indonesian society,” Roy said.

  • Iconsiam unveils the era’s most glamorous retail and entertainment complexes

    Iconsiam unveils the era’s most glamorous retail and entertainment complexes

    Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, a director of ICONSIAM, the owner of ICONSIAM – the iconic landmark of Thailand’s prosperity by the Chao Phraya River, today, held an event to present a detailed look at a city of the future and unveiled the era’s most glamorous retail and entertainment mega-complexes covering 525,000 square metres, and which is set to become one of the most exciting destinations in the world when completed in late 2017.

    The event was conducted at an evening of spectacular presentations attended by more than 1,500 guests and ending with a cruise on the majestic Chao Phraya River. Retail News was at the official press conference in the Shangri La Hotel in Bangkok and was reporting “live” on our social media channels.

    With a total gross floor area (GFA) of 750,000 square metres, ICONSIAM will be a new symbol of national pride for Thailand and its people.  The project includes:

    • 2 of the world’s most glamorous retail complexes, namely ICONSIAM (Main Retail & Entertainment) on a vast area of 500,000 square metres and ICONLUXE (Luxury Wing) which covers 25,000 square meters. The two mega-complexes have separate parking spaces and facilities but share visitor traffic throughout.
    • 2 world-class residential condominium buildings: Magnolias Waterfront Residences at ICONSIAM and The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok.
    • 7 precedent-setting attractions which will be the first of their kind in Thailand and which are called the Seven Wonders at ICONSIAM.

    ICONSIAM – The Icon of Eternal Prosperity – is being developed by a highly reputable partnership between three of Thailand’s most successful businesses, assuring the project the national landmark status that it seeks.  The development partners are Siam Piwat – the owner and operator of globally reputed prestigious retail developments including Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery – MQDC Magnolia Quality Development Corporation, the owner and developer of luxury quality residences – and, the multi-national Charoen Pokphand Group.  The partnership with Bht 50,000 million was announced in 2012 as an agreement to create a the largest commercial development. It’s been 3 years together by far.

    A commitment to build Thailand’s stature on the world stage

    Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul said, “ICONSIAM will open a new chapter in the history of Thailand.  It represents a great property endeavor that is the most complete and spectacular ever undertaken in Thailand.  ICONSIAM will be the most compelling, must-see destination drawing Thai people from around the country and international visitors from the around the world.  We are creating a new benchmark of excellence in every aspect.  It is the creation of a new paradigm for the property development sector.  It combines everything one needs to live a way of life of the future – the best in residential offerings, a complete range of products and services as well as innovations to keep one comfortable, and unprecedented advanced communications.  ICONSIAM will be at the centre of a plan to unveil the glory of the Chao Phraya River as a global destination.”

    ICONSIAM aims to turn the area along the 10-kilometre frontage of the Chao Phraya River into a major global destination offering unparalleled experiences because the entire stretch of the great river represents all aspects of what is special about Thailand and Thais.  Located along the river are over 20 historic archeological sites, 50 upscale hotels with more than 10,000 rooms, over 200 luxury residential developments that are already available on the Thonburi side of the river and many more to be built on both sides by the public and private sectors.  ICONSIAM will help bring them together to glorify Bangkok under a national collaboration outlined in the Chao Phraya River Master Vision plan which was announced in 2014.  Under the plan, agencies in the public and private sectors, riverside business operators and boat operators will work together to turn the world’s attention back on to the river as Bangkok’s most promising centre.  It will reinforce every aesthetic aspect of Bangkok as one of the world’s most attractive cities where people around the world want to live and where investors want to do business.

    Mrs. Chadatip said, “New developments normally highlight concepts inspired from other countries.  But ICONSIAM is committed to presenting Thailand’s outstanding aspects such as Thai wisdom, exquisite craftsmanship, unique architectural elements, history, tradition, culture, etc.  We are presenting a forward-looking Thainess for the world to see. ICONSIAM will present more than a million stories of success and pride of Thai people from local to national level. It will also represent an imagination of this era that showcases those stories in many ways in a forward-looking Thainess or “Creative Thai” for the world to see.  It will be the first time that such a large project in Thailand will present Thai characteristics in all aspects.

    ICONSIAM is intended to be a new symbol of Thailand.  It will represent the nation to rival mega developments in other countries as it showcases important values of Thailand’s best characteristics in a world-class project through supportive assistance of the whole Thai people in terms of bringing Thailand’s best values to ICONSIAM, creating important values for the project. Meanwhile, ICONSIAM will also bring together the best of the world, making it truly a world-class project.

    12 Unrivalled components of ICONSIAM

    ICONSIAM unveiled the glamour of two retail and entertainment complexes which cover a combined area of 525,000 square metres and comprise the following unrivalled components:

    1. The Best in Stunning Architecture

    The two retail complexes of ICONSIAM – ICONSIAM and ICONLUXE – are closely associated with cultural values and beliefs tied to the Chao Phraya River, including inspirations from ‘krathong’ and ‘baisri’.  The ICONSIAM building is a highly modern building with its architectural design inspired by the way a krathong is folded, translating traditional Thai design signatures to modern interpretations.  The ICONLUXE complex resembles three glass krathongs with the façade stretching 300 metres along the river. A special glass is used to create vertical pleats all over the complex setting a new precedent.  The design is inspired by a traditional Thai dress with a pleated shawl that wraps the most valuable part of the project because ICONLUXE represents the ultimate in ICONSIAM’s elegance.

    1. The Best in the ICONS within an ICON Design Concept

    ‘ICONS within an ICON’ is the construction of many small buildings within a large building.  ICONSIAM showcases a group of buildings each with a 360-degree façade like a mansion that elegantly offers the best Thai brands and luxury brands from around the world.  It is the first time such a concept is brought to life.

    1. The Best in Awesome Spectacles

    River Park is an area for riverside activities.  Covering over 10,000 square metres, it will help visitors to access and enjoy the landscape along the river as never before.  The space is ideal for large-scale national events and world-class performances in a most beautiful and enchanting site on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

    A multi-media water-and-fire feature, worth Bht 400 million, will present a great spectacle along the 400-metre stretch of the Chao Phraya River, the longest in Southeast Asia, for visitors to enjoy an awesome experience.

    1. The Best in Creative Thai-ness at Venice of the East

    ICONSIAM will bring together the best in Thai brands in all categories from fashion to handicrafts to must-buy items from all of the 77 provinces of Thailand.  Visitors can explore the whole of Thailand at ICONSIAM.  They will be able to enjoy an exciting experience at the first indoor floating market as well as impressive and enjoyable services found only in Thailand along with rare art and cultural performances within an over 8,000-square-metre area.

    1. The Best in World-Class Luxury at ICONLUXE

    ICONLUXE – the icon of exquisiteness, the centre of world-class luxury – will have the best in world-class brands in all categories, including fashion, jewelry and timepieces.  Each brand will be housed in a globally iconic store in a way that has never been done before in Thailand.

    1. The Best in Priceless Art, Culture and Heritage

    ICONSIAM Heritage Museum which covers over 8,000 square metres is Thailand’s first world-class museum complex bringing together the historical and cultural heritage of the country in one place.  It is the result of a collaboration between ICONSIAM, The Fine Arts Department – Ministry of Culture, and The Treasury Department – Ministry of Finance.  The museum will showcase valuable artifacts of Thailand from different eras together with touring exhibitions of masterpieces from around the world, including contemporary artworks from Thai artists.  It has integrated the most advanced exhibition technology, world-class security and conservation standards for important artifacts.

    Thai Character through Masterpieces from National and World Artists

    ICONSIAM’s interior decoration is the result of a collaboration with many national and world artists who channel Thai beliefs and traditions into their masterpieces that are placed throughout in the form of statues, paintings, carvings, and chandelier inspired by the shape of woven garlands.   The complex will be spectacular.  ICONSIAM will be the first to bring together a large number of priceless artworks and masterpieces.

    1. The Best in World-Class Entertainment

    The world-class auditorium is an essential component of ICONSIAM.  The 3,000-seat venue will be Thailand’s first such facility at world-class standards, and which will also be Asia’s technologically most advanced, as well as the centre for international conferences, which will help Bangkok attract the world’s most sought-after A-list singers and performers.

    The 10,000-square-metre cineplex at ICONSIAM will be a ‘first’ and the country’s technologically most innovative of its kind with the latest projection and sound equipment as well as the newest concepts in layout and seating that will ensure visitors the ultimate movie-going experience.

    The world of entertainment for family and children which covers 4,000 square metres will be the first time in Thailand where children can experience state-of-the-art excitement.

    1. The Best in a Complete Range of Products and Services

    ICONSIAM brings together 500 retailers who offer the best in ASEAN and the best from every corner of the world into the same venue.  For more than 20% of these retailers, ICONSIAM will be their first ever presence in Thailand.

    The project will also have Thailand’s first massive sport complex built on a rooftop garden.  It will come complete with an Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool and a running track with a view of the sky over both sides of Bangkok.

    1. The Best in Department Store

    Takashimaya, one of Japan’s most iconic department stores, covering 35,000 square metres, will open its first store in Thailand at ICONSIAM.  As one of the world’s best department stores, it offers a full line of luxury brands from Japan, as well as top Thailand’s brands including cosmetics, ladies’ wear, ladies’ accessories, men’s wear and accessories, lifestyle products, as well as premium food and beverage offerings.

    1. The Best in Dining Aesthetics

    ICONSIAM will bring a 3-Michelin star restaurant for the first time to Thailand and will have some of world’s famous restaurants brands that have never had a presence in Thailand.  It will have also the best food offerings from all 77 provinces in Thailand and offer a vast choice of dining atmospheres such as a riverside terrace, in a heavenly park inside the building or on the rooftop where a wide range of bars will also be located.

    1. The Best in Communication Innovation and Service

    ICONSIAM will introduce the most advanced and most comprehensive communication infrastructure using the fastest fibre optics in Thailand and the most innovative communication package. There will be an application that provides more than 1 million tales and legends that inspired art and decoration within the building, shops, and services. Customers will be able to understand and be a part of retelling such stories.  All of these will allow us to deeply understand the needs of customers and to easily manage their experiences while enabling us to meet all their lifestyle preferences all the time.

    1. The Best in Comprehensive Travel Convenience

    As a mega phenomenon of the era, ICONSIAM is the first project to support the Bangkok Municipality’s visionary plan, a feeder lines of the mass rapid transit system, namely the Gold Line, which will be connected to the Green, Red and Purple Lines.  In the area, four piers will be built to support water travel via private yachts, tourist pleasure boats and ferries to and from 73 surrounding piers.  ICONSIAM will be the most complete connection hub for all modes of transport in Thailand including land, rail and water.

    Creating Phenomenal Success in the Real Estate Industry

    A New Record in the Most Expensive Riverside Residences

    ICONSIAM launched Magnolias Waterfront Residences at ICONSIAM – the most luxurious residential condominium development in Thailand by the Chao Phraya River.  It ranks among the best residential developments in the world in its standards.  The project offers 379 residences on 70 stories.  Each unit is built and fitted out with the most luxurious materials.  The building has luxury designed right into it, with the highest quality even in the non-visible engineering elements, components and mechanisms.  Within only 2 months in 2014, the whole project was sold out.  It also broke a record for being the most expensive residential project by the Chao Phraya River.  Its prices are comparable to those of luxury condominiums along the BTS mass transit lines on Sukhumvit, Phaholyothin and Ratchadamri roads.

    The Best in World-Class Residence: The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

    In 2014, ICONSIAM announced a partnership with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to brand and manage 146 super-luxurious residences in a 52-level condominium called The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok.  Located in the ICONSIAM project, the Residences are the first ‘Mandarin Oriental’ branded residences in Southeast Asia and the 14th in the world.  They are designed and built with the highest standards of luxury, project management and residents’ services and facilities.

    Last year, ICONSIAM began pre-sales for the riverfront residential project.  It is the most expensive residential project in Thailand with prices to rival condominiums in prime locations of London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan.  To date, about 40% of the residences have been booked by Thai and international customers

    “The unveiling of ICONSIAM’s two retail complexes will be a game changer that shifts Bangkok’s retailing hub to the new location by the Chao Phraya River, which has all you can ask for,” Mrs. Chadatip said.

    ICONSIAM represents a new chapter in the history of Thailand’s property development.  It creates a new benchmark for all-around excellence and a new paradigm for the industry with the building of a city that brings together a complete range of residential, retail and cultural offerings at the highest international standards.

    ICONSIAM is a shining example of a Thai property developer showing the courage to make an investment, whether it be in the commercial components and the Seven Wonders at ICONSIAM, to bring to life a genuine, world-class development.  ICONSIAM has proven success beyond expectations for its residential component.  Its retail component has been recognized the world over, even though it has yet to be formally launched.  All of this is testament to the confidence in the country’s economy.  It shows Thai entrepreneurs’ resilience while showing the potential of the Thai market and the purchasing power of Thai people who can support such a world-class development.  ICONSIAM is a major step forward to elevate the stature of Bangkok as one of the most desirable cities to invest for international entrepreneurs and to live for people from around the world.

    Decision to Invest in ICONSIAM Phase 2 in Response to Strong Tenant Demand 

    Mrs. Chutrakul informed that, “ICONSIAM has discussed the project’s concept with major retailers worldwide.  All of them have expressed their confidence and indicated their intention to book retail space for the largest iconic flagship stores in Thailand.  As a result, ICONSIAM has decided to invest in the second phase of the project in response to the overwhelming demand and support it has received.  We have leased land on the opposite side of Charoennakorn Road to expand the total property size to 55 rai.  We have increased the total investment budget by a further Bht 4,000 million to Bht 54,000 million.  Details on the investment will be shared later within this year.”

    ICONSIAM will start renting out space in its two retail complexes from now onwards and plans to announce anchor tenants within the first three months of this year.

    “Despite the world’s economic uncertainty, we are proceeding with the project at full speed.  We increased our investment because we have confidence in Thailand. ICONSIAM will make a great contribution to the country support the economy of Thailand.  It is also pilot project that links with the public sector, with us planning to support mass transit systems as well as urban development and urban regeneration.  The project will attract substantial investment from international investors and retailers.  When it opens, the project will be able to create more than 350,000 jobs within 5 years from the beginning to the opening of the project.  ICONSIAM will play an important part in strengthening the tourism industry in the long term.  It will also further reinforce Thailand’s leadership in the ASEAN Economic Community,” Mrs. Chadatip concluded.

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  • Jakarta taxi drivers protest against Uber and Grab

    Jakarta taxi drivers protest against Uber and Grab

    Thousands of Indonesian taxi drivers have brought parts of the capital, Jakarta, to a standstill in a protest against transport apps.

    The drivers say ride-hailing apps, such as Uber and Grab, have severely reduced their salaries.

    Footage from Jakarta showed some protesters attacking vehicles and apparently threatening taxi drivers not taking part in the strike.

    The drivers have been joined by bus and “bajaj” motorbike drivers.

    Mobile apps like Grab and Uber have disrupted the transportation industry across Asia, and other parts of the world.

    Taxi drivers say they’ve been disadvantaged because the apps do not face the same costs and regulations as they do.

    ‘They are destroying us!

    The protest is far bigger than similar action taken last week. She said it was impossible to get a taxi in the city centre.

    The protesters have blocked roads outside the parliament, the city administration offices and the ministry of communication, causing massive traffic jams across the already heavily congested city.

    Commuters have expressed frustration at the demonstrations, which also saw tires set on fire.

    “This protest is so terrible. They really are rude and overbearing. I was very hurt,” Dewi Gayatri, who missed her flight for a business trip, told the Associated Press.

    “I still like Uber, and hope the government protects Uber, because it’s so easy to order and cheaper,” she said.

    But for the drivers, many of whom moved to Jakarta to work, the price wars have eroded their ability to support their families,

    “They are destroying us,” Salahuddin, who uses one name like many Indonesians, told the BBC. “We pay tax but because Uber uses private cars they don’t. I am fighting for my survival.”

    Ahmad Rahoyo who operates a bajaj taxi said he used to earn up to 100,000 rupiah ($10; £7) a day, “but since the apps entered Indonesia just covering my costs is hard”

    One man, Hans, said he saw drivers blocking a bus lane.

    “When they saw a taxi driver accepting a passenger they straight away ran over to the vehicle and told the passengers to get out of the taxi,” he said.

    “They threatened them with rocks. I didn’t see them hit anyone but they destroyed the rear vision mirrors of one taxi.”

    Indonesia’s government has appeared divided over the issue.

    The transport ministry has said it is in favour of a ban on ride-hailing apps, since the online and mobile app-based services are not registered as public transport.

    However the communications ministry, which oversees such companies, has said they are legitimately allowed to operate.

    President Joko Widodo has said new technology should be embraced and not banned.

    Global resistance

    Uber, which has sparked conflict with regulators and traditional taxi companies in many US and European cities as well, has expanded aggressively in recent years.

    Its success has led to a slew of localised transport-app companies with similar business models.

    This includes Malaysia-based Grab, which claims to be Southeast Asia’s largest, and Indonesian startup Go-Jek which specialises in motorcycle taxis.

    To try and claim market share, Grab for example, has offered commuters 20 free rides on their motorcycle taxi service.

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  • WearYouWant presents a five-step guide to safe online shopping

    WearYouWant presents a five-step guide to safe online shopping

    WearYouWant, Thailand’s leading online fashion and beauty marketplace has created a five-step guide to smart shopping online for Thai consumers, with useful information on how to shop safely through reputable e-commerce sites.

    WearYouWant Co-Founder and CEO, Julien Chalté acknowledges that e-commerce in Thailand is still in its infancy and would like to guide Thai consumers into making smarter decisions when shopping online.

    “We are very aware that we are a part of a fairly new industry in the midst of enormous growth which does not enjoy the same immediate trust as our offline peers. Therefore, it is important for WearYouWant, as one of the leading players in the vertical markets, to take responsibility and provide our customers with a seamless and genuinely safe shopping experience all the way.  We offer a simple five-step guide to shopping safely online in the hope that more Thai consumers will enjoy online shopping – hopefully little by little spurring the e-commerce industry in Thailand to become the regional frontrunner.”

    Agreeing with Chalté, Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, President of the Thai e-Commerce Association highlights how the WearYouWant’s anti-cybercrime checklist is an invaluable guide. “There has been a huge rise in e-commerce in Thailand and this is positive news for online retailers attracting Thai consumers, as well creating more choice for customers.  However, the Thai e-commerce industry is still new and presently constitutes a fairly small part of retail as a whole. Alongside this expansion, we need greater education towards consumers to expand consumer knowledge about e-commerce and shopping online in general. The five-step guide from WearYouWant can help us all and we see it as incredibly useful.”

    The five-step guide:

    Step 1: Check for clear contact information:  Whilst a web shop may not have a physical retail outlet, credible e-commerce sites do have easily visible contact information. If contacts are difficult to find or simply not shown then proceed with caution. Look for a local Thai contact with a phone number or an email address and other company details for an international business.

    Step 2: Check for spelling mistakes and language problems:  E-commerce sites that are not legitimate are often full of glaring errors. This may not be an issue with a tourist site, but for an online shopping site, bad spelling and weird sentence construction should be a red flag. If a site is not an authentic e-commerce site, then it may be created quickly, using a simple translation tool. Check out the pages which list the conditions of purchases too, as well as the ‘about us’ page. Information about employees and photos can be a good indication of authenticity.

    Step 3: Check payment certifications:  E-commerce sites always display logos showing secure payment methods, such as PCI and Norton. The logos should be crisp, clear and recognizable. If there are blurred edges or if a certification has never been heard of before, it is advisable to be cautious. The rule is, if in doubt do not enter your payment details. Quite often a quick search online will reveal methods used by cyber criminals, such as company names regularly used and methods.

    Step 4: Check the company out on Google: Search engines are a shopper’s ally when it comes to investigating companies online. Simply typing in the business name into Google or any search engine should reveal some details which validate the business. This could range from the site and products being reviewed, advertised in various locations through sponsored links and mentioned in press releases and articles. Forums and social media sites can be great platforms to discover any negative experiences associated with a company and/or its founders.

    Step 5: Check common sense warnings: Instinct, logic and experience of online browsing are good indicators of whether an e-commerce site is the real deal and the products on sale are authentic. The golden rule is that while there are some amazing offers online, if a deal seems too good to be true, and then it probably is. Shoppers need to be realistic about offers in relation to the expected price of certain brand names and quality products. 

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  • Singapore debut for Korean jeweller Stonehenge

    Singapore debut for Korean jeweller Stonehenge

    South Korean jeweller Stonehenge has opened its first overseas store – on Level 1 of Singapore’s Takashimaya Shopping Centre.

    Stonehenge is showcasing its full range of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings and timepieces, which come in silver, rose gold, white gold and yellow gold.

    To mark the opening, customers visiting the new store will receive nail stickers, while those spending S$350 (US$254) or more will receive a portable battery charger as a gift.

    Processed with VSCO

    Also, Stonehenge will be choosing 20 customers to meet its brand ambassador, Korean actress Shin Min Ah, at a special event in June. To be eligible for selection, customers who have made a purchase at Stonehenge need to post a photo on Instagram.

    Launched in 2008, Stonehenge has 62 retail stores and 16 duty-free counters in South Korea. It is part of the Woorim FMG (Fashion Marketing Group), founded 20 years ago and with interests in the entertainment and F&B sectors.

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  • Eres brings French style to Asia

    Eres brings French style to Asia

    French luxury brand Eres has opened its first boutique store in Asia – at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore.

    It is the 43rd boutique worldwide for the brand, founded in 1968 and known for its graphic swimsuits in bold colours, and form-enhancing lingerie.

    In Orchard Boulevard, the 484 sqft (44.96 sqm) store is featuring the latest spring/summer swim and lingerie collection, with prices ranging from S$125 (US$90.48) to S$700.

    Eres has until now focused on markets in Europe and the US.

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  • It’s Skin signs with Dabur India

    It’s Skin signs with Dabur India

    South Korea’s fourth-largest cosmetic maker, It’s Skin, has made a move to extend its international reach through a partnership with retail giant Dabur India.

    It’s Skin has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dabur to sell 120 kinds of cosmetics in itsNew U beauty retail chain, stepping up its overseas bid beyond China, Japan and Southeast Asian markets.

    Starting with 10 shops in New Delhi, the company plans to open 20 in the capital and the surrounding area this year.

    It’s Skin is best known for its snail cream, Prestige Cream d’escargot, which went on the market in 2009. The company posted  won 309.6 billion (US$255 million) in sales last year, up 28 per cent from the previous year. It started listing on the Seoul bourse in December.

    Founded in 1884, Dabur India is India’s fourth-largest retailer, logging 78.1 billion rupees (US$1.2 billion) in sales last year. Its beauty chain New U has 70 outlets in 28 cities.

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  • Yusen Logistics Australia acquires Hitech Asia Pacific business

    Yusen Logistics Australia acquires Hitech Asia Pacific business

    Hitech specializes in domestic logistics, offering an end-to-end logistics service that integrates the land transportation, installation and calibration of sensitive freight such as medical and business machinery. The company has eight locations across Australia and New Zealand, having a share of approximately 70 percent of the medical equipment transportation market.

    This acquisition will expand and improve the quality of Yusen Logistics’ services; increasing our presence through the expansion of new bases in New Zealand which complement our Group’s capabilities. Yusen Logistics will grow sales in the high-value added logistics service of sensitive freight and by integrating this service with our ocean and air freight forwarding and contract logistics services, the company aims to further expand its business.

    Ian Pemberton, Managing Director of Yusen Logistics Australia, said: “We are very excited about the opportunities Hitech will bring Yusen Logistics and the additional services we will be able to offer to our customers. Hitech’s skills in sensitive freight are highly complementary to Yusen Logistics’ global capabilities. We will be positioned to deliver top quality logistical and transport services with a fully integrated service combining every aspect of the supply chain.”

    Tom Devjak, CEO of Hitech, said: “We are delighted to be joining Yusen Logistics. Hitech will benefit from access to Yusen Logistics’ extensive global network including prime airport locations and international freight forwarding capabilities. We will now be able to offer customers seamless global transportation services.”

    Hi-tech Express Group Company Profile

    • Company name: Hi-tech Express Group Pty Ltd
    • Headquarters: 160 Newton Road, Wetherill Park NSW 2164
    • Representative: CEO, Tom Devjak
    • Founded: 2000
    • Employees: 110
    • Acquired businesses: Sensitive freight logistics and installation services

    Yusen Logistics (Australia) Company Profile

    • Company name: Yusen Logistics (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
    • Headquarters: 3 Davis Road, Wetherill Park, NSW 2164, Australia
    • Representative: Managing Director, Ian Pemberton
    • Founded: 1988
    • Employees: 450
  • Indian traction for Myanmar

    Indian traction for Myanmar

    India is to supply 18 metre-gauge 1350 hp diesel electric locomotives to Myanma Railways. The traction will augment the railway’s fleet and enable it to meet increasing demand for passenger and freight transport services in Myanmar. The requisite contract was signed at Naypyitaw (Myanmar) in week 9.

    The locomotive order is a vital project that is being funded under an existing Indian government line of credit for Myanmar. The traction, sporting several modern features such as microprocessor controls, fuel-efficient engines and an ergonomic cab design etc, will be manufactured at the diesel locomotive works in Varanasi

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  • China retail sales growth slows further

    China retail sales growth slows further

    Official retail sales data from the mainland shows a continuation of slowing growth this year.

    According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) China retail sales of consumer goods rose 10.2 per cent in January and February combined.

    That follows growth of 11.7 per cent in December and 10.7 per cent for the entire 2015 calendar year.

    According to the NBS, Chinese consumers bought 5.29 trillion yuan (US$815.2 billion) worth of consumer goods in the first two months of 2016.

    Urban areas accounted for nearly 86 per cent of China retail sales, rural areas 14 per cent. Sales in rural areas rose by 10.9 per cent – faster than the 10.1 per cent in the cities.

    Online sales also continue to rise sharply, soaring 27.2 per cent year-on-year for the first two months of this year, to 636.1 billion yuan. Online now accounts for about 12 per cent of China’s total retail market.

  • Starbucks baristas vie for best of Asia honour

    Starbucks baristas vie for best of Asia honour

    Starbucks baristas from across Asia took part in the first Regional Barista Championships in Hong Kong.

    The contest, held before more than 600 spectators, drew 2000 entries from markets including China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan and Indonesia before the field was narrowed to the final 14.

    Finalists were judged on coffee knowledge, beverage mastery and customer service. Each partner had 20 minutes to demonstrate technical and communications skills, craftsmanship and knowledge of the barista profession.

    “Our judges group, made up of eight partners and one guest who is an accredited global coffee-competition judge, was immensely impressed and inspired by the professionalism and passion demonstrated by the final competitors,” said Major Cohen, senior project manager, Starbucks Global Coffee.

    The top three partners from round one of the finals were:

    • Nopparat “Yong” Arpornsuwan who joined Starbucks Thailand in 2002 as a part-time barista and is currently the store manager at the Baan Chart Khaosan Starbucks in Bangkok. She has a personal connection and understanding of coffee, having grown up near coffee farms in Thailand.
    • Hirokazu Terasaki of Japan, who joined the global coffee giant because of the friendly service culture a year ago. He is now an assistant store manager at the Maguro store in Japan.
    • Ryan Wibawa of Indonesia, who became a part-time barista with Starbucks in 2011 and just two years later was designated as a Coffee Master. Now a full-time shift supervisor at the first Starbucks Reserve store in Indonesia, Wibawa earned first-place honors in the first Indonesian Brewers Cup Championship finals in November 2015.

    Starbucks partners from China and Asia Pacific region finalists in the first Regional Barista Championships in Hong Kong. From left: Wibawa, Terasaki and Arpornsuwan.

    Arpornsuwan took top honors, based on her “perfect execution, personal storytelling and knowledge of coffee sourcing,” to become the first Starbucks Barista Champion. She was awarded a first-place trophy, a hand-crafted leather roaster brewers kit complete with coffee and accessories, and a three-week coffee experience in Seattle, which will include a visit to the first Starbucks at Pike Place Market and a tour of Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room.

    Starbucks will celebrate additional barista champions across the globe in 2016. The company will host the Europe, Middle East and Africa Barista Championships and US Barista Championships later this year.

  • Expansion plan for Longchamp Asia

    Expansion plan for Longchamp Asia

    Luxury French brand Longchamp sees Asia as a major contributor to the brand’s global growth in coming years.

    Jean Cassegrain Longchamp CEO Caterina di Orgi via TwitterCEO Jean Cassegrain says 25 per cent of the brand’s business now comes from Asia – and 50 per cent of its customer base is Asian.

    In an exclusive interview with The Straits Times in Singapore last week, Cassegrain, grandson of the brand’s founder of the same name, described its Southeast Asian customer base as a “mature luxury shopper” and confirmed an expansion of the brand’s activity as it boosts its presence across the region.

    Part of the Longchamp Asia expansion plan will include a doubling in the size of the Singapore store at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands late next month, to better showcase its ready-to-wear collections.

    “Customers [in Singapore] are well educated on luxury, perhaps more so than in China and Taiwan, where luxury consumers are more in discovery mode,” he told The Straits Times.

    “It just shows the enormous opportunity Southeast Asia still holds for us to grow our business. We are far from reaching our potential in Asia.”

    Longchamp remains family-owned in an era when most high-profile luxury brands have been swallowed up by corporate giants in Europe, or private equity investors.

    Since its foundation 68 years ago, Longchamp has grown to a network of some 300 directly-operated retail stores in 24 countries, with franchise partners expanding that reach to 80 markets.  Sales topped 566 million euro last year, (US$621 million).

  • Binggrae opens Yellow Cafe flagship

    Binggrae opens Yellow Cafe flagship

    Korea’s Binggrae, famous for its signature banana-flavored milk, will open a banana-flavored milk themed Yellow Cafe.

    The new concept store will be located in the Dongdaemun branch of Hyundai Outlet Store.

    It marks Binggrae’s first foray into the cafe market. Beverages such as lattes and milkshakes, and desserts such as ice cream, pudding, and tarts made with banana-flavored milk will be sold alongside accessories and souvenirs inspired by the beloved product that started it all, Binggrae’s iconic banana-flavored milk.

    The interior design of the store is also inspired by the product, as well as the tableware used to serve food and beverages at the store.

    Binggrae’s move to open a flagship store in the Dongdaemun area is perceived by retail analysts as a bid to get ahead in a commercial area that’s on the rise.

    Yellow Cafe stoee

    Dongdaemun is an area popular among tourists, with its numerous fashion shopping malls, cultural assets and Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). The area holds potential to grow even more with Doosan’s duty free store expected to open soon.

    Binggrae hopes to promote its products by introducing them to more domestic and foreign consumers.

    “Based on the resources the area holds, Yellow Cafe will provide a space that can provide opportunities to consumers so that they can experience our products,” a company spokesman said.

    Since its launch in 1974, banana-flavored milk has stood at the top of the domestic market for processed milk, a reign of more than 40 years. The friendly color of the product and unique bottle shape are loved by consumers of all ages.

  • Electronic payments boost economies, said Visa

    Electronic payments boost economies, said Visa

     

    Electronic payments boost household spending on goods and services as well as boost GDP, according to a study commissioned by global payments technology company Visa.

    Moody’s Analytics investigated the impact of electronic payments on economic growth across 70 countries between 2011 and 2015, finding that the increasing use of credit, debit and prepaid cards added US$296 billion to GDP, while raising household consumption by an average of 0.18 per cent a year. The countries in the study make up almost 95 per cent of global GDP.

    Moody’s economists also estimated that another effect was the creation of 2.6 million jobs on average annually over the five-year period as a result of increased use of electronic payments.

    “Countries that saw large increases in card usage also saw larger contributions to overall growth in their economies,” says chief economist Mark Zandi.

    Purchasing is more convenient and efficient for consumers, and merchants can manage their businesses better and benefit from higher sales.

    Electronic payments also benefit governments and contribute to stable and open business environments, says the study, The Impact of Electronic Payments on Economic Growth. Also, electronic payments help minimise the “grey economy” – economic activity that is often cash-based and goes unreported. This means that electronic payments provide a higher potential tax revenue base for governments, while also bringing the added benefits of lower cash-handling costs, guaranteed payment to merchants and greater financial inclusion for consumers.

    “This research suggests that the right public policies can create an open, competitive payment environment, and contribute to economic growth and job creation,” says Visa CEO Charlie Scharf.

    Two countries stood out for their large gains in employment, stimulated by fast-growing productivity and increased use of cards – China (427,000 jobs added) and India (336,000 jobs).

    As with GDP gains, job gains were not uniform across regions. North America had the highest average job gains per year (69,000), followed by Asia (62,000).

    Some emerging economies have also experienced notable increases in productivity. For example, increased card penetration raised GDP in Vietnam by 0.14 per cent, and Vietnamese labour productivity rose by 18 per cent, resulting in about 75,000 jobs gained each year.

    As consumption growth is, on average, faster in emerging economies, those countries also have more to gain by increasing card usage, says the study.

    Moody’s found that every 1 per cent increase in usage of electronic payments could produce, on average, an annual increase of about $104 billion in the consumption of goods and services. But expanding electronic payments alone do not necessarily increase a country’s prosperity – this needs the support of a well-developed financial system and healthy economy. Countries need to promote policies that minimise unneeded regulation and create a robust financial infrastructure.

    Because of the somewhat lower penetration, card use added 0.06 per cent to GDP a year in Asia.

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