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Tag: asia

  • New Luk Fook store opens in Vancouver

    New Luk Fook store opens in Vancouver

    Luk Fook Canada has opened a new shop in CF Richmond Centre in Metro Vancouver.

    The new store is the first Oriental jewellery shop in the mall.

    “Adhering to the corporate vision of ‘Brand of Hong Kong, Sparkling the World’, the group has been actively expanding our retail network into the overseas market for new business opportunities as well as provision of superior products and after-sales services to our Chinese customers around the world,” said chairman and CEO of the group Wong Wai Sheung.

    At present, the group has more than 1820 shops in 10 countries and regions, where its footprint covers Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, the Philippines, the US, Canada and Australia.

    “We open a new shop at CF Richmond Center, Canada with the objective of expanding our customer base while bringing premier shopping experience to our Chinese customers around the globe,” added Wong. “Looking ahead, we will continue to stay enthusiastic to shape us to be the preferred jewellery brand for customers anywhere.”

    The group set its foothold in North America in 2003. Luk Fook Canada opened retail shops in Toronto and Vancouver, which each have a significant Chinese population. The city of Richmond has the largest Chinese population in Canada, and the CF Richmond Centre is considered a shopping hotspot for local and touring Chinese.

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  • Hyundai Venue Bookings Open At Dealership Level

    Hyundai Venue Bookings Open At Dealership Level

    Bookings for the upcoming Hyundai Venue have commenced at the dealership level in India. Several Hyundai dealers, especially in the Delhi & NCR region, are currently accepting unofficial bookings for the new Hyundai Venue subcompact SUV for a token of ₹ 25,000 to ₹ 50,000 depending on the showroom. One of the dealers we spoke to also said that officially Hyundai will start accepting online bookings first for the Venue. Considering the carmaker is unveiling the SUV today, it’s possible the company might start accepting bookings from today itself or later this week. The SUV is also making its global debut today at the New York Auto Show 2019.

    The all-new Hyundai Venue is slated to be launched in India next month, on May 21, 2019. It will be the first sub-4 metre SUV from the South Korean carmaker, and upon launch, it will take on the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Mahindra XUV300, Ford EcoSport and Tata Nexon . As for the pricing, we expect the upcoming Hyundai Venue to be priced in the range of ₹ 8 lakh to ₹ 11 lakh.

    While we are yet to officially see the SUV, the Hyundai Venue featured at Times Square which tells us that it will come with quite compact proportions, with some bold character lines. The SUV also appears to get dual tone exterior treatment with a contrast roof, which in this case was a shade of blue with a white roof. Up front, the SUV gets Hyundai’s cascading grille in chequered pattern with chrome highlights, a dual lamp setup with the LED daytime running lamps positioned above flanking the bonnet line and the main projector headlights positioned below with chrome surrounds.

    The Venue also comes with black claddings along the wheel arches and side skirts, along with a set of sporty-looking dual tone diamond cut alloy wheels. The Hyundai Venue will also get the Blue Link connectivity system featuring 10 India-only features with a total of 33 connectivity features including geo-fencing, speed alerts, SOS, panic notifications, destination sharing, and road-side assistance and so on.

    As for engine options, the Hyundai Venue will come with a 1.0-litre T-GDi Turbo petrol engine along with the 1.4-litre turbo diesel. The engines will come mated to a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, while there will also be the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic available as an option.

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  • Ford Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package Unveiled

    Ford Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package Unveiled

    Think Ford Mustang and the first thing that you associate the muscle car with is a massive 5.0-litre V8 motor. But even though Ford offers only the V8 in India, there exists a variant of the Mustang with four cylinders and this model is a slightly extreme version of the standard EcoBoost Mustang. Under the bonnet, the Mustang gets the same 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder petrol engine as on the standard model but it now makes 330 bhp and 475 Nm, which is just 20 bhp more. There is a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission available as well. The 0-100 kmph sprint is done in less than 5 seconds and the car has a top speed of 250 kmph. The rear axle ratio is now shorter at 3:55, which is also one of the reasons for quicker acceleration.

    The Mustang 2.3-litre high performance package also gets a few more updates such as a variable sports exhaust system, limited slip rear differential, a bigger inter-cooler and updated steering and ABS. The other addition is the active exhaust with quad tips which offer a better aural experience than the regular model. Ford will also be offering an ‘EcoBoost Handling Package’ for the 2.3-Iitre EcoBoost Mustang which includes MagneRide adaptive suspension, semi-metallic brakes and wider 19-inch alloy wheels shod with 265 mm Pirelli P Zero Corza4 tyres and a 24 mm sway bar at the rear for better rigidity.

    As far as exterior design updates go the 2.3 EcoBoost Mustang gets a new front splitter, black grille, grey stripes on the bonnet, retro pony badges and a rear lip spoiler. The 2020 Ford Mustang 2.3-litre High Performance Package will make its debut at the New York Auto show.

  • Hello Kitty welcome Link’s Fresh Market shoppers

    Hello Kitty welcome Link’s Fresh Market shoppers

    Link’s Fresh Markets have partnered with Hello Kitty creator Sanrio in a campaign to have the adorable characters greet customers at seven designated markets.

    The collaboration celebrates the fresh new look of Wo Che Market in Shatin, which has recently undergone asset enhancement.

    “The event is as much a delightful surprise for the public as an immersive educational initiative for the younger generation,” said Link’s corporate affairs and marketing director Lorraine Chan, “as they can soak up local fresh market culture and healthy eating messages. There will also be activities allowing kids to unleash their artistic and creative talents.”

    From now until June 30, the Sanrio “store owners” are treating visitors to the cutest selfie experience at Link’s Fresh Markets in Kowloon and the New Territories. On April 28, Ahiru No Pekkle will show up at TKO Gateway to give away free hugs and pose for fun photos. Moreover, Nam Cheong Place Market will launch an exclusive Monkichi premium redemption programme for families.

    A set of “Link’s Fresh Markets x Sanrio Characters” limited-edition goodies will be given to customers who reach a designated spending amount within seven days at specific Link Fresh Markets and shopping centres.

    Link will also host a “Mini Master Chef Contest” at Wo Che Market. 10 finalists will channel their creativity to create a bento lunch box featuring Sanrio Characters with fresh ingredients on April 20 and 27. Local culinary tutor and cartoon bento specialist Candace Mama will give demonstrations on bento preparation and decide the winners of Link’s first “Mini Master Chef” title.

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  • AirAsia abandons Vietnam venture

    AirAsia abandons Vietnam venture

    It’s wholly-owned unit, AirAsia Investment Ltd, together with Gumin Company Ltd and Hai Au Aviation Joint Stock Company, have mutually agreed to terminate the agreement to set up a joint venture in Vietnam, effective today.

    “The company, nonetheless, remains interested in operating a low-cost airline in Vietnam due to its favourable geographical location, expanding aviation market and overall growth potential,” it said.

  • Tatas raise stake in AirAsia India to 51%

    Tatas raise stake in AirAsia India to 51%

    Tata Group raised its stake in AirAsia India to 51% and injected 5b rupees together with AirAsia Investments to fund the carrier’s international expansion plans, the Economic Times reports, citing two unidentified people familiar with the matter.

    * Tata Group also holds controlling stake in Vistara

    * Vistara and AirAsia have both applied for approval to fly international routes

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  • Yonghui boosts stake in Chinese grocery Zhongbai

    Yonghui boosts stake in Chinese grocery Zhongbai

    Dairy Farm Group-backed Yonghui Superstores is to boost its interest in Central Chinese regional supermarket chain, Zhongbai Holdings.

    According to a stock exchange filing in Shanghai, Yonghui is offering RMB8.10 per share to take its stake in the company from 30 per cent to 40 per cent. The deal is worth RMB559 million (US$83.3 million) and the shares will be bought from a state investment fund.

    Zhongbai, based in Wuhan, has 1255 stores, mostly in central China, including supermarkets, convenience stores, neighbourhood fresh-produce shops, foodmarkets and a premium grocery concept.

    Dairy Farm Group has a 20 per cent stake in Yonghui and has continued to invest in the business to maintain that shareholding as other investors, including Tencent and JD have invested in the retailer’s growth. Jardine Matheson executive chairman Ben Keswick is Yonghui’s chairman.

    Yonghui currently has just a single store in Hubei province, which means the investment will give it instant critical mass in the region. The company has more than 950 supermarkets in 22 Chinese provinces, its strongest representation in Guangdong.

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  • Hyundai Venue Subcompact SUV Unveiled In India

    Hyundai Venue Subcompact SUV Unveiled In India

    Pulling the wraps off its highly anticipated offering, Hyundai Motor India has unveiled the all-new Venue subcompact SUV in the country. The India reveal of the new Hyundai Venue coincides with the global debut at the 2019 New York International Auto Show. The all-new offering marks the Korean car maker’s entry in the subcompact SUV space and will compete against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300 among others.

    The Hyundai Venue is inspired heavily from the automaker’s bigger offerings in terms of design including the Santa Fe and the Palisade. The massive cascading grille takes prominence up front with the chrome mesh grille, while the split headlamps look in place and come with projector lens on the top variants. The SUV gets accentuated wheel arches that not only make the offering look wider but give it a rugged appearance as well, while the rear sports boxy LED taillights that look smart. The SUV also comes with projector fog lamps.

    In terms of dimensions, the new Venue measures 3995 mm in length, 1770 mm on width, and 1590 mm in height. The wheelbase measures at 2500 mm. Hyundai says the car is built using 69 per cent Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) and High Strength Steel (HSS), which have contributed to achieving dynamic stiffness and improved structural rigidity

    The Venue also gets a host of segment first features including wireless charging, air purifier, HD Display screen, eco-coating, Arkamys Sound, wheel air curtains and more. In fact, the SUV comes with Hyundai’s Blue Link connectivity tech that makes the Venue India’s first connected SUV and adds 33 new features, 10 of which are India specific. The company has tied up with service provider Vodafone-Idea for the new system and brings features like auto crash notification, panic notification, SOS/Emergency Assistance, stolen vehicle tracking with immobilisation (only on the 1.0-litre version) and more.

    There are features like remote engine start/stop, remote climate control, voice recognition, vehicle relationship management among other tech. The Hyundai Venue also comes with electric sunroof, cruise control, rear AC vents, cornering lamps and a cooled glovebox. The SUV also gets an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The cabin gets an all-black treatment for India, while the international spec could get a dual-tone finish, and there is brushed silver finish on the three-spoke steering wheel, gearshift knob, and the air-con vents. The instrument console is a dual-pod unit with a large MID unit in the centre.

    Power on the Hyundai Venue comes from three engine options including the new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol motor that is tuned to produce 118 bhp and 172 Nm of peak torque. The motor is paired with an all-new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in a first for Hyundai India, along with a manual gearbox. There’s also the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol that churns out 82 bhp and 114 Nm of peak torque, and is offered with a 5-speed manual. Lastly, there is the 1.4-litre diesel as well with 89 bhp and 220 Nm of peak torque, and is offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Hyundai is yet to reveal the fuel efficiency figures of each of these engines, and expect the same to be announced at the time of the launch next month.

    In terms of safety, the Hyundai Venue gets six airbags, speed sensing door lock, ABS with ESC, VSP, Hill Assist Control, BAS, ISOFIX seats and more. The Venue enters in a highly contested segment and the model does look promising both in appearance and on the feature front to take on the established offerings in this space. In addition, the automaker is offering a segment first three years/unlimited kilometres warranty and three years roadside assistance.

    Hyundai will be launching the Venue on May 21, 2019, and select dealerships across the country have already started accepting bookings for the model for a token amount of ₹ 25,000. Deliveries can be expected towards the end of next month in the country.

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  • China Mobile Hong Kong moves 5G innovation center

    China Mobile Hong Kong moves 5G innovation center

    China Mobile Hong Kong has relocated its 5G innovation center – known as the Hong Kong Open Lab – to Hong Kong Science Park.

    The relocation is aimed at accelerating the development of Hong Kong’s 5G ecosystem and catering to the needs of local business partners.

    China Mobile first founded its 5G innovation center in Kwai Chung in 2016, and opened the center in March last year.

    The new Hong Kong open lab will provide a larger space to allow the company to develop a 5G network environment and larger co-working space for local partners to trial 5G network applications and conuct 5G research and development.

    China Mobile will also use the relocated lab to continue its 5G+ Project aimed at complementing Hong Kong’s existing 4G networks with 5G infrastructure, and to promote the adoption of various applications for 5G technology.

    To mark the relocation, China Mobile Hong Kong showcased various 5G applications including an autonomous vehicle, an intelligent robot controlled over 5G in real time, drone technology, and live streaming of high-resolution photos and video.

    “We are very excited for the expansion and relocation of the China Mobile 5G Innovation Centre and Hong Kong Open Lab to the Hong Kong Science Park, and for the opportunity to join the local innovation and technology ecosystem in there to further develop 5G mobile service applications and carry out the 5G+ Project,” China Mobile Hong Kong director and CEO Sean Lee said.

    “We will continue to complement the existing 4G network with 5G infrastructure, to promote 5G technologies along with new communication technologies — for example, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud, Big Data and Edge Computing — to develop comprehensive 5G ecosystems in accomplishing the digitalization of lives for Hong Kong citizens and to enter the new era of 5G together.”

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  • Starbucks opens its largest store in Singapore

    Starbucks opens its largest store in Singapore

    Starbucks Singapore has opened its largest store yet.

    Operating in Jewel Changi, the two-storey flagship store will serve a mix of quality coffee experiences and localised offerings.

    Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a layered wooden storefront, inspired by the textures of coffee-farm landscapes. At the front and centre of the store stands a sprawling coffee bar shaped like a coffee bean. It is designed with cross-sectional honeycomb patterns carved on the wooden material for added texture.

    “Our Starbucks Jewel flagship store brings to life our vision for the Starbucks brand in Singapore – with the depth of our coffee expertise, our strength in store design and experience, and our pipeline of meaningful product innovations to elevate the customer experience – this is the epitome of our coffee leadership in Singapore,” said Starbucks Singapore GM Patrick Kwok.

    Beyond the exclusive local menu at the flagship, the space pays tribute to the whole coffee journey in the duplex’s lush indoor landscaping, polished interiors and artisanal woodwork. The bar features the VA388 Black Eagle Espresso Machine – a familiar sight at the World Barista Championships – which allows the barista full control over the consistency and precision in every aspect of a coffee, from bean ratio to brewing time and water temperature.

    To reinforce the local touch to the menu, Starbucks Singapore has also partnered with homegrown ice-cream parlour Udders. Dessert fans can take their pick from a series of coffees paired with ice cream, including a classic affogato.

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  • JHP designs the first Hyundai Duty Free store

    JHP designs the first Hyundai Duty Free store

    Hyundai Department Store has opened its first ever downtown duty free store on top of its flagship in Seoul, South Korea.

    The 14,250sqm outlet was designed by JHP after an international design competition to help them integrate the duty free shopping experience into the city. It offers three floors of shopping for a selection of international luxury brands across the beauty, fashion, F&B and technology industries.

    The unique store features rich natural finishes, textured surfaces and filtered light to integrate a sense of the excitement of Seoul into the store.

    Hyundai’s duty-free store is expecting to generate KRW670 billion (US$593 million) in sales revenue this year and more than KRW1 trillion ($885 million) in 2020.

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  • Vietnam telcos ready to pilot mobile money

    Vietnam telcos ready to pilot mobile money

    Vietnamese operators MobiFone, VNPT and Viettel have all submitted proposals to participate in pilot mobile money services.

    Vietnam’s prime minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has directed the telecommunications ministry and the State Bank of Vietnam to develop a project that will allow operators to pilot mobile money services not linked to customers’ bank accounts.

    The three operators have submitted applications to launch mobile money services that will allow customers to transfer money using mobile phones, including Vietnam’s unbanked population.

    According to the report, the operators believe they have the capital, infrastructure and user base necessary to launch mobile money services and contribute to the development of non-cash payment in Vietnam.

    The market could represent a promising avenue for expansion for the operators – Vietnam’s fintech market is set to reach $8 billion in 2020, with digital payment solutions accounting for around 89% of the market. Meanwhile only around 40% of the population have bank accounts, but mobile penetration is well above 100%.

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  • Kipling opens Two New Stores in Singapore

    Kipling opens Two New Stores in Singapore

    Kipling Singapore is opening two concept stores this month – one at the new Jewel Changi shopping centre, the other at Ion Orchard. The openings come as the Belgian accessories brand refreshes its logo and shifts direction towards what it describes as “closer to its origins, one that is cool, gender inclusive, and authentic to Kipling’s roots”. In a statement, Kipling Singapore says refreshed bag designs will appeal to a larger target group – “millennials of both genders”.

    Both new stores feature product zones with an ‘icon wall’ showing off Kipling’s most popular products and the Jewel Changi store includes a space displaying bags for travellers.

    The Ion Orchard store features a ‘Make It Personal’ corner, where shoppers can customise their bags by adding charms, straps, key rings and stencils.

    The Jewel Changi Kipling store opened last week, while the one at Ion Orchard will open on Friday (April 26).

    Paying tribute to Kipling’s history, monkey elements will feature in all new stores globally, including a monkey mural painted in collaboration with local artists from each city.

    “The monkey murals capture and tell their stories as a bridge between the city and customers,” said a Kipling Singapore spokesperson.

    In Singapore, the brand collaborated with local artist and illustrator Tiffany Lovage for its mural at Jewel Changi Airport, and with popular local Singaporean art collective Tell Your Children at Ion Orchard.

    Headquartered in Antwerp, Kipling is owned by US-listed VF Corporation, whose other brands include Eastpak, Jansport, Napapijri, Reef, Vans, The North Face, Lee, Wrangler, 7 For All Mankind and Timberland.

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  • First Aid, Delivered: Deliveroo Provides Riders With Red Cross First Aid Training

    First Aid, Delivered: Deliveroo Provides Riders With Red Cross First Aid Training

    Deliveroo riders are well loved in Hong Kong for delivering great food direct to people’s doors, and now many riders and walkers will also have the skills to deliver first aid to members of the public in an emergency – thanks to first aid training rolled out by the leading food delivery platform in April.

    Deliveroo will provide over 150 riders in Hong Kong with access to 13 first aid training classes. Administered by the Hong Kong Red Cross. The courses will equip Deliveroo riders and walkers with life-saving skills that can benefit the Hong Kong community in which they live and work. Participants in the training sessions will gain skills and confidence in dealing with emergencies, including scenarios such as finding someone unresponsive, badly injured or unable to breathe. cardiopulmonary resuscitation instruction and an introduction to automated external defibrillators will also be provided.

    Brian Lo, General Manager of Deliveroo Hong Kong, said, “I’m proud of our riders in Hong Kong for consistently going above and beyond in bringing the best food from local restaurants direct to hungry diners. Our riders are a force for good, and we hope that through this initiative, Deliveroo can help tackle the problem of people not receiving life-saving first aid in advance of emergency services getting to the scene. We’re delighted to equip riders with first aid skills and knowledge that will serve them in life, in their careers, and for the good of Hong Kong.”

    The training programme in Hong Kong is part of a global initiative from Deliveroo, which will see a total of 3,000 riders receive first aid courses. The first aid initiative was created after research commissioned by the British Red Cross in January 2018 showed that just 5% of adults in Britain have the skills and confidence to provide first aid in emergency situations.

    In Hong Kong, various groups including The University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Medical Journal have found evidence that the public lacks first aid knowledge and skills, which affects their willingness to offer assistance in an emergency situation. However, the research also shows that when training courses are provided, there is significant improvement in people’s willingness to provide first aid.

    Mr. LEUNG Yiu-wah, Chairman of First Aid Advisory Panel, Hong Kong Red Cross said, “First aid is an extremely valuable skill, enabling you to provide assistance in a crisis or time of need. While many people may feel unqualified to provide help in an emergency situation, having a knowledge of first aid means you can make simple yet impactful interventions. We encourage everyone in Hong Kong to enhance their own first aid education.”

    Chun-ming, a 25 year old rider with Deliveroo in Hong Kong, said, “Being a Deliveroo rider puts me in all corners of Hong Kong, at all times of the day. You never know what’s going to happen, so I think it’s quite useful to have an understanding of how to help out if I do come across a medical emergency involving members of the public. Hong Kong is my home, and as a member of the Hong Kong community, I’m proud to be able to enroll in this first aid course and potentially make a difference for others.”

    The first aid training programme for riders comes off the back of other recent Deliveroo initiatives in support of the Hong Kong community. In February, Deliveroo collaborated with St. James’ Settlement and restaurant partner LAO ER by Crystal Jade to host a festive Chinese New Year tea gathering event for elderly people in Hong Kong who live alone. Deliveroo also offered 100 free meals to domestic helpers last December, as a holiday treat to recognise their valuable role for families in Hong Kong.

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  • Lululab unveils the first AI Beauty Store at Dubai Mall

    Lululab unveils the first AI Beauty Store at Dubai Mall

    Beauty AI startup Lululab has unveiled its unmanned virtual retail space “AI Beauty Store” in the giant Dubai Mall.

    Lululab is the developer of Lumini, an AI-based skincare assistant that provides individually tailored skin-care solutions. It offers a smart-shopping experience through the store, which combines AI and big-data technology, on the ground floor of the popular French department store Galeries Lafayette.

    The service is made up of three steps: self-skin analysis by the customer; recommendation of products that best satisfy the customer’s skincare needs; and provision of an outcome report via mobile.

    By taking a single selfie with the multispectral camera at the Lumini kiosk, customers can receive an accurate analysis of their skin’s top layer condition and a list of recommended skin care products based on the result, making it unnecessary for them to wander around the shopping mall searching for random skin care products. They can also receive discounts for the recommended products.

    “AI Beauty Store offers many tourists from all over the world who visit Dubai Mall the opportunity to enjoy a revolutionary shopping experience,” said Lululab CEO Yongjoon Choe. “By establishing skincare-related big data, we will be providing sophisticated and individualised services.”

    Based on its collaboration with Galleries Lafayette, Lululab plans to accelerate its entry into the Middle Eastern and global beauty markets.

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