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  • Sheraton Saigon Elevates Event Experience with Level 23: New Multipurpose Venue and Skyline Bar

    Sheraton Saigon Elevates Event Experience with Level 23: New Multipurpose Venue and Skyline Bar

    In celebration of its 23rd anniversary, the Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, has recently unveiled Level 23. This innovative space showcases a convergence of meeting venues, event spaces, and a rooftop entertainment area, designed to meet the increasing demand from business travelers, international delegations, and local patrons for multi-functional destinations.

    Exploring the Offerings of Level 23

    Level 23 brings together the private event space Altitude 23, Summit – a versatile meeting and event area, and Hai Bar, one of the most elevated rooftop bars in Dong Khoi. This promising project was officially introduced to the public during the “High Above Saigon” event held on June 26, 2026.

    Summit, the meeting and event space, features five adaptable rooms that provide natural daylight and sweeping views of iconic landmarks such as the Nguyen Hue Boulevard, Bitexco Tower, and the city’s skyline. With the largest room, Grand Summit, capable of accommodating up to 212 guests in a theater-style arrangement, 180 for cocktail events, and 160 for banquets, Summit offers a venue solution for a variety of events. The rooms can be used individually or combined, providing the perfect setting for anything from executive meetings, product launches, and corporate events, to galas, weddings, and private celebrations.

    Adding to the allure of Level 23 is Hai Bar, the hotel’s renovated rooftop cocktail bar. Open from 5 p.m. daily, the bar offers breathtaking views of the Saigon Opera House, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Saigon River, and Ba Son Bridge. Patrons can choose from 23 signature cocktails, each inspired by different regions of Vietnam and made with locally sourced ingredients.

    Introducing Altitude 23

    Altitude 23, the private event venue, is a spacious 260-square-meter area that offers panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City. It can comfortably accommodate up to 200 guests in theater-style seating and up to 150 for banquets or cocktail receptions. The venue, which once housed the Night Spot nightclub, has been redesigned for contemporary events while preserving elements of the original space.

    According to Julian Wong, General Manager of the Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel, the introduction of Level 23 is a significant milestone for the hotel. He emphasized that the concept is not just about height but rather about providing a tranquil, elevated perspective of the vibrant city. Wong affirmed that guests are increasingly seeking destinations that can accommodate multiple purposes within a single visit, and Level 23, with its high-floor experience, perfectly fits the bill.

    The unveiling of Level 23 marks the hotel’s third substantial development in less than a year. Earlier, it opened the Grand Opera Tower, added 120 renovated rooms and suites, and became the first Marriott International hotel in Vietnam to receive LEED Gold Certification under the LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance standard.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the concept behind Level 23 at the Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel?
    Level 23 is designed to accommodate the increasing demand for multi-functional destinations that can cater to a variety of events, from business meetings to private parties, all within a single space.

    What unique features does Level 23 offer?
    It brings together three distinct venues: Summit, a versatile meeting and event space; Hai Bar, a rooftop cocktail bar; and Altitude 23, a private event venue. Each offers a unique high-floor experience with panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City.

    What is the capacity of the venues at Level 23?
    Grand Summit, the largest space at Summit, can accommodate up to 212 guests. The rooftop bar, Hai Bar, is open to all guests, while Altitude 23 can seat up to 200 guests in a theater-style arrangement.

  • Lululemon Issues Apology in China for Cultural Misstep at Great Wall Event

    Lululemon Issues Apology in China for Cultural Misstep at Great Wall Event

    Lululemon, the popular athleisure brand, has publicly apologized in China following controversy surrounding a performance during a company-sponsored event at the Great Wall. The incident incited negative reactions on social media due to the apparent use of a Japanese drum, viewed as culturally insensitive by some.

    Controversy and Apology

    The company expressed remorse on Weibo, the Chinese social media platform, acknowledging that they had failed to anticipate the potential cultural sensitivities associated with the drum performance. They attributed this oversight to “limitations in professional knowledge”. Lululemon went on to apologize both to their customers and brand ambassador Zhu Yilong, a well-known Chinese actor. The company also announced that they had taken down all promotional materials related to the event.

    The controversy was triggered by a grand yoga festival organized near Beijing in the previous month to commemorate Lululemon’s decade-long presence in mainland China. The event attracted over 2,000 participants and was part of the brand’s broader initiative to further engage with Chinese consumers through community-centered experiences.

    A drum performance featuring Zhu Yilong and the HiiKo Drum Group became a hot topic of debate when some social media users noted the drum used resembled a Japanese taiko drum, not a traditional Chinese one. The criticism rapidly proliferated across Chinese social media platforms.

    In their public apology, Lululemon stated that the event was designed to honor Chinese culture, but conceded that they had underestimated the cultural implications. They expressed that they have “learned profound lessons” from the experience and will improve their review processes for upcoming events.

    Challenges for International Brands

    This incident underscores the difficulties global brands can encounter when attempting to understand and respect cultural nuances in foreign markets. Earlier in the year, French fashion brand, Lemaire, also found itself apologizing after a fragrance campaign was criticized by Chinese consumers who felt the brand had used culturally insensitive imagery and messaging.

    Questions & Answers

    What was the cause of the controversy involving Lululemon in China?
    The controversy was sparked when Lululemon used a drum in a performance that was alleged to be a Japanese taiko drum instead of a traditional Chinese drum. This was viewed as culturally insensitive by some.

    What was Lululemon’s response to the backlash?
    Lululemon issued a public apology on Weibo, acknowledging their failure to anticipate potential cultural sensitivities. They also removed all promotional materials connected to the event and apologized to their customers and brand ambassador, actor Zhu Yilong.

    What lessons has Lululemon learned from this experience?
    According to their public apology, the company “learned profound lessons” and intends to strengthen its review processes for future events to better recognize and respect cultural nuances.

  • Samsung Challenges Apple’s Dominance: Unveils Project Moohan, Its First XR Headset

    Samsung Challenges Apple’s Dominance: Unveils Project Moohan, Its First XR Headset

    Samsung has officially entered the extended reality (XR) market with the announcement of its “Worlds Wide Open” Virtual Galaxy Event. The event, which will live-stream on October 21st at 10 p.m. ET, will reveal “Project Moohan,” the company’s first XR headset.

    A New Entrant in the XR Arena

    Samsung’s “Project Moohan” is the first device to be officially unveiled as a product of the collaboration between Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm in the XR space. The headset is built on the new Android XR platform and marks the dawn of “multi-modal AI.” The design of the product has been kept under wraps until its official reveal at the event. To create excitement among customers, Samsung is offering a $100 reservation credit on its official website.

    Why This is a Significant Development

    The XR space has been primarily dominated by Apple’s expensive Vision Pro, which is priced at $3,499. However, due to its high cost and closed ecosystem, there has been a significant gap in the market for a rival product. The Samsung-Google-Qualcomm alliance is set to fill this gap, leading to a classic Android vs. iOS competition in spatial computing. The open platform of the new product encourages developers to create a variety of apps, potentially leading to faster innovation and increased consumer choice. For those seeking an alternative to Apple’s XR vision, Samsung’s “Project Moohan” could be the ideal solution.

    The Battle for the XR Market is On

    The launch of “Project Moohan” brings a much-needed heavyweight competitor to challenge Apple in the XR space and potentially drive down prices. While Apple’s Vision Pro is a remarkable piece of technology, its high price tag makes it inaccessible for most people. The alliance between the tech giants has the potential to offer a compelling alternative that is more affordable. The hope is that “Project Moohan” will be released at a more consumer-friendly price point. If Samsung can deliver a premium experience without the high cost, it could be the device that finally brings XR into the mainstream, promoting an open ecosystem over Apple’s polished, closed one.

    Questions & Answers

    What is “Project Moohan”?
    “Project Moohan” is Samsung’s first XR headset, unveiled at the “Worlds Wide Open” Virtual Galaxy Event.

    Who is involved in the creation of “Project Moohan”?
    The headset is a product of the collaboration between Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm.

    How does “Project Moohan” compare to Apple’s Vision Pro?
    Unlike the expensive and closed ecosystem of Apple’s Vision Pro, “Project Moohan” operates on an open platform, encouraging faster innovation and increased consumer choice due to its more affordable price point.

  • Vietnam’s Thriving Event Industry Unveils New Opportunities for Young Talent

    Vietnam’s Thriving Event Industry Unveils New Opportunities for Young Talent

    Vietnam’s cultural landscape took enormous strides in 2024, marked by a burgeoning entertainment scene that has revved up job creation and opened doors for aspiring young professionals. With domestic entertainment gaining traction and audiences enthusiastically responding, both the public and private sectors are waking up to the industry’s vast potential.

    Major Events Make Waves

    This year has been nothing short of spectacular, with blockbuster reality shows and sensational music concerts like Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai, Anh Trai Say Hi, and Ha Anh Tuan’s performances drawing massive crowds and generating substantial revenue, amounting to billions of dong.

    Highlighting the excitement, two BlackPink concerts held in July 2023 at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi raked in an impressive US$13.7 million, providing a significant tourism boost to Hanoi during those lively nights.

    Cultural Revival Through Festivals

    In 2024, Vietnam hosted over 50 major and minor music events showcasing both international sensations and homegrown talents, with turnout numbers often soaring between 30,000 and 40,000. As we step into early 2025, this upward trend shows no signs of wavering, emphasizing the Vietnamese music industry’s bright future.

    But music is just part of the picture—2024 also shone with vibrant cultural and historical festivals, celebrating Vietnam’s rich heritage and arts.

    Global Economic Impact of Live Music

    On a global scale, the cultural sector stands as a formidable economic force. Research from Custom Market Insights reveals that the live music market reached an impressive $34.84 billion in 2024, on a trajectory to hit $62.59 billion by 2034, with a promising annual growth rate of 8.78% between 2025 and 2034.

    Engaging the Young Workforce

    Generation Z and Millennials are at the forefront of this cultural boom, with around 60% willing to spend on live experiences. The revival of in-person events reveals a growing appetite for real-world connections, transforming Vietnam and other Asian countries into magnets for international events, conferences, and large-scale exhibitions.

    This evolving landscape introduces innovative formats, including hybrid and virtual events, creating exciting career opportunities in management, promotion, and support roles—a beacon of hope for students eager to dive into this vibrant industry.

    In response to this surge, British University Vietnam (BUV) is set to offer a bachelor’s degree in events management, conferred by Bournemouth University, in 2025.

    Proudly ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide and third in the UK according to the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings 2024, Bournemouth University’s Hospitality and Leisure Management programs are celebrated, landing in the top 20 globally as per QS World University Rankings 2024.

    Career Prospects in Events Management

    Graduates of this progressive program will find themselves equipped for roles spanning from Conference and Events Manager to Planner and Coordinator, including the ever-bustling weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sectors. The rigorous three-year curriculum emphasizes practical skill development in event management. Students emerge with a robust foundation in event design, project management, consumer behavior, finance, and logistics.

    The hands-on approach combines classroom learning with real-life event organization, as students intern with prominent partners like Intercontinental, Sheraton, FPT, Movenpick Hotel & Resort, and Thanh Viet Production.

    BUV boasts a comprehensive curriculum and strong industry connections, positioning students to secure fulfilling employment shortly after graduation. Being Vietnam’s first QS 5-star university and the first in the region accredited by the U.K.’s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), BUV ensures that its programs are future-ready, achieving an impressive 100% employability rate within three months of graduation.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the major achievements in Vietnam’s cultural sector in 2024? The sector has seen a surge in domestic entertainment popularity, hosting over 50 major events that attracted huge audiences and revenue.

    How is the live music market expected to grow in the coming years? It is projected to expand from approximately $34.84 billion in 2024 to $62.59 billion by 2034 at a compound annual growth rate of 8.78%.

    What opportunities does BUV offer to students interested in events management? BUV provides a bachelor’s degree in events management with a focus on practical skills and industry connections, ensuring high employability for graduates.

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  • Hong Kong Tycoon Li Ka Shing Makes Rare Public Appearance at Concert Event

    Hong Kong Tycoon Li Ka Shing Makes Rare Public Appearance at Concert Event

    The tycoon made a noteworthy appearance at the Kai Tak Sports Park on Saturday, attending the second show of a four-night concert series. At 96 years old, Li Ka-shing was seen sitting comfortably in a private section of the main grandstand, accompanied by businesswoman Solina Chau, who graciously reserved the spot for him.

    Chau, director of the Li Ka Shing Foundation and his longtime business partner, exuded warmth during the event. As the clock struck 9 p.m., Li was spotted exiting the private area in his bike-like wheelchair, radiating cheerfulness as he waved to the audience, thanking those around him for their support.

    When confronted with questions about the recent controversy surrounding the sale of Panama ports, Li opted for silence. Chau quickly intervened, urging attendees to steer clear of such queries. “Mr. Li has retired. Thank you all very much. It is rare for him to come out like this,” she reassured.

    This rare public outing comes on the heels of CK Hutchison Holdings announcing a deal to sell its global ports business—including two pivotal docks at opposite ends of the Panama Canal—to a consortium led by the U.S. investment giant, BlackRock. Just last month, Li had made an appearance as the founder of the Li Ka Shing Foundation, donating a non-invasive liver cancer treatment system to the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital.

    Originating from Guangdong province in China, Li, who will soon celebrate his 97th birthday, is a distinguished investor, industrialist, and philanthropist in Hong Kong. His journey began at a young age when he left school to sell plastic flowers, eventually accumulating his vast fortune through real estate investments. Having been the city’s richest individual for years, Li retired in 2018, handing over the reins of his vast empire to his eldest son, Victor Li Tzar-kuoi.

    Following the passing of billionaire Lee Shau Kee in March, Li is now the last surviving founder of Hong Kong’s illustrious “big four” tycoon families. His fleeting visit to the stadium serves as a testament to his unwavering influence and the legacy he has built over decades. Who knew a concert could be a stage for such impactful history?

    Questions & Answers

    Why is Li Ka-shing’s appearance at the concert significant?
    Li’s appearance underscores his enduring status and influence in the business world, especially given his rarity in public engagements since retirement.

    What recent event prompted questions from the public?
    Li faced inquiries regarding the controversial sale of his global ports business, including significant docks in Panama, to BlackRock.

    What unique aspect does Li’s background add to his public persona?
    Li’s journey from selling plastic flowers to becoming a billionaire industrialist showcases a remarkable rags-to-riches story, which adds a compelling layer to his legacy.

  • Apple announces the date for iPhone 15 ‘Wonderlust’ event

    Apple announces the date for iPhone 15 ‘Wonderlust’ event

    Apple has now confirmed that its next event for 2023, where it will apparently announce its new smartphone lineup, the iPhone 15, and new watches, will take place next month.

    The company’s website says that the event will take place on September 12 at Apple Park and will begin at 10 a.m. PT. It will be live-streamed on apple.com as well as the Apple TV app.

    The Pros will also likely feature a new 3nm chipset, which should make them faster and more power-efficient than the current models. The iPhone 15 Pro Max may feature a new periscope camera for a greater zooming range and this could make it the best camera phone of 2023.

    The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will purportedly feature the Dynamic Island and a 48MP main camera.

    The entire lineup will likely have USB-C ports, slimmer bezels, softer corners, and bigger camera bumps. The standard models will probably stick to last year’s pricing but the premium variants could be up to $200 more expensive.

    The phones will reportedly hit the shelves on September 22.

    Coming to the watches, we will probably also get to see the Watch Series 9 and the second Watch Ultra during the Apple 2023 event. The new wearables are sounding like incremental upgrades and the most interesting new feature is seemingly a new chip.

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  • The next Apple event is set for March 8, and the first 5G iPhone SE is expected

    The next Apple event is set for March 8, and the first 5G iPhone SE is expected

    It’s finally happening, ladies and gents, and although invitations didn’t go out quite as early as some may have expected, the next Apple event is indeed taking place when Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman predicted it would almost a month ago.

    If you like affordable iPhones and mid-sized iPads with non-Pro specifications, you might want to circle March 8 in your calendars… or simply bookmark and set a reminder for the YouTube live stream embedded below.

    Naturally, this (not so) mysterious “special Apple Event” will be broadcast in real-time starting at 10 a.m. PST next Tuesday, allowing the entire world to tune in and check out the first live demonstrations of the 5G-enabled iPhone SE 3 and fifth-gen iPad Air.

    If you’re the least bit familiar with how the Cupertino-based tech giant operates ahead of these shindigs, you won’t be shocked to hear that those two devices haven’t been confirmed, teased at, or alluded to in any official capacity yet.

    You should also not expect any revealing or exciting buzz-building material between today and March 8. Then again, there’s certainly plenty of (unofficial) buzz surrounding the iPhone SE (2022) anyway. This has been long and widely expected to add 5G speeds to an already hugely popular budget-friendly equation including a lot of raw power and a terribly outdated design.

    Unfortunately, that latter part is pretty much etched in stone after the latest reports from a number of trustworthy sources, insiders, and publications no matter how badly you want to believe in the accuracy of those sketchy renders leaked back in January.

    Instead of going down the notch path this year, it looks like Apple will opt to keep the iPhone 8 memory alive with yet another set of massive bezels surrounding a tiny (by 2022 standards) 4.7-inch screen. The good news is that might allow the company to also keep the $399 base price unchanged despite the aforementioned 5G upgrade and a predictable but more than welcome bump from A13 Bionic to A15 Bionic “peek performance.”

    Curiously enough, Apple’s next big tablet has yet to show its face (or rear, or sides) in any renders or prematurely revealed real-life photographs. That can only mean one thing, and it’s actually the thing that also explains the absence of (legit) visual iPhone SE 3 leaks.

    That’s right, we fully expect the iPad Air (2022) to look virtually identical to its 2020 predecessor on the outside while hiding a hot new Apple A15 Bionic chip and (optional) 5G modem under its undoubtedly premium aluminum hood.

    Obviously, the 5G-capable fifth-gen iPad Air won’t come cheap, as suggested by the $649 and up iPad mini (2021) with next-gen cellular connectivity on deck. That thing is 150 bucks costlier than its entry-level Wi-Fi-only counterpart, which probably means the first-ever 5G iPad Air will also start at $150 more than a non-cellular-enabled variant likely to fetch around $600.

    At $750 or so, the 5G iPad Air 5 would be just 50 bucks pricier than a Wi-Fi-only Galaxy Tab S8, which sounds like a battle Samsung can never in a million years win. Of course, the 10.9-inch iPad Air (2022) is likely to start at 64 rather than 128 gigs of internal storage space, with no microSD card slot in tow… or complimentary stylus.

    Like the sixth-gen 8.3-inch iPad mini, this bad boy could rock a 12MP front-facing camera with Center Stage functionality, and like its 10.9-inch forerunner, the fifth-gen iPad Air will probably rely on a top-mounted fingerprint scanner for biometric recognition instead of joining the iPad Pro (2021) duo in the hip Face ID club.

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  • Apple seems to have revealed the date of its iPhone 11 event

    Apple seems to have revealed the date of its iPhone 11 event

    Less than two weeks after the iPhone 11’s release date was seemingly revealed, an iOS 13 screenshot found within the latest beta version appears to confirm when Apple will be announcing its next-gen devices.

    The screenshot is named “HoldForRelease” and features the Calendar app with the date clearly set to Tuesday the 10th. The month isn’t displayed but the day lines up perfectly with September, which itself coincides with Apple’s usual announcement schedule. Lending further credence is the fact a similar screenshot was found in one of Apple’s iOS 12 beta releases last year which showed September 12th, the date that was subsequently confirmed for the iPhone XS and iPhone XR introductions.

    Considering the iPhone 11 series is now expected to debut on Tuesday, September 10, pre-orders for Apple’s upcoming trio of devices will likely commence on Friday, September 13. The actual launch, on the other hand, should happen on Friday, September 20. This coincides perfectly with the previously reported release date.

    On an unrelated note, an iPadOS 13 screenshot showing the same date was also spotted. Apple has been rumored to be planning the debut of a new 10.2-inch iPad alongside its next-generation iPhones and this image suggests this will indeed be the case.

    If Apple sticks to its typical iOS launch schedule, the upcoming iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 releases will be made available to download for devices such as the iPhone 8, iPhone XS, iPad Pro (2018), and iPad Air (2019) on Monday, September 16. However, today’s findings suggest this may not be the case.

    Another pair of iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 screenshots which are destined to be used on older devices show the Calendar display Monday the 23rd. This is one week later than expected and ultimate suggests Apple may be giving its developers an extra week to ensure everything’s in working order on previous-gen products. After all, unlike iOS 12 which was largely bug free, iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 beta releases have been plagued with issues since the beginning, many of which are still unresolved.

    The downside to this move is that iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 will be exclusive to the iPhone 11 series and 10.2-inch iPad (2019) for roughly three days because these are all set for release on Friday, September 20, as mentioned above.

    The upcoming iPhones have been consistently referred to as either the iPhone XI or iPhone 11 lineup over the course of the past year but a reliable tipster recently suggested Apple’s final names may be slightly different. Specifically, they mentioned the ‘Pro’ moniker but left quite a bit of room for speculation because they didn’t elaborate on the matter.

    The most logical strategy would be the creation of two very separate lineups. The successor to the iPhone XR could be marketed simply as the iPhone (2019) while the iPhone XS and XS Max replacements could be called the iPhone Pro (5.8-inch) and iPhone Pro (6.5-inch).

    An alternative strategy which was recently mentioned by a case maker would also make sense, although the names would ultimately be more clunky. In this case, the 2019 iPhone XR would be branded as the iPhone 11 and the iPhone XS’s successor would be called the iPhone 11 Pro. Meanwhile, the 6.5-inch model could land as the iPhone 11 Pro Max.The final possibility is perhaps the most straightforward one of all. It’d involve the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max replacements being marketed as the iPhone 11R, iPhone 11, and iPhone 11 Pro respectively.

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  • DFS to Celebrate Eighth Prestigious Masters of Wines and Spirits Event in Singapore

    DFS to Celebrate Eighth Prestigious Masters of Wines and Spirits Event in Singapore

    DFS Group (DFS), the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, in partnership with Changi Airport Group, will host its eighth annual Masters of Wines and Spirits event in Singapore at the end of March. The most celebrated and prestigious event in the industry, Masters of Wines and Spirits will showcase a curation of 140 of the rarest and finest whiskies, wines, Cognacs and Champagne from around the world, all under one roof.

    The 2019 edition of Masters of Wines and Spirits will take place on Saturday, 23 March and Sunday, 24 March, bringing together esteemed guests from around the world. The event is an annual testament to DFS’ leadership in global travel retail, as well as highlighting the expertise of DFS’ merchants who spend a year of extensive research to selectively curate a world-class, bespoke collection of wines and spirits.

    Hosted at Infinite Studios, Singapore’s state-of-the-art studio, this year’s edition of Masters of Wines and Spirits explores the theme of “Masters at Work” – an homage to those who have acquired complete knowledge or skill in a subject, technique or artform and whose passionate commitment to their task continues to raise the bar for all others in the field. DFS celebrates six masters across a spectrum of backgrounds. Guests will be taken on an interactive and immersive journey through activations and experiences that explore each brand’s heritage and which ignite the senses.

    The six “Masters at Work” comprise: Brooke Supernaw of DFS as Master of Curation, Ewan Gunn of Diageo as Master of Whisky, Sarah Burgess of The Macallan as Master of Malt, Fabrice Papin of Château Lafite Rothschild as Master of Wine, Hidetsugu Ueno of Bar High Five as Master of Cocktails and DJ Arthur Bray as Master of Music.

    “The eighth edition of Masters of Wines and Spirits will showcase another outstanding collection of more than 140 masterpieces from 60 of the world’s most legendary wine and spirits houses,” said Brooke Supernaw, Senior Vice President Spirits, Wine, Tobacco and Gifts, DFS Group. “Here at DFS, we take pride in curating an ever-growing collection of wines and spirits that become more exclusive, bespoke, rare or limited-edition each year, and which capture the heritage and craftsmanship of each brand.”

    The 140-piece strong curation – featuring collectable items such as the oldest whisky ever released by The Macallan, The Macallan 72 Year Old in Lalique – The Genesis Decanter; a set of three extremely rare vintages, The Château Lafite Rothschild Double Magnum Collection; and an exceptionally unique bottle produced from the owner’s original stocks – Port Ellen’s 39 Year Old. The collection will also be showcased and celebrated at Changi Airport through a series of activations at Terminals 2 and 3 until the end of April.

    DFS’ Masters of Wines and Spirits 2019 Collection

    More than 80 Cognacs and Whiskies make up this year’s collection and include The Dalmore Constellation Vintage 1973 Drinking Cabinet, a very special bespoke and handcrafted cabinet commissioned by Richard Paterson, containing The Constellation Vintage 1973 (cask no.10). The Bunnahabhain 39-Year-Old Spanish Octave Finish, an exclusive limited edition piece that forms part of the new Bunnahabhain Element Series which is crafted around the importance of various elements impacting on the character of each Bunnahabhain whisky, and the DFS Exclusive, Caol Ila 35 Year Old boasting a fine freshness, cleanliness and precision for its age.

    The Glenfiddich 45-Year-Old, an exclusive blend for DFS Masters of Wines and Spirits, honors a whisky-making tradition dating back to 1887 and is a true reflection of the passion and innovative spirit passed down through all five generations of the Grant family. Possibly the last ever cask of Karuizawa Single Malt to be bottled in Japan is the Karuizawa Single Cask 1995. Port Ellen 39-Year-Old is an elegant complex 39 year old Single Malt Whisky, unlocked from the heart of Port Ellen and expertly married from a selection of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry refill casks.

    Macallan presents The Macallan 72-Year-Old In Lalique – The Genesis Decanter, the oldest whisky ever released by the Macallan family in commemoration of the opening of its new Distillery and Visitor Experience. Presented in a bespoke limited-edition crystal decanter handcrafted by Lalique, this exceptional whisky celebrates the collaboration of masters from across the fields of whisky, crystal, architecture, construction and craftsmanship. Also from the Macallan family comes The Macallan Fine & Rare Decades Collection. Created exclusively for DFS, the collection features five Fine & Rare vintages from 1938, 1947, 1954, 1965, 1976, each drawn from a single unique cask, denoting key historical events for the year.

    From the world of wine, DFS presents more than 60 collections including The Château Lafite Rothschild Double Magnum Collection, a rare opportunity to collect three of the great vintages produced by the estate in big formats and The Château Mouton Rothschild Magnum Collection, a unique six-vintage magnum set of exceptional vintages from 1988 to 2009.

    The Penfolds 2015 Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon Imperial is one of the world’s most iconic Cabernet Sauvignons and a true representation of the Penfolds ‘House Style’ and has shown its ability to age with grace and finesse since the first vintage in 1964. All great wines begin with a great site, and the Continuum Tim Mondavi Library Vertical Selection is a unique collection offering an opportunity to enjoy a vertical flight of Continuum vintages from 2010 through 2015.

    Giving reason to celebrate is the Rare Le Secret Magnum Vintage 1997 With Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire from Piper-Heidsieck. Inspired by the muse of both Maisons, Marie- Antoinette, Queen of France, Rare Le Secret High Jewellery is royally embellished with a one- carat precious stone, interwoven golden bands set with 510 diamonds. Presented in a majestic box, this spectacular edition has been for more than 20 years in the cellar of Régis Camus, Rare  Champagne’s Cellar Master.

    DFS Masters of Wines and Spirits is part of the DFS Masters Series, a signature program of exhibitions around the world. The Masters Series is a showcase of the pinnacle of DFS’ leadership and innovation in curating and creating exceptional experiences across its five pillars of luxury: Wines and Spirits, Beauty and Fragrances, Watches and Jewelry, Fashion and Accessories, and Food and Gifts.

  • Longines Masters of Hong Kong 2019 – a recap

    Longines Masters of Hong Kong 2019 – a recap

    Three days of action brought with them a life’s worth of memories as the curtain came down on the Asian stage of the Longines Masters Paris – Hong Kong – New York intercontinental series. More than 35,000 people gathered across the three days of this year’s Longines Masters of Hong Kong.

    Fittingly, the final day was graced by Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, who met the riders and presented the Longines Grand Prix of Hong Kong trophy. Longines Ambassador of Elegance, horse lover and entertainment super star Aaron Kwok was also on hand for the final press conference and to share his thoughts on the sport he loves so dearly – and like one of his live shows, the thrills came from start to glorious finish. The action began with The HKJC Asian Junior Grand Prix, excitement rose with the staging of the DBS Trophy, and then came the event everyone had been waiting for all week – the Longines Grand Prix of Hong Kong. And the premier event brought out the very best from Denis Lynch on Chablis as the Irish rider and his stable newcomer flew around the course. It proved a fitting way to end a fabulous week – and now it’s on to American stage in New York, which among other things will feature the rematch of the Riders Masters Cup, from 25 to 28 April 2019.

    Denis Lynch claims the Longines Grand Prix of Hong Kong!

    The glory on this final day came with the Longines Grand Prix of Hong Kong and a stunning effort from Denis Lynch on Chablis as they finished in front of Simon Delestre on Uccello de Will. But there was so much more also on offer all day.

    It began – at 9.30am – with The HKJC Asian Junior Grand Prix, an initiative from partners EEM, The Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation that showcased the rising stars of Asian showjumping. It was Hong Kong’s Vincent Zi-Xiang Capol on It’s A Gamble who lit up the main arena on the day, capturing the title after a two-round competition with jump heights raised from 1.00m to 1.10m.

    Next – at 12pm – came the DBS Trophy, a one-round competition that set riders a simple task. On paper at least. To win you had to be the fastest from eight riders to complete a clear round – and on this day the fastest was Roger Yves Bost on Castleforbes Talitha.

    Then it was time for the ultimate event at the world’s ultimate show jumping series. The Longines Grand Prix tests the world’s best against jumps at Olympic height heights of 1.60m, and it provides a true test of technique, of skill and of bravery from both rider and horse.

    In the end it came down to a ride for the ages from Denis Lynch on Chablis, as they cleared all the fences over two rounds. Second place went to Simon Delestre on Uccello de Will – the only other pair to clear all the fences. Along with the US$400,000 in price money the Paris, Hong Kong and New York Longines Grand Prix offers something very special – a Super Grand Slam Bonus of €2,250,000 rewarding a victory in each round of the Series in the same season and a €1,000,000 additional bonus for three successive victories at The Longines Grand Prix straddling two Longines Masters seasons. Irishman Lynch will now head to New York for the next leg in April with that huge bonus in his sights.

    While the show jumping action kept fans glued to their seats all day long, there was plenty more to entertain in the main arena. Presented by MGM, equine artists Frédéric Pignon and Magali Delgado and their Iberian horses continued to leave the audience spellbound with dazzling shows combining music, dance and multi-media. Then there was the appearance of the “golden girl” of the HKJC Equestrian Team as Jacqueline Siu celebrated her history making gold medal performance at last year’s Asian Games with a dressage performance the relived the glory.

    Reflections on three days of fun and fanfare

    Over three days – and nights – the Prestige Village came alive, allowing visitors to indulge and be entertained thanks to fabulous collaborations with the Longines Masters of Hong Kong’s partners and exhibitors.

    Among the many and varied highlights were the first staging of the Asian Hobby Horse Competition and the wild after party hosted by DJ Henri PFR, while visitors were able to immerse themselves in luxury offering from a wide array of brands, while being tempted by gastronomic delights. While visitors were treated to the latest from the likes of Title Partner Longines, Kingsland, Fieldstone, Horse Pilot, Equicty, Hermès Sellier, Asia Marine, Baccarat, Lightfoot Travel, Robert Mark Safaris, KEF, La Mod and Maserati. There were also themed gifts and novelties inside the Longines Masters Boutique, one lucky guest walked away with a trip (flight and accommodation) to New York to visit the Macey & Sons Gallery and the Longines Masters of New York in April 2019, courtesy of Macey & Sons Gallery.

    Save the Children

    Dedicated to promoting equestrian sports on an international scale as well as making a difference by contributing to socially constructive causes, Longines Masters series organizers EEM this year chose to support deprived children around the globe, especially in Hong Kong and China. The Hong Kong leg of the intercontinental show jumping event joined hands with the Sole Beneficiary Charity Partner, Save the Children Hong Kong, with parts of the net proceeds generated from the charity auction lunch, various VIP Hospitality Experiences in a specific period of time and kids’ activities in Prestige Village donated to sustain these marginalized children’s ongoing education, health, protection and emergency relief programs.

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  • LG skips foldables, opts for two screens instead

    LG skips foldables, opts for two screens instead

    LG Electronics launched the V50 ThinQ on the eve of the MWC 2019 in Barcelona on Sunday, presenting its vision of how the much-hyped 5G network can take a mobile device’s multimedia experience to the next level. The V50 ThinQ is the tech giant’s first 5G smartphone, a direct competitor to Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Fold and Huawei’s Mate X, both of which are equipped with foldable screens.

    Rather than a foldable screen, LG Electronics has opted for a secondary detachable 6.2-inch screen, slightly smaller than the main 6.4-inch screen.

    When the second screen is attached, users can activate multiple apps at the same time. The screen on the left, for example, can have the YouTube app playing a video, while the second screen on the right can be simultaneously used for chatting to friends.

    Held horizontally, the top screen could be displaying a smartphone game, while the screen on the bottom could be used for a virtual joystick to make the game experience more immersive.

    “We believe in multimedia,” said Kim In-kyung, a senior vice president at LG Electronics in charge of 5G and network technology at the unpack event on Sunday in Barcelona.

    “Creating content and broadcasting live are most relevant to our 5G products today.”

    To help the hardware endure the increased data processing derived from 5G connectivity, its CPU, developed by Qualcomm, has been upgraded to the latest Snapdragon 855 and the battery capacity has been increased by 20 percent compared to the predecessor V40.

    LG Electronics also unveiled the G8 ThinQ on Sunday, which is dedicated to the existing 4G network.

    The G8 ThinQ, however, has been upgraded with what’s called “Time of Flight” sensors in the front camera, which are able to read palm veins in a 3-D image. The “Time of Flight” sensors are developed in partnership with German tech firm Infineon.

    Placing the palm in front of the front camera will unlock the phone, while moving the fingers in specific ways will give various orders to the G8 ThinQ such as taking screenshots, activating music apps and controlling the volume.

    Such functions will come in handy when users’ hands are too busy to actually touch the smartphone screen, such as when cooking or driving, according to the electronics company.

    “Installing vein recognition in a mobile device is [a] first,” said David Montanya, a product evangelist from LG Electronics’ mobile communications team at the unpack event. “It [allows the users] to make more intuitive interaction[s] with the smartphone. It anticipates your moves and intentions and reacts accordingly.”

    Montanya also added that palm veins are a safer way to protect the phone compared to other biometric methods such as fingerprints.

    “The probability of two people having the same vein structure is less than one in a billion,” he said.

    While an innovative feature is always a selling point for mobile devices, an experimental one that doesn’t yet work properly is not a good sign.

    The new palm-reading feature required intensive training in order to get the hang of the specific hand gestures needed to activate the sensors.

    A specific timeline for the two new phones’ launch in Korea hasn’t been revealed.

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  • The Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative by jack Ma Foundation calls for applications in March

    The Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative by jack Ma Foundation calls for applications in March

    The Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative (ANPI) will officially call for applications starting from the 27th of March 2019. The ANPI is a US$10 million Prize competition for African entrepreneurs, founded by the Jack Ma Foundation. Each year for the next ten years, the Prize will host a pitch competition in Africa where ten finalists from across the continent will compete for US$1 million in total prize money.

    The Prize, which is supported by its continental partner Nailab, is focused on empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs, with a focus on small businesses, grassroots communities and women-founded enterprises.

    “The Netpreneur Prize Initiative has brought together a strong ecosystem of players to support both technology-driven and traditional businesses. We look forward to unveiling the full slate of regional partners and to receiving applications from promising African entrepreneurs in the coming weeks,” said Sam Gichuru, Founder and CEO, Nailab.

    All ten finalists will receive grant funding from the Jack Ma Foundation, as well as access to the Netpreneur community of African business leaders to leverage the community’s shared expertise, best practices, and resources.

    “By 2030, we hope to identify and shine a spotlight on 100 African entrepreneur heroes who will inspire the continent. From day one, our approach has been community-based and focused on inclusiveness; to be truly for Africans and by Africans. To realize these goals, we are excited to work with Nailab as our implementing partner in Africa and multiple African partners across to continent.”

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  • India Food Forum 2019: Alliance avenues with foreign partners to expand food market in India

    India Food Forum 2019: Alliance avenues with foreign partners to expand food market in India

    India Food Forum 2019 identified avenues for partnerships in food, beverages and food service industry with Ambassadors, Trade Commissioners and Consul Generals of several countries and highlighted how Embassies and Trade Commissions can play a more pro-active role to facilitate such alliances. Emerging as major market of the world, India offers huge opportunities for manufacturers, producers and providers of products and services from across the globe to sell here or partner with Indian companies to serve this market.

    Acceptance of multinational culture, a growing taste for foods from across the globe, increasing inflow of foreign nationals, willingness to experiment new cuisines and more over avenues to market new products further add to the opportunity.

    The session was moderated by Amit Lohani, Convener, FIFI.

  • KT CEO talks 5G at World Economic Forum

    KT CEO talks 5G at World Economic Forum

    The head of KT, the country’s leading telecommunications provider, outlined the importance of 5G networks in driving innovation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last week. KT CEO Hwang Chang-gyu was invited to a meeting of the International Business Council, a community of 100 select highly influential executives around the globe, which was held on the forum’s sidelines.

    Hwang said the adoption of the upcoming network system will play an integral role in processing autonomous driving vehicles and telemedicine systems.

    5G refers to the fifth-generation mobile network that will succeed the current 4G network, which has been prevalent for about seven years. The network is expected to be commercialized in the first quarter of this year, according to KT.

    The global elite meeting also acted as a get-together for the world’s renowned CEOs and academics. KT said Hwang spoke with Apple’s Tim Cook, adding that the Apple CEO pledged to visit Korea or invite Hwang to the United States to learn more about the 5G network. Rafael Reif, the president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), said he expected Hwang will lecture about 5G at the campus.

    The KT CEO also promised to strengthen cooperation with Japan’s telecom NTT Docomo to run 5G during the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020.

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  • Hyundai takes top honors at Nactoys

    Hyundai takes top honors at Nactoys

    Hyundai Motor Group took home the top prizes in two of three categories at the 2019 North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year Awards (Nactoy), the company said last Tuesday. It is the first time a Korean carmaker has won in two categories at the annual awards. Hyundai Motor’s Kona and Kona Electric crossover utility vehicle won in the utility category, while the G70 sedan sold under the carmaker’s Genesis brand won in the car category.

    A jury consisting of journalists and analysts based in the United States and Canada voted for the winners of each category, choosing between three finalists. This year, 54 journalists from print, online and broadcast media participated in the assessment.

    The award organizer said in a press release that jurors voted on the finalists based on segment leadership, innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.

    Hyundai’s Kona competed with Honda’s Acura RDX and the Jaguar I-Pace.

    “The Kona Electric is the first mass-market electric car that truly works for the mass market,” said Jamie Page Deaton, executive editor at U.S. News & World Report Best Cars. “A livable EV range, affordable price and practical cabin combine with lively driving dynamics to make the Kona EV a true pleasure.”

    The G70 competed with the Honda Insight and Volvo S60. The Genesis-brand was evaluated to exceed luxury segment mainstays like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class in driver engagement and value for the dollar.

    The last Hyundai car to win top honors at the awards was the Avante sedan, sold as the Elantra in North America, in 2012.

    Previously the award only had two categories – car and truck – however, utility vehicles earned an independent category from 2017, considering the rising popularity of the segment.

    A Hyundai spokesperson said it will market the Kona and G70 more actively in the North American market with boosted presence from the awards.

    The winners were announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Monday. Hyundai also introduced its Veloster N TCR high-performance racing car at the show, while Kia Motors premiered its Telluride SUV. The SUV will only be sold in the North American market.