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Tag: lifestyle

  • Mothercare Malaysia retailer seeks IPO

    Mothercare Malaysia retailer seeks IPO

    Kim Hin Joo, operator of ELC and Mothercare Malaysia, is preparing for an IPO on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market. The move, expected to generate funding for the group’s further expansion and expenditure, will see a public issue of 76 million new shares (20 per cent of its enlarged share capital) and an offer of 57 million existing shares (15 per cent of its enlarged capital). Of those shares, 47 million will be reserved for selected investors. Pricing has yet to be decided.

    The firm’s non-executive chairman Pang Kim Hin will see his personal stake reduced to 62.3 per cent after the IPO from his current 90.3 per cent.

    Kim Hin Joo has 16 Mothercare locations and 11 ELC SIS in several major Malaysian centers, with 599 distribution points nationwide and 10 overseas. It plans to open four to five new Mothercare stores within the next three years in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and outside the Klang Valley area.

    “We are in the midst of finalising a development agreement with toy retailer The Entertainer UK which will grant us the exclusive rights to open and operate The Entertainer toy outlets, and sell a broad range of toys,” the company said in a statement.

    “We target to conclude the discussions and sign the development agreement by the first half of 2019.”

    The group is also planning to concurrently revamp and upgrade its e-commerce platform by replacing its back-end IT infrastructure system and to expand its distribution portfolio.

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  • Inglot Vietnam makes debut in Vietnam

    Inglot Vietnam makes debut in Vietnam

    Polish cosmetics brand Inglot has opened its first Vietnam store, inside Vincom Lieu Giai in Hanoi. Located on the first floor of the shopping centre, the Inglot Vietnam store offers a free makeup area for customers to try its products before purchasing. Makeup artists are available to help customers find the right tones and ‘look’. Inglot Vietnam says the first store is something of a trial by the company before it opens a flagship shop in the nation’s commercial capital, Ho Chi Minh City, by the end of next month.

    Inglot is well known for its bolt shades and its Freedom System, which allows users and makeup artists to arrange eyeshadows, blush and lipsticks into on-the-go palettes. The brand has more than 900 stores in 75 countries.

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  • Vietnamese banks report solid profits, employees hopeful of high bonuses

    Vietnamese banks report solid profits, employees hopeful of high bonuses

    With Vietnamese banks reporting substantial profits last year many of their employees are expecting higher Lunar New Year bonuses. The banking sector’s overall profit before tax increased by 40 percent year-on-year, according to the National Financial Supervisory Commission. Vietcombank, the largest bank by market capitalization, said in a recent report that its consolidated pre-tax profit was up 62 percent to VND18.3 trillion ($789.55 million).

    TPBank said pre-tax profit doubled to VND2.26 trillion ($97.5 million), exceeding its target of VND2.2 trillion ($94.93 million). The lender’s profit has almost quadrupled against 2015.

    Sacombank’s profit before tax of VND2.2 trillion ($94.93 million) was 20 percent higher than its target.

    Bank employees are thrilled by the performance ahead of Tet, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, which falls on February 5 this year.

    Mai, a Sacombank worker who asked to be identified only by her given name, said: “Our bank’s profit is a few times that of 2017, so we hope to have a higher bonus.”

    Minh Nhat of Orient Commercial Bank, said his bank determines Tet bonuses based on the performance of each branch and individual. Last year his most productive colleagues had received a five-month bonus, while everyone got at least a month’s salary as bonus. He hopes this year it would be even higher.

    Le Minh Tan, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, told VnExpress that the highest Tet bonus this year is by a HCMC-based bank — VND1.17 billion ($50,493) for an employee.

    Companies plan to pay VND3.4 million ($147) on average, 30 percent higher than last year, he added.

    Three bank leaders said they are still calculating the rewards.

    “We calculate rewards using personal KPI (key performance indicator) and branch productivity, so the bonus will vary between individuals,” one CEO said, adding that some employees would receive a three- or four-month bonus or even higher, while some would get nothing.

  • Hyundai Motor starts its monthly car subscriptions

    Hyundai Motor starts its monthly car subscriptions

    Hyundai Motor on Monday introduced a car-subscription program with a monthly fee of 720,000 won ($646).  Under the program, dubbed Hyundai Selection, three models are available for users and subscribers can change models on a limited basis. The vehicles currently being offered are the Sonata sedan, the Tucson SUV and the Veloster hatchback.

    Users can use the Hyundai Selection app to apply and pay for the service. Cars will be delivered. The company is testing the subscription service business model as car sharing and rental are popular with younger customers who tend to avoid ownership and embrace more transactional business relationships.

    Hyundai said it is running the program on a 10-month pilot basis this year. As the program is still in test mode, only 50 drivers will be able to enroll. Car delivery will be limited to Seoul.

    The service was launched in collaboration with domestic rental-car companies and Deal Car, a Hyundai Capital enterprise.

    A Hyundai spokesperson said the subscription program greatly reduces the burden of car maintenance

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  • Tablez to launch Build-A-Bear in India

    Tablez to launch Build-A-Bear in India

    To meet an ever-increasing demand for an engaging retail environment, Tablez India announces the partnership with Build-A-Bear, a global experiential retailer. U.S.-based, customized stuffed-animal retail-entertainment brand Build-A-Bear aims to reach as many as 9 million households in the top 15 cities in India by 2025. Besides standalone stores, shop-in-shop formats of Build-A-Bear would be launched within Toys“R”Us as part of Tablez, the retail arm of LuLu Group International.

    Adeeb Ahamed, MD, Tablez said, “The Build-A-Bear concept is a one-of-a-kind retail experience, and we are thrilled to bring it to India. We believe that children who come to our stores will be able to enjoy a different shopping experience that includes participation in creating stuffed animals of their own choice.”

    He also added, “At Tablez, we are continuously striving to meet the increasing demand for high-quality specialty toys, and we look forward to opening more Build-A-Bear and Toys”R”Us stores across India, as our company continues to grow.”

    On this occasion, Dorrie Krueger, Build-A-Bear Workshop Chief Strategy Officer, said, “We look forward to embarking on this new partnership with Tablez India and helping establish and grow the Build-A-Bear brand in this important global market. As our international franchise portfolio continues to expand, we are further assured that the hug of a teddy bear is understood in any language.”

    Established in 1997, Build-A-Bear has helped millions find their own meaning in a new furry friend. The brand has nearly 500 stores worldwide, and more than 175 million furry friends have been made globally in its 21-year history. Build-A-Bear helps guests mark special occasions, start friendships, and inspires people to make their own adventures. At Build-A-Bear, one is empowered to feel that anything is possible.

    The ‘Choose Me’ wall at every Build-A-Bear store is where the empowerment journey begins as each guest chooses an unstuffed animal to bring to life. Accessories give customers the reins to customize their creation. The heart ceremony is where one can add special wishes to their friend. During the stuffing process, a heart is placed in the bear along with special wishes, and the guests promises to care for their new furry friend. This signature ceremony brings each stuffed animal to life in a personal way, further ensuring a greater attachment. Guests find meaning in each of the animals designed – they are friends, playmates, heroes, look-a-likes and evidence of special memories. Dogs, cats, bunnies and even unicorns complement the timeless teddy bear to ensure there’s a furry friend for everyone.

    Tablez launched the first Toys“R”Us store in Bangalore in 2017. Before end of 2018, 4 stores will be operational, and another 20 stores are expected to be launched in 2019. In February 2019, Build-A-Bear will be launched as part of Toys“R”Us in Phoenix Marketcity, Bangalore. Further, a Build-A-Bear shop-in-shop format will follow in Vega City Mall, Bangalore; City Centre Mall, Mangalore and Phoenix Marketcity, Pune. The 20 additional standalone stores of Toys”R”Us are expected to be launched in major locations starting January 2019. Build-A-Bear plans to expand to as many as 65 shop-in-shop format stores and 20 standalone stores in India over the next 10 years.

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  • Malaysian consumer sentiment to remain healthy this year

    Malaysian consumer sentiment to remain healthy this year

    AmInvestment Bank has maintained its “overweight” rating on the consumer sector, as consumer sentiment is expected to remain healthy on the back of recent consumer-friendly initiatives by the government. It said in a report that recent initiatives such as the reintroduction of petrol subsidy, capping of the electricity tariff and introduction of public transport subsidies, have contained the problem of rising cost of living and effectively put more money back into the pockets of consumers.

    “The substitution of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) with the Sales and Services Tax (SST) is a net positive to consumers as the SST has a narrower scope compared with the GST,” it said.

    According to the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research, the Consumer Sentiment Index has recovered beyond the 100-point confidence threshold after three years of a low sentiment trend.

    AmInvestment Bank believes that the positive trend in consumer sentiment will be sustained as consumers become more confident of the government with expectations of more rakyat-centric government policies, better governance and transparency.

    It expects private consumption to grow at 6.5% year-on-year on the back of a healthy labour market and stable inflation.

    While the food and beverage sub-sector does not typically benefit from greater disposable income, AmInvestment Bank has identified Berjaya Food Bhd (BFood), Mynews Holdings Bhd and Power Root Bhd as the top picks for the sector.

    It said that BFood is a beneficiary as improved consumer sentiment will drive discretionary spending while Mynews will be an indirect beneficiary of the public transportation subsidy.

    “We reckon that this measure will boost foot traffic surrounding the train stations. Mynews currently operates more than 30 stores in the MRT, LRT and monorail stations,” it added.

    Meanwhile, Power Root will be a potential beneficiary as it is a producer of staple products. It will also benefit from a stronger US dollar as around 50% of its sales are in exports.

    Downside risks that may prompt it to review its call for the sector are weakening of the ringgit against the US dollar (its 2019 assumption average is RM4.12) and sluggish improvement to economic fundamentals, which could lead to a de-rating of the sector.

    “A sluggish recovery in economic fundamentals such as high operational costs and a weak ringgit may not see consumers fully benefitting from savings tied to the SST reintroduction and consumer-friendly measures, thereby dampening the recovery in consumer sentiment,” it said.

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  • Carousell Expands Executive Team to Strengthen Operations and Leadership

    Carousell Expands Executive Team to Strengthen Operations and Leadership

    Carousell, one of the world’s largest and fastest growing classifieds, announced the appointment of industry veteran Su Lin Tan as Vice President of Operations, while Colin Bryar has taken on an advisory role. The new additions reflect the company’s steadfast commitment to solidify its market-leading position in the classifieds industry and to continuously improve user experience of our marketplace in the region.

    “We are always on the lookout for world-class talent who shares our values and passion for solving meaningful problems with technology, and we are tremendously fortunate to have found that in Su Lin and Colin,” said Siu Rui Quek, Carousell Co-founder and CEO. “Their collective experience and proven track record in transforming organisations amidst complex digital environments will be invaluable as we power through our next chapter of growth. It is an absolute privilege and I look forward to learning from them as we continue to innovate classifieds in an AI-first world.”

    Su Lin, previously Deputy Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Sales Strategy and Operations at Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), brings over two decades of leadership experience in digital strategy, marketing and the classified space to Carousell. Having overseen sizable advertising sales and digital organisations and working across complex organisational eco-systems, she was most recently associated with the launch of Singapore’s first and only digital publisher alliance, the Singapore Media Exchange, Su Lin serves as the Vice President of Operations to lead the teams in scaling up operations in Singapore and across the region. In her new role at Carousell, she reports to Co-founder and CEO, Siu Rui Quek.

    “I am deeply honoured and humbled at the chance to work alongside Carousell’s visionary founding team. I knew they were destined to achieve great things from the first time we met back when they had first started the company,” said Su Lin. “Despite their incredible success in a short span of six years, the leadership team’s deep commitment and mission-driven values to make an impactful change in the world have never wavered. Their humility and willingness to learn and grow, not only themselves but also their people, moved me. I am excited for the opportunity to help make the founders’ dream come true so that we might show the world what Singapore born and bred
    companies are capable of.”

    In his new advisory role to Carousell’s executive leadership team, Colin will focus on identifying opportunities for faster growth and providing a world-class customer experience for users across the region. Colin has successfully led digital platform businesses in all stages of evolution for over 25 years in various senior leadership roles at Amazon, IMDb and Alibaba-owned RedMart. He also served two years as Technical Advisor to Jeff Bezos. This unique blend of experience makes Colin a great fit for the next phase of Carousell’s growth.

    Colin shares his excitement for tackling new challenges at Carousell, “In my many years of working with major tech companies, the potential I saw in Carousell and the impact it can bring to many more millions of users around the world is something really special. I have profound admiration and respect for the founders and their vision for the company. It’s an exciting time to be part of a team that is aggressively expanding its capabilities to bring simpler and more trusted solutions to help people discover new possibilities when buying, selling and connecting with one another.”

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  • MSIG Hong Kong names Philip Kent as new CEO

    MSIG Hong Kong names Philip Kent as new CEO

    General insurer, MSIG, has announced the appointment of Philip Kent to the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He succeeds former CEO, Kenneth J. Reid, who has retired after 26 years with MSIG Hong Kong. Philip Kent most recently served as Executive Vice President of Planning for the Singapore-based regional holding company, MSIG Holdings Asia, over the last two years leading business development across the region and spearheading the regional digital strategy in Asia. With more than 28 years in the insurance industry, he has broad insurance market experience encompassing leadership and technical roles across Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong.

    “We are pleased to have Philip lead MSIG Hong Kong as CEO. His accomplishments and track record of building strong partner relationships and inspiring colleagues make him an ideal leader. He is also very familiar with the market having worked in Hong Kong for 11 years,” said Alan J. Wilson, regional CEO, MSIG Holdings Asia.
    “The industry is dynamic with many insurers going digital and leveraging on new technologies. With Philip’s experience, he will be able to continue the digital transformation that Ken has started for MSIG, ensuring that we are well placed to continue serving the needs of our customers in Hong Kong,” he added.

    Outgoing CEO Kenneth J. Reid has retired after leading MSIG Hong Kong as CEO for 13 years and after a successful career of nearly 35 years with the Group. During his tenure, Mr Reid led MSIG Hong Kong to more than double its gross written premiums and played an instrumental role in forming a partnership with DUAL Asia in 2009, significantly expanding MSIG’s business portfolio. He also contributed to Hong Kong’s general insurance industry as Chairman of the Motor Insurer’s Bureau of Hong Kong from 2015 to 2017.

    “Ken’s vision, accomplishments and impressive track record of building strong client relationships, have materially strengthened MSIG Hong Kong. He leaves a firm foundation and a resilient company. I would like to sincerely thank him on behalf of the Board and the Group for his substantial contribution to MSIG,” Mr Wilson said.

     

  • Mobile Payments in China is expected to witness three-fold growth by 2023

    Mobile Payments in China is expected to witness three-fold growth by 2023

    Low credit card usage, and increasing popularity of eCommerce coupled with a growing middle class in China have accelerated the growth of mobile payments in the country. China has also seen an increase in cross-border payment transactions, primarily due to growth in sectors such as eCommerce, travel and overseas education. Frost & Sullivan recently reportedthat nearly 65% of Chinese tourists have used mobile payments abroad, approximately six times higher than the average non-Chinese traveler.

    “In China, eCommerce is a powerful incentive for users to purchase smartphones that enable mobile payment features. The social aspect that mobile payments brings can serve as an integral step in building trust and learning about digital services, especially in rural communities,” said Ms  Mei Lee Quah, Industry Principal Analyst, Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) Practice, Digital Transformation at Frost & Sullivan.

    The market of mobile payments services in China is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.8% from 2017 to 2023, growing three-fold from US$29.93 trillion to US$96.73 trillion. The total number of active mobile payment customers is expected to reach 956 million by 2023 from 562 million in 2017 which will attract additional investments from mobile payments market participants.

    Frost & Sullivan’s recently published report, Chinese Mobile Payments Services Market, Forecast to 2023, highlights the growth opportunities presented in the market, namely:

    •    Rural region penetration
    •    Addressing the elderly market

    The report also offers detailed analysis of the mobile payment market in China with a focus on key market players such as AliPay and WeChat Pay, and their business and revenue models. The Chinese market for mobile payment offers not only market opportunities for solution providers intending to operate within the domestic market but also learning points for global mobile payment solution providers.

    Frost & Sullivan predicts that China will continue to be a major player in the global mobile payment services market and service providers in the country will continue to focus on improving and enhancing security on mobile payment platforms.

  • Sarment Holdings, Blackberry join to deliver security for luxury customer

    Sarment Holdings, Blackberry join to deliver security for luxury customer

    Sarment Holding Limited is pleased to announce that it is partnering with BlackBerry to co-develop KEYYES CHAT, a highly-encrypted messaging application to provide identity and overall data security management for Sarment’s rapidly growing ultra-high, and high-net worth user base. The development of KEYYES CHAT will be in conjunction with a series of other security-focused applications which are anticipated to be launched starting in 2019.

    The KEYYES CHAT application has been developed with the BlackBerry Spark Communications Services SDK, which provides end-to-end encrypted chat, voice, video and data transfer functionality. It includes FIPS-validated, app-level, AES 256-bit encryption to ensure data is always protected on a device, across the mobile network and into the enterprise infrastructure.

    “Working in collaboration with BlackBerry was an obvious choice for Sarment, given they have long been regarded as a global leader in secured data and communications. Integrating this technology into Sarment’s digital ecosystem KEYYES is one of the steps we are taking to continue to provide our communities with useful tools they can trust. We started with bookings, purchases, deliveries and now we are adding communication to solve the issue of privacy and data security for our growing user-base. By leveraging BlackBerry’s Spark Communications Services SDK communication technology, KEYYES CHAT users can feel confident that their data and privacy are certifiably secured,” said Will Beattie, Chief Technology Officer of Sarment Group.

    In 2018, Sarment launched a unique offering which has quickly garnered the attention of the luxury industry by migrating its network of consumers and luxury brand partners into a unique digital ecosystem named KEYYES. ​KEYYES works as a curator, service provider and experience planner. Users discover expert insights, purchase curated goods and make bookings at featured lifestyle venues like restaurants, bars, art galleries, spas, wellness retreats, fashion houses, private clubs, automotive showrooms and designer’s workshops. KEYYES is currently available in 5 cities in Asia and the Company is targeting to be in over 20 additional cities worldwide in the next 3 years.

    KEYYES CHAT will be integrated in KEYYES App but will also be available to the general public in a lighter format with the same level of end-to-end encrypted security. It will give users the possibility to discover and be informed about KEYYES world if they are not yet a member.

    “We are extremely excited to be working with BlackBerry to address the cyber security and overall privacy of our users, and look forward to growing the breadth of our technology and specific application portfolio together in the coming months and years,” said Quentin Chiarugi, CEO of Sarment Group. “Sarment plans to migrate all its employees’ communications and its partners using KEYYES CHAT as the only communication tool when the application is launched. We want to showcase to our corporate partners how valuable KEYYES can be for their own employees and their customers.”

    “As more and more of our private lives are shared and conducted online, the need for secure communications is critical,” said ​Alex Thurber, SVP and GM of Mobility Solutions, BlackBerry. “KEYYES delivers a useful service for high-net worth individuals, whose data may be of value to those with malicious intent, and being able to trust in the integrity of the chat system will be a primary decision-making factor for them in considering the service. With the BlackBerry Spark Communications SDK, KEYYES CHAT will allow seamless communication between members, partners and employees while protecting the privacy and security of its users.”

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  • Amazon Kicks Off the New Year with Head Start on Chinese New Year Festivities

    Amazon Kicks Off the New Year with Head Start on Chinese New Year Festivities

    Amazon announced the kick-off of the Chinese New Year season for Amazon Prime members in Singapore, offering new expanded local selection and great deals and free samplings to help usher in the Year of the Pig with ease. Amazon Prime Now will offer customers a one-stop shop for everything Chinese New Year related — from eight-pack red packets to traditional pineapple tarts and barbequed pork slices (bak kwa).  Anyone in Singapore can join Amazon Prime for S$2.99 a month or start a 30-day free trial at www.amazon.com.sg and download the Prime Now App.

    “We’re excited to jump into the Chinese New Year season, helping Prime members in Singapore get ready for the Year of the Pig with our expanded selection of popular holiday goodies–abalone, traditional pineapple tarts and handmade BBQ pork slice,” said Kourosh Kaghazian, Country Manager, Amazon Singapore. “From cleaning supplies to groceries, we’ve got Prime members covered this new year with the convenience of tens of thousands of items, including a variety of local favorites, and ultra-fast two-hour delivery right to their door.”

    New this season, Amazon is offering some must-have Chinese New Year goodies, including:

    • Kele: Traditional Pineapple Tarts and other festive cookies
    • Kim Joo Guan: Traditional Handmade BBQ Pork Slice
    • Crystal Jade: Almond Puff Cookies and Bo Lo Pineapple Tarts
    • New Moon: Abalone

    Amazon has also expanded its Reunion and steamboat selection for customers in time for their holiday dinner preparations with frozen and fresh sliced meats, noodles and tofu and a wide variety of fresh and frozen seafood, including pomfret, grouper, threadfin, scallops, crabmeat, mussels, squid as well as seasonal fresh vegetables and fruits.

    Amazon has also created specially curated selections according to Chinese New Year themes, such as Readying the House, Spring Cleaning and Organization, Stocking Up on Groceries, Shop Fresh Food/Reunion and Last-Minute Shopping. Prime members will be able to take advantage of the free two-hour delivery on orders of S$40 or more, especially helpful for heavy and bulky items like soft drinks. In addition, Prime members will also be able to shop millions of items on the international selection via the Prime Now App with free delivery in 7-9 business days on orders of S$60 or more.

    Prime Now will offer delivery from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on 4 February, Chinese New Year Eve as well as both public holidays 5 February and 6 February. Leading up to Chinese New Year, Amazon Prime Now will offer regular delivery from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

    Prime members in Singapore have access to millions of items via the Prime Now App. Amazon Prime in Singapore is currently available for S$2.99 per month. Prime membership benefits in Singapore include:

    • Free Two-Hour Delivery on Tens of Thousands of Items: Ultra-fast delivery on tens of thousands of items with free two-hour delivery on orders over S$40, between 10am and 10pm daily.  Items range from groceries to electronics, including a variety of new brands added to Prime Now since the launch such as Yakult, Dell, Tefal, Sambucol, Bausch & Lomb and Pinkfong, as well as new categories including fresh flowers, organic fruits and international foods.
    • Free International Shipping on more than 7 Million of Items: Unlimited free shipping in 7 to 9 business days on orders over S$60 from International Selection via the Prime Now App on more than 7 million international products shipped directly to you from Amazon US. Products include a wide selection of top brands such as Leap Frog, Calvin Klein, Rubbermaid, Zojirushi, BCB Generation, The Children’s Space, Pet Safe, Rebecca Minkoff, and Melissa and Doug.
    • Amazon Prime Video: Prime members can stream or download popular and award-winning Prime Original series like The Grand Tour, Golden Globe and Emmy award winner The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan starring John Krasinski, Homecoming starring Julia Roberts, and many more. Prime members can watch anytime, anywhere via the Prime Video App on Android and iOS phones and tablets, smart TVs, game consoles or online at www.primevideo.com.
    • Twitch Prime: Prime members enjoy a selection of free games every month, free in-game loot for the world’s most popular games, a free broadcaster subscription every 30 days, exclusive chat emotes, and more at https://www.twitch.tv.
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  • Burberry unveils first-ever Chinese New Year campaign

    Burberry unveils first-ever Chinese New Year campaign

    British luxury fashion house Burberry has unveiled its first Chinese New Year campaign, celebrating family traditions and togetherness. The commercials, shot and directed by photographer Ethan James Green, star Chinese actresses and Burberry brand ambassadors Zhao Wei and Zhou Dongyu, who make their Burberry campaign debut. Inspired by classic portraiture, the campaign has been reimagined in an informal urban environment, and features classic Burberry pieces including archive-print scarves, the trench coat and tailoring, contrasting with urban staples including hoodies, t-shirts and joggers, all of which are now available globally online and in-store.

    “The campaign draws on the concept of families reuniting for the most important holiday of the year, and represents a sense of belonging, but in a very fresh way,” explains Zhao Wei. “It was great fun being back on set with Zhou Dongyu – I enjoyed it very much!”

    Gallery of the campaign (4 images) :

    Zhou Dongyu added: “A family portrait is a very simple concept, but the ceremonial sense behind it holds so much more. For me, being able to go home once a year to spend quality time with my family is something I value above all else, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

    For the campaign, Zhao Wei wore a sleeveless keyhole detail top, reissued Society-print silk scarf and gold plated link drop earrings. Zhou Dongyu wore a vintage check wool jacket with palladium plated link drop earrings.

  • No More Free Checked Baggage on Lion Air Indonesia

    No More Free Checked Baggage on Lion Air Indonesia

    Flying cheap will soon also mean flying light for many Indonesians after the country’s largest airline, Lion Air, and its subsidiary, Wings Air, decided to start charging for checked baggage on all their domestic flights from today. The airlines, which together served around half of the archipelago’s air travelers last year, will only allow one piece of cabin baggage, such as a suitcase of no larger than 40 x 30 x 20 centimeters, weighing less than 7 kilograms, and one personal item, such as reading material, a handbag, or laptop bag.

    “Both Lion Air and Wings Air, which will enforce the new regulation until further notice, will no longer accept free checked baggage of up to 20 kilograms and 10 kg, respectively,” Lion Air Group spokesman Danang Mandala Prihantoro said in a statement on Friday.

    Checked baggage exceeding 7 kg will be subject to an excess baggage fee based on the rate for the day. Carriers will further no longer allow passengers to bring several items tied together with rope or string into the cabin as these will also be subject to additional fees.

    Passengers will be able to purchase prepaid baggage vouchers through tour and travel agencies, the airlines’ websites, or at their ticket sales offices.

    The carriers have advised passengers to prepay for baggage when they buy their tickets, or alternatively, pay for it up to six hours before departure.

    Power banks with capacities of more than 160 watt-hours (Wh), or 32,000 milliamp-hours (mAh), will no longer be allowed on aircraft, while those with capacities of between 100 and 160 Wh will require special permission by airline staff.

    Passengers will still be permitted to take power banks with a maximum capacity of 100 Wh into the cabin after notifying the ground crew. However, these may no longer be used onboard.

    Passengers who have purchased Lion Air and Wings Air tickets before Jan. 8 would still able to enjoy the respective 20 kg and 10 kg free baggage allowances.

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  • Ermanno Scervino opened store in Chinese Hangzhou

    Ermanno Scervino opened store in Chinese Hangzhou

    Italian fashion house Ermanno Scervino is launching a new boutique in Chinese Hangzhou. The 140sqm store, located inside the Hangzhou Tower shopping centre, houses the brand’s womenswear and menswear pret-a-porter and accessories collections. Its interior design follows the style of the maison’s flagship store inaugurated in Florence last June, with large surfaces featuring industrial concrete flooring and concrete wall finishing punctuated by inlaid and laminated gold frames. The store showcases wooden furnishings with stucco decorations and retro-inspired details.

    “The growth and development of our brand in Far East has been proceeding systematically and consistently since a few years now,” said Ermanno Scervino Group CEO Toni Scervino.

    “After Shanghai and our recent opening in Hong Kong, Hangzhou is now a further step forward. The Chinese clientele is proving more and more its passion for the tailoring and Made in Italy proposal of our Maison. In collaboration with our partner Riqing we are therefore working to be more and more present on the territory”.

  • FitFlop flagship opens in Philippines

    FitFlop flagship opens in Philippines

    London footwear brand FitFlop has opened a new flagship store in SM Mall of Asia, Philippines. The new FitFlop Galleon store is the largest FitFlop store in the world to date and now serves as the brand’s global flagship. It is operated by The Primer Group of Companies, the brand’s exclusive distributor in the Philippines. According to a press release, “FitFlop is confident that it will be able to reach and inspire more superwomen to seize life’s opportunities and take on whatever comes their way.”

    The brand’s product line is designed to combine precision ergonomics with functional design, specialising in comfortable footwear for women.

    FitFlop Galleon is currently offering its Spring/Summer 2019 line, inspired by exotic destinations and bustling bazaars, as well as athleisure fashion that features its proprietary Anatomicush sole.

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