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  • Digitalisation tops agenda on opening day of Sea Asia 2017

    Digitalisation tops agenda on opening day of Sea Asia 2017

    Industry leaders kicked off discussions at the sixth edition of Sea Asia with a focus on digitalisation and the need for industry players to embrace this new reality in order to remain competitive in today’s market environment. In particular, industry leaders emphasised that there needs to be a change in mindset towards one that is more receptive to digital transformations in the industry.

    Taking place in Singapore until Thursday, 27 April, Sea Asia 2017 brings together leaders of the maritime and offshore industries to discuss, debate and analyse challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport, Khaw Boon Wan, said that with the advent of digitalisation in the industry, the Government is taking steps to help companies in Singapore develop capabilities to succeed in the future.

    For example, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA) enhanced Maritime Cluster Fund now provides more co-funding for companies that want to use technology to optimise their processes or transform their business models.

    Khaw also highlighted the importance of preparing the local workforce for transformations driven by digitalisation in the industry, adding that the jobs of tomorrow will be markedly different from today.

    “We have to ensure that our maritime manpower is equipped to handle transformation, and for some of them, to drive the transformation,” said Khaw.

    Experts on the panel of the Sea Asia Global Forum commented on the need to provide an enabling environment that allows for the maritime workforce to learn and be comfortable with the idea of digitalisation in the industry.

    “When it comes to digitalisation, the word to think about is not disruption, but transformation. There are many opportunities that come with the transformations that digitalisation brings to the industry and hence, we have to learn to change the way we’re thinking about it. The maritime industry needs to create an environment that allows for its people to experiment with new technologies and learn how to use them.

    “It’s all about changing people’s mindsets on digitalisation and making them confident that they can work with the changes,” said Piyush Gupta, CEO of DBS Group who was one of the panellists of the Sea Asia Global Forum.

    Despite this, industry leaders still recognise the ongoing need for a more human element in the industry.

    Oskar Levander, VP Innovation, Engineering & Technology – Marine, Rolls-Royce, said at ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Threat or Opportunity?’ session: “Digitalisation is changing everything in the industry, from the way ships are run to how business models are shaped. With digitalisation, I believe there will eventually be remote and autonomous shipping; but this is not to say that all ships will be unmanned and that no crew is needed.”

    With expanded technology also comes added risk — another factor companies need to consider when adopting a more digital approach.

    Speaking at the same session, Michael Montoya, chief cybersecurity advisor, Microsoft Asia, said: “Companies must embrace technology… but as you expand your digital footprint, you do open yourself to risks in the form of cybersecurity. However, there are ways to protect yourself from that risk, and there are smart ways that you can implement that will allow you to continue on that maturity journey to put much better services and systems in place.”

    The industry leaders also highlighted the importance of coming together to discuss and analyse new trends such as digitalisation at a regional platform such as Sea Asia.

    Seatrade chairman Chris Hayman said: “Since the first event in 2007, Sea Asia has trebled in size and we are expecting more than 16,000 participants from around 80 countries for this year’s edition.

    “This event gives us all the opportunity to hear from the leaders of the industry in this region, and their counterparts from around the world,” he said.

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  • Singapore to help SMEs compete in the global marketplace

    Singapore to help SMEs compete in the global marketplace

    Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat’s Budget 2017 has placed a strong emphasis on helping businesses stay competitive and grow in an increasingly global marketplace.

    Helping Singapore SMEs Go Digital

    Mr Heng has emphasized the importance of digital capability as the Singapore economy continues to mature. He says it is essential that SMEs in particular embrace the digital age and adopt new and innovative digital solutions. Digital technology has the power to transform all businesses, but many SMEs lack the capability to use digital technology.
    The new Go Digital Programme is a government ‘leg up’ for SMEs and an exciting new addition to a series of strategies to strengthen small and medium-sized businesses in Singapore. More than $80 million will be made available from the government to fund these initiatives.

    Industry Digital Plans

    Industry Digital Plans will be provided by the government to help businesses use technology at each stage of their growth. Sectors targeted by the Go Digital Programme include retail, wholesale trade, food services, logistics, security and cleaning. Mr Heng indicated that he felt these sectors were the ones where digital technology could make the biggest difference to productivity levels.
    Network of SME Centres.

    Start-ups and SMEs can seek basic ICT help in person from SME centres, where advisors can offer help with everyday technology solutions. If businesses need more specialist advice, specialist advice will be made available from new SME Technology Hubs, which are being set up by IMDA and will complement existing SME Centres. SMEs can also seek advice and funding support for pilot ICT solutions already in place.
    Corporations have also been included in the Go Digital Programme. There is support available for them to help them adopt impactful and interoperable digital solutions.

    Cybersecurity Measures

    Mr Heng recognises that SMEs need to strengthen their data and cybersecurity, so the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore will be working with professional bodies to help increase cybersecurity and ensure business networks function smoothly.
    The Singapore government is also keen to promote innovation in technology, and will be creating Regulatory Sandboxes where rules and regulation is suspended, so companies can experiment with FinTech platforms like City Index and self-driving vehicles.

    Technology Innovation

    A Tech Access Initiative is designed to help small companies build prototype products. The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) will work with companies, providing access to its advanced machine tools so small businesses can prototype and test. SMEs will also have access to the Headstart programme so they can co-develop intellectual property licences.
    Most analysts and the majority of SMEs have welcomed the digital initiatives, as they say it fills a gap in the ecosystem, but some experts believe the measures don’t go far enough. However, these changes are definitely a step in the right direction, and with a strong network of SME centres in place throughout Singapore, thousands of small and medium-sized businesses now have access to help as they work to digitise their businesses.

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  • Funan woos consumers with cutting edge showsuite ahead of 2019 opening

    Funan woos consumers with cutting edge showsuite ahead of 2019 opening

    The public can get a preview from this Sunday of what to expect when Funan mall opens its doors in the final quarter of 2019.

    Funan, an integrated development redeveloped from the former Funan DigitaLife Mall in the heart of Singapore’s Civic & Cultural District, has scored a retail sector-first with a one-of-a-kind experiential showsuite, landlord CapitaLand Mall Trust said at the launch of the suite yesterday.

    Located at the junction of High Street and Hill Street, the two-storey showsuite brings to life a new live-work-play paradigm with cutting-edge immersive virtual reality simulation technology.

    It incorporates design elements reflective of Funan’s centerpiece “Tree of Life”, a wood-and-steel structure extending from Basement 2 to Level 4 that will house a variety of open platforms and studios that promote new forms of retail, experimentation and social learning, CapitaLand Mall Trust said.

    The showsuite will open to the public daily from 11am to 9pm, from this Sunday, which coincides with this month’s edition of car-free Sunday SG in the Civic District.

    In conjunction with opening festivities, visitors can expect activities that include watercolouring and terrarium workshops, conversations with creative entrepreneurs, and an exclusive InstaMeet helmed by popular Instagrammer Yafiq Yusman, known for his unique perspective on architectural photography on the social media site.

    “Funan sets out to be an aspirational and experiential space that fosters collaboration among complementary partners, to spark inspiration and discovery for consumers.

    “And this commitment to break new ground has been carried through to the way Funan’s showsuite is designed — accessible, community-centric and experiential,” said Mr Wilson Tan, CEO of CapitaLand Mall Trust Management.

    With a project development expenditure of S$560 million, Funan will have a total gross floor area of 887,000 sq ft, including 500,000 sq ft for retail, 266,000 sq ft for offices and 121,000 sq ft for 279 apartment units.

    Funan has received commitments for about 25 per cent of its total retail net lettable area of 324,000 square feet, the landlord said.

    Local theatre company W!ld Rice’s 380-seat theatre spanning 18,000 sq ft will be Singapore’s first theatre venue within a commercial complex that is designed, managed and programmed by a theatre company.

    Some of the other key tenants at the new Funan include IT retailers Newstead Technologies and AddOn Systems, supermarket chain FairPrice Finest, cinema operator Golden Village, Kopitiam food court and rock climbing facility Climb Central.

    Well-known photography store TK Foto will have a dedicated test zone for drone filming.

    Funan, which will have one floor entirely dedicated to IT, aims to merge smart shopping technologies such as drive-through collection for products ordered online, a pick-up concierge and a basement storage facility for retailers.

    In a separate announcement yesterday, Challenger Technologies said it will open its flagship store at Bugis Junction Basement 1 this weekend. Challenger, the largest homegrown IT products and services provider in Singapore, had closed its 53,000 sq ft flagship megastore at Funan DigitaLife Mall in late 2015 after CapitaLand Mall Trust said it would redevelop the mall.

    The new 14,000 sq ft flagship brings the total number of Challenger stores in Singapore to 40. The flagship store offers a smart, interactive experience featuring 15 lifestyle concept zones backed by data analytics to guide shoppers in their purchases. The integrated retail space, with carefully curated merchandise, experiential areas and engaging displays, aims to draw shoppers in to explore and experience before making an informed purchase, Challenger said.

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  • Illva Saronno brands in the spotlight in Singapore

    Illva Saronno brands in the spotlight in Singapore

    Italy’s Illva Saronno returns to this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference with the aim of consolidating its brand presence and meeting new clients.

    The brand’s main focus will be on its trademark Disaronno, which is also available as a limited edition with the Disaronno wears Etro bottling.

    Each year, Disaronno forges a partnership with an Italian fashion designer to produce a bespoke bottle. This year’s upcoming collaboration remains under wraps for now, says the brand.

    Also on display will be new packaging for acclaimed coffee liqueur Tia Maria, which is backed by a cerebral marketing campaign fusing traditional marketing with neuroscience and psychology to test customers’ reactions to products and brands.

    Meanwhile, Italian aperitif Rabarbaro Zucca, which is made from an infusion of rhubarb rootstocks and a secret collection of rare herbs, will also be presented to buyers.b

    Zucca is prepared using the root of the true Chinese rhubarb, which grows in mountainous regions of the Gangsu province.

    DISARONNO RISERVA

    Furthermore, Disaronno Riserva – a blend of Disaronno Originale and blended Scotch whisky from the Highland and Speyside Islands – will be presented to buyers.

    The limited edition, which features an eye-catching bottle design, marries the fluid in oak barrels that contained Marsala wine reserves, with Illva Saronno believing the product is particularly well suited for buyers in Asia Pacific.

    Wines from Duca di Salaparuta and Florio will also be showcased, including Duca Enrico, made from Nero d’Avola grapes harvested in an area of south-western Sicily that benefits from a unique relationship between its micro-climate, vines and land.

    Domenico Toni, International Sales Director, Illva Saronno comments: “Asia Pacific is still a very new region for us, and we have been slowly introducing our brands over the past year.

    “We are planning on greatly building our business there, in both travel retail and domestic, over the next 5 years, so the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference is a vital resource for us to accomplish our goals.

    “We first exhibited at the show last year, and received plenty of interest from buyers. We have high hopes that this year will be even more successful for us.”

    Visitors to the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference can sample Disaronno’s famous Disaronno Sours cocktail at the TFWA Asia Pacific bar, situated on level 4 of the convention centre, from Monday to Wednesday at selected times.

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  • Prime retail rents in Singapore dip 0.4% in Q1

    Prime retail rents in Singapore dip 0.4% in Q1

    Marina Centre, City Hall, and Bugis precincts reported lower rents. The challenging retail scene was proven by the drop in island-wide prime retail rents, which slipped 0.4% in the first quarter of the year.

    According to the Singapore Retail Bulletin by Knight Frank, this was largely due to lower rents in the Marina Centre, City Hall and Bugis precincts.

    Rents of prime spaces in Marina Centre, City Hall and Bugis precincts fell by 3.7% YoY as landlords continue to offer attractive rental packages to draw retailers.

    On a yearly basis, prime rents at the Orchard Road reported precinct reported a 0.7% slump.

    Meanwhile, average rents of prime spaces in suburban malls fell by 2.1% compared to one year ago.

    “Whilst well-established and well-managed malls generally report strong footfall trends, some other suburban malls still grapple with weakening patronage and having to achieve the right retail trade mix in a bid to improve attractiveness for consumers,” Knight Frank noted.

  • Indonesia, Singapore partner to develop startups

    Indonesia, Singapore partner to develop startups

    Local co-working space EV Hive is collaborating with Singapore’s working space BASH to provide places for startups from both countries to develop and thrive. These spaces with assist startups with business development and funding.

    “Regional companies based in Singapore can use EV Hive as a launch pad to the Indonesia market. Indonesia companies can use BASH as a stepping stone to access the regional stage,” said Willson Cuaca, managing partner of Singapore-based venture capital firm East Ventures, during the launch of the collaborative project on Tuesday. East Ventures manages EV Hive.

    Startups at the later stage (series B and above) of development can leverage support from EDBI, the global investment arm of the Singapore Economic Development Board.

    East Ventures, BASH management or SGInnovate, a development body wholly owned by the Singapore government, will work on more programs to expand talent, markets and knowledge-sharing for the customers of both co-working spaces.

    EV Hive currently manages two co-working spaces in South Jakarta and one in the Breeze mall in Banten. It plans to reach seven offices by the end of the year.

    EV Hive has facilitated the development of 36 startups, six of which are Singaporean.

    BASH, meanwhile, manages an integrated startup space in Singapore.

  • Lazada loyalty program link to other ecommerces

    Lazada loyalty program link to other ecommerces

    A Lazada loyalty program for Singapore shoppers looks set to be expanded to other Asian markets.

    Alibaba-owned Lazada has teamed up with Netflix and Uber Technologies – the first time the companies have jointly created an online rewards program, according to Lazada CEO Maximilian Bittner.

    The program is aimed at consumers who primarily go online for shopping, entertainment, transportation and food delivery.

    Alibaba acquired a controlling stake in Singapore-based Lazada for US$1 billion last year. The “LiveUp” program links their online services, from Netflix and UberEats to grocer RedMart and Taobao marketplace.

    Consumers pay S$28 (US$20) a year for such benefits as six months of Netflix streaming, discounts on Uber rides and free delivery on Lazada or Taobao purchases. A mobile app will be rolled out in the second half of the year.

    “Singapore is the market on the cutting edge of validating what we think consumers might want, so we will focus on Singapore first,” says Bittner, who expects to add more partners.

    E-commerce in Singapore, which accounted for 0.9 per cent of total retail there in 2003, has grown from 2.4 per cent in 2013 to 4.8 per cent last year, according to Euromonitor data.

    Bittner and RedMart co-founder Vikram Rupani hatched the loyalty program over breakfast on Christmas Eve before approaching Netflix and Uber. “Their decision to do it was very fast because they have the same goal,” says Bittner.

    Uber, which entered Singapore four years ago, will offer members benefits including free rides and promotions. “This is just the beginning,” says Uber Singapore GM Warren Tseng.

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  • Maritime industries need to gear-up for digital transformation

    Maritime industries need to gear-up for digital transformation

    Singapore’s port and maritime industries need to gear up to deal with digitalization and disruption of global transport supply chains – that was the message of Khaw Boon Wan, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister of Transport at the official opening of Sea Asia 2017.

    The role of hub ports such as Singapore, the world’s largest container transhipment hub, are set to change as digitalization takes a hold.

    “The landscape is changing rapidly digitalization is disrupting and transforming the global transport supply chains,” Khaw said.

    “The lines between e-commerce, shipping and supply chains are blurring, for example Amazon is looking at having its own shipping and logistics operations. Freight forwarders will also have noticed Maersk and CMA CGM partnerships with Alibaba to allow shippers to book space on containerships online.”

    The downside to disruption is that there would be winners and losers, and Singapore would have to “gear up” to be on the right side of that dividing line.

    Painting a picture of the new landscape Khaw said: “Nearer to home we are seeing the rise of multi-modal logistics infrastructure and the growth of other hubs in Asia fuelled by e-commerce. These trends have also sparked talk about the emergence of new trade routes and even a multi-hub network in the longer term where no single hub will enjoy superior connectivity.”

    Exactly how these developments will pan out no-one knows but the Minister said Singapore had ensure it was ready for transformation.

    “Superior connectivity will be measured in multi-modal terms and maybe as much digital as physical,” he stated.

    While digital disruption has loomed large over many sectors such as taxis, hotels and retail, Singapore Maritime Foundation chairman Andreas Sohmen-Pao highlighted that goods and commodities will still require ocean shipping.

    “I know there has recently been plenty of talk about the challenges facing the maritime industry buts lets remember this industry is a cornerstone of the modern global economy even as we advance into an era of modern technology the vehicles that provide our Uber rides, the steel that holds up our Air B&B houses, and the goods that arrive in our Amazon boxes have typically spent some of their life on a ship,” Sohmen-Pao said in his opening speech.

  • IMDA warns StarHub over October outages

    IMDA warns StarHub over October outages

    Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has issued StarHub a warning over two brief home broadband outages from October last year, after finding that the disruptions were caused by a surge in legitimate DNS traffic.

    StarHub Online’s home broadband network was disrupted on October 22 and October 24, causing fiber customers in parts of the market to lose connectivity intermittently for around 130 minutes and 55 minutes respectively.

    The initial symptoms of the outage bore the hallmarks of a DDoS attack, and the timing coincided with the massive DDoS attacks on DNS provider Dyn in the US.

    But IMDA said an in-depth investigation involving reviewing logs of StarHub DNS servers and consumer devices identified as responsible for the disruptions did not uncover any evidence to suggest that the cause was a DDoS attack.

    Instead, a higher-than-usual build-up in StarHub DNS traffic just prior to the disruption appears to be to blame, as these mostly legitimate DNS requests eventually overloaded part of StarHub’s home broadband infrastructure.

    IMDA and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) identified areas of improvement in StarHub’s network infrastructure during the investigations, and said StarHub has taken steps to mitigate the risks of further outages, including boosting home broadband DNS server capacity and enhancing traffic monitoring.

    In an emailed statement, StarHub said it noted the findings that the outages did not fit typical DDoS patterns.

    “The authorities have acknowledged the fact that we have increased our DNS processing capacity and taken additional security measures to better avert similar incidents,” the statement reads.

    “We assure our customers and the regulator that we will continuously review our security posture and enhance network resilience in partnership with network and security providers.”

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  • M1 shareholders may seek sale to China Mobile

    M1 shareholders may seek sale to China Mobile

    Major shareholders in Singapore’s M1 have reportedly approached China Mobile with an offer to sell their majority stake in the operator.

    Malaysia’s Axiata Group, Singapore Press Holdings and Keppel T&T – which together hold a controlling 61% stake in M1 – are reviewing their investments in the operator in the wake of lackluster financial results and intensifying competition.

    The shareholders have now reached to China Mobile as well as other prospective bidders with a proposal to sell the stake, citing unnamed sources.

    Negotiations are still at an early stage and it is unclear whether China Mobile was receptive to the offer, the report notes.

    M1 is worth around S$1.9 billion ($1.36 billion), and has long been considered an acquisition target due to its smaller size and diverse shareholder base. Rumors were circulating last month that rival StarHub may be considering acquiring or merging with M1, but later reports disputed those rumors.

    The report adds that Singapore trading rules would require the purchaser of the stake to make an offer to buy out the rest of M1.

    The review comes ahead of the arrival to the market of new entrant TPG Telecom, the Australian fixed line operator that recently won the auction to become Singapore’s fourth mobile operator. TPG is also planning a mobile foray in its home market.

  • Singtel lines up $2.94b in credit facilities

    Singtel lines up $2.94b in credit facilities

    Singtel has lined up a total of S$4.1 billion ($2.94 billion) in credit facilities for debt refinancing and general corporate purposes.

    In Singapore, the operator’s subsidiary Singtel Group Treasury has entered into a three-year S$2.5 billion revolving credit facility with 12 banks.

    These include Australia’s ANZ, Bank of America Singapore, BNP Paribas, the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Citibank Singapore, DBS Bank, HSBC Singapore, Mizhou Bank, OCBC, Standard Chartered, Sumitomo Singapore and United Overseas Bank.

    Singtel’s Australian subsidiary Optus has meanwhile signed a three-year A$1.5 billion ($1.13 billion) credit facility with 15 banks, including local branches many of the above banks as well as Australia’s Westpac and Commonwealth Bank.

    Both credit facilities are guaranteed by the respective operators and certain subsidiaries, Singtel said.

    “The Singtel Group is very pleased with the level of support demonstrated by our bankers in Singapore and Australia, which reflects their confidence in the Singtel Group’s credit quality and business fundamentals.” Singtel group CFO Lim Cheng Cheng said.

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  • Investor education vital to attracting more high-growth tech companies to SGX

    Investor education vital to attracting more high-growth tech companies to SGX

    More can be done to make it more attractive for high-growth tech firms to list on the Singapore bourse, including educating retail investors about such companies, said Singapore Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SVCA) chairman Jeffrey Chi.

    He said the Singapore Exchange’s plans to become the first Asian bourse to allow dual class share listings is a step in the right direction but more can still be done.

    Dr Chi was speaking at the launch of the Southeast Asia Private Equity Report on Friday (Apr 21). The report, released annually by management consultancy Bain & Company and SVCA, tracks private equity and venture capital deal flow in the region

    It showed private equity investments in South-east Asia soared to US$6.8 billion (S$9.5 billion) last year. This was up from US$4.8 billion a year earlier and 14 per cent higher than the average deal value from 2011 to 2015.

    This robust growth is expected to continue this year, but experts flagged longer-term challenges in South-east Asia’s capital markets – such as companies’ reluctance to launch initial public offerings on regional bourses.

     An initial public offering is one way for venture capital or private equity investors to cash out, or exit, from their investments.

    “The institutional investor base understands investing in high-growth tech companies which might not be profitable yet,” said Mr Suvir Varma, who leads Bain’s private equity practice in Asia-Pacific.

    “But many South-east Asian (public) markets are heavily retail investor-oriented. The average retail investor might not understand the concept of strong revenue growth but continuous negative earnings.

    “Retail investors in the region are cash oriented, they want dividends and returns.”

    Dr Chi, who is also the managing director of venture capital firm Vickers Venture Partners, said: “Will our own unicorns necessarily decide to list in Singapore? It’s a big risk for a company to list on an exchange without a track record.

    “Also, is the investor base open to it? That’s a longer term issue which involves education.”

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  • Tumi announces travel retail exclusives to mark Singapore Airline’s 70th anniversary

    Tumi announces travel retail exclusives to mark Singapore Airline’s 70th anniversary

    Travel, business and lifestyle accessories brand Tumi is offering two travel exclusive ranges on Singapore Airlines flights.

    Passengers can purchase the Alpha 2 International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On case and a Just In Case Travel Duffel bag onboard the carrier, for home delivery. Tumi created the new designs especially for the airline’s 70th anniversary.

    The wheeled case comes with an Atlantic Blue embossed luggage tag as well as a matching blue zipper with a monogram patch. A unique insert card and story patch are also integrated to share the heritage of the limited edition item, according to the brand.

    “The Just In Case is truly versatile, whether it’s accompanying you on a shopping trip, a day out exploring your destination or wherever your journey may take you”

    Describing the duffel bag’s features, Tumi added: “This fashionable, practical and ultra-lightweight duffel bag features lightweight nylon with leather trim and a top zip closure while folding flat in an instant to be completely packable.

    “Often used with an adjustable removable Add-a-Bag sleeve, the Just In Case is truly versatile, whether it’s accompanying you on a shopping trip, a day out exploring your destination or wherever your journey may take you.”

    The bag’s features are displayed in the image to the right. Along with the wheeled case, the item has been available on Singapore Airlines flights since the end of March.

  • Month-long Orchard fiesta to woo shoppers

    Month-long Orchard fiesta to woo shoppers

    Visitors to Orchard Road can get a street-side taste of Keng Eng Kee Seafood’s coffee ribs or salted egg chicken burger and tempura kimchi popiah from Good Chance Popiah this weekend as part of a month-long event which was launched yesterday.

    Called Fiesta on a Great Street, it features pop-up events, shopping promotions and lucky draws.

    For example, shoppers who spend $300 or more can redeem shopping vouchers at any of seven participating malls.

    Kicking off the event is the Local Gourmet Fiesta outside Shaw House, which ends tomorrow.

    Six food and beverage establishments, including Baker’s Oven Patiseries, are taking part in the event and 20 per cent of sales proceeds will go to the Singapore Red Cross. Chefs will also hold master classes.

    Patient service officer Rina Cheo, 61, bought popiah at the fiesta during her lunch break yesterday. “Good, traditional food is sometimes difficult to find. It’s good that they brought it here,” she said.

    There will also be pop-ups at Takashimaya Shopping Centre and Hotel Jen Orchardgateway.

    Organised by the Orchard Road Business Association (Orba), the fiesta aims to draw more people to the shopping district.

    The association also previously organised pedestrian nights, where a 660m stretch of the shopping strip was closed to traffic on the first Saturday evening of each month.

    The pilot initiative had its last run in February last year.

    Orchard Road has been in the spotlight recently, following Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) S. Iswaran’s announcement on April 13 that the shopping belt could become fully pedestrianised as part of bold plans to transform the precinct into a distinctive shopping and lifestyle destination.

    Speaking at a tourism industry conference then, he said reclaiming the road would create “a multipurpose space where diverse and larger-scale experiential concepts can be introduced”. This comes amid a tepid retail scene, despite efforts like having car-free weekends and cash grants for malls to build underground linkways.

    Last year, retail sales excluding motor vehicles fell 2.6 per cent from the year before, according to figures from the Department of Statistics. In 2015, retail sales had slipped 1.2 per cent from the year before.

    Orba chairman Mark Shaw said events such as Fiesta on a Great Street fit in well with such rejuvenation plans for Orchard Road.

    “The semi-pedestrianisation would mean a lot more event space on Orchard Road so we could do this on a larger scale,” he said.

    “If it works out well, we’d love to expand it to other locations,” he added. “Hopefully this can make it onto our calendar.”

  • P&G to invest US$100mn in a new Singapore E-center

    P&G to invest US$100mn in a new Singapore E-center

    Procter & Gamble, in partnership with the Singapore Economic Development Board, established its first digital innovation center in Singapore alongside guest-of-honor, S Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry), announcing an investment of over US$100 million over the next five years to support this E-Center. The launch reaffirmed P&G’s commitment to Singapore and aim to strengthen Singapore’s standing as a leading digital and e-Commerce hub in the world.

    The E-Center – P&G’s first outside the United States of America – will be pivotal to its undertaking of end-to-end digital innovation across three core areas: Supply Chain Management, e-Analytics and e-Business. In the area of Supply Chain Management, termed “i-Supply”, the E-Center will focus on transforming P&G’s supply chain end-to-end, enabling greater accuracy, visibility and more efficient processes.

    The e-Business unit aims to translate digital strategies into scalable plans for the region, and to leverage new digital channels to innovate and improve business models. Through its focus on e-Analytics, the E-Center will also leverage predictive analytics and big data to optimize product distribution and marketing strategy.

    With the launch, P&G will be training 40 employees in the first year to take on digital-related roles in these three capability areas. Through the E-Center, P&G will also expand its partnerships with local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups to strengthen digital capabilities and co-develop new digital solutions. To bolster the inauguration of the E-Center, P&G also hosted the second edition of its leadership development program – P&G Leadership College – for SMEs in collaboration with SPRING Singapore.