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Lifestyle

Lifestyle, News

Mastercard Travel Trends 2025: APAC Dominates Top Travel Destinations

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KUALA LUMPUR: Asia-Pacific is home to eight of the world’s top 15 trending summer travel destinations, according to Travel trends 2025, the annual Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) report on consumer spending in the travel economy. While exchange rates and geopolitical dynamics can influence behavior, the report highlights that passions and purpose-driven motivations remain strong drivers shaping the travel industry. Drawing on a unique analysis of aggregated and anonymized transaction data and third-party data sources, the report uncovers what is shaping travel choices today.    Amid this regional momentum, Malaysia is stepping up its efforts to strengthen its tourism sector. Through the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, the country aims to welcome 35.6 million international visitors1 and to achieve RM147.1 billion in foreign tourism receipts in 2026, underscoring the sector’s vital role in Malaysia’s broader growth agenda.   Japan leads the pack—with Vietnam’s Nha Trang rising fast:  Tokyo and Osaka are the world’s #1 and #2 top trending destinations for summer travel (June-September 2025), with the two largest increases in tourism demand relative to previous levels2.   In 2024, Japan’s capital city climbed from the number two spot that it held in 2023 to lead global travel demand heading into the peak summer season, reflecting its continued appeal. Meanwhile, Nha Trang in Vietnam made a surprise entry into the list, climbing in popularity thanks to its beautiful beaches, enviable coastline and vibrant nightlife.    China and India—still Asia’s travel titans: The Chinese Mainland retained its position as the world’s largest outbound travel market in 2024. Chinese travelers are increasingly prioritizing value and visa-friendly destinations including Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. Interest in Central Asian destinations such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan is also increasing.  India again posted the country’s highest number of outbound travelers on record in 2024. Indian tourists are exploring a broad mix of destinations—the top three being Abu Dhabi, Hanoi, and Bali—with growth supported by expanded direct flight connections and a rapidly growing middle class that is eager to travel. Together, the two markets continue to play an outsized role in shaping global travel flows.   Experiences over itineraries: Across Asia-Pacific, travelers are prioritizing dining, nature, and wellness as key motivators for travel, seeking meaningful moments over traditional sightseeing. Adventure tourism is surging, with Malaysia, alongside Japan and New Zealand, featuring as popular destinations for hiking and eco-travel in Asia Pacific. Additionally, destinations like Gianyar in Bali, Indonesia, known for its iconic Babi Guling spit-roasted pork, and Queenstown in New Zealand—where restaurants welcomed tourists from 44 countries in 2024—are standing out as globalized culinary hotspots. According to MEI’s Wellness Trend Index3 (WTI), Thailand is among the destinations leading the way in relaxation experiences and self-care, where visitors can reconnect with nature in immersive eco lodges or find calm in meditation retreats. At the same time, the rising WTI score for New Zealand suggests a growing effort to be part of this popular movement. Overall, the trend toward purpose-driven travel reflects people’s broader desire for experiences that nourish both body and spirit.  Sports fandom fuels travel: The rise of sports tourism continues, with major events like the Australian Open tennis tournament and Baseball World Series in Los Angeles drawing significant international spend. Shohei Ohtani’s World Series debut saw spending by Japanese visitors surge by 91%, six times the broader cross-border boost, highlighting how sporting events are proving to be powerful travel catalysts for fans.   David Mann, Chief Economist, Asia Pacific, Mastercard, said: “The Asia-Pacific region continues to set the pace for global travel, with buzzing destinations like Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Singapore capturing the imagination of travelers around the world. Even as economic uncertainty persists, travel remains a bright spot—driven by people seeking meaningful, value-driven experiences. From exchange rates to regional accessibility, travelers are making smarter, more intentional choices about where they go and why, with a clear shift toward more personal, purposeful journeys.”  Travelers from Asia-Pacific tend to be more sensitive to exchange rate shifts. A weaker yen throughout much of 2024 played a significant role in boosting Japan’s inbound tourism, making the country a compelling destination for visitors in search of value. Notably, a 1% depreciation of the JPY against the RMB is associated with a 1.5% increase in tourists from the Chinese Mainland. However, visitors from New Zealand and the U.S. rose only around 0.2% in response to the same degree of depreciation relative to their currencies. In 2024, the number of Singaporean visitors to Japan hit record highs — thanks to a 40% rise in the Singapore Dollar (SGD) vs. Japanese Yen (JPY), even as airfare and hotels got pricier.  Turning to the U.S., MEI’s analysis shows that tourists from India, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan are particularly sensitive to exchange rate fluctuations, after accounting for other factors. Specifically, a 1% depreciation of the United States Dollar (USD) against their local currencies corresponds to an approximate 0.6–0.8% increase in the number of tourists traveling to the U.S. These findings, consistent with our earlier analysis of tourism to Japan, suggest that these travelers are more responsive to exchange rate movements when selecting outbound destinations.  The shifting sands of business travel: Corporates today are limiting global travel in favor of regional trips. And while people are taking fewer business trips overall, the average duration is longer, suggesting efforts to stretch travel budgets. For example, U.S.-based travelers’ trips to Asia-Pacific increased from 8.8 days4 to 10.2 days5.    Travel fraud demands a safer, smarter travel ecosystem. According to MEI, fraud in popular tourist destinations spikes up to 28% during peak seasons. Common scams include inflated charges in restaurants and taxis, fake tour companies, and fraudulent property listings. To combat these, Mastercard employs advanced fraud prevention technologies, including digital wallets and AI-driven systems, to protect travelers. This ensures that travelers can focus on their journeys without worrying about security threats.  “This report is designed to offer a clearer view of how consumer behaviors are evolving—and what that means for tourism growth,” added Mann. “By turning data into actionable insights, the Mastercard Economics Institute aims

Lifestyle

Malaysia Midnight Sale Carnival Sets Record, Boosts Melaka Economy

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MELAKA: The Malaysia Midnight Sale Carnival made a spectacular return over the long weekend, drawing record-breaking crowds to Mahkota Parade, Melaka, and significantly boosting both tourism and the local economy. The event, held in conjunction with Melaka Bila Larut Malam – May edition 2025, delivered a high-energy mix of shopping, entertainment, and cultural showcases that left a lasting impact on both locals and visitors, as well as on the state’s tourism and retail sectors. An influx of shoppers led to high hotel occupancy rates and brought significant benefits to local businesses – including vendors, performers, artisans, food & beverage outlets, ride-hailing drivers, and more. The carnival received an overwhelming response from domestic tourists as well as visitors from Singapore and Indonesia, many who took the opportunity to shop during their vacation. This successful event not only generates new income streams for the local business community but also further solidifies Melaka’s reputation as a premier shopping and tourism destination. Running from 10:00 AM to 12:00 midnight, the carnival offered an unforgettable shopping experience. A key highlight was the Special Sale Moment from 10:00 PM to 12:00 midnight on May 3rd, where shoppers with a minimum spend of RM250 stood a chance to win prizes worth over RM20,000. Adding to the excitement, the carnival featured a vibrant lineup of activities, including special appearance by Datuk Awie and Yasser Atak, raffles and giveaways, a balloon drop bonanza, “Lucky Pick” and “Spin & Win”, a mall treasure hunt, colouring and drawing contests, Labour Day outfit competition, traditional Melaka performances, flash mob, magic shows, balloon sculpting, face painting, sand art, giant Congkak and Connect 4 games, henna art, caricature, and a batik-making station. This event was proudly supported by Tourism Malaysia, Tourism Melaka, Mahkota Parade, Parkson, Grand Swiss-Belhotel Melaka, and Ojas Electronic. The organiser, Jalakx Sdn Bhd extends its heartfelt appreciation to all partners, sponsors, and supporters for making the event a resounding success. The Malaysia Midnight Sale Carnival is set to return next year, promising an even bigger and better shopping experience.

Lifestyle

Scoot Adds Flight Capacity to Support Travel Demand

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SINGAPORE: Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), today announced increased flight frequencies and passenger capacity to support the strong demand for air travel in the upcoming months. From 6 June 2025, flights to Iloilo City will increase from two to four times weekly, while flights to Cebu will increase from seven to ten times weekly from 24 June 2025. From 30 August 2025, services to Davao will increase to 12 times weekly, up from nine weekly services. From 4 August 2025, frequencies to Perth will increase to 14 times weekly, up from 12 times weekly. Frequencies to Sydney will increase to 14 times weekly from 5 October 2025, up from 10 times weekly. Scoot will also be increasing its services to Koh Samui from 21 times to 25 times weekly from 24 June 2025. Additionally, services to Taipei and Seoul (via Taipei) will increase from five times weekly to daily services from 2 August 2025. Since 30 March 2025, Scoot has ramped up services to various cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta with 25 times weekly flights, up from 19 weekly flights. The airline has also increased passenger capacity to Bali, now operating its widebody Boeing 787 Dreamliners on all 21 weekly services. Similarly, passenger capacity to Yogyakarta has increased as Scoot now operates the Airbus A321 aircraft on all seven weekly flights to the city. Since 30 March 2025 as well, passenger capacity to Taipei and Tokyo (via Taipei) has increased with Scoot’s widebody Boeing 787 Dreamliners operating all 12 weekly services. Since 15 April 2025, frequencies to Phu Quoc have increased from five to six times weekly. Flight schedules are subject to government and regulatory approvals or changes. Scoot remains committed to enhancing its network and connectivity. The airline will continue to remain nimble, regularly review its routes and align its capacity with the demand for air travel and evolving travellers’ needs.

Lifestyle

Richiamo Coffee Partners with Good Virtues Co to Launch Habbatus Sauda Beverage Line

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KUALA LUMPUR: Homegrown café chain Richiamo Coffee has teamed up with wellness brand Good Virtues Co to roll out a new line of habbatus sauda (black cumin) beverages, targeting nationwide sales of over 30,000 cups. The collaboration, announced today, is expected to drive a 30% sales boost for Citychemo Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, the parent company of Good Virtues Co. “This partnership allows us to deliver a different level of wellness experience, especially aimed at Muslim women looking for functional, health-forward coffee options,” said Citychemo senior brand manager Nur Wahidah Mohd Ra. The product line is designed to appeal to a growing consumer segment interested in traditional wellness ingredients, according to Richiamo Coffee chief operating officer Nurul Nabilah Muhamad Zamry. “There’s a strong demand for habbatus sauda-based beverages, particularly among women who start their day with it. We’re tapping into that audience,” she said. As part of the launch campaign, customers purchasing two or more habbatus sauda drinks will receive a complimentary Good Virtues Co travel pack. The new beverages are now available at all Richiamo Coffee outlets nationwide.

Lifestyle, News

Pullman Unveils ‘Drafts’ and ‘Voices’ Platforms to Drive Cultural Innovation

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SINGAPORE: Pullman Hotels & Resorts, a flagship brand under Accor’s premium portfolio, has launched two new global initiatives — Pullman Drafts and Pullman Voices — aimed at fostering cultural dialogue, sparking progressive ideas, and reshaping the way people connect, think, and experience hospitality. The new platforms mark a significant evolution in Pullman’s 160-year legacy of innovation and purposeful progress, reinforcing its vision to serve not only as a provider of premium hospitality, but also as a conduit for intellectual and cultural exchange. Pullman Drafts, developed in collaboration with the House of Beautiful Business, presents a curated selection of narratives authored by global thought-leaders and creatives. Each piece is designed to provoke fresh thinking, invite inquiry, and challenge conventional perspectives. Topics span identity, productivity, creativity, and cultural transformation — all grounded in the belief that inspiration thrives at the intersection of contrast and connection. Contributors to Pullman Drafts include a diverse collective of thinkers and creators such as Taiye Selasi, Akbar Hamid, Sagarika Sundaram, Hannah Critchlow, Matt Klein, and Tim Leberecht. The first essay, “In Search of Inspiration,” written by Leberecht and featuring insights from thought-leader Michael Bungay Stanier, explores how inspiration arises from creative collisions and integrated living. Complementing this literary offering is Pullman Voices, a 12-episode podcast series co-created with Monocle. It offers immersive conversations with global visionaries from varied fields — from business and architecture to psychology and art. The series features notable figures including Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, philosopher Djamila Ribeiro, psychologist Daniel Goleman, and creative director Pallavi Dean, among others. “Pullman Drafts and Pullman Voices are not simply brand initiatives — they are an invitation to participate in the cultural evolution of our time,” said Benoît Racle, Global President of Premium Brands at Accor. “Pullman has always stood for more than accommodation. We aim to connect minds, inspire movement, and act as a platform for visionaries shaping tomorrow’s world.” This initiative builds on Pullman’s historic ethos of transformation. From its inception by George Pullman — whose innovative hospitality concepts redefined travel — the brand has evolved into a modern space where contrasts converge and culture is co-created. Pullman’s partnership with the House of Beautiful Business and Monocle reflects its ongoing commitment to meaningful collaboration, as well as its ambition to blend premium hospitality with social and intellectual capital. The launch follows a global repositioning of Pullman as a lifestyle and ideas-led brand, aligning with Accor’s broader strategy of driving brand differentiation through thought leadership and innovation. The first Pullman Drafts essays are now available at pullman-happenings.com, while the Pullman Voices podcast is live on Monocle Radio, with new episodes released regularly.

Lifestyle

International entertainment and live performance venue makes Malaysian debut at 3 Damansara

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Petaling Jaya : Visitors to 3 Damansara can soon look forward to a fresh and immersive experience with the opening of Idea Live Arena, a brand-new international entertainment and live performances event hall. Occupying a net lettable area (NLA) of approximately 61,000 square feet (sq ft) on level two, the international event hall operator will be making its Malaysian debut at 3 Damansara, offering premium quality multi-purpose spaces and facilities catering to a wide range of corporate, commercial and entertainment events. With a seating capacity of up to 5,000 and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, Idea Live Arena is Malaysia’s largest indoor arena within a shopping mall, promising to deliver unique and dynamic experiences for all attendees. To establish itself as the preferred community hub in Klang Valley, 3 Damansara will also embark on the next phase of its rejuvenation plans in the second half of 2025. The latest asset enhancement initiative (AEI) will focus on reconfiguring over 21,000 sq ft of NLA on the ground floor of the mall. Notably, the alfresco dining area will be expanded and enhanced to welcome exciting new food and beverage (F&B) brands to the diverse blend of dining options available at 3 Damansara. Selina Ng, Managing Director, Retail, Commercial Management, CapitaLand Investment (Malaysia), said: “As part of the rejuvenation plans for 3 Damansara, we are excited to introduce a brand-new international entertainment and live performances event hall, further elevating the lifestyle and retail experience for our shoppers. Visitors can expect an exciting calendar of engaging and crowd-pulling events at Idea Live Arena.” “The rejuvenation plans at 3 Damansara are part of a thoughtfully phased strategy, underscoring our commitment to evolving alongside the dynamic lifestyle needs of our shoppers. While the full transformation will unfold over time, visitors will soon experience the introduction of carefully curated brands, aligned across four key pillars. These enhancements are designed to create a vibrant, one-stop mall experience that caters to the surrounding residential and office communities, while nurturing a strong sense of connection and engagement. Building on the successful revitalisation of the lower ground floor in 2024, the upcoming AEI on the ground floor will focus on elevating the alfresco dining experience and expanding our F&B offerings. Together with the progressive rollout of new tenants, these changes will steadily reinforce 3 Damansara’s position as a must-visit lifestyle and community hub,” added Ng. Since the start of rejuvenation plans in 2023, 3 Damansara has successfully introduced over 30 new brands across four key pillars – daily essentials and services; F&B; beauty and wellness; and urban lifestyle. These additions have revitalised the tenant mix, enhancing the mall’s offerings to better serve the needs of the densely populated residential and office communities in the surrounding area. One-stop mall for all your essential needs Targeted at young urban families and working professionals living and working in the surrounding neighbourhoods in Petaling Jaya, 3 Damansara is a popular community mall that serves as a one-stop destination for all their essential needs. More than just a neighbourhood stop, 3 Damansara offers a dynamic blend of contemporary retail, dining, entertainment and lifestyle brands, all conveniently located under one roof. As part of its rejuvenation plans, 3 Damansara welcomed NSK Grocer, the largest fresh grocer in Petaling Jaya, to its tenant mix in January 2023, enhancing the community’s shopping experience with a premium yet affordable grocery option that caters to the varied tastes and preferences of its shoppers. Since then, NSK Grocer has expanded its offerings with Winetopia, featuring an extensive collection of fine wines and spirits, as well as Kafe Ruuma which serves popular local fares in a casual dining atmosphere. Since its official opening in February 2025, active lifestyle brand Batuu Climbing is fast becoming a go-to destination for climbing enthusiasts, offering a wide range of challenges to keep climbers engaged and inspired. Designed to cater to all skill level, Batuu Climbing features a climbing gym with bouldering and rope climbing facilities. It also houses Batuu Kids, the gym’s dedicated space for young climbers, as well as an in-house Pinch café, creating a vibrant, community-focused environment for visitors of all ages. Ultimate food haven with diverse dining options Foodies rejoice! 3 Damansara offers an impressive selection of dining and entertainment options, ensuring there is something for everyone – whether you are with family or colleagues. Following the revamp of the lower ground floor and optimising about 14,000 sq ft of retail space, the mall now boasts close to 40 tantalising international and local F&B offerings. Along with the latest addition of homegrown casual dining chain Brew House, which has received positive response from shoppers, 3 Damansara is also home to Kingdom Palace Restaurant, Oiso Korean Traditional Cuisine & Cafe, Sushi Han and Rise & Sip. For the latest shopping and dining news and promotions, visit https://3damansara.com.my/.

Lifestyle

Penang Turf Club to Cease Operations After Final Race in May

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GEORGETOWN: Penang Turf Club, Malaysia’s oldest horse racing institution, will officially close after hosting its final race meeting on 31 May 2025, marking the end of a 161-year legacy. The closure aims to reduce ongoing financial losses and follows a regional trend of waning interest in horse racing. Established in 1864, the Penang Turf Club occupies over 81 hectares of prime land in Batu Gantung. Currently, the club maintains just two trainers and eight horses, according to local media outlet The Star. At a second special general meeting held on 20 April, 318 out of 320 ordinary members voted in favour of dissolving the club, with two votes reportedly spoiled. A previous resolution to dissolve the club was first passed on 10 June 2024. General manager and secretary Leow Khin Ming confirmed that the dissolution process is expected to take between one and two years. “The club shall be notifying all relevant parties and authorities that it intends to cease racing activities on a date to be decided by the club committee,” Leow said, as quoted by the New Straits Times. The club’s closure mirrors similar developments across Asia. Singapore’s Turf Club, established in 1842, held its final race in October 2024, while the Macau Jockey Club ceased operations in April last year. With Penang Turf Club’s exit, Malaysia will be left with only two turf clubs: the Perak Turf Club (established in 1886) and the Selangor Turf Club (founded in 1896). In preparation for closure, Penang Turf Club has begun terminating contracts with suppliers and service providers. The club’s 150 employees will be offered a voluntary separation scheme or phased retrenchment packages.

Lifestyle

Travelodge Launches Kyoto Shijo Omiya Hotel with Newly Renovated Design and Buy 1 Get 1 Promo

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KYOTO, JAPAN: Travelodge Hotels Asia is excited to welcome thousands of guests to the newly refreshed and renovated Travelodge Kyoto Shijo Omiya, nestled in the lively Shijo Omiya district. Travelodge Kyoto Shijo Omiya now features upgraded interiors, thoughtfully redesigned rooms, and exclusive Buy 1 Get 1 Free grand opening promotion designed for smart travelers looking to experience the best of Kyoto. Ideally located just a 5-minute walk from Shijo Omiya Station, the hotel offers convenient access to Kyoto’s iconic landmarks, including Nijo Castle, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and the Gion district. Surrounded by vibrant dining, shopping, and cultural attractions, it’s the perfect base for both first-time and returning visitors. “At Travelodge Hotels Asia, we believe that great stays should be simple, smart, and stress-free,” said Pinky Lam, Chief Operating Officer of Travelodge Hotels Asia. “The refreshed Kyoto Shijo Omiya combines Comfort, Convenience, and Connectivity at unbeatable value – right in the heart of Kyoto for local and international guests.” As part of the grand reopening event, the hotel is currently launching a limited-time Flash Sale – Buy 1 Get 1 Free until 27 May 2025, valid for stay dates until 31 December 2025. Guests who book a minimum stay of 2 nights can also enjoy exclusive bonuses from complimentary Yukata Experiences to a big chance of winning real 24K Gold Bar! The hotel now features 106 newly renovated rooms in six types, all designed for comfort and convenience of solo, business, friends and family travelers: Standard Queen – 36 rooms, 14㎡ Superior Queen – 10 rooms, 19㎡ Standard Twin – 40 rooms, 18㎡ Friends & Family Triple – 10 rooms, 18㎡ Friends & Family Quadruple – 8 rooms, 21㎡ Accessible Room – 2 rooms, 17㎡ Book directly at www.travelodgehotels.asia to enjoy exclusive benefits available only on our official website: Best Price and Promotion Guarantee:Travelodge Hotels Asia ensures members save more and pay less for an elevated stay experience in our hotels. Up to 5% Cashback for Travelodge Cashback Members: Join Travelodge Cashback for free at https://www.travelodgehotels.asia/travelodge-cashback/! Earn up to 5% cashback on every booking, which you can use for future stays at any Travelodge Hotels Asia property. Members also get perks like early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability. Pay at Hotel Payment Flexibility: No fuss, no rush-your booking is secured, and you can pay at the hotel during check-in. Our team is here to ensure a smooth, hassle-free stay. Flexibility to Modify Your Reservation: Easily modify your booking anytime using the “My Reservation” feature on our website, based on the room policy. 24/7 Reliable Customer Support: Travelodge Hotels Asia is one-click away for assistance and help. You can email us at [email protected]. “So, what are we waiting for? We can’t wait to welcome travelers from around the world to our newest Travelodge hotel in Kyoto Shijo Omiya,” closed Pinky Lam, COO of Travelodge Hotels Asia. Hashtag: #TravelodgeHotelsAsia #TravelodgeKyotoShijoOmiya #TravelodgeJapan https://www.travelodgehotels.asia/travelodge-kyoto-shijo-omiya/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/travelodge-asia https://www.facebook.com/TravelodgeHotelsAsia/ https://www.instagram.com/travelodgeasia The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Travelodge Hotels (Asia) Travelodge Hotels (Asia) Pte. Ltd. is one of the leading and fastest growing hotel management and franchise companies in Asia, based in Singapore. Travelodge Hotels Asia is behind the rapid expansion of Travelodge-branded hotels across Asia in Japan, China and Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. Currently operating 19 hotels, the company aims to expand to over 50 properties by 2030 through acquisitions, leases, management agreements, master franchises, franchises, and joint ventures. Travelodge Hotels Asia is focused on offering value-for-experience stays in strategic locations at mid-scale and select-service hotels. Backed by over 80 years of global brand heritage, Travelodge in Asia delivers Travelodge Signature Experience of Comfort, Convenience, and Connectivity — ensuring every traveler an essentially covered stay, wherever and whenever they stay with us. We are #EssentiallyBetter at empowering travel and discovery to be accessible for everyone. Contact [email protected] for more inquiries.

ESG, Lifestyle

ZALORA Highlights Climate, Circular Fashion Gains for Earth Day

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SINGAPORE:  ZALORA, Asia’s leading fashion and lifestyle e-commerce platform under Global Fashion Group (GFG), has reaffirmed its sustainability commitment by sharing key achievements in climate action and circular fashion, in conjunction with Earth Day. In its latest People and Planet Positive Report, ZALORA outlined significant strides in lowering its environmental impact across Southeast Asia. In 2024, the company enhanced its logistics strategy by partnering with third-party last-mile providers that use hybrid vehicles, electric bikes, bicycles, and walking deliveries — supporting GFG’s 2030 target to work with providers that operate at least 50% low or zero-emission fleets. In Malaysia, ZALORA collaborated with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), UNIDO, and partners Blueshark and RydeEv to pilot electric motorcycle deliveries. The company also made notable progress in packaging sustainability by using 100% RCS-certified recycled polyethylene flyers, responsibly sourced paper fillers, and recycled-content boxes. ZALORA has begun trials with paper packaging and implemented automation to reduce excess material in its fulfilment processes. These efforts led to ZALORA’s inclusion in the Singapore Alliance for Action (AfA) on Packaging Waste Reduction, co-led by the Singapore Manufacturing Federation and SingPost. In waste management, ZALORA diverted over 34,630 kg of garments from landfills through partnerships with organisations such as The Salvation Army, Life Line Clothing, and Tukar Tambah Celana. The initiative supports second-life use or upcycling of textiles, contributing to a growing circular economy. ZALORA employees across the region also recorded nearly 1,300 volunteering hours in 2024, engaging in causes from forest replanting and food waste rescue to animal welfare and community kitchens. “Sustainability isn’t just a commitment for us at ZALORA, it’s a shared journey with our customers, partners, and communities,” said Christopher Daguimol, Corporate Communications Director at ZALORA Group. “From driving climate action to promoting circular fashion, we’re proving that small steps lead to meaningful change.” ZALORA plans to expand its sustainable practices further throughout 2025, strengthening community collaborations and scaling impact-led innovations across its operations.

Lifestyle

American Express and Singapore Airlines Enhance Business Card with New Exclusive Benefits for SMEs

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SINGAPORE: American Express and Singapore Airlines today announced the introduction of new benefits to the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card, designed to provide greater travel rewards and enhanced redemption options for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The enhancements include a higher limit on converting HighFlyer points to KrisFlyer miles and the ability to redeem points for KrisFlyer Elite Gold status at a discounted rate. Left to Right: Mr. Marlin Brown, Singapore Country Manager, American Express and Mr. Ng Yung Han, Vice President Global and Corporate Sales, Singapore Airlines Updated Benefits for the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card Starting 23 April 20251, new and refreshed benefits include: Increased limit for HighFlyer point-to-KrisFlyer mile conversion to 150,000 miles – previously capped at 100,000 miles. HighFlyer points convert to KrisFlyer miles at a 1:1 rate. Attaining KrisFlyer Elite Gold status with the redemption of 100,000 HighFlyer points, compared with the standard requirement of 125,000 points2. Welcome bonus of 10,000 HighFlyer points when businesses new to the HighFlyer programme complete their first flight, booked via the Singapore Airlines HighFlyer booking portal. Access to accelerated KrisFlyer Elite Gold status upgrade for one corporate traveller3 with a minimum spending of S$15,000 on eligible Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights in the first year of Card Membership. Bonus of 6,000 HighFlyer points, when Card Members pay their annual renewal membership fee. Earn rate of up to 8 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent on Singapore Airlines or Scoot flights. This includes 2 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent on eligible Singapore Airlines Group transactions4, 1 bonus HighFlyer point per S$1 spent on qualifying Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights on the Card, and a base rate of 5 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent awarded by Singapore Airlines for HighFlyer members who purchase an eligible flight ticket. Card Members also enjoy 1.2 HighFlyer points per S$1 on all other eligible spending on the Card. Card Members will continue to enjoy existing benefits such as: 0% interest on instalments over six months on Singapore Airlines flights. Accor Plus membership, including a complimentary night stay every year, up to 50% off dining across AccorHotels properties in Asia Pacific, with annual fee payment. Hertz Gold status with 10% off best available retail rates, one car class upgrade for rentals, and more. With these benefits, the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card will have an annual fee of S$400 including 9% GST, starting 23 April 2025. Mr. Marlin Brown, Singapore Country Manager, American Express, said, “Building on our 25-year partnership with Singapore Airlines, we are excited to refresh the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card, which is designed to help business owners go further – delivering greater rewards, travel benefits and financial flexibility to support their growth.” Mr. Ng Yung Han, Vice President Global and Corporate Sales, Singapore Airlines, said: “Singapore Airlines’ long-standing collaboration with American Express has allowed us to deliver even more benefits and rewards to our customers. The Singapore Airlines HighFlyer business travel programme, coupled with these enhancements to the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card, offers a comprehensive suite of rewards to small and medium enterprises. These are tailored to give them even greater flexibility and value as they travel with Singapore Airlines.” Please visit go.amex/siabusinessterms for more details on the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card.    

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