Manila, Philippines – Filipino video sharing and e-commerce social platform Kumu partnered with digital publication platform Ookbee Thailand to launch the new chat-style novel application TypeKita that aims to empower young Filipino readers and storytellers. 

TypeKita introduces a chat-fiction format that elevates the digital novel experience and gives readers the feeling of reading from a private chat screenshot. 

The novel application is a localized version of the Thai original Joylada and is marketed as a newbie-friendly platform for Filipino readers and writers. It boasts an intuitive and user-friendly chat editor that makes creating stories easier for writers and an immersive reading experience that allows readers to be part of the conversation. The app also allows stories to be shared via social media, email, or messaging apps.

And while the app is mostly free, TypeKita also offers writers the opportunity to monetize their work and make it a side hustle. 

TypeKita was officially launched on August 16. The event was attended by Ysabel Yuzon, head of growth at Kumu; Dana de la Vega, vice president of strategic management at Kumu; and Erich Valdevioso, creator manager at TypeKita, to answer questions from attending members of the press about the ins and outs of the new app.

According to Yuzon, “[TypeKita] opens doors even for those who may not have considered writing before.” 

Prior to its launch, TypeKita has seen steady growth in terms of users, showing potential for genres such as romance (including sub-genres in BL and GL), coming-of-age, mystery, and fantasy. TypeKita showcases the best of Filipino storytelling, with the majority of its featured stories written by talented Filipino writers. 

Rexy Dorado, Kumu president and co-founder, said, “We have always been on the lookout for talent of all kinds, and TypeKita is the space we’re dedicating to the written word.”

“We believe creative people always find their way to each other, but this is where we can also help people find the creativity within themselves, bolstered by a safe community. Both Kumu and TypeKita share a similar moderator system to keep things appropriate and any hate out of the picture,” he added. 

Singapore – Singapore Airlines (SIA) has rolled out Kris+, an all-new app that brings payment, lifestyle, and rewards services together in one platform for its customers.

Building on the strengths and popularity of the existing KrisPay app, the app is not just a loyalty wallet but a platform that will provide dining, retail, and entertainment discounts. It will also be offering customers the option to earn miles from everyday spending or pay for purchases and experiences with these miles.

SIA shared that the investment into Kris+ is part of the company’s ongoing strategy to drive non-airline revenue streams in the coming years.

With an updated interface and user experience, Kris+ will allow Singapore Airlines to personalize offers for its global customer base via location-based or interest-based recommendations, offer discounts, miles-back, instant rewards, and exclusive birthday and pay per sale privileges, 

Currently, Kris+ has more than 150 partners with over 650 outlets in Singapore providing customized deals with privileges for customers. In addition, Singapore residents who travel abroad will be able to enjoy special offers and rewards in January 2021 when Kris+ brings on board overseas partners and merchants in selected destinations to the platform. 

Meanwhile, KrisPay has been integrated into Kris+, and will soon be enhanced with other in-app payment options to allow users to simultaneously earn more miles with each purchase. 

Acting Senior Vice President Marketing Planning JoAnn Tan said, “Our vision is to create a comprehensive and updated lifestyle and payments ecosystem with Kris+. This will offer even more and better options and benefits for our global customer base, and bring additional value to our partners around the world.”

To celebrate the much-anticipated launch of Kris+, SIA will be offering a slew of promotions for users including 30% instant miles-back on purchases redeemed with miles until 26 October 2020. Other deals over October and November include bonus miles earn campaigns and more mile-back campaigns in addition to S$1 and S$2 deals from selected partners, one-for-one dining deals, and discounts at selected retail partners in Singapore.