Tag: Singapore

Singapore – Accenture has agreed to buy Jixie, a media and marketing technology company. Accenture’s integration of Jixie’s intelligent digital marketing platform and team intends to improve the firm’s marketing transformation capabilities and resources.

This strategic move aims to help Indonesian clients provide more individualised experiences. It is facilitated by Accenture Song, the company’s tech-powered creative group. Increasing client involvement is the aim in order to achieve long-term business growth.

Jixie, based in Singapore, offers a wide range of monetization and marketing growth tools, with a focus on Indonesian clients. The company’s platform serves as an advertising ecosystem that makes it accessible to publishers and brand owners to work together to co-create solutions that are grounded in consumer data. This transformation makes marketing a strategic focus instead of a dispersed, uncontrollable process, improving accessibility and safeguarding consumer privacy, brand safety, and data.

Publishers may maximise advertising revenues by using Jixie’s platform to access monetization capabilities such as performance marketing and header-bidding solutions. On the other hand, brand owners can improve and safely include content without the need for middlemen, utilising insightful data to create unique and significant brand interactions.

Speaking about the acquisition, Jayant Bhargava, country managing director, Indonesia, at Accenture, said, “The convergence of marketing, data science and technology creates opportunities for businesses to redefine their customer engagement model. Jixie’s intelligent digital marketing solutions complement our technology expertise, providing a winning proposition for businesses to bring a higher level of personalization and effectiveness to their marketing efforts. 

“This acquisition will allow us to better serve our clients in navigating complex marketing challenges in this era of interconnected digital world, which is crucial in driving long-term growth,” Bhargava added. 

Meanwhile, Vincent Martin, co-founder and managing director, Jixie, said, “Jixie has seen proven success in its marketing performance capabilities that boost publishers’ revenue and the formation of an ecosystem that has attracted advertisers to run successful campaigns. The next step for us is scale. We’re thrilled to be joining Accenture and contribute to shaping a more sustainable media industry, helping companies leverage their data in a trusted and advantageous manner in service of their customers.”

Joseph Tan, Indonesia lead for Accenture Song, stated, “The value of data in today’s rapidly changing digital economy is immense, and the digital media ecosystem has seen much disruption, including the impending loss of third-party cookies. Jixie is an impactful platform that amplifies publishers’ perspectives and simplifies the digital marketing experience. This investment extends Accenture Song’s data-led commerce and marketing transformation work in Indonesia, empowering clients with highly relevant and results-driven solutions for sustainable business growth.” 

Singapore – With a 30.2% WOM exposure score, the nature-themed retail complex Changi Airport Jewel is Singapore’s most talked-about retail and leisure space over the month of November, data from YouGov BrandIndex revealed.

Changi Airport Jewel’s WOM exposure score indicates the percentage of consumers who have talked about it to family and friends over the past two weeks. With a score of 30.2%, it comes out ahead of other top sites.

Other well-known shopping malls and leisure attractions that made it to the list based on WOM scores are Gardens by the Bay (19.3%), Universal Studios Singapore (15.5%), VivoCity (12.9%), Bugis Junction (11.2%), Plaza Singapura (11.2%), Suntec City (10.7%), ION Orchard (10%), Marina Bay Sands (9.5%), and Somerset 313 (8.2%).

Changi Airport Jewel also snags the top spot on the list of leisure places of interest that consumers have heard the most good things about in the past two weeks, generating a net Buzz score of 34.2 over the month of November. This is followed by Gardens by the Bay (22.8), Universal Studios Singapore (14.3), VivoCity (12.7), Suntec City (10.8), ION Orchard (10.7), Plaza Singapura (10.6), Marina Bay Sands (10.6), Bugis Junction (9.6), and Somerset 313 (7.9).

Additionally, when asked about public places that they are considering visiting next, 38.2% of consumers also named Changi Airport Jewel. It’s consideration score places it on the lead, ahead of Gardens by the Bay (27.8%), VivoCity (23.8%), Suntec City (22%), ION Orchard (21.1%), Plaza Singapura (21%), Bugis Junction (19.7%), Universal Studios Singapore (16.9%), Marina Bay Sands (16.3%), and Somerset 313 (15.5%).

According to YouGov’s report, Changi Airport Jewel’s high scores can be attributed to the year-end travel season that boosts consumer chatter around the airport. However, its seasonal attractions, such as Changi Festive Village’s Candy Wonderland and Snow House at Terminal 3 and the Super Mario ‘Pipe Around the World’ at Jewel Mall, could have also contributed to the buzz among consumers.

Singapore – Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) low-cost subsidiary, has announced the launch of “Scoot With Heart,” a campaign that promotes the value of human connections and encourages meaningful reunions through travel. 

Physical distances and the growth of digital media are blamed for the rise in social isolation since they reduce the need for in-person encounters. In response, Scoot’s most recent campaign seeks to create meaningful connections and meaningful dialogues in order to initiate positive changes in communities across its network.

During its first campaign, Scoot worked with The Smart Local and other community-based social service organisations like Lions Befrienders and the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training (FAST) to plan two families’ very touching reunions. Pelago provided funding for the families’ on-the-ground activities in Singapore, and Mercure covered one of the families’ hotel stays as part of their support for the campaign.

Speaking about the campaign, Agatha Yap, Scoot director of marketing, communications, marketing partnerships and loyalty, said, “Travel is more than just getting to a destination; it is about connecting cultures and people we love. Scoot With Heart is also more than just a marketing campaign; it is our way of encouraging the community to treasure the human connections they have in their lives.” 

She added, “Whether it is making an effort to put your mobile phone aside at the dining table to have a genuine chat with a loved one, or to ring up a friend just to check-in and re-connect, we hope that this campaign sparks off such meaningful conversations once again.”

Singapore – Skyscanner, the global travel marketplace, looks at a year in which it assisted a record number of passengers in experiencing the world. It now provides a complete overview of Singapore’s travel trends for 2023.

Bangkok maintains its position as the most popular destination in 2023. Travellers from Singapore clearly consider The Land of Smiles to be their first choice, whether they are taking tuk-tuk rides, taking in the nightlife of the city, enjoying mango sticky rice and drinking Thai milk tea at lively night markets, or touring the newest, largest shopping malls.

Bali was named the second most popular location for Singaporean tourists this year. Bali’s attraction is based on its beaches, beach clubs, and a range of water activities, including surfing experiences, making it the ideal retreat for friends, couples, and children.

Travellers from Singapore are increasingly opting to visit affordable Southeast Asian destinations that provide cultural experiences and varied culinary options in the current year. Yogyakarta is the most affordable travel destination, according to Skyscanner data, with return tickets averaged about S$168 per person in 2023.

Yogyakarta is ranked seventh out of the top ten trending locations for Singaporeans in Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2024 report, indicating one of the largest annual growth rates in search volume.

Speaking about the travel trends, Cyndi Hui, a trend expert, said, “Looking back on the year of travel shows how Singapore has embraced the freedoms of international travel despite the pinch on purse strings. We see how this traveller behaviour correlates with the emerging trends for 2024. Our latest Travel Trends 2024 report highlights how value will remain a key consideration, but not at the expense of cultural exploration, travellers are simply being savvier with how they travel.” 

She added, “Next year will see Singapore travellers planning trips to smaller cities in their favourite country, Japan, with 4 Japanese cities coming out as the top trending destination for 2024. We also predict Los Angeles in the US to be a great-value destination for SG travellers in 2024, with flights having dropped by almost a quarter over the past 12 months.” 

“2024 will also see Singapore travellers going on Netflix-inspired vacations, with 84% being inspired to take a trip to a destination they’ve seen on the big or small screen. In addition, many may be heading abroad to see their favourite artists play, with almost half (46%) saying they would travel to short-haul destinations to hear their favourite tracks live,” Hui stated. 

Singapore – According to the most current YouGov Surveys data, three out of every five Singaporean customers (61%) are members of at least one airline loyalty program. 

Singapore Airlines/Scoot KrisFlyer emerges as the preferred loyalty program, with nearly half (48%) of respondents members, much outnumbering Emirates Skywards (8%) and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (6%), which rank second and third.

When asked which two major benefits they appreciate most as members of an airline loyalty program, more than half (55%) stressed the importance of redeeming their miles for discounted or free trips.

Approximately 38% of people consider seat upgrades to be the most important benefit, while 27% value airport lounge access, making up the top three most desired perks.

Travel savings on hotel bookings (20%) and more luggage allowance (18%) are the most popular incentives, outranking bargains on retail purchases (13%), priority boarding (12%), and dedicated customer service (6%).

Although the relative popularity of certain benefits is stable across genders, women have a significantly higher preference for redeeming miles for discounted or free flights (60% vs. 51%), while men prioritise airport lounge access (32% vs. 22%).

The most popular reward across various generations of airline loyalty club members is receiving discounts or redemptions on flight tickets, with Millennials indicating a particularly strong preference (62%). Furthermore, when compared to members of other age cohorts, Gen Z members of airline loyalty clubs are significantly more likely to value additional luggage capacity (23%).

When asked how they typically decide on foreign travel bookings, nearly half (47%) of airline loyalty program members said they start by researching possibilities among airlines with whom they have loyalty membership. 14% of this group said they generally limit their options to flights offered by those specific carriers.

Approximately one in every five people (21%) like to first look for flights that match their vacation plans before using their loyalty membership to narrow down the available possibilities. 

Nonetheless, 29% of respondents said their airline loyalty program membership has no bearing on their international flight ticket purchases.

Furthermore, men are substantially more likely than women to prioritise airlines where they have a loyalty membership at the start of their search for foreign flight tickets, with percentages of 51% and 41%, respectively.

Significantly, more than a third of Baby Boomers (35%) said their airline loyalty memberships have no influence on their selections to purchase overseas flight tickets.

Singapore – Around 35%, or more than a third, of Singaporean consumers are members of at least one hotel loyalty programme, a survey from YouGov revealed.

When asked about the top benefits hotel loyalty club members appreciate, the survey revealed that the most popular perk is redeeming loyalty points for a discounted or complimentary stay, with 43%, or more than two-fifths of respondents, saying they enjoyed it.

Additionally, around 31%, or close to one in three, cited early check-in and late check-out as the top advantages of their membership. The list rounds up with free breakfast at 28% as the third most popular perk.

Aside from the top three perks, around a quarter, or 26%, said they appreciate room upgrades the most, while some enjoy the discounted or priority access to hotel facilities that their membership offers.

The ranking of these loyalty membership perks also varies across different generations of members. Regardless of age, the discounted or complimentary stay offered by loyalty programmes remains the most popular perk for club members. However, it showed that Gen X (36%) members are more likely to hold free breakfast as their favourite perk, while Millennials (33%) prefer the room upgrade perk.

In terms of how they book their travel accommodations, over a quarter (27%) of loyalty programme members said they start off by searching among hotel chains of which they are a loyalty member before they narrow down the prices and proximity to their place of interest.

On the other hand, around two in five (41%) prioritise looking for hotels that are close to their place of interest before considering price and loyalty programme membership. Lastly, 30% first look for hotels within their travel budget before considering their loyalty programme membership and the proximity to their specific places of interest.

It is also worth noting that the survey found men (31%) to be more likely to prioritise hotels where they are loyal members when searching for overseas travel accommodations compared to women (21%). And across generations, Gen Z (34%) and Baby Boomers (30%) are significantly more likely to start their hotel search based on loyalty membership compared to Millennials (23%) and Gen X (26%) travellers.

The survey also revealed Marriot Bonvoy and IHG One Rewards as two of the most popular hotel loyalty programmes Singaporean consumers subscribe to.

About one in eight (12%) consumers are members of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. This includes consumers at EDITION, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W Hotels, JW Marriott, Renaissance, Westin, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Delta, Fairfield Inn & Suites, City Express, Aloft, and Moxy.

Meanwhile, one in nine (11%) are subscribed to a loyalty programme from IHG One Rewards. This includes consumers at Regent, Six Senses, InterContinental, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, voco, Holiday Inn, Garner, avid, and Vignette Collection.

Also making it to the top list is Accor Live Limitless or Accor Plus, with one in fifteen (8%) consumers subscribed to loyalty programmes at Sofitel, MGallery, Raffles, Banyan Tree, Fairmont, Swissotel, Orient Express, Pullman, Angsana, Mondrian, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, Novotel, Mecure, Mantra, Tribe, ibis, and BreakFree.

Other hotels with popular loyalty programmes are Hilton Honors (8%), Shangri-La Circle (7%), and the World of Hyatt (6%).

Singapore – HSBC, alongside its partnership with advertising agency Wunderman Thompson Singapore, has recently unveiled its latest marketing initiative, showcasing the exciting possibilities of wealth creation through the strategic technology use and global wealth expertise.

For this campaign, the company aims to simplify the complexities of investments, encouraging individuals to proactively plan for a comfortable retirement. 

Said initiative also exemplified HSBC’s prowess in easing the challenges of investing by providing personalised wealth solutions, achieved through a blend of advanced technologies and financial expertise.

Notably, the campaign features acclaimed Hong Kong actress Louise Wong, serving as an exemplary figure for empowered clients who can confidently manage their wealth to shape the future they desire with their loved ones.

The integrated marketing campaign is scheduled to run across various platforms, including cinema, out-of-home billboards, digital, print, social channels, and even in-flight screens. Its overarching goal is to inspire people to initiate the journey of wealth creation for their future.

Singapore – After Tim Hortons APAC and multinational conglomerate Marubeni Corporation entered into an expansion partnership back in March this year, popular coffee chain Tim Hortons finally announced its debut in Singapore around November this year, with its first branch opening at VivoCity.

The expansion plays off into a fierce competition to dominate the coffee scene not only in Singapore but also in Southeast Asia. For instance, despite Flash Coffee announcing its exit in Singapore earlier this year, Indonesian coffee startup Kopi Kenangan made its recent debut in Singapore also this year.

Amidst a growing competition in the Singaporean coffee industry, MARKETECH APAC caught up exclusively with Vaibhav Punj, chief executive officer at Tim Hortons and MGCA Café; to learn more about their marketing strategies to flourish in this diverse consumer market.

Respecting the vibrant coffee scene through local offerings

Punj told MARKETECH APAC that knowing Singapore has a vibrant coffee culture, Tim Hortons immediately ‘felt at home’ already, considering that the chain’s 50-year expertise of coffee brewing and responsibly sourced coffee across the world will fit well to the local tastes of the Singaporean consumer.

“We currently have four different signature coffee blends which are expertly crafted by experienced Coffee Masters and roasted carefully in individual batches by Roast Masters who ensure the highest quality and consistency of each Tim Hortons cup. This commitment to quality also extends to our food where all Sourdough Melts, Donuts & Timbits are freshly prepared daily and always served with care,” he stated.

Singapore as a launchpad to expand offerings to SEA

He further added that Singapore presents an exciting opportunity for Tim Hortons’ expansion into Southeast Asia, driven by compelling factors. 

Citing a report by the International Coffee Organization, the surge in global coffee consumption, notably within Southeast Asia, offers a promising avenue for growth. 

“Leveraging Singapore’s esteemed global position, we see it as an ideal launchpad for Tim Hortons’ offerings in the region. Understanding Singaporeans’ deep passion for coffee, seeing it as more than just a drink but a core part of their lifestyle, resonates with our commitment to delivering exceptional coffee experiences beyond the ordinary,” he explained.

What’s next for Tim Hortons in SEA?

Punj notes that aside from its planned expansion to Malaysia and Indonesia next year after regulation processes, Tim Hortons plans to open more outlets in Singapore: NEX in December, Suntec in January 2024 and One Raffles Place in April 2024.

Aside from this, they are also planning to build an innovation pipeline to introduce more iconic favourites including localised flavours into their menu, and many of these inputs have come from their guests who have been an inspiring source of ideas and feedback.

Lastly, they have also launched their app in Singapore which includes a loyalty program that offers exclusive member benefits and rewards as they spend with them. Punj also added that they are working to enable a seamless ordering experience that includes app and web ordering for dine-in, pre-order pickup and delivery.

“Singapore’s strategic location and the local market’s enthusiasm for innovative coffee brands serve as a catalyst for our expansion plans into Malaysia and Indonesia. This strategic alignment combines market appeal, economic viability, and cultural resonance, positioning Tim Hortons for substantial growth within this vibrant Southeast Asian market,” he concluded.

Singapore – Global financial superapp Revolut has officially launched a first-of-its-kind, limited edition 24-karat gold-plated card for its users in Singapore.

Revolut’s new gold card underscores the company’s goal of continuously providing its users with a variety of eye-catching card designs that are not only innovative but also involve the customers in the creative process.

Made through a meticulous design process, the limited edition card is carefully crafted from a single sheet of reinforced steel that is plated in real 24-karat gold. Users who will have the opportunity to have the card must handle it with care and not combine it with sharp objects to avoid any scratches on its soft and real gold plating.

The gold card can be redeemed for free by the app’s top 100 spenders from December 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024. Another set of cards will also be given for free to the top 50 spenders in December 2023 and 50 in January 2024.

Revolut’s luxurious 24k gold card is the newest of its exclusive designs, following its current metal card offering that is available in lavender, rose gold, space grey, and black. The company is also offering personalised cards to customers on paid plans, where they can add emojis or freehand drawings to their cards.

Ashley Thomas, head of strategy and operations at Revolut Singapore, said, “We are always looking to provide our customers with card designs that are unique and reflect their personalities. Our users carry their Revolut card almost everywhere they go, across the world. Why not add some character and flair to each transaction they make? The 24-karat gold-plated card is made for those who are looking to add some luxury to their lives.”

Singapore – Telecommunications company Singtel has recently announced its partnership with television channel Nickelodeon to launch an electronic waste recycling campaign to raise greater awareness of the impact of e-waste on the planet, and how recycling helps in reducing one’s environmental footprint.

Dubbed ‘Go Green with the Turtles’, the integrated campaign features Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, encouraging members of the public to drop off their unwanted electronic devices at designated recycling bins at selected Singtel shops.

With the campaign running from December 1,2023 to February 29, 2024, the items will be refurbished by Engineering Good, Singtel’s non-profit device circularity partner, and distributed to vulnerable communities so that they too can enjoy the benefits of a digital lifestyle. 

The campaign includes a series of animated videos featuring the Turtles rallying viewers to become “eco-ninjas” and join them in their mission to reduce e-waste, or as they call it, ‘technotrash’.

These will be aired on Nickelodeon as well as other English channels on Singtel TV, Singtel TV GO and the CAST app, Singtel and Nickelodeon’s social media channels, as well as four Singtel shops. There will also be a booth at Singapore Comic Con where visitors can meet their favourite Turtle heroes, take part in challenges to win attractive prizes and enjoy event-exclusive freebies. Singtel customers get 10% off tickets to the convention.

Talking about the campaign, Diana Chen, managing director, customer management at Singtel Singapore, said, “Singtel is committed to playing its part to bring about a greener future. In keeping with our goal of achieving net zero by 2045, we’ve been taking active steps to improve our energy efficiency across our mobile base stations, increase the use of renewable energy sources and reduce packaging to minimise our environmental impact.”

“We’re pleased to partner like-minded organisations such as Nickelodeon and Engineering Good to raise greater awareness of climate change and device circularity among the public. We want to inspire more people, especially families with kids, to take steps, no matter how small, to fight the effects of the climate crisis,” she added.