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☆ From livestreaming to 'shoppertainment,' Gen Zers lead the way in Singapore's online shopping space
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-15 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Logos of online social media and social networking sites displayed on a smartphone screen on August 01, 2023 in Bath, England. Many social media sites have introduced e-commerce features on their platforms, providing an alternative to popular online shopping sites like Lazada and Shopee. For example, users can purchase directly from TikTok shop or Facebook Marketplace without navigating outside of the application. Creators promoting products can also appeal to Gen Zers' preference for credibility by using livestreaming functions on social media platforms. As Gen Zers are digitally savvy, they rely a lot on social media nano-influencers to guide their purchasing decisions, he said.

Persons: Matt Cardy, Zers, Gen Zers, TikTok, Lawrence Loh, Tracy Loh, Wu Zu, Wu, Loh, millennials, Gen, SMU's Loh, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gen Zs Organizations: Getty, SINGAPORE, Meta, Bain & Company, Research, Social, Facebook, National University of Singapore's, Business, Singapore Management University, SMU, NUS, National University of Singapore Business, CNBC Locations: Bath, England, Singapore, Zers, Southeast Asia

☆ As Singapore's aging population grows, businesses are courting older consumers
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Citizens aged 65 and above make up almost a fifth of Singapore's population in 2023. Nicky Loh | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesSINGAPORE — Singapore's population is aging fast. As the median population age increases, so do opportunities for Singapore businesses providing products and services for seniors. According to Aging Asia's Silver Economy Index 2020, Singapore shows the largest market potential for an aging population among 15 Asia-Pacific countries. Citibank estimates that consumers will likely spend more to treat and support the elderly, driving growth potential for health care and health services.

Persons: Nicky Loh, Kelvin Tan, Janice Chia, Tan, boomers, Vanessa Keng, Keng, —, Ng Li Lian, Ng Organizations: Bloomberg, Getty, SINGAPORE, Citizens, Asia's, Aging, Singapore University of Social Sciences, gerontology, Citibank, Kelvin Tan Singapore University of Social Sciences, Research, Singapore's Ministry of Health Locations: Singapore, Asia, Pacific, Aging Asia, SUSS

☆ Southeast Asia looks to renewable power for energy security
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

As energy demand grows, the region is turning to renewable energy to safeguard its energy security. Most, if not all, Southeast Asian markets have taken strides to announce renewable energy targets and formulate their low-carbon energy transition plans, said Thoo. Other planned developments include an integrated renewable energy zone, five centralized large-scale solar parks and three green hydrogen production plants. These projects will leverage Malaysia's estimated 290 gigawatts of technical renewable energy potential to create a more resilient, low-carbon power system, said the ministry. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are projected to account for at least 31% of national energy needs by 2030, the government said, according to Reuters.

Persons: EDPR, Bryan van der Beek, Zulfikar Yurnaidi, David Thoo, Zulfikar Organizations: EDPR Sunseap, Energias de Portugal SA, Bloomberg, Getty, Energy, International Energy Agency, ASEAN Center for Energy, BMI Fitch Solutions, Zulfikar Yurnaidi ASEAN Center for Energy, Indonesia Malaysia Malaysia, Ministry, Reuters Locations: Energias, Woodlands, Singapore, Asia, Southeast Asia, Ukraine, Israel, Europe, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam

☆ Why Japan is lagging behind in generative A.I. — and how it can create its own large language models
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-07 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

But the nation is lagging behind in the generative AI race and is trying to create its own large language models. Generative AI has been the trendiest topic in tech since OpenAI made waves with its chatbot ChatGPT. Key to generative AI development are large language models which underpin the likes of ChatGPT and Baidu's Ernie Bot, capable of processing vast data sets to generate text and other content. Japanese companies pursuing generative AIBig Tech players have also joined the fray to boost Japan's standing in generative AI. While it has yet to catch up in the generative AI space, Japan is making its first stride with these private sector efforts.

Persons: Goldman Sachs, Ernie Bot, Noriyuki Kojima, Kojima, Fumio Kishida, Sam Altman, Masayoshi, Son, Amir Anvarzadeh, Anvarzadeh, CyberAgent, Bloom Organizations: Getty, Japan, Technology, Reuters, Microsoft, Google, Ministry of Economy Trade, Industry, IMD, Nikkei, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tohoku University, Fujitsu, Riken, Japanese, Big Tech, SoftBank Group, SB Energy, Toyota Tsusho, Fortress Investment, Vision Fund, Asymmetric Advisors, NTT, Local Locations: Japan, China, Europe, Nikkei Asia, Government, Tohoku, Hokkaido, SoftBank

☆ He spent 250,000 euros to renovate a penthouse in Barcelona. This is what it looks like
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-26 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Within five years of moving to Europe, businessman Douglas Loewe "fell in love" with Barcelona, he said. The main living area of Loewe's apartment in Barcelona, called Aribau 133 Sobre Atic. In total, Loewe said he spent about 250,000 euros on the renovation. Douglas LoeweLocated "around the corner" of the apartment is tapas restaurant Paco Meralgo, which is "a Barcelona institution," Loewe said. Douglas Loewe

Persons: Douglas Loewe, Loewe, —, Matthew Coe, Coe, …, Leon Rosen, Paco Meralgo, " Coe Organizations: Macquarie, VistaFutura Associates, Pace, Familia, Foreigners Locations: Europe, Barcelona, Manhattan, Rosen's, Tibidabo, Spain, U.S, Denver, Chicago, Miami, Barcelona's, Asia, Pacific

☆ Singapore kicks off the world's first Olympic Esports Week
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

An athlete warms up before the cycling finals on the second day of Olympic Esports Week in Singapore. Yong Teck Lim | Getty ImagesSINGAPORE — Singapore is hosting the inaugural Olympic Esports Week where over 100 athletes from around the world are competing across 10 virtual sports. It builds on the success of the Olympic Virtual Series staged before the Tokyo Summer Games in 2021, which attracted 250,000 participants, the IOC added. Singapore is no stranger to esports competitions, launching the Singapore Games Association to develop the country's esports ecosystem. The Singapore Tourism Board said the country has the potential to become a "top-of-mind destination for esports fans globally," CNA reported.

Persons: Yong Teck Lim, Alvin Tan, Tan, Halimah Yacob, Newzoo Organizations: Getty, SINGAPORE —, Olympic, International Olympic, Olympic Games, Straits Times, International Olympic Committee, Tokyo Summer Games, IOC, Singapore Games Association, Singapore Tourism Board, CNA Locations: Singapore, SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE — Singapore, Suntec City, Esports, Asia Southeast Asia, Statista

☆ Grab cuts 1,000 jobs, its biggest round of layoffs since the pandemic
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-21 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The headquarters of Grab Holdings Ltd., in Singapore. Grab Holdings Ltd., reported its latest earnings on Feb. 23, 2023. Singapore-based Grab Holdings is cutting over 1,000 jobs, its CEO said Tuesday, in a bid to manage costs and reorganize the company in a competitive landscape. This is the group's largest round of layoffs since 2020, when it cut 360 jobs in response to Covid-19 pandemic challenges. Even without layoffs, Tan said Grab is on track to hit breakeven this year on group adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

Persons: Anthony Tan, Tan Organizations: Grab Holdings Locations: Singapore

☆ Japan signed a critical minerals deal with the U.S. — but it's still losing the global EV race
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Tokyo in March signed the U.S.-Japan Critical Minerals Agreement, securing both countries' commitment to strengthen supply chains and promote EV battery technologies. Notably, the deal allows minerals from Japan to meet sourcing requirements for U.S. electric vehicle tax credits, unlocking up to $7,500 per vehicle. The critical minerals agreement was "negotiated in warp-speed time" when similar deals "usually take years," David Boling, Eurasia Group director for Japan and Asian trade, told CNBC. Hybrid EVs still account for 96.8% of new EV sales in the country, according to the Japan Automobile Dealers Association. EV supply chain strainJapan depends on China for critical minerals essential to the production of EV components.

Persons: Yasuhide Mizuno, Kiyoshi Ota, David Boling, Boling, Eurasia's, BEV, China's, Kristin Vekasi Organizations: Sony Honda Mobility, Sony, Bloomberg, Getty, Japan, U.S, U.S ., EV, Eurasia Group, CNBC, U.S . Trade, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Japan Automobile Dealers Association, International Energy Agency, Argonne National Laboratory, IEA, University of Maine, Hitachi Metals, Nikkei Locations: Tokyo, Japan, U.S, China, Nikkei Asia

The Michelin Guide added 17 food stalls and two restaurants in Singapore to its Bib Gourmand list this week. In total, 79 dining establishments in the city-state were named to the list, an increase from 67 last year. The Bib Gourmand category recognizes inexpensive dining establishments, which are selected by anonymous inspectors, according to a company press release. Three more stalls are in Adam Food Center — Adam Rd Noo Cheng Big Prawn Noodle, Bahrakath Mutton Soup and Selamat Datang Warong Pak Sapari, which is known for its Malay noodle dishes, according to Michelin. The complete selection of Michelin-starred restaurants in Singapore will be announced on June 27 at an awards ceremony.

Persons: Kok Sen, nasi lemak, Du Du Shou Shi, Heng Kee, De, Heng, Fried, Huat, Chun, Wei Chilli Ban, Cheok Kee, Adam, Noo Organizations: Michelin, Coconut, Geylang Bahru Market, Food Center, Adam Food Locations: Singapore, Geylang

☆ China launches crewed mission to its space station
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-30 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Shenzhou 16 spacecraft and its carrier rocket lift off from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on May 30, 2023 in Jiuquan, China. China launched its Shenzhou-16 spacecraft crewed by three astronauts on Tuesday, the China Manned Space Agency said in a statement, declaring the launch a "complete success." The spacecraft is heading to China's space station and will relieve the crew of Shenzhou-15, who have been living there since November. Tuesday's launch marks China's fifth crewed mission to its space station since it first sent astronauts in 2021. A CMSA official said China aims to launch a crewed mission to the moon by 2030, according to state media.

☆ How one family turned a job loss into an opportunity to sail the world
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-25 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The family decided to leave Hong Kong to return to the Netherlands, where her husband, Jeroen, is from, she said. So the couple sold their home in the Netherlands and bought a secondhand monohull boat to "live and travel the world." Lisa Terauchi-D'RozarioThe family first sailed to France, then to Spain and Portugal, before reaching Sardinia, she said. While living at sea, her family used a water maker to turn seawater into drinking water, she said. The family checked weather forecasts often but, Lisa said, they still encountered situations they were not prepared for.

☆ Southeast Asia’s worst-performing stock market is UBS’s ‘top pick’
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of Move Forward Party, attends a press conference of the Thai pro-democracy parties in Bangkok. While the benchmark SET index initially rose when the results came through, but eventually gave up those early gains. In fact, Thai stocks are the worst performers in Southeast Asia this year, but Tay says Thailand is his "top pick" in the region. Thailand's SET index is down 9.22% this year, the biggest laggard in the broader Asia Pacific region. The Move Forward party has called for reforms to the monarchy, including changing its defamation law.

☆ Tech's been hit by layoffs. But Singapore is still investing big in its talent — in tech and beyond
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Demand for individuals with specialized tech talent isn't limited to the tech sector, says Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority. "This has been a consequence of tech companies anchoring and growing their higher-value tech development and corporate functions here," he said. Tech 'powers all the big banks'In finance, technology is the engine that "powers all the big banks," said Donald MacDonald, OCBC head of group data. and deep tech," MacDonald said. Specialized tech skills

☆ Most countries want tourists back — but Amsterdam is telling these visitors to 'stay away'
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Some places are wooing visitors by waiving visa requirements and giving out air tickets. But Amsterdam has a problem with too much tourism — and now it's telling some visitors, namely British male tourists aged between 18 and 35, to "stay away" if they're traveling to the city for drugs or parties. Amsterdam's local authority launched the online campaign in Great Britain this month that aims to keep out "nuisance-causing visitors," authorities said in a news release last week. About 360,000 overnight guests from the United Kingdom visited Amsterdam in 2020, said Statista. The "Stay Away" campaign targets visitors who use online search terms like "stag party Amsterdam," "pub crawl Amsterdam" or "cheap hotel Amsterdam" by showing them warning advertisements, authorities said.

☆ To escape the rat race, this pair cycled 15,000 km along the route from Finland to Singapore
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-21 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Valtteri Heinila was working in a startup when he realized he needed a break. With his friend Alvari Poikola, Heinila cycled through 21 countries in eight months, he told CNBC. The men chose Singapore as their goal because it was the farthest point they could cycle to, Heinila said. Valtteri Heinila (left) and Alvari Poikola at the Imperial City of Hue in Vietnam. Valtteri Heinila

☆ Here are the world's best airports for 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Singapore's Changi Airport has been named the "world's best airport" for a record 12th time. The city-state's airport reclaimed the title in the "World Airport Awards 2023" announced yesterday by the air transport research firm Skytrax. Changi Airport had previously won first place in Skytrax's annual ranking for eight consecutive years from 2013 to 2020, but placed behind Doha's Hamad International Airport and Tokyo's Haneda Airport for the past two years. Global travelers representing more than 100 nationalities participated in the Skytrax survey, which also named Singapore's Changi Airport as the:Best Airport in AsiaWorld's Best Airport — Dining, andWorld's Best Airport — Leisure Amenities. Customers rated airports according to many factors, including shopping, check-in, arrivals, transfers and security and immigration.

☆ Asia faces shortage of workers who can fill growing number of tech roles, says job portal operator
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Asia may be struggling with a shortage of workers after the pandemic, but Peter Bithos, CEO of job portal operator Seek Asia, said it is not the same as North America's "Great Resignation." Instead, Asia's workforce has a shortfall of people who possess the skills to fill tech roles in companies, Bithos told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia." "What we've been seeing is a large reconfiguration of the types of talent needed" in the workforce, he said. Despite layoffs at tech companies, almost "every sector in the economy outside of tech" is hiring for tech workers, Bithos explained. Tech jobs across Asia remain robust and are "very high in demand," he added.

Asia is falling far behind its regional peers in terms of female boardroom representation, analysis from MSCI and BofA Securities showed. An average of 20% of Asia's boardrooms are made up of women, according to research by BofA Securities – that's merely a 7% improvement from 12 years ago. Female boardroom representation remains a key metric to track the global progress on gender equality. However, the gap in wage, employment, and boardroom representation between men and women remains large. "The proportion of companies reporting employee diversity is 67% but only 35% of those employees are females," they said.

☆ These high school sweethearts have visited 112 countries. Here's how they pay for it on a budget
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( Audrey Wan | Chris Dwyer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Hudson and Emily Crider have visited 112 countries, but their journey together began long before that. Hudson and Emily Crider in high school. Hudson and Emily Crider on a safari in Kenya, Africa. Hudson and Emily Crider camping during their self-drive safari in the Serengeti in Tanzania. Hudson and Emily Crider

☆ See the photos that won National Geographic’s ‘Pictures of the Year’ contest
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

National Geographic announced the winning photographs from its first "Pictures of the Year" photo competition. The photo will be featured in an upcoming issue of National Geographic's U.S. magazine. Their photos will be published on National Geographic's Your Shot Instagram page, which has some 6.5 million followers. Salt wells on a hillside in the Salt Mines of Maras in Peru. An LiThe mines comprise around 4,500 salt wells, each of which produces some 400 pounds of salt per month.

☆ These are the best hotels in the U.S. and Europe, according to a new ranking
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Audrey Wan | Chris Dwyer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

The U.S. News & World Report released its 13th annual ranking of the best hotels for travelers this week. More weight was given to recipients of "highly selective" awards, as well as those with more traveler reviews, according to the press release. That makes it harder for new hotels to break into the upper ranks of the annual list. The report ranks only "luxury" hotels and resorts, which U.S. News defines as those that consistently average from 4- to 5-star ratings, though it now includes select hotels with 3.5 stars too, the company said. To be considered, hotels must also have at least 20 rooms, according to the release.

☆ Luxury brand Six Senses is opening its first hotel in Australia
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Audrey Wan | Chris Dwyer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

The luxury hotel brand Six Senses is planning to open its first hotel in Australia — inside an old family mansion. The heritage house and its 22-hectare estate, named Burnham Beeches, are 25 miles from Melbourne in the forested Dandenong Ranges. The house was designed in 1933 for an Australian family, according to a website detailing the home's history. It will now be restored after "sitting neglected for far too long," said the great-granddaughter of the original owner, Sophie Paterson, according to a Six Senses press release. Plans to incorporate a "premium glamping" option on the estate will bring the number of accommodations to 82.

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